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Portland Trail Blazers: Three lockdown defenders to sign in Free Agency

By Stevie Cozens

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on March 08, 2020 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 08: Serge Ibaka #9 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on March 08, 2020 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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The Portland Trail Blazers had one of the worst team defenses in the NBA in 2019/20. Which three defenders could they sign to right the ship for 2021?

The Portland Trail Blazers were abysmal on defense in the 2019/20 season. Lacking defensive personnel and size, combined with the terrible injury toll, meant they had one of the worst defensive seasons in recent memory.

They conceded 115 points per 100 possessions, which ranked a lowly 27th in the league and was also the worst mark in 18 seasons.

The combination of Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins being injured, and then replaced by Carmelo Anthony and Hassan Whiteside, meant that this team had a great offense, but an awful defense.

Looking forward to the 2021 season, Jusuf Nurkic will be back anchoring the paint. This will make a big difference to the paint defense, as well as the overall team defense. But, outside him and Gary Trent Jr., there aren’t other plus defensive players on the roster. Collins will make a difference, but he still hasn’t been a permanent part of an NBA rotation.

The Blazers need to sign forwards who can play multiple positions and do a better job on the bigger threes and fours in the NBA. Trent had to guard LeBron James in the playoffs, and though he did a commendable job by not making any egregious mistakes, this type of approach means the point of attack or the oppositions best guard doesn’t have Trent guarding them.