2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Fez Hammersticks]

My targets :

#1
Sarr

#2-5
Topic
Risacher
Williams
Knecht*

GS pick:
Dillion Jones
Ryan Dunn
Zach Edey
Donovan Clingan

Late lotto/mid-first has an extremely broad range compared to other drafts. You can go in a million different directions here.

I’m pretty much set with this tier list

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Aside from some unforeseen miracle, there is no path for this roster to be competitive next season. Even landing Sarr wouldn't do it as he's raw and going to take time. To turn this around, a long term plan and patience are requirements. In general, Free Agents with options want to A) get paid B) win. Certainly no significant FA will sign with Portland while they're capped out as they've been forever. While there are few guarantees in life, Free Agents likely would sign with Portland IF they've cleared space (trade for expiring contracts) and their youngins are trending up. That won't happen this offseason but they could start clearing the space for the next. If Sharpe and Scoot are looking like they'll be real players, quality vets will want to get on board.

STOMP

We couldn't even get anyone sign when we were competitive with Dame, what makes you think we're able to sign a good one anytime soon? Best way to do it is to get good. Even then, not likely. We aren't going to be good anytime soon but getting Sarr would be a great start.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I disagree with you about the top of the draft—landmines are everywhere.

But I think this is a fairly normal year once you get to the middle of the first round, though.

We don't disagree. There are. But there are also guys who will be difference makers. #1 option types? Maybe not, but difference makers.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

So that’s who we’ll draft? We will have 2 picks in the top what….14….. and you are saying we are landing the TWO “difference makers”? Yes, I don’t know anything about the draft, you’re correct. Continue sharing your knowledge with us. You should start a YouTube show.

A lot would have to go right to get both Sarr and Williams with our picks. Let's pray on it.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Good win Charlotte. Let's go Mavericks!

Blazers must play along and lose too.

 

[blazerkor]

Good win Charlotte. Let's go Mavericks!

Wow if we can get a Hornets win and Warriors loss and top it all off with a competitive loss from our squad, this will be a great day for our franchise. We'll just need the Hornets to take one more random win and one against us as we lose out to have those 4th best lotto odds.

 

[STOMP]

We couldn't even get anyone sign when we were competitive with Dame, what makes you think we're able to sign a good one anytime soon?

when "we" were capped out and couldn't offer a +MLE contract for someone good? Pretty sure I already made that point

Again my idea is since "we" suck and are very likely will continue to even with some high priced vets, why not jettison some of those guys (Grant, Thybulle, Ayton) for expirings + picks and see if the 2025 or 2026 FA market responds to a young and upcoming team with money to spend?

A lot would have to go right to get both Sarr and Williams with our picks. Let's pray on it.

AKA pipe dream scenario... how about lets chat about a contingency plan just in case the Blazers don't win the lotto twice?

STOMP

 

[Sheldon Shape]

when "we" were capped out and couldn't offer a +MLE contract for someone good? Pretty sure I already made that point

Again my idea is since "we" suck and are very likely will continue to even with some high priced vets, why not jettison some of those guys (Grant, Thybulle, Ayton) for expirings + picks and see if the 2025 or 2026 FA market responds to a young and upcoming team with money to spend?


AKA pipe dream scenario... how about lets chat about a contingency plan just in case the Blazers don't win the lotto twice?

STOMP

Were we capped out when we paid Evan Turner 17 mil a season?

I mostly agree with you. I would substitute sending out Ayton for Ant. You couldn't ask DA for much more than he's giving and he's at a position of need. Ant can go and give the runway to Scoot and Shae.

 

[MickZagger]

Williams and Knecht is my ideal draft.

 

[Whyachi]

Olshey would bundle picks and move up. Don't do it Cronin! Let Schmitz go to work. Grab the best of the best and wait for the phone to ring.

 

[STOMP]

Were we capped out when we paid Evan Turner 17 mil a season?

my bad, that painful offseason was the last time they had capspace and of course Soapy blew it on Turner and even worse resigned Crabbe. To me that was just a bad management trying to do something/anything rather then smart basketball people with a plan building a winner. The only plus player on that roster besides Dame was CJ and they were always a poor match that should have been broken up early on. Turner gave them 3 guys who didn't defend... loser. Size-wise Sharpe and Scoot are much more complimentary and their games are too, hopefully they take a few steps forward next season. I think they could be an attractive young backcourt for the right FA to join if Portland has their $$$ right.

I mostly agree with you. I would substitute sending out Ayton for Ant. You couldn't ask DA for much more than he's giving and he's at a position of need. Ant can go and give the runway to Scoot and Shae.

I root for the laundry over the individuals, so I'm open to trading anyone for the betterment of the team. I think Ayton &/or Ant could be core players on a really good team and they are young enough to fit with S&S timeline, but would happily move either or both for the right deal(s). If they are lucky enough to land Sarr, I probably want to move Ayton in 2025 for better fitting parts. I think Ant could be part of a really good backcourt here as an instant offense 3rd guard but again, would be happy to move him for a plus forward that fits or expirings + draft capitol.

STOMP

 

[Pinwheel1]

If they are lucky enough to land Sarr, I probably want to move Ayton in 2025 for better fitting parts. I think Ant could be part of a really good backcourt here as an instant offense 3rd guard but again, would be happy to move him for a plus forward that fits or expirings + draft capitol.

STOMP

Sarr is really hard to project right now IMO. Still only 18 and his body will change. But based on a couple of evaluations I have read scouts think Sarr's 3-point shooting will end up being pretty good as will his ball-handling for his size. I would love to see how he fits next to Ayton in addition to backing him up.

 

[blazerfan11]

6' 6" guard, senior at Colordado State. 22 years old, birthday in February.



Last night: 17 points 10 rebounds 6 assists and 1 block.

 

[CJ_is_Gone]

1. Sarr
2. Cody Williams
3. Matas

For those that like Cody Williams... I am tuning into the Colorado/Boise State game tonight. He's showed me nothing. I don't get the love he's gotten.

 

[twobullz]

For those that like Cody Williams... I am tuning into the Colorado/Boise State game tonight. He's showed me nothing. I don't get the love he's gotten.

I watched two Colorado games in the Pac12 tournament. I was told he was supposed to be a shooter, but I didn't see anything in the games I watched.

 

[THE HCP]

Any of these guys better than Scoot?

 

[Sheldon Shape]

For those that like Cody Williams... I am tuning into the Colorado/Boise State game tonight. He's showed me nothing. I don't get the love he's gotten.

Yeah, he's certainly struggled since coming back from injury. Every player is going to have his question marks. Being better than Jalen at the same age and being his brother doesn't hurt.

 

[blazerkor]

Any of these guys better than Scoot?

The experts don't have anyone in this draft with a higher grade than they had on Scoot this time last year.

I don't know if that means much though because there is a dude in this draft with the length of Chet, better athleticism, great defensive timing and a three he hits pretty consistently when open... something like a longer, more mobile but skinnier/less physical Jaren Jackson Jr. There is a dude that they're saying is a 6'6" Dragic that sounds like a pretty damn good prospect. A wing that has a ton of length, is a sharp shooter, can put the ball on the court and get to the hole and shows nice defensive instincts. Those are just the top three Euro prospects.

As far as the prospects from the U.S. go there are two 6'3" guards from Kentucky who have both really been trending up this entire season, there are a few wings that are really athletic and skillful with nice size and there's even a guy in Filipowski who just about every scout had as a late lotto pick in last year's supposedly stacked draft before he decided to return to Duke, who now grades out as a... late lotto pick in this year's supposedly weak draft.

 

[HoopsFanAZ]

Nikola Topic’s defense is not good, but at 6’6, he can offset that. His 3 pt shooting is sub-30% but his free throws are at 87 and overall FG% is strong. His PG skills for making a team significantly stronger look there.

I like Scoot and see him as a strong, 3rd-ish best scorer, set the table PG who plays D.

The questions on Cody Williams as a top pick? Understandable, and it’s his potential that’s so intriguing. His game is smooth, and I see 3-levels as his strength gets there during his rookie contract for going up inside. Same thing on D. Possible all star potential? Maybe. I like him. Getting fortunate and a top 3 pick would be excellent. Not amazing. Top 5? Okay. The Golden State pick has possibilities.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Nikola Topic’s defense is not good, but at 6’6, he can offset that. His 3 pt shooting is sub-30% but his free throws are at 87 and overall FG% is strong. His PG skills for making a team significantly stronger look there.

I like Scoot and see him as a strong, 3rd-ish best scorer, set the table PG who plays D.

The questions on Cody Williams as a top pick? Understandable, and it’s his potential that’s so intriguing. His game is smooth, and I see 3-levels as his strength gets there during his rookie contract for going up inside. Same thing on D. Possible all star potential? Maybe. I like him. Getting fortunate and a top 3 pick would be excellent. Not amazing. Top 5? Okay. The Golden State pick has possibilities.

I'm hoping they use both 2nds to move up with either of their picks. Getting two in the top 10 would be welcome.

 

[THE HCP]

I'm hoping they use both 2nds to move up with either of their picks. Getting two in the top 10 would be welcome.

What do you see us doing with two top 10 picks in THIS draft? How does that impact our roster?

 

[PCmor7]

I'm hoping they use both 2nds to move up with either of their picks. Getting two in the top 10 would be welcome.

I kind of think we're looking at just the opposite now. Where about a month ago it looked like the consensus on the top guys was coalescing, the way the conference tournaments and the first day of the NCAA has looked, plus this stuff with the Ignite has now made it look like this draft is a real crapshoot and there's not a lot separating prospects. Having more shots to take means more likely one will hit. Why trade two picks to get into the top 10 for a guy that might be available at 14-16 and has a high bust potential at that?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I kind of think we're looking at just the opposite now. Where about a month ago it looked like the consensus on the top guys was coalescing, the way the conference tournaments and the first day of the NCAA has looked, plus this stuff with the Ignite has now made it look like this draft is a real crapshoot and there's not a lot separating prospects. Having more shots to take means more likely one will hit. Why trade two picks to get into the top 10 for a guy that might be available at 14-16 and has a high bust potential at that?

The only downside i can see to that; if we have too many guys on the roster, they won't have time to evaluate before they need to cut some?

 

[Pinwheel1]

I watched two Colorado games in the Pac12 tournament. I was told he was supposed to be a shooter, but I didn't see anything in the games I watched.

All these teenagers are drafted on potential. A couple of games that we happen to catch (Good or bad) don't mean much.
My guess is once he fills out he will be damn good.....in two years. I am glad he has not looked good since his injury. He should fall to us.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I kind of think we're looking at just the opposite now. Where about a month ago it looked like the consensus on the top guys was coalescing, the way the conference tournaments and the first day of the NCAA has looked, plus this stuff with the Ignite has now made it look like this draft is a real crapshoot and there's not a lot separating prospects. Having more shots to take means more likely one will hit. Why trade two picks to get into the top 10 for a guy that might be available at 14-16 and has a high bust potential at that?

We don't have the bandwidth to develop anymore mid/lower tier guys. Move up and take swings at the higher tier prospects.

 

[Whyachi]

Any of these guys better than Scoot?

Ashton Hagans,
coach liked his tenacious D

 

[Sheldon Shape]

What do you see us doing with two top 10 picks in THIS draft? How does that impact our roster?

Take the best talents available while adding size and hope for the best. Getting Sarr would be supreme, but Williams and Risachere wouldn't be bad either.

 

[THE HCP]

Ashton Hagans,
coach liked his tenacious D

You literally are about to reach Uber Driver Status
You're saying Hagans is better than Scoot? I'm so confused.

 

[THE HCP]

Take the best talents available while adding size and hope for the best. Getting Sarr would be supreme, but Williams and Risachere wouldn't be bad either.

Once again you are naming what some call the top 3 picks in this trash draft. You might get the 5th and 14th pick at best right? What are you taking with THOSE picks and please sell us on how that would help us next season.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Once again you are naming what some call the top 3 picks in this trash draft. You might get the 5th and 14th pick at best right? What are you taking with THOSE picks and please sell us on how that would help us next season.

Your fundamental failing is assuming that anyone posting in this thread is primarily concerned about next season.