While the NBA draft will certainly be different this year, the Portland Trail Blazers have the 16th pick. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report predicts that the Blazers will try to increase their depth at the wing, selecting Aaron Nesmith of Vanderbilt.
Portland might look to add another shooter in Nesmith, who shot 52.2% from depth before injuring his foot 14 games inside. With scorers and playmakers in formation, the Blazers could mask Nesmith’s limitations as a creator and optimize his off-the-ball skills of hitting off spot-up jumpers and movement.
Wasserman’s prediction makes sense, as the Blazers need to add depth to the small forward stance pending Rodney Hood’s return from injury. Adding an outside shooter allows the Blazers to kick the ball more reliably, and Nesmith’s mid-range is promising, even if he can’t create his own shot yet. His stated resolve regarding the game of basketball definitely fits the Blazers culture.
You can read all of Wasserman’s predictions here.
