News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard is expected to play on Portland's summer league squad, the Oregonian reports. Leonard averaged 5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds on 54.5 percent shooting from the field in 69 games -- nine starts with the Blazers. “It was an up-and-down year for Meyers,” Stotts said. “Injuries held him back a couple of times when he was getting on a roll. He grew more comfortable with his offense, with being prepared to shoot and his positioning around the basket. Defense is the biggest area he needs to improve. We want him to play a lot of basketball this summer, to have time on the floor against NBA players to work on quickness and speed and reaction to the game.”
Analysis: While the Blazers are still pretty high on Leonard, there seemed to be a bit of disappointment in Sotts' tone when he discussed the rookie. He was used mostly as a reserve this past season, but show some flashes of his potential as he put up 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds over his nine starts. Portland has made no secret about trying to upgrade the center position over the summer, but that doesn't mean Leonard won't still get plenty of chances to show what he can do. Fantasy owners should continue to track his progress over the summer. Unless Leonard secures a spot in the starting lineup, owners should target him in the later rounds of most formats on Draft Day next fall.
News: Despite being a lottery pick, Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard did not get many opportunities to play big minutes as a rookie this season. Leonard was mostly used as a reserve off he bench until the final month of the season, when the Blazers' playoff hopes finally faded. He did show progress in his opportunities late, averaging 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 32.5 minutes per game in nine starts. In a rookie diary blog for NBA.com, Leonard wrote that he plans to play in Las Vegas summer league, before reporting early for training camp to push for a full-time starting spot.
Analysis: The Blazers have made it clear that they hope to upgrade the center position this offseason, but it would not be a surprise if they still try to find more minutes for Leonard somewhere. Leonard is just 21, and he showed definite improvement as his season went on. He has upside, but him becoming a starter with just one offseason of progress seems unlikely. Fantasy owners in only deeper formats should plan on targeting Leonard on Draft Day next season.
News: With LaMarcus Aldridge out with an ankle injury, Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard enjoyed the best game of his young career Saturday against the Warriors. Leonard played 41 minutes in the game and recorded his first career double-double. He scored 22 points and snagged 10 rebounds. Leonard shot 9 of 17 on his way to leading the team in scoring, and even made the first 3-pointer of his career. The Blazers would lose the game, 125-98.
Analysis: Aldridge's injury should open things up for Leonard to play big minutes down the stretch. He has scored in double figures in three games in a row now, and it looks like he should continue to start in the near term. Leonard is averaging 11.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game over the last five, and might be worth a look down the stretch in deeper Fantasy formats.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard played a solid role in Thursday's game against the Bulls, playing 26 minutes off the bench. He scored eight points on 3 of 6 shooting, and was perfect on a pair of attempts from the free-throw line. He added five rebounds and a block, in a 99-89 win.
Analysis: Leonard continues to be a work in progress, as most young big men are. He is averaging 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 10 games during the month of March. The Blazers may lean on him more down the stretch as their playoff hopes begin to fade, but he will likely remain little more than a low-end Fantasy option regardless.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard returned to action Tuesday against the Grizzlies after missing his previous game with an ankle sprain. He scored six points and grabbed seven boards on 3 of 6 shooting from the field in a 102-97 defeat.
Analysis: It seems as if Leonard is healthy enough to play, which is an encouraging sign for the Blazers, who are fighting for a playoff spot. Still, Leonard has only scored in double figures three times since Nov. 30. He should be viewed as a low-end option in deeper formats now that he is back in action.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard was held out of Sunday's contest against the Hornets as he continued to deal with an ankle sprain. Leonard suffered the injury in Friday’s game against the Spurs and is listed as day to day.
Analysis: Leonard was not expected to play Sunday after getting hurt Friday. The Blazers will likely take a cautious approach with the 21-year-old, so we'll continue to keep tabs on his status moving forward. He was starting to see more playing time before the injury and had scored in double figures in three of the last five games played. Still, Leonard remains a low-end Fantasy option in most formats, even when healthy.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard was forced to leave Friday’s game against the Spurs in the first half, with an ankle sprain that would ultimately keep him from returning. Leonard had X-rays on the right ankle which came back negative, but he could not get back on the floor. This is the same ankle that kept Leonard off the floor for 11 games earlier in the season.
Analysis: The fact that Leonard was out as long as he was the last time this injury happened does not seem to bode well for his status moving forward. Leonard might not necessarily be worthy of an injury-prone tag at this early stage, but you could not blame the Blazers if they opted to hold Leonard out until they are absolutely certain he is healed. We will keep an eye on his status in the coming days, but Leonard remains a low-end Fantasy option in most formats moving forward.
News: For the first time in his career, Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard reached double figures in scoring for the second game in a row Saturday against the Timberwolves. Coming off the bench, Leonard scored 12 points in 21 minutes on 6 of 7 shooting, one game after scoring 13 points in just 16 minutes. Leonard added eight rebounds, in a 109-94 win.
Analysis: Leonard has seen his role increase a bit recently, and he is starting to show signs of development. His last two games have been among his best of the season, as he has been as raw as advertised overall as a rookie. Portland is still fighting for a playoff spot, so they will likely continue to limit Leonard’s minutes until he proves himself consistently worth of a larger role. For now, Fantasy owners should continue to ignore him in yearly formats.
News: Yahoo.com reported Tuesday that the Trail Blazers are shopping starting center J.J. Hickson in advance of Thursday’s trade deadline, which would open up a spot in the starting lineup for rookie center Meyers Leonard. Leonard has been playing just a reserve role recently, as he finished Tuesday’s game against the Suns with just two points in six minutes.
Analysis: Leonard has shown flashes of being a productive player this season, but his role has been extremely limited. He is averaging 10.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per-36 minutes, but is averaging just 14.8 minutes per game. In his current role, Leonard is only worth owning in deeper, dynasty and keeper Fantasy leagues.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard was unable to make much of an impact during Sunday's contest against the Magic. Leonard made both of shots on the night and finished with four points, a rebound and an assist while logging eight minutes of game action in a 110-104 defeat.
Analysis: Leonard has yet to score in double figures since returning from an ankle injury. In fact, the 20-year-old is averaging 2.5 points and 2.1 boards his first 11 games back from injury. We don't expect Leonard's role to increase at any point this season, so consider him a low-end option in the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard did not have much of an impact in Sunday's game against the Clippers. He scored just one points in eight minutes off the bench in the 96-83 loss. He missed his lone attempt from the field and went 1 for 2 from the charity stripe. Leonard also posted a rebound and an assist in the defeat.
Analysis: Leonard recently returned from an ankle injury and has been shooting well since then. He is averaging 5.3 points with 3.5 rebounds in his four games since returning on 64 percent shooting. The 20-year-old has not had the rookie campaign many were hoping for but his long-term value in Fantasy still appears to be pretty decent. Leave Leonard for the deepest formats at this point, however.
News: Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said center Meyers Leonard (ankle) would "probably" return to action for Monday's game against Washington and return he did. Leonard played 12 minutes and went 3 for 3 from the field to score six points. Leonard grabbed four rebounds during his time on the court. The rookie had not played since Dec. 29 and had missed the past 11 games with a sprained right ankle.
Analysis: Leonard was averaging just 13.6 minutes per game in December prior to the injury as his playing time was sliced during the second month of the season. As a result, he has failed to surpass single-digits in points as his season average has tumbled to 4.7 points per game. Fantasy owners should consider the 20-year-old a low-end reserve option only in deeper formats while he works his way back into game shape.
News: Despite being active for the first time since suffering his ankle injury, Portland center Meyers Leonard did not take the floor Saturday against the Bucks. Leonard was the only active player for the Trail Blazers not to see the floor.
Analysis: This does not come as much of a surprise, as Leonard has been out for three weeks now. He should be able to return to the floor sometime during Week 13 (Jan. 21-27), but he might play just limited minutes while working to get back into shape. He remains just a low-end Fantasy option, at this time.
News: Portland center Meyers Leonard is expected to be active on Saturday against Milwaukee, reports CSNNW.com. That said, coach Terry Stotts is unsure Leonard will play in the game. He's been out with an ankle injury.
Analysis: Leonard was injured at the end of December and has been out since. He may or may not return on Saturday and still may not be ready to play. That said, he's nearing a return, at least. Leonard has low-end Fantasy value, when healthy.
News: Portland center Meyers Leonard continues to sit out due to an ankle injury and is expected to miss a few more weeks, reports Sportsradio 750 The Game Monday. Leonard has no official timetable to return to action from his sprained ankle.
Analysis: Leonard has missed the last four games and obviously isn't expected to play against Orlando Monday. He's going to be out at least until the middle of January and likely longer as he suffered what should be considered a pretty severe sprain. Leonard was a low-end Fantasy option in most formats, when healthy. He should only be stashed in deep formats.
News:The Oregonian reports Blazers rookie center Meyers Leonard will miss the team's next two games because of a sprained right ankle. He will sit out Friday at Memphis and Saturday at Minnesota. Leonard has already missed the last two games after he hurt his ankle Saturday.
Analysis: Leonard has been logging regular playing time as J.J. Hickson's backup, but he doesn't have the stats to be a big factor in Fantasy. His Fantasy value only rises when Hickson is sidelined by injury. Leonard continues to have marginal Fantasy appeal.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard is not with the team as they travel for Tuesday’s game against the Knicks, due to an ankle injury suffered Saturday night. While X-rays came back negative on the ankle, Leonard is dealing with swelling in the ankle, and is not expected to play in the team’s game.
Analysis: It looks like Leonard is going to miss at least a part of the team’s four-game road trip coming up, so we will need to keep an eye on his status. Leonard averaged just 13 minutes per game in the month of December, so Fantasy owners should not consider him anything more than a low-end option, when healthy.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard was forced out of Saturday's contest against the 76ers after suffering a sprained right ankle. Leonard came down awkwardly on his ankle while fighting for a rebound in the fourth quarter and was immediately helped off the court and sent to the locker room. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Leonard finished with four points, four rebounds and a blocked shot off teh bench before getting hurt. The Oregonian is reporting that his X-rays revealed no break.
Analysis: Leonard will likely be further evaluated after suffering his injury, so we'll continue to monitor his status moving forward. That is awfully good news for the Blazers, especially since it initially seemed as if he hurt his ankle and his knee on that play. Leonard is not a consistent scoring option and has not scored in double figures at all in December. He has been averaging just over 13 minutes per game and does not see the court enough to make much of an impact. Consider him as a low-end option in deeper formats, when healthy.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard turned in another productive performance off the bench in Monday's contest against the Pistons. Leonard scored eight points on 3 of 4 shooting from the field in the 108-101 defeat and also added four rebounds and three blocks to his stat line, while logging 21 minutes off the bench.
Analysis: Leonard is starting to score with a bit more frequency as he seems to finally be adjusting his game a bit. He is averaging 8.5 points over his last four games and is shooting 61 percent from the field over that stretch. Portland wants Myers to be its starting center but the rookie has struggled mightily on the defensive end of the floor in his two starts so it appears he will continue to come off the bench for the time being. While Myers still has a ton of upside to his game, he should remain reserved until he starts to perform with a bit more consistency.
News: With J.J. Hickson (shoulder) unavailable, Portland center Meyers Leonard made his first career start Wednesday night against Phoenix. He scored a season-high 12 points and hauled in five rebounds in the 114-87 loss. He went 6 for 9 from the floor while playing 36 minutes. Leonard also chipped in with two blocks, two steals and an assist in the defeat.
Analysis: Leonard scored in double figures for the first time in his career Wednesday and had an efficient night from the floor. The rookie has a ton of upside but is still a raw product so keep an eye on his progress going forward. Since center is a thin position in Fantasy, owners in deeper formats might want to take a look at Leonard.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard was once again not much of a factor in Portland's contest against the Kings Tuesday night. Leonard logged just nine minutes off the bench in the 103-86 win and finished with two points and two rebounds. He is averaging just 12 minutes over his last three contests.
Analysis: Leonard averaged just over 20 minutes per night over his first five games and most thought he was on the verge of cracking the starting lineup. However, the rookie has actually seen his minutes go down over the last few games, which has many scratching there heads a bit. While Leonard looks to have all the talent in the world, he should only be owned in deeper formats until he starts seeing some run.
News: Portland rookie Meyers Leonard had his best game as a pro Monday night in a loss at Dallas. Leonard played 23 minutes and recorded career highs in points and rebounds with six and nine, respectively. Leonard shot 3 of 7 from the field and added a block and an assist.
Analysis: Leonard had taken just two shots in his first three games combined as he broke out of his shell just a bit Monday. He should improve from here but we're not sure he's going to become viable outside the deepest of Fantasy leagues anytime soon.
News: Trail Blazers center Meyers Leonard got his first taste of life in the NBA during Portland's season opener against the Lakers Wednesday night. Leonard came off the bench in the 116-106 win and finished with four points and three rebounds while logging 23 minutes. He went 1 of 2 from the field and also added an assist to his stat line.
Analysis: Leonard wasn't nearly as impressive as Damian Lillard in his debut, but the rookie was able to hold his own against Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. The rookie will come off the bench most nights for the Blazers but is expected to see a healthy does of minutes right off the bat with Portland in re-building mode. However, until Leonard proves he can consistently produce at this level, his value lies mostly in long-term keeper formats.
News: Portland center Meyers Leonard left Thursday's preseason game against Utah in the second quarter due to a head contusion, reports The Oregonian. He sustained the injury after falling hard on the court and was able to walk off under his own power to the locker room. Leonard recorded two rebounds with two assists in five minutes before the early exit.
Analysis: Leonard entered Thursday averaging 7.5 points with 4.8 rebounds and a block through his first six preseason game so hopefully this injury does not keep him out for long. He is expected to come off the bench in his first season in the NBA but has some intriguing upside at a thin position in Fantasy. Keep an eye on his progress early on and target Leonard in deeper Fantasy formats on Draft Day.
