Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#23 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting SF Justin Anderson (Virginia, Junior)
The Trail Blazers could also use another big man, especially considering that superstar PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge is thinking about leaving. However, SG/SF Wesley Matthews is also hitting free agency, and SF/SG Nicolas Batum is coming off a disappointing season. With the frontcourt being pretty fine as long as Aldridge returns and relatively little depth behind the wing duo, small forward is probably the target for Portland, and Anderson is the perfect fit. He projects to be your prototypical “3 and D” guy, one who can complement superstars nicely by being able to shoot three-pointers and play defense. Anderson is likely the best catch-and-shoot player in the draft, averaging 2 threes per game on a ridiculous 45% shooting from beyond the arc against extremely tough competition in the ACC. He’s also an elite defender with an extremely imposing frame that he uses very well to help him in all facets of his game. However, there really aren’t many facets to Anderson’s game and his potential is limited, but he excels in what he does and is an optimal fit on a team with superstars that’s trying to win now.
Worst Case Scenario: None
Much like the situation with the Bulls, there is no worst case scenario for Portland for the same reason: there are just so many shooters, which is what the Blazers need. If not Anderson, there’s still SG’s R.J. Hunter and Rashad Vaughn that can light it up from deep. These guys would both also fill a hole for Portland on the wings. Again ditto with Chicago, if other teams decide to reach on these shooters, then the Blazers could get a steal at #23. This is what I call a win-winner scenario: a “win” is landing any one of those shooters, and a “winner” is grabbing someone like PF Montrezl Harrell that should be going in the late teens. Therefore, there is no worst case scenario for Portland, as there are just too many shooters and not enough teams picking ahead of them to make something bad happen.
(#23 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting SF Justin Anderson (Virginia, Junior)
The Trail Blazers could also use another big man, especially considering that superstar PF/C LaMarcus Aldridge is thinking about leaving. However, SG/SF Wesley Matthews is also hitting free agency, and SF/SG Nicolas Batum is coming off a disappointing season. With the frontcourt being pretty fine as long as Aldridge returns and relatively little depth behind the wing duo, small forward is probably the target for Portland, and Anderson is the perfect fit. He projects to be your prototypical “3 and D” guy, one who can complement superstars nicely by being able to shoot three-pointers and play defense. Anderson is likely the best catch-and-shoot player in the draft, averaging 2 threes per game on a ridiculous 45% shooting from beyond the arc against extremely tough competition in the ACC. He’s also an elite defender with an extremely imposing frame that he uses very well to help him in all facets of his game. However, there really aren’t many facets to Anderson’s game and his potential is limited, but he excels in what he does and is an optimal fit on a team with superstars that’s trying to win now.
Worst Case Scenario: None
Much like the situation with the Bulls, there is no worst case scenario for Portland for the same reason: there are just so many shooters, which is what the Blazers need. If not Anderson, there’s still SG’s R.J. Hunter and Rashad Vaughn that can light it up from deep. These guys would both also fill a hole for Portland on the wings. Again ditto with Chicago, if other teams decide to reach on these shooters, then the Blazers could get a steal at #23. This is what I call a win-winner scenario: a “win” is landing any one of those shooters, and a “winner” is grabbing someone like PF Montrezl Harrell that should be going in the late teens. Therefore, there is no worst case scenario for Portland, as there are just too many shooters and not enough teams picking ahead of them to make something bad happen.