Portland Trail Blazers: 2017 NBA Draft grades
With the 26th pick in 2017 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select…Caleb Swanigan out of Purdue.
I really like this pick from the Portland Trail Blazers, selecting 20-year-old, 6’9″ power forward/center Caleb Swanigan out of Purdue.
Swanigan provides great value at the 26th pick, and he adds more edge to an already tough-minded Blazers team. Playing 35 games last season, Swanigan averaged 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 32.5 minutes per game. He shot 52.7 percent from the field, 44.7 percent from behind the arc and 78.1 percent from the free throw line.
B. The Portland Trail Blazers select Caleb Swanigan with the 26th pick, adding another offensive-minded, rebounding big man to their now-crowded frontcourt. He’s not much of a defender, but expect him to put in the work necessary to improve his game. Naturally want to root for him.. PF/C. Portland Trail Blazers. CALEB SWANIGAN
Per Julian Applebome at Draft Express, Swanigan had a tough time growing up, battling things like “weight issues, homelessness, and the death of his father.” Portland picks up a guy who takes the hardship in his life and channels it into the kind of hard work and dedication expected of an NBA star.
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He’s not the most athletic guy, nor the best defender, but Swanigan’s 7’3″ wingspan and ability to rack up double-doubles is undeniable. He adds a bit more frontcourt depth than the Blazers need, but he’s a solid pick at 26 that the Blazers can rely on to clean the glass, space the floor and leave it all out on the hardwood.