It's not often a team loses a starter and immediately finds itself in a logjam at that player's position, but that's exactly what has happened with the Trail Blazers and departed center Deandre Ayton. The Trail Blazers reached a buyout with Ayton a week into the offseason, leaving some fans annoyed.
The move, however, sent a clear message to players and fans alike: Portland is focused on the future and its emerging identity as a defense-first unit.
With a gap at the starting center position, fans have been left to speculate who head coach Chauncey Billups will tab to fill the role. Portland certainly has options. The Trail Blazers have spent each of their last two first-round picks on big men, and also have a worthy player in Robert Williams III, making the center position one of the most hotly contested spots on this year's roster.
So without further ado, let's meet the candidates.
Blazers landed a steal in Yang Hansen
There's no denying the Trail Blazers picked a winner in this summer's draft. Yang Hansen, the seven-footer from China, whose skill at just 20 years of age has drawn eyes and crowds alike to the Las Vegas Summer League.
Hansen has scored double figures in each summer league game, but it is the 'eye test' that has Trail Blazers fans and brass alike dreaming of a future where Hansen becomes their very own version of Nikola Jokic. However, the operative word there is 'future'.
Hansen is still young and new to NBA basketball. He also receives a good deal of his coaching via a translator, a process that will take time to perfect. Although his physicality and conditioning have stood up well in summer league, there will need to be improvement in that area for Hansen to meet his ceiling at the highest level.
Don't count out Donovan Clingan just yet
Donovan Clingan was last year's No. 7 overall pick for Portland, a move that already baffled some, as the Trail Blazers had just acquired both Ayton and Williams via trade. At 7'2", Clingan moves his feet relatively well and protects the rim with ferocity. He was the man in the middle for the back-to-back NCAA Champion UConn Huskies.
Clingan isn't just a college guy, though. Through extensive injuries to Williams and Ayton last year, Clingan came in and played tough. He averaged 6.5 points and an impressive 7.9 rebounds for the team, protecting the rim well and earning valuable NBA experience.
Just because the Blazers chose Hansen this summer doesn't mean they consider last summer's pick a bust just yet. Expect the Blazers to give Clingan an increased role this year.
Robert Williams needs to be the odd man out
By far the most experienced big man on the roster, Robert Williams III was acquired by Portland in the first Jrue Holiday deal (read: fleecing). Coming off a finals run for Boston, the big man came to Portland last summer following the departure of Trail Blazers legend Damian Lillard. Unfortunately, Williams' injuries made him far less impactful than the player Portland thought they were acquiring.
Williams played fine in the minutes he received last year, shooting a highly efficient 64.1% from the field. But Williams's ability to play extended minutes may be forever hampered. At just 27 years old, he has already been relegated to a mentor role.
The best move for Williams and Portland both would be to trade his expiring contract to a contender, whether that's this summer or at the February 2026 trade deadline. This would yield assets for the team's future and clear the path for Clingan and Hansen.
Portland would be wise to start Clingan, letting him build on the experience he got a bit of last season while leaning into Billups' desired identity of defense-first. Clingan as a starter would allow Hansen time to develop, learning the team's offense and the NBA game in spot minutes behind Clingan.
But most importantly, Williams must be moved to increase Hansen's opportunities.