PORTLAND, Ore. — With the conclusion of the first two-round, two-day NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers 2024-25 campaign has officially begun. NBA experts grade the picks and overall drafts of teams from A-F, so it's time to take a look at how the Trail Blazers fared, according to the NBA media.
Just over an hour before the draft began, the Blazers traded the 14th overall pick, as well as Malcolm Brogdon and three future picks, for Wizards forward Deni Avdija. Therefore, Portland only had one pick on night one of the NBA draft, being pick No. 7.
With the seventh overall pick, Portland selected former UConn big man Donovan Clingan.
Clingan was perceived to be a consensus top three or four pick, and according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers attempted to move up in the draft to get Clingan.
Nonetheless, patience paid off and Portland was rewarded, getting their guy at pick No. 7. Portland general manager Joe Cronin raved about how Clingan was one of the top guys on their board. NBA experts tend to agree with Cronin: this was a home run of a pick.
Take a look at what NBA insiders say about the Blazers selection of Clingan.
Pick grade: A
Clingan was the only pick Adam Finkelstein of CBS Sports graded as an A inside the Top 10.
What they said: "This is a best-case scenario for Portland. There was real talk that he could go No. 1. There were teams trying to trade up for him. But the Blazers always wanted him, and he fell to them at 7. He's a defensive monster with his size, rebounding and shot-blocking, but we don't talk enough about the offensive potential with his slip passes and ability to put it on the floor. And I believe that shooting could be around the corner." — Finklestein
Pick grade: A
Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports was more lenient with her grades, giving out six A grades in the Top 10. Nonetheless, an A is an A no matter how you shape it.
What they said: "Clingan has all the tools to be a long-term starting center in the NBA and moves well for his size at 7-foot-2. He is more than a rim-running big and can throw a lot of different options in the pick-and-roll, whether that's slipping, rolling to the basket, pinning his man or popping out for a jumper." — Peek
Pick grade: B
This was one of the lower grades from NBA experts for the Blazers, however Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report agreed that it was the right pick for Portland.
What they said: "The Blazers must be thrilled to get Donovan Clingan here. For much of mock-draft season, it felt like the only way they were getting him would be by trading up, yet the defensive anchor fell right in their lap. If Clingan impacts the NBA game like he did at UConn, he might be a top-10 defense on his own. And Portland could use some paint protection behind young guards Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. Portland will have some ensuing moves to make with a pair of starting-caliber centers already on its roster (Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III). But if the Blazers are sold on Clingan's talent, they were smart to add him at No. 7 and worry about the rest later." — Buckley
Pick grade: A
Kevin Pelton of ESPN gave the Blazers one of six A's on his draft report card.
What they said: "After speculation they might trade up in pursuit of Clingan, the Blazers were able to stay at the seventh pick and get my second-ranked prospect. Adding Clingan creates a logjam at center for Portland with starter Deandre Ayton and backup Robert Williams III coming back from knee surgery. That's less important than the Blazers getting the best available talent, and Clingan qualifies as a potential backstop for their offensive-minded young perimeter players. Having started the draft with four picks, Portland ended up making just one after sending the No. 14 pick to the Washington Wizards as part of a deal for Deni Avdija and trading both second-rounders for future ones. — Pelton
Pick grade: A-
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer was a generous grader, handing out 11 A grades, including one for the Blazers.
What they said: "The Blazers are building a defensive blueprint. After trading for perimeter defensive ace Deni Avdija earlier tonight, Portland has selected its anchor. If Walker Kessler and Dereck Lively II hadn’t already proved the NBA viability of a massive drop big over the past two seasons, Clingan will make the case just as well. His collegiate bona fides are historic. A two-time national champion. Truly one of the best rim protectors the college game has ever seen. Clingan has the same potential downsides as any other player of his ilk, but if his ability in drop coverage carries over to the NBA, his defensive presence could shift the lowly Blazers’ regular-season fortunes immediately. Not much more, hopefully nothing less. There is no surer thing in this draft, if only because what you see is what you get." — O'Connor
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The second round of the NBA draft took place a day later, where Portland traded both of their picks they had coming into the night.
The Blazers traded the 34th pick this year to the New York Knicks in exchange for three future second round picks.
Portland then passed around their next pick like Thanksgiving Day turkey, through a series of trades acquiring the 52nd pick in this year's draft, and then trading it to Golden State. The Blazers received cash considerations from both the Thunder and Warriors for these picks.
In summary, Portland ended the day with zero second-round picks.