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NBA Mock Draft 3.0 — Atlanta Hawks Win Number One Pick

By Dallin Duffy

ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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NBA Mock Draft
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – FEBRUARY 20: Isaiah Stewart #33 of the Washington Huskies reacts in the first half against the Stanford Cardinal during their game at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on February 20, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Portland Trail Blazers. Isaiah Stewart. player. Scouting Report. PF/C, Washington. Pick Analysis. 14. 34

The Blazers need to give Dame Lillard and C.J. McCollum more frontcourt help, and with Haasan Whiteside likely wanting a big paycheck this summer, should look to the draft to make it happen. The problem is, there is a significant drop off when it comes to big men in the class after Wiseman, Toppin, and Oknogwu. It’s a very guard-heavy class, the one position Portland doesn’t need.

They could be a target to try and trade up to grab one of those three, but if they stay put, they wouldn’t have to reach too far down to grab Stewart. The Washington freshman split opinions of draft pundits throughout the year, with many noting his style of playing not being ideal for the modern NBA.

Stewart flashed two-way potential as a Husky, looking good on the boards as well. He’s crafty in the post and has nice footwork on that end of the court. Defensively, he’s a bit stiff and lacks elite athleticism. Smaller wings and guards should be able to easily blow past him on the perimeter.

He shot 20 threes in his 32 collegiate games, making just five and lacks much of a mid-range game as well. Stewart will do his work in the paint, and if he’s able to do so at an elite level at both ends, he will be worth a lottery pick.