The Portland Trail Blazers were awarded the No. 7 pick in the 2024 NBA Lottery, and recently ESPN completed their first mock draft which included who the Trail Blazers might take.
As expected without Damian Lillard, the Portland Trail Blazers had a challenging 2023-24 season. After the Blazers traded Lillard, it was an indication that the franchise was going to be heading into what appears to be a lengthy rebuild.
In the NBA Lottery last year, the Blazers selected Scoot Henderson with the 3rd overall pick. Henderson didn’t have a bad rookie season, as he averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game. While his efficiency shooting the ball wasn’t great, at under 40 percent from the field, there is some talent there.
Recently, ESPN completed their first mock draft of the season and they had the Trail Blazers select Nikola Topic from Mega MIS. Here’s what they had to say about the pick.
The Blazers aren’t far enough along in their rebuild to worry too much about positional fit, and Topic’s combination of size and playmaking ability differentiates his skill set from the guards they already have on the roster. Portland can take a swing on the best available talent here, envisioning Topic as part of a multi-playmaker attack alongside Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons. At this spot in the draft, Topic is an intriguing bet, with his feel and passing ability likely to help enhance opportunities for others around him. – Woo
As mentioned, taking the best player available with the highest upside in this spot makes sense for Portland. After a great run in the Lillard years, the Portland Trail Blazers are likely going to have some tough years ahead without an immediate impact prospect on the roster.
With that being said, adding Topic would give them another guard, but shouldn’t clash too much with Scoot Henderson, who is the most talented young player on the team.
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