C James Wiseman
Mo Bamba would be a good option here as well, but the Blazers could take a swing at a former No. 2 overall pick who’s stuck behind vets on a win-now Golden State roster.
Wiseman missed all of last season with a knee injury, but even when healthy has yet to see consistent minutes in Steve Kerr’s rotation. The former McDonald’s All-American has flashed brief glimmers of his potential when he’s gotten on the floor, however – maybe a change of scenery and more playing time could help his game grow.
Wiseman is still 21 years old and one of the most athletic big men in the league at 7-1, 240 pounds. In high school and his (very) brief time in college at Memphis, he also showed some range on his jumper and an offensive skillset that could make him more than just a rim runner.
He would fill Portland’s need for additional size and could become a solid pick-and-roll partner for whoever is running the second unit, whether that be Lillard or Anfernee Simons.
In the 58 NBA games he’s played, Wiseman has per-36 minute averages of 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds on 54 percent shooting. Those stats won’t wow anyone, but a player his age with his size and alluring talent might be worth a flier, especially since the Blazers would have all of next season to decide if they want to extend him a qualifying offer and hang onto him past 2024-25.