It isn’t laborious to infer that the Portland Path Blazers are within the midst of a rebuild. In addition to how their 8-14 document signifies one other quiet season, the workforce’s current transactions have resulted in a surplus of youth. Simply take a look at the strikes they’ve made since final 12 months. Along with the draft picks of Donovan Clingan and Scoot Henderson, Portland has introduced within the likes of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara and Dalano Banton — all of whom aren’t any older than 25 years previous — through trades. These gamers at the moment tackle supporting roles to Shaedon Sharpe, who’s slowly cementing his mark because the Blazers’ most important man.
In fact, the rebuild will proceed till a aggressive roster is constructed. Nobody — besides perhaps Sharpe, Henderson and Clingan — is indispensable, and extra main front-office choices are sure to transpire shifting ahead. The following believable commerce will doubtless remedy a priority the Blazers held even earlier than the present season started: the middle logjam.
An ongoing subject down the block
See, Portland’s depth chart on the 5 goes as follows: Deandre Ayton, Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III and Duop Reath. That is a fairly formidable group, and it reveals lots when one in all them goes down. Peep what occurred when Ayton was out for a very good a part of November. Clingan stepped up because the chosen starter with Williams enjoying backup. Nevertheless, after they’re all wholesome, it is laborious to see how everybody will be utilized considerably. Whereas some groups are capable of rotate three facilities, comparable to what the Indiana Pacers did in 2023, the state of affairs in Portland is kind of sophisticated.
Clingan’s draft choice and up to date performances have put a query mark on Ayton’s long-term standing with the Blazers. Buying and selling the Bahamian is a believable route, however that is simpler mentioned than achieved. Whereas he does common a near-double-double (14.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg), take word that Ayton is ready to earn practically $70 million this season and subsequent season mixed. In different phrases, discovering a suitor will be difficult, not to mention one who’ll be prepared to offer plenty of worth in return.
With how issues look proper now, Robert Williams III is arguably essentially the most optimum commerce piece.
Why buying and selling Robert Williams III is sensible for the Blazers
A participant who’s made a residing on the defensive facet of the ball, Williams was shipped to the Blazers in 2023 after spending his first 5 seasons with the Boston Celtics. Whereas he’s little doubt a lift to Portland’s frontline, there are a few the explanation why putting the massive man on the buying and selling block might be helpful.
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First, there’s his contract. Williams is ready to earn roughly $12.4 million this season and $13 million within the subsequent. Being trade-friendly when it comes to funds is one factor, however getting the quantity of worth that Williams brings for that sort of cash is one other. Regardless of standing at 6-foot-9, Williams’ explosiveness, athleticism and 7-foot-6 wingspan have made him a bona fide rim protector and lob risk. For a number of years, he was the Celtics’ anchor within the center, and he performed that position so nicely that he was named All-Defensive Second Workforce in 2022. If the Blazers do intend to make him a commerce asset, a very good quantity of groups will certainly take curiosity.
In fact, this is not to say that suitors will go all out. One issue which will trigger them to tread fastidiously — and likewise doubles as one more reason for the Blazers to commerce Williams — is the middle’s well being. It has been Willaims’ largest profession setback thus far. Due largely to accidents, the Texas A&M product has solely performed a complete of 222 video games all through his seven-year profession. And ever since changing into a member of the Blazers, he is seen motion in simply 13 video games.
The final purpose has one thing to do with play fashion. Williams and Clingan share role-related similarities, regardless of variations in measurement and athletic skill. Each play off the ball, getting their factors by the use of lobs, putbacks, rim rolls and drop passes. They’re additionally tasked to manage the glass and defend the rim. Whereas there’s nothing mistaken with having two of the identical sort, the Blazers are in dire want of offense, as proven by how their 107.2 offensive score ranks twenty seventh amongst all groups, per NBA.com. And among the many facilities, Ayton is the most effective at producing factors. With Clingan as a long-term piece and the necessity for Ayton to assist out offensively, Williams is the odd man out.