With an air of uncertainty around unrestricted free agents LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews heading towards July's NBA free agency period, it could benefit the Portland Trail Blazers to target the best player available, regardless of position, with the #23 pick in June 25th's NBA Draft.
If they do just that, Arizona forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson could very well be the name at the top of their list when they hit the clock next Thursday.
Via Blazers Edge's Dave Deckard:
Hollis-Jefferson doesn't fit the current Portland system entirely. He can't shoot threes, or any jumpers really. He's not a great one-on-one threat either. But his athleticism is off the charts and he can score at the rim. Plus he projects as a good defender at the next level. Jumpers can develop; athleticism doesn't.
Hollis-Jefferson has enough raw power to qualify for "project" status. If the Blazers re-sign their key players they don't need their rookies to come through right away. If they start over without their current core, they have time for young players to develop. Those players could be developing under a new system as well, as Portland's current approach revolves around their veterans.
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