Portland Trail Blazers: Caleb Swanigan is making a case for himself over Meyers Leonard

Biggie makes the most of his opportunity.

Swanigan had played a total of three minutes against the San Antonio Spurs nine days prior before checking into the Indiana game. He committed himself to the glass and played smart aggressive offense, which earned him his first ever double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Since, Swanigan has remained strong on the boards, even though his offense has been much in the background. But, if you’re keeping score at home, his lone three-pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans now gives him as many three-pointers on more efficient shooting (1/2) than Leonard.

Where Swanigan has mostly flourished in a new opportunity following Leonard’s three fouls, Leonard himself has yet to sub back into a game.

The NBA season is a long one, and Leonard will certainly get another opportunity if Nurkic or Collins are forced to miss time. But for right now, it looks like Biggie is the flavor of the week and Stotts should ride him out so long as he continues being productive on the glass and defense.

Swanigan’s areas of being productive allow him to more consistently contribute than Leonard. Even if he isn’t grabbing boards, he can continue to box out after every shot and help the team finish every possession.

Meanwhile, if passes aren’t coming to Leonard, he becomes less of a weapon and more of a decoy. And when the passes are coming to him but he is putting the ball on the deck rather than shooting, then he is less of a decoy and more of a distraction.