Options for Portland Trail Blazers to Fill Backup Point Guard Position

The Portland Trail Blazers' roster underwent a major overhaul this offseason, with a team of players that barely resembles what was on the table a year ago.

Damian Lillard is still manning the point guard spot, but his reinforcement at the 1 is a tad unclear. Rookie guard Tim Frazier is still on the roster, having been signed to a deal late last season, per NBA.com, but the Blazers still need to deepen the position. 

There are a number of free agents available that could be suitable, in addition to potentially developing in-house options. Either way, Portland still has some work to do before training camp.

Developing a Reserve

The Blazers added Frazier late in the season after he played through two 10-day contracts with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named the NBA Development League's Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year in late April, averaging 16.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 9.5 assists through 41 games for the Maine Red Claws. 

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

He played just five regular-season games in Rip City, averaging 4.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists, highlighted by scoring 13 and dropping 10 dimes in the final matchup of the year against the Dallas Mavericks on April 15.

Per a report by Joe Freeman of the Oregonian, Frazier has made a friend in his short stint:

"

Frazier has heard an earful of on-court tips from Lillard, involving everything from navigating pick-and-rolls on offense to setting up teammates for open looks to honing in on the Blazers' defensive goals. But, perhaps more than anything, Frazier has gleaned insight into how hard a player has to work to be elite.

"

Though his outside shooting is shaky, Frazier still offers promise as a speedy distributor with excellent court vision. He has a ways to go to becoming a consistent player, but now is when Portland can afford to spend a significant amount of time developing a project. The Blazers will be a lottery team, which means giving players like Frazier the chance to play, make mistakes and learn from them.

Lillard was right to call him "crafty" with "a ton of confidence," as seen in his 14-point, eight-assist game against the Mavs in the Las Vegas Summer League. 

But outside of Frazier, the only player who could log significant minutes at point guard would be C.J. McCollum. After making strides as a scorer late in the season, it might be tomfoolery to try to convert his playing style to something that he may not be capable of.

Over the last three games of the postseason, he registered just two assists compared to 46 field-goal attempts. As a 2, that ratio could be better but it's also something the Blazers can live with. Yet, if McCollum's instincts tell him to shoot and be aggressive, it may not be wise to try to alter his approach—especially considering it's taken some time for him to find a niche.

That isn't to say McCollum can't develop his game and become a better distributor. He just shouldn't be truly looked at as an option to run the offense just yet.

Fishing in the Free-Agency Pool

At this point of the season, there are only a few point guards left to sign, and much of it hinges on Portland's approach. 

If the team looks at a veteran to mentor the younger players, names such as Andre Miller or John Lucas III pop up. If the Blazers decide to fill out the 1 spot with more youth, you'd have to expect guys like Jimmer Fredette, Ish Smith or Norris Cole to be considered.

Cole offers the best of both worlds, being 26 years of age with three trips to the NBA Finals under his belt, courtesy of his tenure with the Miami Heat. He's currently a restricted free agent, with his rights belonging to the New Orleans Pelicans, who might very well match an offer given their own lack of depth at point guard.

Fredette, a former lottery pick, might be an option considering head coach Terry Stotts' penchant for outside shooting in the offense. It would also help space the floor, given that just Lillard, McCollum, Allen Crabbe and newcomer Pat Connaughton can knock down shots from deep.

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

He'd be another player the Blazers could look to develop, as Fredette has not played up to being the No. 10 overall pick from 2011. 

If Portland isn't satisfied with what's available in the free-agency pool, it can turn to the plethora of guards that are currently playing in the NBA's summer leagues, where names like Nate Wolters, Larry Drew II, Ramon Galloway and Seth Curry are showcasing their skills. 

Regardless of their pursuit, the Blazers will be able to fill out the point guard spot. Adding a young player seems more likely given the roster and the direction of the team, though signing a veteran to mentor the up-and-comers is still a possibility.

If not, developing Frazier into the primary backup at the 1 is there. He's shown his commitment to the team, has won the approval of its star and has a wealth of potential. He'll need time to show it on the court, but now is the perfect opportunity.