We've had a lot of discussions about getting a third star via trade or free agency or "letting the cake bake" if not.

Barring an off-season splash, it is a borderline necessity to develop a clear third best player from our current roster. If we do acquire a major player, developing another could put us among the league's elite. Which one of our current players could that be?

Noah Vonleh -

Vonleh is the biggest question mark on our roster. Still only 20 years old, he is younger than many players in this draft. Given his physical tools, motor, and signs of a decent outside shot, he could be a lottery pick in this draft still.

不幸的是,尽管被给予机会,签证官nleh did not deliver on the hopes of optimistic fans after his promising summer league performance. His troubles knocking down shots paired with unsuccessful drives to the hoop led to inefficient offense and he was still clearly learning how to play NBA defense.

On the bright side, he did show flashes of potential on both ends, and displayed that motor. A gifted athlete with a motor can lead to great things if skills are developed. If Vonleh can even just get his shot going, particularly from three point range, he'll be a legit starter. The defense should improve in time.

If his development goes well, he could be a Paul Millsap type player in a few years.

Meyers Leonard -

Leonard is the most controversial Blazer after following up a promising season/playoff series with a somewhat disappointing performance in a season where he looked primed for a breakout, and had his season finished by injuries.

He put up great offensive and defensive stats off the bench in '14-15,joining the 50-40-90 club (unofficially, as quantities did not meet requirements) and posted better numbers on "rim-protection" stats than noted goalies such as Deandre Jordan and Andre Drummond.He followed up with an great playoff performance, putting up efficient offensive numbers and clearly defending Marc Gasol better than any other Blazer.

His efficiency went down in a larger role, he looked lost defending smaller forwards and pick-and-rolls, and was eventually taken out of the starting lineup in favor of the younger Vonleh (then Harkless). His late season injury took away the opportunity of duplicating his previous playoff performance and may keep him out for the start of next season.

Many question the wisdom of investing what is likely to be a large contract when Leonard has yet to establish himself and shows glaring weaknesses.

Still, he does possess a combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability that is virtually unprecedented. At 24, he is older than the potential draft picks and most players with the "untapped potential" label, but still has years before entering his prime. Leonard was picked for the long-term not as an immediate impact player, and if the game "slows down" for him, his confidence builds, and he is able to hone his skills on the defensive/rebounding side, the sky is still the limit.

Maurice Harkless -

Harkless showed a promising rookie campaign before going the wrong way and declining each season before being given to the Blazers. Last season, especially at the end, he showed more of the potential from his early career and played a big part in our surprising season. Portland was clearly at its best with Mo starting as a stretch-4.

Despite providing a spark with his energy and defense and helping us make the playoffs, Harkless showed clear limitations on offense. His outside shooting was still abysmal in the three-friendly Stotts' system and his free throw shooting was well below acceptable, especially for a wing player. He is also likely to field offers larger than his actual production has earned.

Despite the offensive weaknesses, Harkless demonstrated that he is a rotation player at minimum and at 23 with great physical tools, still has the opportunity to become more.

While shooting is no longer an optional skill in the NBA it is among the most learnable of basketball attributes. His form is not broken and with good coaching and practice he can bring the percentages up. His basketball IQ and defensive abilities are the best by far of the Blazers' young players and those are harder skills to develop.

Allen Crabbe -

Crabbe looks like a high-floor/low-ceiling 3-and-D player in the mold of Danny Green, but showed flashes of more scoring punch.

Al-Farouq Aminu, Ed Davis, Mason Plumlee -

Role players in their mid-twenties who are sure to improve but have mostly arrived. All showed improvement last year though, and who knows? Maybe one of them can surprise people by making a leap in their prime.

路易斯•蒙特帕特诺on, Cliff Alexander -

None of them got much opportunity, nor show much when they did, but do have youth on their side. Surprises happen, maybe we are destined for Connaughton-sanity.