3 Portland Trail Blazers whose roles are in jeopardy in 2024-25 NBA season

3. Duop Reath

Duop Reath had an unexpected rookie season, averaging 9.1 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. But there are not enough minutes to go around at the center position. I'm skeptical that the Twin Towers lineups that Billups is "willing to try out", per Jason Quick of The Athletic, will be effective enough to continue having them as a consistent part of their lineup rotations. They may work against specific teams, like the Timberwolves or Nuggets, but it seems unlikely to be implemented in all 82 games.

Reath did shoot 35.9 percent from beyond the arc. From that stat alone, he will still have a more minor role as a stretch five to give the Blazers another dimension. Especially since he complements the Blazers backcourt nicely, they need spacing to attack the paint and utilize their athleticism. Ayton, Clingan, and Williams are all talented centers, and it will be difficult for Reath to have the 17.9 minutes per game he played last season.

However, Reath's limited role assumes two things that may not come to fruition. One is that Williams stays healthy, which he has yet to consistently do so far in his six seasons in the NBA. The other is that the Blazers don't eventually trade away one of Ayton or Williams, whether this summer or at the trade deadline.