Portland Trail Blazers: Ranking the Top 5 Blazers under 25
Rob Ryan
|
5. Keon Johnson (20 years old)
In 22 games for Portland, Keon Johnson put up 9.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 25.5 minutes per game. The former first round pick acquired in the Robert Covington / Norman Powell trade looked more comfortable as he got more time on the court.
Offensive consistency is something Johnson must continue to work on. During summer league, he had some standout games, but he also had some no-show games as well.
His defensive efforts stayed consistent, which will help him stay in the NBA. But with a packed Blazers backcourt, he might not see much of the court unless injuries pile up or the team consolidates some of its talent via trade.
A few games in the G-league could help further develop his potential.
KEON. JOHNSON. CAN. JUMP. pic.twitter.com/2VZG5PzcR3
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) July 17, 2022
4. Trendon Watford (21 years old)
Trendon Watford was probably the biggest surprise in the Portland Trail Blazers’ lackluster, injury-riddled 2021-22 season. Due to trades and injuries, he emerged as the team’s starting power forward late in the season. Watford embraced his new role, becoming a stabilizing player who showed more poise than most players do at his age.
The 6’8” forward put in a solid 7.6 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game while also showcasing solid defense. Watford continued to develop his game after the season ended. In the Summer League Championship Game, Watford was the MVP.
This season, expect to see him get a healthy dose of minutes as the Blazers’ first big man off the bench.
Trendon Watford is an extremely smart, versatile player. He’s not an outside shooter, but he handles the ball well for his size, makes high-level reads and passes, and excels off ball, executing precise, patient cuts and/or positioning himself in space to open up passing lanes. pic.twitter.com/68XqiwpPL0
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) September 23, 2022
Next: Page 3 – Scratching the Surface
>