National Basketball Association

Trail Blazers' Starting Small Forward a Non-Issue

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Trail Blazers luckily have three ego-less candidates to start at small forward

Shortly after the reports of Evan Turner’s massive summer deal with the Trail Blazers, rumors started about a guaranteed starting small forward position. Later, Turner squashed that notion on a Fox Sports Radio interview. General Manager Neil Olshey followed the Turner signing with two large extensions of fellow small forwards Allen Crabbe and Maurice Harkless.

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The rest of Terry Stotts’ starting five is fairly set in stone: No change from last year’s lineup. At the small forward position, you have three players that are earning exponentially more money than the year prior. Three players that played well enough last year to earn a starting spot on a playoff team. Finally, those three players are putting the team first and not letting egos get in the way.

It’s easier said than done – putting the team first. Imagine each player’s position coming into the year:

Evan Turner – The big free agent signing. He was offered substantially more money from the Trail Blazers than any other suitors and was brought in to take pressure off of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

Allen Crabbe – He had a chance to be the Brooklyn Nets marquee signing; one of their go-to-scorers. Portland matched the offer and now he’s making nearly $20 million a year.

Maurice Harkless – His move into the starting lineup was the catalyst in the Trail Blazers playoffs run and first round upset of the Los Angeles Clippers. Portland was not the same when Harkless got hurt during the Golden State Warriors series.

Each of the three players is a world class athlete that tirelessly worked on their craft for 20+ years. Consequently, they each have done enough last year to earn a starting spot. It’s tougher than most realize to be ego-less about the starting small forward position. However, that’s how these three are going about their business.

Turner claims he is position-less and will help anywhere needed. Harkless declared he’s just a piece in a puzzle and it’s Stotts’ job to figure out the puzzle. Crabbe shrugged off stories that he wanted a starting position in free agency and made sure everyone knows he’s happy in Portland no matter the role.

Maybe the selfless attitudes stem from their selfless superstar. Perhaps they are all just grounded individuals after experiencing various hardships in their young NBA careers. Either way, it bodes well for the Trail Blazers’ promising season.