Portland Trail Blazers: 10 best free agent options still on the board

4. Luc Mbah a Moute, Forward

Luc Mbah a Moute is a respected veteran and defensive presence who could impact the defense in a similar manner to Aminu and Harkless at a fraction of the price tag. As a role player, Mbah a Moute would likely only see the court in specialty situations. However, his worth could be immeasurable in a theoretical playoff scenario where the Blazers are trying to hold onto a lead.

Mbah a Moute has career averages of a 106 Defensive Rating and a 1.4 Defensive BPM, and hit or exceeded those marks as recently as the 2017-18 season indicating his play has not yet dropped off. He played a large part in Houston’s playoff run that year and could be a dangerous situational weapon on defense for Portland as well.

3. Dwight Howard, Center

Look, I’m aware this is an unconventional pick this high up. However, it would be impossible to ignore that Dwight Howard is by far the most naturally gifted player on this list and addresses a direct hole on the Portland Trail Blazers.

If anyone could finally tame Howard, it would be Lillard and co. And if his recent comments are any indications, perhaps it wouldn’t be too tall a task. Howard recently spoke with Shams Charania of the Athletic to provide a little insight to his new mindset.

"“I don’t have an ego — it’s dead. It had to die for me to be who I am. Sometimes when you want to become who you want to be, you have to die within yourself. Once you learn that you have to give up yourself for the team, that’s when things flourish… I thought I was focused. I was always in the gym, working. But was I really focused? Was I really locked in on what I was doing in life?”"

Howard has also gone on record to state “I really just want to win man. Whatever situation arises.” All signs point towards Howard finally transitioning to a coachable mentality.

The former eight-time All-NBA and three-time Defensive Player of the Year recipient could provide a huge boost to the Blazers if he could finally channel his talent for one last attempt at a championship. Although Howard’s last All-Star selection came in 2014, he has still averaged 14.8 points on an efficient 60 true shooting percentage and an impressive 1.8 Defensive BPM.