The NBA announced some key dates on Tuesday that Portland Trail Blazers fans will want to mark on their calendar involving some crucial events for the team’s future.
NBA announces dates for combine, lottery, and 2022 draft
Monday, May 16-Sunday, May 22:
The NBA Draft Combine – This is where we might get a peek at future members of the Blazers. College players will be measured, interviewed by team representatives, given medical examinations, and most importantly evaluated with performance tests and drills. Scouts will travel to Chicago to scrutinize, grade, and determine what the players have to offer, if they are worth bringing in for a workout at their respective cities, and eventually drafting. The combine is a closed event that is exclusive to invited individuals, those most likely to join the NBA via draft.
Tuesday, May 17:
The Draft Lottery – It is looking more and more likely that Portland will be participating in the lottery, as their tanking campaign continues charging along. The Trail Blazers might get the chance to root for two different lottery slots if the New Orleans Pelicans fail to make the playoffs and relay their pick to Portland this year. Maybe a good luck charm in the way of a player will go and represent them at the lottery. Brandon Roy represented the Blazers in 2007, which netted them the number one pick that eventually turned into Greg Oden.
Thursday, June 23:
NBA Draft – The most anticipated night in the Trail Blazers off-season this year. On June 23, we’ll have the opportunity to see which rookies will don the Portland logo on their hat, shake Commissioner Adam Silver’s hand, and prepare for the 2022-2023 NBA season in Rip City.
We could also see some landscape altering trades shake down on Draft Night, and Portland certainly has the goods to deliver some drama. Not only could the Trail Blazers have two first-round picks to use as trade capital, they also feature a various collection of young talent, some notable trade exceptions, and Eric Bledsoe‘s partially guaranteed contract to work with.
June 23 could be an important day in Trail Blazers lore.