Portland Trail Blazers: 3 reasons to get excited about Tony Snell

The Portland Trail Blazers only made one move on day two of free agency, signing forward Tony Snell to a one-year deal. He joins Cody Zeller and Ben McLemore as additions for next year’s Blazers run.

The Blazers have yet to make a big splash this offseason, aside from re-signing Norman Powell to a five-year/$90 million agreement, but the steps they’ve taken in the margins give reason for hope.

Zeller will provide a defensive upgrade as a backup rim protector over last year’s reserve center in Enes Kanter. With McLemore and Snell coming to Rip City, it’s apparent that General Manager Neil Olshey wanted to add shooting to his roster. Tony Snell’s signing could be the most meaningful acquisition so far.

1. The Portland Trail Blazers add a true 3-and-D wing in Tony Snell

Even though adding a sniper like Snell is never a bad move, the Blazers had plenty of shooting on their roster beforehand. The new thing that his presence brings is a reliable wing defender. Outside from Robert Covington, the Blazers didn’t have another forward who could be leaned on to play adequate defense and be trusted to hit open threes.

Last season, the Blazers forced Norman Powell into that mold. While Powell is a plus-defender overall, at 6’3, there were a lot of opposing threes that he couldn’t contain.

Adding Tony Snell gives Portland another body besides RoCo to throw at the LeBron Jameses, Kawhi Leonards, and Giannis Antetokounmpos of the league.

At 6’7 with a seven-foot wingspan, Snell will provide a good second-option to throw at bigger, stronger opposing wings.

Not only is he a good defender, he’s hit nearly 42 percent of his 3-pointers in the last five seasons. Grabbing a 3-and-D wing of Snell’s caliber on a minimum deal was objectively a steal.