Trail Blazers Sign Veteran College Stars In Latest NBA Mock Draft

The Portland Trail Blazers could bring in two top collegiate prospects in this year’s NBA Draft.

The Portland Trail Blazers are slated to select at Nos. 7 & 14 in the 2024 NBA Draft later this month, and they could take two top prospects from the collegiate ranks.

Here’s a look at who the team took in the lottery of Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft from Ricky O’Donnell:

No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan

There is interest from teams in trading up for Donovan Clingan. The question is how early and at what cost. The Portland Trail Blazers are thought to be a floor landing spot, where he identifies as a best player available, although late-lottery teams could also look to move up to No. 7 with the Blazers also picking again at No. 14.

For Portland, he’d add a different element of physicality and rim protection to the rotation. The Blazers wouldn’t have room for Rob Dillingham. Ron Holland’s shooting raises questions about his fit, and Clingan is simply too rare of a prospect compared to 23-year-old Dalton Knecht.

If Clingan is still there at No. 7, teams like the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 9 or the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 17 may be interested in trading up. However, the Blazers could also have good value by taking him at that spot even with Deandre Ayton on the roster.

No. 14 pick (via Warriors) Tristan da Silva

Tristan da Silva will visit mid-first-round teams on his workout tour. Teams all seem to like his positional size, shooting versatility and all-around polish, on and off the floor. The question is how much a team loves him.

His athletic limitations could restrict him at both ends of the floor, getting to and finishing at the rim or stopping quicker wings and stronger 4s.

Teams valuing safety and shooting over upside could be drawn to da Silva in the late lottery or teens.

da Silva just worked out for the Blazers, so it’s clear that interest is there. His stock has been rising in recent weeks, which could mean he may be off the board by the time Portland gets a second chance to pick.

But if he’s there at No. 14, the Blazers could add a player that could fit in a number of different ways for a Portland team that doesn’t quite know what direction it wants to go in.