The Portland Trail Blazers hold strong positioning in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft with picks No. 7 and 14.
One of the picks could reportedly be used to add another lottery big man to the roster, Purdue's Zach Edey. The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported that the Blazers are "extremely high" on Edey, with interest in him the first time they're on the clock.
"The Blazers also worked out Purdue center Zach Edey earlier in the month, and people around the NBA believe that they are also extremely high on him—not just for the 14th pick, but for their first choice at no. 7," O'Connor wrote. "The bottom line is that the Blazers seem to be looking to come away with a center to pair with Scoot Henderson and their other young pieces. And if Portland ends up with Clingan, Edey, or another center on Wednesday night, then perhaps there will be a domino effect this summer, with Ayton and Williams trades to follow."
Edey is one of the biggest question marks in this year's class, as he dominated the collegiate scene, but it's unknown how his game will translate to the NBA. He averaged 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks on 62.3% shooting in 39 games last season.
The Blazers' backcourt is secured by rising stars Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, who are one of the most promising guard tandems in the league. Henderson was drafted with the No. 3 pick in last year's draft but had a disappointing rookie campaign for the standards set for him. If Portland brings on assistance in the frontcourt, more specifically the center position, it could allow for Henderson's development to skyrocket through second-chance points and easier finds in the paint.
