Blazers mock draft roundup: ‘Disruptive defender’ at pick No. 23?
By Reese Kunz
The Ringer: Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Marquette, Forward
Prosper averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 0.9 steals per game on 51/34/74 shooting splits during his junior season at Marquette. He played his freshman year at Clemson before transferring.
Prosper’s draft stock received a boost following his impressive NBA draft combine performance and is someone who could continue to rise in the upcoming weeks before the draft.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote: “Bolstering the wing and forward spots with someone like O-Max should be a priority for the Blazers, regardless of what they do with their lottery pick.”
His comparison for Prosper is “shades of PJ Tucker” as a “disruptive defender.” That sounds like someone Portland could use, both from a positional and a strength standpoint. At 6-8 with a 7-foot-1 wing span, Prosper could add much-needed length, athleticism, and defensive versatility.
Prosper could be the glue-guy role player this Blazers team has been missing; he does the intangibles associated with winning basketball. While Prosper doesn’t project to be an elite scorer at the next level, Portland already has enough scoring. He’s a respectable enough spot-up shooter to be a threat and space the floor.
If Portland re-signs restricted free agent Matisse Thybulle and pairs him alongside a defensive-minded prospect like Prosper, they could form an intriguing defense with size and versatility at the wings.
He’s a pick that could reshape the team’s identity.