Portland Trail Blazers 2023 Mock Draft Compilation 1.0
Ed Stein
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Round 2, 43rd overall
We audited 20 mock drafts that went both rounds. There are plenty of variables out there that make selecting a player at this point difficult.
At this point in the draft, it’s usually hard to find much agreement on anyone but four mocks, but four mock drafts had the Portland Trail Blazers taking Keyontae Johnson, a 6-4 guard from Kansas State.
Johnson possesses a reliable 3-point stroke and increased foul-drawing prowess. Johnson connected on 38.9% of his 3-point attempts across parts of four collegiate seasons. His 4.2 free-throw attempts per game this season marked a career best. Johnson moves well without the ball but will also pressure the rim and outmuscle opponents. His physicality is effective on defense too, as opponents shot just 32.6% from the field with Johnson as the primary defender this season.
– Sports Illustrated Draft Digest
There is one big flag with Johnson. He missed almost two full seasons due to myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart. The good news is Johnson was medically cleared to play last season and was also cleared to participate in the daft.
Three prospects had two selections each: Jalen Wilson, F, 6-7, Kansas; Jordan Walsh, 6-7, W, Arkansas; and Kobe Brown, 6-8, PF/C, Missouri.
Other players projected to the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round: Adama Sanogo, 6-9 F/C, Uconn; Colin Castleton, 6-11, center, Florida; James Nnaji, 6-11, C Barcelona; Julian Strawther, 6-7, W, Gonzaga, Marcus Sasser, 6-1, G Houston; Nikola Durisic,6-8. G/F Mega Basket; Rayan Rupert, 6-7, guard, New Zealand Breakers; Seth Lundy, 6-6, F, Penn State; Terquavion Smith, 6-4, guard, NC State, and Tristan Vukcevic, center, KK Partizan.
Who do you think the Portland Trail Blazers will draft this year?