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Portland Trail Blazers: Grading every move of the 2021 off season

By Stevie Cozens

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Ben McLemore #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers releases the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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Move #3 – Sign Cody Zeller to a one-year veterans minimum deal

After having one of the worst bench defense’s in the competition last season, the Blazers were in desperate need of an upgrade in their frontcourt.

By swapping out Enes Kanter, and signing six-foot-eleven Cody Zeller, they got a starting center who will play as a backup, who has playoff experience and is a better defender and passer than Kanter.

Though they will miss Kanter’s offensive rebounding and low post scoring, defense had to be a priority for a Blazer team that finished 29th on that end in 2021.

Zeller has had some injuries recently, but he will be asked to do less off the bench, meaning he can ease his way back into an NBA rotation, rather than have the starting job thrust on him again.

Zeller can do lots of things as a big in the NBA and has more versatility at a lower level than Kanter. On the veteran’s minimum, and just a one-year deal, this is a strong signing.

Grade – B