Portland Trail Blazers: Fully Stocked?
By Steve Krebs
With the trade deadline approaching on Thursday, Feb. 19, teams have already begun moving pieces in an attempt to build strength. Yet, the question remains whether or not the Portland Trail Blazers are going to be buyers come February, or are they fully stocked and just need to get healthy?
The softball answer is, every team could use an upgrade in some aspect or another. What is not true, however, is that every trade helps every team — or, taking it even further, that every team needs to trade.
What Are Some Of Portland’s Strengths?
At this current point in the season, the Trail Blazers are ranked sixth in points per game (103.5), and first in opposing points per game (96.5). The seven-point advantage on the amounts for and against is not only a testament to their success in being able to score, but even more so, the tenacity on the defensive end, which is clearly evident by the 42.8 field goal percentage opponents are shooting each contest.
Rebounds are another strong suit, where all five starters are pulling down no less than 3.4 boards combining for sixth amongst the league with a total of 52.4 per game. The catalyst for this amount is obviously LaMarcus Aldridge (10.5), who continues to be a dominant force on the defensive glass, leading to transition opportunities on the offensive end.
For example, Aldridge gave the Los Angeles Clippers all they wanted Wednesday night:
What Are Some Of Portland’s Weaknesses?
Where Portland is wealthy in defensive rebounding, scoring, and holding opponent’s field goal percentage to 42 percent, it’s possible they are much more barren in regards to offensive second chances and opposing points in the paint. Not only are they allowing 45.3 points down low, they are letting other teams grab 11 offensive rebounds every contest.
The six steals per game is definitely another area that needs addressing. Without proper pressure on the ball when it is moving, the opposition can just penetrate into the paint and score from three feet away.
Who Could Portland Trade for?
Well, for starters, I think you have to ask who is available, what is needed, and most importantly, who can come in and be a productive acquisition — it’s only in the Trail Blazers’ best interest to trade if this player in question does not ultimately hurt them in their pursuit for the chip.
Brandon Bass and Thaddeus Young make the most sense in terms of solidifying depth in the frontcourt, just in case another injury surfaces, or if Robin Lopez comes back in a manner where his presence is not very effective.
As for talent, Thad is clearly the more capable of the two, but both would be serviceable additions in their own right.
Young for his propensity to amass a high volume of defensive stats, not to mention the Blazers could use another source of points from the bench. Bass would be solely used to stop opposing bigs on the glass, and cause disruption on shot attempts in and around the paint.
It remains to be seen what road the Trail Blazers will take come February, as their 30-9 record suggests a team doing just fine. But there are acquirable pieces out there that would be helpful for a playoff push.
What do you think the Blazers should do? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!