2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[Myth]

The level of competition matters, the fact that Bryant played on a team of high usage vets as a freshman matters, the fact that Bryant was a top 20 recruit is relevant

I am not saying that Coward could not be that older diamond in the rough (Dame) but that scenario is more the exception than the rule, and Bryant being 3 years younger, does matter in terms of runway for development

Also, the level of competition concerns cannot be overstated, he has been playing against subpar players & then 6 games vs some weaker teams at WSU & everyone seems to be extrapolating from that, as if those stats would be similar if he played in the SEC or ACC.

What would he be like playing at Duke? We won’t know because he’s not going there. Instead he turned pro, now he could end up being great, he could also end up really struggling, and we’re not even talking about Duke. We are talking about going up against NBA level players

He has some tantalizing measurables & intriguing stats but banking on his shooting vs subpar teams\limited major conference exposure translating at an NBA level is a real risk

Now a lot of draft analysts and scouts really like him, and he is definitely moving up the boards to around the back third of the lottery, so I am really curious to see where he goes, but IMO he is a taking a swing pick, like Essengue, where they both have the requisite tools but nothing definitive that you can bank on that will translate at the NBA level

Bryant - defense

Demin - passing, floor mapping\vision, I would also add the positional versatility is highly valued, particularly since he will play at 6’9 - 6’10

Jakucionis - passing, shooting (pre injury he was lights out) & positional versatility

Those would be the 3 players that POR should target IMO. After that take the swing (Essengue\Coward\Newell\Riley)

Demin is 6'9/6'10, although his average wingspan makes him comparable to a 6'7/6'8 player. He's also pretty slow, and doesn't use his length for rebounding (which is quite poor). His assist to turnover ratio isn't overly amazing either.

I just don't see it with him. I'd take him at #20, but #11 would be a disappointing outcome for Portland imo.

I keep envisioning Demin as Ben Simmons skillset without the defense. Probably better mentally and willing to shoot, but not good at it from what he has done in games. Jaku may simultaneously be arguably the BPA while fitting a need (shooting/point guard).

[Norm2953]

Noa was measured and it was about as freakish as one could expect -

6'10" barefoot
204lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
9" hand length
10.75" hand width

That makes him 6'11 in shoes FWIW. That standing reach is 1.5 inches from Dwight Howard. The hand length is amongst the best ever with Leonard being the gold standard at 9.75 and 11.25. He has grown across the board in the past year and who knows if its even over.

The fact Noa moves the way he does with the above measurements is not normal. Unfortunate that he will be gone by the time we pick.

He's apparently got narrow shoulders and might physically end up like Holmgren...

BE is reporting Portland worked out Demin, Queen and Penda today.

[Dame Lizard]

Noa was measured and it was about as freakish as one could expect -

6'10" barefoot
204lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
9" hand length
10.75" hand width

That makes him 6'11 in shoes FWIW. That standing reach is 1.5 inches from Dwight Howard. The hand length is amongst the best ever with Leonard being the gold standard at 9.75 and 11.25. He has grown across the board in the past year and who knows if its even over.

The fact Noa moves the way he does with the above measurements is not normal. Unfortunate that he will be gone by the time we pick.

He's apparently got narrow shoulders and might physically end up like Holmgren...

BE is reporting Portland worked out Demin, Queen and Penda today.

Gross - Demin and McQueen are the two least desired prospects in that range for me. I wonder whether Penda is a sign that we're planning on some trade action, or it's just general due diligence for opportunistic reasons.

[JRoy]

Concur

[dckingsfan]

My conclusion coming near to the end of this is that all the prognosticators out there on twitter, youtube, etc. don't have a consensus for who the Blazers take. I am guessing I will be surprised.

[Walton1one]

Noa was measured and it was about as freakish as one could expect -

6'10" barefoot
204lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
9" hand length
10.75" hand width

That makes him 6'11 in shoes FWIW. That standing reach is 1.5 inches from Dwight Howard. The hand length is amongst the best ever with Leonard being the gold standard at 9.75 and 11.25. He has grown across the board in the past year and who knows if its even over.

The fact Noa moves the way he does with the above measurements is not normal. Unfortunate that he will be gone by the time we pick.

Read on Twitter

Just about to post this, very good measurements

I agree with what Vecenie said about him, a lot of people think he can be a wing like Siakam, however, he’s probably more likely to be a big, but there are questions if he can put on enough weight/get strong enough to handle that position

[DusterBuster]

If the Blazers were in picks 3-7 range, I would probably have a stronger opinion on who I want. At 11… I mean, whothefknows… just shoot your shot with whoever you think is best. The Blazers just need the best talent possible at almost any position tbh, so just take who you think is best Schmidty.

For the draft, particularly at this range, just go with whoever has the best measurements imo. That’s the one and only thing you can’t teach, that’s why I’m totally ok with Denim or Noa.

I like Carter, but more for his BBIQ and approach to the game, which while teachable, some people have a drive and some don’t. Carter has that which I like.

Denim has smarts and amazing height for his position and from scouts apparently a great dude in the lockerroom and community.

So yeah, plenty of players I’m fine with Portland picking up this year at 11.

My interest for this summer is far more on the trade market, less-so the draft.

[tester551]

Noa was measured and it was about as freakish as one could expect -

6'10" barefoot
204lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
9" hand length
10.75" hand width

That makes him 6'11 in shoes FWIW. That standing reach is 1.5 inches from Dwight Howard. The hand length is amongst the best ever with Leonard being the gold standard at 9.75 and 11.25. He has grown across the board in the past year and who knows if its even over.

The fact Noa moves the way he does with the above measurements is not normal. Unfortunate that he will be gone by the time we pick.

Read on Twitter

Just about to post this, very good measurements

I agree with what Vecenie said about him, a lot of people think he can be a wing like Siakam, however, he’s probably more likely to be a big, but there are questions if he can put on enough weight/get strong enough to handle that position

Siakam is a BIG.
He is also the best comp for Noa

[Case2012]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=DerekParker

Seems like a guy Schmitz would like. Similar to a Essengue maybe? Idk, not someone i'm high on but great body and high motor.

[Butter]

Noa was measured and it was about as freakish as one could expect -

6'10" barefoot
204lbs
7'1" wingspan
9'2" standing reach
9" hand length
10.75" hand width

That makes him 6'11 in shoes FWIW. That standing reach is 1.5 inches from Dwight Howard. The hand length is amongst the best ever with Leonard being the gold standard at 9.75 and 11.25. He has grown across the board in the past year and who knows if its even over.

The fact Noa moves the way he does with the above measurements is not normal. Unfortunate that he will be gone by the time we pick.

Read on Twitter

Just about to post this, very good measurements

I agree with what Vecenie said about him, a lot of people think he can be a wing like Siakam, however, he’s probably more likely to be a big, but there are questions if he can put on enough weight/get strong enough to handle that position

Last year, I was all in on Tidjane Salaun, hook, line and sinker. Turns out he's so raw, he was not ready to contribute in his rookie season.

I get the appeal of a 6'10" rookie who can walk and chew gum at the same time, but I'm concerned that by the time he's ready to contribute, most of the Blazers "good players" are going to be finishing up their next contracts.

[dckingsfan]

If the Blazers were in picks 3-7 range, I would probably have a stronger opinion on who I want. At 11… I mean, whothefknows… just shoot your shot with whoever you think is best. The Blazers just need the best talent possible at almost any position tbh, so just take who you think is best Schmidty.

For the draft, particularly at this range, just go with whoever has the best measurements imo. That’s the one and only thing you can’t teach, that’s why I’m totally ok with Denim or Noa.

I like Carter, but more for his BBIQ and approach to the game, which while teachable, some people have a drive and some don’t. Carter has that which I like.

Denim has smarts and amazing height for his position and from scouts apparently a great dude in the lockerroom and community.

So yeah, plenty of players I’m fine with Portland picking up this year at 11.

My interest for this summer is far more on the trade market, less-so the draft.

I am with you that this draft is a tough one when drafting at 11. And yes, the off-season moves will dwarf this draft.

Having said that - this is where a good drafting FO makes a difference. I think they need to hit in this draft (at least a rotation piece).

[Walton1one]

I was there as well, if not DC then wanted POR to take Salaun or Buzelis

Salaun showed he was not ready for NBA yet, my concern is that Essengue will be the same

[BlazersBroncos]

I just dont see the comparison on film. Salaun was nowhere near the leaper that Noa is. Not off 1 foot, not off 2 feet. I never saw Salaun eat up space with 3-4 strides and dribbles like Noa flashes. Nor be nearly as active on defense.

Salaun shot under 40% from the field and averaged 0.2 BPG (While playing closer to the rim on defense - where Noa is on the perimeter much more often).

[Walton1one]

Read on Twitter

Second year Penda has had a workout with POR, and this one was under the veil of secrecy? I don’t think he would be the pick at #11, but at #16? Maybe

As could: Newell, McNeeley, Riley, Richardson & Fleming (maybe)

[Walton1one]

I just dont see the comparison on film. Salaun was nowhere near the leaper that Noa is. Not off 1 foot, not off 2 feet. I never saw Salaun eat up space with 3-4 strides and dribbles like Noa flashes. Nor be nearly as active on defense.

Salaun shot under 40% from the field and averaged 0.2 BPG (While playing closer to the rim on defense - where Noa is on the perimeter much more often).

I did a comparison b/t the two awhile back and they are closer than I thought.

Salaun also took more 3pt FGA than Essengue did as well and tended to float to the perimeter on offense, his 2pt FG% was 42.5%.

4.2 of his 7.9 FGA were from 3pt, over half his shots, he shot 33% from 3pt

Essengue shot 29% on 1.9a/g, his total shot attempts were 6.9, so far more of his shot diet was in 2pt range in\around the basket than Salaun

Salaun plays more like a stretch (theoretical) wing, Essengue’s play style is more of an athletic big (C), however, concerns would be if he could gain the necessary weight to stay/excel there

I would rather take Beringer as a mobile 5 to match with DC (@ #16) than Essengue at #11, he’s already bigger, he’s got just as crazy measurements, you know what he is & his body is more ready to contribute right away, he like Essengue (and Salaun) needs development time though

With Essengue you are hoping on the minuscule chance that he can evolve enough of his game to become some version of a Siakam, but the handle isn’t there, the shot isn’t there, he has little/no on ball creativity at this point he needs to put on a lot more muscle/weight even to play the 4 effectively.

He has some skills to play the 5 right now, good rim finisher, he can draw contact & he has incredible reach to navigate shots around defenders, problem is while this works in BBL against smaller/inferior competition it very likely won’t work in the NBA, at least initially while he hopefully builds out his body to withstand NBA rigors

[Norm2953]

Seems like there is no shortage of athletic, developmental bigs

Draft the player who best compliments DC. Hopefully they can finally trade Simons and add complimentary
players at PF/C and in the BC. I'd hate to draft guys who duplicate the guys we already have for where would
that player play?

[Walton1one]

I was watching a podcast of Locked on NBA Big Board and they are talking about how POR does not need any more young players and I 100% disagree with that philosophy.

If POR had a star (like Dame) and was trying to make the playin\palyoffs then yes, consider trading that pick away for a vet who could help now, upgrade that 1-8\1-10 core group, but POR is not in that place now, they have no star, they have no #1, so they should be stacking this team with as many young guys as they can, so if a team does come calling they can then trade away a group of those young guys to get that star, and here is the important part, without gutting their core group significantly.

Any well run NBA team would always be trying to keep adding young talent, it is critical in the NBA.

[Dame Lizard]

I was watching a podcast of Locked on NBA Big Board and they are talking about how POR does not need any more young players and I 100% disagree with that philosophy.

If POR had a star (like Dame) and was trying to make the playin\palyoffs then yes, consider trading that pick away for a vet who could help now, upgrade that 1-8\1-10 core group, but POR is not in that place now, they have no star, they have no #1, so they should be stacking this team with as many young guys as they can, so if a team does come calling they can then trade away a group of those young guys to get that star, and here is the important part, without gutting their core group significantly.

Any well run NBA team would always be trying to keep adding young talent, it is critical in the NBA.

Particularly given that we lack a true star.

Deni shows Robin potential, but we need a Batman.

We have good draft capital, so even if we pick up more talented elite role players (e.g. Camara), we could trade for a disgruntled star at some stage. Similar to how Indianna acquired Siakam.

[DusterBuster]

Who’s Penda?

[dckingsfan]

Who’s Penda?

Noah Penda. I haven't seen him ranked above 19 before... but you never know.

He is a SF at 6'7" with a 7-foot wingspan, two way player. He is a bit older... I would say he is NBA defensive ready. From the games I saw he makes good defensive decisions (if you will). I think he can guard 2-4. He is a really good on-ball defender because of his "quickness". He is not really much of an off-ball defender.

Offense is a work in progress in terms of his shot - he is improving.

My take is if I was Brooklyn I would take him 26/27, maybe. Second round - for sure.

I kind of like Hugo Gonzalez better.