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Visualizing the Portland Trail Blazers 2019-20 depth chart

By Austin Carroll

PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Zach Collins #33 Damian Lillard #0 and Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - September 30: Zach Collins #33 Damian Lillard #0 and Jusuf Nurkic #27 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on during the team's annual Fan Fest open scrimmage September 30, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers – Hassan Whiteside and Jusuf Nurkic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers – Hassan Whiteside and Jusuf Nurkic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Center Rotation

Starter: Hassan Whiteside

With Jusuf Nurkic expected to spend the majority of the year recovering from and rehabilitating his devastating leg injury, Hassan Whiteside will get the starting nod to kick off the year. Even after Nurkic is cleared to play, don’t be surprised if he eases back into the game coming off the bench.

Don’t fret, the Portland Trail Blazers could do much worse than Whiteside at the five. In fact, Whiteside looks like one of the best centers in the entire league when he plays with conviction.

Even in a perceived disappointing season last year, Whiteside averaged 5.5 offensive rebounds and 2.9 blocks per 36 minutes. Ideally, a motivated Whiteside playing next to his friends in Portland can help him return to his former 17 point, 14.1 rebound and 3.7 blocks per game self.

Bench: Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins

As discussed above, Nurkic will devote the majority of the year to positioning himself for a healthy return to the league. His defensive presence was sorely missed during last season’s playoff run and could be an x-factor this year. An optimistic silver lining of this injury is further development of Nurkic’s shot, after he jacked up 29 triples last year after only attempting 13 in the four year’s prior.

Unless Skal displays the ability to play big minutes as a backup center, expect Zach Collins to slide to the five frequently this year. Ideally, Tolliver or Hezonja will be one of the first players off the bench to replace Whiteside while Collins slides down to become the anchor. Clever minutes management is going to become vital if Portland wants to have a well-rested rotation before Nurkic returns.

Blazers offseason shows front office's dedication to winning. dark. Next

As a whole, this rendition of the Portland Trail Blazers roster looks like a distinct improvement from last year. Proper player development and utilizing each player’s skill set to the fullest will be absolutely vital towards making the most of next year’s campaign.