THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There is some seriously impressive young talent available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

On the agenda today are the Portland Trail Blazers, who continue to build through their young players after losing the team’s superstars in recent seasons.

Portland Trail Blazers

Draft Selections

7, 14, 34, 40

Contracted Players

Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Anfernee Simons, Malcom Brogdon, Robert Williams, Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe (team option), Kris Murray, Dalano Banton, Duop Reath, Jabari Walker, Toumani Camara, Rayan Rupert

The Trail Blazers are a different looking side since their last playoffs appearance, with the departures of backcourt stars Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum marking a new era for the team, and four picks in the upcoming NBA Draft will help paint the picture for this team’s future.

Their first selection at pick seven could see the team look to add complimentary pieces alongside Henderson, who took a while to get going last season but impressed at the back end of the fixture.

An option on that front could be Zaccharie Risacher if he slides to seven, given he could be a great forward fit next to a playmaking guard of Henderson’s calibre. An excellent scorer in catch and shoot scenarios, Risacher can operate off the ball and would be an ideal presence next to the high-usage point guard.

With their next pick, combo guard Ja’Kobe Walter could be picked up by the Trail Blazers after an impressive finish to the NCAA tournament, where he scored 19 and 20 points in consecutive games. In those outings, he showed his potential as a perimeter threat who can get to the free throw line and hold his own as a defensive matchup, which would be enticing for Portland.

With their third pick and the 34th overall, the Trail Blazers could take a punt on Aussie talent Johnny Furphy, with the young forward offering plenty as a catch and shoot presence who moves well off the ball and would compliment the team’s playmakers well.

Holding one more selection for the draft, Portland would likely look to add size to the team’s stocks, and Ulrich Chomche fits that bill at six-foot-11. The Cameroon big man could develop into a strong rim protector, which is something the Trail Blazers are sorely missing.