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Who is competing for the Portland Trail Blazers’ draft targets?

By Aneesh Namburi

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 11: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2019 at vivint.SmartHome Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Which teams could disrupt the Portland Trail Blazers’ draft plans?

The 2019 NBA Draft is coming quickly around the corner on June 20th, eight days away. The Portland Trail Blazers currently hold the 25th pick in the NBA Draft.

After a surprise Western Conference Finals appearance, the assumption is that Blazers general manager Neil Olshey is looking to make a move that can potentially advance Portland to the NBA Finals.

As the Blazers organization is usually extremely tight lipped when it comes to rumors of any kind, we do not know for sure what Portland’s plans are. However, the most popular plan is for Portland to trade the pick along with one of their expiring contracts. If this does not work out, Olshey will most likely draft a high potential prospect, as discussed in an earlier piece.

Many other teams in Portland’s draft are also in a similar position as them. So it is important to know which teams the Blazers are competing with in order to prepare.

Which teams do the Blazers need to watch for?

Oklahoma City Thunder

After their first round series loss to someone team in the Pacific Northwest, the Thunder are looking to re-tool themselves for the upcoming season. Due to their cap situation, it is not immediately possible. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Thunder are looking to trade away their 21st pick in order to clear some cap space.

If Oklahoma City does end up making a trade, it takes away a potential trade partner for the Blazers, limiting their options even further.

Even if the Thunder keep the pick, their team needs (shooting wings) match very close to the Blazers. Due to them making their selection four picks ahead, Sam Presti might end up stealing one of Portland’s draft targets.

Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz surprised many by upsetting the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2018 playoffs. Many, including myself, expected Utah to make a significant jump this past season. However, this did not occur. The Jazz are now looking to make moves that CAN take them to the next step.

The hindrances to their team this year was their offense, specifically Utah’s lack of shooting in their rotation. At pick 23, they can take one of those plus shooters who could also help Portland.

Philadelphia 76ers

With two major free agents up on the open market and needing to sorely upgrade their bench, the 76ers need to hit on their 24th pick for some cheap value.

The past two seasons, a main part of the 76ers’ playoff exits has been the lack of shooting, specifically off of the bench. They lost what little depth they had in 2018, and could lose even more with three starters becoming free agents.

Next. Who could the Blazers select in the 2019 NBA Draft?. dark

Players like Matisse Tybuelle, Keldon Johnson, Cameron Johnson are all potential targets for both Philadelphia and Portland. The 76ers picking up one of these players, or someone else with a similar skillset could take away an option for Portland, possibly forcing them into a trade that they would otherwise not have taken.