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Admittedly, I have not yet begun to thoroughly vet every 2015 NBA draft prospect, but I certainly have a few that are higher on my wish list than others at a cursory glance. The Portland Trail Blazers will be looking to add depth at the forward positions, but are not about to turn away the best available player (regardless of position) if there is a talent gap when their turn to make a selection rolls around. As far as fit goes, I would like to see them target:
Dec 3, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UNLV Runnin
Christian Wood
6’11” / 220 lbs / 19 yrs
Power Forward
UNLV
Wood covers the floor with long, sweeping strides and is one of the most athletic players of his size. He is a talented face-up shooter and a strong finisher at the rim. There is a lot of potential for him to find success in the pick-and-roll with Steve Blake because he moves so quickly and doesn’t have stone hands like some of the Trail Blazers’ other big men. He even plays more above the rim if they want to sneak in a few lobs.
Defensively, his physique is lacking, but he manages to be a respectable rim protector anyway. His body will fill in with time. I am more interested in his rebounding skills, as he has impeccable timing on both the offensive and defensive glass. He can be that guy that creates second chance opportunities on instinct and sheer athleticism. Having a 7’3” wingspan helps too.
Feb 11, 2015; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) reacts during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Pittsburgh 69-56. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Montrezl Harrell
6’8” / 240 lbs / 21 yrs
Power Forward
Louisville
Harrell has the kind of NBA physique that Wood does not, but is a little undersized. He is an absolute tank, though. Think along the lines of what Thomas Robinson was supposed to be for the Trail Blazers, but without the Top-5 pick price tag. Harrell is a high-energy player that can absorb contact like it’s nothing and still finish—something you like to see from players as they adjust to the pace of the NBA. The only real knock on his offense is that he lacks polish and awareness, as can be expected given his style of play.
Defensively, he isn’t afraid to throw his weight around and he has quick feet in the post. These are traits that I personally place high importance on since the Trail Blazers have a tendency to get walked on in the paint; especially with the second unit in, trying to hold a lead or climb out of a hole. Like Wood, Montrezl even has a ludicrous 7’3” wingspan, which helps him affect a lot of shots, in spite of his height.
Jan 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) looks on during the game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Justin Anderson
6’6” / 222 lbs / 21 yrs
Small Forward
Virginia
Anderson is one of my favorite wings in this year’s draft. He doesn’t have a lot of star potential, but you could plug him into virtually any NBA second unit and get valuable contributions from him. He is physical on the drive, proficient from deep (45.2%), and he can defend multiple positions. He won’t really create for himself or others, but most role players don’t, and that’s exactly what he is.
Anderson would fit nicely into Portland’s 3-point centric offense and 3-point denying defense. What a luxury it would be to have someone capable of defending point guards, shooting guards, and small forwards to hide teammate deficiencies, while still being able to space the floor on the other end. He is like a raw blend of Allen Crabbe’s offense and aspects of Alonzo Gee’s defense, pre-packaged in an NBA ready frame. A little developmental attention and Anderson could be a reasonable 3-and-D player fairly early in his professional career.