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Potential outcomes of the 2018 NBA Draft for Blazers

By Nate Mann

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Zach Collins speaks with the media after being selected tenth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Zach Collins speaks with the media after being selected tenth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers at the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Stephen Pellegrino/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Out of all the teams with a selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Blazers seem to have least consensus on what will happen June 21.

Every mock draft released by sports media platforms provide a different option for who Portland picks.

In a loaded draft, No. 24 can hold a player capable of making immediate change. At the same time, it can become another project for the Blazers, a team which needs to take advantage of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum‘s prime.

So Portland is looking for an already-developed player, ideally a 3-and-D wing, at No. 24. Or, it might explore using the trade to salary dump ahead of free agency. Tanking teams like the Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings may enjoy another selection in this year’s strong draft class in addition to a player with a big contract (i.e. Meyers Leonard or Evan Turner).

So what are all the potential options on June 21?

Use the Pick

The Blazers have hosted four workout sessions, each consisting of six players. The majority of these participants were defensive-minded guards. A few others were big men, of whom many are projected to go undrafted.

Related Story: Why are the Blazers working out likely undrafted forwards?

The fans understand that Portland needs a 3-and-D wing the most. However, the team is exploring all options as few 3-and-D wings will be available around No. 24. Jacob Evans, Troy Brown and Chandler Hutchison are the primary options, but all have interest from teams ahead of the Blazers.

In the case that no wings are available at No. 24, the Blazers appear most interested in a defensive-minded guard. Shabazz Napier and Pat Connaughton are free agents this summer, potentially leaving Wade Baldwin IV alone in Portland’s reserve backcourt.

Khyri Thomas and De’Anthony Melton‘s defensive and efficient off-ball scoring capabilities make them the best fit.

If Portland can’t re-sign Ed Davis or Jusuf Nurkic, it will want to have drafted a big man. So far, one of the only centers to potentially go at No. 24 is Chimezie Metu of USC. There’s also Mo Wagner of Michigan and Keita Bates-Diop of Ohio State.

Related Story: 5 players Blazers most likely to draft at No. 24

As this shows, there’s no consensus as to who the Blazers choose. Even with less than one week until the 2018 NBA Draft, these are Portland’s selections in various mock drafts:

Trade the Pick

The Blazers currently hold two Traded Player Exceptions from trades last season. While there’s little history of beneficially used TPEs, Neil Olshey does get crafty with his trades.

Involving the draft, though, he can use the No. 24 pick to entice younger teams much easier. A few of the tanking teams, like the Sacramento Kings, have few selections in this year’s strong class.

With plenty of cap space and no potential of making the playoffs within a two-season span, these teams might be willing to absorb one of Portland’s big contracts if paired with the pick.

Also, trades swapping CJ McCollum for another marquee player, like Kevin Love, often include the No. 24 pick.

Next: One-and-done rule could be gone by 2021

Plenty of options exist for Portland on June 21. Some can benefit the team immediately, while others don’t move the needle at all.

Hopefully, either via trade or a good draft selection, the Blazers can improve before another season of Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors-dominance in the Western Conference.