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Portland Trail Blazers: Three ideal big men to replace Hassan Whiteside

By Stevie Cozens

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 31: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center on October 31, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Hassan Whiteside is now off contract with the Portland Trail Blazers – who are three big men that could replace him?

Hassan Whiteside may not want to take the near $20 million pay cut that the Portland Trail Blazers require to re-sign him. He may return for a bit less than last year, but if he doesn’t want to take a significant pay cut, then he may end up signing with another team.

The backup big man spot is an important one. Jusuf Nurkic is now back from injury and will be a full-time starter in the 2021 season. Having a competent backup center is important when you consider how many minutes a night Nurkic historically plays. He has never averaged more than 27 minutes a game in his career.

With the lack of defensive options on the Blazers at any position, a defensive anchor on the bench is critical to their success next season.

Which three big men could replace Hassan Whiteside?

(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers big man option #1 – John Henson

John Henson, who last played for the Detroit Pistons, could be a perfect backup for Nurkic.

Henson played for both the Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2019/20 season after being traded by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018/19. Henson was drafted by the Bucks in 2012 and spent seven seasons with them.

Injuries, the signing of Brook Lopez, and the Bucks change in playstyle meant that Henson was salary dumped to the Cavs in 2018/19.

But, now that Henson is fit, he is getting back to his best form.

Henson is in some ways similar to Nurkic in his playstyle. He is a strong defender and was one of the best shot blockers in the 2015, 16, and 17 seasons. All three years, he finished in the 99th percentile or higher when it came to block percentage. He is long and has great timing on his block attempts.

Like Nurkic, he is also a strong passer, but this has probably flown under the radar. Every year of his career, he has finished in the top half of big men when it comes to assist percentage.

As the Blazers sometimes struggle for offense on the second unit, having a big like Henson initiate some offense would help guys like Anfernee Simons and Gary Trent Jr off the ball.

Henson is also a strong offensive rebounder. He is a strong finisher at the rim, and he has slowly been stretching his shooting range out to three. He has hit 27 three-pointers over the last two seasons at 26 percent, not great efficiency, but he is working on it.

Henson would be an excellent option for the Blazers and would likely be cheap too. A contract around $3 – $5 over multiple years would be an ideal fit for both player and team.