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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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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Number 7 – Derrick Jones Jr.

Jumping jack Derrick Jones Jr. will play a key role on the defensive end and as an energy man on offense in the 2021 season. With him and Giles added now, the Blazers have a switch element to their defense that will mean they can lineup multiple plus defensive players.

Jones is great at so many things that the Blazers require; finishing at the rim, offensive rebounding, forcing turnovers, blocking shots. He will likely play between 21 and 27 minutes a night, but he will give endless energy and be the above the rim presence this team hasn’t had in years.

Coach Stotts may try to play a little faster with Jones and Giles in tow, but even if he doesn’t, the defensive attention that Lillard attracts around half-court will mean Jones will often be open on cuts to the rim.

As a man or help defender, Jones will guard some of the league’s best players on a team that is endeavoring to improve from the 27th ranked defense in the 2020 season.

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Number 6 – Rodney Hood

Though Rodney Hood will start the 2021 season under a minutes restriction, he is still important to the Blazers. As a pure offensive player and shooter, he will be needed for regular-season production and efficient shooting.

Hood had his best-ever start to the season in 2020, but a devastating Achilles tear put paid to what would surely have been a career year.

Now back healthy but not yet game fit, Hood will commence the season with a 21 minute per nigh restriction. At six-foot-eight, with a great post-up game and pure shooting form, Hood will form a nice combination with defensive players Gary Trent Jr., Covington or Jones Jr.

It remains to be seen if he will be the same guy he was prior to the injury, but if he is 80 or 90 percent this season, he will be a deadly fit with this roster.