Portland Trail Blazers: 5 Best options on the buyout market

Portland Trail Blazers: 4 best options on the buyout market

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 06: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 06, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Buyout option #3 – Andre Drummond

Though Andre Drummond may not be the best fit with the Blazers’ current bigs, with backup big Harry Giles still out injured, and Jusuf Nurkic just returning from injury, Drummond may be a good option if something changed in the next month or so.

Nurkic is one of the Blazers’ best players, but his injury history always gives cause for concern. If Nurkic returns to play this week and are back to full health with no issues, then there is no need for Drummond. But if this isn’t the case or Kanter went down injured, Drummond should be the first player to look at.

Drummond is one of the league’s best rebounders, but is better defensively than a guy like Kanter. Because of his huge seven-foot-six wingspan and 280-pound frame, he is a great post defender as well as a guy who gets multiple steals and deflections. He has averaged a steal and a block per game every season of his career.

He isn’t a great offensive player, but is a good finisher at the rim and a decent passer at his position. Drummond cannot defend out on the floor like modern bigs need to, but he still does a lot of the jobs needed of big men.

Drummond is a great option because of his health and fitness. He is a reliable option who could slot in as a starting or backup five in an instant.