With the 7th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, The Portland Trailblazers select. . .

I think the chances of us getting Buzelis are next to none, apparently he is connected to the Pistons FO in some way, I think he has a relative in the FO or something, not to mention he would be great fit for them. I’m coming around to Holland as a prospect now that we have his measurements, but I still don’t think he’d be a great fit for this team. Knecht is too limited in potential for me and might/should (?) be gone by #12. Ultimately, I’d rather draft Salaun than Williams, although I like both. I think his potential is higher and he’s still really young.

 

I wonder where Houston thinks their biggest need is at. Do they see Amen as a PG or SF? His 14% from deep last year could be an issue as a starter.

 

Based on current archetype for Blazers:
Buzelis, Saluan, Knecht, Williams, Holland

Based on ceiling :
Holland, Buzelis, Saluan, Williams, Knecht

Based on floor :
Knecht, Holland, Buzelis, Saluan, Williams,

Overall for Blazers:
Holland, Buzelis, Knecht, Saluan, Williams

 

I would hope that our experience with Scoot has significantly cooled our enthusiasm in drafting from the G-League Ignite.

 

And before that, Chris fucking "Power Forward for the 90's" Webber got traded.

 

Hmm:


In general, I would be SERIOUSLY pissed with either of the guys that were "most popular" at #7. And they don't really sound like Blazer picks, to be honest.

(Also, does it seem likely that the Spurs would take BOTH Topic and Dillingham? Shades of the Timberwolves under KAAAAAHN.)

The actual draft this year is going to be SO different from all the mocks it's going to be fascinating. (Also: cue another huge backlash against drafting French players when Sarr and Risacher struggle mightily next season.)

 

You need to go a little bit further down the page;

1. Alexandre Sarr | Atlanta Hawks

Perth Wildcats (Australia) | Position: F/C | Height: 7-1
Status: International
Most Common: 1 (10)

An impact player on defense who’s been growing into a larger role at the other end. Should offer immediate complementary help with the potential for more.

2. Zaccharie Risacher | Washington Wizards

JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France) | Position: G/F | Height: 6-8
Status: International
Most Common: 2 (4)

Looks the part and has all the two-way ability to deliver on that potential. The floor is high, but so is the ceiling. What will he reach?

3. Nikola Topic | Houston Rockets

KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: International
Most Common: 4 (4)

A tall guard with a deft passing touch and the ability to create opportunities for himself and others, the upside play here is a bet that the outside shot comes around.

4. Reed Sheppard | San Antonio Spurs

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 3 (3)

Sharpshooting and award-winning freshman for the Wildcats, who elevated right on up the Draft boards, especially given the open field.

5. Donovan Clingan | Detroit Pistons

Connecticut | Position: C | Height: 7-2
Status: Sophomore
Most Common: 3 (2)

A defensive anchor for the back-to-back NCAA champs, and should provide a steadying presence once he’s adjusted to the pro game. The offensive potential is there.

6. Stephon Castle | Charlotte Hornets

Connecticut | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 6 (4)

Will do what needs to be done, whatever it is, whichever end of the floor. A move on the ball could unlock another level.

7. Matas Buzelis | Portland Trail Blazers

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-8
Status: G League
Most Common: 5 (6)

Big forward with a shooting touch that escaped him in a single season playing for Ignite. Its return could deliver a big win later than expected in this Draft.

8. Robert Dillingham | San Antonio Spurs

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 4 (2), 8 (2)

The shooting is there, and he’s a certified bucket. But the size limitations kick in when playmaking isn’t the thing, which means adjust or overcome.

9. Ron Holland | Memphis Grizzlies

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-6
Status: G League
Most Common: 9 (3)

Athletic and explosive swingman who held his own in the G League, even as turnover problems and shooting woes put a cap on his game.

10. Dalton Knecht | Utah Jazz

Tennessee | Position: G/F | Height: 6-6
Status: Senior
Most Common: 10 (3)

Capitalized on a transfer to Tennessee, putting up 25-plus points while scoring all kinds of ways, but especially from deep. The seasoned transition could be smoother than most.

11. Cody Williams | Chicago Bulls

Colorado | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 10 (2), 12 (2), 13 (2)

Has the game and physique to cleanly fit most styles, and all it takes is one team to believe the upside is real for a surprise shot up the board.

12. Isaiah Collier | Oklahoma City Thunder

USC | Position: G | Height: 6-5
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 11 (4)

Bringing all his size to bear on the ball, Collier could well bully his way to a productive early run off the bench. If the turnovers go down and the percentages go up, it’s go time.

13. Ja’Kobe Walter | Sacramento Kings

Baylor | Position: G/F | Height: 6-5
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 12 (2)

The shooting and defensive potential are there, and there’s a knack for finding ways to the line. Quick contributions could come, and playmaking might follow with time.

14. Tidjane Salaun | Portland Trail Blazers

Cholet Basket | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: International
Most Common: 14 (5)

 

Right.

 

Another idea is the Blazers drafting Clingan and using Ayton in a trade. What kind of value would Ayton have?

 

As much as it hurts people to hear he's our COTF.

 

He'll be gone by the end of his contract or they won't re-sign him.

 

I would love to add Williams and Knecht. We'd instantly improve our shooting drastically.

 

He ain't falling to #17. The Lakers would need to trade up. But since he is a SoCal boy, (San Luis Obispo) he must have decided to go there for the experience.

 

Would much rather have Salaun or Ware than Knecht with the later pick.

 

Salaun won't be there at 14. Ware probably will be.

Knecht probably won't be there at 14 either.

 

I think this was his open workout for all scouts of any team wanting to see him feature what he thinks he's got. I think it was just at the Lakers facility. That's just what I'm gleaning from the term "pro day". So I don't think this was any sort of private workout for the Lakers. Hopefully we were there.

 

Probably, but we just don't know. They could use 14 plus their 2nds or a player to move up a few spots. I think 14 + Brogdon can certainly get them to Chicago or OKC's pick.

Knecht at 7 would be pure stupidity.