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Portland Trail Blazers: 5 valuable veteran free agents to target in 2020

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Jared Dudley #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers uses the Hyperice Hypervolt during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Jared Dudley #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers uses the Hyperice Hypervolt during the third quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round against the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers veteran target one – Jae Crowder

Jae Crowder has been mentioned as a potential target by Blazers media for a while. At 30, Crowder is still in his prime and can provide value as a starting forward who can knock down three-pointers.

Crowder recently came off contract with the Miami Heat after being traded their midseason by the Memphis Grizzlies. He was a key part of the Heat team, who surprised by making it all the way to the NBA finals.

Crowder is a six-foot-six power forward with a powerful 235-pound body. He mainly plays the four but can play a little bit of three, and in some lineups, he will play the two on offense as a spot-up guy while guarding opposition forwards.

Crowder is primarily a catch and shoot player, and although his career efficiency rate of 34 percent isn’t great, this is on high volume. On his last three regular-season teams, Crowder averaged at least six three-point attempts a game.

As a defender, Crowder mainly guards the opposition’s biggest forward, and as he plays a small amount of center at 230 pounds plus, he can sometimes guard the opposition’s traditional bigs too. He forces a lot of turnovers with his defensive smarts, great hands, and six-foot-nine wingspan.

Crowder has been in the league nine years now, where he has played 72 playoff games for four different teams. This type of veteran post-season success is just what the Blazers need as they look to take the next step.

As a stretch four who can defend at a competent level, I love Crowder for the Blazers. He could be a great fit on a two-year deal around the $7 – $9 million a year range.