Portland Trail Blazers: Predicting the starting five, and rotation for 2021

Forwards

This is a slightly more complex decision, but after going back and forward over the last little while, I expect Rodney Hood to be the starting three if he is at a fitness level that Terry Stotts is happy with. Though Hood has said he is ready to go for the start of the regular season, I wonder if he will still be given a starting spot.

If he is at full game fitness, then I expect him to start at three, and from time to time, back up the two-guard spot. If he isn’t fit, I think new addition Derrick Jones Jr. will start at the three. Though he doesn’t have Hood’s ball-handling, he has the defensive presence and cutting ability combined with an athletic presence. He can play well off of Lillard and McCollum while also hitting the offensive glass for extra possessions. Jones is obviously one of the most versatile defenders in the league too.

At the four, I think Robert Covington will start. Covington can provide a defensive presence and the shot-making that was lacking last season with the shortage of two way guys in the guards and wings. As a two-way player, he is the best option at the four.

If Hood starts, Jones will back up the three, while I also expect Jones to play a touch of power forward in certain lineups. I think Trent could also play some three, but I expect this to only be in certain situations.

Carmelo Anthony will return for an 18th NBA season backing up in the power forward spot. Melo’s shot creation and clutch shooting will still be key down the stretch of games for this team. Though Olshey has said that Melo will likely come off the bench, he also said he is likely to close games.

I could see Melo finishing the game at the four, with Covington at the three. Melo should be given a short leash though if he makes mistakes on defense.

Nassir Little will be required to take a big step forward in his second NBA season if he wants to crack the rotation. I expect he will start the season with around 10 minutes a night between the three and the four.

The interesting wrinkle with the forward rotation is Zach Collins. The six-foot-eleven fourth-year big won’t be ready for NBA action till January. I think fans will be intrigued to see how he fits into the rotation when he is 100 percent.

I see Collins as a backup five who could play the four in big lineups because of his stretch appeal and great defense.