Closing Argument
Here’s what the Portland Trail Blazers depth chart would look like with these moves:
Point Guard:
Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons
Shooting Guard:
Norman Powell, Kelly Oubre Jr.
Small Forward:
Jerami Grant, Nassir Little
Power Forward:
Larry Nance Jr., Kelly Olynyk
Center:
Myles Turner, Cody Zeller
This roster offers the perfect blend of offense and defense. The Blazers load up on defensive-minded, athletic players with plenty of size at their positions. They also get to keep their young core of Anfernee Simons and Nassir Little — the Flo Ridas if you will.
These trades will provide an instant injection of energy, bounciness, and opportunity for the Blazers underutilized weapons like Powell, Little, and Nance.
The starting lineup can play five-out, has five players who have to be guarded on offense, and can switch on defense two through four.
The bench is loaded with youth and athleticism on the perimeter and has two savvy veterans holding down the backline. While there’s no clear floor general for the second-unit, Simons and Oubre are two excellent secondary playmakers who can create for themselves, each other, and the other reserves.
This roster is 10-deep, with clearly defined roles for every single player and versatility at nearly every position.
All players acquired will be signed through at least 2022-2023 and have very movable contracts if the need arises, or a no-brainer second star becomes available.
Danny Marang and Brandon Sprague of the incredible Jacked Ramsays podcast are not down with these moves — though to be fair, they thought I was suggesting moving two first-rounders instead of two seconds for Myles Turner — but what do they know? (JK I highly respect their basketball opinions and journalistic prowess, but I do disagree with them here, obviously.)
Let me know what you think below — should I get the job or what?