Pat Connaughton, former guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, was selected in the 2nd round of the 2015 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets and later acquired by the Portland Trail Blazers via trade.
The trade, which sent Connaughton and Mason Plumlee to the Trail Blazers in exchange for Portland’s 1st round draft pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and veteran Steve Blake, was one of the major headlines from this year’s draft.
Though he was taken in the 2nd round, Connaughton is expected to come into Portland and make an immediate impact, contributing to the team with his strong shooting and work ethic, providing he finds a spot in rotation.