If the Portland Trail Blazers win the Draft Lottery, would Chet Holmgren be a good fit?
Teresa Powe
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The Portland Trail Blazers blew up their roster at the trade deadline. They stand at 11 in the Western Conference. It looks like they’re heading for the Lottery. If they do, will Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga phenom, possibly No. 1 in this year’s NBA draft, be a good fit?
The Portland Trail Blazers were not looking to make a push for the playoffs after this week’s trades. One of Rip City’s favorite sons, C.J. McCollum, is gone to the New Orleans Pelicans, and Norman Powell is now one of the Los Angeles Clippers. In addition, Larry Nance, Jr., Robert Covington, Tony Snell, and Cody Zeller are no longer on the team.
What was the Blazers’ objective?
Portland’s objective is to build around Damian Lillard and get a championship. While Lillard is on the other side of 30, it would mean the Blazers have to work fast. And work fast in a hurry. Unfortunately, for the Blazers and Lillard, many teams are doing the same.
It seems to me this trade wasn’t how the Blazers were going to achieve their goal. In judging the rest of the league, the Blazers need some additional young blood infused in their roster. The Portland Trail Blazers, while attempting to honor Dame’s loyalty, should only be trying to win. Period.
Will Holmgren fit?
By all means, Chet Holmgren will be an excellent fit for any NBA team, especially one re-building for the future. The Portland Trail Blazers received a 2022 first-round pick. However, the pick is only for the fifth through the 14th. So, Holmgren will have to fall in those parameters. I don’t think so.
And what about Jusuf Nurkic? Are the Blazers keeping him for Lillard? The two are very close, and Dame is comfortable playing with him. If the Blazers are building a team around Lillard, then Holmgren is not a fit. It will take any rookie some time to get acclimated to the NBA. In the NCAA, Holmgren will dive headfirst into the paint. Block shots for days and pull down rebounds on both ends of the court. But it will take him time to do that in the NBA, against players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and DeAndre Ayton. Nurkic is there trying to help Lillard get a ring. When will the team have time to develop Holmgren?
LUTE OLSON NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Boston, MA — Chet Holmgren helped Gonzaga to a pair of wins last week. On Thursday the 7-foot freshman had 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks at USD. On Saturday he finished with 20 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks at BYU. pic.twitter.com/9YesKOByER
— College Insider Inc. (@collegeinsider) February 7, 2022
In my opinion…
I’m a newbie when it comes to NCAA basketball. I started with the 2018-2019 Draft class. I watched Duke’s Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish for the Knicks. Since last season I have been covering the Gonzaga Bulldogs for PNWS. Gonzaga has several successful players in the NBA, most recently Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic), Corey Kispert, and Joel Ayayi (Washington Wizards). There’s a debate about who will go number one in this year’s draft, Holmgren or Duke’s Paolo Banchero.
Chet Holmgren is the best all-around basketball player I’ve seen in the NCAA. This kid is phenomenal. I believe he is how the future NBA big man will look and be. But, please don’t let the thin frame fool you. He’s a true unicorn, so unlike Kristaps Porzingis.
After Damian Lillard’s loyalty to the Portland Trail Blazers, he deserves to have a team around him that can win now. Or at the very least, get him to the Finals within two seasons. That’s where Joe Cronin, the interim General Manager, should concentrate his efforts. If he can’t do that, he should also let Dame go. Then, maybe he can join a team that will win a championship next season.
Catch up with me on Monday to review the Gonzaga Bulldog’s week. Until then, stay safe and healthy.