JUST IN: Major NBA draft change to provide massive opportunity for Trail Blazers

Anticipate increased activity and negotiations from the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming period. Several factors contributed to the Blazers’ modest 21-win season, including significant injuries to key players such as Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jerami Grant. However, this season was always expected to be focused on player development for the organization. With a roster dominated by young talent, especially towards the end of the season, Portland aimed to secure a favorable position in the draft.

By strategically managing their performance, the Trail Blazers positioned themselves as contenders for the third or fourth-best odds at securing the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Additionally, they acquired another first-round selection from the Golden State Warriors via the Boston Celtics, likely to fall within the later lottery picks. Notably, Portland also possesses a pair of early second-round picks, which could hold significant value in the upcoming offseason compared to previous years.

The NBA changed the draft format from 1 to 2 nights

The NBA draft will be extended over two days, with the initial round occurring on June 26th and the subsequent round unfolding the next day. The interval between selections in the second round will be extended from two to four minutes. This adjustment grants teams a full day to assess their draft strategies between picks 30 and 31, facilitating discussions on potential trades to maneuver up or down. Moreover, the additional time between picks in the second round further allows front offices to deliberate on potential trade prospects.

The new format could lead to the Blazers making moves on draft night

Besides having two lottery picks, Portland also possesses selections at numbers 33 and 40. Given that the team already boasts one of the NBA’s youngest rosters, it’s improbable that general manager Joe Cronin will opt to bring in four additional rookies. Therefore, there’s a fair likelihood that the Trail Blazers will engage in some draft-related transactions.