FanPost

COTF? (W/Poll)

The Trailblazers obviously have a glaring gap at the future center spot that could be remedied this summer or even as soon as the trade deadline. With Greg Oden not even being healthy enough to get surgery, all hope on Greg should be lost. Time to move on from the fiasco and look at acquiring a young center to pair with LaMarcus Aldridge. There shouldn't be any worry at whether there will be enough money to offer a big contract and that could really work to the Trailblazers favor when trying to outbid other teams with restricted free agency. There possibly won't be cap space again for a while so a deal for a free agent would probably need to be done this year.

Through free agency there seems to be 4 viable long term options at center (not named Howard). Their age is listed during this coming summer. Brook Lopez's numbers are from his 2010-2011 season, his rebounds could possibly improve to where there were his first 2 years if he leaves New Jersey and isn't playing next to Kris Humphries. A side note-when researching numbers for players, Camby is really just giving outstanding production in his minutes.

Roy Hibbert(25)-7'2", 260. 30mins-49%FG, 70%FT, 13.3ppg, 9.4rpg, 1.7blk, .4stl, 1.7apg, 3.1pf, 2.3to. Hibbert has the biggest size of any the 4 players and he actually contributes on a winner while managing(although I think it was a wrong selection) to get an All-Star nod. His FG% isn't phenomenal for a center (Aldridge has higher), FT% is good, points are average, rebounds solid(#17 in league), blocks solid(#11), assists decent(#14 among centers), but turns it over a little too much(#6 among centers).

Javale McGee(24)-7'0", 250. 29mins-53%FG, 50%FT, 12ppg, 9rpg, 2.7blk, .7stl, .5apg, 3.1pf, 1.7to. McGee is just a freak athlete who could become a monster if he puts it all together and his attitude improves. His FG% is decent for a center, FT% is terrible, points are average, rebounds solid(#20 in league), exceptional shot blocker(#2), poor passer, and has average turnover numbers.

Brook Lopez(24)-7'0", 265. 35mns-49%FG, 79%FT, 20.4ppg, 6prg, 1.5blk, .6stl, 1.6apg, 2.9pf, 2.1to. Lopez is coming off an injury but if he plays like he did before than he could be a great franchise cornerstone. His rebounds dropped off last season (partially due to Humphries) but his offense was great. He easily ranks as the best available offensive center with a decent FG% for the number of shot attempts, his FT% is also very good, points are great, rebounds are hideous but if he returns to his rebounding numbers from before last season(8rpg in 30mns) or even improves the rebounds per minute than he could be solid, blocks solid, passes decent, and has decent turnovers for the pressure he faced as a #1 or #2 option on offense.

Spencer Hawes(24)-7'1", 245. 28mins-57%FG, 61%FT, 10.5ppg, 8.3prg, 1.5blk, .5stl, 2.8apg, 2.9pf, 1.4to. Spencer Hawes is a Northwest guy and could potentially have some real interest in signing with the Trailblazers because of that. One of only a few big men that possess the skills to get a triple-double. His FG% is great, FT% is average, points are below average-average, rebounds are solid(#25 in league), blocks solid(#16), excellent passer(#1 center), and low turnovers.

There is also a chance that Joel Freeland could be bought out and make his long awaited Portland debut in 2012, so that is a potential solid center option next to Aldridge if he proves capable of playing center in the NBA. Although there is a larger gamble on waiting for Freeland and hoping he plays well than there would be on signing one of the above 4 proven players. Trades are also very possible but there doesn't seem to be any potential/current All-Stars that are entering their prime that are available.

The Trailblazers could also make a move up in the draft (if they'll even need to) to take a flier on a game changing or even just project center they feel will be ready very soon. Notable names include: Andre Drummond, Meyers Leonard, Tyler Zeller, and Fab Melo. Personally I only see Andre Drummond really being worth investing in if you're looking for an All-Star; but who really knows until it unfolds.

Just curious as to what center option most Trailblazer fans prefer. I really like the possibility of adding Hibbert, McGee, or Lopez to the Trailblazers core with Aldridge and Batum. Lopez would really help on the offensive end, McGee on the shot blocking and rebounding, and Hibbert in rebounding and defense. If a big move for a younger-ish(30 or younger) All-Star caliber PG could be achieved also either before the trade deadline for next season or during the off-season than I could see this team being a formidable threat in the NBA.