Blazers: 5 goals for Caleb Swanigan to achieve in 2018-2019

2 of 6

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Utah Jazz during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 7, 2018 at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Post game

The Portland Trail Blazers rarely utilize the post for offensive production – such is the life of a team led by two undersized guards. When they do try to score that way, it’s generally with Jusuf Nurkic.

However, in Swanigan’s 18 minutes of play in a regular season game versus the Houston Rockets, he managed to get the ball in the post five times, two of which were after screens. Only five players averaged more than five post-up possessions per game, all of whom play at least 30 minutes.

Because he’ll be paired with Zach Collins in the bench unit’s frontcourt, Swanigan will be the primary screen setter. So if he’s setting Portland’s redundant early shot clock screen and getting into the post afterwards, he needs to develop his back-to-the-basket game.

More. Who should join Zach Collins in Blazers reserve frontcourt?. light

The second-year forward historically has a hard time keeping control of the ball while in the post. Defenders easily poke the ball loose because he doesn’t using his body to create enough space, plus he takes too long to get in a favorable position under the hoop.

In the Houston game on Apr. 5, none of Swanigan’s five post ups resulted in a made shot. He was fouled once, turned it over twice, missed an easy hook shot, and had his pass to a cutting Pat Connaughton tipped out of bounds.

Because of his lack of height, speed and athleticism, rolling after a screen isn’t the more favorable option. It will be easier to work toward a moderately effective post game than to try and make pick-and-rolls work.