The 2026 NBA Draft, which is approaching quicker than we realize, will be a huge opportunity for the Trail Blazers to add to their already strong young core. Portland should target a guard if they want to make the most of this chance. Finding a backcourt staple would complete their lineup and set them up to finally escape the lottery in 2026-27.
The Blazers already have four players they can feel good about keeping around for the long haul: Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan, Toumani Camara, and Shaedon Sharpe. Now, they’re just missing one more thing: a point guard.
Drafting a guard would complete Portland’s young core
Scoot Henderson was supposed to be their ball handler of the future, but he’s been inconsistent and hasn’t looked like the All-NBA player he was prophesied to become at all. Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday can be starters and help this team compete for now, but both will be long gone in five years, if not much sooner.
Bringing in a young guard who can provide a scoring punch and stir the drink offensively makes all the sense in the world for Portland. It would take pressure off Avdija and create easier looks for Clingan and Camara. The right prospect would finalize the Blazers’ five for the future. Luckily, the 2026 draft class is teeming with backcourt talent.
This year’s pool of prospects is full of high-level guards. There’s Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, of course, but there’s also Keaton Wagler (Illinois), Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas), Christian Anderson (Texas Tech), and several more.
Portland’s guard of the future is in the 2026 draft class
Portland should specifically look at Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., or Alabama’s Labaron Philon. Any of those three would be a perfect fit for what they’re building.
All three guys are dynamic offensive weapons who can make plays for themselves and others. Brown is a three-point bomber, Philon is a P&R ace, and Flemings is a polished all-around bucket getter.
The Blazers are establishing a defensive identity, but they’ve sacrificed some scoring in the process. Any of Brown, Philon, or Flemings would help patch the shooting woes that have irked Portland fans all season. Each of the three would complement Portland’s existing core especially well for a couple of other specific reasons, too.
Flemings plays for one of the best defensive programs in the NCAA, and Houston’s culture has rubbed off on him. He’s small and isn’t a lockdown guy, but he gives real effort on that end. Brown and Philon aren’t as good on D, but both are combo guards in terms of size and playstyle, meaning they could operate with the rock in their hands or play off of Deni Avdija.
Any guard the Blazers drafted this summer probably wouldn’t play too much as a rookie, assuming Lillard, Holiday and Henderson will still be on the roster. But that could actually be a blessing in disguise for them, considering how difficult it is to adjust to the NBA as a young guard. Flemings, Brown, or Philon wouldn't be overtasked, allowing them to focus on their development while learning from veteran All-Stars.
Overall, it’s clear that guard is the position Portland should be seeking out in the 2026 NBA Draft. If the pick pans out, they could quickly ascend the Western Conference standings.