Keeping our pick? This might be a Lottery year

[Scalma]

Wasserman just released his mock, I think he’s one of the best draft analysts out right now

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...hake-up-in-the-top-5-full-2-round-predictions



9. Portland Trail Blazers: Jalen Duren (Memphis, C, Freshman)
9 of 15

1. 
   Currently projected to pick twice in the lottery, the Portland Trail Blazers figure to be thinking about Jalen Duren with one of those selections.
   
   Their No. 28-ranked defense would benefit from adding a rim protector like Duren, who offers a unique mix of power, length and bounce around the basket.
   
   He's also been more productive offensively over Memphis' last seven games, averaging 14.6 points on 65.1 percent shooting and 71.4 percent from the line. The hope is that he has the room to improve his low-post footwork and mid-range touch, considering he's still just 18 years old. In the meantime, Duren will be used as a finishing target, offensive rebounder and defensive presence.
   

10. Portland Trail Blazers (via NOP): Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona, SG/SF, Soph.)
10 of 15

1. 
   With the New Orleans Pelicans pick, the Portland Trail Blazers could grab Bennedict Mathurin to add athleticism and shooting to their wing.
   
   One of the draft's purest shot-makers, he just rattled off four consecutive 20-point games in February for the top-three Arizona Wildcats. And at 6'6", 210 pounds, he's earned 32 dunks while shooting 53.6 percent inside the arc.
   
   Mathurin could improve his off-the-dribble and mid-range game, but in Portland alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, he'd be in a good spot to play to his strengths as a catch-and-score weapon.
   
   
   
   1. 
      
      39. Portland Trail Blazers: Ousmane Dieng (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2003)
      
      1. 
         
         58. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies): Keon Ellis (Alabama, SG, Senior)
         
      
      

 

[damianlillard]

Wasserman just released his mock, I think he’s one of the best draft analysts out right now

https://bleacherreport.com/articles...hake-up-in-the-top-5-full-2-round-predictions



9. Portland Trail Blazers: Jalen Duren (Memphis, C, Freshman)
9 of 15

1. 
   Currently projected to pick twice in the lottery, the Portland Trail Blazers figure to be thinking about Jalen Duren with one of those selections.
   
   Their No. 28-ranked defense would benefit from adding a rim protector like Duren, who offers a unique mix of power, length and bounce around the basket.
   
   He's also been more productive offensively over Memphis' last seven games, averaging 14.6 points on 65.1 percent shooting and 71.4 percent from the line. The hope is that he has the room to improve his low-post footwork and mid-range touch, considering he's still just 18 years old. In the meantime, Duren will be used as a finishing target, offensive rebounder and defensive presence.

10. Portland Trail Blazers (via NOP): Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona, SG/SF, Soph.)
10 of 15

1. 
   With the New Orleans Pelicans pick, the Portland Trail Blazers could grab Bennedict Mathurin to add athleticism and shooting to their wing.
   
   One of the draft's purest shot-makers, he just rattled off four consecutive 20-point games in February for the top-three Arizona Wildcats. And at 6'6", 210 pounds, he's earned 32 dunks while shooting 53.6 percent inside the arc.
   
   Mathurin could improve his off-the-dribble and mid-range game, but in Portland alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, he'd be in a good spot to play to his strengths as a catch-and-score weapon.
   
   
   1. 
      
      39. Portland Trail Blazers: Ousmane Dieng (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2003)
      
      1. 
         
         58. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies): Keon Ellis (Alabama, SG, Senior)

Duren is okay. I am a little concern about how he walk, run, and sprint. There’s something off there. He’s gonna have knee issue at some point. I am coming around on Mathurin. He got a solid size for a SG who can play SF. It will be nice to see what he does in March madness, as it will be for literally every other prospect in lottery

 

[TBpup]

Damn....Pelicans with back to back 30 point wins. Ingram was 15-19.

 

[illmatic99]

jabari with shades of KD in his game tonight. he's been scoring at will as of late.

dear god please let us be in position to land someone like him.

 

[Mediocre Man]

So here is a question. Is the lottery based on regular season records? I assume it still is, but hypothetically if the Pelicans finish 10th in the west but somehow end up winning the championship, are they still a lottery team? The play in game has my half brain confused

 

[PtldPlatypus]

So here is a question. Is the lottery based on regular season records? I assume it still is, but hypothetically if the Pelicans finish 10th in the west but somehow end up winning the championship, are they still a lottery team? The play in game has my half brain confused

If a team makes the playoffs through the play-in, they're out of the lottery. If a team loses their playoff spot due to the play-in, they're in the lottery.

Happened to Memphis and Golden State last year. Warriors were ahead of the Grizz in terms of record, but lost to them in the play-in, sending Memphis to the playoffs. Warriors got the 14th pick (last in the lottery), and the Grizz were after them (17th).

 

[Mediocre Man]

If a team makes the playoffs through the play-in, they're out of the lottery. If a team loses their playoff spot due to the play-in, they're in the lottery.

Happened to Memphis and Golden State last year. Warriors were ahead of the Grizz in terms of record, but lost to them in the play-in, sending Memphis to the playoffs. Warriors got the 14th pick (last in the lottery), and the Grizz were after them (17th).

GS finished with a better record, but Memphis is starred as a playoff team and GS isn’t

 

[PtldPlatypus]

GS finished with a better record, but Memphis is starred as a playoff team and GS isn’t

Precisely what I said.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Precisely what I said.

Is it? Alright. Thank you

 

[TBpup]

20 games to go. Blazers tied with the Knicks for the #8 Lottery spot. New Orleans now in the Play-In, but it would take a lot for them not to have to still win 2 games to get into the Playoffs. They will likely catch the Lakers for #9, but they are 6 games back of the Clippers for the #8 spot which likely means they would still have to win twice to get into the Playoffs where Portland would not get their Lottery pick. Unfortunately, that means the pick is also likely to be in the #12-13 range.

That would be somewhere around the Jalen Duren, Ben Mathurin, Jeremy Sochan range. Happy to use that one in a trade.

Knicks - could easily lose 10 straight. The Knicks @ Blazers (March 16) is a MUST lose for Portland. Their schedule is much tougher than Portland's the rest of the way.
Spurs - not a lot of winnable games on their schedule either, but they do play the Blazers 3 more times.
Kings - have around 6 opportunities for wins left. That is, if they are still trying to get in. They are 4 GB of the #10 spot and may throw in the towel shortly.
Pacers - also have around 6 chances for wins left. But Indiana is 7 games out of the Play-In, so their tank may start in earnest very shortly.

Just a win here or there for the Blazers, and they may not get much higher in the Lottery than they are right now, just because other teams aren't going to win enough games to pass them.

 

[blazerfan11]

If the (25-37) Trail Blazers lose all their remaining games, we'll fall below the following teams and reach the 4th worst record if:
- (25-37 )Knicks: we will get below the Knicks because we have one game remaining with them in New York.
- (24-38) San Antonio: we will get below San Antonio because we have 3 games remaining with them.
- (23-41) Sacramento: The Kings need to win 2 more games. Sac won the season series with the Blazers.
- (22-42) Indiana: Indiana beats Portland and wins 2 other games, including one Eastern Conference team (so they can have a better conference win% than Portland).
- (20-42) OKC: The Thunder beat Portland twice and win 3 other games out of 18. They would sweep the series with Portland 4-0. The Thunder are 3-3 in their last 6 games, with their wins all on the road in New York, Indiana, and Denver. They beat Denver by 12, 119-107, in their last game.

 

[TBpup]

If the (25-37) Trail Blazers lose all their remaining games, we'll fall below the following teams and reach the 4th worst record if:
- (25-37 )Knicks: we will get below the Knicks because we have one game remaining with them in New York.
- (24-38) San Antonio: we will get below San Antonio because we have 3 games remaining with them.
- (23-41) Sacramento: The Kings need to win 2 more games. Sac won the season series with the Blazers.
- (22-42) Indiana: Indiana beats Portland and wins 2 other games, including one Eastern Conference team (so they can have a better conference win% than Portland).
- (20-42) OKC: The Thunder beat Portland twice and win 3 other games out of 18. They would sweep the series with Portland 4-0. The Thunder are 3-3 in their last 6 games, with their wins all on the road in New York, Indiana, and Denver. They beat Denver by 12, 119-107, in their last game.

 

[illmatic99]

btw. Chet is almost a whole year older than Jabari

 

[Mediocre Man]

btw. Chet is almost a whole year older than Jabari

And white, and skinny, a future bust

 

[blazerkor]

And white, and skinny, a future bust

If we end up in a position after pick three where it's our pick and he's available I think we take him if there isn't a great trade instead. The dude can defend on the perimeter, he's a world class weak side shot blocker, he is a phenomenal passer and a knockdown spot up jump shooter who if closed out on too hard can use his handle to get past his guy and either get to the hoop for a dunk or use that passing ability to set up a teammate. Honestly he fits perfectly next to Nurk who takes up so much space and fills the paint on both ends. Chet also doesn't have a history of injuries despite his slight frame. He hits the deck all of the time too and bounces back up, and I'm no kinesiologist but I think he looks good moving.

Don't get me wrong I would definitely entertain trade offers if we had the third through sixth pick and both Jabari and Paolo were gone but I wouldn't be pissed if we took Chet in the four through six range either. I think if we have the third pick and Jabari/Paolo went during the first two selections we have to find the team that wants either Chet or more likely Jaden the most and get the best value we can from one of them.

 

[illmatic99]

If we end up in a position after pick three where it's our pick and he's available I think we take him if there isn't a great trade instead. The dude can defend on the perimeter, he's a world class weak side shot blocker, he is a phenomenal passer and a knockdown spot up jump shooter who if closed out on too hard can use his handle to get past his guy and either get to the hoop for a dunk or use that passing ability to set up a teammate. Honestly he fits perfectly next to Nurk who takes up so much space and fills the paint on both ends. Chet also doesn't have a history of injuries despite his slight frame. He hits the deck all of the time too and bounces back up, and I'm no kinesiologist but I think he looks good moving.

Don't get me wrong I would definitely entertain trade offers if we had the third through sixth pick and both Jabari and Paolo were gone but I wouldn't be pissed if we took Chet in the four through six range either. I think if we have the third pick and Jabari/Paolo went during the first two selections we have to find the team that wants either Chet or more likely Jaden the most and get the best value we can from one of them.

These are stretches I think. I've dove in completely into the draft the last few weeks and still need to fully form my final opinions, but there are way too many superlatives in this statement. That he can be a perimeter defender on the NBA level is laughable to me. He's pretty clunky laterally. He's absolutely an elite shot blocker and that skill should translate. Even passing/playmaking is good but nothing I would classify as "phenomenal."

 

[blazerkor]

These are stretches I think. I've dove in completely into the draft the last few weeks and still need to fully form my final opinions, but there are way too many superlatives in this statement. That he can be a perimeter defender on the NBA level is laughable to me. He's pretty clunky laterally. He's absolutely an elite shot blocker and that skill should translate. Even passing/playmaking is good but nothing I would classify as "phenomenal."

He may be "clunky" laterally whatever that means because his foot speed isn't great but he uses his length both in his legs and arms and his footwork which is definitely not clunky for a big, to stay in front of both bigs and wings on the perimeter. They do get by him at times but for a PF he does a great job keeping guys in front of him and slowing them down when he can't.

Phenomenal in the sense of any basketball player, at any position was a misuse of the word. He is a phenomenal passer/playmaker for a big, the dude makes great passes. He makes passes that we would see from starting level PGs in the NBA but not passes that we would see from the most elite passers in the league at least not yet, he will still only be 19 when his freshman season ends... well until a month later.

Again, I'm not arguing that Chet is the best prospect in the draft. I think Jabari, Paolo and Jaden all have him beaten handily. He just probably leads the next tier of prospects as far as I'm concerned and a few guys on that tier could arguably be better prospects than him as well. However, his footwork is nice on both ends for a guy his size, his handle is really nice for a guy his size, his passing is nice for a guy any size, he is a deadly spot up shooter and he is an elite shot blocker. Chet is not strong when considering him at any position and he has slow feet for an NBA player but not slow feet for a big. The dude has a one of a kind skill set both in it's strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't be upset if we ended up with him but given our history with bigs if we are going to draft anybody over 6'9" I would want exhaustive physicals done on them including bone density and I'd want an actual kinesiologist to weigh in on the sustainability of the way they move.

 

[Idog1976]

These are stretches I think. I've dove in completely into the draft the last few weeks and still need to fully form my final opinions, but there are way too many superlatives in this statement. That he can be a perimeter defender on the NBA level is laughable to me. He's pretty clunky laterally. He's absolutely an elite shot blocker and that skill should translate. Even passing/playmaking is good but nothing I would classify as "phenomenal."

I see him as at best a good starter. That's not an upside I want to spend a top 5 pick on. There are guys who are rawer who have the elite athleticism and size required in the NBA and yes I mean frame as well. I just see Chet as being bullied down low and being blown by on the perimeter by the better NBA guards on switches. His weakside shot-blocking and shooting are the only things that I think will translate for sure. The rest is a big question mark. He looks like a slower but lengthier Zach Collins with a better shot. I'd rather trade the pick or go for someone who is lower on the Big Board's but has higher upside in terms of athleticism/size.

 

[illmatic99]

He may be "clunky" laterally whatever that means because his foot speed isn't great but he uses his length both in his legs and arms and his footwork which is definitely not clunky for a big, to stay in front of both bigs and wings on the perimeter. They do get by him at times but for a PF he does a great job keeping guys in front of him and slowing them down when he can't.

ya i'm not seeing this at all. I think he is going to be rim-bound in the pros and will force the team he plays on to have to go into drop and funnel guys to him. he's gonna get blown by on drives in the NBA if he's on the perimeter in any capacity. He's not Evan Mobley.

Phenomenal in the sense of any basketball player, at any position was a misuse of the word. He is a phenomenal passer/playmaker for a big, the dude makes great passes. He makes passes that we would see from starting level PGs in the NBA but not passes that we would see from the most elite passers in the league at least not yet, he will still only be 19 when his freshman season ends... well until a month later.

He averages 1.9 assists per game. Starting level PG? His assist % is also pretty paltry. He can hit cutters, but this isn't Jokic.

You say you're not arguing that he's the best player yet keep repeating these superlatives.

 

[illmatic99]

I see him as at best a good starter. That's not an upside I want to spend a top 5 pick on. There are guys who are rawer who have the elite athleticism and size required in the NBA and yes I mean frame as well. I just see Chet as being bullied down low and being blown by on the perimeter by the better NBA guards on switches. His weakside shot-blocking and shooting are the only things that I think will translate for sure. The rest is a big question mark. He looks like a slower but lengthier Zach Collins with a better shot. I'd rather trade the pick or go for someone who is lower on the Big Board's but has higher upside in terms of athleticism/size.

I think he's a good prospect, and his efficiency stats are out of this world, but I've been lukewarm on him for a while. And my disinterest in him isn't just because of his weight. I think he's got mediocre foot speed and will pose severe limitations into how he can be used in the league.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Just yuck

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think he's a good prospect, and his efficiency stats are out of this world, but I've been lukewarm on him for a while. And my disinterest in him isn't just because of his weight. I think he's got mediocre foot speed and will pose severe limitations into how he can be used in the league.

I am just the opposite. His weight and potential injuries for a guy that tall would be my only concern. As you allude to the guy has a shitload of skill. I would not take him in the top 3 but I would be happy to see him slide down to us. We could use a stretch 4, and this kid, if healthy, will be in the league a long time.

 

[illmatic99]

I am just the opposite. His weight and potential injuries for a guy that tall would be my only concern. As you allude to the guy has a shitload of skill. I would not take him in the top 3 but I would be happy to see him slide down to us. We could use a stretch 4, and this kid, if healthy, will be in the league a long time.

I'm just way too scared giving our injury history to spend a top 3 pick on him.

And I really don't think he can be a 4 in the modern NBA. What is he going to do against Lebron/Kawhi/Simmons/Giannis/ KD etc etc? All these guys are either going to drive around him or overpower him.

Strictly a face up 5 who can also roll to the hoop. But I think the whole intrigue about him is the elite rim protection. If he can become a more skilled Gobert, that's tantalizing..... just, not for me.

 

[damianlillard]

Are you guys watching Zaga games? Chet has routinely blocked post up shots. He has played against very strong big men, and had almost no problem with them. He not just a weak side blocker, he can protect the rim. He would fit well as a center in Billups 2-3 defense. I think he will make an instant impact as a rookie, not ROY level though. But someday down the road when he add strength he will thrive as a center in current nba game. That being said, smith and Banchero are safer bet

 

[Chris Craig]

Banchero

 

[Mediocre Man]

Are you guys watching Zaga games? Chet has routinely blocked post up shots. He has played against very strong big men, and had almost no problem with them. He not just a weak side blocker, he can protect the rim. He would fit well as a center in Billups 2-3 defense. I think he will make an instant impact as a rookie, not ROY level though. But someday down the road when he add strength he will thrive as a center in current nba game. That being said, smith and Banchero are safer bet

He’ll be an average NBA player at best

 

[bemac]

He’ll be an average NBA player at best

Yeah, similar to Durant or....Wait, I can't think of another 7 footer with the shooting/ball handling/shot blocking/passing skills he has. Definitely average player.

And yes, with Spokane ties, I have watched every game.

 

[blazerfan11]

Yay. Sacramento won tonight, beating the Spurs in San Antonio. They now have 24 wins , only 1 win behind the Trail Blazers.
It looks safe to say if the Blazers lose the rest of their games, we should at least have the 6th worst record.
All Sacramento has to do is win one more game since they won the season series with Portland. Sacramento's easier games are New York, Orlando, and Houston (twice).

 

[Predator]

Yeah, similar to Durant or....Wait, I can't think of another 7 footer with the shooting/ball handling/shot blocking/passing skills he has. Definitely average player.

And yes, with Spokane ties, I have watched every game.

Lol, he’s not even CLOSE to Durant in any shape or form.

hahahahahahahahahhahahaha

 

[damianlillard]

Lol, he’s not even CLOSE to Durant in any shape or form.

hahahahahahahahahhahahaha

Yeah I see him developing into a modern game version of LA. He will be a perennial all star