Trail Blazers replacement for Zach Collins – Ersan Ilyasova
Ex-Milwaukee Bucks big man Ersan Ilyasova had some bad luck at the start of the 2021 NBA season, which resulted in him being out of the league.
The Milwaukee Bucks had a trade announced around the 2020 Draft, where he was going to be moved to the Sacramento Kings for restricted free agent Bogdan Bogdanovic. NBA Insiders Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania announced the trade, but within a few days, it was revealed that Bogdanovic hadn’t agreed to the trade. Ilyasova would have had his contract guaranteed in the trade, meaning he was guaranteed a salary, and a potential spot in the league.
The 33-year-old Ilyasova stands six-foot-nine and is one of the most experienced free-agent big men on the market. In a 12-season career, he played 808 regular-season games and 52 playoff games for six teams.
Ilyasova is a four primarily at this point of his career, but he could play some five in certain units if he has a defensive four next to him. Although he can’t protect the rim, he is a strong team defender who is one of the best charge drawers in the NBA. He has excellent hands.
He is also a plus NBA shooter over his career, averaging a strong 36.5 percent.
He wouldn’t be a long-term piece for the Blazers, but he could be an injury-replacement option who has playoff experience and is a strong locker-room presence.