Get more help for Dame?
After making a slew of signings this offseason, the question to be asked is who else the Blazers could possibly sign in order to push them to that next level, and is there any player still available in free agency or the trade market who can help them become contenders?
There are quality players still available who could help immediately and the front office doesn’t have to make any blockbuster trades or pull off a splashy signing that would make headlines in order to accomplish improving the roster.
One player who comes to mind is the Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins. Collins’s name has been swirling around in trade rumors for quite some time and he could fit right in the Blazers’ rotation. He is capable of starting or coming off the bench and providing much needed depth at the position. A high riser on the offensive end with plenty of skills inside the paint, Collins can also protect the rim and defend on the wing. He just needs to improve his post moves to become more of an efficient scorer.
Being able to stretch the floor is one of his best attributes and he is great at running the pick-and-roll. Another player who the Blazers could target and contribute immediately is the Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. He is one of the best shooters in the NBA at his position and is always among the leaders in blocked shots. Just imagine the size and length in the frontcourt with Turner, Nurkic and Grant which could keep the Blazers from being undersized and exploitable and will help offset the liability the backcourt has been defensively.
The idea was to add more defenders with 3-and-D capabilities. One more name to throw into the mix is Kemba Walker. The Blazers already have plenty of solid options at guard but Walker could be that veteran presence and leader in the locker room and also serve as insurance if someone suffers an injury. Walker has struggled with injuries himself throughout his career but is a viable threat if he is healthy and has the ability to take over games if needed.