Norman Powell, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers.
The NBA trade deadline has come and gone. The Portland Trail Blazers made a move. They traded swingman Rodney Hood and guard Gary Trent Jr. to the Toronto Raptors for guard/forward Norman Powell. This wasn’t the blockbuster or big-name player deal that many, myself included, hoped the Blazers would make. But it is a trade that should help the team.
Let’s dig into this deal and examine it. At first glance, some might say why? Is Powell that much better than Hood and GTJ? Upon review, the answer is yes but only slightly. This is a short-term pseudo-all-in move. Moving the two Dukies is also a positive. Hood is a moody, malcontent streaky shooter. He once refused to enter in a game when he was in Cleveland.
Trent, for his part, is having his best year yet, averaging 15.0 points in 30.8 minutes per game. Even so, it still leaves something to be desired.
My colleague Teresa Powe was shocked by this trade. Especially since GTJ stepped up while CJ McCollum was out. As previously mentioned, Trent is having his best year. However, while CJ was out the Portland Trail Blazers success hinged solely on Damian Lillard. McCollum’s absence meant Dame logged heavy minutes to help keep the Blazers afloat. So at his best, Trent couldn’t lighten the scoring load.
Just look back to the beginning of the year when Dame wasn’t up to normal Dame standards. There were several games where CJ carried the Blazers to a victory. Did GTJ ever do that? Nope, he can’t carry a team at this point in his career.
So, what are the Blazers getting in Mr. Powell? Like GTJ, he’s having a career year. Powell currently ranks 13th in three-pointers made per game at 2.8, and he’s 10th in three-point percentage at 43.9 percent. He’s shooting just under 50 percent from the field, 87 percent at the charity stripe, So far in 2020-21 Powell averages 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals, and 19.6 points per game. That’s all better than GTJ. Powell was starting for Toronto and it remains to be seen if that’ll continue in Rip City or if he’ll come off the bench.
One thing the Blazers lacked all year long is a spark off the bench. A guy who can come in and swing the momentum of the game. Whether that’s being a spark for a lethargic team or taking the team to next level.
Toronto went going with a small ball lineup this year, playing 6’4″ Powell at small forward. If Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts wanted to do the same, Powell could easily start over Derrick Jones Jr or Robert Covington. However, he can be more valuable coming off the bench in a backcourt tandem with Anfernee Simons.
By coming off the bench, he relieves Carmelo Anthony of some of the second unit’s scoring responsibilities. It’s unfair to ask Anthony to be the main scorer off the bench at this stage in his career. He can still do it, but this isn’t the Knicks or Nuggets version of Melo. Powell is another legit NBA scorer that opposing teams need to be aware of and plan for accordingly.
One other thing not too many are talking about is the fact this trade opens a spot on the Portland Trail Blazers roster So, yeah that means the Blazers can sign anyone they want without having to remove someone from the current roster. There are several big players who look like their contracts will be bought out by the current team. By big, I mean big men, such as LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Drummond.
Since neither of these players was traded at the deadline, and they are out of favor with their current clubs, it looks like it’s time to part ways. Aldridge from San Antonio and Drummond from Cleveland. Let’s not forget that DeMarcus Cousins is still out there seeking employment.
Getting any one of these three big men is a big boost for the Blazers. Yes, Jusuf Nurkic is nearing a return, but, how much health can be expected of him for the remainder of the year? L.A. or Boogie are probably the best fits for the team. They both have a face-up game and are competent three-ball shooters. Drummond would take care of any rebounding issues and give some help to the defense by blocking shots.
The issue with him is his game is 100% classic back to the basket center. So he doesn’t pair well with Enes Kantner. And as we saw with Hassan Whiteside last year, Nurk didn’t do well a classic big man on the floor at the same time.
Current reports have Miami as the front runner to land Aldridge. Maybe Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey comes in and makes L.A. an offer he can’t refuse. Most likely Boogie is the player that signs in Rip City. Unless another big man gets bought out.
Adding Cousins is a good move for the Blazers. He makes their scoring punch more potent while also adding some more versatility to the lineup. By playing the but-out market, the Blazers didn’t have to give up much to get some additional help and an upgrade.
What do you think about the Portland Trail Blazers trading for Norman Powell? Is another move coming? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.