Portland Trail Blazers: Off a Disappointing Exit, Busy Offseason Ahead
Off a tremendous season with a heightened role, LaMarcus Aldridge will continue to be the face of the franchise.
Every NBA team can make improvements this offseason, but the Portland Trail Blazers, fresh off yet another first round exit, particularly have the opportunity to get better. They have plenty of choices to make, and if they make the right ones they should be built to go deeper in the playoffs in the future.
First off, Gerald Wallace is deserving of a contract extension. The small forward acquired at the trade deadline proved to be the same tireless worker he was with the Charlotte Bobcats, fitting in rather quickly and giving the Blazers continuous production in every facet of the game.
Twenty-nine in late July he has two years remaining on his current contract, and should be around for many years after.
He averaged 15 points on 49 percent shooting in 23 regular season games for Portland, then scored 15 more per game in the playoffs against Dallas, complimenting his nine rebounds and three assists. There isn’t one thing he can’t do, and he’s not someone to be messed with.
Tough and continuously aggressive, he gave the Blazers some grit as an immensely talented athlete who plays in only one gear. They need his persona. And, considering he showed up when it seemed others didn’t, they undoubtedly need his effort. This is why owner Paul Allen needs to pony up and give him his due.
Ever Blazer needs to have the mentality of Wallace. He was the only one to consistently bring intensity on offense and defense. Nate McMillan is seen as a defensive-minded coach, but Portland had lapses far too often. I imagine it is difficult to adopt a mentality, which is why General Manager Rich Cho needs to bring in someone with Wallace’s energy and aggressiveness.
Who fits this description? A re-signed Greg Oden. The injury-riddled Blazers center is months away from even playing basketball, so there is no saying how much he will be able to contribute this upcoming season. Some may say the Blazers should let him go. When he was on the court, he was dominant. What’s the harm in taking a risk if there is the chance he can pay immense dividends?
If they do re-sign him, I think they should sign or acquire another center as depth. Marcus Camby is old in NBA years and it showed this season. Chris Johnson performed very well in limited time and is signed for next season, but who knows how he would hold up with an increased role against superior centers. Since there is a lot of question marks surrounding their current frontline depth, signing a bruising free-agent who can blocks shots, rebound in traffic, and play excellent defense is necessary.
They will have to be thrifty, considering they don’t have much cap space to work with. Kurt Thomas is a player who has been suggested, a veteran who could play the role Juwan Howard did in 2009-2010. Kris Humphries is another name to keep an eye on. A third possibility is re-signing Earl Barron, who played sparingly this season but is certainly capable of grabbing rebounds and playing solid defense in a limited role.
Portland also needs a dependable shooter, specifically one who has mastered the three-pointer. Many of the playoff teams have these guys: Chicago has Kyle Korver, Boston has Ray Allen, Miami has James Jones, San Antonio has Matt Bonner, and Memphis has Shane Battier.
Last year, the Blazers shot three-pointers at a 30 percent clip. Wesley Matthews made 38 percent, which is very respectable, but Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, and Wallace all bricked at least 72 percent of their three-pointers. Clearly, they need someone who defenses have to be fully aware of on the wings.
Who will be available? Possible targets include Battier, Peja Stojakovic, who helped Dallas win by hitting 13 three-pointers, and Milwaukee’s Michael Redd. For Portland to sign a front-line player and a shooter the mid-level exception would have to be split among them.
This exception is equal to the average NBA salary, which should be in the $5-6 million range. With Rudy Gay returning next year for Memphis, the chances are probably slim that Battier re-signs with the Grizzlies. If he would be willing to take a couple of years at $3-4 million annually, Portland has to pounce.
It is important to remember that Elliot Williams, a 2010 first-round pick who missed this past season with a knee injury, enters the mix. If he responds from the injury well, he should give Portland consistent jump-shot with deep range. Put him in the second unit along with one of the aforementioned players and Portland would greatly improve.
To make room for Thomas, Battier, and Williams, trades would need to be made. I like Patty Mills, Armon Johnson, and Fernandez, but if Portland wants to win now they will need to make some moves. They didn’t want to move Dante Cunningham and Joel Przybilla for Wallace, but they did. Proven players are better at this stage of Portland’s franchise than fan favorites and potential.
Portland can be a championship contender, and giving Wallace a long deal, re-signing Oden, bringing in a bruising big, and upgrading on the wing is a start. They need to do much more, though. Head coach Nate McMillan has to instill a tougher defense.
Too often, the Blazers didn’t close out on shooters, while also allowing opponents to cruise in for scores. On top of this, the offense needs to settle for less jumpers and be more aggressive, Roy has to accept a backup role, and Aldridge must continue to be the team’s glue.
Wallace can score, Matthews can score, Batum can score, Aldridge can score, and Miller can lead the team, but if moves aren’t made, and if McMillan’s philosophy doesn’t change, Portland will have a difficult time getting out of the first round once more.
Cho isn’t about to stand around this offseason, which is why the Blazers will undoubtedly be aggressive. I’m sure he knows that if they do get Oden back, sign a big and a shooter, they can make some serious noise next year and beyond.
