The Portland Trail Blazers will hire former Indiana Pacers striker TJ Leaf to fill the team’s second two-way spot, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The 23-year-old UCLA product was chosen with the Pacers’ 18th choice in the 2017 draft – eight points behind Zach Collins.
Free agent F TJ Leaf is signing a bilateral agreement with Portland, sources told ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 5, 2021
Before the 2017 draft, 6’10 Leaf worked with Portland. Blazer’s Edge contributor Steve Dewald highlighted his offensive skills and defensive flaws in pre-draft coverage.
Unilateral players can be great contributors in the regular season, but are generally marginalized in the postseason. This is the puzzle that Leaf faces on the next level, as his defensive deficiencies will keep him out of court when it matters most. Save for a sudden jump, Leaf has a considerable amount of work to do before his defense reaches his attack. If he finds the right situation, with the right technical team, he will have the tools to become an impact player in the NBA.
In his three years with the Pacers, Leaf averaged 3.3 points, with 34% three-point shots and two rebounds.
Leaf joins the Keljin Blevins wing in the Blazers’ two-way brigade.