THE Portland Trail Blazers are ready to accelerate their reconstruction in 2024 NBA Draft.
With the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in the rearview mirror, a handful of potential options for Portland enter the national spotlight this week. Due to the Blazers’ current roster construction, which features a plethora of guard options, this roster focuses primarily on frontcourt prospects.
Kyle Filipowski | F/C | Duke
2023-24 Stats: 16.6 PPG | 8.2 RPG | 51.5 FG% | 34.6 3P%
Next opponent: Houston
Filipowski flirted with the 2023 NBA Draft process, but decided to return to Duke for a second year. At this point, it seems like it was the right decision. During his sophomore campaign, Filipowski improved his offensive efficiency and displayed his defensive versatility. He makes quick decisions with the ball and can space the court with his shots. Defensively, Filipowski proved he was comfortable with smaller defenders in space.
After a relatively quiet game against Vermont in the first round, Filipowski produced 14 points in just 21 minutes against James Madison. Against Houston, he should defend in space against the Cougars’ heavy guard rotation.
Filipowski’s 7-foot frame and potential as a connection player on offense make him an attractive option for the Blazers. He has all the tools to keep opposing defenses honest, and his versatility on defense should allow him to stay on the field in a variety of matchups.
Donovan Clingan | C | UCONN
2023-24 Stats: 12.8 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 2.4 GPB | 64.8% FG
Next opponent: San Diego State
Clingan is the driving force behind UCONNdefense. At 7-2, Clingan is a classic rim protector who scares opponents into the paint. At the other end of the floor, his soft hands allow him to close the passes in the narrow windows. Once Clingan has the ball, he is an effective finisher at the rim. His size and finishing ability make him an ideal pick-and-roll option at the next level.
Clingan scored 19 points in just 20 minutes in the Huskies’ blowout first-round win over Stetson. In the second round, he produced eight blocks against Northwestern. Clingan is poised to produce another big stat line against an Aztec team that doesn’t have a traditional center.
For the Blazers, Clingan’s defensive production has the potential to remedy Portland’s recurring rim protection issues. However, Clingan’s lack of versatility could dampen Portland’s desire to use a lottery pick for his services.
Dalton Knecht | G/F | Tennessee
2023-24 Stats: 21.1 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 46.1 FG% | 39.1 3P%
Next opponent: Creighton
Knecht’s journey from Junior College to the highest level of SEC basketball is unique. Despite a steady increase in the level of competition, Knecht continued to produce points at a high level. Standing at 6’6, Knecht’s high release allows him to look good when facing traditional guards. If defenses opt for a taller defender, Knecht’s ability to launch his shot on the move does more than enough to generate space.
Knecht opened the tournament with an efficient 23-point performance against Saint Peters. In the second round, against an athletic Texas team, he still managed to score 18 points. Knecht faces a tough matchup against a veteran Creighton team in the Sweet Sixteen.
Knecht is a high-level player who fits multiple timelines for the Blazers. With his outside shooting, he could be an ideal perimeter option for a Scoot Henderson-led offense.
Zach Edey | C | Purdue
2023-24 Stats: 24.5 PPG | 12.1 RPG | 2.3 GPB | 62.3% FG
Next opponent: Gonzaga
All Edey has done over the last two seasons is produce big numbers. The discussion surrounding his future in the NBA has to do with his limited offensive versatility and concerns about his ability to pass on defense. Let’s put this discussion aside for a moment. At his best, Edey controls the action on both ends of the court. Defensively, he protects the rims and limits second chance opportunities with his superb rebounding. Edey complements his defensive production by limiting turnovers and scoring on nifty post moves. His 7-4 frame certainly helps, but Edey has surprisingly strong footwork for a player his size. Edey regularly outwits his opponents for rebounds and entry passes.
Edey produced two monster double doubles to start the tournament. The big guy has the potential to keep rolling in a friendly against Gonzaga.
Getting excited about a traditional center isn’t common practice in today’s NBA, but Edey’s size and stellar production merit the Blazers’ attention. Edey’s footwork and length make him an ideal target in half-court sets. His presence could make Henderson’s learning curve less steep in year two.
Baylor Scheierman | F | Creighton
2023-24 Stats: 18.3 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 44.9 FG% | 37.9 3P%
Next opponent: Tennessee
Scheierman is one of the oldest and most proven prospects in the 2024 class. During his five-year college career, he made over 350 3-pointers. In addition to his floor spacing, Scheierman is an excellent rebounder for his size and he makes quick decisions with the ball in his hands. At 6-7, he has the potential to find minutes at both forward positions at the next level.
Scheierman opened the tournament with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds against Akron. In a thrilling game against Oregon, Scheierman produced 18 more points. Against Tennessee, Scheierman will have his hands full against a powerful offense led by Knecht.
Scheierman is an interesting second-round option for the Blazers. His reliable play and floor spacing should make life easier for the players around him.
Looking forward
Which prospects caught your attention during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament? Let us know in the comments.
