Former Kentucky Star Andrew Carr Poised to Emerge as Versatile Stretch-Big for Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Evolution Quest

In the ever-evolving NBA, where big men are no longer confined to the paint and floor spacing is a coveted asset, the Portland Trail Blazers may have quietly struck gold with the addition of former Kentucky Wildcats forward Andrew Carr. A 6-foot-10 stretch-big with fluid mobility, emerging range, and untapped versatility, Carr represents the kind of modern frontcourt player that teams increasingly covet—one who can rebound, defend multiple positions, and knock down open shots from the perimeter.

Though not the most talked-about name in the 2025 NBA Draft class, Carr has been on the radar of scouts for years due to his steady development and cerebral approach to the game. After a solid college career that concluded with a single impactful season under John Calipari in Lexington, Carr now finds himself in a position where opportunity meets preparation. For a rebuilding Trail Blazers squad searching for young pieces to build around Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, Carr could develop into a crucial piece of their long-term puzzle.

A Proven Commodity in College

Carr’s path to the NBA wasn’t paved in five-star hype or one-and-done buzz. Originally starting his collegiate career at Delaware, Carr transferred to Wake Forest, where he matured into a reliable contributor on both ends of the court. But it was his final season at Kentucky that gave him the national spotlight.

Playing for a storied program loaded with talent, Carr embraced his role as a glue guy—someone who did the dirty work while also flashing an improved offensive arsenal. He averaged 11.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, all while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc on over three attempts per game. His shot mechanics were smooth, his pick-and-pop game developed rapidly, and he never tried to do too much—a trait that endeared him to NBA scouts and decision-makers.

While Kentucky’s season didn’t end with a Final Four run, Carr’s individual stock rose steadily. His performance at the NBA Draft Combine reinforced what many already believed: he’s a plug-and-play type with the upside to grow into a high-value rotation piece, especially in today’s perimeter-focused league.

Portland’s Need for Shooting and Versatility

The Trail Blazers, undergoing a full-blown youth movement post-Damian Lillard, are clearly emphasizing versatility and skill development. With Henderson at the helm and Sharpe continuing to blossom, Portland is searching for frontcourt players who can complement their athletic guards. Andrew Carr fits that need perfectly.

Portland’s frontcourt last season showed flashes, but it lacked consistency and spacing. Deandre Ayton was solid but not spectacular. Jerami Grant’s health and long-term role remain questions. Jabari Walker and Kris Murray have potential, but both are still carving out niches. Carr enters this mix not as an immediate star but as a player with a clearly defined skill set: shooting, rim protection, and unselfish play.

He may not be a double-double machine out of the gate, but what Carr brings is the ability to stretch opposing defenses. Imagine Carr on the weak side, spotting up in the corner or flaring out off screens, waiting to punish defenders who collapse on Scoot’s drives. Defensively, he has the length to contest shots and the footwork to survive switches—key traits in an era where bigs are routinely pulled away from the paint.

More Than Just a Shooter

Labeling Carr as just a stretch-big would be doing him a disservice. His instincts on defense, particularly as a help-side shot blocker and communicator, stood out during his final collegiate season. He may not anchor a defense the way a traditional center does, but Carr brings a cerebral edge that coaches love. He anticipates plays before they happen, rotates with purpose, and rarely gets caught ball-watching.

Offensively, he’s a connector. He understands spacing, makes smart passes, and doesn’t need the ball to be effective. That matters immensely in the NBA, where star guards dominate the ball and role players must make the most of limited touches.

Carr also thrives in transition. For a player his size, he runs the floor with ease. When paired with a dynamic playmaker like Henderson, those fast-break opportunities become even more lethal. Carr’s ability to grab a rebound, make the outlet pass, and sprint to the arc for a trail-three adds another layer to Portland’s offensive attack.

The Long-Term Vision

In the short term, Carr will likely have to earn his minutes the hard way. Portland, like many rebuilding teams, will experiment with lineups and roles. But with his skill set, Carr has an inside track to meaningful playing time by midseason.

Over the next couple of years, it’s easy to envision him evolving into a starting-caliber stretch four. If his perimeter shooting continues to trend upward—and if he can add more strength to hold his ground against NBA bigs—he could carve out a career akin to players like Maxi Kleber, Kelly Olynyk, or even a less-athletic version of John Collins.

For Portland, that’s a win. On a rookie contract, Carr offers both value and upside. He doesn’t need to score 20 points per game to make a difference. All he needs is to knock down open threes, defend his position, and keep the ball moving—and based on his college tape, those are things he can do from day one.

Player Development Matters

The key for Carr’s success will be Portland’s ability to nurture his strengths while sharpening his weaknesses. The Trail Blazers have invested in a revamped development staff, including assistant coaches with a track record of maximizing under-the-radar talent. If that infrastructure proves effective, Carr could blossom in a role tailor-made for the modern NBA.

One area of focus will be his lateral quickness on defense. At Kentucky, he was effective in drop coverage and when hedging pick-and-rolls, but NBA offenses will test his agility at every turn. Another emphasis will be his handle and ability to attack closeouts. While he showed flashes of shot-fakes and one-dribble pull-ups, expanding that part of his game could make him more dangerous and less predictable.

There’s also room for Carr to become a more assertive rebounder. His numbers were solid in college, but he can stand to add more muscle to compete with the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, and other rising stars in the Western Conference.

The Intangibles

What truly separates Carr may not be his three-point percentage or block rate—it’s his approach. Coaches rave about his work ethic, his humility, and his high basketball IQ. He’s not one to seek headlines or controversy. He puts in the work, listens to feedback, and leads by example. In a young locker room like Portland’s, that mentality is invaluable.

Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups has made it clear that he wants “two-way players who play the right way.” Carr fits that mold. He doesn’t need the spotlight to shine. He simply needs the right opportunity—and it looks like Portland might just be the perfect place for him to thrive.

In an NBA landscape where stretch-bigs are no longer luxuries but necessities, Andrew Carr is positioned to prove his worth. He may not have entered the league with top-10 fanfare, but his value lies in how seamlessly his game translates to the modern style of play.

Portland took a smart gamble—one that could pay off handsomely if Carr continues his upward trajectory. With his blend of shooting, size, and basketball savvy, he might just become the quiet cornerstone in Rip City’s next great rebuild. Watch closely: Andrew Carr is ready to stretch expectations and redefine what it means to be a big in the Blazers’ bold new era.