Portland Trail Blazers: 3 best fits at the top of the 2021 NBA Draft

Corey Kispert could be the Portland Trail Blazers easiest path to landing a two-way wing

Corey Kispert might not be the prospect that every team dreams of, but he’s one that any of them could use.

Kispert projects to be a high-level 3-and-D wing in the pros and should make an immediate impact as a rookie. Kispert played all four seasons of his eligibility with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Each year he increased his accuracy from 3-point land, while also increasing his volume.

For his collegiate career, he averaged over 40 percent from distance on nearly five attempts per game. As a senior, those numbers jumped to 44 percent on over six 3-point looks a night.

His jump shot is one of the safest bets in the 2021 NBA Draft. His age, subpar physicals, and lack of star potential could drag him out of the lottery, but he could make every team regret passing up on him.

Against Norfolk State, Kispert showed how dangerous he can be on offense at any level. He’s not just an elite shooter in terms of accuracy. He knows how to find open looks and how to capitalize on them. Kispert’s got a quick twitch release, can hit threes off the catch, off the dribble, and off-balance. No matter where he’s spotting up from or in which method he chooses to launch, his form and his feet remain the same on every attempt.

Even though he’s not an elite athlete, Kispert hustles on defense, is usually in the right place, and is quick and strong enough to stay in front of most threes.

With some work on his lateral quickness, he could become an elite defender one day.

Damian Lillard has long been compared to Stephen Curry. Corey Kispert could be his Klay Thompson.