The Portland Trail Blazers are still rebuilding after the Damian Lillard era ended. Their roster is peculiar, with a mix of veterans and young players. However, they are stacking talented players to fit into Chauncey Billups’ system. Portland’s future should involve their wing pairing of Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija.
They look like the most stable partnership on the roster, as they are superb defenders. That foundation makes the Blazers a tough team to play against, so building around them is important. The team has an unproven yet promising guard duo with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. But, Portland still needs more young talent to build with, especially with new ownership coming in. Let’s dive into some possible draft targets for the Blazers.
3 Targets for the Blazers at the No. 11 Pick
Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard)
Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis was already a professional in 2023 for FC Barcelona. He pivoted to college basketball at Illinois, where he was impressive. Jakucionis averaged 15 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game for the Fighting Illini.
At 6-foot-6, Jakucionis has the versatility to thrive in the NBA. His style would fit well in a system with a lead ball-handler, as he projects to be a secondary guard. That bodes well for the Trail Blazers because he could produce when playing alongside Henderson or veteran guard Anfernee Simons.
Jakucionis’ biggest strength is his versatility. He would perform well in any team, but the Blazers’ system looks like a natural fit. He should be a good piece for the team to rotate with a developing Sharpe at shooting guard. His shooting is not yet there, as evidenced by his 44% from the field and 31.8% from three.
Kasparas Jakucionis boasts an impressive combination of size (6'6"), toughness, pace, feel for the game, playmaking, and shot-making prowess. He's an outstanding pick-and-roll player who plays an intelligent and unselfish style, helping him transition from Europe to college. https://t.co/Ne4psVkslQ pic.twitter.com/7TtTpEh8tE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025
With his potential, it is easy to see him playing for the Blazers. Since this is a Portland rebuild, he can fit in well. However, his potential might make him a higher selection. If he falls to the Blazers, he might be the pick for general manager Joe Cronin.
Carter Bryant (Wing)
At 6-foot-8, Carter Bryant is the prototypical modern-day wing player. He can be a solid wing for Portland to back up Camara and Avdija. Since Portland needs more wings due to a potential Jerami Grant trade in the future, Bryant could be the answer.
Most people see Bryant as a do-it-all wing who can shoot 37.1% from three as a freshman. He only played 19.3 minutes per game but still showcased tons of potential. Bryant has all the physical tools and instincts to become a two-way wing. He will be a long-term project, which fits well with the rebuilding Blazers.
Arizona's Carter Bryant has the makings of the big complementary wing all 30 NBA teams covet. Terrific physical tools, spot-up shooting, baseline feel, and valuable defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/B0ZkY1B1cn
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) February 11, 2025
Bryant should be a good long-term option. He has all the tools to become a strong defender who could compete with Camara and Avdija. This could work out if Cronin and his staff see him available with the Blazers’ No. 11 pick.
Derik Queen (Center)
The Trail Blazers have a stacked center rotation. However, DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams III are in the final year of their contracts. That means Donovan Clingan will take over as the long-term starting center. Since trades are likely with Ayton and Williams, taking a center is not out of the question.
Derik Queen would be a great pick for the Blazers as a 6-foot-10 and 245-pound player. Since he can play both power forward and center, he would be a solid option for Portland. He has a rare skill set with his dribbling for a big man. That makes him a good offensive option, as seen with his 16.5 points per game for Maryland.
Derik Queen GOES OFF against Rutgers dropping a career-high🔥
29 PTS | 9-16 FG | 15 REB | 5 AST pic.twitter.com/zZvaHIx9MQ
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 9, 2025
Queen could be a spark plug off the Blazers’ bench, as he is the alternative to Clingan’s defense. With Ayton and Williams’ contracts expiring after next season, this pick could be the ready-made replacement. Queen could fit well into Billups’ system, as he could become a fantastic frontcourt player. If Queen is available at the Blazers’ No. 11 pick, he is a natural option. However, Cronin and his staff will decide the selection.
Featured image: © Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
