Portland Trail Blazers Pre-Draft Update

Friday, June 19, 2015

J.R. Taylor, GoLocalPDX Contributor

The Portland Trail Blazers are hosting their Pre-Draft workout in Tualatin, and a lot of big names are rolling through camp. The Blazers hold the No. 23 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, and have a long list of prospects worth using that pick on.

Portland is hosting their fifth workout today, June 19th. Both Gary Bell and Kevin Pangos of Gonzaga are in attendance. Georgia Southern Guard Jelani Hewitt and Kentucky center Dakari Johnson made the trip as well. Also, University of Portland’s Thomas Van Der Mars came made the short trip to join the fun.

ESPN analysts believe that Portland has their sights set another Georgia State standout, R.J. Hunter. After a big performance in the 2014 March Madness tournament, Hunter made a place for himself in this draft. Whether Portland chooses to take on this young talent, only time will tell.

Portland is a team in need of a solid center. Johnson and Van Der Mars are their best shot at a threat in the paint, but for some reason year after year the Trail Blazers seem to require more and more guards.

A more recent addition to the rumor mill is the possibility of signing LA Clippers center, DeAndre Jordan. Jordan has been a part of the dominant aerial force in Los Angeles, and would be a great addition to the Portland roster. He is the athletic big that Portland fans have long awaited.

Every coach, player, and fan is playing the waiting game in order to see what their All-Star, Lamarcus Aldridge decides to do with his future in the NBA. If he leaves, Portland will need to acquire a scoring big-man. If he stays, the Trail Blazers will most likely pick-up another talented shooting guard.

Related Slideshow: 5 Sports Teams With Offensive Mascots

Native American activists see the logo of the Portland Winterhawks as offensive and are demanding the team make a change. Here a some other mascots certain people find offensive.