[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

As of today, there seems to be a distinct possibility that Portland may choose between either consensus top draft PG Damian Lillard and consensus top draft C Andre Drummond. They have a glaring need at both positions, with new GM hire Neil Olshey stating that the PG position needed increased production. That might point to Lillard.

The thing is, Drummond might be too much to pass up. People may point to Greg Oden, but Drummond does not have the injury history of the previous big man. He has red flags of his own in terms of focus and will be a project, though players his size do not grow on trees. His teaming up with LaMarcus Aldridge would give Portland truly imposing length in the front court.

I rustled up each of their interviews from Draft workouts with the Blazers. Drummond had a group workout, while Lillard’s workout(s, for every team) was individual. Lillard’s shooting is on full display (46.7%/40.9%/88.9% this past season at Weber St), Drummond of course showing off his brute strength and athleticism for his size. Reportedly both Lillard and Drummond impressed in their workouts with the team.

My question is, who would you take? I would go with Drummond, though I feel Lillard might be the choice. Have to say, Lillard definitely appears to want it more, he comes off as a true professional with incredible confidence. Drummond is of course younger, but will that confidence ever develop? I hope it does and I would take the gamble. With that being said, I could see Portland taking Lillard even with Drummond still on the board. Thoughts?

 

[HeelsGuy25Participant]

He seems to be the safer pick for Portland at 6. They could gamble with #11 and nab Leonard as their project big.

Drummond seems to be losing suitors ue to his intensity questions. He will fall but where? I say Detroit at 9.

What are your picks for Portland’s 2nd rounders?

[ChewyParticipant]

Portland has a huge hole at PG and people are saying that after workouts Lillard has shown he’s up there with John Jenkins as one of the best shooters in the draft. I really couldn’t bash them for taking Lillard.

But, I would take Drummond. You already have Aldridge as your focus point down low. This takes some pressure off Drummond to produce right away. It let’s Drummond just be an athlete to run, block shots and rebound. Portland can wait 3-4 years for him to develop a post game because Aldridge should get most (pretty much all) of the touches in the post.

[Dale WorthingtonParticipant]

Drummond with their 1st pick, Marshall with their 2nd.

[jrrider_34Participant]

 As a lifelong Trailblazers fan, I sincerely hope that if the Blazers are choosing between these two guys that Lillard is the pick… Now that Bradley Beal is projected to be gone by the time the Blazers select at 6, Lillard both fills a need and adds professionalism and poise to the squad. As physically imposing as Drummond is, and as high as his ceiling is….Can he ever reach that ceiling? I know he is young, and that maturity and focus come with age, but Portland needs to select players that are capable of competing now, while L.A., Batum and Wes Matthews are all in their primes. I know the need in the frontcourt is great, but why not take the sure thing(By which I mean a decent NBA starting PG) in Lillard at 6, and then take a Zeller/Leonard/Henson type player at 11? 

[sheltwon3Participant]

If you every have a choice of big versus little and the little is not MJ, AI, or Rose, you may want to go big.  As nice as Lillard is, if he were anywhere close to those players, he would be the number one pick.

[ChrisCrossParticipant]

 Drummond and Rivers

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

 was thing drummond and marshall as was reading down these drummond brings in the big shot blocking rebounding def minded c they need too compliment the o of la and with marshall greaat floor general and passer getting easy easier looks for everyone 

[derrick_rose_1Participant]

 drummond would complement la, and marshall would run the show for the offense.

 

[PulseGlazerParticipant]

They supposedly want to win now, so Lillard, but trade down a pick to GS or Det to do so. A protected future1 to switch places with Det makes most sense. 

[ReactionParticipant]

Detroit would never trade a future first round pick for Drummond.. Maybe they would package the 9th with a veteran or someone that Portland wants (other than Knight and Monroe).

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I’m nervous as hell to go to Portland. Why Portland hasn’t fired their medical staff yet is a mystery right up there with "How many licks does it take to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?"

 

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