FanPost

What is the most realistic scenario for Portland in this draft?

There has been endless speculation, mock drafts, and expert analysis over the last few weeks here on Blazer's Edge. I'm sure there are probably 25 -500 different ways we could go in the draft. There are however a few paths that are clearer. This post highlights the most likely best case scenario(s) that I and also what you at The BE might see for our beloved Trail Blazers; one which could immediately compliment the team (depending on a major outlier which is the coach and his type of play style). I can absolutely see us making trades which would change my theory but with that said, often times the simplest approach is what you actually get.

In thinking along the lines of many posters I have excitement and reservations about Andre Drummond, and have a bit of a man crush on Thomas Robinson.

With all that said I think if we play it by the book and keep our picks we end up with Harrison Barnes and Kendall Marshall. Don't jump right to the bottom and cut my head off yet. The reason this looks like a decent play to me is that, #1 we need a real scorer, one who will not hesitate to get his own but also will be a team player - Barnes seems to fit this role. #2 we absolutely NEED a creative PG who can compliment LMA and get Batum open shots and even Wes plays better with that type of guard. This to me is the greatest strength of Marshall.

The second scenario is in some way likely, due to PA and his crush on guards. Therefore Damien Lillard comes into play. I have pushed hard in my mind for Lillard, feeling he could be a breakout player and also that he naturally fits our team attitude, style, and seems like he could fit in our community. The latter is heavy in my mind after the recent Oden interview talking about how Portland was a bad place for "him". I could see this as a net positive for Portland if he really can not only get his own shot but create for the rest of the team - I'm looking at you JB! With the 11 in this scenario I see us taking Meyers Leonard due to his strength on defense, quickness and overall positive fit with the team.

What I would absolutely love to see in either scenario is PDX try to squeeze the 10 away from NO by taking Okafor's contract and maybe including Joel Freeland and Nolan Smith to sweeten the deal. Then in the first scenario, take a flyer on Austin Rivers who has great upside. In the 2nd scenario I would take a shot on Terrance Jones or Perry Jones if they think he could enjoy living and playing in Portland.

OK there you have it. Feel free to tell me why I'm an idiot below.