Meeting With Nikola Topic, Observing Knecht and Clingan Portland Trail Blazers
ESPN’s draft crew provided some fresh insights into the Blazers in their updated mock draft.
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ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo updated their NBA Mock Draft Wednesday morning, while adding insight into the direction of various teams around the league. The Portland Trail Blazers loomed large in a few tidbits.
First, let’s cover their mock picks for the Blazers, including some vary familiar names in the first round:
These two names have regularly been seen next to the Blazers’ picks in mock drafts. Meanwhile, these mock picks were listed in the second round:
However, they also provided some unique insight into Portland’s possible direction, sometimes sourced to executives on other teams.
The Atlanta Hawks are interested in Zaccharie Risacher or Donovan Clingan, but could consider a trade down if they can still get the player they want. They have not been able to work out Alex Sarr.
Other teams believe that neither Dalton Knecht nor Donovan Clingan will be on the board by pick #9, because they will not get past Portland and the San Antonio Spurs, if either player is available at that point. Knecht is chosen sixth by Charlotte in this mock.
Speaking of Clingan, his stock is clearly rising. He is listed as a trade-up candidate, so a team can jump in front of Portland. Otherwise, he may be available for the Blazers, partially because he is not a position of need for the teams directly above them.
The Blazers are on the list of teams meeting with Nikola Topic over the next week. Topic, who is recovering from a knee injury, get listed as a possible “redshirt freshman” situation, with a team picking him to possibly return a year later.
The NBA Draft is officially a week away. Round one takes place on June 26, and the second round occurs the next night.
