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#2 Paul Millsap
Another veteran the Portland Trail Blazers should target is Paul Millsap. It's true that his production has certainly reduced in recent years. However, Millsap's 6'7" frame and ability to play great defense are his best traits. He is an intriguing option to consider and could come off the bench to play Robert Covington's minutes.
The Trail Blazers lack size on their roster, and defense is evidently one area they need to improve upon. Millsap fits the bill here, and can also step into the kind of veteran leadership role that Carmelo Anthony has provided for the team over the last two seasons.
Millsap averaged 9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game playing for the Denver Nuggets last season. He could even start for the team in case of an injury to any of their frontcourt players during the course of the season. Millsap will likely command a veteran minimum contract, which makes him an affordable target for the Portland Trail Blazers to consider.
#1 Josh Hart
At 26 years of age, Josh Hart is a younger option compared to the likes of Wesley Mathews and Paul Millsap for the Portland Trail Blazers. Hart is a terrific rebounder of the ball and is also a decent defender. The Trail Blazers could look to offer him the full tax-payer mid-level exception and hope the New Orleans Pelicans do not end up matching any offer sheet on him.
Hart averaged 9.2 points, 8 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game last season. He had a down shooting year though, averaging 32.6% from the deep on 4.1 attempts per contest. The fifth-year forward has always played significant minutes (26 per game throughout his career), meaning the Trail Blazers can rely on him in their rotation.
Hart fits the timeline of the younger players on the Portland Trail Blazers and could be a player they can continue with for years to come. The former LA Lakers man can play well on and off the ball, so that's another great sign for the team. He has recorded 17 double-doubles over the last two seasons, which is a remarkable feat considering he has largely featured in roles off the bench.
