The 2015 NBA Draft will start this afternoon at 4:00 PDT and can be seen on ESPN. The Portland Trail Blazers possess the 23rd pick (for now) and have a variety of likely targets when their turn is up, many of which we have profiled over the last several weeks. Today we will revisit the profiles of Portland’s top-5 prospects with excerpts from each article. You can read the articles in full by following the links provided.
Mar 29, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) reacts after a dunk during the first half against the Michigan State Spartans in the finals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Montrezl Harrell
"Harrell does not outwardly fit the Trail Blazers’ spacing model, but perhaps his freakish athleticism and boundless energy can benefit them regardless. Pairing Aldridge (free agency pending) with a physical forward is a reasonable idea, and one that the Trail Blazers tried with Thomas Robinson for a time. Harrell could be a much more cost effective spin on the old blueprints."
March 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23) high-fives fans before the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Oregon Ducks at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Wildcats defeated the Ducks 80-52. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
"With the uncertain futures of Wesley Matthews, Arron Afflalo, and Dorell Wright, the Trail Blazers would be wise to add depth at the wing. There is a lot of potential for Hollis-Jefferson to grow as a specialist in a system with increasing focus on defensive presence. He is generally hailed as a charismatic locker room presence as well, and would fit Portland’s persona without disrupting team chemistry. A little time spent fixing his offensive mechanics could result in versatility at a great value."
Jan 15, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Utah Utes guard Delon Wright (55) dribbles against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Gerry Blakes (4) during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Utes won 76-59 Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Delon Wright
"My goodness his defense would be nice. Until we know more about the recovery of Wesley Matthews, as well as his pending free agency, we have to assume that the Trail Blazers are presently without any semblance of a stopper in the backcourt. Wright is the rare draft prospect that is already a known quantity. This can be good or bad depending on your perspective. His theoretical impact is unambiguous but there is not much room for growth. He has a somewhat low ceiling and a respectably high floor."
Jan 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Justin Anderson (1) celebrates after the Cavaliers
Justin Anderson
"I could see Anderson sliding valuably into rotation pretty easily. He has that sort of Thomas Robinson or Will Barton energy that the Trail Blazers now lack, but in a much more reeled in and controllable capacity. He is more of a defensive playmaker. He would be great in the Trail Blazers’ three-point centric offense and three-point denying defense."
Mar 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Georgia State Panthers guard R.J. Hunter (22) celebrates with his father head coach Ron Hunter following a win against the Georgia Southern Eagles in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship game at the Lakefront Arena. Coach Ron Hunter was injured in the celebration. Georgia State defeated Georgia Southern 38-36. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
R.J. Hunter
"I think Hunter’s 3-point shooting gives the false impression that he is a good fit for the Trail Blazers. Yes, the Trail Blazers like their floor spacing, but they also like their perimeter defense. Hunter struggles to contain anyone of a heavier weight class, which will be almost everybody in the pros. Former Trail Blazer Jamal Crawford has 15 lbs on this guy for goodness sake. This would be almost permissible if Hunter demonstrated more consistency within his niche, but I think there are teams that he is better suited to contribute to."
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