THE Portland Trail Blazers now know that they will choose numbers 7 and 14 in the NBA Draft next month, with two second-round picks.
Here’s a look at who the team won in the latest ESPN draft lottery with Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo:
Choice #7 Nikola Subject
The Blazers aren’t far enough along in their rebuild to worry too much about positional adjustment, and Topic’s combination of size and playmaking ability differentiates his skill set from the guards they already have on the roster. Portland can lean on the top talent available here, considering Topic as part of a multi-playmaker offense alongside Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons. At this point in the draft, Topic is an intriguing bet, with his feel and passing ability likely to help improve opportunities for others around him. — Courting
Pick No. 14 (via Warriors) Tidjane Salaun, Cholet
Salaun would be another intriguing addition to Portland’s frontcourt, helping balance out a guard-heavy roster. Its potential to space the floor, provide power and versatility, and the fact that it doesn’t need design touches, make it an attractive candidate for the future. Salaun is still raw in important areas of his game – he will need seasoning and time to reach his potential – but he should be an attractive project if he can make strides as a shooter and decision-maker. — Courting
BE Community, what do you think of the prospects above? Sound off in the comments below.
