The Portland Trail Blazers have an improved record this season due to the offseason acquisitions of Deni Avdija and Donovan Clingan, internal development, and a healthier roster overall. However, the glaring issues that contributed to their 21-win season in 2023-24 remain largely unaddressed.
Portland finished last season dead last in three-point percentage (34.5) and assists (23.1) and second to last in turnovers (15.2). This season, they have similar numbers and are still towards the bottom of the league in all three categories, shooting 34.6 percent from deep, averaging 23.7 assists, and 16.0 turnovers.
The playmaking should improve as Scoot Henderson continues his ascension and eventually takes over the starting point guard role, as he's more of a natural playmaker than combo guard Anfernee Simons. But the Blazers will be fighting an uphill battle if they are a below-average three-point shooting team.
Portland lands sharpshooter Kon Knueppel in latest B/R mock draft
The good news is that the 2025 NBA Draft has a few promising lottery prospects who could help address this need. Bleacher Reports' recent 2025 NBA Mock Draft had the Blazers select one of these sharpshooting prospects at pick No. 9: Duke's Kon Knueppel.
"Kon Knueppel's shotmaking has been easy to buy, based on his balance and accuracy in every shooting situation. Teams will eye him for a complementary role that calls for scoring out of spot-ups and off-movement," wrote Jonathan Wasserman.
Portland's front office is heavily analytics-driven (as it should be), so they should understand the importance of three-point shooting in the modern NBA. Floor spacing will also be essential for the development of their young core. The top three offensive options down the road could be Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Deni Avdija, all of whom like to get downhill and attack the paint. Because of this, addressing their lack of three-point shooting should be a priority for the Blazers this offseason.
Wasserman's pro comparison for Knueppel is Kevin Huerter, which makes sense considering Knueppel's shooting ability and positional size as a 6-foot-7 guard.
Blazers should swing for upside as they still lack a go-to star
Adding a 40 percent three-point shooter into the mix would raise the Blazers' floor. But it still wouldn't solve a more glaring problem, which is that Portland lacks a go-to star.
"Teams may have a tough time buying a shot-creator, which limits possibilities when it comes to upside. He figures to wind up with a team that's looking to fill a need or hole with shooting, high-IQ play, and instant results," Wasserman added.
The All-Star upside at the top of the draft is much more important for Portland's long-term outlook than chasing the fleeting feeling of a play-in spot. This upcoming draft may be the Blazers' last realistic opportunity to land a top-four pick for a while, outside of perhaps the Milwaukee Bucks' future first-rounders.
Knueppel wouldn't be a bad selection by any means. He's a safe pick, a seamless fit, and helps solve a significant need. But at the same time, the Blazers need to be swinging for the fences. Their ceiling is limited until they land a star, and Knueppel likely isn't that.