Portland Trail Blazers: 10 best free agent options still on the board
2. Greg Monroe, Center
Perhaps Greg Monroe can finally end his pinball routine around every single Eastern Conference contender and the Blazers can simultaneously grab another 2016 free agent target.
Monroe is certainly no longer the player he was then — and Portland would likely have been sweating bullets if they gave him that $50 million contract — but he’s certainly still capable of contributing valuable minutes to a contending team. With other notable free agent centers dropping like flies (including Christian Wood, Daniel Theis and Cheick Diallo), Monroe may be the best Portland is going to find nearly three weeks knee-deep in free agency.
Although he’s played for five teams in the last two years, he’s far from an aging veteran in the midst of a last-minute ring-chase. Believe it or not, Monroe just turned 29-years-old! He should still have plenty in the tank for the Portland Trail Blazers title push. His 10.3 point, 6.9 rebound and 2.2 assist stat line in just 20 minutes played per game in 2017-18 certainly suggests so).
1. Joakim Noah, Center
Last season Joakim Noah finally silenced critics and proved he could still be an effective player in the league following his injury history (provided he avoids the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple). Noah joined the Memphis Grizzlies to play a huge role with the team even after only seeing the court 16.5 minutes a night.
Extrapolated over starters minutes, Noah averaged 15.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 blocks and a steal per 36 minutes. His versatile skill set is exactly what the Blazers need. Instead of a team filled with role players that excel in just one area like last year’s roster with Aminu, Harkless and Leonard — Noah brings a whole tool bag of abilities to the table.
The advanced stats favor Noah as well, with a 18.6 PER and an outstanding 3.5 Defensive BPM, he has proven he can anchor down the court even heading into his 13th NBA season. Noah has plenty of experience with deep playoff runs and can provide the veteran leadership and locker room presence to help get this Portland team over the hump.
Next. 3 players that impressed in Summer League. dark
As for now, the next addition of the Portland Trail Blazers is entirely unknown. However if anyone can be trusted to make the right decision this time around, it’s Neil Olshey.