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

[MarinerDNA]

Thank you for mentioning Kyshawn George. I’m going to have to look into him more. He’s an old freshman, but I love his measurements. Is he really a SG?

The 3pt and ft percentage both look good even if on limited attempts. He like the flashes in his offensive game, his pull up 3 off the dribble is impressive. He is around as tall as what we think Rupert is now, arms aren’t as long, but he looks like he might be more NBA ready?

I’d be very interested in him in a trade up from one of our 2nds + Thybulle/Williams. Another “big guard” who can handle the ball, 2.2-1.5 to ratio leads me to believe he’ll never be playmaking forward, but he won’t be a black hole on offense and he can move the ball within the offense.

I like George. He can shoot the cover off the ball, but I worry about the first step, burst, and overall athleticism. With that said, I'd still swap him or De Silva for Kris Murray.

 

[Samuel]

Most fans aren't differentiating. They heard a talking point and ran with it.

it's the fans whose teams need to find stars to get better. role players can only do so much. portland isn't going to win in this draft by selecting brandin podziemski or jaime jaquez.

 

[STOMP]

it's the fans whose teams need to find stars to get better. role players can only do so much. portland isn't going to win in this draft by selecting brandin podziemski or jaime jaquez.

Those two are winning players who were solid rotation players/part time starters for good teams year 1. Sure neither has AS potential upside, but Portland could really use more guys who know how to play. With his frame and athleticism coming into the draft, Meyers had AS potential upside...

STOMP

 

[MickZagger]

I wonder if there’s any chance that we try and trade up if they identify someone like say, Risacher that they feel is going to be a star. Package the 7, 14 and more.

 

[Samuel]

Sure neither has AS potential upside, but Portland could really use more guys who know how to play.

portland needs everything though. they need yahtzees to build around. i'm not worried about 3 of a kind yet.

 

[BigGameDamian]

https://ripcityproject.com/posts/gr...sively-move-up-to-snag-no-1-pick-01hy71vmhe8j

Grade the Trade: Blazers aggressively move up to snag No. 1 pick
Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

Portland Trail Blazers
RECEIVE
2024 No. 1 Pick
2027 Second-Round Pick

Atlanta Hawks
RECEIVE
Matisse Thybulle
2024 No. 7 Pick
2024 No. 14 Pick

Detroit Pistons
RECEIVE
Clint Capela

 

[blazerkor]

https://ripcityproject.com/posts/gr...sively-move-up-to-snag-no-1-pick-01hy71vmhe8j

Grade the Trade: Blazers aggressively move up to snag No. 1 pick
Should the Portland Trail Blazers trade up for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?

Portland Trail Blazers
RECEIVE
2024 No. 1 Pick
2027 Second-Round Pick

Atlanta Hawks
RECEIVE
Matisse Thybulle
2024 No. 7 Pick
2024 No. 14 Pick

Detroit Pistons
RECEIVE
Clint Capela

If we see Sarr as a difference maker and we maybe see him as the only high level starter in this draft that might make sense, it does seem like an overpay but if that's who the front office wants and they grade him out as being worth picks 7, 14 and Tisse then go for it.

It also might make sense if we already have another trade or trades on the table for Malcolm or more of our other vets that are for one or more 2024 FRPs.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Utility Sports latest mock has the Blazers taking Holland at 7 and Ware at 14. I dig.

As for 7 and 14 for Sarr, I'd be fine with it. If the Blazers have Sarr that much better than some of the other guys in the draft, I'd roll the dice. Matisse probably has negative value, neutral at best. I have a feeling this is a draft you want to take as many shots at nabbing a star as possible but that's what my gut says. I'd be happy if they could package both second rounders to get a Kyshawn George or Jaylon Tyson in the mid to late 1st round.

 

[Natebishop3]

Utility Sports latest mock has the Blazers taking Holland at 7 and Ware at 14. I dig.

As for 7 and 14 for Sarr, I'd be fine with it. If the Blazers have Sarr that much better than some of the other guys in the draft, I'd roll the dice. Matisse probably has negative value, neutral at best. I have a feeling this is a draft you want to take as many shots at nabbing a star as possible but that's what my gut says. I'd be happy if they could package both second rounders to get a Kyshawn George or Jaylon Tyson in the mid to late 1st round.

Personally I think it's an overpay. I wouldn't do it.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

Personally I think it's an overpay. I wouldn't do it.

I can understand that.

 

[Samuel]

Your opinion is fine, but you asked a question and I answered it. What you do with the information is up to you.

I was going to say the same thing! Check out the stats.

 

[Pinwheel1]

If we see Sarr as a difference maker and we maybe see him as the only high level starter in this draft that might make sense, it does seem like an overpay but if that's who the front office wants and they grade him out as being worth picks 7, 14 and Tisse then go for it.

It also might make sense if we already have another trade or trades on the table for Malcolm or more of our other vets that are for one or more 2024 FRPs.

Exactly. If they think he is the best player in the draft I would do it in a second. I don't see an overpay at all. You give them #14 for having to move back 6 spots.
Are we going to get a 1st for Thybulle this summer? Doubtful so why not clear his 11 million? Having said that, Atlanta would say no.

 

[Natebishop3]

 

[Predator]

He would have gone number one. Not even close. Lots of draft experts say this draft is essentially starting at 8-10 pick range in other drafts.

Lots of draft experts claimed Scoot was a no-brainer #2

They also claimed he was NBA ready

(lol vecenie and peek )

For all the knocks Buzelis and Holland get, Scoot wasn’t exactly lighting up the G League either.

I could see Sarr and ZR getting drafted above him

 

[Predator]

I'm saying that if he had not come out for the draft last year, and had been in this draft, he would have gone number one.

It’s been 13 years since someone as short as Scoot went #1. I wouldn’t be so sure.

 

[Predator]

Utility Sports latest mock has the Blazers taking Holland at 7 and Ware at 14. I dig.

As for 7 and 14 for Sarr, I'd be fine with it. If the Blazers have Sarr that much better than some of the other guys in the draft, I'd roll the dice. Matisse probably has negative value, neutral at best. I have a feeling this is a draft you want to take as many shots at nabbing a star as possible but that's what my gut says. I'd be happy if they could package both second rounders to get a Kyshawn George or Jaylon Tyson in the mid to late 1st round.

I’d keep 7&14.

we need stars.

Sarr is not a star

 

[STOMP]

portland needs everything though. they need yahtzees to build around. i'm not worried about 3 of a kind yet.

Do they really? Ayton isn't a legit Big right now? Portland took big swings in the last two drafts selecting raw young physically talented guards who everyone knew would take seasons to develop. Both Scoot and Shaedon are dynamic athletes who possess the rare ability to get their own shot. Assuming those two aren't satisfied to just cash checks and are working to improve on their overall games, complimentary forwards who can spread the court, defend, board & make smart winning basketball plays off them will be needed.

This draft does not feature guys with the sort of star potential that those two have. You can't will a draft class to be what it isn't. There are some decent pieces to add though.

STOMP

 

[Natebishop3]

Lots of draft experts claimed Scoot was a no-brainer #2

They also claimed he was NBA ready

(lol vecenie and peek )

For all the knocks Buzelis and Holland get, Scoot wasn’t exactly lighting up the G League either.

I could see Sarr and ZR getting drafted above him

All of that hype would still be there today if he was in this draft.

 

[Samuel]

You can't will a draft class to be what it isn't

If they believe that they should trade out of it vs draft role players. This draft is not good, I’m probably lower on it than most. That doesn’t mean they should target high floor, lower ceiling guys.

 

[STOMP]

If they believe that they should trade out of it vs draft role players. This draft is not good, I’m probably lower on it than most. That doesn’t mean they should target high floor, lower ceiling guys.

I'm certainly open to that as we agree assessing this class. I see very few who will contribute much in the short term regardless of what team they land on. Real progress for the Blazers next season needs to come from within, especially Shaedon starting to have his Neo moment where things click... man I hope he's working on his handle. By hook or by crook this offseason, I'd love to see them add a 3/4 who is a real outside threat.

STOMP

 

[inconceivable]

All of that hype would still be there today if he was in this draft.

Scoot's stock skyrocketed after that great showing vs Wemby

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I’d keep 7&14.

we need stars.

Sarr is not a star

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.

 

[Natebishop3]

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.

I'm not even sure if Sarr is most likely to be a star. I think he's most likely to be a good player. This draft is full of boom/bust players and high floor/low ceiling guys. Sarr is the safest pick.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I'm not even sure if Sarr is most likely to be a star. I think he's most likely to be a good player. This draft is full of boom/bust players and high floor/low ceiling guys. Sarr is the safest pick.

He has special size/athleticism combo that you can't often find. I don't think the Hawks would give him up for two later picks, but if they were I would certainly consider it from the Blazers perspective.

 

[Natebishop3]

He has special size/athleticism combo that you can't often find. I don't think the Hawks would give him up for two later picks, but if they were I would certainly consider it from the Blazers perspective.

I kinda picture him as a slightly taller Serge Ibaka.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I kinda picture him as a slightly taller Serge Ibaka.

Sarr is way more agile and mobile. Saying that, I'd be thrilled to add a young Ibaka to our current core.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

According to THIS, Topic:

 

[SharpesTriumph]

Will be entertaining to read Blazers fans reactions if we use our top lottery pick on another poor defensive PG and don't trade Brogdon/Simons

Honestly I'm good with pure BPA as this roster needs so many other changes before positional depth is relevant.

 

[Samuel]

Trying to keep an open mind with this draft given the player movement that might be happening outside of the draft.

 

[Predator]

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.

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.