Picks Held: 16, 46
Timeline:
- Window revolves around Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum
- Jusuf Nurkic is entering his first full season back since his leg injury in the 2018-19 season
- Injuries plagued the Blazers’ 2019-20 season
Team Needs: Switchable wing, big man depth
Current players under contract for next season:
Guards: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Gary Trent Jr, Anfernee Simons
Wings: Trevor Ariza, Nassir Little
Bigs: Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins
Options: Rodney Hood (player), Mario Hezonja (player)
Upcoming FA: Hassan Whiteside, Wenyen Gabriel (RFA)
Past 5 drafts:
2015: Pat Connaughton, Daniel Diez
2016: Jake Layman
2017: Zach Collins, Caleb Swanigan
2018: Gary Trent Jr, Anfernee Simons
2019: Nassir Little
#16 big board
- Saddiq Bey
- Precious Achiuwa
- Josh Green
- Desmond Bane
- Jay Scrubb
- Aaron Nesmith
- Tyrese Maxey
- Theo Maledon
- RJ Hampton
- Grant Riller
- Tyrell Terry
- Jaden McDaniels
- Malachi Flynn
- Leandro Bolmaro
- Jalen Smith
#46 big board:
- Robert Woodard II
- Tyler Bey
- Cassius Stanley
- Mason Jones
- Nico Mannion
- Kaleb Wesson
- Borisa Simanic
- Josh Hall
- Ty-Shon Alexander
- Kylor Kelley
Other options: The Blazers seem locked in on Jay Scrubb, which could give them flexibility to trade down and still take him, should the rest of the league lack similar interest. The Blazers need to continue adding depth, and in a draft full of role players, it’s hard to see Portland passing up the 46th pick. While the Blazers could make some noise and move up, even if only in the 2nd round, the Blazers are in a good situation without sacrificing future assets. With Portland having no second round pick for 2021, the Blazers need to add cheap talent as much as possible.
