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Teams Should Give Trendon Watford A Look In NBA Free Agency – Forbes
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 09: Trendon Watford #2 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over … [+]
As the calendar nears August, forward/center Trendon Watford sits widely available in the free agent pool. The former Blazer, just 22 years old, spent two years being productive in limited minutes, scoring 7.5 points, and grabbing 4.0 rebounds, in just 18.6 minutes over 110 games.
Furthermore, Watford was efficient. He’s knocked down 54.7% of his career shot attempts, canned 39% of his three-pointers this past season, and he’s got a wicked passing instinct for someone 6’9, which resulted in 2.1 assists last year.
So, which teams should have interest?
Two types of teams make sense, the first being rebuilding organizations that put large emphasis on youth and upside. Watford has spent his first two years with a team trying to be competitive – but failing to do so – meaning finding a team where expectations are bit lessened might be a good idea.
A young team can surely make room for a productive 22-year-old with a diverse skill set. Watford needn’t start, but he can back up both big positions. What’s ultimately the most important component here is that any team that signs him dedicate themselves to developing him.
The San Antonio Spurs make a fair bit of sense. They’re not deep up front, and while Zach Collins gave them good minutes last year, availability will be a concern. Having Watford in their back pocket would help provide San Antonio with some injury insurance, while generally strengthening their big man depth.
It wouldn’t hurt if the Charlotte Hornets placed a call to Watford either. While Mark Williams projects as their long-term solution at center, they still haven’t re-signed P.J. Washington, and Miles Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. In short, the Hornets need more young bodies with upside to offset a potentially major front-court loss in the event both Bridges and Washington leave next summer via picking up their qualifying offers.
There’s some merit for teams on the playoff bubble to give Watford a look as well. He might not crack a playoff rotation, but he can provide quality minutes in the regular season, keeping minutes for proven starters down, and assisting a team in maintaining a competitive bench.
The Brooklyn Nets have enormous depth at the wing, but need some size in the front court. Having a big man who can help initiate plays, especially in the short-roll, would allow Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson to roam free. Watford would also – theoretically – partner up well with Cam Thomas off the bench.
At the very least, teams around the league should give Watford a look. He might never be a star, and he might not be a starting caliber player, but he’s one of those guys who can offer tremendous long-term value from the bench, and potentially develop into a highly important role player, which virtually all teams would be happy to have around.
Unless noted otherwise, all stats via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.