Canzano: Meyers Leonard Is Blazers' Future Franchise Center

John Canzano of The Oregonian writes that Portland Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard has the potential to develop into a franchise center.

And if you want to polarize your next cocktail party, wait for a lull, and ask for a show of hands of those who believe Leonard will one day start a playoff game at center for the Blazers. Because this city is no longer Eastside vs. Westside. It's not hipsters vs. yuppies. As division goes, there are those who believe Leonard will blossom, and those who think he's a stiff.

I see a star.

Far as we know, Leonard spent his summer league hacking opponents around the basketball and tweeting about various Cirque du Soleil shows on the Vegas strip. But he also attended a Big Man's Camp, and got stronger, and worked on his footwork. And even as Leonard told me at the beginning of the summer that he wanted the Blazers to sign "a veteran center to show me the ropes," I think a little patience from the organization could end up making Leonard a steal at No. 11 in the 2012 NBA Draft.

-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | Twitter