Trail Blazers News: Multiple Experts Project Portland Will Draft March Madness Star

The Blazers have a number of holes to fill this offseason.

Entering yet another pivotal offseason for their future, the 21-58 Portland Trail Blazers are well-positioned to have their pick of franchise cornerstones to add to their current Big Three of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and (assuming a trade doesn't occur), Anfernee Simons.

With the 5th-worst record in the league, their range of potential picks is from 1-9, possessing roughly an equal chance of 1-4 (10.9%) with the 6th or 7th picks being the most plausible outcome (19.6% and 26.7% each).

For simplicity's sake, mock drafts have them picking 5th overall, with Kyle Boone of CBS projecting that they'll select UConn center Donovan Clingan.

Clingan is a terrific prospect, boasting a 7-foot-2, 260-pound frame along with elite shot-blocking and play-finishing instincts.

For Portland, their uncertainty at center given the massive contract and inconsistent play of Deandre Ayton makes it easy to justify selecting a big man this high. Clingan is arguably the top prospect in the draft, and being able to grab him a few picks into the lottery is great value.

Other candidates at this spot include Matas Buzelis, a G-League Ignite wing that offers great size (6-foot-8) and playmaking/ballhandling that most wings do not. Buzelis does need the ball in his hands to produce, however, and his lack of polish on the defensive end makes him a questionable fit next to players who do need the ball in Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson.

Ron Holland is another name to keep an eye out for, as the G-League Ignite wing is incredibly athletic, providing value as a connective piece on both ends of the floor as a prospect. He, similar to Buzelis, is a raw prospect, but he can play multiple positions and fits fairly well next to Portland's existing core.