Needing a boost off the bench and a potential starter if and when Wesley Matthews leaves town this summer, Portland Trail Blazers’ GM Neil Olshey pulled the trigger on a deal that brought Denver sharp shooter Arron Afflalo and reserve defensive specialist Alonzo Gee to the Rose City.
Afflalo, known mostly for his outside shooting prowess than anything else, could provide the spark the second unit has sorely missed. Gee’s role is yet to be determined, as Portland now has a bevy of players they can put in the two and three positions.
The front court is the only spot that potentially suffered, as reserve forwards Thomas Robinson and Victor Clavor were sent to Denver in the trade along with guard Will Barton.
Included in the trade was a lottery-protected 1st round pick sent to Denver, that turns in to two second round picks if the Blazers miss the playoffs in either 2016 or 2017.
Afflalo and Gee are expected to suit up for Portland’s game in Utah tonight, who had their own trade take place on Thursday, sending Enes Kanter to Oklahoma City in exchange for Kendrick Perkins.
With career averages of 11.5 points and a 45% shooting percentage as well as 38% from beyond the arc, Afflalo could be the spark this offense needs in crunch time.
Will adding Afflalo and Gee be enough to get it done in a stacked Western Conference come playoff time? Only time will tell.
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