1 Draft prospect to replace each Trail Blazer that could be on the move this summer
By Reese Kunz
Rob Dillingham’s microwave scoring could compensate for Anfernee Simons
Rob Dillingham is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year's draft. He's arguably the most challenging player to guard in the entire class due to his ballhandling, agility, and incredibly explosive first step. History also indicates that taking a flyer on a Kentucky guard, more often than not, works out exceptionally well. But Dillingham doesn't come without question marks, which could cause him to still be available for the Blazers at No. 7.
As entertaining and explosive a player as he is, there's legitimate cause for concern on the defensive end. Dillingham is highly undersized for the NBA as a 6-foot-3, 164-pound guard. His defensive limitations could limit him to having a microwave scoring role off the bench. Dillingham could still thrive in that role, but it may not be what teams are looking for with such a high draft pick.
If the Blazers decide they need a guard who, like Simons, can singlehandedly change the outcome of a game if he gets a hot shooting night, then Dillingham should be the pick. However, one factor Joe Cronin and the Blazers' front office will need to consider is whether the player traded's skill set is worth replacing in the first place.
For instance, while Anfernee Simons and Malcolm Brogdon are two of Portland's best players, the team currently has excess guards and multiple glaring roster needs. The Blazers could be fine moving forward in their rebuild without spending significant draft capital to replace their skill set this offseason.