3 Prospects Blazers should already be scouting for 2025 NBA Draft
By Reese Kunz
The Portland Trail Blazers finished last season with the worst record in the Western Conference, and their 2024-25 NBA season will likely be more of the same. Still, there's reason for optimism surrounding their rebuild.
Portland has a draft capital incentive not to make the playoffs (although they couldn't make it even if they tried). The Blazers owe their 2025 first-round pick to the Chicago Bulls, but it is lottery-protected and extremely unlikely to convey this season.
Another reason they should want to have a poor season is the projected strength of the 2025 draft class. A few prospects (not named Cooper Flagg) stand out as players that the Blazers should already be scouting for what should be another top-ten draft pick.
1. Drake Powell, SG/SF, North Carolina
Shaedon Sharpe is already a shooting guard/small forward. Regardless, the Blazers have just proven with their No. 7 selection of Donovan Clingan that they are willing to select the best prospect available, especially at this rebuilding stage when they are still stockpiling assets.
Like Sharpe, Powell has all the physical tools needed to be an impactful player at the next level. But Powell separates himself from Sharpe on the defensive end, where he utilizes his lateral quickness to be a pesky and switchable on-ball defender.
The Blazers are establishing a defensive identity with up-and-coming players like Clingan and Toumani Camara. Powell would significantly help bolster their defense in the backcourt, which still lags behind their frontcourt in that regard.