The Portland Trail Blazers have added another piece to their puzzle in free agency, signing veteran center Branden Carlson to a minimum deal. With a focus on improving their frontcourt depth, the Blazers are banking on Carlson's versatility and shooting ability to contribute to the team's success. Despite his size and position, Carlson brings a unique skill set to the court, making him an intriguing addition to the roster.
Carlson's NBA career has been a journey, marked by a delayed entry into the league after spending five years at the University of Utah and two years on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His professional debut came with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he spent two seasons as a two-way player, earning a championship ring in a supporting role. During this time, he also played for the Toronto Raptors' G League affiliate, Raptors 905.
In his NBA career so far, Carlson has shown promise, averaging 4.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.6 blocks in 9.9 minutes per game. His shooting numbers are impressive, with a 34.9% three-point rate, 49.8% field goal percentage, and 65.9% free throw rate. These numbers extrapolate to 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 36 minutes, indicating a player with potential.
What makes Carlson stand out is his ability to shoot from beyond the arc. He's one of the rare seven-footers with a smooth, replicable three-point stroke, making 2.1 of his 3.8 shot attempts from three-point range. This is a crucial skill in today's NBA, where teams value players who can stretch the floor, especially in the frontcourt. Carlson's shooting ability also makes him a better fit in the pick-and-roll and as a dunker, with a 73% success rate at the rim.
However, Carlson's defensive capabilities are a concern. He's not quick and doesn't leap high, but his 7'2 wingspan allows him to hold his own as a traditional five. His defensive limitations are particularly evident when guarding smaller, swifter power forwards who can operate out on the perimeter. To maximize his impact, Carlson needs to improve his midrange shooting and anchor defense.
The Blazers' center rotation is already crowded with Donovan Clingan, Robert Williams III, Yang Hansen, and Micah Potter. Carlson's role is likely to be as a third-string center, providing depth and a different skill set when needed. His ability to stretch the floor and play in the pick-and-roll makes him a valuable asset, especially when paired with Williams, who can guard out to the perimeter and operate in the dunker spot.
In conclusion, the Blazers' signing of Branden Carlson is an interesting move. While he may not be a game-changer, his versatility and shooting ability make him a valuable addition to the team's frontcourt depth. With his unique skill set and potential for growth, Carlson could be a key contributor, especially in specific matchups and lineups. As the Blazers look to improve their roster, Carlson's presence adds a layer of intrigue and possibility.
