Portland Trail Blazers: 5 post-deadline goals for the rest of the season
#3 Derrick Jones Jr. needs to upgrade the bench defensively
One thing I was worried about when Kanter returned to the bench was whether or not we’d see the same defensive lapses as we saw earlier in the season when he was paired with Carmelo. I think Derrick Jones Jr. plugs in some of those holes. His athleticism allows him to play almost the same “Disruptor” role that Covington plays, except Derrick is the bench’s version of it.
Derricks’ high-energy efforts and ability to crowd passing lanes are exactly what was previously missing from the teams’ bench defensively. Where a player like Trent was a solid defender at the backup two-guard position, Jones can do a more all-around job on defense. Jones Jr off the bench will allow Carmelo and Kanter to do what they do best, score and rebound.
#4 Utilize Zach Collins (if) when he comes back.
Zach Collins is the Portland Trail Blazers forgotten man. Once again, he’s out with a long-term injury (ankle fracture). But there is a chance he can make it back for the playoffs. They’ll need him.
When healthy, Collins is an above-average defender, which this team is still desperate for. He has the height and ability to defend down low while still having the lateral quickness to stay in front of quicker perimeter players.
Collins shoots the three-ball at a higher percentage than either Nurkic or Kanter, making him a nice option to have in a playoff series. That skill set works very well when the Blazers face an opponent with a slower center they can exploit.