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Portland Trail Blazers: 10 bargain-bin Free Agents to sign in 2021

By Stevie Cozens

DENVER, CO - JUNE 11: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns shoots as he is defended by JaMychal Green #0 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JUNE 11: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns shoots as he is defended by JaMychal Green #0 of the Denver Nuggets in Game Three of the Western Conference second-round playoff series at Ball Arena on June 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers bargain free agent #7 – Nicolo Melli

The Blazers should look at getting players that can play off the ball this season. With guys like CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard, and Anfernee Simons, who all require the ball, so they are best to find guys who can play off the ball, and off these three.

Italian stretch big Nicolo Melli could be a nice stretch option and a good fit next to someone like Robert Covington in a small-ball lineup. The six-foot-nine Melli hasn’t shot that well from three yet in his NBA career, but his 45 percent from mid-range shows that he can really stroke it.

As he isn’t a great defender, he would need to play next to someone more mobile in the frontcourt, but as he is a great passer for his position, someone like Covington would be a great fit.

Melli’s market is likely to be the veteran’s minimum.

(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers bargain free agent #8 – Alex Len

Alex Len is a 28-year-old backup big man who has bounced around the league since being drafted in the first round back in 2013.

Len spent most of his career with the dysfunctional Phoenix Suns before finding homes as a backup big on other teams around the league.

Len’s strengths are the traditional big men roles, rebounding, blocking shots, and strength around the rim. With the Blazers lack of health with their big men, it may be best to bring in a 12 – 18 minute-a-night guy who can perform the core roles well.

He has the physical tools to be disruptive on the backline at seven feet tall with a big seven-foot-four wingspan while also providing a rim finishing presence on the other end.