Rip City Project
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5 cheap, under-the-radar free agents who could fill needs for the Blazers

By Andrew Hanlon

Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers (right) (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Mason Plumlee, Los Angeles Clippers (right) (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. Mason Plumlee

Another large human to stand near the rim and collect rebounds. Beggars can’t be choosers, especially when it comes to value free agents in the NBA, but the Blazers could do a lot worse than Mason Plumlee.

For whatever reason, the former first-round pick has had a career year at the age of 33.

Before he was dealt to the Clippers at the trade deadline, Plumlee was averaging a career-high in points (12.2), rebounds (9.7), and assists (3.7) on 67 percent shooting as a member of the Charlotte Hornets.

As a key rotation player on a team with championship aspirations in LA, Plumlee’s play has not dropped off. He’s getting 20 minutes off the bench, has even started at times, and has averages of 7.5 points and 6.9 rebounds on a crazy 73 percent shooting.

The 6-10 center is finishing up an $8.5 million deal this season and will be an unrestricted free agent. Even with the season he’s had, Plumlee’s age and smaller role will likely limit the amount of suitors and dollars for his next deal, which could open the door for the Blazers to swoop in and add him as an above-average rotation big or a below-average starter.