Ranking top 5 draft prospects for Portland Trail Blazers' pick No. 7
By Reese Kunz
4. Ron Holland, Forward, G League Ignite
Buzelis' G League Ignite teammate, Ron Holland, is one of the most polarizing lottery picks in the draft, with a wide range of outcomes. For instance, The Athletic's John Hollinger has Holland as the No. 1 overall prospect in the draft. Hollinger mentions multiple factors such as Holland's elite athleticism, two-way versatility, ability to get to the free throw line, and tantalizing potential if he can become a more consistent shooter as reasons for the top prospect ranking.
These are all valid reasons, especially in a weak draft class where taking high-upside swings on prospects makes more sense. On the other hand, there are multiple cases of inefficient wing prospects who relied too much on their athleticism that didn't pan out at the NBA level, including Texas Tech's Jarrett Culver (2019 NBA Draft), Kentucky's Kevin Knox II (2018), and Kansas' Josh Jackson (2017).
The Blazers could use another two-way wing, and Holland fits that need. The only thing keeping Holland from being higher on the list is his concern as a shooter. It's challenging to have a successful NBA career without being at least an average shooter. The Trail Blazers finished last in three-point percent this season and already have enough problems in that department.