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Potential draft picks for the Portland Trail Blazers at each position

By Shawn P. O’Connor

PORTLAND, OR - JUNE 26: General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trail Blazers introduces Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan to the media during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - JUNE 26: General Manager Neil Olshey of the Portland Trail Blazers introduces Zach Collins and Caleb Swanigan to the media during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at the Trail Blazer Practice Facility 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After a disappointing postseason, Portland must shift its focus to the draft. Where should the Blazers look to reload?

It’s draft season everyone! Portland only has one selection in this year’s NBA draft at No. 24.

I posted a Twitter poll asking what position the Blazers should target in the draft, and the answer was overwhelming:

Let’s take a look at some draft prospects that Portland could end up taking with its 24th overall pick.

Forwards

Miles Bridges – SF, Michigan State

Miles Bridges is a talented two-year starter as a guard/forward for the Michigan State Spartans. The 6’7″, 225-pound Flint, Michigan native averaged 17.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while leading his team to a second-round defeat in the NCAA Tourney.

Bridges shot a cool 46% from the floor, 36% from three, and 85% from the charity stripe. He had an excellent performance in a first round victory over (14) Bucknell, scoring 29 points and grabbing 9 rebounds.

His last college game, however, was a clunker. Miles put up 11 points and 6 rebounds on 22% shooting from the floor in an upset loss to (11) Syracuse.

Bridges would be a great fit for Portland, sliding into the small forward spot that has lacked a consistent starter. Bridges will likely be gone by pick 24, as CBS Sports has Miles Bridges ranked as the #13 overall prospect.

Chandler Hutchison – G/F, Boise State

The buzz around Chandler Hutchison in the Northwest is intense. The 6’7″, 197-pound guard/forward led his team in points, rebounds, steals, and assists per game. Hutchison is an agile wing player with good shooting numbers – 48% from the floor and  36% from deep.

Related Story: Chandler Hutchison backs out of NBA Draft Combine

Led by Hutchison, Boise State had an excellent regular season. The team went 23-8 and earned a 4 seed in the NIT. Despite a double overtime loss to Washington in the first round, Hutchison’s last college game was fantastic. He recorded 40-points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

Chandler Hutchison is an excellent small forward prospect for Portland and might be available at the 24th pick.

Shooting Guard

Donte DiVincenzo – SG, Villanova

Everyone remembers Donte DiVincenzo’s National Championship performance. He dropped 31 points on that Monday night, shooting 67% from the floor and 71% from three.

DiVincenzo is a 6’5″, 205-pound guard who averaged 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 29.3 minutes off the bench. He is an excellent shooter, converting 48% of shot, 40% from three. DiVincenzo is an insane athlete as well, recording a 42-inch vertical at the combine (tied for highest this year).

Villanova’ sixth man would serve as an excellent rotational piece behind CJ McCollum, or act as small forward in a three-guard lineup.

Donte met with the Trail Blazers at the NBA Draft Combine, according to Jason Quick of NBC Sports Northwest.

DiVincenzo has proven he can perform under pressure, as well as consistently hit from distance. If Donte DiVincenzo falls to Portland at 24, the Blazers need to pull the trigger.

Center

Moritz Wagner – C, Michigan

In a weak center class, Moritz Wagner is the exception. The 6’11”, 245-pound forward/center averaged 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds in his final year in Michigan. Wagner is excellent from the floor, hitting 53% of his field goal attempts and a respectable 69% of his free throws. He can also score from distance, connecting on 39% of his threes.

Moritz Wagner has been connected to Portland in the past, meeting with the team in 2017, according to Maize N Brew. Wagner is known as the second-best center in the draft, behind consensus top-two pick Deandre Ayton.

If Wagner falls, he’s worth serious consideration for Portland. He would be a very intriguing addition to the center rotation potentially missing Jusuf Nurkic.

Point Guard

Jalen Brunson – PG, Villanova

A National Champion, Jalen Brunson is no stranger to the big time. Brunson averaged 18.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 31.8 minutes played per game. He is also one of the better scorers in this year’s guard class, shooting 52% from the floor, 41% from distance.

Despite a disappointing 9-point performance in the title game, Brunson posted 17.6 points per game in the tournament games leading up to the championship. He led his Villanova Wildcats on an impressive run through the tournament, winning every game by at least 12 points.

If Portland wants to add depth behind Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson may be available at 24.

Next: Neil Olshey to focus on getting "playoff caliber" players

In a draft with a number of intriguing options, Portland must settle for one. The 24th pick in this year’s draft could prove to be a pivotal turning point for this franchise, getting them over the hump and into a deep playoff run.

Only time will tell if the 2018 NBA Draft will be the difference for Rip City.