No. 3: Grant Williams
While Grant Williams may sign a larger contract than the Blazers can afford, there’s a possibility he considers the full MLE. Last season, the Blazers often found themselves getting bullied by more physical teams, lacking the toughness and energy needed to compete at the highest level.
This is where Williams could make a significant impact.
Known for his physical play and willingness to do the dirty work, Williams would bring a much-needed edge to the Blazers’ roster. His toughness and energy on both ends of the court would be a valuable asset, helping the team establish a stronger presence in the paint and match up against physical opponents.
Williams’ ability to set screens, crash the boards, and defend multiple positions would make him a versatile contributor.
In addition to his physicality, Williams also possesses solid shooting skills. With a shooting percentage of 45.4 percent from the field and an impressive 39.5 percent from beyond the arc last season, he has shown the ability to knock down shots efficiently.
This shooting prowess, combined with his defensive capabilities, would help create more space for Lillard and Anfernee Simons to operate, as opponents would need to respect Williams’ outside shooting.
Overall, Williams’ presence as the second option off the bench behind Grant would provide a significant boost to the Blazers’ depth and address their need for physicality and energy. His contributions on both ends of the court, along with his shooting ability, would help elevate the team’s overall performance and make them more competitive against physical opponents.