The draft lottery did not do the Portland Trail Blazers many favors. Despite being tied with the Charlotte Hornets for the third-worst record in the NBA this season, Portland slipped in the first round. The Blazers wound up with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. However, they should be able to nab a prime talent like Donovan Clingan, Matas Buzelis, or Tidjaun Salaun with that selection.

The top of this draft is not as robust as it has been in previous years. The difference from the first pick to the seventh isn't as large with this class compared to others. But, that doesn't mean that there won't be great players to come from this group or that it won't be a player the Blazers take with this pick. Portland is building a solid young core and this pick could help them make a leap to competitiveness sooner rather than later.

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Donovan Clingan, center, UConn

Most draft pundits have UConn's Donovan Clingan ranked higher than this. It doesn't seem likely that he would be available when the Blazers are on the clock. But, if he is there, he should be at the top of Portland's board. He could provide them with a rim protector and defensive anchor that they have lacked in Portland for a very long time.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Clingan has plenty to contribute offensively too. He is a mountain to deal with as a roller and can punish smaller defenders on the post. Clingan is also a problem on the glass. He averaged 2.5 offensive rebounds per game and posted a 13.8% offensive rebound percentage.

Clingan has garnered comparisons to Brook Lopez for the way he can anchor a defense at his size. His jump shot is still a work in progress but he has flashed growth on that end. Neither Deandre Ayton nor Robert Williams III seem like the future at center for Portland. Clingan can be and would be a perfect fit next to the Blazers' guards. Portland should hope and pray they get the chance to draft him.

Matas Buzelis, forward, G League Ignite

With Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe already in tow, the Blazers don't need to look for another guard. They do have intriguing wings like Kris Murray, Toumani Camara, and Jabari Walker, but all of them project as role players. They should be striving to upgrade that position, and Matas Buzelis would represent that.

Buzelis morphed into a bit of a jack-of-all-trades wings during his time at G League Ignite. He really bought into being a plus defender and has some playmaking chops to work with as well.

Buzelis has a versatile skillset, but still has some rough edges to work out. He finished with more turnovers (58) than assists (51) in 26 regular season games in the G League. He also shot just 27.3% from three and 67.9% from the free throw line. He'll have to improve there in order to maximize his potential.

If he does, however, he would fit like a glove next to Portland's explosive guards. Buzelis needs development but the Blazers are in no rush to compete at the moment. A pairing would benefit both sides here.

Tidjane Salaun, forward, Cholet

Another wing who needs time to develop is Tidjane Salaun. Salaun already has pro experience playing for Cholet in the French league. He's been a key contributor for them. In 22.7 minutes per game, Salaun is averaging nine points, four rebounds, and an assist per game. However, he's shooting just 37.3% from the field.

But, Salaun is shooting a solid 32.9% from three this year and 76.7% from the free throw line. He's doing that with a long and lanky 6-foot-10 207-pound frame. He's a very raw prospect but there is a lot to work with here.

Again, the Blazers won't be in the postseason or competing for it anytime soon. They can afford to take a project like Salaun and develop his game, even if it takes some time. Portland hasn't been afraid to draft projects before in previous drafts and hit big on them. It could make some sense to take another one here.