He still had some defensive deficiencies (e.g. always recognizing when to help off his man in time, breaking up picks – and setting them) the last time I saw him, but he certainly looks close to NBA ready. With increased playing time and responsibility this year and still high efficiency ratings in both the Spanish ACB league and the international Euroleague games, he could be a good candidate to shore up our front court next season.
However, I also don’t think he would not come over to be a 3rd string player without playing time. He would want some kind of guarantee to be used in a similar way as Rudy, and he probably would want to be payed similarly to his ACB deal and not according to the rookie scale for a very late first round pick. Which would be possible, since he is a first round pick who has not signed in 3 seasons with the team that picked him, enabling the Blazers to sign him to a 3 year deal with cap space in excess of the rookie scale (we likely won’t have that unless Joel opts out) or the MLE. The Spurs will likely do that with Tiago Splitter next season, arguably one of the top centers in Europe right now. The Blazers might as well.

as being a piece for a deal, although I would like to see him come over and play for the Blazers.

can be found here. He’s #19.
Here’s a good block by him.

can be found here. He’s #19.
Here’s a good block by him.

he’s still a work in progress. He’s not intuitive, but he has decent touch. But his defense is pretty questionable. Gets off his feet too much and can be pushed around. He’s a better shotblocker than David Lee, but worse at most other things (including, annoyingly, rebounding). Sort of a poor man’s Birdman.