Thunderous Intentions
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2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justin Patton
March 17, 2017; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Team Needs:

Defense, frontcourt versatility and depth, speedy 2-way wings.

Free Agents:

  • None

Roster Gaps:

Defensive specialists, 3 and D players, frontcourt spacers who can also guard their position, small forward with offensive versatility but an emphasis on defensive prowess.

Justin Patton:

As for Justin Patton in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Ironically some of the same elements of his game which speak to his high ceiling are also things which are limitations. His 7′ frame offers him the ability to do more than his counterparts, but his under developed skill set and thought process (basketball I.Q)  are why he fails. Still, given time with the right development team his natural agility, motor and growing skill set will afford him the opportunity to become a solid contributor down the road. He already showcases great pick and roll ability. His reported 9’3″ reach should serve whoever selects him to aid as they develop him into a rim protector or defense of the perimeter. He’s an above average passer for his position, has active hands and his agility allows him to get up and down the court and present a big target for his teammates."

Overview:

Despite their handing out horrendous contracts like Halloween candy last summer, it could be worse for Portland. Before going any further, remember this is a team that lost four of their starters just two years ago. They’ve yet to miss the playoffs since. In the ever-tough Western Conference, that in-and-of-itself is a feat.

That being said, there’s plenty of room for improvement in the Pacific Northwest. Portland can look to solve almost all of their issues in their draft. Or at least start to. First and foremost is a perimeter defender. Both McCollum and Lillard are offensive studs, but neither can defend well, which is problematic when both are on the court. Second, they need a versatile four.

Al-Farouq Aminu has done well as their small-ball four, but in reality, he’s more of a three, and outside of the playoffs, he’s mostly a non-factor on offense. Finally, their trade for Jusuf Nurkic saved their season, but Portland still needs defensive-minded depth at the five.

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