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The Blazers’ front office needs to listen to Damian Lillard’s draft suggestions

By Nate Mann

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 11: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game on February 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 11: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz look on during the game on February 11, 2018 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Blazers should entertain suggestions from Damian Lillard prior to this summer’s draft after he advocated selecting Donovan Mitchell last year.

Franchise centerpieces generally have some say in front office decisions. Prime example: LeBron James essentially told the Miami Heat to acquire Shabazz Napier on draft night in 2014.

From his meeting with Paul Allen in January, Damian Lillard wants to be involved with team decisions moving forward.

Donovan Mitchell

In fact, he hoped the Blazers would select Donovan Mitchell in last year’s NBA draft.

Lillard and Mitchell started communicating during the latter’s college seasons at Louisville. Dame spotted the youngster rocking his signature shoe and reached out.

Then, on draft night last summer, the Blazers traded pick No. 15 and 20 to the Kings for pick No. 10. Portland made the two-for-one swap in order to draft 19-year-old Zach Collins out of Gonzaga.

Three picks later, the Denver Nuggets selected Donovan Mitchell and traded him to the Utah Jazz for Trey Lyles and pick No. 24.

Mitchell said, “After I got drafted, (Damian Lillard) actually texted me and said that he was hoping I slipped to Portland. He texted me right after the draft and that was kind of crazy.”

Lillard confirmed the rookie’s words: “I thought he was going to come in and work out for us and we might’ve picked him. I just thought it might fall that way, but I really was a fan of what he was doing, how he carried himself and he found a good home here.”

At the time, only Dame understood Portland’s missed opportunity.

Mitchell went on to average 20.5 points. 3.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.4 three-pointers in his first NBA season. He led the Jazz to a surprising 48-34 regular season record, good for fifth in the Western Conference. Utah won its first round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, then put up an honorable fight against the league-leading Houston Rockets.

2018 NBA Draft

The Blazers, after a successful regular season, have the 24th pick in this year’s draft. Like in 2017, this draft is full of talent – Portland can still find an impactful player at No. 24. Kyle Kuzma was taken 27th and became the Los Angeles Lakers’ top producing player last season.

From various mock drafts, there’s no consensus as to who the Blazers may draft. The team needs to address its lack of three-point shooting as well as fill any gaps created by free agency.

If the front office takes Damian Lillard’s suggestions into consideration, Portland may select Chandler Hutchison of Boise State. Like with Mitchell, Lillard has been in contact with Hutchison because of their relationship with Phil Beckner, a player development coach.

Related Story: Chandler Hutchinson could be the steal of the draft

When draft day arrives on June 21, hopefully the Blazers listen to Lillard. The team missed out on Donovan Mitchell, but can make up for it with a season-changing rookie this year.

Also, having the front office show its willingness to involve the franchise centerpiece develops player-staff relations.