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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: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 9 – Zach Collins

Though Zach Collins is injured to start the season, he is still a key player on this Blazers team. There are very few players in the league with his defensive ability coupled with a developing offensive game. Collins’ injuries last season were disappointing for himself and Blazer fans, but his talent is undeniable.

When he returns, he will play a combination of backup four and back up five as he tries to put himself in the shop window for a rookie extension.

This rotation is significantly shorter than last year, so he will have limited opportunities to shine. He needs to temper the fouling and look to finish strong through contact at the rim.

This may be Collins’ last chance to impress this season if he wants a significant payday. Everyone knows he can play, but he needs to put it all on the floor.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 8 – Carmelo Anthony

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony will return for an 18th season in 2020 with the Blazers. Melo was one of the best players in the NBA seeding games when making shots in the clutch.

There are few players in the league with his clutch ability, and alongside Damian Lillard, he will form a nightmare pairing offensively if he gets to play in crunch time.

Melo’s finishing at the rim is of concern, so his post-ups will likely be limited next season. He is obviously a threat every time he catches the ball, but he doesn’t have the efficiency of yesteryear in either his jump shot or finishing at the rim.

I think, in catch and shoot situations though, that he can be lethal. If he can limit the defensive lapses and knockdown three-point jumpers at the rate he did in the bubble, he can be a plus player.

As a man defender, he has the strength to cover some of the bigger players, but he needs to work hard to make fewer mistakes on that end. Melo is taking a bench role for the first time in his career, but he can still knock down big shots with the best of them.