The Portland Trail Blazers are in a critical phase of team building as they aim to construct a roster that complements their superstar, Damian Lillard, and positions them as legitimate contenders. With various needs to address, the Blazers must carefully consider their options in the free agency market.
In this article, we analyze several high-profile free agents who may not be the ideal fit for the Blazers’ aspirations and explain the reasons behind their exclusion from consideration.
Important note: another guard is the last thing the Blazers need, and this offseason’s free agent class is top-heavy with some high-profile ones, a few of which will be discussed in this post.
Kyrie Irving: Highly skilled, highly controversial
Kyrie Irving’s on-court skills are undoubtedly impressive, as he is a gifted scorer and ball-handler.
However, his off-court behavior and controversial viewpoints, including recent controversies involving antisemitism, pose significant concerns for both the team and the city of Portland.
The Blazers, who pride themselves on their inclusive and community-oriented culture, would likely find it challenging to embrace a player with such divisive beliefs.
Moreover, Irving’s preference for having the ball in his hands may limit Lillard’s effectiveness as a playmaker and leader on the court.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: The price is too steep
While Kelly Oubre Jr. had a solid season in Charlotte, his potential price tag in free agency might not align with the Blazers’ needs and financial considerations.
Oubre Jr.’s improved performance and increased market value may result in an inflated contract demand.
Considering the Blazers’ need to balance their budget and address multiple roster needs, investing a significant portion of their resources in Oubre Jr. may not be the most prudent decision.
Furthermore, Oubre Jr.’s playing style and skillset might not be an ideal fit for the Blazers’ system and the specific requirements of playing alongside Lillard. His fit with the Warriors and Stephen Curry is believed to be why he had a down year while in Golden State.
Russell Westbrook: A much-too-ball-dominant lead guard
Russell Westbrook’s undeniable talent is often overshadowed by his style of play, which heavily relies on having the ball in his hands.
While Westbrook possesses remarkable athleticism and playmaking abilities, his tendency to dominate possessions conflicts with Lillard’s role as the Blazers’ primary ball-handler and decision-maker.
Playing with two high-usage guards might disrupt the team’s offensive flow, hindering its chances of championship contention.
Justise Winslow: The best ability is availability
Justise Winslow’s injury history raises significant red flags for the Blazers.
While Winslow has shown flashes of promise during his healthy stretches, he has consistently struggled with durability, missing significant time due to various injuries.
On a team aiming to construct a reliable supporting cast around Lillard, the risk associated with Winslow’s injury-prone nature is simply too high. The Blazers would be better served by pursuing players with more consistent availability and proven durability.
If Winslow were to take a very team-friendly deal to remain with the Blazers, re-signing him could work. But even so, the best ability is availability, and the team needs players it can count on to provide depth to make a playoff run.
D’Angelo Russell: All offense, no defense
D’Angelo Russell’s offensive prowess and scoring ability make him an enticing option for several teams.
However, the Blazers, in their pursuit of building a well-rounded roster, should be cautious about adding another guard to their lineup.
With Lillard already assuming the primary guard responsibilities, the team needs players who can contribute in different areas, particularly on the defensive end of the floor.
Unfortunately, Russell has struggled to establish himself as a reliable defender throughout his career.
Even if Russell were able to make the switch to the shooting guard position, acquiring a guard lacking defensive prowess may exacerbate the Blazers’ existing weaknesses in that aspect of the game.
As the Trail Blazers endeavor to build a team capable of contending for an NBA championship alongside Lillard, they must be selective when considering potential free agent signings. Westbrook’s ball-dominant style and potential conflicts with Lillard, Irving’s off-court controversies, Russell’s defensive limitations, Winslow’s injury history, and Oubre Jr.’s inflated price tag all present valid concerns the Blazers should take into account.
By avoiding these free agents and focusing on players who align better with the team’s needs, Portland can enhance its chances of constructing a roster capable of challenging the league’s elite.