[aarondsonixfanParticipant]

 It seems like the starters for the Trailblazers at the 1-4 positions are set, but there is still a question mark about the 5 position. Who should start: JJ Hickson or rookie Meyers Leonard? 

Last season, JJ Hickson played really well when LaMarcus Aldridge got injured, plus he is a veteran who definitely knows the NBA game and what he can do in the league. However, he is only like 6’8" or something like that, so it would be more like L.A. playing the 5 as a 7 footer and Hickson playing the 4. 

On the other hand, you have Meyers Leonard, who has been playing pretty well in the preseason, especially when he is on the floor with Lillard. He is a legit 7’1" guy who is athletic and has some pretty good post moves. This way, LA can play at his natural 4 position where he can knock down his midrange jumpers and be the All Star that he was last year. 

I think either one would be successful in the Starting lineup, but who do you guys think should start?

[HazelParticipant]

I actually think JJ hickson is a great fit.  He is physcial and plays with energy.  These are L Aldrich’s weaknesses.  Freemen the rookie from England will play before Leonard and could start as a stretch 5.  I think leonard has a long way to go mentally.  He will need a few years.  

[SiggyParticipant]

 Leonard should not start.  He’s a good prospect, but he’s green, especially on defense.  He’s got a lot to learn on that end of the floor.

[RigelzParticipant]

i don’t know why too many 7 footers lack heart, desire… they often seem to be spectators…. anyhow this may not be the case of Leonad … i think that he is a good prospect and he will be very good if he will work hard and will play even harder.

[OldSkoolBasketballParticipant]

 Leonard needs to get stronger. He is getting body up by shorter but bigger guys like Carl Landry.

[the I in winParticipant]

I know the two plays you are referencing, one being a face up drive frm about 6 ft away and another being a finish after a cut down the middle, on both plays I said "welcome to the nba rookie".

[BenchWarmerParticipant]

I’d say hickson starts but you gotta give Leonard time as to not hinder his growth, he is a future prospect. Meyers can provide good minutes for either LA or JJ, also give him responsibility as a rook to earn his minutes. Portland deserves this dude to become good. Blazers a few years ago were looking good.

[NCarmean18Participant]

 I’d honestly move LaMarcus Aldridge to the 5 spot and put Hickson in at the 4.  I think Leonard hasn’t established himself yet on either side of the ball, and he really needs to get stronger.  You obviously have Aldridge in there, but I’d move him to the center spot because I feel as though he would perform better than Hickson would, especially on defense. 

[Mr. 19134Participant]

How about Lamarcus Aldridge for an answer?

Aldridge should be the Blazers starting Center I’m tired of these overgrown 7foot PF’s refusing to play on the block.  Aldridge is one of the best players in the league inside the paint and should be utilized their more often.

Also Aldridge wants to cry about not making the All Star team which could be easily solved by playing him at Center instead of PF.

And instead of drafting a project like Leonard, if Aldridge played Center the Blazers could of drafted one of the many promising PF’s on the board like Terrence Jones, Henson, Sullinger, Perry Jones, or even Moultrie.

[druneave3Participant]

 Give the rookie the start giving him some confidence and also protecting L.A. from some early fouls while he won’t be guarding the bigger center while Leonard is in. Hickson should get more minutes but I like Hickson providing some instant energy and scoring off the bench. Their second unit isn’t very good at all so putting Hickson with them would help.  

[moochieeParticipant]

I echo what druenave3 said. Leonard is their center for the future, I’d let him start and develop the chemistry in the first unit especially with Lillard, and then bring Hickson of the bench and play him more minutes total.

[corneggParticipant]

Joel Freeland will be Taj Gibson 2.0

[ChoppyParticipant]

If Aldridge was coming up against some of the small-ball teams (like Miami – Bosh playing the 5 etc), then I think he could (and should) be the starting 5. If Portland are playing teams with bigger physical centres (Howard etc) then Aldridge would be wasted racking up early fouls.

Its horses for courses in my opinion. Play him at the 5 when the matchup is favourable, play Leonard/Freeland when it isn’t.

[Mr. 19134Participant]

Some of you guys need to check what year it is…

What offensive dominant centers would Aldridge have to defend?  I’ll wait… Sure there’s Howard and then who is there?  Cousins is probably the 2nd best Center in the West and he shoots below 50% from the field.

You guys talk about him guarding bigger centers but Aldridge is 7 foot with a massive wingspan so physically he can handle it.  Plus not to many centers even have the offensive skill set to take advantage if there was one.

Furthermore the PF’s out West are much harder to handle then the Centers.  I’d rather have a defensive PF playing alongside LA who can guard the likes of Blake, Love, and Dirk then have LA guard them.  In this essence Terrence Jones would of been a better pickup then Leonard.

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