Power Forward Rotation
Zach Collins – 27 MPG
Zach Collins is a player the Blazers will be depending to take a big leap this year, as he is set to make the leap into the starting lineup at the power forward position. We have him pegged at a projection of 27 minutes per game, but Portland would probably like to get more out of him than that if possible.
To do so, he will have to learn how to stay out of foul trouble and keep his hands up when contesting shots. If he can do that, Collins will see time at both power forward and center. When Hassan Whiteside comes off the floor, Collins will slide to the five while another forward comes in to stretch the floor. Maintaining this versatility will be vital to staying competitive in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic.
Anthony Tolliver – 15 MPG
Speaking of forwards capable of stretching the floor, look no further than Anthony Tolliver. He has shot 40.7 percent from deep on just shy of four attempts per game over the last three seasons. That level of consistency will be much appreciated for a Portland Trail Blazers team that didn’t receive much of that on the offensive end from Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless last year.
Tolliver is an NBA journeyman that has done stints with nine different teams (including two games with the Blazers in 2009) and has seen enough to provide a valuable veteran presence in the locker room.
Skal Labissiere – 10 MPG
Much like Gary Trent Jr., Skal Labissiere will be limited in his play time barring a big leap in performance. However, the Blazers shallow frontcourt depth should allow for a few more opportunities to impress.
Considering he’s entering his contract year, Skal better hope he impresses. If he can recapture the level of play he displayed during his rookie year — averaging 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds off the bench — perhaps he can warrant a spot with the team for years to come.