Joel

Freeland

Freeland tore the ligament during a stint in the D-League before being re-called to Portland. With LaMarcus Aldridge (sprained ankle) out Thursday, the Blazers could use him off the bench against Denver. Still, he’s unlikely to have much of a fantasy impact this season.

The Blazers hold the rights to both players, but they are still under contract with their European teams, which could complicate a move to the NBA. The Blazers met with the the duo last week and both sides have expressed interest, and there is room on the roster for both of them. But whether or not they can get out of their contracts and work out the details of a move to the NBA remains to be seen.

Freeland is a technically a free agent playing in Europe, but the Blazers hold his rights. At 6'10/225 with an rugged game, he could certainly help out up front if J.J. Hickson walks. Freeland was the No. 30 overall pick in the 2006 draft.

Freeland’s rights are owned by Portland and could help as a backup on the Blazers front line. Blazers GM Neil Olshey said, “He sounds interested in coming over and we’re interested in having him. It’s just a matter of making sure we can work it out where his role on the team and where he fits in roster composition wise, and where his salary slot fits in, works for both of us.” Freeland, who stands 6'10/225, would be off the fantasy radar, even if he does sign for next season.

Although the team press release said terms were not disclosed, it is known that the deal was for three years and $9 million. Freeland joins Portland from Unicaja Malaga in the Spanish ACB League, where over the last three years, he averaged 12.6 points (55.3% FG), 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists in 24.6 minutes of Euroleague and ACB play. Freeland will probably take some time to develop, but after spending six seasons overseas developing, it may come quicker than for other first-year players.

Olshey intends to meet with Freeland in Houston next week, where the native Brit is training for the Olympics.

Details about guaranteed years and money should soon be available, but this seems like a reasonable deal for the former No. 30 overall pick. Freeland has good size (6'11", 228 lbs) and athleticism, and has been developing overseas since the Blazers drafted him in 2006, so it’s possible that he’ll step right into a backup PF role behind LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Blazers sound noncommittal about bringing Freeland aboard, but there’s also a chance that they’ll trade his rights this summer -- according to Wendell Maxey, “a number of [NBA] teams” have already contacted Freeland about his future.

This is great news for the Blazers. Some fans had been concerned that Freeland had to have a sore knee examined, but the move was strictly precautionary as the team wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize his future. Freeland has a history of back and ankle injuries, so he certainly doesn’t come without some concern as he transitions to the NBA.

Freeland has been training for the Olympics, where he’s expected to play for Great Britain, and we can only hope this isn’t a lasting injury. He has a history of back injuries and he hurt his ankle last season, which isn’t what you want to see in a 21-year-old rookie.