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As the calendar switches to June the Portland Trail Blazers are busy preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft. They have a busy draft workout schedule on the first day of the month, as our own David MacKay conveys:
The Blazers will work out Keita Bates-Diop, Jalen Brunson, Melvin Frazier, Aaron Holiday, Raymond Spalding, and Gary Trent Jr. today.
— David MacKay (@DavidMacKayNBA) June 1, 2018
Few surprises populate that list, especially if you’ve been reading our NBA Draft profiles.
Keita Bates-Diop is a versatile forward from Ohio State. According to Steve Dewald, he has an impressive wingspan and could become an impressive defender, but, “Unless he is able to prove he can consistently knock down open jumpers from beyond the arc, the former Buckeye will do very little to assist in Portland’s ability to stretch the floor.”
Jalen Brunson is a left-handed Villanova point guard, who, despite his defensive issues, has been the type of winner “more successful on the court than anyone else in the draft” according to Brian Freeman.
Dewald has Gary Trent Jr., a 6’6 shooting guard from Duke, as a ready-made three-point shooter “who could fit into a “win now” model for the Blazers”.
Melvin Frazier, a rangy small forward from Tulane, has “unmistakable athletic ability and a wingspan capable of making even the most seasoned scouts drool”.
Aaron Holiday, UCLA’s crafty point guard, “has the all the tools to be useful offensive player immediately, but his defensive deficiencies will determine his role with his future team”.
Stay tuned for more draft workout news and profiles as the event approaches!