Blazers: 5 goals for Meyers Leonard to achieve in the 2018-2019 season

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 7: Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the game 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) /

Make it into the rotation

Swanigan should get a chance to join Collins in the reserve frontcourt before Leonard does. If the current iteration of the Blazers roster doesn’t work out, management needs to prepare for the rebuild by developing its young players. Additionally, Leonard has had his chances to convince Stotts that he’s worthy of consistent minutes and hasn’t capitalized.

Read. 5 goals for Caleb Swanigan in 2018-2019. light

But if the seventh year forward gets time, applying the four goals prior to this one will secure him a spot in the rotation. The line is thin for him, though – he’s already had an offseason to work with Drew Hanlen and there were no noticeable changes in his mentality or skill level. Another summer of work with Hanlen that doesn’t result in apparent improvement will likely end Leonard’s chance to play consistent minutes in Portland.

To optimize the remaining $20 million of his contract, he must take advantage of possibly the last opportunity Stotts offers. Many Blazers fans have maintained hope in the center for six underwhelming years, but patience is dwindling.