Now that the season's over, no more NBA games (that I give a shit about), we can turn to discussing the draft in earnest. Instead of putting everything in one giant draft thread, let's make a different thread for each player that someone thinks we should draft. I think it would be cool if you called it "The case for drafting ___" and the first post was a fairly detailed (complete with cool highlights videos) description of why that player would be good for the Blazers (or just good in general). Sound good? Then, if somebody else disagrees, they can chime in on that thread. But if they prefer another player, then they should start a thread for that player. This will help me, who is not a College BBall fan. And helping me is what it's all about, I think we can all agree.
In your opinion, who are two PF’s and two Centers that I should research? I’ve not followed college ball for some time. My opinion is that Portland needs both - an athletic and strong PF and a beast Center. Thanks
I like Precious Achiuwa and Tyler Bey as modern big men. I'm not really interested in classic centers, as they're kind of a dying breed.
I do think we need a modern PF to play alongside Nurkic, but I do want a beast Center. Truth is, Lakers three bigs really killed the Blazers.
No, LeBron and AD killed the Blazers. McGee was surprisingly effective against us, but he's a stick. Their "beast", Dwight Howard, was a net -17 in the series.
Here's a google sheet database of the stats of the ESPN top 100 prospects that someone on Reddit put together.
Thanks for posting that. Going by this, all the players have any interest in will be gone by 13. OTOH, I'm just an old guy sitting in the cheap seats munching popcorn. WTH do I know!
This draft looks like dog doo doo. Saddiq Bey looks interesting around where we are picking. No one else catches my eye.
Jalen Smith of Maryland. I'd never heard about the guy until a few days ago when I read the claim that he fits the mold of a modern NBA big man. Any opinions on him?
Mario plus our pick to move up 3-4 slots in the draft? Maybe 16 to 12th? scratch that I’ll take Jalen Smith PF 6’-10” with our 16th and then take Aleksej Pokule...ski C 7’-3” in the second round. Trade CJ and Collins for Jrue Holiday and Reddick Trade Ariza for a vet Power Forward
I like Williams but probably will be gone b 16. Right now if Bey is gone at 16 we need to to try out of the 1st. 2nd round I like Tillie from Gonzaga. But really depends who we draft in the 1st for who we draft in the 2nd. There the big center from Kansas should be look at in the 2nd round too.
xavier tillman,sr. in the second round if available. 6'8-9", 7'1" wingspan, very switchable defender. high motor, guards 3,4,5. rebounding and defensive IQ are his calling cards. no real outside game but effective scorer around the basket. if zach is unready maybe insurance. IMHO choosing him would be dependent on resigning Gabriel. if we will, we look elsewhere.
I have trouble believing we can't find a wing defensive player like Dort, Bazley or Thybulle at 16 who can contribute right away. Those are rookies that look more than capable in the playoffs. I'm not even bringing up Herro, who is an OK defender, but a stone cold sniper from 3. I don't trust this team to draft and develop PFs or Cs after Collins and Little. I'd rather use the MLE to find a vet big.
