Options for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2023 NBA Draft
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Following a disappointing season that included shutting down superstar Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers have their best draft odds in decades.
Portland has the fifth-best odds, meaning they have essentially a 10.5 percent chance at the top four picks, a 19.6 percent chance at sixth overall and a 26.7 percent chance at pick No. 7, with others mingled throughout.
While they may looked to trade their selection to continue to build around Lillard, there are plenty of options to choose from should they want to actually take a chance on a prospect:
Anthony Black, Arkansas
Black one of the better connective pieces and perimeter defenders in the entire class, and even for a win-now Portland team, he offers some win-now upside with his defense and high-IQ play.
At 6-foot-7, he could immediately slot into the starting lineup alongside both Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, assisting both of them as both a lightning-fast processor and facilitator, and an off-ball scoring threat, making timely cuts. Black offers versatility on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and some future upside as well.
Perhaps most importantly, his fit next to rookie Shaedon Sharpe is an exciting one. With Sharpe’s high-flying play and Black’s pinpoint passing and playmaking, they make an exciting future duo.
Jarace Walker, Houston
Perhaps the best defender in the class at this moment in time, Walker would immediately slot into Portland’s four spot.
He offers versatile defense, physicality and even some passing and playmaking chops that would go a long ways next to Lillard, Simons and more.
As a scorer, he might not pop off the bat, but he has a strong enough post game and a face-up, live-dribble game that’s yet to be completely unlocked, making him a tantalizing pick here.
The Thompson Twins, Overtime Elite
The chances that Portland can hold on long enough to have their pick at one or either of the Thompson twins is pretty good. The question is: will they?
Both at 6-foot-7 with similar profiles but fairly different play styles, both of the Thompson’s are extremely unique prospects. And additionally, massive gambles.
Amen, the elevated passing and playmaking version of his brother, might be out of range at No. 5 or beyond, but if the Trail Blazers have a chance to pair him with Sharpe, it may be too much to pass up.
Ausar, a more defensive-minded, three-and-D style-wing, is likely going to be in their range, and he’s a great add all the same.
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