No matter where LaMarcus Aldridge eventually decides to play next season, the Portland Trail Blazers should be focused on how to bolster their bench. More specifically, they need to make it less guard-oriented. And a step in the right direction could be zeroing in on frontcourt players in June’s NBA Draft. There will be plenty to choose from when Portland’s name is called, at pick 23 of the first round, and one who would fit the bill is Louisville’s 6’8″ forward Montrezl Harrell.
His name doesn’t solely come to mind because DraftExpress.com had Portland selecting him in their latest mock draft. His style of play is reminiscent of someone the Blazers had to part with in order to acquire guard Arron Afflalo when Wesley Matthews went down: Thomas Robinson. Robinson, of similar build, physicality and energy level, watched his role diminish with the emergence of center Meyers Leonard and the veteran leadership of Chris Kaman. And yet, when he was on the floor, the atmosphere was enhanced and more often than not good things happened. That’s because Portland knew what he would bring to the table: hustle. He not only impacted the game with blocks, rebounds and baskets around the rim; he had the ability to fire up teammates and exude confidence when those around him were slumping or sluggish.
Leonard stepped up last season as the main frontcourt player off the bench, and his impact cannot be exaggerated. And yet, Portland was missing someone with Robinson’s activity. While Leonard was productive, relying as heavily as they did on guards C.J. McCollum and Steve Blake wasn’t a recipe for success. A bench that is too reliant on outside shooting is far from dependable, but one with an enforcer or two capable of adequately giving not only Aldridge a break but fellow starter Robin Lopez as well is. Center Joel Freeland saw minutes off the bench alongside Leonard, but he wasn’t consistent. Harrell, like Robinson before him, could simply be what they need by sticking to his strengths, and that’s all about energy.
Harrell averaged 15.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game as a junior last season with Louisville. The 21-year-old set the NCAA record for most dunks in a single season, and his dunking isn’t what’s so impressive about this; it represents how often he’s around the rim. He makes a living inside the paint, both looking to make the most of opponent’s misses and to create for himself. As a result of his inside prowess, Harrell drew some significant praise from DraftExpress.com’s Jonathan Givony in lead-up to the draft:
“Harrell’s relentless nature, combined with his quick second jump makes him a very solid presence on the offensive glass. He averaged 3.9 per-40 offensive rebounds for his career, despite his lack of height, as he often seems to simply want the ball more than his opponents, and will go well out of his area to pursue it.
Defensively is where Harrell figures to make his mark at the NBA level, as he has a relentless motor to go along with strong physical tools (length, strength, athleticism), and will often be seen sacrificing his body and diving on the floor for loose balls, not being afraid of anyone or trying anything to get the job done.
Harrell can hold his own against taller big men and rarely gets backed down inside the paint due to his tough and physical style of play. He’s also versatile enough to do some things on the perimeter, hedging screens, trapping, and recovering effectively, while being quick enough to switch onto guards and not get beat off the bounce.
Harrell isn’t the most disciplined defender, as he gets by more on effort and aggressiveness than great fundamentals, but is very much a playmaker out on the court, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks per-40 minutes in his college career.”
The Blazers have plenty of height in the fold if Aldridge and Lopez re-sign, but they don’t have the necessary energizing bulk and fearlessness. Oftentimes, championship contenders feature undersized power forwards who make a living on hard work and utilizing their strengths. Los Angeles Clippers’ Glen Davis, San Antonio Spurs’ Boris Diaw and, as part of some of their smaller lineups, Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green come to mind.
If the Blazers are able to bring back Aldridge, Lopez and Matthews, they will once again feature a roster equipped with an eclectic array of strengths. Given Harrell’s potential, he could fill one of the team’s few holes in Portland’s quest to take the next step and beyond.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
