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

By Nate Mann | Aug 16, 2018

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LAS VEAGS, NV – JULY 8: Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers battles for position against Alpha Kaba #42 of the Atlanta Hawks during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Rebounding

Rebounding is the most polished part of Swanigan’s game. However, there is always room to improve, especially for a player only entering his second season in the NBA.

In 27 games as a rookie, Swanigan grabbed 2.0 rebounds in 7.0 minutes of play for a total rebounding percentage of 15.6%. This mark would rank him No. 78 out of 528 players, which is admirable considering he’s only 6 feet 8 inches tall.

The shoes Davis left for Swanigan to fill are the reason why his rebounding needs to improve. Among players who played at least 15 minutes per game in 2017-2018, Davis led the league in total rebounding percentage at 27.4% – the next closest was Jonas Valanciunas at 24.7%.

Collins doesn’t have the bulk to effectively box out opposing centers consistently, so now Swanigan becomes the player to compensate. Additionally, Swanigan will spend most of his time near the hoop on both ends of the floor, putting rebounding responsibilities on him.