No. 5: Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay may not be the player he once was, but his veteran presence and defensive tenacity would be invaluable to the Blazers. Gay’s experience and leadership would have a positive impact on the team, especially during a potential playoff push. While his offensive production might have diminished, he still possesses the ability to score efficiently and provide solid defense.
Gay’s versatility to play multiple positions would also allow the Blazers to experiment with different lineups and defensive strategies, providing flexibility and adaptability on the court.
As the third option off the bench, he would provide valuable contributions in limited minutes while serving as a mentor and role model for the younger players, fostering their growth and development. That is a lot of value for a minimum contract.
Overall, each player mentioned brings a unique set of skills and attributes that would address the Blazers’ needs at the forward position. Whether it’s the scoring and three-and-D ability of Barnes and Williams, the offensive versatility of Hachimura, the scoring prowess of Gallinari, or the veteran presence of Gay, each player would contribute in their own way and help elevate the Blazers’ roster to compete at a higher level.