Rip City Project
Fansided

Portland Trail Blazers’ 2023 NBA Draft Big Board 1.0

By Andrew Hanlon

Victor Wembanyama, Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
Victor Wembanyama, Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 10
Next
Noah Clowney, Alabama (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Noah Clowney, Alabama (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

9. Noah Clowney, Alabama

Clowney’s size and athleticism would immediately improve Portland’s interior defense and depth. Even if Jusuf Nurkic is still the Blazers’ starting center next year, Clowney could be a bench option or, in some situations, play alongside The Bosnian Beast.

The soon-to-be 19-year-old is 6-10 with a 7-2 wingspan. He hustles and plays with energy which, combined with his length and athletic ability, makes him a promising defender in terms of versatility.

Clowney would be able to switch screens and hang with guards or forwards, at least temporarily while the defense behind him recovers. Despite being listed at only 210 pounds, that activity and effort will make him a decent rebounder until he gets stronger.

He’s already a roll threat offensively, and there may be some room for his game to grow on that end of the floor, especially considering his age. Right now, though, Clowney would be responsible for displaying that effort and athleticism on defense, something the Blazers are seriously lacking.