The Portland Trail Blazers approach the NBA Draft in need of a quality center or power forward to improve their frontcourt. The Blazers have the No. 10 pick in the draft and may find the big man they targeted already taken when they are on the clock.
Teams that draft well do not typically draft based solely on need, they stick to their draft board and take the most talented player available. Given the Blazers success last year in hitting on Damian Lillard with the No. 6 pick in the draft, they deserve the benefit of the doubt when it comes to making the right decision on draft day.
There are a number of talented guards in the draft and if Portland finds the most talented player available to be a small forward, shooting guard or point guard then expect them to strengthen that part of their team.
If Portland does not emerge from the NBA draft with a big man they feel is capable of playing a significant role on their 2013-14 team, they will look to free agency to strengthen their frontcourt.
The Blazers frontcourt is in desperate need of an upgrade. Portland ranked 23rd in rebounds per game (40.8) and 27th overall in blocks per game (4.3). The Portland bench made matters worse, ranking last in the NBA in both rebounds per game (10.5) and offensive rebounds per game (2.8).
Let’s take a look at five centers and power forwards the Portland Trail Blazers may target to improve their frontcourt in the 2013 off-season.
Nikola Pekovic would be a perfect fit in Portland with Trail Blazers. (Photo Credit/Keith Allison/Flickr.com)
Nikola Pekovic
Nikola Pekovic represents exactly what the Blazers need up front. Pekovic is a tough, physical presence that would turn a weakness of the Blazers into a strength in 2013-14. Pekovic averaged 16.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in 2012-13. Pekovic has improved in each of this three NBA seasons and is coming into his own as a starter.
Pekovic is a restricted free agent but the Blazers may decide to swing for the fences and offer Pekovic a contract that would be difficult for the Minnesota Timberwolves to match.
Elton Brand would add a much need physical presence to the Portland frontcourt. (Photo Credit/Brandon Jennings/Insidedfwsports)
Elton Brand
The Dallas Mavericks signed Elton Brand to one-year deal in the 2012 offseason after he was amnestied by the Philadelphia 76ers. The Mavericks’ bench averaged 17.6 rebounds per game, good for third overall in the NBA in 2012-13. Brand’s contributions played a large part in the Mavericks success on the glass. Brand only played 21.2 minutes per game for the Mavericks, but averaged 7.2 points and 6.0 rebounds. If you average his production per 36 minutes, his numbers reflect a more accurate depiction of his contribution (12.2 points and 10.1 rebounds).
Brand was a valuable member of a Dallas bench that ranked first in the NBA in points per game. Brand is capable of playing power forward or center and would provide Portland with a strong presence in the paint.
Brand graciously accepted his role on the bench despite being a starter for his entire career. Brand’s veteran presence, toughness and team-first attitude would suit a talented young Portland team well.
Tiago Splitter
Tiago Splitter picked a great time to have the best season of his career. Splitter averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per game for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2012-13 season. Splitter is smart center who uses his body and physical stature well in the paint.
The Spurs have stated they would like to keep Splitter in San Antonio, but a substantial offer for the free agent may be too much for the Spurs to match.
Al Jefferson
Al Jefferson is an unrestricted free agent and the Blazers may find the 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds he averaged in 2012-13 too tempting to resist. Jefferson is only 6’10”, but the Blazers could elect to play him at power forward and move LaMarcus Aldridge to the center position.
Jefferson would likely command a significant long-term contract, but if the Blazers were able to find a way to add him to their roster they would immediately upgrade their interior rebounding and post play.
Brandan Wright
Brandan Wright was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2007 draft, but did not find immediate success in the NBA. Wright displayed a strong, consistent work ethic and found success coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks the last two seasons. Wright played well whenever he was given minutes for the Mavericks and will likely draw attention from a number of teams this off-season.
Wright is an athletic big man who can play the power forward or center position depending on the matchup. Wright averaged only 18 minutes per game in 2012-13, but averaged 8.5 minutes and 4.1 rebounds. The last two seasons Wright shot and impressive .608 from the field. Wright is smart player who is only 25 years old and has improved in each season of his NBA career.