NBA Draft 2012: Trail Blazers Must Strengthen Vital Positions

The Portland Trail Blazers made a deliberate attempt to get young by trading locker-room favorite Gerald Wallace to the Brooklyn Nets for what a pick that's likely to land Portland the sixth overall selection in June's draft.

Between that choice and a later lottery selection (set to be the 11th pick), Portland has a rare opportunity to rebuild through a draft class that's rich with talent.

It couldn't come at a better time for Portland, a club with some good, young assets and plenty of answering to do for a series of subpar seasons. Jamal Crawford is a free agent and could be looking for greener pastures, and it's hard to imagine the Trail Blazers re-signing Raymond Felton after such an up-and-down season.

The roster could also use a center after Portland traded Marcus Camby away for Hasheem Thabeet and Johnny Flynn (both free agents this offseason).

Ultimately, then, the challenge will be surrounding LaMarcus Aldridge, Nic Batum and Wesley Matthews with both big and small talent to round out the rotation (if not the starting unit). Here are a few options that might be on the table.

Andre Drummond, C (UConn)

If Drummond is still around when Portland makes its first selection, it will be hard to pass up his sheer upside. There are concerns about his drive and consistency, but the Trail Blazers may not have the luxury of being too choosy when Drummond could quite possibly become one the draft's biggest stars down the line.

What's more, this team has a post scorer in Aldridge, so Drummond would be asked to do little more than defend early on.

Jeremy Lamb, SG (UConn)

Lamb doesn't meet one of Portland's most pressing needs, but he's the kind of talent that might be difficult to pass up. If the Trail Blazers re-sign Felton or otherwise address the point via free agency, replacing a dynamic scorer like Crawford might become the more pressing priority.

In many ways, Lamb could turn into a younger version of Crawford. They have similar frames and an electric scoring ability from all over the court.

Damian Lillard, PG (Weber State)

If Portland wants a dynamic scorer running the point, Lillard is the guy. He's got great range and the kind of quickness that puts defenders on their heels. He may not be quite ready to run an NBA offense, but he may have the most upside of any point guard in the draft.

Kendall Marshall, PG (North Carolina)

If Portland prefers a pass-first guard to a scorer, Marshall might have an edge over Lillard. He's 6'4" and mature beyond his years—the kind of guy who could become the next Jose Calderon, whatever that's worth.

Tyler Zeller, C (North Carolina)

While Drummond has the superstar potential, Zeller is the safe bet. He moves and shoots well for a big guy, and he'll do all the little things too. Portland could do a lot worse than getting someone like Zeller. He needs to get physically stronger, but he might earn himself a lottery selection if scouts think he can start sooner rather than later.

Austin Rivers, G (Duke)

Rivers isn't really a point guard, but—like Lamb—he would give the Trail Blazers a valuable backcourt asset in the event Portland tries to solve its point guard woes via free agency. Doc's son is a fantastic scorer who can shoot from all over the place (and who will shoot from all over the place).

Meyers Leonard, C (Illinois)

Leonard would be a bit of a reach given how high Portland's picks are, but he might have more upside than Zeller and appears to be rapidly improving if the jump between his freshman and sophomore campaigns is any indication. Portland would inherit a great rebounder with tons of defensive upside and good explosive ability.