Prospect No. 3 – Jalen Hood-Schifino, G, Indiana
Jalen Hood-Schifino is a good distributor and decision-maker, especially for a freshman. He needs to cut down on turnovers, but he sees the floor well, averaging almost 4 assists a game. At 6-6, he also has good length for a guard and could give the Blazers’ backcourt some much-needed size. Lillard and Simons are listed at 6-2 and 6-3, respectively.
Guard isn’t necessarily a position of need relative to others for Portland. But bringing Hood-Schifino and Shaedon Sharpe off the bench as two guards sounds too intriguing.
Jalen can also play off the ball and would fit in seamlessly with the first unit when needed. He’s shooting around 34 percent from three and has shown improvement as the season has progressed.
The Blazers’ team strength is their shooting and guard play. With this selection, they’d be doubling down on their strengths and identity.
With Lillard being 32 years old, this could also help solidify a future backcourt rotation. A potential trio of Simons and Sharpe starting and Hood-Schifino coming off the bench retains their shooting while giving them another playmaker with size. Jalen’s combo-guard ability would allow him to spell either Simons or Sharpe, if needed.
He gives this Blazers roster another weapon and depth piece for now and for the future. If Portland selects a forward or center with its first pick, this is someone they could target with the Knicks’ first-round pick.