For comparison Sharpe two years ago; Standing Reach 8'7.5 (same) Wingspan 6'11.5 (Sharpe 2.5" longer)
Smaller than Sharpe, 2 years old than him, 3 years older than Rupert, and more than a year older than Jabari Walker - no thanks.
Wouldn’t that just cement the fact that we are already insanely young and we have guys who are projects? Why immediately rule out someone who could have an immediate impact and help scoot just because they’re older?
I'm fine getting upper classmen rookie role players who could contribute next season, we did that with Camera last year. If it was an upper classman with 3&D potential, or physical size, or athleticism that might allow higher upside then yes I'd consider it. At least Camera and Murray have NBA sized bodies and higher defensive potential. Even further back at #23 last year Murray was too high and look what a waste that was - using the #7 pick on Knecht with lower two way upside? No thanks.
We have Scoot and Sharpe who yes are young. Everyone else is for the most part irrelevant long term - or a backup at best. I'd send out Brogdon/Grant in trades and explore Ant/Ayton too. They can all help other teams now and give the Blazers assets better used at a later time. After that I'd sign 3 vet minimums that would give us all that vet experience needed in the locker room as yes I don't want a process 6ers squad with an immature locker room. Then play to win with everyone on the roster 100% of the time. That age and experiences the team needs doesn't need to be tied up in vets with trade value elsewhere nor in wasting lottery picks on low ceiling prospects.
seems like ST is saying that Portland needs to swing for the fences at #7. High-risk/High-reward rather than settle. I'd agree with that
The 10 fastest shuttle runs: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee: 2.79 seconds Tristan da Silva, Colorado: 2.82 seconds Dillon Jones, Weber State: 2.82 seconds Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa: 2.84 seconds Tristen Newton, UConn: 2.84 seconds Payton Sandfort, Iowa: 2.84 seconds AJ Johnson, Illawarra Hawks (NBL): 2.87 seconds Jamal Shead, Houston: 2.87 seconds Ryan Dunn, Virginia: 2.88 seconds Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite: 2.9 seconds
I like Knecht for his scoring but his defense is average at best but he could become a Klay Thompson like player with his shooting. I would draft him at 7 but only if a couple other players were not there like a Castle he intrigues me as a replacement for Ant.
I think people are sleeping on Knecht’s athleticism. I also think a team that was dead last in shooting last year could really use a deadeye shooter.
I don't know about smaller, but close enough to make your point. NBA Draft Combine Measurements for Stephon Castle: 6'5.5" w/o shoes, 210 lbs, 6'9" wingspan and 8'6" standing reach. If Castle improves his shot he could play 3 positions for Portland. But right now Knecht is more athletic and has a commanding advantage as a shooter.