With the draft happening in just nine days, regardless of where we pick, who do you expect Portland to end up with in the first round?
Ditto on Seraphin -- with all of the front office turmoil I'm not expecting a lot of big draft day moves or trades (except maybe Rudy for a conditional future first round pick).
The one good reason to draft him is so we can stash him in Europe for a few years and not mess with our roster.
This one is hard because I can't find a picture of some obscure Euro player that will never see the floor in Portland
I'm guessing they trade up for a guy they've targeted or more likely out of the first round altogether. They've already got a full roster with stars, vets, and competent backups so if they can't get someone who can be expected to crack the top 8 soon, expect them to either get another player who can develop elsewhere (off the payroll) or acquire future picks. Unless great opportunities pop up (like someone coveting JPEC) then I'm thinking management would be fine with seeing what the current roster is capable of with better health. If they do stay put, Seraphin would seem a logical choice as he's got upside and could be stashed. STOMP
I actually don't think it would be that long (Seraphin has apparently said he'd like to come over -- which would be a nice break from alot of the other Euros we've drafted who seem to be content to play in Europe). In fact I wouldn't be surprised to see him added to the roster this year with maybe guys like Pendergraph or Dante moved in a package trade when Rudy is sent elsewhere. From everything I've been able to gather, Seraphin is still pretty raw, but he's a good athlete and a big body (not exactly tall at 6'10", but very athletic and very long with his 7'3" wingspan) who could be a pretty good 3rd center for the next couple of years especially with Camby at the tail end of his career and Joel and Greg's future a little murky.
I would say that Seraphim fits Pritchard's recent draft strategy. BUT, if it is indeed true that he's being let go after the draft, why not do something crazy? I think he'll try his damndest to move up. BUT BUT: how much leeway will he be given to trade players? Just about everyone on this board seems to think that Rudy is worthless and should be given away. But I don't think Paul Allen thinks so. And the coaching changes might lead one to think that player turnover will be minimal. If we stay put, I wouldn't mind Seraphim, but I'd also be happy with: Avery Bradley (he's rumored to be heading to Toronto at 13, though) for the D Quincy Pondexter (also for D) Mikhail Torrance (rumored no higher than mid second-round) - always hoping for the next Alvin Williams
