The Portland Trail Blazers now know that they will be picking at Nos. 7 & 14 in the NBA Draft next month, along with a pair of second-round picks.
Here’s a look at who the team took in the lottery of ESPN’s latest mock draft with Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo:
No. 7 pick Nikola Topic
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
No. 14 pick (via Warriors) Tidjane Salaun, Cholet
Salaun would be another intriguing addition to Portland’s frontcourt, helping to balance out a guard-heavy roster. His potential to space the floor, supply energy and versatility, and that he doesn’t need designed touches, makes him an interesting fit with the future in mind. Salaun is still raw in important areas of his game — he’ll need seasoning and time to reach his potential — but he should be an appealing project if he can make strides as a shooter and decision-maker. — Woo
BE community, what do you think of the above prospects? Chime off in the comments below.