IMO Tyler Smith should be high on the board for the Blazers at 14. Take the huge swing on Salaun or fill out front court depth with Clingan at 7 (depending on who’s still on the board) then take the 6’10 Forward with plus wingspan that can shoot.
by BunkHammer
5 Comments
I’m pro Smith or Da Silva at 14 if Salaun is taken earlier (hopefully 7th)
He’s already better than Kris Murray. Now THATS how a jumper is supposed to look.
I’m onboard with thought process here. It would be tough to see Portland not draft two front court players over 6’8” with these picks. Topic should be the only exception if he really really wows the Blazers but if he’s that good to value over what we have already he wouldn’t fall to #7 anyways.
Still all the way out on taking Salaun at #7 (coming around on Clingan if he falls) but Tyler at #14 would be fun.
I think his best quality is that he doesn’t shoot it like a big – he moves and shoots like a big wing. Unfortunately he doesn’t really understand how to defend like a big, which hampers that advantage somewhat.
Check [this out ](https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=matas-buzelis–tidjane-salaun–tyler-smith)though – two guys who everyone is considering at #7 vs a guy being projected #15-20. They all struggle defending on the ball but why not bet on the guy who produced? Maybe you can see upside with Matas’ feel for the game and like how Salaun moves, but I’m back in on a 6’10 guy who can shoot, finish above the rim and makes plays on D. Good fit with Ayton too.
That’s a beautiful jumpshot