Portland Trail Blazers need Trevor Ariza back next year
Chris Phillips
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There are plenty of rumors that say the Portland Trail Blazers will not bring back sharp-shooter Trevor Ariza. Our Chris Phillips thinks that would be a mistake.
Trevor Ariza is a piece the Portland Trail Blazers have tried to fill for years. As of now, the 14-year veteran is a member of the Blazers. That could change quickly. Off the court, there are allegations of child abuse pending against him. Basketball related, Ariza will make $12.8M next season, but only $1.8M is guaranteed. Portland could cut ties with Ariza very cheaply.
Should the Blazers keep Ariza on the roster? I’m here to tell you the answer is YES! Others may, or will tell you, no. They’ll say Ariza is old (35), and his production last year resembled his rookie year stats rather than the productive player he’s been in between.
Bang for the buck
Ariza’s numbers with Portland validate his contract number. His outside shooting was superb in a short period of time. From January 21, when the Blazers traded with Sacramento to get him, until the COVID-19 break, he averaged 11.6 points and 4.8 rebounds-per-game. Additionally, Ariza shot almost 50 percent from the field, including 40 percent from three-point range.
I’d say that kind of production is worth almost $13M for 2020-21. His relatively low guarantee means the Portland Trail Blazers can wait to see how Ariza’s child abuse case goes. That’s an incredible “pass or play deal. And “An offer we can’t refuse,” to paraphrase the Godfather.
Flexibility
There are more pros for keeping Ariza in Portland. Although he’s 6-8, the former UCLA Bruins star can play either the two or the three, depending on the lineup Terry Stotts wants to roll out. If the Blazers want to go big, he can play with Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins as the small forward. On the other hand, Ariza can move to shooting guard if CJ McCollum or Damian Lillard needs a breather or Stotts wants to go with Melo, Rodney Hood, or Nassir Little on the front line.
Ariza is also a very good defender, in addition to being a money shooter. A classic 3-and-D piece to complement Lillard and McCollum. In fact, back when Ariza was with the late, great Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum in Los Angeles, that was Ariza’s main job. Play defense, and when Kobe passed him the ball, make the shot. For several seasons the Portland Blazers have long been looking for a small forward who can do that job.
Experience counts
Ariza is also a former NBA championship winner, with the above-mentioned Kobe Bryant Lakers. He’s been on many different teams (Portland is his tenth). Aside from 14 NBA regular seasons, Ariza played in the postseason 10 times. Ariza adds tested playoff experience. This kind of experience is very beneficial for a team that has championship expectations.
3’s from everywhere
Then there is Zach Collins. The 6-11 forward has only played in just over 60 percent of his eligible games. He’s also coming off an injury that knocked him out of the playoff. Stotts may use more “small ball” type lineups. With Nurc, Melo (if he comes back), C.J., and Dame, Ariza adds a fifth man who can nail the three-ball. That’s a lot of shooting on the floor. It also creates big driving lanes for Dame and CJ! Let’s also mention
Imagine filling the court with five shooters. Not to mention Collins, who shot 36.8% from three as well. There is no such thing as having too much talent. The Trailblazers need Trevor Ariza if they’re serious about winning a championship this year.
Do you think the Portland Trail Blazers should bring back Trevor Ariza? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.