2015
Picks
- (through trade) No. 41: Pat Connaughton
The Blazers actually picked Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in in 2015, using their 23rd pick to pluck the small forward out of Arizona. However, Hollis-Jefferson was traded away to the Brooklyn Nets later in the evening.
In return, Portland received the rights to Pat Connaughton (and Mason Plumlee), a random favorite Blazer of mine over the years. Connaughton stuck around for three years, and played a big role off the bench in the Blazers run to the third seed in 2018.
Connaughton was incredibly likable off the floor, and played his role in Portland’s offense. Despite averaging just 5.4 points at most in his time there, Connaughton shot the three well, hustled incredibly, and had some INSANE athleticism.
I’m serious, this guy could throw down. Whether it was driving through the middle, catching lobs or the occasional impressive put-back, Pat kept the Moda Center on the edge of their seats with his hops at times.
When he signed with the Milawakee Bucks in 2018, I was sad to see him go. Still, it’s good to see him thriving over there as well, as the former Blazer is now benefitting off of Giannis’ ridiculousness on a nightly basis.
Verdict: Hit
What If’s?
Meh. Not too much going on. Montrezl Harrell went at No. 32 to the Houston Rockets; his play in the last two years would have certainly been a bonus in Portland.
Josh Richardson went at No. 40, one spot above Connaughton, but as the Blazers traded for the pick, they didn’t really ‘miss’ on Richardson.