Portland Trail Blazers 2023 Final Mock Draft Compilation
Ed Stein
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Round 1, 3rd overall
Dame wants to win now, and he said he doesn’t have time to wait on another player to develop. There is plenty of buzz about the Portland Trail Blazers trading the pick.
If they keep it, a potential superstar will make his way to Rip City. 7-5 center Victor Wembanyama is the sure-fire first pick to San Antonio, but this draft features three franchise players. Forward Brandon Miller from Alabama and Scoot Henderson of the G-League ignite considered among the best draft-eligible players available in the past several years.
Over the last week, there has been a shift, with Miller to Portland gaining steam. Here are the potential picks and the percentage of mock drafts that selected them last week and this week.
Henderson – 56.82% (June 16), 50.77% (June 22).
Miller – 36.36% (June 16), 44.62% (June 22).
Other – 6.82% (June 16), 4.62% (June 22).
If this were an election, Miller is inching up to the margin of error.
Charlotte picks number two, and Miller fits their lineup better. It’s not guaranteed that he will go to the Hornets. They weren’t as impressed with his workout. Additionally, several teams want to trade up to second and draft Scoot.
The 6-9 power forward is a prolific scorer and shooter. He can also handle himself on the glass and is a good defender. He sometimes struggles with consistency but not for long periods. And his off-court history raises a few flags.
If Miller goes second, the Portland Trail Blazers still get a potential generational talent with Henderson. He has elite physical tools and a work ethic that puts many to shame.
In a recent article on NBA.com, 20-year veteran Jamal Crawford said, “(Henderson) is wise beyond his years, and his work ethic and mentality will separate him from his peers.”
Last year, he took over G-League games with his explosiveness and mid-range jump shot. Henderson is far from a finished product and has plenty of room for improvement.
The 17% he shot from three-point range for the Ignite last season won’t cut it as a guard at the NBA level. No doubt he’s been busting his butt in the gym, improving his outside shot.