The Blazers have developed a reputation for banking on undeveloped talent and untapped potential. Rarely does Portland select a prospect with the intention of handing that prospect heavy minutes in year one. Case and point: Anfernee Simons, who continues to work his voodoo in short spurts from the back of the bench.
So the pick here is Precious Achiuwa, a raw athletic specimen who gives Portland some long-term depth in the frontcourt. Jusuf Nurkic is a borderline star, and the combined efforts of Zach Collins and Hassan Whiteside are enough to buoy the Blazers’ frontcourt in the short term. In a few seasons time, however, it’s feasible for Achiuwa to inhabit a valuable archetype in the modern NBA.
At 6-foot-9, Achiuwa is shorter than the average NBA center. He makes up for it with strength and foot speed. He’s a versatile athlete who can defend in space and run the floor. He’s a Mack truck in transition, and while his skill set is still a work in progress, it’s not hard to see the potential on tape. Someone with Achiuwa’s upside is a decent bet to end the lottery.