2025 Blazer Draft Prospects

[Dame Lizard]

Not looking likely that we buy a 2nd round pick, given what the roster looks like but still watching the 2nd round anyways.

Fleming was a nice pick for Phoenix. They are having a good draft so far.

I only really wanted Fleming out of the remaining players, so I'm happy to tune out now.

What a disappointing draft for Portland, all things considered.

Happy to give Yang the benefit of the doubt - it's just puzzling that we reached for a Centre when we have Clingan.

[wco81]

Yeah, we will see if he is the best center, considering that Beringer went right after him, they could have taken Queen, Sorber or Newell

But nope, we got the Chinese Jokić, lol, get ready to hear that from Blazer broadcasting over and over and over and over again next year

Listening to The Ringer NBA podcast.

Apparently Blazers have been scouting him for awhile so they went for it. They already had 3 centers but maybe it's for future development?

Still the #16 pick in a pretty good draft but they plan to send him to the G-League, at least at the start of the season.

I guess better to get some playing time rather than sit on the bench.

One bad pick, at the middle of the first round, isn't going to get a GM fired nor make his reputation if he turns into a star. But it's part of a dossier to either fire the GM later on or reward him if the pick works out very well.

[Chanse503]

Charlotte crushed this draft !!
Certainly filled the gap with shooters and a center too.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

Based on what we knew going into the draft, Yang was undeniably drafted well ahead of projected so its natural to feel a bit of disappointment. However I will acknowledge that scouts are more on their game and knowledgeable than the resources we have access to and it is possible Yang was on some teams board as late 1st round target, although no one else seemed to treat him like the kind of "cant miss" player that we seemed to treat him as. I really liked Essengue, Byrant and Coward. I'm ok passing on KJ, he was a boom or bust pick and if the team didnt believe in him then that's OK. But not getting any of the other 3 was a kick in the gut for me because they all look the part of real good players. I had a moment where, after they announced Coward as the pick and before they announced the trade, I got really excited for him and us and coming off that was a bit rough. Ultimately the move will be judged on whether it was worth passing on Coward for.

Trying to look at it in the light of a new day. I had done literally zero research on Yang so I was able to watch a little bit. I don't necessarily hate that the team made a bold move, but I do think they are kind of staking their reputations by doing so and it could effect them negatively if it doesn't work out. What I mean is that it is easy to take a consensus player in the draft, if it doesn't work out the perception is well could happen to anybody. What a GM is risking there is the team but not necessarily themselves, they aren't really putting anything on the line by doing what everyone expects and predicts of them. So there is something commendable, even if it ends up being monumentally stupid in the end, but at least they have the confidence to test their mettle and not just do what is safe. And if it does work out well then results speak I guess, we shall see. Count me a skeptic but cant turn back time so we will see.

Thoughts after watching him, very little just some highlights and one of those combine games... well the big upside looks to be his passing. He can palm the ball and hit some crazy angles and see's the court well enough to make plays out of the high post. I'm still TBD on his post scoring ability but there are some signs of talent there, more than Clingan for sure. I didn't see much of a perimeter game, he's a ways away from being able to put the ball on the ground facing up, though he did hit a 3 (missed badly a couple other). But he does look like someone teams can have hold the ball while they run plays and expect smart moves from, lots of teams need high IQ low usage role players.

In terms of screening he actually is pretty similar to Clingan which is a pretty big compliment, having two huge screen setters will help our guards. Rebounding I see Clingan as slightly better but Yang does do a good job boxing out and making space too. He isn't as good of a help defender as Clingan, he doesn't have as much vertical pop or ape index which allows Clingan to recover and provide help defense. But I do think he looks like a solid positional defender, he's a big body, uses verticality and is generally a smart player. I wonder how much the mythical idea of "upload" speed came into it with him, the environment I saw most of was pretty chaotic but he still looked pretty composed. Seeing him in a more structured offense, where he knows who is moving where and what actions are being run off ball could make him look even as a passer. Like Clingan he seemed to struggle with catching passes while moving and in traffic but maybe that can be improved on also.

To me he still looks like the kind of smart pick a contending team makes in the 20s to shore up that position, more of a pick based on needs usually. Maybe it's not a huge reach by the numbers then but I still don't see someone you go way out of your way to target. If he falls to you, great take a shot, if someone else snatches him up then ok pivot to someone like Beringer, Newell or Wolf. But that is me and if Yang has that extra level to him above those guys then I hope it works out.

[Norm2953]

Honest general question here...note--I'm not interested in bringing up unnecessary political arguments or commentary, I'm not interested in that, nor do I think this is the forum for that:

I mentioned it before, but what are the chances that Yang isn't even allowed to come and live and work in the USA under current political conditions in the USA? I've heard that work visas have been HIGHLY scrutinized recently, with an uptick in refusal generally.

Will the NBA be able to fast-track and guarantee that process? What happens if things were to escalate to the point that the USA were to be actively at odds with China in the Iran conflict?

Anybody here have specialized insight or knowledge about these things?

One would think if Maluach went in the first round despite South Sudan being on Trump's list and Yang's appearance in
this audience would leave little fear he would not be an issue unless China invades Taiwan.

[Case2012]

So apparently Yang had a promise from Brooklyn and Minny was gonna take him at 17 too? Cool. They should have. And we should’ve just taken Coward and walked away with a future starter and potential star.

I honestly don’t care about that Orlando pick. I’ve made it pretty damn clear I was that high on Coward. Even if we traded down and pocketed that future first, Yang is probably not finishing his rookie deal and coming close to what Coward, Wolf, KJ, Essengue, Bryant, Fleming, Nique, or WCJ will be.

You want to talk a real win? Trade down, grab WCJ at 16 (he had a promise at 18), then go flip into 31 and grab Fleming, a 44% shooter from 3 with a 7'5 wingspan. WCJ might be the best shooter in the entire draft and a legit big-game guy. That’s a dude who could be an All-Star. Fleming? Has the potential to be a lethal help defender and a lights-out shooter in time.

Instead? We take a one-in-a-billion shot on Yang. A backup project center after taking Clingan last year. With actual talent like Knecht and McCain still on the board. What was the point of taking Clingan if the plan was to draft another big the next year? And if you were so dead set on a monster center, why not just take Edey, who’s one of the most dominant college centers ever and bigger than both?

Look, Yang's a Blazer now, so I hope he’s the next Yao and becomes an MVP. But let’s be real—he’s probably a third-stringer. Not saying Chinese players don’t have potential, but the odds are brutal. Go look at the history. And Yao? Dude’s career got cut short because of nonstop national team demands and stress fractures. And now we’re pairing that with Portland’s big man curse? Bro...

Also, that Jrue trade still makes zero sense. We had a chance to get a second first-rounder and take someone who dropped. Maybe KJ. Maybe Wolf who i think is a way better passer with PG handles. Hell, even just stay put and take WCJ and call it a day. Instead we used Ant’s contract and picks to take on a soon to be washed 35-year-old and passed on real talent for a project.

Coward in a Blazers hat felt like a kick to the teeth after how bad I wanted him. Like the universe giving me a glimpse of what should’ve been just to yank it away. That trade with Memphis? You can’t tell me it wasn’t pre-planned. The Deni-to-Memphis rumors were already out weeks ago. They saw Coward up close and dumped Trex arms Bane for a 7’2 wingspan sniper who might end up better. What if Coward is the next Klay? Then what? That 2028 mid first isn't nothing, and who knows what that ends up being.

I just want a front office I can be proud of. Something like SA or OKC. An organization with a damn clue. I’m tired of watching us burn assets like it’s a bonfire. Honestly, maybe I just need to get back in shape and hoop again, because that’s probably my best shot at feeling like a winner at this point.

[BlazersBroncos]

Bro chill out. Your wanking it to the thought of your own genius. It’s silly.

We all have ‘our guys’ but it’s getting absurd. It’s the same every year, key in like 3-5 guys and if we don’t draft them the entire arena should be burnt to the ground.

[m0ng0]

Dude we get it, you feel disappointed, betrayed whatever, but your opinion and vision is just that YOURS!! I dont like the you that you project, you mock and belittle people who disagree with you, call them names and basically call them stupid because they don't see your vision. That's a YOU problem bro, and believe it or not the sun rises everyday, why can't you compartmentalize and realize no matter what life goes on, no matter which mountain you climb to scream from, Cronin is not listening to you. Lighten up, breath, take up origami or haiku, find something positive to focus that fire on besides hate and vitriol. I know you have a passion just like most of us, but you can't keep living like this, it's not healthy, life is all about dealing with what you can control and rolling with the things you can't...peace bro

[DusterBuster]

Not paying attention to the 2nd round, Blazers do anything or did Joe and Co take the night off after a real barn burner night last night? /s

Read on Twitter

[Dame Lizard]

I also don't like our selection. I would rather have drafted Coward/Boa/Bryant.

However the return we got being #16, 2028 unprotected and two firsts was actually pretty good I feel.

Let's wait and see how things pan out, as that 2028 pick could be a lottery pick, who knows. Orlando should be pretty good then you'd imagine, but plenty can happen between now and then, particularly for a smaller market team.

[Case2012]

Bro chill out. Your wanking it to the thought of your own genius. It’s silly.

We all have ‘our guys’ but it’s getting absurd. It’s the same every year, key in like 3-5 guys and if we don’t draft them the entire arena should be burnt to the ground.

Bro I'm chilling, it just sucks being right year after year. It's less wanking to my own genius and more like being cucked seeing the player you were locked in on killing it on another team. That's the blazers fan experience. Jordan, Durant, CP3, OG, Mitchell etc. This is just more of the same and every year it feels a little more desperate because we move farther away from any hope of being relevant with these decision makers.

We had Dame and they wouldn't invest in a second star, then they rush a rebuild before drafting another-- unless you think Yang is that guy, and if you do cool. I just think it was Coward. It's like leaving the party with the girl you've been crushing on for months and then you get blocked by some other guy and have to see them on social media for the next 5 years and wonder what could have been.

Here's to hoping that Yang is is the next Yao, I'm over it.

I'm sure there's plenty of more genius win now moves we'll get to witness after FA opens. We have plenty of picks and salaries now to make some more movement, so hold onto your butt.

And also dude, no offense but if my fandom is annoying-- you can mute me, it's chill. I'm an intense person and not for everyone, no worries.

[Norm2953]

I do think it silly to get so upset by what the local team does in these player drafts for I'm old
enough to remember some really horrendous drafts.

This draft was top heavy but starting at pick 3, there was a big drop off followed by another drop
off after Duke Center Maluach was taken by Phoenix. I might have preferred Portland doing the
trade that Atlanta made with the Pelicans and settling for someone like Liam at 23 but if they
really believed in Yang, its understandable they took the player they coveted.

The problem most of us have is a matter of fit and perhaps implies there will be a trade involving
Yang (if he shows he can play) or Clingan for an unknown return

[DusterBuster]

I do think it silly to get so upset by what the local team does in these player drafts for I'm old
enough to remember some really horrendous drafts.

This draft was top heavy but starting at pick 3, there was a big drop off followed by another drop
off after Duke Center Maluach was taken by Phoenix. I might have preferred Portland doing the
trade that Atlanta made with the Pelicans and settling for someone like Liam at 23 but if they
really believed in Yang, its understandable they took the player they coveted.

The problem most of us have is a matter of fit and perhaps implies there will be a trade involving
Yang (if he shows he can play) or Clingan for an unknown return

Yuuuupp... My only frustration is the pretty clear lack of any direction for the franchise right now. Just feels like total throwing **** against the wall mode.

[m0ng0]

Bro chill out. Your wanking it to the thought of your own genius. It’s silly.

We all have ‘our guys’ but it’s getting absurd. It’s the same every year, key in like 3-5 guys and if we don’t draft them the entire arena should be burnt to the ground.

Bro I'm chilling, it just sucks being right year after year. It's less wanking to my own genius and more like being cucked seeing the player you were locked in on killing it on another team. That's the blazers fan experience. Jordan, Durant, CP3, OG, Mitchell etc. This is just more of the same and every year it feels a little more desperate because we move farther away from any hope of being relevant with these decision makers.

We had Dame and they wouldn't invest in a second star, then they rush a rebuild before drafting another-- unless you think Yang is that guy, and if you do cool. I just think it was Coward. It's like leaving the party with the girl you've been crushing on for months and then you get blocked by some other guy and have to see them on social media for the next 5 years and wonder what could have been.

Here's to hoping that Yang is is the next Yao, I'm over it.

I'm sure there's plenty of more genius win now moves we'll get to witness after FA opens. We have plenty of picks and salaries now to make some more movement, so hold onto your butt.

And also dude, no offense but if my fandom is annoying-- you can mute me, it's chill. I'm an intense person and not for everyone, no worries.

[oldfishermen]

If Yang develops into the player Cronin invisions. It is possible Yang and Clingan can share the C minutes.

Both players are good rebounders and screen setters. Important skills needed in a game plan. From there, the minutes each plays depends on the opponent.

If the opponent gives up easy paint points, play Yang the most minutes. If we need rim and paint protection, play Clingan the most minutes.

This will provided both players with more rest time, and possibly reduce injuries from the long season.

[JRoy]

Not paying attention to the 2nd round, Blazers do anything or did Joe and Co take the night off after a real barn burner night last night? /s

Read on Twitter

The chuckiest chucker that ever chucked.

[zzaj]

Yeah, Caleb Love is the exact definition of a non-NBA player.

[m0ng0]

Yeah, Caleb Love is the exact definition of a non-NBA player.

banton had made a living at it

[Dame Lizard]

Not paying attention to the 2nd round, Blazers do anything or did Joe and Co take the night off after a real barn burner night last night? /s

Read on Twitter

The chuckiest chucker that ever chucked.

Wow, that efficiency is gross. But this is the offseason, so let's turn this negativity into optimism in the sense that he's MJ 2.0. We finally have our star!

[zzaj]

Yeah, Caleb Love is the exact definition of a non-NBA player.

banton had made a living at it

I'll take 6'9" Banton attacking the basket over 6'3" Love jacking up bad shots, 100% of the time...