NBA Draft 2020: 5 best fits for James Wiseman

PORTLAND, OREGON - NOVEMBER 12: James Wiseman #32 of the Memphis Tigers and Anthony Mathis #32 of the Oregon Ducks battle for position during the second half of the game at Moda Center on November 12, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. Oregon won the game 82-74. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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The Blazers will likely let Hassan Whiteside leave via free agency. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Hassan Whiteside is scheduled to hit free agency at the conclusion of the 2019-20 season and it’s hard to envision a scenario in which the Blazers bring him back. That leaves Portland with a sizable hole at center to fill before next season begins.

Yes, it’s fair to assume that Jusuf Nurkic will come back and enjoy better health moving forward, but the Blazers can’t rely on him to man the position by himself. Most teams would let Zach Collins help at the center position, but Portland seems committed to the idea of letting him play power forward.

Wiseman would immediately become the Blazers’ best offensive option in the post. The presence of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum would make it impossible for opposing defenses to double team Wiseman on a regular basis. The young big man has the offensive ability to dominate one-on-one matchups in the post.

Portland’s willingness to drop their bigs in post defense could also be a blessing for Wiseman as a rookie. Terry Stotts can keep the game simple for him while he adjusts to the rigors of being a professional. Add it all up and Portland is a sneaky attractive destination for Wiseman.

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