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Portland Trail Blazers: Ranking every player on the 2021 roster

By Stevie Cozens

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 20, 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 20: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 20, 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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Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 13 – Nassir Little

Second-year forward Nassir Little has a key year ahead of him in 2021. Though the explosive Little had an up and down year in 2020 with sickness and then injuries to teammates, meaning he didn’t have a consistent role, he showed flashes in his rookie season that bode for bigger things.

Little is a great cutter with nice touch around the rim and has defensive instincts and a body that could stand up to the rigors of high-level NBA basketball. He struggled for consistency as a shooter but still knocked the odd shot down.

At six-foot-six with a six-nine wingspan, Little’s athleticism combines well with his physical tools to make him an intriguing future piece for the Blazers. To start the 2021 season, Rodney Hood is on a minutes restriction, and Zach Collins is out for at least a month.

This means that Little will likely see some minutes at the back of the rotation. He only needs to perform his core roles well to show that he is ready for more opportunities. This means playing great man defense and knocking down open shots.

Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 12 – Harry Giles

Recently signed backup big man Harry Giles will play a part in the Blazers season, but the onus is fully on him to decide how big of a role this is. With Zach Collins out for at least a month, then likely on a minutes restriction after that, Giles will play minutes as a third big right away. Because he can guard the bigger fours in the league, he has an advantage over the other backup center in Enes Kanter.

Kanter struggles heavily on the perimeter and requires ball handling threes and fours alongside him to be successful on offense.

Giles will battle it out with Kanter in training camp, and though a lot depends on Giles’ health, there’s no reason that he can’t be the backup big for the better part of the season.

Giles will be looking to have his best NBA season and potentially put himself in line for a bigger payday in 2021.