PORTLAND — After a quiet 2014 summer without a draft pick, the Portland Trail Blazers are back in the draft as they begin an offseason that will have an impact for many seasons to come.
The Blazers have the No. 23 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft.
The Blazers have a host of important players set to become free agents July 1, including four-time All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge, the team’s emotional leader Wesley Matthews and starting center Robin Lopez.
The Blazers could go in many directions on draft night. They could guard against the possible departure of Aldridge and get a power forward. They could also get added wing depth in a league where versatility has become key.
With only one center on a fully guaranteed contract going into next season, they could go big.
Based on who experts have them taking, who they’ve had work out at their facility and what we’re hearing, here are five of the ways the Blazers can go in the draft.
1 — Trade the pick
The Blazers have a lot of salary cap space, but if they want to bring back all of their players, it’s going to cost them. In addition to that, they will likely be unable to bring back other veteran players. So, to avoid having more guaranteed money tied up going into free-agency, drafting players in the second round is the way to go.
They can fill out their roster while also maintaining maximum flexibility by trading out of the first round. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders.com reported the Blazers had discussed such a swap with the Philadelphia 76ers, who have four second round selections on Thursday.
Moving up in the draft would presumably cost a player or two as Portland has no other picks to trade.
2 — Draft Justin Anderson
Virginia’s Justin Anderson came in for a workout a few weeks ago with the Blazers and lit the nets on fire.
Anderson told reporters that he shot 19-for-25 in his June 9 workout.
Anderson also recorded a 43-inch vertical leap at the NBA combine in Chicago and at 6-foot-6 promises he can defend both guards and forwards. Getting Anderson would improve Portland’s perimeter defense while adding important shooting in today’s NBA that emphasizes two-way players.
3 –Draft Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of Arizona has been consistently mentioned with the Blazers and was in the same workout with Anderson. His defense is up there with the best players in this draft. But Hollis-Jefferson believes he’s a much better offensive player than he’s given credit for.
Hollis-Jefferson said that he can get to the basket and can create his own shot. His defense would be a huge upgrade for the Blazers on that end, but the Blazers need players who can shoot.
4 –Draft Montrezl Harrell
Montrezl Harrell of Louisville is expected to be available when the Blazers are picking at No. 23. If LaMarcus Aldridge leaves, they could have a hole at power forward.
According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the Blazers will likely pursue Cleveland’s Kevin Love, who will become a free-agent, if Aldridge leaves town. Harrell can also provide energy and hustle that would be lost if Portland doesn’t retain the services of Robin Lopez or Joel Freeland, who has yet to get a qualifying offer from the Blazers.
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that the Boston Celtics are interested in Lopez’s services in tandem with a pursuit of Kevin Love.
5 — Draft Kevon Looney
Multiple mock drafts have linked Kevon Looney with the Blazers, although he was not brought in for an official workout. He’s 6-foot-9, just 19 years old and was a high-percentage 3-point shooter at UCLA.
He can also potentially guard both forward positions, which is something nobody on Portland’s roster can do with success. With a 7-foot-3 wingspan and a passable 3-point jumper, he would be an ideal fit.
