{"id":140445,"date":"2025-05-24T16:35:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T20:35:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=140445"},"modified":"2025-05-24T16:37:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T20:37:05","slug":"blazers-draft-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/24\/blazers-draft-targets\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Targets for the Blazers at the No. 11 Pick\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Portland Trail Blazers are still rebuilding after the Damian Lillard<\/a> 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<\/a> and Deni Avdija<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> and Shaedon Sharpe<\/a>. But, Portland still needs more young talent to build with, especially with new ownership coming in<\/a>. Let’s dive into some possible draft targets for the Blazers.<\/p>\n

3 Targets for the Blazers at the No. 11 Pick<\/h2>\n

Kasparas Jakucionis (Guard)<\/h3>\n

Lithuanian guard Kasparas Jakucionis<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

At 6-foot-6, Jakucionis has the versatility<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> at shooting guard. His shooting is not yet there, as evidenced by his 44% from the field and 31.8% from three.<\/p>\n

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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<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/7TtTpEh8tE<\/a><\/p>\n

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n