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Live coverage: The NBA draft

The Columbian
Published: June 27, 2012, 5:00pm
3 Photos
NBA Commissioner David Stern, left, poses with the No.
NBA Commissioner David Stern, left, poses with the No. 6 overall draft pick Damian Lillard, of Weber State, who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. Photo Gallery

The Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday drafted point guard Damian Lillard of Weber State University and Meyers Leonard from the University of Illinois. We’re providing live coverage of the Blazers’ Draft day moves.

Stick around to this story, which will be updated as the night goes on. You can also find Blazers beat writer Matt Calkins on Twitter by following @blazerbanter.

4:37 p.m.: With the first pick, the New Orleans Hornets select Anthony Davis out of Kentucky. He was widely expected to be the number-one pick.

5:00 p.m.: David Aldridge of TNT is reporting that Portland will select Damian Lillard of Weber State.

5:05 p.m.: It’s official: Portland selects point guard Damian Lillard of Weber State University.

5:06 p.m.: Analysts are talking about Lillard’s strengths. He doesn’t shy away from contact, handles the ball well, has a good floater, and is a willing passer, per the ESPN analysts.

5:07 p.m.: Lillard is being interviewed right now. He said that former NBA pro Brian Shaw gave him pointers on being a successful point guard.

5:09 p.m.: ESPN analyst Tom Penn is using statistics to showcase Lillard as a great spot-up shooter and excellent in the pick-and-roll.

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5:10 p.m.: Chris Broussard says Lillard will be a good fit with Portland, citing their need for shooters.

5:11 p.m.: Here’s a 2010 article from ESPN about Lillard. And one from SB Nation.

5:20 p.m.: It is reported that Connecticut center Andre Drummond will be selected ninth by the Detroit Pistons. He had been linked to Portland in recent days.

5:31 p.m. Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Portland is leaning toward Meyers Leonard with the 11th pick.

5:34 p.m.: Portland has selected Meyers Leonard from the University of Illinois with the 11th pick.

5:35 p.m.: Leonard can run the floor and has good footwork, ESPN analysts are saying. They say he needs more strength, but praise his hands and shooting.

5:37 p.m.: Leonard is being interviewed. Calls it “unbelievable.” “I’m just going to try to come in and be the best I can be,” he said.

7:30 p.m.: It’s been a quiet night for the Blazers. No trades so far. The second round is about to start; Portland will have the 40th and 41st picks.

8:02 p.m. With the 40th pick, the Blazers select Will Barton from the University of Memphis.

8:03 p.m. ESPN is reporting that the Brooklyn Nets have traded for the 41st pick from Portland. No word what Portland will receive in return quite yet.

8:05 p.m. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! is reporting that the Blazers have traded the 41st pick for cash.

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