The Trail Blazers have only one point guard behind Damain Lillard:
Shabazz Napier, who hasn’t shown much in the NBA.
Recently extended C.J. McCollum and Evan Turner provide playmaking on the wing, so this isn’t a huge need. But Portland would probably like a third point guard.
How about Tim Quarterman?
Tim Quarterman:
Undrafted LSU guard Tim Quarterman has agreed to a partially guaranteed two-year deal with Portland, sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2016
Partially guaranteed deals like this are often about waiving a player after training camp and assigning his D-League rights to the NBA’s team’s affiliate. But the Trail Blazers don’t have a D-League affiliate, so this is more likely about giving Quarterman a chance to earn a regular-season roster spot.
Portland has 13 players with guaranteed salaries plus Luis Montero (unguaranteed) and Maurice Harkless (qualifying offer). So, there’s room for Quarterman -- at least as the roster stands right now.
The 6-foot-6 Quarterman uses his height well to see the floor and rebound for his position. But he’ll need to improve as a shooter and get stronger. There’s a reason he went undrafted.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Trail Blazers add a more stable veteran guard to compete with Quarterman.