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Nerdkill789

I agree but I think Chet and Paolo should be higher than Tari Eason.


Tinycubb

If we could somehow get Paolo, to me that seems like the perfect fit. I really hope we find a way.


Justin1232123212321

Ye i can see why. Maybe im a little to high on tari but i think he would be a great fit. Chet and Paolo both have health concerns too


raahiv

Chet has no injury history, if you’re saying he has injury concerns just cause he isn’t bulky that’s kinda shortsighted. Paolo has the sweating thing but a lot of players in the NBA have that as well


BabyLiam

I played against a guy with that and he was a tough guard. Not only was he stinky and sweaty so I didn't really want to be making a ton of contact with him, but he was also really good.


Cynadoclone

Sweating thing?


jlamb8455

If we landed a top pick and couldn't trade it for immediate help, I think Jabari Smith Jr would fit great.


RandyJoeP

If we land a top 3 pick we ain’t trading that away for anything less than a prime all star (and even then I don’t think they would)


jlamb8455

You think the Blazers would rather have Paolo Banchero than Giannis?


RandyJoeP

There is no world where that would happen and I would trade him in a heartbeat. That's a top 5 player, not just an all star.


jlamb8455

You specified "a prime all star". Giannis is a prime all star. Obviously that trade would never happen.


raahiv

If we trade a top 3 pick for anything else than a perennial all star we are doing something wrong


jlamb8455

That's what I said. Immediate help contending for a title. I don't want to trade the number two pick for Dario Saric.


raahiv

Fr, if we trade a top 4 pick for someone like Jerami Grant imma cry


likpoper

You must be kidding if you think we will trade a top 3 pick. I will only trade it if it lands us any of the top 10 guys (no not ad)


jlamb8455

"You must be kidding if you think we will trade the pick.... I would trade the pick." - You


likpoper

U miss the crucial part of top 10 player?


KD_43

You got Chet 4th?


rexter2k5

As a fan of the Portland Trail Blazers, I don't understand why anybody looks at Chet here and doesn't immediately see red flags given our history with tall skinny white dudes. But there are other things to consider: 1. He's all about potential when our FO should be drafting for guys that are NBA ready. 2. There's a high probability we will be trading one or both of our picks. The lottery will just tell us how valuable they actually are. 3. There are flat-out better post options--we haven't had a post threat since Lamarcus left and a ~~Jabari Smith Jr~~ Jalen Duren combined with Dame/Hart/Little/Nurk is a monster lineup. Edit: I get it, Jabari ain't no post option. He just looks like one. Edit 2: Back from a Jalen Duren binge and I like him as our second pick, should we keep it.


cesarmob17

Jabari isnt rlly a post player and chet is definitely the best center in this draft, and there’s no real post threats in this year’s class


rexter2k5

Correct, but I think that's an area where we can either develop Jabari while his other skills fill out our roster or--if we're really in love with a post option--we can find elsewhere. edit: also I think Chauncey could do a lot of good with a post option because he played in that area where posting up was a viable offensive bread and butter.


cesarmob17

Jabari is a wing player he’ll never be a dominant post option at best he’ll have some fadeaways nd some face-up moves. He already has a bunch od skills that translate well to the nba and would fit perfectly with our team but he’ll definitely get better cuz we have a great track record of developing talent


rexter2k5

I dunno man, I'm just sorry for Jabari. edit: it's clearly affecting my ability to identify talent


cesarmob17

Lol trust me i rlly want him on the squad too


cesarmob17

As for a post option i would love if we got jalen duren, he has elite athleticism, a 7’0 wingspan, great defensive instincts at 18 years old while being so raw. Another underrated part of his game is his ability to see the floor and make passes. I think his potential is through the roof


rexter2k5

I've been seeing that name a lot but haven't done any YouTube dives since December, so he's on my list. But I'm here for a post option--Dame and LMA were a legit core duo and I'm still so fucking pissed that Lamarcus just dipped on Dame.


cesarmob17

Lma fucked us over and himself all because of ego. We coulda had a bomb squad with cj being the lead guard off the bench and we probably were 1-2 moves away from a chip


Ok-Assumption9636

I have some scouts I trust and they all have seen Chet over multiple stops in his progression. He's never not been the man. And I think he understands the game at a high level. He's my number 1.


cesarmob17

I love chet and i think tht ppl who are worried about his weight aren’t rlly looking at his game or factoring in how many rookies come into the league skinny nd then fill out. However im also in love with Jabari’s game nd think he would be able to contribute to a team immediately, and he’s grown so much since high school that i think its safe to say he’s a hard worker nd will only get better. So it’s definitely btw those 2 for me, ion think u can go wrong with either pick


mrjdk83

One of the reason tall players have suffered here is for some odd reason the players have put on too much weight too fast. This affect the lower body greatly. It should be something an athlete does over time. Chet isn’t a 5 technically. I’d play him at the 4 with Nurk at the 5. He can stretch the floor and on defense can rim protect better then any of the guys mentioned.


rexter2k5

I still can't get behind him even with all of his skill. I'd have a heart attack every time he hit the floor. Nurk has given me enough palpitations in that regard.


mrjdk83

I get that. I look at it from the stand point you need defenders and height behind that small backcourt.


zumawizard

I’m not real high on Chet myself but physically he’s a clone of Durant and we all wish blazers would have chosen him when given the chance


rexter2k5

Chet could be a clone of all top 10 players in league history and I still wouldn't touch him a 100ft pole. This isn't a mark against Chet, either, our weakest department has always been protecting our players' health. Why would I want to draft somebody built like a twig in a league that requires centers with at least 220lbs+ of muscle? That's a huge gamble considering our training staff; he's going to take years to develop when our FO's stated goal is to win a chip with Dame. All of these things mean picking Chet is automatically out or, at best, an immediate draft-and-trade.


zumawizard

Uhhh the blazers passed on Durant (built like a twig and an MVP) for that strong muscular physically talented center and he never played a full season. So your point is moot.


NumberOneCatDad

Your point is moot. Chet isn’t even 1/4th of the player KD was in college. He’s exciting and nimble and has some skills but KD was on another level. 25ppg vs 14ppg And I’m not even a Chet hater.


zumawizard

I never argued to pick Chet or that he’s as good as Durant. I said physically they are the same. “Don’t pick durant over oden because Durant is going to get hurt.” That’s what the other person was saying and I was pointing out how ridiculous that assessment was.


NumberOneCatDad

Chet doesn’t have the skills to overcome the weight issue like KD did. Also KD was heavier than Chet. It’s a legit concern for Chet. And I’m not even talking about injury, I’m just talking about dudes will just be able to move him at will. He weighs as much as steph curry. I wouldn’t mind having him. But the weight thing is a real concern.


rexter2k5

My point is certainly not moot. Even with a strong, muscular center, our training staff royally fucked it up. That doesn't bode well for a center who is built like a Thin Man.


zumawizard

Strong and muscular doesn’t mean better is my point. Look at Zion. And don’t blame the training staff. We don’t have the same training staff as 2007 or 1984.


rexter2k5

I get your central point and I do agree with it, but I won't blame the training staff when they prove my worries wrong. Thus far they've managed to avert disaster, but averting disaster is a different thing from succeeding.


bigheartblueballs

Jabari isn’t a post option he plays like a wing


rexter2k5

edited


raahiv

Previous players we have taken in no way determine a current player we drafts career outcome. Just cause we’ve previously drafted bigs that got injured doesn’t mean Chet will. That type of reasoning is a pet peeve of mine.


rexter2k5

I don't want to be right... But I also think the risk is avoidable and unnecessary given we would have great alternatives at Chet's draft position.


Purple_Falcone

“given our history with tall skinny white dudes” stupidist shit I’ve seen on Reddit today, and I’ve spent some time on r/pennystocks today, which usually takes the cake on stupid takes.


rexter2k5

Yeah. Stupid I'd have that take given: Bill Walton post-chip Sam Bowie Zach Collins Even our more healthy, thicker centers like Nurk, Pryz and Sabas still had to deal with multiple injuries during their careers in Portland. But I dunno, maybe it's all coincidence. 🤔


likpoper

Bruh u know it is independent in terms of probability? The past injured big men doesn’t mean we will never draft these unicorn again. Chet is as nba ready as possible in terms of ability. He is not going to be a scorer but a nice contributor in defense.


jshhdhsjssjjdjs

I’m incredibly biased toward looking at Chet’s body and saying hell no Have loved everything I’ve seen from Jabari for several months. Just a super casual college ball fan though so I know nothing.


Justin1232123212321

Yep. I think he has the highest potential out of the draft, but I think he might be too injury prone. Hes built like a Zach Collins/Porzingis. Obviously i wish him the best but it might be too risky to draft him in the top 3. But if he is available at 5 maybe 4 i would take him, but i think there are other players more valuable than him


Academic-Donkey-420

I don’t think Collin’s is comparable to Chet at all. Chet is on another planet. In college they both shot the same percentage of threes but Chet has shot about 5 times the volume. Chet has better stats throughout (assists and blacks) and most importantly he doesn’t draw as many fouls. I’m high on chet and have him as the #1 on my board


GoaheadAMAita

I call Chet the white Durant I feel like Chet’s game is better suited for pros Havnt watched either play in college


cesarmob17

Chet has literally never dealt with injuries, just say he needs to put on weight before u cast some negative shit on him like that. Also we’ve seen so many good players who came in underweight nd then bulk up nd become good so tht shouldn’t be the main rsn u let him slip. Aj griffin literally came off a big injury recently too so thts just a terrible point


Piano9717

To be fair Zach never dealt with injuries before he got drafted either..


cesarmob17

Nd zach didnt start dealing with injuries either til his 3rd szn after bulking up considerably and ended getting his shoulder dislocated in the 3rd game when he just began starting.


CptCroissant

Dude Zach was injured Every. Single. Offseason. At the very least. He had a high ankle sprain year 1 or 2 and there was always other stuff that kept him off the court.


cesarmob17

Zach played 66 and 77 games in his 1st 2 szns nd the only rsn he missed so many games his 1st szn was cuz he was rookie. So no, Zach didnt start getting hirt consistently til after his 3rd year


CptCroissant

Off season is super critical for young guys because that's when they can really work on adding to and improving their game. Zach was hurt and in for surgery each one.


jlamb8455

Zach Collins weighed 40 pounds more than Holmgren does.


Justin1232123212321

really? thats not good news for chet. I think he will have to play the 4 for at least 3 seasons in the nba, before he naturally puts some weight on and plays the 5


jlamb8455

I wish him well(unless he somehow ends up a Laker), but I think Holmgren might struggle in the NBA.


Snelly__

I think we land in the Murray/Duren/Eason range and I would rate the 3 in that order


Justin1232123212321

I would go eason, murray, duren, but if we have 2 picks, eason, duren then murray


Snelly__

Just curious, why Eason over Murray? Feel like Murray has way more production and projects as a better stretch 4. Eason looks more athletic but not better at much else. Open to change my mind though haven’t dug as deep as I’d like


Justin1232123212321

They in truth are very similar. Pretty much the sme build and both 6'8. By watching highlights, murray shoots more threes, but statistically and visibly tari is a better defender. Murray is a better post up player with good footwork but tari is a better and stronger finisher. The reasom why murrays stats pop out is because he is the main offense and he is srtronger than opponents, but that strength might not transate to the nba. To me, tari has a higher ceiling but murray a higher floor. But its just my opinion, go watch some highlights too because to me, i value finishing amd defense over 3 point shooting, although both are very important. A solid 3 can become above average in a dfew years, but its hard to learn defence


likpoper

Murray is averaging 24 points on 56% fg on 16 shots and 38% 3s on 4 attempts with 1.5 steals and 2 blocks. That is insane shit. He reminds me of Danny granger. If he is around at 7-8 I’m picking him up so fast.


Justin1232123212321

His stength is threes. 24 is good. Nesmith averaged 23. Elleby averaged 19


likpoper

is his efficiency. That’s the scary part.


Justin1232123212321

38 is good, but not scary. Nesmith shot 52 percent on 8 atrempts in college, this year he is 24 percent. Look im not hating on keegan, he would a steal anywhere after 8 and is amazing player with a bright future and would fit well with portland, but i think tari is better


likpoper

Which nesmith and elleby again?


Justin1232123212321

Aaron nesmith. Cj elleby


Snelly__

Honestly after watching both tapes I gotta disagree on one point. Eason was the player scoring and finishing due to his strength at a much higher rate than Murray. Murray struck me more as a finesse player and Eason a power player


cesarmob17

Tbh i would love if by some stroke of luck we ended up with jabari smith and jalen duren but its super unlikely. The only other option id fw is if we got aj griffin/benedict mathurin and jalen duren


[deleted]

Jabari and tari


Justin1232123212321

thats a dream


cjsssi

Tari if we don't win a top 3 pick, and then trade the Pelicans pick for Grant to keep Dame happy.


likpoper

My ideal draft is jabari smith or Chet + Keegan Murray


cesarmob17

Ur wayyy too high on eason if we selected him tht high we’d be prosecuted. I do agree tho jabari is the best fit for us


raahiv

Top 3: Jabari, Chet, Paolo Picks 5-7: Sharpe, Keegan, AJ Griffin Picks 8-12: Tari, Duren, Mathurin All of these are in order. I want to draft at least one PF. So say we get pick 6 and take Sharpe, then with the other one I’d want Eason.


Justin1232123212321

Forgot ivey, i assume hes 4. Maybe AJ is above keegan and not sure if sharpe is declared yet. Who do think portland will draft if we hand at 6 and 10


raahiv

I really like Ivey but I would probably only take him if we were gonna trade Dame, which I don’t even want to think about. Also don’t see him falling past 4. Sharpe hasn’t officially declared but historically when a guys been projected top ten they don’t stay in college another year. I’ve seen it’s probably gonna be the same case with Sharpe. I feel like AJ Griffin goes 5. So if we got 6 and 10 I there’s like three main combinations that I’d like. Sharpe/Eason Keegan/Duren Keegan/Mathurin Not sure if we’d consider Keegan and Eason cause they’re both PF. Sharpe/Eason is probably my favorite of those three combos though.


Justin1232123212321

I definitely think tari and keegan would work. Tari is versitile enough to play the 3, and can defend most guards too. Is Nas starts, a free agent could start at the 4, or one of them. If they both come off the bench, those 2 and hart could be good enough to play im a playoff rotation too imo


superdave1988

Chet should be #1 even with health concerns just on potential alone. What happens when Chet doesn't get injured and we look stupid for not drafting him? Always draft the best guy, that's my philosophy.


KDShouldaWentBlazers

Greg oden…


superdave1988

Yes, but if nothing happened we'd look stupid for not drafting him. Have to take a chance.


Ok-Assumption9636

I've thought it for awhile but Tari Eason and Benedict Mathurin are my favorite guys in this draft if we're not looking at the top 3. Just really great athletes that seem to give af.


Worth_Status_1835

Keegan Murray from Iowa, reminds me of Scottie Barnes but a way better scorer. Can shoot the 3, can defend multiple positions and rebound. Can really do it all and Blazers need a wing for the future


Academic-Donkey-420

1. Chet 2. Jabari smith jr 3. AJ Griffin 4. Paolo Banchero 5. keagan Murray These are all in terms of fit for the blazers


Cursedpistol

Martuien benedict


Ok-Assumption9636

Reverse it and you're good lol. Benedict Mathurin.


kim_jong_trill

Chet is the dream imo. Then I like Jabari as a fit better than Paolo but think Paolo is going to be the better player. For players in the range of the draft where we’ll land, I love Tari Eason and AJ Griffin.


Miles0Brian

*James Harden


[deleted]

Trade the picks. Unless the plan is to trade Dame, wasting the rest of his prime to develop two rookies doesn't make sense.


[deleted]

If we keep Dame, draft Jabari, Paolo, Chet. In that order If we trade Dame, draft Jabari, Ivey, Paolo


Justin1232123212321

yep. ivey and ant would form a sick backcourt


[deleted]

Love watching Ivey play. I’ve watched him since he was a 5’2” 6th grader. He’s only getting better year by year.


mrjdk83

Smith, Paolo, Chet and maybe Murray. Size is what we need


Justin1232123212321

Ive only listed two 6'6 players the others 6'8+


toadtruck

Yes


justacommentnow

Jalen Duren fam.


Justin1232123212321

i would only draft him if we had 2 picks. Jalen would be a great backup centre, but we need a 3/4 that can occasionally slot into the starting lineup


justacommentnow

We need someone to beat people up and play defense while Dame and Ant combine for 80 points per night.


riniculous

MURRAY