The Portland Trail Blazers are ready to make major moves at the NBA draft. The Blazers, who showed flashes of greatness this past season, are picking eleventh overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
With a young core of Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan on the roster, Portland finished with a 36-46 record in the loaded Western Conference in the 2024-25 season. This was a 15-game improvement from the previous season, but to take the next step forward, one analyst wants the Blazers to add a versatile talent to their frontcourt with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Blazers Predicted To Select Derik Queen in the 2025 NBA Draft
The Blazers’ roster mainly consists of smaller guards and true bigs, and is sorely in need of a wing-sized player. They ranked 26th in 3-point field goal percentage (34.2%) and could use more perimeter threats, like Maryland product Derik Queen, who is predicted to be selected 11th overall by Portland in CSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Bjorn Bergstrom.
“Queen is an interesting study as a prospect, as the 6’10”, 246-pound forward is comfortable playing on the perimeter,” Bergstrom wrote. “While he can mix it up down low, as he averaged a team-leading 9.0 rebounds, he has an innate ability to play-make and create his own shot off the dribble.
“With 7’2″ center Donovan Clingan in place, Queen would fit right in as the starting power forward and form a hefty duo in the paint for the Blazers.”
There are concerns about Queen’s interior defense, but his offense is ready to go. The freshman averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-point field goal attempts. His jumper is in the early stages but showing signs of development, and he can at least move defensively so that he’s not a total mismatch on the perimeter against ball-handlers.
Derik Queen #Maryland
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Queen is only 20 years old, so his combination of interior scoring and nose for rebounding should help him on Portland’s roster. However, Brandon Austin of PFSN believes Jase Richardson’s mix of poise, scoring instincts, and two-way versatility is a compelling fit for the Trail Blazers.
“Despite being the son of a former NBA player, Jason Richardson, he isn’t the flashiest athlete in the class, but his high basketball IQ, refined scoring craft, and ability to thrive both on and off the ball give him a valuable skill set that fits modern NBA guard play,” Austin wrote. “Richardson plays with great balance, footwork, and control, traits that help him create space and scoring chances against bigger defenders.”
Meanwhile, he predicted the Toronto Raptors would snap Queen off the board early at ninth overall.
“Derik Queen checks a lot of boxes for a Toronto Raptors team that needs to add more skilled and versatile talent to its frontcourt. He’s one of the most polished big men in this class, blending strength and finesse with a uniquely high basketball IQ,” Xie wrote. “While Queen isn’t the most explosive athlete, his game is built around touch, timing, and feel.
“Queen offers Toronto a rare blend of post scoring, passing, and toughness — skills that could complement their core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Gradey Dick while adding a new dynamic to their offense.
