In a random number generated order, the Blazers lost out on their chance to again draft Damian Lillard.
Over at Bleacher Report, they conducted an entire re-draft of the league. On Monday, they released the first round, with 30 writers reasoning the choice they gave their respective team.
It’s all pretty simple: who would you pick to compete for the Finals in the 2017-18 season? They’re not trying to create a dynasty, or collect assets a la Boston GM Danny Ainge.
This is a fun exercise that no Portland fan should get upset over who the Blazers pick or who the Blazers lose.
Given that Damian Lillard could have an argument made for his spot in the league’s top five point guards, of course he’s going to go early.
I preface all this because, well, the first round was not kind to the Blazers. A couple things to note from Bleacher Report before we get into the specifics:
"Every NBA player and free agent is eligible for this draft (with one notable exception [Chris Bosh])All current injuries are healed; however, injury history and injury-proneness are relevant, knowing they impact current skill sets/ability to stay on the court"
Sound simple enough? Let’s get into it:
Dame goes to the Houston Rockets at 18
Before the selection, Leo Sepkowitz contemplated taking the guard at 16 for the Brooklyn Nets over Joel Embiid:
“ capable of getting hot enough to march the right team into the Finals.” But, it only took two more selections for the Rockets to scoop him up.
Writer Kelly Scaletta took Lillard over players like Draymond Green and John Wall, which says a lot about his belief in Lillard as The Guy.
“Lillard has the maturity and leadership ability I wanted in my top pick.”
Who were some players Lillard went after?
LeBron, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Chris Paul, which are all sound and reasonable. But so too did Isaiah Thomas, Rudy Gobert and Carmelo Anthony.
Even in a re-draft, Lillard still gets slept on.
Blazers pick Kyrie Irving at 23
So, Portland fell past the lottery in this draft. And their selection definitely reflects that.
Kyrie Irving, while a great offensive player, hasn’t shown too much on his own. He also doesn’t have the potential of a Kristpas Porzingis, who went right after at 24.
But writer Bryant Knox is banking on a revenge tour by Irving, who lists situations like Lillard as the place he wants to be in.
And he certainly gets Lillard’s situation by heading to Rip City. Knox acknowledges it’s a risky pick, but asks, “who ever won big playing it safe?”
Next: 15 categories Clyde Drexler leads the Blazers in
Porzingis does have the potential, but Irving has the offensive capabilities like few in the league.
Who Knox decides to pair Irving with in the backcourt will be something to watch for. Bleacher Report will release each round every day until Friday, so we’ll know in the coming days.
You can read the full first round selections, along with reasoning from each of B/R’s writers, here.