As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches less than a month away, some prospects are standing out for the Blazers at pick No. 7.
The Portland Trail Blazers were unlucky in the NBA Draft lottery, falling to pick No. 7 despite finishing with the worst record in the Western Conference at 21-61. The good news is that the draft class projects to be the weakest since 2013 when Cleveland Cavaliers’ Anthony Bennett was the No. 1 overall pick.
There are no sure-fire picks at the top, meaning the Trail Blazers still have a reasonable chance of selecting the best player even though they fell in the draft. If available, some prospects are emerging as ones Rip City should target at pick No. 7, especially given their positional fit and high-upside.
- Matas Buzelis, Forward, G League Ignite
Matas Buzelis is an intriguing draft prospect due to his 6-foot-10 frame and well-rounded skill set. At 19, Buzelis is not yet particularly elite at one trait but can contribute in multiple facets. His swing skill to have a productive NBA career is his shooting ability—Buzelis was inefficient with the G League Ignite, shooting 27.3 percent from three and 67.8 percent from the free-throw line.
However, the eye tests suggest that Buzelis will be at least an average shooter in the league, which is currently baked into his draft value. If Buzelis can become a threat from beyond the arc, he will fit in seamlessly with the Blazers’ roster, providing them much-needed length and versatility at the wing position.
- 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.
- Tidjane Salaun, Forward, Cholet (France)
French forward Tidjane Salaun’s draft stock has risen one of the most out of anyone in the draft class this season. Formerly a projected second-round pick, Salaun is now expected to be a lottery pick. Talks have even heated up about him going in the top ten, linking Salaun to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 8. Salaun’s rising draft stock is a testament to his work ethic, which is part of what makes him such an intriguing, high-upside prospect. Just ask fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, who is extremely familiar with Salaun’s game.
“I’m glad that he’s finally getting some professional time, professional performances. His work ethic and will to get better are just up there. I also spent a little bit of time in the summer of 2022 with him working out. I can trust this guy to get better and to work out like crazy.”- Victor Wembanyama
If Salaun pans out, he would be exactly what this Blazers’ young core needs as a 6-foot-9 three-and-D forward with the potential to be a shot creator and elite defender. Given the weak class and the fact that they have two lottery picks, it makes sense for the Blazers to take a chance on a high-upside flyer like Salaun.
- Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky
The eye test during his time at Kentucky and the advanced analytics suggest that Reed Sheppard, if available at No. 7, is one of the best draft prospects. As a Freshman, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on efficient 54/52/83 shooting splits despite playing less than 30 minutes a game and mostly coming off the bench.
On one hand, Sheppard doesn’t fit into the Blazers’ roster as another undersized guard at 6-foot-3. However, his recorded 42-inch vertical (tied for best at the NBA combine) and the fact that he’s one of the best shooters in the draft suggests that Sheppard can still be productive playing off-ball in the NBA, which he often played at Kentucky.
With such an unknown draft class, Sheppard has one of the highest floors among all prospects. At worst, you know he will still have a long NBA career due to his elite shooting, sound playmaking, and pesky defense. Sheppard can play off-ball alongside Scoot Henderson and run the point when he is on the bench.
Sheppard’s shooting is exactly what the Blazers need to space the floor to optimize Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe’s athleticism. And, given the trade rumors surrounding Malcolm Brogdon and Anfernee Simons, the Blazers may need a guard more than some currently think.
- Donovan Clingan, Center, Connecticut
Talks about the Blazers’ interest in back-to-back national champion Donovan Clingan have been circulating. The previous rumblings pertained to Portland selecting the Connecticut center at No. 7, mainly because the teams picking before the Blazers (Pistons and Hornets) already have their future centers.
However, according to ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, recent rumors indicate that Clingan is now unlikely to be available at No. 7. The Rockets are exploring trade options to get a more established veteran to help them make a playoff run in exchange for pick No. 3, with the Blazers mentioned as team in the mix a potential trade partner. Although the Blazers have Deandre Ayton, who had an exceptional finish to last season, they shouldn’t let that prevent them from selecting Clingan if he’s available at No. 7.
As mentioned with Reed Sheppard, in a draft of uncertain prospects at the top, Clingan has a high floor with his elite defensive ability as a 7-foot-2 center capable of protecting the rim and guarding out on the perimeter. He’s also shown promise as a capable floor spacer on offense. If teams are confident in Clingan’s ability to consistently shoot threes and contribute on offense, it’s extremely doubtful he’s available at No. 7.
But if he’s still there, Clingan is too much of a sure-fire prospect in a draft of unknowns to miss out on, regardless of whether they view Ayton as a long-term solution at center.
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