The Portland Trail Blazers had a far better season than many anticipated, notching 36 wins in a loaded Western Conference. Their fantastic year came about as a result of a defense that really took off in the second half of the season.
With a talented roster comprised of aging veterans and promising youngsters, the sky is the limit for this version of the Trail Blazers. But they can further improve the roster in the 2025 NBA Draft, and one analyst believes leaning into their defensive renaissance is the way forward.
Portland Trail Blazers Could Lean Further Into Defensive Identity
For the season, Portland finished 16th in defensive rating at 113.7. However, they were just a smidge behind the Miami Heat at 112, who ranked ninth in the entire league. Their defense came alive thanks to a perfectly rounded roster.
But with Jerami Grant potentially on the move, with just two years left on his deal, it could open up a spot in the rotation alongside last year’s surprise breakout, Toumani Camara. The second-round pick from 2023 had a mightily impressive season, earning a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.
His work became an integral part of the team. And Kevin O’Connor wants the Blazers to lean into their identity further by adding Carter Bryant in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Arizona product is far from the finished product, especially on the offensive end, but his defensive potential is off the charts.
Carter Bryant wymienia zawodników, których ogląda najczęściej, pierwszy na liście Toumani Camara, kilka miesięcy temu porównywałem go do Tou, IMO powinien być jednym z głównych kandydatów Blazers z #11. pic.twitter.com/3Hp7Neyj5p
— Lillard93 (@Lillard93) May 16, 2025
In his latest mock draft, O’Connor believes adding Bryant “would serve as a double-down on the team’s newfound identity.” Describing the Wildcat, he wrote, “Bryant is a rangy, athletic forward who projects as a highly versatile defender.”
While he remains a work-in-progress offensively after averaging just 6.5 points on the year, his shooting has dramatically improved, especially during the NCAA and conference tournaments. However, at pick 11, he might still be a bit of a flier—albeit one that fits perfectly with the current version of Portland.
The latest NBA mock draft from PFSN, though, wants Portland to focus on the other end. After ranking in the bottom 10 of offensive rating, Brandon Austin believes adding a playmaking big in the form of Derik Queen might be a smart identity play.
Another NCAA Tournament standout, Queen’s performance at the tournament propelled him into lottery pick status, and he has a versatile offensive game—especially out of the post—that could give the Trail Blazers a unique edge.
But for a team featuring the likes of Deni Avdija and the aforementioned Camara defensively, solidifying that end might be the perfect setup to establish a winning culture. As a result, Bryant makes perfect sense for Portland.
During the pre-draft process, Camara was the first name out of Bryant’s mouth when asked about the player he studies the most. With a chance to potentially bring the two together, it might be a match made in heaven for the Blazers.
