While the Portland Trail Blazers’ social media accounts are quick to offer up information on certain pre-draft workouts, some are far more secretive. Last year, news of Donovan Clingan’s private workout was broken a handful of days after it actually occurred. Conversely, Dalton Knecht’s own private workout with the club was heavily publicized on Blazers' socials.
Today, the Blazers covertly worked out Egor Demin, Derik Queen, and Noah Penda. Let’s take a quick look at what each brings to the table.
Where does Egor Demin fit into the Blazers' young core?
Egor Demin’s stock has quite a bit of curvature; in his first four games at BYU, Demin averaged 17 points, 8 assists, and 2.25 steals per game, shooting 66% from the field and 55.5% from three. He finished the season averaging 10.6/5.5/1.2 on 41/27/70 shooting splits. To say the drop was precipitous was an understatement, but it came on the heels of a knee injury and never really finding his footing upon returning.
He profiles very much in the mold of Josh Giddey, a big point guard with exceptional passing ability that gives way to somewhat poor shooting. However, reports about Demin’s combine and pro day made waves through the draftosphere, showing that he measured bigger than previously expected, and his pro day saw his shooting prowess increase dramatically.
He measured at 6’8.25” barefoot with a 6’10.25” wingspan. Demin reportedly buried the majority of his long-range shots at his pro day, quelling fears about his late-season shooting woes during his lone season at BYU. He slots into the Blazers' roster as a backup point guard to Scoot Henderson, but his size gives him the ability to play positions 1-4 with a knack for playmaking.
Derik Queen is the draft's biggest mystery
Derik Queen might be the most polarizing figure in the NBA draft as an undersized big man who plays entirely at his own pace. Queen was a part of that legendary Montverde Academy team with Asa Newell, Liam McNeely, and some guy named Cooper Flagg, who then committed to the University of Maryland, leading the Terrapins to the Sweet 16 before losing to the eventual champs of Florida.
His play style is more interesting than anything else; Queen doesn’t do one thing great, but rather most things well. He’s a good passer for his position, excellent at a slowed-down post-up game, and has a great touch around the rim. Draft analysts descended upon his combine measurements, however, where he placed either dead last or second-to-last in every strength and agility metric at the combine, which includes all the running and leaping categories.
Queen is far more of an “eye test” athlete; when you watch him play, he busts up the competition at every turn, making flashy plays and reads more often than not, all the while running in second gear. Prospective GMs must ask themselves: Where would Nikola Jokic have placed in all of the same combine drills had he participated?
Noah Penda must improve his shooting to fit with Portland
Unlike Queen, Noah Penda’s motor is a bona fide part of his game. Built like a linebacker, Penda is a highly motivated tank of a man who is often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best player, pestering all ballhandlers, and applying a distinct physical pressure that is often lacking in modern basketball.
His excellent defensive profile allows him to act as a connector on offense; Penda averages nearly four assists per 36 minutes from the forward position. He has a nose for 50/50 balls, and his high energy level leads to easy buckets in transition, a point of emphasis of the Blazers’ offense post-All-Star break.
On the flip side, Penda’s half-court offense leaves much to be desired; despite his willingness to get out in transition, his shooting splits leave much to be desired, posting just 44/30/69 at 27 minutes per game. If Penda is going to get a real shot in the pros, he’s going to have to prove he belongs on the court regardless of who has the ball.