Its just hard for me to look at #23 targets with so much of the entire roster at spots #1-12 potentially in flux. I'm not sure it makes sense to keep the pick unless we are considering trading Dame. If we are keeping Dame; probably want to use it to add a vet now with #23 (OG?) or use it to payoff Chicago and free future picks for larger potential moves. I guess it also comes down to what other teams offer. Even if we are keeping Dame, maybe we just don't like any offers for #23 - or we are getting a vet for #3 and want to add one rookie that can help in the next few years on a very cheap contract. If we rebuild, then it makes more sense to use it. In that case we might want to hold out on the pick debt to Chicago - as theres a chance if the rebuild gets stalled it just turns into 2nd rounders.
With Schmitz on board, maybe they hit pay dirt on an end of 1st rounder who actually can play sooner than later. No toddlers please.
"His rebounding level, his defensive versatility, his athleticism — all those things are NBA-ready right now," said the scout. "He could defend two or three positions in the NBA right now. People love wing defenders in the league."
There's definitely a lot of uncertainty about how the Blazers will or will not be using each pick. If the Blazers use the #23 pick in this draft, here are a few prospects I'd like them to consider if they're still on the board: Brice Sensabaugh (6'5 SF - 16.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 40.5% 3pt, 26.4 PER) Brandin Podziemski (6'5 SG - 19.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 43.8% 3pt, 26.4 PER) Dariq Whitehead (6'6 SF - 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 42.9% 3pt, 18.9 y/o) Kris Murray (6'8 PF - 20.2 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.0 apg, 33.5% 3pt, 25.9 PER) Noah Clowney (6'10 PF - 9.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 0.8 apg, 28.5% 3pt, 18.9 y/0) Brandin Podziemski is the guy I think is a bit undervalued at this time. Yes, he comes from a small school, but his numbers are excellent, and his measurements at the combine were solid (max vertical 39.0 - 6th highest in the draft combine). I'm also super interested in Zach Edey. Perhaps if the Blazers use a second round pick. I know, the league isn't built for big lumbering centers anymore, but damn - National Player of the Year (2023) Big Ten Player of the Year (2023) #1 NCAA Double-Double Leader #1 NCAA PER Leader (40.2 !!) #2 NCAA Rebound Leader (12.9) #2 NCAA Off. Rebound Leader #3 NCAA Points Per Minute (0.703) #6 NCAA Scoring Leader (22.3) #11 NCAA Usage% Leader (32.6%) #16 NCAA eDiff (difference between offensive and defensive ratings) Leader (+38.0) #17 NCAA FG% Leader #18 NCAA Blocks Leader (2.1) #43 NCAA Offense Rating Leader (130.3) Height w/o shoes: 7'3.25" Wingspan: 7'10.5" (largest by over 5" in draft class) Just from the pure entertainment perspective, it would be fun to see him play. I love this time of year. Guys are moving up and down on draft boards. There's always a sleeper or 2 late in the first round and even into the second round. It takes a bit of skill and a lot of luck to find those gems.
personally, I don't see any reason to ship the pick to Chicago unless there is an actual 'good' deal available that needs that future pick as leverage. Giving up a 1st on speculation may be as bad as trading a 1st for Afflalo Blazers may draft a very good player at 23...that's what they hired Schmitz for, right?
I watched every game of his and have been high on him since last year. He’ll be hunted in the p&r but he is massive, skilled and plays with a mean streak. The Zubac role.
Also with as influx this franchise has been and questions of the franchise player long term, its not a lock we escape the lottery in the next few years. We might only end up giving Chicago 2nd round picks.
If we land an athletic big in a trade and are going to re-sign Drewbanks then I think Edey at 45 would be cool. We would have two guys that can move really well and if we're playing a team who plays Gobert or Nurk or someone like that, then he'd get some valuable PT. I also think in small doses those types of guys cause match up problems, you just have to be able to sub them out when their lack of mobility starts causing your team problems.
Not a lot of outside shots in those highlights. That's probably a good thing considering that's the lowest release I've seen since middle school. He shoots the ball from his chest. Not sure how that's going to fly.
I am not exactly defending this kid, since I really know nothing about him. But, his shot mechanics remind me of Tyrese Haliburton, and I don't see him having too much trouble in the league.