2010 NBA Draft Review: The Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers had three picks in the two round 200 NBA Draft. In the first round the team had the 16^th pick and 22nd pick. In the second round Portland had the 34^th pick. Maybe the Trail Blazers lacked the selections to add a super star, but three picks for Portland to add three solid contributors.

First Round Selections

Portland used the 16^th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft to select Nevada's Luke Babbitt. The 6'9 sophomore forward has "good size and shooting touch, he's expected to get a look at small forward and shooting guard" according to Fox Sports. The Trail Blazers used the 22^nd pick to select another sophomore Elliot Williams. The 6'5 guard out of Memphis played one year for Duke and one year for the Tigers. This past season Williams "was Conference USA's second-leading scorer at 17.9 points per game."

Second Round Pick

The Trail Blazers selected Babbitt's teammate Armon Johnson. Johnson is a 6'3 guard out of Nevada. Armon left the Wolf Pack after his junior season. Last season Johnson posted "career highs in points (15.7 per game), assists (5.6) and field goal percentage (49.5)" according to Fox Sports. Fox Sports is reporting "a trade might be in the works here" involving Armon Johnson. If the team does not trade Johnson, the Trail Blazers will have two young prospects who played a year together at Nevada. If a trade occurs Portland would hopefully get another piece to improve the team.

Overall

As it stands now the Portland Trail Blazers added three young players. Babbitt is a solid NBA prospect who can play either guard or forward. Portland improved their backcourt with the added depth of tow young prospects in Williams and Johnson. Adding depth and competition at these positions improves Portland. The youthful picks have the upswing of potential if they get the chance to develop.

Sources:

Fox Sports Luke Babbitt

Fox Sports Elliot Williams

Fox Sports Armon Johnson

Fox Sports