Portland Trail Blazers: Grading their signings in NBA free agency

The Portland Trail Blazers had a much better season in 2020-21 than they did in 2019-20. While they still suffered a number of injuries, they were able to play through them and still qualify directly for the playoffs, crucially missing the play-in tournament.

They made the right move at the deadline, sending Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood to the Toronto Raptors, receiving Norman Powell in return. He would form a three-guard lineup with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum which was incredibly difficult to stop.

As the 2021-22 offseason rolled around, the Blazers dismissed head coach Terry Stotts, firing their bench boss of nine seasons. They replaced him with Chauncey Billups which reportedly caused tension with Lillard. This led to trade rumors abounding about Lillard leaving but it seems the star is staying, at least for the time being.

Portland Trail Blazers NBA free agency signings: 1. Ben McLemore

The Trail Blazers signed guard Ben McLemore to a single season, veterans minimum which could help the 28-year-old, eight-year veteran continue to resurrect his career. It appeared to be over in the 2018-19 season when he only averaged 3.9 points per game with the Sacramento Kings.

He would sign with the Houston Rockets in 2019-20 but was then waived by the Rockets in the 2020-21 season. The Lakers then signed him for the rest of the season. The Blazers appear to be trailing McLemore as they have six guards on their roster now. He is a solid 3-point shooter but his efficiency has dropped off over the last few seasons.

Grade: C