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

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 7: Caleb Swanigan #50 of the Portland Trail Blazers reviews film before the game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 7, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Earn a rotation spot

Swanigan won’t be able to achieve the four previous goals through offseason workouts and scrimmages. In order to speed up his development in the parts of his game most necessary to the success of Portland’s bench unit, the big man needs NBA experience.

He dominated the 2017 Summer League, proceeded to post 14.2 points and 8.9 rebounds in the G-League, and nearly averaged another double-double in the 2018 Summer League. The Blazers know what Swanigan can do against weaker competition; it’s time to throw him into the deep end and let him learn how to swim.

With Davis gone, there’s a vacant position in the reserve frontcourt rotation. Unless Terry Stotts elects to run a small lineup with Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless staggered as the team’s power forwards, either Swanigan or Meyers Leonard will get the spot.

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Because Leonard has blown his previous chances to crack the rotation, Swanigan will likely get the first chance to prove himself alongside Collins. Like last year, he will have a few games to illustrate his fit. If not, Stotts will try Leonard at the position instead.

To speed up his own development, Swanigan must take advantage of this opportunity and make a positive impact on the bench unit.