5 shooters the Portland Trail Blazers could target in the 2018 NBA Draft
By Ty Delbridge
1. Kevin Huerter
- Height: 6’7”
- Weight: 194 lbs
- Position: SG
- Age: 19
Kevin Huerter played two seasons at Maryland University and in most NBA scouts’ minds, he is the best pure shooter in this draft class. Huerter has fantastic size for a wing player and plays hard defense to go along with his shooting. He has excellent 3 and D potential.
Even if he doesn’t become a solid defender, his shot will allow him to have a long NBA career. The Ringer has compared him to Allen Crabbe and a “discount” Klay Thompson. A lot of mock drafts have him going inside the top 20. NBA teams covet shooting, and he has a chance to be a top shooter in the entire NBA.
In his two years at college, Huerter shot 39.4 percent from the 3-point line (5.4 attempts) and 57.2 percent from 2-point range per game. In the NBA, Huerter will have more space to run around and shoot off screens. He showed at the college level that he does not need much space to get his shot off. Huerter has great range on his shot and has no problem shooting off-balance or contested shots. He can also handle the ball and pull up with no problem.
Huerter’s draft stock had been rising approaching the draft, but ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Huerter would miss about two months with a hand injury. If that’s the case, he has a chance to fall in this draft and could be on the board when the Blazers are on the clock.
Maryland forward Kevin Huerter, a projected first-round pick in the June NBA Draft, underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right hand, sources tell ESPN. He will be sidelined for two months.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 13, 2018
Huerter could be a valuable player off the bench for the Blazers. He could back up Lillard, McCollum, Turner and Harkless. The Blazers could get creative with Huerter when he is on the court, and the threat of him could open things up for other guys. He is an absolute sniper and playing with guys who demand tough defense will allow Huerter to see open looks.
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The Blazers could have a lineup of Lillard, McCollum, Huerter, Aminu and Zach Collins. All five guys can space the floor with shooting, and it would be a hard lineup for defenses to stop. Huerter has a chance to thrive on the Blazers.