Portland Trail Blazers: 10 best free agents still on the market

Portland Trail Blazers Free Agent #9 – Aron Baynes

Aron Baynes recently had the second year of his two-year deal waived by the Toronto Raptors after they decided not to keep the Australian big man.

Baynes has a cult following in the NBA because of his tough demeanor, Aussie twang and his odd yet effective shooting style. Baynes is an old-school big who only suits certain styles defensively, but still does all the things all good big men do.

Winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, he showed toughness with his rebounding, screening and his patented hook shot. He has played on two years contracts since then and has added a three-point shot to his offensive game.

Baynes is 34, but he still has the legs to go another season or two in the NBA. If the Blazers still play drop coverage then Baynes is a great fit. He can pot away from three and have the more mobile Covington next to him at the four.

Portland Trail Blazers Free Agent #10 – DeMarcus Cousins

Sadly for DeMarcus Cousins, aka Boogie, the glory days are over. One of the best bigs in the league only 3 years ago, multiple devastating injuries have ruined what was an All-NBA career.

Cousins can still play in the NBA, but just not at the 20 and 10 levels of old Boogie. He is still six-foot-ten and 270 pounds with a monstrous wingspan though.

As a floor-spacing passing big man who has some real toughness to him, Cousins could change the Blazers bench who miss the rebounding, screening and boxing out that true big men bring.

Cousins is a true backup big who can play 10 – 15 minutes a night and provide some starch to the bench.