Trail Blazers: Olshey’s Best Draft Picks

Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard C.J. McCollum (3) walk up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Sacramento Kings 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
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Trail Blazers draft
Oct 7, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen sits in the front row to watch his team play against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

RCP ranks Neil Olshey’s best draft picks in his time with the Trail Blazers

Draft day is upon us, so we figured it was a good time to take a look at what Neil Olshey (GM) has put together since coming to the Trail Blazers. After arriving in 2012, Olshey has built two of the most memorable teams in Portland’s history. Key pieces on each of those teams were acquired through the draft process, so it is clear he has an eye for talent.

Signing big name free agents can certainly raise a franchise’s chances at a title, but most teams build their core through wise draft selections. Even though the Trail Blazers lack a pick (as of this posting) this year, it doesn’t mean that Olshey will be sitting idle as the process plays out. Adding young/cheap talent will be a key part in Portland’s future hopes. We wanted to highlight some of Olshey’s finest moves while manning the war room for the Trail Blazers.

The picks are ranked by their overall contributions and the relative value associated with their draft position. Let’s jump into the list.

Next: Number Five