Small forwards: Matisse Thybulle, Reddish, Nassir Little
Grade: C
Reasoning: The Blazers small forward position seems like the Island of Misfit Toys. Thybulle and Reddish were acquired at the trade deadline after getting limited minutes on their previous respective teams, the Sixers and Knicks.
In terms of opportunity, Portland is a great landing spot for both of them. They’ve been playing somewhat better with their increased minutes since being traded.
However, it is also not a great sign that the Blazers small forward depth chart is a duo of players that weren’t getting minutes until they arrived in Portland.
Thybulle is elite defensively and makes up for some of the team’s flaws, but he’s also a bit one-dimensional and shrinks the floor on offense. As a result, he’s likely better as a role player rather than a starter, which is why this grade is low.
We’ll see what the Blazers do this offseason, as Thybulle and Reddish are restricted free agents.
Power forwards: Jerami Grant, Little, Kevin Knox II
Grade: B
Reasoning: Jerami Grant has been a great addition to a Blazers team that was lacking forwards. Grant’s 3-point shooting has been excellent, jumping from 36 percent last year on the Detroit Pistons to 40 percent this year.
One area of improvement for Grant could be rebounding. He averages less than five rebounds a game, which is low for a power forward.
Little is a role player who brings good energy off the bench. He’s also an underrated shooter, as he’s connected on 39 percent of his threes this season.
Grant and Little are solid players who mesh well within the Blazers system. Grant, in particular, provides that valuable go-to scoring option outside of Lillard and Simons.