The Portland Trail Blazers claimed former Indiana Pacers big man Micah Potter off waivers on Friday. They have one final spot remaining on their 15-man roster, and should use it to add a two-way forward.
Following the surprising Ja Morant blockbuster, the Blazers had two glaring areas of need: shooting and forward depth. While they've addressed both with the signing of Potter, it's yet another offseason move that takes Portland further away from its previously established defensive identity.
Blazers still need a two-way forward after Micah Potter pickup
As a 6-foot-9 big, Potter is what we call a defensive tweener. He doesn't have the physical tools to be an intimidating rim protector, yet is a traffic cone out on the perimeter. That's okay, considering this is one of the final additions to the roster. If the Blazers are relying on Potter for extended stretches, they have far bigger roster problems to worry about.
That said, it does make the need for a two-way wing more apparent with their remaining spot. One option is to bring back Matisse Thybulle, who climbs up the free agency targets as realistic options for Portland continue to dwindle.
Had it not been for his injury concerns, that would be a no-brainer fit for the Blazers. Unfortunately, Thybulle has played just a total of 45 games over the past two seasons. While that could still be a worthwhile end-of-bench addition, it also should make Portland look elsewhere for more reliable options.
Who could the Blazers add with their final roster spot?
LeBron James? Maybe he'll be open to joining when he's 50.
Denver's Peyton Watson is another dream target, though it would require a sign-and-trade as he's out of the Blazers' price range as a restricted free agent.
We previously mentioned Bruce Brown Jr. as a potential target due to his Swiss Army Knife capabilities. That could be the best, most realistic option remaining on the board for Portland, though it's not a perfect fit due to his undersized frame as a 6-foot-4 guard/forward.
The Houston Rockets shipped Dorian Finney-Smith to the Charlotte Hornets after a career-low season. It's reportedly unlikely he'll suit up for Charlotte, which gives Portland a potential buy-low opportunity if they believe in a resurgence. That would fit new owner Tom Dundon's value-driven approach of acquiring distressed assets, and could be a cheap solution to their need for another two-way forward.
But whether it's Thybulle, Finney-Smith, or someone else entirely, there's always going to be some level of uncertainty surrounding this final roster spot. Barring another unforeseen trade, the Blazers' best two-way option at forward will come down to what risk they are most willing to take on.
Add us as a preferred source on Google