One of the major talking points coming from last week's Trail Blazers media was the addition of a jumpshot to center Mason Plumlee's offensive arsenal. The 6-11 Duke product's jumper was showcased at Fan Fest on Sunday as Plumlee sank the sudden-death game-winner in the scrimmage from 18 feet to help Blazers Black to the win.
Entering his fourth year as a pro, Plumlee spent most of his summer working on his jumpshot form following the Blazers' Western Conference Semifinal exit versus the Golden State Warriors -- a part of his game that he hasn't utilized since his high school days at Christ School in Arden, North Carolina.
"In high school, I shot it a lot," Plumlee said Thursday. "As I got to college, I played more as a traditional big man. [Shooting from mid-range] is something I’ve done before."
While the addition of a jumpshot to his game is certainly an added bonus, it's Plumlee's versatility that makes him one of the most valuable components in the Blazer offense. As one of the best passers on the team and a solid ballhandler, Plumlee provided matchup problems for opposing big men last season. He was third only to guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum on the Blazers roster with 226 total assists in 2015-16.
And though the Blazers signed a third ballhandler in Evan Turner this offseason, don't expect Plumlee to facilitate any less this season.
"He was important to us last year," head coach Terry Stotts said of Plumlee. "His ability to be a playmaker will not be diminished. You can’t have too many playmakers on the court. The more guys that can dribble, pass and shoot, it just makes you a better team offensively."
Along with Al-Farouq Aminu, Plumlee was just one of two players to play -- and start -- in all 82 games last season. The experience of being a regular starter during his first season in Portland is something Plumlee hopes to build upon in the coming season.
"All the matchups I had were healthy, I got to play against all the starting bigs in the league consistently," Plumlee said. "I have a better feel for them this season; I know what guys like to do a little more. I started games in Brooklyn. I had stretches where I started for a long time, but might only see the Eastern Conference toward the end of the year or whatever the case may be. I’ve played against everybody now, I know what they like to go to. I’ll be better prepared this year.
"I was in the weight room a lot," he added. "I’m in great shape, so I’m just ready to hit the ground running."
After a year of being one of the focal points in Portland's gameplan, it's Plumlee's comfort with his role that will make make him even better in 2016-17, according to Stotts.
"More than anything else, I think he’s really comfortable in what he provides us," Stotts said. "I think he’s a little bit bigger and stronger, but from an offensive standpoint, he’s really embraced how important his role is for us being as versatile as he is as a big man. Defensively, I think his strength and experience continues to improve."