Blazers to Audition Howard and Swift

Jason Quick reports in today's Oregonian that the Blazers will take a look at Juwan Howard and Stromile Swift next week. The goal is to sign a back-up power forward before training camp starts.  Quick's article reports:

Both will scrimmage with current Blazers players over the next three weeks, and general manager Kevin Pritchard said he expects the team will sign one, or two, players before training camp starts on Sept. 28. The NBA allows teams to carry as many as 15 players; the Blazers have 12 players under contract, which doesn't include rookie Jeff Pendergraph, who Pritchard said is "getting close" to signing.

Howard, the former Fab Fiver at Michigan, is a 15 year veteran, started last season with Denver, but was released mid-season and signed with Charlotte. While he isn't the borderline All-Star he once was, Juwan does have the experience and can provide veteran leadership that Portland is looking for with this roster spot.

Swift is a former second overall pick out of LSU, that has never lived up to his potential and is generally considered one of the biggest draft busts of all-time. He continues to get gigs in the league because of his athleticism, but does not seem to have the work ethic to be successful.

While Howard's career is coming to an end, I like the idea of signing him over Swift. There aren't many minutes left over for the 13th spot on the roster. Howard will come in, work hard, and not stir the pot. Swift is more of a wild card, with some attitude issues in the past. I'd rather not have the Blazers be the next team to take a chance on him because of his jumping ability.

Which player would you prefer?