2012 NBA Draft: A Final Four Edition of a Portland Trail Blazers Draft

The Final Four is upon us, favorites have fallen and draft stocks have changed. For the Portland Trail Blazers, there has been just as big of a change on their landscape.

The Blazers are now poised for two top-10 draft choices, both of which are likely to be utilized in an attempt to fill voids on a concerning roster. While it's legitimately impossible to predict the effect that the lottery will have on their draft placement, what is possible is to look at who the Trail Blazers will be targeting, who is realistic and who they'll actually end up selecting.

Here is the Portland Trail Blazers mock draft version 3.0.

1st Round, Pick 4 (via NJN): Andre Drummond, Center, Connecticut Huskies

The Portland Trail Blazers must make a speedy recovery from Greg Oden's departure, and the best way to do so is drafting the best center on the board: Andre Drummond.

While some have raised questions about whether or not Drummond will reach a level of stardom, I'm not sure that the Blazers need that type of player. Instead, they need a player with a high basketball IQ, defensive prowess and responsible play on the offensive end. Andre Drummond fits the bill and would be the perfect fit in Portland.

Season Averages: 22.15 PER, 10.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg

1st Round, Pick 10: Austin Rivers, Guard, Duke Blue Devils

With the Blazers' second top-10 draft choice, it would certainly behoove them to take a point guard. With the depth at the position and the rise in draft position, however, the route taken might surprise some fans.

It might also upset them.

The Portland Trail Blazers are in need of a point, of course, but there are also cries of a need of a 2. With Austin Rivers' declaration of eligibility, the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone presents itself. Albeit with an overrated prospect who doesn't deserve this draft position.

Nevertheless, this is a pick that I expect. Rivers can score from anywhere on the court and has the ability to facilitate. Ability, however, is often overpowered by mentality.

Season Averages: 16.85 PER, 15.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.0 spg

2nd Round, Pick 40: Tyshawn Taylor, Point Guard, Kansas Jayhawks

This becomes a matter of selecting the best point guard available, and in this instance, it's Tyshawn Taylor.

While Taylor's stock is certain to rise upon a quality performance in the Final Four, we cannot predict his output. What we can do, however, is utilize the current ranking on most GM big boards and presume his availability at this spot in the draft.

Taylor has big-time scoring ability, crafty handles and smooth transition offense. He's as quick as anyone in the nation as well, which helps him on both ends of the court.

His defensive prowess and ability to take over on the offensive end make him an ideal fit for the Trail Blazers.