Spare Parts
With the Portland Trail Blazers in full rebuilding mode, adding any of the names (assuming that they all remain healthy) mentioned below will probably not result in a lengthy playoff run, but it may help them compete for an eighth seed until late in the regular season.
At the very least, these players could help bridge the transition gap of a once promising lineup as the future Blazers learn the NBA ropes.
When you look at the Blazers current roster, who strikes fear into attacking opponents on the defensive end?
Certainly not Meyers Leonard, nor does LaMarcus Aldridge to be completely honest…now after his shot heard around the world, you could be tentitive to attack Nicolas Batum, but that is for an entirely different reason.
Kenyon Martin
Adding an experienced vet like Kenyon Martin would give the Blazers a defensive presence in the paint and also one that has the mobility to guard the perimeter.
With a career average of 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, Martin could team with JJ Hickson to provide a nasty shutdown unit off the bench and also bring the Rose Garden to their feet with one of his classic putback or lob jams.
Derek Fisher
Taking a look at the Trial Blazers point guard core, the need for an experienced wily veteran to show Damian Lillard the ropes screams opportunity for Derek Fisher.
After five championships with the Lakers and a return trip last year as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder, the chance for Fisher to mentor the next generation is open and much needed by the Blazers.
When you consider that Lillard is backed up by Nolan Smith and Ronnie Price, there isn’t much NBA milage at the point guard spot.
If Fish is willing to step away from the opportunity to play for a title contender and take on a teaching role, one in which he could play a more prominent role, a run with the Blazers would be ideal.
The chance for Fisher to mentor the next generation is open and much needed by the Blazers
Michael Redd
Michael Redd proved last year that the Milwaukee Bucks loss was the Phoenix Suns gain as he came back after a year off due to injury to play a key role with the second unit, averaging 8.2 points per game in only 15 minutes of floor time.
While the Bucks let go of Redd mainly due to finanical reasons tied to his health, the Suns on the other hand want to rebuild and do not see Redd as part of their future.
Although the Blazers are in the same rebuilding mode, the fact that Redd proved he can still be efficient, would strengthen the Blazers bench significantly.
With an additional long range gunner on the roster, Redd would be a good mentor for Luke Babbitt and Batum.
Leandro Barbosa
Whereas Redd would give the Blazers a hired gun slinging shots from deep, Leandro Barbosa still has enough of the “Brazilian Blur” remaining in the tank to be a suitable running mate for either Damian Lillard or Wesley Matthews, should coach Terry Stotts want to push the tempo.
Following a strong Olympic showing, Barbosa had proved to still be a valuable commodity on and off the court.
If the Blazers had to choose between Barbosa and Fisher, the former not the latter would be a better option as he has the ability to play both backcourt positions, adding depth at either spot.
The Blazers can use an experienced big man to show Meyers Leonard the ins and outs of the NBA life. Unfortunately, both Marcus Camby (traded) and Joel Pryzbilla (signed with the Bucks as a free agent) have new addresses.
What is left on the market?
How about a promising young big man who has been under NBA contract for five years and has career averages of 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game and is only 24 years old.
Such a player would be more than ideal for the transitioning franchise.
Unfortunately for the Blazers, that individual has only played 82 games in that five year span and his name is Greg Oden….Next option please!
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