The Portland Trailblazers & The N.B.A. Draft

NBA draft day has become one of the most exciting days for sports fans in Portland (they are also our only major professional sports team) because of the cash Paul Allen is willing to spend and the creativity Kevin Pritchard exudes. The draft isn't happening until tomorrow, but the Blazers have already given New Orleans cash for the 27th pick. This leaves the Blazers with two first round (13 & 27) and three second round picks (33, 36 & 55). We have three players in Europe (Rudy Fernandez (Esp), Peter Koppenen (Fin) & Joel Freeland (AZ)) and Greg Oden also waiting in the wings. Additionally, Oden and Fernandez would both be considered top ten picks in this years draft.

Something has got to give and the cash for the 27th pick was probably the first move. The Blazers are most likely going to target a point guard or small forward in the lottery or via trading. This appears to be the last year the Blazers will be as active in the draft because the overhaul of the roster is almost complete and we don't need any more prospective talent. However, the 2009 free agency class is full of a lot of potential and the trades happening right now along with our picks will ensure that we have a lot of room under the cap space next year to get a free agent if we need one. All the while Kevin Pritchard will be stockpiling talent in Europe for a "Euro-Farm" team to supplement our roster in case current and future players don't work out.

The final moments of the last years home finale:



R.I.P. City!,

johnson!