Last week, I went to Chicago for the draft lottery and predraft combine. The Trail Blazers came away with the No. 7 overall pick as well as the Warriors’ No. 14 pick. They also hold two second-rounders, No. 34 and No. 40 overall. Over the next five weeks, they will start bringing players to Portland for in-person workouts at their practice facility, which we will cover, and that will lead into the draft in late June.
Blazers have been pretty good at selecting 2nd rd talent the past 10+ years it seems, what are the odds we actually keep one of this year's two (early) 2nd rd picks? Also, what are the odds we keep both lottery picks? Somethings got to give roster construction wise and I'd personally rather move vets like Malcolm or Tisse and bring in as many young talent "dice rolls" as possible.
Based on your intel and what you’ve observed at the combine, who do you see as the ‘best player’ available at 7 and 14 versus who the Blazers may ultimately pick based on fit?
What sort of accountability/pressure does Joe Cronin have from ownership for his performance? Tear it down and rebuild is a great cover but as some point he needs to show that he has a plan beyond that.
If you had to select one route for them to take in the draft which would it be out of these 4 options: 1.) Draft where they are at, 2.) Combine picks and/or player to move up in the draft, 3.) Trade down in the draft or 4.) trade out of the draft completely.
1) Any word on Sharpe's health and if he's going to Team Canada's olympic camp?
2) Do you think Portland will be more inclined to take BPA or address needs, as they look at what prospects are on the board at 7 and 14? Do you see any players that are likely to be available at 7 (or 14) in the draft as potential starters for the Blazers? Sarr and Risacher are the only ones that look NBA ready and fit positions of need for the Blazers, but I don't see either of them making it out of the top 5 picks.
As usual, great response from all of you. I'm closing comments now because I have enough to work with. The next one we do will likely be mid-July after Summer League, when the offseason is fully settled. Thanks, everyone.
When can we expect our empty coaching roles to be filled?
Blazers have been pretty good at selecting 2nd rd talent the past 10+ years it seems, what are the odds we actually keep one of this year's two (early) 2nd rd picks? Also, what are the odds we keep both lottery picks? Somethings got to give roster construction wise and I'd personally rather move vets like Malcolm or Tisse and bring in as many young talent "dice rolls" as possible.
Hi Sean,
Appreciating the content, thank you.
Based on your intel and what you’ve observed at the combine, who do you see as the ‘best player’ available at 7 and 14 versus who the Blazers may ultimately pick based on fit?
Does it seem more likely we take 2 swings with our lottery picks or 1 safer bet with maybe a lower ceiling (i.e. Knecht) and only 1 swing?
The Blazers should draft on positional need this year, correct? So lots of 6’8” wings or taller and hope one of them works out?
What sort of accountability/pressure does Joe Cronin have from ownership for his performance? Tear it down and rebuild is a great cover but as some point he needs to show that he has a plan beyond that.
If you had to select one route for them to take in the draft which would it be out of these 4 options: 1.) Draft where they are at, 2.) Combine picks and/or player to move up in the draft, 3.) Trade down in the draft or 4.) trade out of the draft completely.
Is #7 too early for Salaun?
1) Any word on Sharpe's health and if he's going to Team Canada's olympic camp?
2) Do you think Portland will be more inclined to take BPA or address needs, as they look at what prospects are on the board at 7 and 14? Do you see any players that are likely to be available at 7 (or 14) in the draft as potential starters for the Blazers? Sarr and Risacher are the only ones that look NBA ready and fit positions of need for the Blazers, but I don't see either of them making it out of the top 5 picks.
Has there been any further chatter about the status of Chauncey? Feels like he and the front office may be starting to fracture a bit.
How many veterans do you think Portland will part with at or leading up to the draft? Feels like Brogdon has to be moved. Williams? Grant?
As usual, great response from all of you. I'm closing comments now because I have enough to work with. The next one we do will likely be mid-July after Summer League, when the offseason is fully settled. Thanks, everyone.