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Louis king SF, Oregon
SI Mock Draft Projection: No. 40
University of Oregon alum Louis King already has the Portland connection. Many Blazers fan likely watched King develop and thrive while playing as a freshman for the Ducks.
King’s impressive play during the NCAA tournament had him rising up mock drafts and big boards alike, as he helped propel Oregon to a Sweet 16 appearance and nearly defeating the eventual national champion Virginia. During postseason play, King averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from deep on over five attempts per game.
Despite playing absolutely lights out to conclude the season and saving a struggling team from a disappointing end to the year, King did not receive the attention he expected at the draft. Slipping all the way down from an early second-round project to entirely undrafted, King provides a lot of upside with little risk.
Rip City Project went in-depth on King’s potential and fit with the Blazers moving forward leading up to the draft, and we’ll stick to our guns with this one. King has all the skill necessary to contribute in the NBA. His shooting ability and long, wiry frame could develop nicely into a ‘3-and-D’ player the Portland Trail Blazers so desperately need.
Admittedly, King is undersized and will get bullied in the NBA if expected to play big minutes immediately. Instead he can take the year developing behind the likes of Moe Harkless, Evan Turner and Jake Layman. Portland’s locker room environment and leadership under Damian Lillard could coax the best out of King, adding size to his already athletic frame.