By: Jamal Smith
Sports Editor

After the Portland Trail Blazers were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, it became clear that the Blazers are still one or two players away from becoming a championship caliber team.

Portland showed flashes of brilliance in the series, outscoring the defending champions in the majority of the quarters during the series. But the Warriors’ postseason success last year, combined with the Blazers’ young, inexperienced roster, gave Stephen Curry and the Warriors the edge at the end of games when it really mattered. Portland only got one win in the best of seven game series.

So, now that the offseason has officially begun for the young Blazer squad, it’s time to start thinking about what free agent acquisitions would help to elevate the Blazers to the next level.

Here’s a list of five free agents the Blazers should go after this offseason that would instantly make the team better.

1. Dwight Howard
   Player Option / Center / 6-11 / Team: Houston
   13.7 ppg, 11.8 rpg
   Howard is the most controversial player on the list; some fans despise the big man, and some fans absolutely love him. Those who hate Howard point to his bad attitude and unsuccessful tenures with the Los Angeles Lakers and his current team, the Houston Rockets. In his early years, Howard was easily the most dominant superstar on the court and had the ability to single-handedly take over games. Although Howard’s best years are behind him, Howard would provide the Blazers a double-double every night, while at the same time striking fear into opponents as an offensive and defensive threat.
2. Hassan Whiteside
   Unrestricted / Center / 7-0 / Team: Miami
   14.2 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 3.7 bpg
   The young Blazers squad needs to add a big man this offseason, and Whiteside would be the perfect fit. Unlike Howard, Whiteside hasn’t reached the prime of his career yet. The 26-year-old does it all: he blocks shots, scores in bunches, and gobbles up rebounds. Though it is unlikely that Miami will let him walk away, the Blazers front office should do everything in their power to sign Whiteside.
3. Nicolas Batum
   Unrestricted / Small Forward / 6-8 / Team: Charlotte
   14.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.8 apg
   Before Batum was traded from Portland to the Charlotte Hornets, he was one of the most beloved Blazers of all-time. The Blazers general manager Neil Olshey should wine and dine Batum, apologize for trading him, and do anything in his power to get the wingman back in red and black. All indications currently point to Batum resigning with the Hornets, but the free agent process is unpredictable.
4. Al Horford
   Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: Atlanta
   15.2 ppg, 7.3 rpg
   Horford is a nine-year NBA veteran who has played his entire career with the Atlanta Hawks. Since his inaugural season in the league, Horford has averaged double digits in scoring and has been one of the most consistent big men in the NBA. Signing Horford this offseason, would give the young squad an experienced veteran who still has years of productivity ahead of him and would at the same time shore up the power forward position that currently lacks depth.
5. Ryan Anderson
   Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: New Orleans
   17.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg
   Anderson is the type of player who would have fit in perfectly with this year’s Blazer squad. He is a big man who is extremely talented at stretching the floor by draining threes. His average of 17 points a game would give Portland a definitive third offensive threat behind Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
   Contact the author at jsmith15@wou.edu or on Twitter @journalsportWOU