Meyers in the Middle

LaMarcus Aldridge is averaging 24.5 points per game.  Lillard is not far behind at 24.3.  Even Wesley Matthews is averaging over 17 points a game.  Nic Batum has not shot the ball particularly well (43%) but is filling up the box score and is the team's leading rebounder from the small forward position.  All 4 players have a PER above league average, with LA, Lillard and Matthews having PERs over 20.  The center position?  Chalk this up to Portland's biggest weakness.

Robin Lopez was not brought in to be "the answer."  He was brought in to defend opposing centers, block some shots and get some rebounds.  In 28.5 minutes per game, Lopez has only managed 4.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.  His 2.25 blocks per game are a nice addition, but so what?  Lopez was torn to shreds by Dwight Howard, and looked pathetic trying to guard Miles Plumlee (yes, I said Miles Plumlee).  He is constantly in foul trouble, which gives way to our two backup centers:  Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard.  Is there one over the other who deserves minutes?  Throw in Thomas Robinson as a dark horse option to take extra minutes, and Portland has intriguing options at the backup center spot.

Joel Freeland can stretch the floor, and is a good rebounder, but struggles with turnovers and defending athletic 7-footers.  Meyers Leonard is an athletic 7-footer, and shows surprising skill offensively, but struggles mightily with his defensive awareness and positioning.  Thomas Robinson would essentially provide what JJ Hickson provided last year, rebounding and athletic dunks, but below average defense.  Is there a right answer in this bunch?

Meyers Leonard deserves more minutes.  If his mindset is right in improving on the defensive end, he is the obvious choice.  In only 2 games so far, Leonard is above league average efficiency, but much of that could be summed up by his high shooting percentages and solid rebounding rate in his few minutes.  Freeland and Robinson are power forwards asked to play center- not a major shift, but noticeable when average 7-footers destroy the team in the paint. 

Lopez is the team's starter, as he fits well next to LA.  He will continue to be in foul trouble, which opens up about 20 minutes per game.  Meyers Leonard deserves a lot of it, as the upside he offers is more promising than what Joel Freeland or Thomas Robinson (who will continue to get minutes as the backup to Aldridge) could provide.  Stotts sent a message to Leonard by naming him third string center, but it is time for Meyers to get his job back, and play 13-16 minutes per game.  I want to see more Meyers in the Middle.