2024 NBA Draft (euro season, college season, scouting, prospects etc)

[Tim Lehrbach]

Heresy? Probably
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dillon-jones--brandon-roy

Jones is both very different and very much worse as a prospect than Roy.

But, he's a fun name to bring up. He projects as a second-rounder and has some skill. Could be an interesting player: accustomed to high-usage but, if he's smart, willing to convert those on-ball skills into being a useful connective part. The tough part is knowing how he adapts to NBA athleticism and changing positions.

[Waynearchetype]

Heresy? Probably
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dillon-jones--brandon-roy

Jones is both very different and very much worse as a prospect than Roy.

But, he's a fun name to bring up. He projects as a second-rounder and has some skill. Could be an interesting player: accustomed to high-usage but, if he's smart, willing to convert those on-ball skills into being a useful connective part. The tough part is knowing how he adapts to NBA athleticism and changing positions.

Yeah, not saying he's a first rounder or anything, but if you squint just right he's got the playmaking of Roy.

I think he's a top tier 2nd rounder though.

[Tim Lehrbach]

Also, I only recently started following/researching this draft and... yikes. I usually disagree when consensus blasts a draft class, but I can't name a single guy I perceive as having high-level potential. Now, one of the high-usage, multi-tooled players will hit -- somebody always does -- but as far as I can tell nobody is distinguishing himself. I don't think draft picks are worth much when they are merely lottery tickets that likely don't pay out.

I'm sure no team wants to give up a high-upside pick to move into this draft, but could the Blazers maybe trade out for some lightly protected pick(s) and just fully embrace the tank for next season (and beyond )? Or, is there a young player already in the league being underutilized, or otherwise undiscovered, for whom we should consider trading out of one or both first rounders?

[Wizenheimer]

Also, I only recently started following/researching this draft and... yikes. I usually disagree when consensus blasts a draft class, but I can't name a single guy I perceive as having high-level potential. Now, one of the high-usage, multi-tooled players will hit -- somebody always does -- but as far as I can tell nobody is distinguishing himself. I don't think draft picks are worth much when they are merely lottery tickets that likely don't pay out.

I'm sure no team wants to give up a high-upside pick to move into this draft, but could the Blazers maybe trade out for some lightly protected pick(s) and just fully embrace the tank for next season (and beyond )? Or, is there a young player already in the league being underutilized, or otherwise undiscovered, for whom we should consider trading out of one or both first rounders?

well, it's definitely a wide consensus the draft class generally sucks. I don't have a clue from watching players since I don't do that much

but considering the Blazers have 4 draft picks, it totally fits their timing to be loaded with picks in a crappy draft. Kind of like being loaded with cap-space when Hedo Turkoglu was the prize of free agency

I absolutely think the Blazers should tank next season. And they should strengthen the tank by doing their best to move Brogdon, Simons, and Grant. Ayton too while their at it. And maybe consolidating picks in 2024 into an extra pick in 2025

but I have a sinking feeling that Cronin is going to try and build a team around Grant-Ant-Ayton. A treadmill trio aiming for the play-in

[Norm2953]

If we get Purdue vs UConn, it’ll be a battle of the giants with Edey vs Clingan.

We’ve seen this before, NCAA tournament making one guy (Edey) apparently making a new
Star for the NBA.

Edey is a guy who prior to the GSW changing the way teams play, would have been at home in the
80-90’s, a 300 lb low post player. I really think he’ll be a load in limited minutes, scoring 10-12 ppg
in 15-18 mpg. He might be in consideration for Portland for with Portland’s history with bigs, they
can never have enough big people.

[Jsun947]

I'm actually REALLY curious how many of these picks are going to be kept this year...and it's a bad year for ditching picks. I don't really see the second rounders getting a roster spot over any of the current young players. Rupert seems like a project the Blazers are committed to. I'm not sure any of these rookies is going to provide more than Murray, Jabari, or Camara...I suppose drafting another switchable SG/SF so that Thybulle can be replaced shouldn't be too hard. No rookie is going to defend as well as him, but there probably are some that will contribute more offensively--so tradeoffs.

The Blazers have a glut right now of similar players with "potential" at the SF/PF switchable position, I'm not sure if they are going to add to that glut in this draft, seeing as there are unlikely any players that are going to overtake what the Blazer already have.

Basically, I'm just curious to see who the Blazers identify as "keepers" going into next season.

Players I'm intrigued by right now:

Salaun
Buzelis
Filipowski
Holmes
Ivisic

I really am intrigued by Comche, but there isn't that much footage of him. What I've seen, he looks shorter than 6'11" to me. He looks slow on offense, and his shooting form is a bit wonky with a slow release (it actually reminds me a little bit of Meyers') but that won't be as big a deal if he's a PF. There is obviously a ton of potential there though on both sides of the ball. He shows great defensive awareness as a help defender.

Portland has 14 players under contract for next season.

So, the # 5 pick replaces Moses Brown.
I think they'll keep the two second rounders and put them on 2-way contracts (replacing Minaya and Badji).

The big question is in the GSW pick. Trade it to Chicago for our pick back (view it as essentially a '26 pick ~#15-18 range)?

I think a bigger issue is that with the #5 pick, Portland will be into the tax by ~$5M. Add the #14 and it will be closer to ~$10M.

I've been looking at possible trades to get back under the tax line using Brogdon, Grant, and/or Thybulle. I can't seem to find a team that I think would guve up assets that we want (ie - future draft picks), while also being able to reduce Portland's cap total by >$10M.

The closest that I can come up with is Thybulle to Sacramento for a future ('25?) pick.

I can see Grant to Memphis, Lakers, Dallas, Atlanta, Sacramento, Golden State as possibilities.

[Pattycakes]

If we get Purdue vs UConn, it’ll be a battle of the giants with Edey vs Clingan.

We’ve seen this before, NCAA tournament making one guy (Edey) apparently making a new
Star for the NBA.

Edey is a guy who prior to the GSW changing the way teams play, would have been at home in the
80-90’s, a 300 lb low post player. I really think he’ll be a load in limited minutes, scoring 10-12 ppg
in 15-18 mpg. He might be in consideration for Portland for with Portland’s history with bigs, they
can never have enough big people.

I wouldn’t be mad at all with the gsw pick for edey

[BlazersBroncos]

Keyshawn George is my guy now for the GSW pick after diving into his film.

Pure SF and a legit 6’8 with a silky shot. Regularly made and took 3’s from well behind the college line. Excellent passer and ball handler (Touted as a point-forward coming into college). Plus defender. Smart player who moves the ball quick and doesn’t over dribble.

He looks like a guy that could have PG13 upside once his body develops. I am not sure there is another guy in this draft with as much upside. I wouldn’t even be mad if we used our own FRP on him.

Like him MUCH more than Cody Williams. Watching George you can just tell his game is made for the NBA.

Matas and George as our future forward tandem would make me tremendously happy.

[tester551]

Keyshawn George is my guy now for the GSW pick after diving into his film.

Pure SF and a legit 6’8 with a silky shot. Regularly made and took 3’s from well behind the college line. Excellent passer and ball handler (Touted as a point-forward coming into college). Plus defender. Smart player who moves the ball quick and doesn’t over dribble.

He looks like a guy that could have PG13 upside once his body develops. I am not sure there is another guy in this draft with as much upside. I wouldn’t even be mad if we used our own FRP on him.

Like him MUCH more than Cody Williams. Watching George you can just tell his game is made for the NBA.

Matas and George as our future forward tandem would make me tremendously happy.

Agreed.

The 'idea' of George & Williams as similar. I would say George is a better shooter & defender. Williams has a slightly better handle and attacks the rim at a higher frequency (although not that frequent).

I just think cost/value wise, George is a better bet

[Norm2953]

The combine and workouts will likely decide who goes where for George for example is either
going late lottery (B-R) or in the 30's.

Going to be an interesting draft for the smart teams will be able to get solid prospects in the 20's,
while the lottery teams might end up with guys who will disappoint the fans. I could see a team
drafting Edey in the 20's and he will be a solid contributor for the smarter teams will know how to
get the most out of him.

[DusterBuster]

The lottery is going to be the most interested I've been in the NBA since September 2023.

[zzaj]

Keyshawn George is my guy now for the GSW pick after diving into his film.

Pure SF and a legit 6’8 with a silky shot. Regularly made and took 3’s from well behind the college line. Excellent passer and ball handler (Touted as a point-forward coming into college). Plus defender. Smart player who moves the ball quick and doesn’t over dribble.

He looks like a guy that could have PG13 upside once his body develops. I am not sure there is another guy in this draft with as much upside. I wouldn’t even be mad if we used our own FRP on him.

Like him MUCH more than Cody Williams. Watching George you can just tell his game is made for the NBA.

Matas and George as our future forward tandem would make me tremendously happy.

I really like George too. My current 3 favorites are George/Salaun/Edey. Edey is going to get roasted on the perimeter, but most Centers do.

[Tim Lehrbach]

Keyshawn George is my guy now for the GSW pick after diving into his film.

Pure SF and a legit 6’8 with a silky shot. Regularly made and took 3’s from well behind the college line. Excellent passer and ball handler (Touted as a point-forward coming into college). Plus defender. Smart player who moves the ball quick and doesn’t over dribble.

He looks like a guy that could have PG13 upside once his body develops. I am not sure there is another guy in this draft with as much upside. I wouldn’t even be mad if we used our own FRP on him.

Like him MUCH more than Cody Williams. Watching George you can just tell his game is made for the NBA.

Matas and George as our future forward tandem would make me tremendously happy.

I really like George too. My current 3 favorites are George/Salaun/Edey. Edey is going to get roasted on the perimeter, but most Centers do.

I tend to like players with the most translatable of NCAA-to-NBA skills, which are rebounding and finishing inside, so I get where the Edey enthusiasm originates. But, like, how do we ignore that players in his mold simply don't play anymore? Even when their impact stats don't indicate they are wrecking their teams, coaches won't play non-Wemby giants anymore. I can't see drafting a guy you just know won't be a major part of a competitive rotation.

[Norm2953]

With Portland's history of injured big people, I'd draft Edey at 13-15. He'll play 15-18 mpg
and feast on the second unit

[BlazersBroncos]

With Portland's history of injured big people, I'd draft Edey at 13-15. He'll play 15-18 mpg
and feast on the second unit

I think Edey is a luxury. A team like BOS or DEN should target him.

We dont even know if our former #3 pick is a starting caliber guy. We need to aim higher than 15-18mpg specialist when drafting in the teens.

[Pattycakes]

With Portland's history of injured big people, I'd draft Edey at 13-15. He'll play 15-18 mpg
and feast on the second unit

I think Edey is a luxury. A team like BOS or DEN should target him.

We dont even know if our former #3 pick is a starting caliber guy. We need to aim higher than 15-18mpg specialist when drafting in the teens.

I think scoot is the typical, “off-season evolved” dude that is almost unrecognizable his second year. Plenty of players esp his age and esp pg require the learning experience, Chauncey has been preaching that since day one.

A LOT of people will be eating crow when scoot comes out the gate a bit more dominant me thinks.

[Wizenheimer]

With Portland's history of injured big people, I'd draft Edey at 13-15. He'll play 15-18 mpg
and feast on the second unit

I think Edey is a luxury. A team like BOS or DEN should target him.

We dont even know if our former #3 pick is a starting caliber guy. We need to aim higher than 15-18mpg specialist when drafting in the teens.

I think scoot is the typical, “off-season evolved” dude that is almost unrecognizable his second year. Plenty of players esp his age and esp pg require the learning experience, Chauncey has been preaching that since day one.

A LOT of people will be eating crow when scoot comes out the gate a bit more dominant me thinks.

that's entirely possible....every once in a while a player's off-season is a game-changer

I'll say this though: Scoot has a lot lower ceiling than the pre-draft projections if he can't show major improvement with his left hand. He has no dribble drive ability when mixing in his left hand...he doesn't even try. And it's really limiting his drives to the rim and options when he does

[Wizenheimer]

yeah...the Blazers should focus on either Edey or Clingan. After all, going after big awkward C's worked out so well with Meyers and Zach

[BlazersBroncos]

yeah...the Blazers should focus on either Edey or Clingan. After all, going after big awkward C's worked out so well with Meyers and Zach

I mean Zach really isnt an awkward athete. Yes, he was perennially injured here but he has carved a really nice spot in SA and I would argue is one of the Top-5 backup C's in the league. Obv you want more from a #10 pick but he isnt a scrub at all.

You could make the same argument against Kessler coming out and he is now one of the better young centers in the league and a elite rim protector.

I do agree we shouldnt be targeting a specialist type C (Like Edey) or a 5th starter, low offensive ceiling guy like Clingan - especially when we have like 40M+ tied up in centers that likely are not going to be easy to move (Ayton simply due to his contract and RWIII as he is a walking injury).

We need talent across the board. If we see, say, Rob Dillingham as a blue chip I say take him even with Scoot. But I am very down on Henderson.

[Wizenheimer]

I mean Zach really isnt an awkward athete. Yes, he was perennially injured here but he has carved a really nice spot in SA and I would argue is one of the Top-5 backup C's in the league. Obv you want more from a #10 pick but he isnt a scrub at all.

You could make the same argument against Kessler coming out and he is now one of the better young centers in the league and a elite rim protector.

I do agree we shouldnt be targeting a specialist type C (Like Edey) or a 5th starter, low offensive ceiling guy like Clingan - especially when we have like 40M+ tied up in centers that likely are not going to be easy to move (Ayton simply due to his contract and RWIII as he is a walking injury).

We need talent across the board. If we see, say, Rob Dillingham as a blue chip I say take him even with Scoot. But I am very down on Henderson.

but...the NBA has changed and evolved a lot over the last 10-15 years. Unless you have an elite talent like Jokic or Embiid or Wemby; or maybe like Sabonis, investing a lot of capital and opportunity and usage in a big man is counter-productive

Kessler only started 22 games this season and has started less than half of the games in 2 seasons...for a lottery team. He's really not starting material. And neither is Zach. I think spending 16M/year on a player like Nurkic is probably too much. Zach is making 7M this year; 16M next year. Zubac is making 11M; Looney 8M; Claxton 10M; Myles Turner 20M and that's an overpay....

...and of course, like the brain-dead franchise it has been for years, Portland decided it was a great idea to pay Ayton 34M/year. So it would fit that Ayton idiocy to double down and invest another lottery pick in a big man that other teams could simply play off the floor