14. Trail Blazers add Ja’Kobe Walter
There are two names to watch here. Both entered as top ten prospects, but go in the middle of the first round in most mock drafts. Tidjane Salaun is a 6’9 forward from France capable of handling the ball and spacing the floor. He will likely be selected a bit too high, but Portland would love to see him or a 6’5 wing fall to 14.
Walter projects as a 3-and-D wing but struggled during his lone season at Baylor. He ranked eighth in his class coming out of high school and showed flashes of that potential. The 6’5 wing averaged 14.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals in 32.3 minutes per game, but shot just 37.6 percent from the field and 34.1 percent on his 3-point tries.
Walter can guard multiple positions, score 15 points per game, and sink open shots. He may blossom into the 3-and-D wing every team covets. His 6’10 wingspan gives him plenty of defensive upside and it is dangerous to write off the teenager after 35 subpar college games.
NBA teams can never have too much wing depth. Ja’Kobe Walter will need time to develop, but he could blossom into a starter and key contributor. The Portland Trail Blazers have time and could get one of the steals of this draft if Walter falls to the final lottery selection.