Portland Trail Blazers: 5 reasons Caleb Swanigan was a good pick

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Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) drives to the basket around defender Iowa State Cyclones guard Deonte Burton (30) during the second half of the game in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

3. He gives the Blazers another ferocious rebounder

Another big aspect that Swanigan brings to the NBA is his rebounding. As mentioned in the first slide, his 12.5 rebounds per game was the second-best mark in the NCAA in 2016-17. That average expands to 15.3 boards per 40 minutes and 21.9 per 100 possessions. The average is also the 36th-best rebounding year in the NCAA since 1992-93.

It should be noted he gets his boards without a crazy vertical. His 29-inch maximum vertical he logged at the 2016 NBA Draft Combine was fourth-worst among all prospects. He didn’t log one at the 2017 combine, but it can be assumed it’s the same or only slightly better.

Swanigan told WANE-TV 15 in Fort Wayne that he was glad to go to the Blazers. He feels their game plan is conducive to how he plays.

"“They’re a big team that pushes the ball well. They get up a lot of shots, but I’m a rebounder. So, to me, a rebound is a pass, so they got some passing guards.”"

The Blazers sorely need rebounding. They were 18th in the NBA in rebounds per game before the arrival of Jusuf Nurkic. Afterwards, they ranked 10th in the league. Bringing in Swanigan will surely bolster that number.

Sometimes, a player can collect a rebound or two by being in the right place at the right time. But 12.5 rebounds per game in a Division I season is not a fluke. Swanigan made rebounding a lifestyle at Purdue, and will likely keep doing so for Portland.

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