The Portland Trail Blazers are currently focused on making the playoffs, a goal they’ve been working toward since the trade deadline passed without any significant moves. They’ve made some progress, climbing to 12th in the Western Conference, just four games behind the Sacramento Kings for the 10th spot, which would put them in the play-in tournament and give them a shot at the postseason.
However, if they miss the playoffs, the Blazers are hoping for a lucky lottery draw to secure the chance to draft top prospect Cooper Flagg, the standout Duke forward. Flagg is considered a generational talent, similar to Victor Wembanyama last year. But in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report, the Blazers are projected to pick a different Duke forward, Kon Knueppel, at the ninth spot.
Knueppel has demonstrated strong scoring ability while at Duke, excelling when plays are designed for him. Though not known for creating his own shot consistently, his scoring skills could complement the Blazers’ roster, which already includes plenty of guards capable of generating offense.
If Portland selects Knueppel, it could signal a shift away from Jerami Grant or one of their shooting guards, as Knueppel can play both small forward and shooting guard positions.
The Blazers are a team with talent, but staying healthy and making necessary roster adjustments will be key moving forward. This offseason will be crucial for the team’s future, and a playoff run could influence their draft decisions. So far this season, Knueppel is averaging 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game for Duke.
Leave a Reply