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High-profile injuries to CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic have put the Trail Blazers on a level playing field as they try to keep pace with the rest of the competitive Western Conference in a condensed regular season. Add to that the absence of Zach Collins throughout the season and you have a situation that will require coach Terry Stotts to get creative with his starting and relief rotations.
This article focuses specifically on the Blazers’ non-McCollum backcourt. The former Lehigh star is about four weeks away from reassessing his fractured foot. Even with that date in mind, there is no clear indication of what its timeline might look like after this process takes place. To start the season, the Blazers’ list of internal options outside of third-year goalie Gary Trent Jr. has not been inspiring. This reality could shift Portland’s attention to the free agent market.
Before we get into the potential options in the open market, let’s take a look at how the Blazers’ reserve guards performed in 14 games. The backup backcourt has averaged 15.4 points per game so far, the fifth lowest average in the NBA. When it comes to efficiency, the Blazers’ reserve guards succeeded 35.6% of their attempts – the worst percentage in the league. Even Portland’s penchant for three points couldn’t save the reserve backcourt’s effective field goal percentage. The Blazers’ backup guards have the third worst% eFG at 48.8%. Coupled with a questionable defense, Portland’s backup guards have the NBA’s worst net score at -2.9.
Pause. Your eyes will stop bleeding in a moment. Moving on, here’s a look at four free agents who could fit into an emergency guard rotation until McCollum returns.
Emmanuel Muudiay
Statistics 2019-20
Games: 54 (2 departures) | PTS: 7.3 | AST: 2.1 | FG%: 46.2 | 3P%: 34.5
Mudiay, the former No.7 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, has formed three teams since entering the league. Regardless of his inability to stick to just one franchise, he has consistently improved his scoring efficiency each year. Last year, with the Jazz, he produced the best career numbers in three points and overall field goal percentage. In Utah, Mudiay’s production managed to stay relatively consistent in a smaller role. His par 36 averages for points and assists are only slightly down from his last season with the Knicks. Mudiay isn’t the flashiest name that comes to mind, but he’s only 24 and has experience in multiple roles.
Troy Daniels
Statistics 2019-20
Games: 47 | PTS: 4.3 | FG%: 38.7 | 3P%: 34.8
Daniels has carved out a successful career as a shooting specialist since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in the 2013-14 season. Last year, the 29-year-old guard split his time with the Nuggets and Lakers. While his shooting numbers plummeted last season, Daniels owns a career three-point percentage of 39.5 percent. Outside of his shot, he’s not a ball blocker – a potential bonus for Portland’s reserve unit which is filled with high-use players.
Courtney lee
Statistics 2019-20
Games: 24 (9 departures) | PTS: 4.5 | FG%: 48.8 | 3P%: 44.7
Lee, a 12-season veteran, is firmly in the twilight of his professional career. That said, he still has value as a contributor to the tertiary wing. Before heading to the open market, Lee completed a 46-game run with the Mavericks that spanned two-season portions. This experience within Coach Rick Carlisle’s system could serve as a basis for the Blazers. Lee wouldn’t fix Portland’s lack of ball handling, but he could increase the efficiency and spacing of the second unit.
Brandon knight
Statistics 2019-20
Games: 25 (3 departures) | PTS: 7.3 | AST: 2.8 | FG%: 35.3 | 3P%: 34.4
Knight has rebounded in the league following his lucrative contract with the Suns. Injuries took a toll on his athleticism, but Knight is still a capable floor general on the bench. His shooting efficiency has declined significantly overall, but his three-point shooting has managed to hover around respectability. At 29, there may be enough left in the tank to fill the one-time duty minutes until McCollum returns. When the Blazers regain their full potential, his veteran presence at the end of the bench could come in handy.
Three other players to consider:
- Shabazz Napier: A guard who scores first and has experience in the Blazers system.
- Ky Bowman: A second-year guard who played a bigger role than expected with the Warriors last season. Bowman could, however, be heading for the G League bubble with the Clippers’ affiliate.
- Levi Randolph: A tall combo guard who has done a bit of everything in the G League.
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