Who the Portland Trail Blazers Should Target in 2015 NBA Draft

The Portland Trail Blazers' options in the 2015 NBA draft will be limited, but the No. 23 pick could still add an intriguing prospect to the roster. Some of it depends on how the draft itself plays out, but the front office can target a few players and go from there.

Both backcourt spots are plenty stocked on serviceable guards, some of which still require development. Selecting another prospect in this area would be redundant. Below is what the team's rotation would look like next season if Wesley Matthews and Steve Blake return in free agency:

PG	D. Lillard	S. Blake	T. Frazier
SG	W. Matthews	C.J. McCollum	A. Crabbe

The same could be said for the small forward spot. Though just Nicolas Batum will be under contract for next season at this position, Portland's ability to play small makes taking a 3 in the draft less favorable. As much as it would fill out the roster, the possible additions wouldn't necessarily work in the team's system.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson out of Arizona would bring superb defense and athleticism, but he would be lost in the offense without a reliable jump shot. Justin Anderson of Virginia would bring that outside shooting and intangible play, but would essentially replicate the role of current Blazers swingman Allen Crabbe.

The shot-creating of R.J. Hunter out of George State would have been useful prior to C.J. McCollum's recent development as a reserve scorer, but would be difficult to factor into the game plan currently. Selecting Hunter in the draft also has the potential to impede the progress of McCollum by taking shots away from the guard, which cannot happen after his strides late in the season.

As such, the Blazers must focus on taking a player in the frontcourt.

There will still be a few exciting options this late in the draft, though some may already be off the table before Portland's pick.

Montrezl Harrell out of Louisville has a lot of upside if he can be taken at No. 23. He's a burly, athletic forward that isn't afraid to get physical in the paint on both ends. He's a tenacious rebounder and defender, drawing comparisons to Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets.

Harrell stands 6'8" and weighs in at 253 pounds, but more than makes up for being undersized at power forward with his incredible 7'4" wingspan, per Draft Express. His play is mostly limited to around the rim, as his outside jumper still needs work before it is a reliable asset.

Harrell would still contribute as a punch of energy off the bench, as he's extremely animated and vocal, which would make him a terrific chest-bumping partner with Matthews if he re-signs. 

But Harrell may not be available when the Blazers are on the clock. He's slated to be taken at No. 19 by the Washington Wizards courtesy of NBADraft.net or at No. 20 to the Toronto Raptors in a recent mock draft by Bleacher Report's Tyler Conway.

Both squads need some depth and rebounding in their respective frontcourts, thus Harrell might not even be available for the Blazers. He should absolutely be Portland's first choice if he's available, but it must explore the potential of Christian Wood as a backup plan.

The UNLV forward is very raw but he has a multitude of skills that makes him a very versatile prospect. Wood has a solid face-up game extending to the three-point line, which would immediately provide him with a niche in the Blazers' offense. He's also adept at driving from the perimeter, often getting defenders off the ground with pump-fakes. 

He is talented on the boards on both ends, with a high motor and a 7'3" wingspan. He stands 6'10" but weighs just 215 pounds, per Draft Express, so he'll likely be pushed around a little on defense. Wood is still a strong shot-blocker though, sending back 2.6 shots per game courtesy of his lanky, athletic build.

The biggest knock against his game thus far is his poor offense in the post. He doesn't get great position due to his lack of strength, but it is something that would be negligible in the Blazers' spread offense.

Just as Meyers Leonard is mostly implemented as a shooter, so too could Wood. 

Either way, both are energetic, athletic forwards that can rebound, defend and handle the ball. They can also run the floor well, are terrific second-jumpers and have phenomenal wingspans. Each would surely have an impact in Portland.

Harrell might do so sooner rather than later, which makes him the surest and most attractive pick. His game is much more refined, and his body is closer to an NBA-ready mark. He'd fit right in with the Blazers, playing a dirty-work role on the glass and hustling in between.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

If the Blazers miss out on him, Wood is a safe second option that can be a versatile and talented player. But at 19 years of age and a wire-thin frame, it'll take more time for him to come around and be a reliable contributor.

In any case, Portland can walk away from the draft with a solid prospect. It'll just come down to which players are selected by the preceding teams.