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.
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.