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Portland Trail Blazers: 3 Free Agents that pair well with Damian Lillard

By Stevie Cozens

Apr 28, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) slaps hands with forward Garrett Temple (17) in front of New York Knicks center Taj Gibson (67) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen (24) slaps hands with forward Garrett Temple (17) in front of New York Knicks center Taj Gibson (67) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Portland Trail Blazers have limited money to spend in 2021 free agency, but still, they need to recruit strongly so they can pair Damian Lillard with better complimentary talent.

Last season they had offensive guards Gary Trent Jr, Norman Powell, CJ McCollum, and Anfernee Simons alongside Dame. With strong defender Trent gone now, they need other twos and threes who fit better with Dame, especially in the bench unit.

If they aren’t strong defenders, then they need to at least be plus shooters so they can space the floor for Dame and give him the offensive support he needs to go to work inside and outside the arc. With a new coach and philosophy, some new personnel could help refresh both ends of the court.

Here are 3 free agents that the Portland Trail Blazers could pair with Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers free agent option #1 – Raul Neto

Brazilian guard Raul Neto is a defensive hustle-type guard who is an excellent three-point shooter as a complementary offense guy. He is 29-years-old and stands six-foot-one with a plus wingspan.

Neto has spent six seasons in the league, playing for the Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and recently the Washington Wizards.

His game is predicated on speed around the court, and great defensive instincts. Though he is just six-foot-one, he forces turnovers and competes well on the defensive, guarding the point of attack at a high level.

Offensively, Neto is actually a 40 percent shooter from three. He is more comfortable from above the break from the corners, but his main calling card’s on offense are off-ball shooting and strong finishing at the rim. As a passer, he still makes great reads but is more comfortable initiating secondary offense.

Because he is a strong defender he would be a great fit next to Dame off the bench, and then he could lineup next to McCollum in the minutes Dame sits. This could take some of the defensive pressure off Dame as well.

Neto is only a veteran’s minimum guard, but he could still command a multi-year deal in free agency.