The Portland Trail Blazers are currently more concerned with lottery odds than wins, which may lead to some painful television for the rest of the season. On the bright side, though, fans will get an extended look at some of Portland’s young players that likely wouldn’t have seen much floor time had the team engaged in a playoff push. One of the most exciting prospects so far has been undrafted two-way rookie Trendon Watford.
I had originally published a brief scouting report on Watford and fellow rookie Greg Brown following their additions to the team, but with new tape to work with, it’s worth revisiting those notes and seeing how far each has come.
Watford has already outplayed many of the prospects who he had to see get selected while his name remained unmentioned once the draft concluded. He’s made quick work of forcing some of the NBA’s general managers to eat crow.
Scouting report on Portland Trail Blazers rookie Trendon Watford
Watford appeared sparingly in games to start the season, despite Portland dealing with various injuries and a severe lack of depth in the frontcourt. Since Damian Lillard was sidelined with abdominal surgery and the team shifted focus, the former LSU Tiger has received consistent opportunities to prove his skills.
Since the calendar flipped to 2022, Watford has put up 5.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 15 minutes per game, while shooting north of 60 percent from the field.
He’s put up reliable counting stats while also flashing advanced offensive skills and potential for defensive versatility.
With the Trail Blazers’ unconventional roster construction and injuries, Watford has been asked to play a multitude of roles and has accepted his assignments with grace and respectability.