Portland Trail Blazers 2022 NBA Draft Big Board: 8-10
8. Tari Eason
Tari Eason is like Caris LeVert in Brandon Clarke’s body: a 6’8 wrecking ball of explosiveness and energy.
In his sophomore year, he put up 16.9 points and 6.6 rebounds with 52/36/80 shooting splits while coming off of the bench for LSU.
Like former Tiger Trendon Watford, Eason has all of the tools to succeed but may need to dial it back at times to fully capitalize on his potential in the NBA. He’s shown the ability to score at all three levels and has flashed perimeter skills but can get in his own way by trying to do too much at times.
If he can find a proper medium, though, Eason has the build and skills necessary to contribute at a high level from day one and could even start for the Trail Blazers at power forward.
NBA Comp: Power Forward Caris LeVert
9. Shaedon Sharpe
Like with Jaden Ivey, this pick would be all about the capital. The Portland Trail Blazers don’t need another guard and certainly don’t need to take a swing on a player who hasn’t played since high school.
Still, Sharpe’s elite shot creation abilities make him a tantalizing prospect for NBA team’s and Portland could use that to their advantage if he’s available at the time of their selection. A team desperate for high-level guard play and star power might be willing to overpay for a blue-chip prospect of Sharpe’s pedigree.
NBA Comp: Jalen Green
10. Jeremy Sochan
Jeremy Sochan put on display all of his defensive prowess and athleticism in his freshman year with the Baylor Bears.
He put up 9.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game while helping to lead the Bears to a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The only thing holding Sochan back from a higher draft position is his inability to shoot the ball. With a shaky outside jumper, teams will have to find a fit for him on offense, but he has the passing chops to contribute as a short-roll playmaker.
His blend of defensive impact and athleticism will make him a lottery pick, but it’ll be his development on offense that will determine whether or not he can be a star in the NBA.
NBA Comp: Aaron Gordon