With the 7th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, The Portland Trailblazers select. . .

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Predator said:
Sarr isn’t going #1 because he is most likely to be a star. He is Keegan Murray, there just aren’t any Paolo Bancheros in this draft. He is a good, safe pick because usually teams can’t afford to whiff on top ~3 picks. In most drafts, usually star potential AND safe pick goes hand-in-hand, like Wemby. Everyone in this draft has MASSIVE, GLARING holes though.

Hell, I’m pretty sure most draft analysts (lol) said Holland is most likely to be a star if he can figure his shot out.

He is a *safer* pick than Holland, but Holland is much more likely to be a star if he works out. If he doesn’t, he’s a bust, and you probably can’t take that risk at #1.
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Holland seems to have the right mindset to be a star. I don't know about Sarr.
 
AmirIcon said:
I don't really understand that logic. Sarr is #1 because he's most likely to be a star. But don't acquire him because 7 and 14 might be stars? Huh?

It's possible you find someone at 7 or 14 that will be a star, but players like Sarr don't grow on trees. 7-1 who moves like a gazelle. Even if he's not a star, you're getting a freak of nature, who again, most certainly makes us better and more versatile defensively.
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This year is the perfect year to trade up to #1 IF you think Sarr is that guy. I’d be stoked if we added Sarr, Brogdon and both lotto picks is a slight overpay, but very worth it, and I do think Sarr could be a star.

That being said, maybe the combination of two big forwards or a big forward and another athletic big man like Missi or Ware is just as likely to yield a star as trading up for Sarr.

I’ll be fine with either result if Schmitz is making the decision. I did come around to the Murray pick as the season progressed.
 
Predator said:
Sarr isn’t going #1 because he is most likely to be a star. He is Keegan Murray, there just aren’t any Paolo Bancheros in this draft. He is a good, safe pick because usually teams can’t afford to whiff on top ~3 picks. In most drafts, usually star potential AND safe pick goes hand-in-hand, like Wemby. Everyone in this draft has MASSIVE, GLARING holes though.

Hell, I’m pretty sure most draft analysts (lol) said Holland is most likely to be a star if he can figure his shot out.

He is a *safer* pick than Holland, but Holland is much more likely to be a star if he works out. If he doesn’t, he’s a bust, and you probably can’t take that risk at #1.
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Agreed.

But at #7, that is the exact type of player you take a swing on.

I don't think he busts and is out of the league in 6 years. I think his floor is basically Nas Little. I think his most likely outcome is more of a mix of Aaron Gordon and Miles Bridges.
 
Portland’s “immediate need” is developing (Sharpe) or drafting “The Guy” (or both). There are dogs and dudes and guys who I like on the team or would want on the team. But the only way to contend is with a number one guy (and maybe a 2nd one, too). Then, we can be concerned about immediate needs and safe picks. [Just my opinion.]

If the best that happens in THIS draft is drafting a couple higher upside guys who have shown legit flashes and who are driven to get better, then we’ll have a team high up in the lottery next summer. Huzzah!

Also IMHO, Sarr’s defensive chops and physical abilities give him some serious upside. Let’s stipulate that drafting a center is NEVER a safe pick for the Blazers (or almost never) … and Sarr looks lower risk, high reward to me. Though All Star is some serious squinting his direction, I see him as the defense-first-mirror-image of LMA — Not as good on O, definitely better on D.
 
Predator said:
Sarr isn’t going #1 because he is most likely to be a star. He is Keegan Murray, there just aren’t any Paolo Bancheros in this draft. He is a good, safe pick because usually teams can’t afford to whiff on top ~3 picks. In most drafts, usually star potential AND safe pick goes hand-in-hand, like Wemby. Everyone in this draft has MASSIVE, GLARING holes though.

Hell, I’m pretty sure most draft analysts (lol) said Holland is most likely to be a star if he can figure his shot out.

He is a *safer* pick than Holland, but Holland is much more likely to be a star if he works out. If he doesn’t, he’s a bust, and you probably can’t take that risk at #1.
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Sarr projects to be an elite, switchable defender. Keegan has always been mediocre. Not remotely comparable.

Regardless of how YOU see Sarr, the only point was that if Portland likes Sarr more than the prospects at 7 and 14, I'd have no problem with that trade.

If they think Holland can be a star and can be had with one of their picks, then I'm good with that too.

I'd be way more excited for Sarr than another guy who can't shoot but that's just me.
 
When was the last time a #1 pick got traded? I don't care how 'bad' this draft is, it ain't happening.
 
AmirIcon said:
Sarr projects to be an elite, switchable defender. Keegan has always been mediocre. Not remotely comparable.

Regardless of how YOU see Sarr, the only point was that if Portland likes Sarr more than the prospects at 7 and 14, I'd have no problem with that trade.

If they think Holland can be a star and can be had with one of their picks, then I'm good with that too.

I'd be way more excited for Sarr than another guy who can't shoot but that's just me.
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you know what else isn’t remotely comparable?

their offense

Sarr could only dream of being as good offensively as Keegan in pretty much any aspect and frankly, his shooting numbers, show practically as much ‘mediocrity’ as Keegan’s defense.

pretty hard to be a star when you’re atrocious on offense and all your shooting splits indicate you’re never going to be particularly adept offensively.
 
https://www.nba.com/news/2024-consensus-mock-draft

Although it is still early, based on the consensus mock above, we can assume Sarr and Risacher will both be gone by 7. I think the majority of us want a forward with our pick, but which one of the leftovers? I would love for this mock to be correct with us getting two of them (Buzelis and Salaun) and hope one turns out to be good. But for the sake of debate which one of these do you guys prefer at 7?

Buzelis, Holland, Knecht, Williams, Saluan

All 5 IMO have different skill sets (and different question marks) Watching all 5 of their videos there were moments when I could talk myself into each of them.
But right now before the Pre-draft workouts......which one of these specific players do you favor? I have flip-flopped quite a bit and will continue to but right now I say Buzelis, but if Detroit takes him I can't decide between the rest.

Knecht seems to be a safe bet. (Low ceiling/high floor) but he is growing on me.

Holland seems to have the highest ceiling and the lowest floor depending on his shot. I think at the very least his 3-point shot will develop and he will be a 3 and D type player. Not sure if he will ever have a good pull-up midrange jumper which I value.

Williams has a pretty high ceiling IMO. But with his weight, is probably the furthest away. But with an additional 20 lbs.......

Salaun, I still know that much other than he has logo range with his 3-ball
 
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Pinwheel1 said:
https://www.nba.com/news/2024-consensus-mock-draft

Although it is still early, based on the consensus mock above, we can assume Sarr and Risacher will both be gone by 7. I think the majority of us want a forward with our pick, but which one of the leftovers? I would love for this mock to be correct with us getting two of them (Buzelis and Salaun) and hope one turns out to be good. But for the sake of debate which one of these do you guys prefer at 7?

Buzelis, Holland, Knecht and Williams, Saluan

All 5 IMO have different skill sets (and different question marks) Watching all 5 of their videos there were moments when I could talk myself into each of them.
But right now before the Pre-draft workouts......which one of these specific players do you favor? I have flip-flopped quite a bit and will continue to but right now I say Buzelis, but if Detroit takes him I can't decide between the rest.

Knecht seems to be a safe bet. (Low ceiling/high floor) but he is growing on me.

Holland seems to have the highest ceiling and the lowest floor depending on his shot. I think at the very least his 3-point shot will develop and he will be a 3 and D type player. Not sure if he will ever have a good pull-up midrange jumper which I value.

Williams has a pretty high ceiling IMO. But with his weight, is probably the furthest away. But with an additional 20 lbs.......

Salaun, I still know that much other than he has logo range with this 3-ball
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I think the chances of us getting Buzelis are next to none, apparently he is connected to the Pistons FO in some way, I think he has a relative in the FO or something, not to mention he would be great fit for them. I’m coming around to Holland as a prospect now that we have his measurements, but I still don’t think he’d be a great fit for this team. Knecht is too limited in potential for me and might/should (?) be gone by #12. Ultimately, I’d rather draft Salaun than Williams, although I like both. I think his potential is higher and he’s still really young.
 
BankTeller said:
I think the chances of us getting Buzelis are next to none, apparently he is connected to the Pistons FO in some way, I think he has a relative in the FO or something, not to mention he would be great fit for them. I’m coming around to Holland as a prospect now that we have his measurements, but I still don’t think he’d be a great fit for this team. Knecht is too limited in potential for me and might/should (?) be gone by #12. Ultimately, I’d rather draft Salaun than Williams, although I like both. I think his potential is higher and he’s still really young.
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Yeah, Salaun and Holland are probably the highest-ceiling options there, so I'd want one of them.

If Risacher doesn't go 2, I hope Cronin pushes hard to trade up with Houston.
 
PtldPlatypus said:
Yeah, Salaun and Holland are probably the highest-ceiling options there, so I'd want one of them.

If Risacher doesn't go 2, I hope Cronin pushes hard to trade up with Houston.
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I wonder where Houston thinks their biggest need is at. Do they see Amen as a PG or SF? His 14% from deep last year could be an issue as a starter.
 
Pinwheel1 said:
https://www.nba.com/news/2024-consensus-mock-draft

Although it is still early, based on the consensus mock above, we can assume Sarr and Risacher will both be gone by 7. I think the majority of us want a forward with our pick, but which one of the leftovers? I would love for this mock to be correct with us getting two of them (Buzelis and Salaun) and hope one turns out to be good. But for the sake of debate which one of these do you guys prefer at 7?

Buzelis, Holland, Knecht and Williams, Saluan

All 5 IMO have different skill sets (and different question marks) Watching all 5 of their videos there were moments when I could talk myself into each of them.
But right now before the Pre-draft workouts......which one of these specific players do you favor? I have flip-flopped quite a bit and will continue to but right now I say Buzelis, but if Detroit takes him I can't decide between the rest.

Knecht seems to be a safe bet. (Low ceiling/high floor) but he is growing on me.

Holland seems to have the highest ceiling and the lowest floor depending on his shot. I think at the very least his 3-point shot will develop and he will be a 3 and D type player. Not sure if he will ever have a good pull-up midrange jumper which I value.

Williams has a pretty high ceiling IMO. But with his weight, is probably the furthest away. But with an additional 20 lbs.......

Salaun, I still know that much other than he has logo range with this 3-ball
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Based on current archetype for Blazers:
Buzelis, Saluan, Knecht, Williams, Holland

Based on ceiling :
Holland, Buzelis, Saluan, Williams, Knecht

Based on floor :
Knecht, Holland, Buzelis, Saluan, Williams,

Overall for Blazers:
Holland, Buzelis, Knecht, Saluan, Williams
 
I would hope that our experience with Scoot has significantly cooled our enthusiasm in drafting from the G-League Ignite.
 
Pinwheel1 said:
https://www.nba.com/news/2024-consensus-mock-draft
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Hmm:
upload_2024-5-23_11-53-22.png

In general, I would be SERIOUSLY pissed with either of the guys that were "most popular" at #7. And they don't really sound like Blazer picks, to be honest.

(Also, does it seem likely that the Spurs would take BOTH Topic and Dillingham? Shades of the Timberwolves under KAAAAAHN.)

The actual draft this year is going to be SO different from all the mocks it's going to be fascinating. (Also: cue another huge backlash against drafting French players when Sarr and Risacher struggle mightily next season.)
 

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Rastapopoulos said:
Hmm:
View attachment 64660

In general, I would be SERIOUSLY pissed with either of the guys that were "most popular" at #7. And they don't really sound like Blazer picks, to be honest.

(Also, does it seem likely that the Spurs would take BOTH Topic and Dillingham? Shades of the Timberwolves under KAAAAAHN.)

The actual draft this year is going to be SO different from all the mocks it's going to be fascinating.
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If the top 6 were to go in that order (Sarr, ZR, Reed, Topic, Matas, Castle), who would you want picked at 7? Clearly not Knecht, Clingan, or Holland...so can I assume you would favor one of Williams or Salaun at that point?
 
Rastapopoulos said:
Hmm:
View attachment 64660

In general, I would be SERIOUSLY pissed with either of the guys that were "most popular" at #7. And they don't really sound like Blazer picks, to be honest.

(Also, does it seem likely that the Spurs would take BOTH Topic and Dillingham? Shades of the Timberwolves under KAAAAAHN.)

The actual draft this year is going to be SO different from all the mocks it's going to be fascinating. (Also: cue another huge backlash against drafting French players when Sarr and Risacher struggle mightily next season.)
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You need to go a little bit further down the page;

1. Alexandre Sarr | Atlanta Hawks

Perth Wildcats (Australia) | Position: F/C | Height: 7-1
Status: International
Most Common: 1 (10)

An impact player on defense who’s been growing into a larger role at the other end. Should offer immediate complementary help with the potential for more.

2. Zaccharie Risacher | Washington Wizards

JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France) | Position: G/F | Height: 6-8
Status: International
Most Common: 2 (4)

Looks the part and has all the two-way ability to deliver on that potential. The floor is high, but so is the ceiling. What will he reach?

3. Nikola Topic | Houston Rockets

KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: International
Most Common: 4 (4)

A tall guard with a deft passing touch and the ability to create opportunities for himself and others, the upside play here is a bet that the outside shot comes around.

4. Reed Sheppard | San Antonio Spurs

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 3 (3)

Sharpshooting and award-winning freshman for the Wildcats, who elevated right on up the Draft boards, especially given the open field.

5. Donovan Clingan | Detroit Pistons

Connecticut | Position: C | Height: 7-2
Status: Sophomore
Most Common: 3 (2)

A defensive anchor for the back-to-back NCAA champs, and should provide a steadying presence once he’s adjusted to the pro game. The offensive potential is there.

6. Stephon Castle | Charlotte Hornets

Connecticut | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 6 (4)

Will do what needs to be done, whatever it is, whichever end of the floor. A move on the ball could unlock another level.

7. Matas Buzelis | Portland Trail Blazers

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-8
Status: G League
Most Common: 5 (6)

Big forward with a shooting touch that escaped him in a single season playing for Ignite. Its return could deliver a big win later than expected in this Draft.

8. Robert Dillingham | San Antonio Spurs

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 4 (2), 8 (2)

The shooting is there, and he’s a certified bucket. But the size limitations kick in when playmaking isn’t the thing, which means adjust or overcome.

9. Ron Holland | Memphis Grizzlies

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-6
Status: G League
Most Common: 9 (3)

Athletic and explosive swingman who held his own in the G League, even as turnover problems and shooting woes put a cap on his game.

10. Dalton Knecht | Utah Jazz

Tennessee | Position: G/F | Height: 6-6
Status: Senior
Most Common: 10 (3)

Capitalized on a transfer to Tennessee, putting up 25-plus points while scoring all kinds of ways, but especially from deep. The seasoned transition could be smoother than most.

11. Cody Williams | Chicago Bulls

Colorado | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 10 (2), 12 (2), 13 (2)

Has the game and physique to cleanly fit most styles, and all it takes is one team to believe the upside is real for a surprise shot up the board.

12. Isaiah Collier | Oklahoma City Thunder

USC | Position: G | Height: 6-5
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 11 (4)

Bringing all his size to bear on the ball, Collier could well bully his way to a productive early run off the bench. If the turnovers go down and the percentages go up, it’s go time.

13. Ja’Kobe Walter | Sacramento Kings

Baylor | Position: G/F | Height: 6-5
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 12 (2)

The shooting and defensive potential are there, and there’s a knack for finding ways to the line. Quick contributions could come, and playmaking might follow with time.

14. Tidjane Salaun | Portland Trail Blazers

Cholet Basket | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: International
Most Common: 14 (5)
 
PtldPlatypus said:
If the top 6 were to go in that order (Sarr, ZR, Reed, Topic, Matas, Castle), who would you want picked at 7? Clearly not Knecht, Clingan, or Holland...so can I assume you would favor one of Williams or Salaun at that point?
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Right.
 
Another idea is the Blazers drafting Clingan and using Ayton in a trade. What kind of value would Ayton have?
 
I would love to add Williams and Knecht. We'd instantly improve our shooting drastically.
 
Pinwheel1 said:
He ain't falling to #17. The Lakers would need to trade up. But since he is a SoCal boy, (San Luis Obispo) he must have decided to go there for the experience.
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I think this was his open workout for all scouts of any team wanting to see him feature what he thinks he's got. I think it was just at the Lakers facility. That's just what I'm gleaning from the term "pro day". So I don't think this was any sort of private workout for the Lakers. Hopefully we were there.
 
Natebishop3 said:
Salaun won't be there at 14. Ware probably will be.

Knecht probably won't be there at 14 either.
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Probably, but we just don't know. They could use 14 plus their 2nds or a player to move up a few spots. I think 14 + Brogdon can certainly get them to Chicago or OKC's pick.

Knecht at 7 would be pure stupidity.
 
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