Portland Trail Blazers Should Pursue Samuel Dalembert
By Brian Brennan
@b2brennan
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Samuel Dalembert has been waived by the New York Knicks. A center who will most likely be claimed shortly, I think the Portland Trail Blazers would be a good fit for him.
By no means a superstar, Dalembert has been a serviceable center in the NBA for nearly 14 years now. He has always been a good rebounder and shot-blocker, which is something the Blazers could benefit from.
The obvious reasons for the Blazers claiming Dalembert are their lack of health at the center position. Robin Lopez and Joel Freeland are hurt. The other two centers on the roster, Chris Kaman and Meyers Leonard, could use a hand. Kaman will be the starting center as long as Lopez and Freeland are out. He has been great so far this season, but there are only so many minutes the 32-year old Kaman can play.
Leonard isn’t a bad young center, but he’s still raw and hasn’t developed the necessary skills a center needs in order to be consistently effective. This is where Dalembert would come in. He is also an intriguing claim candidate because he is on an expiring contract. This would allow the Blazers to sign him for the remainder of the season and not keep him in their future plans, an ideal spot from a team perspective regarding any aging player.
I don’t think Dalembert is the type of player that would make the Blazers an instant NBA championship favorite, but he could definitely help. If he would be okay with a limited number of minutes once Lopez and Freeland return, I think he could be an effective piece on this roster.
Brian Brennan is a Portland Trail Blazers writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @b2brennan.
Boston Celtics: 5 Trades Team Should Make
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant Disinterested in Lakers
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Lakers organization. Read More
Sixers Should Not Trade Tony Wroten
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
Despite Win, Lowry's All-Star Fate Takes Hit
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
5 Players Warriors Should Target Before Deadline
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More
Dwyane Wade Shouldn't Lead Heat In Scoring
Everyone said Dwyane Wade was on his last legs, but the veteran currently leads the Miami Heat in scoring, even ahead of Chris Bosh. However, the Heat star should not be the high scorer. Read More
Whitesde Could Become Heat's Starting Center
The Miami Heat need to reevaluate their starting center position, and Hassan Whiteside is clearly the best option going forward. See why here. Read More
Examining Why Pistons Should Give Monroe Max Deal
Why must the Detroit Pistons offer Greg Monroe the max this offseason if they want to hang on to him? Find out here. Read More
Jackson Takes Blame For Knicks' Disastrous Season
New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is right to take blame for the team's disastrous season. Read More
Spencer Hawes Remains Clippers' X-Factor
Spencer Hawes has certainly disappointed so far in his short time with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he remains their X-factor in regards to their success the rest of the season, and in the playoffs. Read More
Time To Shake Up The Heat Roster
The latest Miami Heat dilemma centers around if Pat Riley’s next move will be the right move. Read More
Wizards Seraphin Shows His Solidarity for Paris 12
Political messages in sports can often backfire, but recent t-shirts worn by NBA players hit the right chords with fans, including Washington Wizards F Kevin Seraphin. Read More