POLL: Your Realistic Pick at #7

[Village Idiot]

Yves Missi is the center we should draft and he will probably still be on the board at 14. He is the most athletic big this draft and has a fantastic motor and drive. He can already rebound, block shots and set better screens than Clingan or Ware (or Sarr for that matter). The kids just oozes potential, especially defensively. He has a nice, if basic dribble drive game. If his shot and passing ability come around he can become an all-star.

[BlazersBroncos]

Yves Missi is the center we should draft and he will probably still be on the board at 14. He is the most athletic big this draft and has a fantastic motor and drive. He can already rebound, block shots and set better screens than Clingan or Ware (or Sarr for that matter). The kids just oozes potential, especially defensively. He has a nice, if basic dribble drive game. If his shot and passing ability come around he can become an all-star.

I can definatley see him being the new age Clint Capella.

[zzaj]

Agreed on avoiding a C in this draft. IMHO, the C position league wide is going to pivot even more in the next couple of years. Blazers need to be targeting unicorn prospects—athletic, two position defending, rim running/protecting and 3pt shooting 7’ and above. That’s certainly not Clingan and Edey. They can bring certain things, but they aren’t going to be the future of the league.
I still stand by the idea that things are about to change in a big way in the NBA. Teams are going to platoon more, now that it’ll be hard to gather and keep stars. Teams are going to see the success of teams like Indiana trotting out fresh legs in the POs, and try to follow that lead—a bunch of well-fitting, 80% of a star player at 1/5th the cost types…
That’s why there is so much value in this draft. There are a lot of players that project with an NBA skill or two, that can help teams right away, but may not have the star upside to garner an eventual huge deal.

Where do you project the 2024 version of Derek Lively (Kel'el Ware) who athletically is equal to Sarr?

Ware had a horrible freshman season at Oregon, where the coach thought he was going through the motions,
waiting for the season to be over for he wanted to be a one and done. He ended up at Indiana and had a
good season but teams have got to wonder which Ware is the real Ware

I expect he'll go around the same range as Missi in the late teens/early twenties. I like Ware, but apparently the between the ears stuff is real if you believe draft buzz. It's a shame we didn't see more volume of his 3pt shot. He's getting projected as a shooter, but I would be very wary of that. Especially at around 65% from the FT line...
When I watch video of Ware he always seems pretty slow to me...maybe methodical is the right word...and I just don't know how that's going to translate against players with defenses that are better than him in the NBA. He's great in short roll situations. Again, grain of salt...but from what I have seen, his shot selection in the mid-range was pretty bad. He tends to get blinders on in a way that reminds me of Ayton.

[zzaj]

Yves Missi is the center we should draft and he will probably still be on the board at 14. He is the most athletic big this draft and has a fantastic motor and drive. He can already rebound, block shots and set better screens than Clingan or Ware (or Sarr for that matter). The kids just oozes potential, especially defensively. He has a nice, if basic dribble drive game. If his shot and passing ability come around he can become an all-star.

Missi just screams backup Center to me. I've never been a super fan of combine athletic testing, nor do I love his touch around the basket, honestly. I don't really see an NBA skill with Missi, and I believe the future of the position is going to be 3pt shooting.

But GMs fall in love with 7 footers with athleticism...I totally get that.

[Village Idiot]

Yves Missi is the center we should draft and he will probably still be on the board at 14. He is the most athletic big this draft and has a fantastic motor and drive. He can already rebound, block shots and set better screens than Clingan or Ware (or Sarr for that matter). The kids just oozes potential, especially defensively. He has a nice, if basic dribble drive game. If his shot and passing ability come around he can become an all-star.

Missi just screams backup Center to me. I've never been a super fan of combine athletic testing, nor do I love his touch around the basket, honestly. I don't really see an NBA skill with Missi, and I believe the future of the position is going to be 3pt shooting.

But GMs fall in love with 7 footers with athleticism...I totally get that.

He is very much a high risk guy who has maybe a 10% chance of developing into something special, a 70% of never developing and 20% chance to carve out a role in the league. I can totally seem why people are negative to him but I like him so much more than Ware who has no motor and, in my opinion, a much lower ceiling than Missi.

[Norm2953]

Agreed on avoiding a C in this draft. IMHO, the C position league wide is going to pivot even more in the next couple of years. Blazers need to be targeting unicorn prospects—athletic, two position defending, rim running/protecting and 3pt shooting 7’ and above. That’s certainly not Clingan and Edey. They can bring certain things, but they aren’t going to be the future of the league.
I still stand by the idea that things are about to change in a big way in the NBA. Teams are going to platoon more, now that it’ll be hard to gather and keep stars. Teams are going to see the success of teams like Indiana trotting out fresh legs in the POs, and try to follow that lead—a bunch of well-fitting, 80% of a star player at 1/5th the cost types…
That’s why there is so much value in this draft. There are a lot of players that project with an NBA skill or two, that can help teams right away, but may not have the star upside to garner an eventual huge deal.

Where do you project the 2024 version of Derek Lively (Kel'el Ware) who athletically is equal to Sarr?

Ware had a horrible freshman season at Oregon, where the coach thought he was going through the motions,
waiting for the season to be over for he wanted to be a one and done. He ended up at Indiana and had a
good season but teams have got to wonder which Ware is the real Ware

I expect he'll go around the same range as Missi in the late teens/early twenties. I like Ware, but apparently the between the ears stuff is real if you believe draft buzz. It's a shame we didn't see more volume of his 3pt shot. He's getting projected as a shooter, but I would be very wary of that. Especially at around 65% from the FT line...
When I watch video of Ware he always seems pretty slow to me...maybe methodical is the right word...and I just don't know how that's going to translate against players with defenses that are better than him in the NBA. He's great in short roll situations. Again, grain of salt...but from what I have seen, his shot selection in the mid-range was pretty bad. He tends to get blinders on in a way that reminds me of Ayton.

That's fair for most of the guys we will be looking at 7 in a normal draft would be going in the teens.

I tend to like competitive players and would avoid guys like Ware who the Oregon coaches really felt dogged
it in his one year in school. The guy was projected as a lottery pick in the 2023 draft.

It's a draft where the value is in the teens to the middle of the first round with a bunch of juniors and
seniors who stayed in school thanks to Covid and NIL money, which allowed them develop for all these
guys if they are good enough will be ready to play. Guys like Knecht, De silva, Carter, etc are good players
with a higher floor and limited ceiling which is fine for teams like the Knicks with picks 24,25

I don't know who the Blazers would pick if Clingan is not there at 7.A player like Knecht might be a really good
fit next to Scoot but I doubt he could play SF with Scoot/Sharpe. I just wonder if the team picked Salaun, Williams
or even Holland who would grab the tough rebounds, play defense, set picks on a front court with Ayton and
Grant.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I think Holland makes the most sense as someone to realistically hope is available at 7. Good size, good athleticism, scoring upside. His downside is a inefficient chucker if he cant become a 3 point threat but that's the risk we should be taking.

I think Holland/Buzelis go to Detroit and Charlotte at picks 5/6 however and I'm less enthused about the Castle/Knecht/Williams/Salaun group at 7 (all would be fine at 14 if available).

[JasonStern]

Where do you project the 2024 version of Derek Lively (Kel'el Ware) who athletically is equal to Sarr?

I'd rather draft N'faly Dante at #40. Probably wrong, but neither give me starter tier vibes.

[tester551]

I think Holland makes the most sense as someone to realistically hope is available at 7. Good size, good athleticism, scoring upside. His downside is a inefficient chucker if he cant become a 3 point threat but that's the risk we should be taking.

I think Holland/Buzelis go to Detroit and Charlotte at picks 5/6 however and I'm less enthused about the Castle/Knecht/Williams/Salaun group at 7 (all would be fine at 14 if available).

Completely agree.
Out of that group Castle is the only one draftable at #7 IMO. There's not way I touch Clingan before 14 either.

In an ideal world, Memphis or Chicago trade up to #6 for Clingan. Hell, I'd gladly give up a second or Reath to swap #6 & 7 with Charlotte so that Blazers can get either Holland or Buzelis.

[zzaj]

I'm out on both Holland and Buzelis. You have to be otherworldly talented in order to be in the NBA now without a jumpshot...and neither player has shown that they do in any meaningful way. In fact, they have shown that they don't in a meaningful way.

[Walton1one]

I think Holland makes the most sense as someone to realistically hope is available at 7. Good size, good athleticism, scoring upside. His downside is a inefficient chucker if he can't become a 3 point threat but that's the risk we should be taking.

Apparently, the biggest concern for Holland is bball IQ\how he processes the game, and his shot needs a fair bit of work. I believe with work ethic that a shot can come around somewhat, maybe league average is the goal, but the game IQ stuff, if true, that would be more concerning IMO.

[monopoman]

It looks like the Blazers really want Clingan if he is there at 7 for sure and they might even move up a bit to get him. I would be blown away if they pass on Clingan at 7.

I also could see the need at a position like C, PF, or SF.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I think Holland makes the most sense as someone to realistically hope is available at 7. Good size, good athleticism, scoring upside. His downside is a inefficient chucker if he can't become a 3 point threat but that's the risk we should be taking.

Apparently, the biggest concern for Holland is bball IQ\how he processes the game, and his shot needs a fair bit of work. I believe with work ethic that a shot can come around somewhat, maybe league average is the goal, but the game IQ stuff, if true, that would be more concerning IMO.

Upload speed is a big one. I agree that shooting can be improved, especially for 19 year olds who have been able to dominate in other ways, but the ability to quickly process the game is something you either have or you do not.

[Wizenheimer]

I think Holland makes the most sense as someone to realistically hope is available at 7. Good size, good athleticism, scoring upside. His downside is a inefficient chucker if he can't become a 3 point threat but that's the risk we should be taking.

Apparently, the biggest concern for Holland is bball IQ\how he processes the game, and his shot needs a fair bit of work. I believe with work ethic that a shot can come around somewhat, maybe league average is the goal, but the game IQ stuff, if true, that would be more concerning IMO.

Upload speed is a big one. I agree that shooting can be improved, especially for 19 year olds who have been able to dominate in other ways, but the ability to quickly process the game is something you either have or you do not.

I don't know where you'd find the data, but I'd wonder what percentage of players who come into the NBA as bad shooters actually turn into decent shooters. My guess is that it's a low percentage

[DusterBuster]

Apparently, the biggest concern for Holland is bball IQ\how he processes the game, and his shot needs a fair bit of work. I believe with work ethic that a shot can come around somewhat, maybe league average is the goal, but the game IQ stuff, if true, that would be more concerning IMO.

Upload speed is a big one. I agree that shooting can be improved, especially for 19 year olds who have been able to dominate in other ways, but the ability to quickly process the game is something you either have or you do not.

I don't know where you'd find the data, but I'd wonder what percentage of players who come into the NBA as bad shooters actually turn into decent shooters. My guess is that it's a low percentage

Yeah, I've seen one too many Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's and Rhonde Hollis-Jefferson's to be willing to bet on a lanky wing with defensive skills but a broken jumper, so I'm a pass on Holland. I think from what I've read, I'll be happy if the Blazer end up with any of these players on draft night...

Buzelis, Castle, Ware, Clingan or Salaun.

And if he falls into the 2nd round, Edey for funzies.

Realistically though, I think Clingan's floor is really 6, not 7. I can't see him getting past the Hornets who need a big like him. Portland would have to trade up into the Top 5 somehow. Maybe the Piston's might consider a trade down for 7 and 14 if Clingan is still on the board and who they want should still be there? Assuming the Blazers are that motivated to go after Clingan that is.

[Case2012]

Castle screams Jimmy Butler to me, but he wants to play PG and we have Scoot. I would draft him anyways if he's there but you have to worry about having a malcontent on a rebuilding team.

[HoopsFanAZ]

It's a truly interesting draft ... no sarcasm, no snarkiness ... and I've gone back and forth on some players. Trying to question my previous likes and dislikes ... and I went back to Cody Williams.

OKC will take him by 12 -- a truly safe prediction.

Salaun is the high ceiling, high risk pick who could go Top 10. He's getting plenty of attention/intrigue surrounding him along with heavy skepticism of whether he's 2 years away from 2 years away ... ultimately a rotation role player ... just unknown. Swing big at 14 with this upside athlete (or move up a few spots using 2nd rounders).

[Wizenheimer]

Upload speed is a big one. I agree that shooting can be improved, especially for 19 year olds who have been able to dominate in other ways, but the ability to quickly process the game is something you either have or you do not.

I don't know where you'd find the data, but I'd wonder what percentage of players who come into the NBA as bad shooters actually turn into decent shooters. My guess is that it's a low percentage

Yeah, I've seen one too many Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's and Rhonde Hollis-Jefferson's to be willing to bet on a lanky wing with defensive skills but a broken jumper, so I'm a pass on Holland. I think from what I've read, I'll be happy if the Blazer end up with any of these players on draft night...

Buzelis, Castle, Ware, Clingan or Salaun.

And if he falls into the 2nd round, Edey for funzies.

Realistically though, I think Clingan's floor is really 6, not 7. I can't see him getting past the Hornets who need a big like him. Portland would have to trade up into the Top 5 somehow. Maybe the Piston's might consider a trade down for 7 and 14 if Clingan is still on the board and who they want should still be there? Assuming the Blazers are that motivated to go after Clingan that is.

Justice Winslow, Evan Turner, Andre Miller...the list goes on

I am really opposed to drafting Clingan. I think Portland has to swin for the fences and Cingan will be a bloop base hit, at best. I've said before that the only reason I'd be OK with drafting Clingan is if the Blazers immediately started shopping Ayton around, intensely. Ayton and Clingan are the type of anachronistic C's that take a team nowhere

[tester551]

Upload speed is a big one. I agree that shooting can be improved, especially for 19 year olds who have been able to dominate in other ways, but the ability to quickly process the game is something you either have or you do not.

I don't know where you'd find the data, but I'd wonder what percentage of players who come into the NBA as bad shooters actually turn into decent shooters. My guess is that it's a low percentage

Yeah, I've seen one too many Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's and Rhonde Hollis-Jefferson's to be willing to bet on a lanky wing with defensive skills but a broken jumper, so I'm a pass on Holland. I think from what I've read, I'll be happy if the Blazer end up with any of these players on draft night...

Buzelis, Castle, Ware, Clingan or Salaun.

And if he falls into the 2nd round, Edey for funzies.

Realistically though, I think Clingan's floor is really 6, not 7. I can't see him getting past the Hornets who need a big like him. Portland would have to trade up into the Top 5 somehow. Maybe the Piston's might consider a trade down for 7 and 14 if Clingan is still on the board and who they want should still be there? Assuming the Blazers are that motivated to go after Clingan that is.

Why is there this narrative about the Hornets out there?
They have Mark Williams on their roster, who is the same size as Clingan... but is a much better prospect.

[zzaj]

With the news coming out that Topic has a partial tear in his ACL, he's going to slide a bit but probably won't go past SA at 8. I imagine he won't play much next year...maybe the second half of the year. While the Blazers have time to wait for players to develop during a capture the Flagg year, it'd be pretty disappointing to lose out on a half year of development/seeing what you got.

I predict the Blazers will go with 1 of: Buzelis/Castle/Knecht at #7.

I still hope that they go with Da Silva at #14. I think he's the steal that everyone is overlooking. I think the Blazers have some options at C there as well, but ultimately I feel like a lot of those players have a a ceiling around what they already have on the team in Duop.

Others I really like after diving a bit: Jaylon Tyson, Kyshawn George, Dillon Jones. Dadiet has some very intriguing tools, but he's a bit like Rupert...he's got a loooong way to go if he's going to hit any kind of NBA ceiling. Still the Blazers have time...