Trade the Pick???

[tester551]

Wizards fan here... Are you guys interested in moving up to 2?

Would you consider a complete draft swap?

Our picks 2, 26, 51 for yours 7, 14, 34, 40 ?

It may be unpopular, but that's a "no" from me.

IMHO, the real value of this draft actually starts around the 7th pick and continues through the teens. 7 and 14 are just about perfect for the Blazers. I think they actually did themselves a favor by falling to 7.

I go either Salaun or Knecht at 7 and Da Silva at 14 and call it a day. All 3 of those players will be good to very good NBA players, with Salaun having significant upside. I'd include Castle in there, but he's insisting on playing PG...so no-go.

I just don't believe in the star ceilings of Sarr, Risarcher, Clingan, Buzelis, Sheppard, Topic, or Dillingham.

Totally get where you are coming from as D69 has me convinced that Salaun could be a steal if he doesn't go in the top-10.

What other prospects has D69 identified?
He's had a reasonably good track record of identifying talent...

[Case2012]

Salaun isn't really good at basketball, how many people have watched scouting videos of him?

I'm taking BPA at 7 (Holland, Castle, Dillingham, ETC) and Edey at 14 but I have a suspicion OKC takes him at 12.

I'm only moving up if Risacher is at 2, his scoring has really improved and I think that will translate well.

[Norm2953]

It's a bit much to place star ceilings on any player in this draft.

To me its about fit for a player like Clingan plays a role in Portland (assuming he's healthy) as
as solid pro big, who will protect the basket, rebound and provide the team with a physical
presence. Hopefully he set solid picks as a better version of Joel Pryzbilla.

If he's not there at 7, I could live with Holland, Knecht, Buzelis, Salaun and Williams and the
team could draft the other big in Edey or Missi.

Teams like Washington would love to trade 2 for 7,14 but I don't how well Risacher and Grant
will fit together and I would not trade both our LP for the draft rights to Clingan. Picking at
14 at least gives Portland its choice from that large group of similar players that will be
picked from the teens to the mid second round.

[zzaj]

Salaun isn't really good at basketball, how many people have watched scouting videos of him?

I'm taking BPA at 7 (Holland, Castle, Dillingham, ETC) and Edey at 14 but I have a suspicion OKC takes him at 12.

I'm only moving up if Risacher is at 2, his scoring has really improved and I think that will translate well.

I've watched a lot of Salaun since he popped onto my radar a few months ago. I would agree with you that his "feel" is pretty raw as of now. But he wins on hussle and energy. He'll be able to be a very good help defender immediately. If you believe in his shot (I'm still a little bit iffy on it's consistency) then you'll have an incredibly talented player. He already often looks to be the best player on the floor in France, and he has the feel of someone who is just starting to figure things out--so that's a pretty high-floor player. He'll be able to guard 3 positions in the NBA.

The thing that actually worries me most about Salaun, is that Cholet plays with a ton of motion in their offense...and Chauncey ball is like the antithesis of that. So it's possible that in terms of fit, Salaun's strengths would get a bit neutered on the Blazers.

Risarcher is going to come in and help a team right away as an outside shooter and defender. Portland could really use a good player like that. The problem with 3&Ds that have zero on-ball creation is that they almost never reach All Star level...which is what you'd want if you were picking second.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

I still like Salaun as the type of player you take a long-shot on, especially in a weak draft, but I'll admit an athletic forward who doesn't block many shots or finish at the rim very well is very concerning.

[BlazersBroncos]

Salaun has a decently rare combo of size (Legit 6'10), movement skill and shot. But as others have said, he is raw as hell. I would say a guy like Osumane Dieng was more polished coming out and he has struggled to get PT (Albeit I will say I am still high on him and would love to get him from OKC).

I would love to find a way to trade up w/ WAS and snag Riascher while taking Edey at 14. That is my ideal draft right now. If we could use Grant to get 13 and filler, then trade 7 + 13 (+ any of Walker, Kris, Reath, etc if they want sweetner) for 2 we might be able to walk away from this draft with Riascher and Edey as is my dream.

That puts us with long-term guys at 1 (Scoot), 2 (Sharpe), 3 (Riascher) and 5 (Edey) w/ at least Camara as a long term role player + lotto shots that Kris, Rayan, Walker and the 2024 SRPs also end up role playing talents.

I like that outcome a ton.

[DusterBuster]

To me its about fit for a player like Clingan plays a role in Portland (assuming he's healthy) as
as solid pro big, who will protect the basket, rebound and provide the team with a physical
presence. Hopefully he set solid picks as a better version of Joel Pryzbilla.

After Meyers and Collins, my stomach for more players who comp like this is good for another 2 decades

This is such a crapshoot draft that I won't be bent out of shape if they end up with Clingan (likely would require trading up), but my excitement will be at a 4.

[Norm2953]

Houston is another team that would love to trade down for they could likely draft one of the guards at 7 and pick up draft assets for any team wanting a specific player. Portland likely will draft a useful player at 7 but not necessarily what they really need

[zzaj]

The opportunities are going to be there to move up for Portland if Schmitz falls in love with a prospect. Also, there are teams like OKC and San Antonio who the Blazers can target. I actually don't think Grant's contract is as bad as it's made out to be. I think there will be plenty of teams looking for that kind of piece. All of Brogdon, Grant, TL, and even Simons to a lesser extent will have real value to teams.

It'll be interesting to see how all-in the Blazers go toward capture the Flagg next season.

[Walton1one]

I think the problem with this draft, particularly for POR is that all of the wing players (outside of Risacher, and even he is not a sure thing) have major flaws in their games, this includes: Buzelis, Holland, Williams, Knecht, Salaun

and I am not convinced that POR could not get a better wing player at #14 or even in the 2nd round: DaSilva, Dadiet, Tyson, Furphy, Flowers, Christie, Djurisic, Penda

The other players who could be there at #7 are guards, not necessarily a need for this current roster, this includes: Sheppard, Dillingham, Topic, Carter

None of these guys fit with POR current backcourt. Now, I am pretty sure that POR will deal some players away, probably Brogdon, maybe Simons, so there could potentially be room open there for a 3rd guard, if some backcourt room on this roster was cleared out.

That is why if Castle somehow dropped, yeah POR should grab him IMO, he can play multiple (PG\SG\SF) positions.

They definitely should take Clingan if he is there, and quite frankly if Ayton's ego is so tender that he gets bent out of shape about POR drafting another big man, then he isn't the player you want on your team anyway. Cronin flat out stated in one of his press conferences, that his job is to find a player better than the other players on the roster, if that player is Clingan, so be it. Cronin drafted Scoot knowing the effect it could have on Dame, so I don't think he would hesitate taking Clingan out of concern for Ayton's feelings.

It will be fascinating to see what POR does, Schmitz\Cronin are going to have to earn their salaries this year, no easy (Sharpe\Scoot) picks to make this year.

[zzaj]

That is why if Castle somehow dropped, yeah POR should grab him IMO, he can play multiple (PG\SG\SF) positions.

Not according to him. He says he's only working out for teams as a PG. Now, that may be all bluster to try and leverage his draft stock...and of course you stuff somebody's bank acct. with a few million dollars and that might change things...but at least outwardly, he only wants to play PG.

[GEE]

I happen to really like the talent we currently have 1 through 3. If TL and Ayton can stay healthy and prove to have a good chemistry on the court (yet to be tested), I like that too going forward.

When I look at the roster, I really feel we aren't aren't as far away from winning than many seem to think. So to answer the Post's question... I would like Schultz to take some time to comb the rosters of the other NBA teams and see if there is a player out there that could potentially fit in perfectly as the final missing piece.

Yes... One player away is where I think we are. A 3rd PF/C to combine with TL and Ayton, much like a Lively II (could-a had him) or Naz Reed level talent is what we need now, and I'd hope #7 brings that somehow, but I don't think will anyone in this draft will improve our team, any more than the #14 pick will.

Let Schultz draft his favorite rookie (hopefully the next Kobe) at #14, but use #7 as sweetener in a deal for the perfect fit PF/C, that may be stashed away on another team's current roster. Maybe PG13 if he wants to start at the 4... ha ha.

[Walton1one]

That is why if Castle somehow dropped, yeah POR should grab him IMO, he can play multiple (PG\SG\SF) positions.

Not according to him. He says he's only working out for teams as a PG. Now, that may be all bluster to try and leverage his draft stock...and of course you stuff somebody's bank acct. with a few million dollars and that might change things...but at least outwardly, he only wants to play PG.

1) I don't think he is falling to #7 anyway, but if he did...

2) He would be perfect for a 3-guard rotation. He could play 2nd string PG and also play some SG, maybe even SF in small ball lineups

3) I take his stance about "only" being a PG with a grain of salt, likely his camp trying to steer\control him to a certain team.

[TBpup]

It may be unpopular, but that's a "no" from me.

IMHO, the real value of this draft actually starts around the 7th pick and continues through the teens. 7 and 14 are just about perfect for the Blazers. I think they actually did themselves a favor by falling to 7.

I go either Salaun or Knecht at 7 and Da Silva at 14 and call it a day. All 3 of those players will be good to very good NBA players, with Salaun having significant upside. I'd include Castle in there, but he's insisting on playing PG...so no-go.

I just don't believe in the star ceilings of Sarr, Risarcher, Clingan, Buzelis, Sheppard, Topic, or Dillingham.

Totally get where you are coming from as D69 has me convinced that Salaun could be a steal if he doesn't go in the top-10.

What other prospects has D69 identified?
He's had a reasonably good track record of identifying talent...

He liked Salaun pretty early on. A dark horse that is finally getting some run is Ulrich Chomche whom he somehow found last year. Thinks he has good value in the 2nd round, but has finally got enough traction, that he may not last that long. There are other guys he likes depending on where they are drafted. As we get closer to the Draft, we are going to try and have him on the [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/@blazermetrics[/youtube] podcast or at least, I will do a Q&A with him and share on the show.

[monopoman]

It's a bit much to place star ceilings on any player in this draft.

To me its about fit for a player like Clingan plays a role in Portland (assuming he's healthy) as
as solid pro big, who will protect the basket, rebound and provide the team with a physical
presence. Hopefully he set solid picks as a better version of Joel Pryzbilla.

If he's not there at 7, I could live with Holland, Knecht, Buzelis, Salaun and Williams and the
team could draft the other big in Edey or Missi.

Teams like Washington would love to trade 2 for 7,14 but I don't how well Risacher and Grant
will fit together and I would not trade both our LP for the draft rights to Clingan. Picking at
14 at least gives Portland its choice from that large group of similar players that will be
picked from the teens to the mid second round.

Backup C Is also a major issue this team and having someone reliable off the bench would be great there. Ayton is a nice piece for us so far, but we need more size on this team and I could see the advantage of a very young C learning the ropes behind him.

He also is a legit 7'2" and you can't teach height as they say, that is a natural advantage at the position in a lot of cases.

They also label him guard friendly and we have a very guard oriented team with arguably our highest potential players all guards.

[DusterBuster]

It's a bit much to place star ceilings on any player in this draft.

To me its about fit for a player like Clingan plays a role in Portland (assuming he's healthy) as
as solid pro big, who will protect the basket, rebound and provide the team with a physical
presence. Hopefully he set solid picks as a better version of Joel Pryzbilla.

If he's not there at 7, I could live with Holland, Knecht, Buzelis, Salaun and Williams and the
team could draft the other big in Edey or Missi.

Teams like Washington would love to trade 2 for 7,14 but I don't how well Risacher and Grant
will fit together and I would not trade both our LP for the draft rights to Clingan. Picking at
14 at least gives Portland its choice from that large group of similar players that will be
picked from the teens to the mid second round.

Backup C Is also a major issue this team and having someone reliable off the bench would be great there. Ayton is a nice piece for us so far, but we need more size on this team and I could see the advantage of a very young C learning the ropes behind him.

He also is a legit 7'2" and you can't teach height as they say, that is a natural advantage at the position in a lot of cases.

They also label him guard friendly and we have a very guard oriented team with arguably our highest potential players all guards.

I really keep going back and forth on Clingan. The height and skills are intriguing, but Meyers Leonard was also a legit 7 footer who had a pretty unique skillset... same with Collins. After being snake bitten so many times it's hard not to be hesitant about him.

This is just such a crapshoot draft, I really don't care what they do at all. I just hope for some trades for something interesting to talk about.

[tester551]

It's a bit much to place star ceilings on any player in this draft.

To me its about fit for a player like Clingan plays a role in Portland (assuming he's healthy) as
as solid pro big, who will protect the basket, rebound and provide the team with a physical
presence. Hopefully he set solid picks as a better version of Joel Pryzbilla.

If he's not there at 7, I could live with Holland, Knecht, Buzelis, Salaun and Williams and the
team could draft the other big in Edey or Missi.

Teams like Washington would love to trade 2 for 7,14 but I don't how well Risacher and Grant
will fit together and I would not trade both our LP for the draft rights to Clingan. Picking at
14 at least gives Portland its choice from that large group of similar players that will be
picked from the teens to the mid second round.

Backup C Is also a major issue this team and having someone reliable off the bench would be great there. Ayton is a nice piece for us so far, but we need more size on this team and I could see the advantage of a very young C learning the ropes behind him.

He also is a legit 7'2" and you can't teach height as they say, that is a natural advantage at the position in a lot of cases.

They also label him guard friendly and we have a very guard oriented team with arguably our highest potential players all guards.

I really keep going back and forth on Clingan. The height and skills are intriguing, but Meyers Leonard was also a legit 7 footer who had a pretty unique skillset... same with Collins. After being snake bitten so many times it's hard not to be hesitant about him.

This is just such a crapshoot draft, I really don't care what they do at all. I just hope for some trades for something interesting to talk about.

What skill do you find so intriguing with Clingan?
His slow plodding athleticism?
Hands of stone?
Poor FT shooting?

There is SO much more to defense than blocking shots.

[Norm2953]

I understand Memphis has been talking with Houston about trading up to 3 for they need a center
after trading Adams to the Rockets.

If Portland really wants Clingan, they likely need to trade up to 2-3 to get him.

[Norm2953]

Backup C Is also a major issue this team and having someone reliable off the bench would be great there. Ayton is a nice piece for us so far, but we need more size on this team and I could see the advantage of a very young C learning the ropes behind him.

He also is a legit 7'2" and you can't teach height as they say, that is a natural advantage at the position in a lot of cases.

They also label him guard friendly and we have a very guard oriented team with arguably our highest potential players all guards.

I really keep going back and forth on Clingan. The height and skills are intriguing, but Meyers Leonard was also a legit 7 footer who had a pretty unique skillset... same with Collins. After being snake bitten so many times it's hard not to be hesitant about him.

This is just such a crapshoot draft, I really don't care what they do at all. I just hope for some trades for something interesting to talk about.

What skill do you find so intriguing with Clingan?
His slow plodding athleticism?
Hands of stone?
Poor FT shooting?

There is SO much more to defense than blocking shots.

The guy is 7-1.75 282 lbs with a 7-675 WS and tested well for his size, showing a smooth jumper that
his coach at UConn never allowed him to show in games. Guys his size are like the dancing bears (defensive
linemen) at the NFL combine

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10121201-donovan-clingan-nba-combine-2024-measurements-analysis-and-impressions

I still don't know if I'd trade 7,14 to get up to 2 to get him. Portland has to weigh who the guys who are
available at both 7,14 will be a better fit for them long term. Clingan if he checks out healthy, will be
much more of a sure thing for he'll be a guy who will play 10-12 years in the league as opposed to drafting
two players who might contribute to this team for the same 10-12 years.

If it were up to me, I'd draft who the player whoever is the best fit at 7, and draft Edey at 14, who will
play 15-18 mpg as the backup center who scores 8-10 ppg against second unit centers around the league.
There is a chance if Memphis strikes out trading for Clingan, they would draft Edey at 9.

[tester551]

I really keep going back and forth on Clingan. The height and skills are intriguing, but Meyers Leonard was also a legit 7 footer who had a pretty unique skillset... same with Collins. After being snake bitten so many times it's hard not to be hesitant about him.

This is just such a crapshoot draft, I really don't care what they do at all. I just hope for some trades for something interesting to talk about.

What skill do you find so intriguing with Clingan?
His slow plodding athleticism?
Hands of stone?
Poor FT shooting?

There is SO much more to defense than blocking shots.

The guy is 7-1.75 282 lbs with a 7-675 WS and tested well for his size, showing a smooth jumper that
his coach at UConn never allowed him to show in games. Guys his size are like the dancing bears (defensive
linemen) at the NFL combine

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10121201-donovan-clingan-nba-combine-2024-measurements-analysis-and-impressions

I still don't know if I'd trade 7,14 to get up to 2 to get him. Portland has to weigh who the guys who are
available at both 7,14 will be a better fit for them long term. Clingan if he checks out healthy, will be
much more of a sure thing for he'll be a guy who will play 10-12 years in the league as opposed to drafting
two players who might contribute to this team for the same 10-12 years.

If it were up to me, I'd draft who the player whoever is the best fit at 7, and draft Edey at 14, who will
play 15-18 mpg as the backup center who scores 8-10 ppg against second unit centers around the league.
There is a chance if Memphis strikes out trading for Clingan, they would draft Edey at 9.

Im well aware of the claims that Clingan 'moves well', but the game film doesn't support that.
Go watch the college film on Mark Williams or Walker Kessler - who are the same size as Clingan... it's night & day difference.

Clingan's combine testing times were basically the worst performance at the combine.

I just have to push back on this narrative that he's going to be some DPOY type player. He may turn out to be a below average starting C, but thats about it