7 G-League players that could help Portland make a playoff push

Kenneth Faried, Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico

The most famous name on this list, Kenneth Faried started his career as a first-round pick for the Nuggets and had a solid career in the NBA before he bounced around a few international destinations.

After his play overseas, Faried had a second stint in the league with the Houston Rockets before making his way to Mexico City’s G-League team.

Faried has been one of the Capitanes’ best big men, mostly by playing the same way he did his whole career: harder than everyone else. He’s still a high-motor player, fighting for rebounds on both ends of the floor, and his defensive instincts are still as sharp as they were in transition when he played in the NBA.

It’s easier to picture the role that Faried could have for the Blazers given he played a prolonged stretch in the NBA. He’s improved his shot enough that he can hit the occasional 3-pointer, but Faried’s appeal still stems from his “Manimal” nature on the glass.

Portland ranks 27th in the NBA in rebounds per game, a major weakness, but one that Faried could start to fix from his first minutes on the floor. Although he isn’t a great long-term player investment, he could play minutes tomorrow and help the Blazers win games.

That may be the difference between Portland missing the play-in and getting an outside shot at the playoffs.