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Portland Trail Blazers: Three perfect power forward options in free agency

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 14: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 14, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ashley Landis – Pool/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers power forward option one – Markieff Morris

Markieff Morris‘s play in the NBA bubble and playoffs has gone a long way towards increasing his value in the league. Injuries had made things challenging for Morris the last few years after he was a main contributor for so long on the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards.

After stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and now the Los Angeles Lakers, Morris is ready to find a longer-term home. He seems to be back to his best shape and has thrived as a bench forward for the Lakers.

Morris’s versatility is one of his key selling points. Able to play the three, the four, or the five, he has the type of toughness this team lacked in the last regular season.

Morris doesn’t neglect the key roles of a big man. He is a good screener and has good hands, enabling him to get multiple deflections and steals. He isn’t a shot-blocker, but he is strong and has good defensive positioning.

Morris has always been a decent passer too; he can make primary reads in the half-court and transition. Also, he has shot 36 percent from three since 2016 in the regular season – as well as 37.5 percent from three in the playoff runs he has been a part of.

The Blazers played small ball a lot in the 2019/20 season, but only because they were ravaged with injuries. With Morris able to play the five, they could slot Trevor Ariza and Gary Trent Jr. in as the forwards alongside their regular guard pairing. Potentially, this five out lineup could work against teams like the Houston Rockets, who like to go small with no traditional centers.

Morris would likely be available for between $5 and $9 million a year on a multiyear deal.