Portland Trailblazers Offseason Needs

Big Man Depth:
The Blazers had probably the worst bench in the league last season so they could use depth across the board. However, there is a good chance JJ Hickson leaves in free agency, which makes a big man a big need. Dario Saric is a prototypical European, he can shoot and is very versatile. He would give Portland a scoring option off of the bench which is something they dearly need. Cody Zeller is another option. Zeller is also a scoring option and he could possibly start. That would move Meyers Leonard back to the bench, where I think he can be a better player. They have two draft picks in the second round and they could use one of them on Kenny Kadji. Kadji had a breakout year in Miami and has solidified himself as someone who can do a little of everything. He would be a great option to have coming off of the bench.

Shooting Guard Depth:
Wesley Matthews is a good starter, but as with every other position on this team, there is no depth behind the starter. CJ McCollum is a top shooting guard in the draft, but I don't think Portland will consider him since he plays similar to Damian Lillard. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would be a good scoring and shooting option off of the bench. Portland does not have good shooters so he could make since at their pick. In the second round, they could look at Brandon Paul or Vander Blue. Both are two of the best second round prospects at shooting guard. They would not start right away, but they would be great threats to have off of the bench. There is nothing in the free agent market besides OJ Mayo, but I don't think he would make sense in Portland.

Small Forward Depth:
Nicolas Batum is probably the most underrated small forward in the NBA. He does everything very well. However, there is nobody behind him in order to give him relief. Livio Jean Charles from France could be an option in the first round. He plays with great energy which is essential in order to be a good bench player. CJ Leslie will probably be available in the second round. Questions have been raised about his work ethic, but he is an excellent athlete who would be good coming off of the bench. Corey Brewer is a possible option in free agency. He is a proven bench player who will not ask to be anything more.

Damian Lillard was the rookie of the year last season and will likely be in Portland for a very long time. Lamarcus Aldridge is a proven post player who can dominate most other bigs offensively. Them and Batum are likely their core for the future. They need to add some depth and they will do that if they draft Cody Zeller. I don't think that is their first choice, but I think it is their best. If they do that and pickup Brandon Paul and Leslie in the second round, they will be on their way to the playoffs in the western conference. Lillard is going to be a superstar, so as long as they build more around him, they should be a contender in the playoffs in the near future.