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The Portland Trail Blazers did not luck out in the lottery after their rebuilding season in 2021-22. Their 27-55 record was the sixth-worst in the NBA. They left the draft lottery with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. While most of the focus falls on this first-round selection, the Trail Blazers also hold the 36th and 57th overall pick in the draft.
It is important to hit on every selection in the draft and there are several notable second-round prospects in this draft. While there are several great options to target with the 7th pick, Portland must capitalize on their late-round picks as well. Finding a key rotational piece in the later rounds is a massive benefit to an organization from both a talent and salary cap perspective. Here are three names for the Trail Blazers to target in this year’s draft.
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3 sleeper prospects for Blazers to target in 2022 NBA Draft
Christian Koloko – Center Arizona
A massive 7-foot 230-pound big man, Christian Koloko has the necessary size and skill to translate at the NBA level. He spent three seasons at Arizona and took a massive step forward this year. Koloko averaged 12.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists per game.
The big man plays with a relatively high motor and is an impressive shot blocker. This is likely the biggest draw in his game. His 7’4” wingspan deters even more shots than he actually blocks. He can score from the post and finish plays above the rim on offense.
There are some tweaks that need to be made in his game but everything is fairly fixable. Koloko can be undisciplined on defense which occasionally leads to foul trouble. He also has a tendency to bring the ball down in the post. There is hope for his shooting as he increased his free-throw percentage throughout college. The Arizona standout connected on 73.5% of his free throws which would be a major asset at the NBA level.
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While his ceiling is not as high, Koloko’s current production is not far off from many of the centers that will go off the board in the first round and will make a fine rotational NBA piece. He fits the model of a modern rim-running big man and could contribute in a limited role immediately.
Dalen Terry – Wing Arizona
Despite sharing the court with Bennedict Mathurin and Christian Koloko, there were stretches where Dalen Terry was the most important player on Arizona’s roster. The scrappy 6’6” wing plays a tenacious style of basketball that would fit on any NBA team. Terry was a vocal leader on the team and made a massive impact defensively. He oftentimes ran the show on offense, calling plays and swinging the ball around the perimeter.
While Koloko was the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Terry also earned a spot on the Pac-12 All-Defense Team. He averaged 8.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals. His numbers are not eye-popping but Terry’s impact is consistently felt. He does a little bit of everything for the team and brings high-level energy every night. Expect Terry to fit in the NBA as an impact defender who makes his presence felt. His 7-foot wingspan makes him very switchable defensively and he will hold his own in any matchup. Terry has no problem slapping the hardwood or picking up a guy full court. Expect him to impose himself on opponents and become a key bench piece on an NBA team moving forward.
Dalen Terry diving on the floor for a loose ball, Christian Koloko with an impressive block, slick passes by Justin Kier and Dalen Terry which lead to an awesome fastbreak dunk by Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona rocked this year pic.twitter.com/KxNnh6XFaA
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) June 7, 2022
Ron Harper Jr- Wing Rutgers
A four-year starter at Rutgers, Ron Harper Jr. would become a fan favorite rather quickly. He increased his scoring average each year and was Rutgers' leading scorer the past three seasons. In Harper Jr.’s final year he averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.0 steals. He has been an up and down shooter but connected on 39.8% of his three-pointers this season. He stands 6’5” and weighed in at 240 pounds this season. The 7’1” wingspan he displayed rejuvenated some hope in his NBA fit and defensive ability.
Harper Jr. is a capable shooter off of motion plays and has a willing trigger. He improved his efficiency this year by decreasing his shot attempts while raising his scoring average. He will need to slim down a little bit and will struggle with quicker players, but he competes incredibly hard.
Even with the extra size, the Rutgers product is an above-average athlete. It will be interesting to see how Harper Jr.’s throwback style translates to the NBA level. While he may not be the prototype for an NBA wing, he brings a toughness and production that is intriguing. He currently is slated for a late second-round projection and adding him with this pick would be a low-risk high-reward selection.
