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Three Portland Trail Blazers that may have played their last game in town

By Stevie Cozens

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 23: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Moda Center on January 23, 2020 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 23: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball in the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Moda Center on January 23, 2020 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 (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Caleb Swanigan

Sadly, as the number 26 pick in the 2017 Draft, it’s looking like Caleb Swanigan may be out of the league.

Swanigan did have some brief moments after being traded back to the Blazers from the Sacramento Kings in January. But overall there isn’t really a place in the league for a six-foot-eight center that can’t shoot or play defense.

Swanigan was originally drafted as a power forward, but unfortunately the league was changing as he was drafted. Power forward’s now need to be able to stretch the floor and Swanigan just can’t do that.

After the trade he had a couple of small stretches on the court where he made some nice plays, but as he can only play the five, his lack of defense is a massive concern.

He fouls a lot, and provides zero rim protection and even less steals or deflections. With a massive seven-foot-three wingspan he does have the physical tools. But after three years to prove himself and then having his fourth year option declined by the Kings, it’s looking very unlikely that he is brought back next year.

Next. Beyond Basketball: Portland Trail Blazers Most Memorable On Court Incidents. dark

Fellow tradee Wenyen Gabriel would probably be a better option to be brought back on the minimum as he is a similar age, and he projects as a potential defender and even maybe a shooter in the future.

Another team may see something in Swanigan that we don’t, and give him a minimum deal, but it’s not looking like that team is going to be the Blazers.

Likelihood to return – very unlikely