Just before the 2023 season began, the Portland Trail Blazers made a significant move, trading franchise icon Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks. In return, they acquired a promising roster, including Deandre Ayton, Jrue Holiday, Toumani Camara, and draft compensation. The subsequent trade of Holiday for Robert Williams and Malcolm Brogdon has given the Trail Blazers a dynamic mix of young centers to work with.
On draft night, the Trail Blazers front office waited patiently for a wing to solidify their rotation. Instead, they ended up with Donovan Clingan, an elite big man with superstar potential. Initially, this draft choice was justified but left a big question mark around the minute share within the center position.
In preparation for next season, there are several strategies head coach Chauncey Billups can game plan around. However, if the outcome produces negative results, the Trail Blazers will be forced to choose a trade destination for one of their big men.
The Trail Blazers could trade center Robert Williams at the deadline if there is no positive outlook.
Through training camp, the Portland Trail Blazers have three centers competing for time on the court. Conversely, the coaching staff could pivot to their strengths and weaknesses using the ‘twin tower’ method set by the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. This will clear space for multiple big men on the floor simultaneously.
Amid a rebuild, the ‘twin tower’ method is certainly worth an attempt. If everything pans out, Portland will be rewarded with three competent centers in the most stacked Western Conference of all time.
If the ship sinks due to spacing or chemistry, the Trail Blazers will be forced to move on from Robert Williams. He is nearing the end of his contract and has a history of unwanted injuries. Given the minimal room for error, he would not fit into the team’s plans for the future.
The seventh overall pick, Donovan Clingan, possesses the highest value in the team’s rotation. He is young, with a defensive skill set that could reach the potential of Rudy Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year. Leading up to the draft, numerous scouts viewed Clingan as the highest prospect in the class.
With Deandre Ayton sealing the starting position, Williams must prove he can contribute at full health. He only played six games last year before encountering a season-ending knee injury. In the event he fails to meet expectations, the Trail Blazers front office will undoubtedly search the market for a trade partner.
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