Pre-Draft Outlook
The Blazers’ first season after trading Damian Lillard was rough, partially because Scoot Henderson (the No. 3 pick last year) wasn’t among the league’s best rookies. There’s a decent amount of young talent on the roster, especially in the backcourt, but a lot of development is needed.
The Way To Go
Though 30-year-old Jerami Grant is under contract for another four seasons, the Blazers could use a versatile young forward to complement Deandre Ayton and their backcourt talent. They suffered an unfortunate drop, from tied for the third-worst record to the No. 7 pick, in the Draft lottery. But, given that they still have a lottery pick, they should take the best available player. If that’s a guard or center, they can go forward shopping at No. 14, with Kyle Filipowski, Ron Holland, Dalton Knecht, Terrence Shannon Jr., Tristan da Silva, Tyler Smith, Ja’Kobe Walter and Cody Williams among the prospects who could be available.
— John Schuhmann
Here’s a quick look at Portland’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Malcolm Brogdon
G: Scoot Henderson
G: Shaedon Sharpe
G: Anfernee Simons
G/F: Rayan Rupert
G/F: Matisse Thybulle
F: Toumani Camara
F: Jerami Grant
F: Kris Murray
F: Jabari Walker
C/F: Robert Williams III
C: Deandre Ayton
C: Duop Reath
Free Agents
G/F: Ashton Hagans
F: Dalano Banton
F: Justin Minaya
C: Ibou Badji
C: Moses Brown
> 2024 Free Agent Tracker