I don't disagree about the second part, but the first part? I've seen more teams wrecked by falling for that than found they were the tonic for the player, and most of those teams were established winners that had a number of proven veterans to keep the young guy trying to figure it out in line. The Blazers aren't that right now.
So how would people feel about using the 14th pick on a guard if they drop to 14? Topic/Dillingham/Sheppard/etc. Guys who were projected top 10. If they fell to 14, would you be upset if we took them? I'm on the fence. I really don't want to take a guard, but those guys are very talented.
Been watching a little tape on Holmes. Is he a good fit for the Blazers? Hard to watch them without Root Sports up here in Seattle so I’m not sure if he fits what they are trying to do. But I like the defensive presence and activity he shows on defense
Think of the pick as a stock - can be sold at any time for other assets when needed. I wouldn't invest in stocks expecting to hold it until the company is liquidated and all assets disbursed to owners. It's basically giving up something worth $100 that has the chance of being worth anywhere from $10-5000. Sure it might be worth much less, but its a good gamble.
IMO the "when needed" part is now. Now is when we need as many good young players to develop as possible to see which ones can excel. No matter who we pick, now or later, that player will need 1-3 years before they can contribute in the playoffs. You said in a post that you would take Salaun at 7, why would you want to give up an opportunity to develop him now, while we suck? He is the type of gamble I am in favor of....not another draft pick that we may use in 2031 or trade in a few years. I don't care what people say about this draft....there are players at #5 and #7 that I think are a much better gamble than a future pick from the Lakers.
Kelly Iko: Kelly Iko: Donovan Clingan is gaining momentum as the No. 1 prospect for the Houston Rockets — with Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard closely behind — ahead of next week’s draft, league sources tell @TheAthletic. – via x.com
I'm not opposed to taking a player at 5 and 7 if we had both of those picks. More that if we only were really high on only one player - I'd look at flipping the other one of those picks for the best future asset we could. Most drafts that would be a decent haul - however in this draft I'd accept a distant unprotected pick.
As long as they are 6'6" or taller then I'm okay with it. I don't see any minutes for Dillingham and Sheppard won't drop (I would take him if he did though).
He is another of what look like pretty good players available late first round. Blocks shots and supposedly can guard the perimeter. Shot 38% on threes, although I think he tailed off as the season went on. Have seen him mocked between 32 and 20.
I just saw one mock that had us taking Dillingham at 7 and Isaiah Collier at 14. I can't imagine a worse draft than that for Portland.
Either that's just a ranking of players (ie. they haven't taken team context into consideration yet) or the creators have absolutely no idea what they're doing... Either way, 6 days before a draft, feels like you can probably ignore that outlet entirely.
If Sarr is being touted as 1 or 2 pick, would Ware be a decent 7th pick, if you are high on him. I dont much difference between him and Sarr?
At the 4 I would say yes. The video highlighting Salaun's D was impressive. (and his potential as a 3pt shooter seems a little better) On the other hand, Ware can back up Ayton and possibly play the 4.
