Move #4 – Re-sign Zach Collins
When looking at big men who can be part of the Blazers moving forward, it actually makes sense to bring Zach Collins back this season. After seeing the results of his latest surgery and the optimism around his market in an article by Jason Quick, it’s clear that Collins still has some upside. Blazer fans seem pretty negative about Zach, but let’s look at the facts.
Collins is a seven-footer who can defend the rim, switch out to the perimeter and shoot threes. He’s only 23, and with limited money to play with, he makes sense as the third big for this Blazers team. I don’t know if he gets more than $4 – $5 million but this is a low-risk move when you consider how well the latest surgery went and the mobility he still has.
Fans probably see this as a big risk, but on a small number multi-year deal with non-guarantees after the first year, the Blazers can’t lose. A great recovery from his latest injury means Zach will be back in the NBA next season.
Move #5 – Sign a power forward
The Blazers haven’t had a true power forward for a while. Though Robert Covington did a great job there last season, he is more of a three in my eyes and has always had more defensive impact at that position.
By signing a proper power forward who can alternate minutes with Covington if Norman Powell starts at the three, they could have more size in their bench units, while providing more starch on the defensive end. There isn’t any money in the budget to spend more than $5 million, so a player like Jeff Green is the perfect example.
A floor stretching forward who can play a bit of five-man, or a defensive stalwart who can play make at both positions, these are the type of players that would fit well either next to Jusuf Nurkic or Enes Kanter, depending on the starting situation at the four.
The Blazers have a massive off-season ahead, regardless of if they make a blockbuster trade or not, they need to complete these other moves to stay competitive on the fringes.