2012 NBA Draft: 8 Players the Portland Trail Blazers Need to Target

Because of a trade with the New Jersey Nets, the Portland Trail Blazers could have two first-round picks in the 2012 NBA Draft.

It’s looking likely that both of those picks could be lottery picks as well. However, if the Nets win a top-three pick in the lottery, the Trail Blazers will not get that pick.

But if Portland ends up with two picks in the first round, that will bring this year’s total to three selections.

In a pretty deep draft, that means Portland can improve its roster, specifically at two positions where it needs the most help—point guard and center.

Drafting centers is a scary idea in Portland after Sam Bowie and Greg Oden, but it is a concern that must be addressed this year.

Here are eight players Portland should keep its eye on.

Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

Portland would have to strike lottery gold and win the No. 1 draft pick to have a chance at Anthony Davis. While that isn’t likely, it’s certainly a possibility.

Portland could use a defensive presence like Davis, who does not need the ball to be effective. Just look at his line in the NCAA Championship Game: 16 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and six points. That earned him Most Outstanding Player.

Davis could step right in with Portland and take over where Marcus Camby left off before being traded. Only his youthful legs will be a lot springier.

Andre Drummond, PF/C, Connecticut

Andre Drummond did not put up big numbers in his only season at UConn, but at 6’10” and 270 pounds, Drummond has the size and athletic ability to become a force in the NBA.

He has the ability to block shots and pull down rebounds. While his low-post moves may not necessarily be polished, the man is an athletic freak. He can power down alley-oops and posterize most players who dare stand in his way.

In a couple of years he could be the second coming of Dwight Howard—complete with a batting average-low free-throw percentage.

Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

The purest point guard in this draft, Kendall Marshall can step onto the floor and make the other four players on his team instantly better.

He is not concerned with getting himself shots. He would rather his pass create an open shot for a teammate.

His tendencies in college to pass, pass, pass have left some questioning his ability to score. With Portland’s current lineup, having a point guard who can distribute is more important than having one who can score.

Jared Sullinger, PF/C, Ohio State

Jared Sullinger is listed as a power forward, but with a 6’10”, 280-pound frame, there is no reason he couldn’t slide over and play center alongside LaMarcus Aldridge.

His bruising style would complement Aldridge's game nicely. It would also allow Aldridge to step outside to shoot 18-footers on occasion while maintaining an offensive threat down low, much like Portland has been doing with J.J. Hickson.

Sullinger’s biggest weakness in the eyes of Blazer fans comes through no fault of his own. A repeat from the last Ohio State big man drafted by Portland may cause fear in some.

Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

The opposite of Kendall Marshall, Damian Lillard should be picked up by Portland with its second first-round pick if the Blazers are unable to get Marshall.

Lillard is a score-first point guard who averaged 24.5 points on 15.5 field goal attempts per game. He makes a high percentage of his shots—both in front of and beyond the three-point line.

The downside to Lillard is he looks to score before looking to pass. Lillard running the point for Portland would look a lot like Jamal Crawford playing the position this year: he’s got the handles and can score, but he does not do a great job of setting up teammates.

Should Portland select Lillard, the team must hope that with more talented players surrounding Lillard than there were at Weber State, he will share the ball more effectively.

Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

You can never have too many bigs. It is not likely Fab Melo will still be on the board when the Blazers make their second-round selection. But if he is, Portland should snatch him up.

Melo is a 7-footer who can clog the middle defensively and occasionally step out to knock down mid-range jumpers. He will be a younger, slightly-better-offensively version of Joel Przbyilla, only with a much cooler name.

Alex Young, SG/SF, IUPUI

At 6’6” and 200 pounds, Alex Young is a better bet for a backup shooting guard than he is as a small forward.

He can score and crash the boards. He may not be the most efficient shooter, but he is reminiscent of Jamal Crawford in his ability to put up points in bunches.

He can get to the rim and finish or draw fouls. He shot 81 percent from the free-throw line as a senior.

Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

Jeff Withey increased his draft stock by a ton during the NCAA Tournament, but he is still a second-round pick.

Portland could use his determination as a shot blocker and rebounder.

He projects as a backup center in the NBA who comes with the added bonus of being a 7-footer who can make his free throws.