Fansided

NBA free agency: 5 teams for Pau Gasol

By John Buhler

Jan 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves the ball against the defense of Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
December 1, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) moves the ball against the defense of Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The Portland Trail Blazers were the most pleasant surprise in the NBA last season. After losing four of five starters in 2015 NBA free agency, many felt that Portland was bound to be a 25-win team and in the cellar of the deep Western Conference.

However through point guard Damian Lillard’s rise to superstardom, shooting guard C.J. McCollum’s ascendance to being All-Star caliber, and the great work of head coach Terry Stotts and general manager Neil Olshey, Portland made it all the way to the Western Conference Semifinals.

Entering 2016-17, Portland appears as a dark horse contender to come out of the West. The Trail Blazers aren’t on the same level as the Golden State Warriors, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Spurs, or even the team they beat in the first round in the Los Angeles Clippers, as Portland is in dire need of a front court upgrade.

Do expect the Trail Blazers to land a marquee free agent at either power forward or center to complement the back court tandem of Lillard and McCollum. Though age is an issue, Gasol would be the perfect third wheel in Portland should the Trail Blazers want to push for contention this soon.

Worst case scenario, Portland makes the Western Conference Playoffs and loses in the first round in seven very competitive games. Gasol would have provided knowledge to all in Portland about what it takes to be a champion. Lillard, McCollum, and the rest of the Trail Blazers will listen and have themselves one great 2017-18 NBA campaign, with or without Gasol on the club

Next: 1. Houston Rockets.

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