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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential busts

By Josh Cornelissen

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Lonzo Ball (UCLA) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Lonzo Ball (UCLA) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Purdue Boilermakers forward Caleb Swanigan (50) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the semifinals of the midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Caleb Swanigan (No. 26) — Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers entered the 2017 NBA Draft with three first round picks and few glaring needs. With a team filled with players on their second contracts, Portland is looking at an expensive cap sheet and a filled out roster. With no financial flexibility, they needed to leverage whatever picks they kept into meeting their true need: wing defenders.

Al-Farouq Aminu is on a value contract and provides strong wing defense, and Maurice Harkless is an above-average defender as well. But both are combo forwards, but there is no one on the roster capable of guarding elite guard scorers. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are incredible offensive talents, but could not defend a cookie jar from toddlers.

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    • The Trail Blazers flipped their first two picks into center Zach Collins. Although Portland is laden with big men, Collins was an analytical darling and could develop into a star. He provides insurance in case Jusuf Nurkic leaves in restricted free agency, and at worst is a high-talent backup and occasional running mate in spot minutes at the 4.

    That left the Trail Blazers pick No. 26 to get that defender to take opposing guard scorers. Josh Hart was a Wooden Award finalist who projects as a strong backcourt defender. Davon Reed went at 32 and could be the perfect 3-and-D prospect. Frank Jackson and Frank Mason are both tough defensive guards as well. Each of these players were available at 26.

    Instead the Trail Blazers selected Caleb Swanigan, a power forward/center prospect out of Purdue. One of the best players in college basketball this season, Swanigan was a double double-double machine for the Boiler Makers. He has the body of a low-post bruiser, and one of the more refined post games of anyone in the draft class.

    But the Blazers have Jusuf Nurkic, Zach Collins, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard and Noah Vonleh – all who fit best at center. Swanigan might ultimately be a 4, but then the Blazers have Aminu and Harkless to add to the mix.

    While Portland will almost certainly have to move a player or two, the reality is that there is simply no room for Swanigan on this team. As Portland remains silent of the G-League front, there is no affiliate team to send him to either.

    Swanigan could be a solid bench player in the NBA, but he cannot shoot and his defensive skill-set is limited. Sitting the pine in Portland will not help him develop, and it will not help this team guard the Stephen Currys of the league. Portland probably needed more from this pick, and it could set Swanigan up for failure as he begins his professional career.

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