3 free agent small forwards who can help the Blazers fill a major need
By Jacob Dazzeo
Free agent small forward option 2: Joe Ingles
Joe Ingles will bring a wealth of experience and basketball IQ to any team he joins. As a seasoned veteran, he has played in 50 playoff games for the Utah Jazz and Milwaukee Bucks. His experience is invaluable for a team trying to make a title run.
Additionally, Ingles’ ability to stretch the floor and knock down 3-pointers at an impressive rate would make him a valuable asset for any team, including the Blazers.
During the 2022-23 regular season with the Bucks, Ingles shot an impressive 40.9 percent from beyond the arc, providing much-needed spacing for his team’s offense.
One thing that sets Ingles apart is his ability to elevate his performance in high-pressure situations. In the playoffs, he elevated his 3-point shooting to an astounding 50 percent, demonstrating his ability to thrive when the stakes are high. Ingles’ experience and clutch shooting would be invaluable for the Blazers, especially during playoff runs when they need reliable perimeter scoring.
Ingles signed a 1-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bucks last season, so the Blazers could expect him to demand a similar contract this year, in which case they could use part of the MLE.