The have succeeded massively in the draft when it comes to finding talent in the latter first-round picks of the draft and Portland’s scouting and draft philosophy often means despite being late to the plate. But this success has come at a massive cost, oftentimes despite incredible failure. Ultimately, it all comes down to a single choice: should a front office draft for talent or for fit? Portland has often chosen the latter.
Of course, not every draft choice is a guaranteed ringer. Names like Barry Parkhill, Rolando Ferreira, and Nolan Smith litter a draft card 54 years long. But that answer has often hounded their team-building exercises throughout the years, adding parable after parable surrounding each choice.
And after 279 selections, there are five that stand as stark reminders that a draft pick requires the ultimate consideration. In 2005, Portland was facing a public relations crisis. Having dismantled the successful Jail Blazers core of the late nineties and early aughts, the front office was now working against a public perception that had tossed the team in the bin.
Not to be thought about. It was easier not to think about Darius Miles and Zach Randolph. Due to the fallout, the front office focused on renovating its public image by drafting high-character players, regardless of skill set.
Head-to-Head GP 580 845 1272 PTS 8.7 16.3 17.
5 FG% 41.8 44.5 47.
1 3P% 38.2 35.7 36.
9 REB 3.1 3.1 4.
5 AST 1.0 8.1 9.
4 That’s why they agreed to trade back to sixth in the 200.
