Small Forwards
Starter: Nic Batum (2010-15, 402 Games)
Finding a cornerstone player at the wing that can become a face of the franchise has been a perpetual problem for the Portland Trail Blazers this decade, and it shows here in this list. While he’s no superstar, Nic Batum was a fine representative for the team and deserves his placement here as the franchise’s best small forward over the course of the last ten years.
Acquired in a draft day trade back in 2009, Batum would go on to play for the franchise for seven seasons, six of which took place this decade. Across those six years, Batum averaged 12.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He also never had a negative Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) rating in any of those years, making him the perfect complementary off-ball player that could shoot, defend and push the team in the right direction without the ball in his hands.
Key Reserve: Moe Harkless (2016-19, 274 Games)
For the last four seasons, Moe Harkless has been the glue that holds the team together. Before being included in the big three-team deal that facilitated Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Hassan Whiteside ending up on their new teams, Harkless floated between the bench and the starting lineup. He always knew his role within the organization and simultaneously always knew where to be on the court.
While his box score averages won’t pop off the page, his defensive presence is how he carved a niche in the league. Harkless has some of the defensive intangibles in the league and although he’s can’t shoot consistently or put together highlight reels on offense, he’s efficient enough whenever his number is called on that end. Harkless is a player that makes his teammates better by effectively hiding their weaknesses and that’s why he finds himself on this list.