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

I like George. He can shoot the cover off the ball, but I worry about the first step, burst, and overall athleticism. With that said, I'd still swap him or De Silva for Kris Murray.

 

it's the fans whose teams need to find stars to get better. role players can only do so much. portland isn't going to win in this draft by selecting brandin podziemski or jaime jaquez.

 

Those two are winning players who were solid rotation players/part time starters for good teams year 1. Sure neither has AS potential upside, but Portland could really use more guys who know how to play. With his frame and athleticism coming into the draft, Meyers had AS potential upside...

STOMP

 

I wonder if there’s any chance that we try and trade up if they identify someone like say, Risacher that they feel is going to be a star. Package the 7, 14 and more.

 

portland needs everything though. they need yahtzees to build around. i'm not worried about 3 of a kind yet.

 

https://ripcityproject.com/posts/gr...sively-move-up-to-snag-no-1-pick-01hy71vmhe8j

Grade the Trade: Blazers aggressively move up to snag No. 1 pick
Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?



Portland Trail Blazers
RECEIVE
2024 No. 1 Pick
2027 Second-Round Pick
Atlanta Hawks
RECEIVE
Matisse Thybulle
2024 No. 7 Pick
2024 No. 14 Pick
Detroit Pistons
RECEIVE
Clint Capela

 

If we see Sarr as a difference maker and we maybe see him as the only high level starter in this draft that might make sense, it does seem like an overpay but if that's who the front office wants and they grade him out as being worth picks 7, 14 and Tisse then go for it.

It also might make sense if we already have another trade or trades on the table for Malcolm or more of our other vets that are for one or more 2024 FRPs.

 

Utility Sports latest mock has the Blazers taking Holland at 7 and Ware at 14. I dig.

As for 7 and 14 for Sarr, I'd be fine with it. If the Blazers have Sarr that much better than some of the other guys in the draft, I'd roll the dice. Matisse probably has negative value, neutral at best. I have a feeling this is a draft you want to take as many shots at nabbing a star as possible but that's what my gut says. I'd be happy if they could package both second rounders to get a Kyshawn George or Jaylon Tyson in the mid to late 1st round.

 

Personally I think it's an overpay. I wouldn't do it.

 

I can understand that.

 

I was going to say the same thing! Check out the stats.

 

Exactly. If they think he is the best player in the draft I would do it in a second. I don't see an overpay at all. You give them #14 for having to move back 6 spots.
Are we going to get a 1st for Thybulle this summer? Doubtful so why not clear his 11 million? Having said that, Atlanta would say no.

 

Lots of draft experts claimed Scoot was a no-brainer #2

They also claimed he was NBA ready

(lol vecenie and peek )

For all the knocks Buzelis and Holland get, Scoot wasn’t exactly lighting up the G League either.

I could see Sarr and ZR getting drafted above him

 

It’s been 13 years since someone as short as Scoot went #1. I wouldn’t be so sure.

 

I’d keep 7&14.

we need stars.

Sarr is not a star

 

Do they really? Ayton isn't a legit Big right now? Portland took big swings in the last two drafts selecting raw young physically talented guards who everyone knew would take seasons to develop. Both Scoot and Shaedon are dynamic athletes who possess the rare ability to get their own shot. Assuming those two aren't satisfied to just cash checks and are working to improve on their overall games, complimentary forwards who can spread the court, defend, board & make smart winning basketball plays off them will be needed.

This draft does not feature guys with the sort of star potential that those two have. You can't will a draft class to be what it isn't. There are some decent pieces to add though.

STOMP

 

All of that hype would still be there today if he was in this draft.

 

If they believe that they should trade out of it vs draft role players. This draft is not good, I’m probably lower on it than most. That doesn’t mean they should target high floor, lower ceiling guys.

 

I'm certainly open to that as we agree assessing this class. I see very few who will contribute much in the short term regardless of what team they land on. Real progress for the Blazers next season needs to come from within, especially Shaedon starting to have his Neo moment where things click... man I hope he's working on his handle. By hook or by crook this offseason, I'd love to see them add a 3/4 who is a real outside threat.

STOMP