Portland Trail Blazers 2006 Draft Preview

Power forward Zach Randolph led the Trail Blazers in scoring (18.0 ppg) and rebounding (8.0 rpg), while Steve Blake dished out a team-best 4.5 assists per game. Randolph is Portland’s best player and at least gives them a presence in the low post.

Guard Jarrett Jack and forward Martell Webster showed some promise as rookies this past season, while guard Juan Dixon netted 12.3 per game in 76 contests. Point guard Sebastian Telfair averaged 9.5 points and 3.6 assists in his second year in the league.

Disgruntled forward Darius Miles played 40 games and registered 14.0 points and 4.6 rebounds. Miles would like to be traded and the team will most likely try to accommodate him.

The Trail Blazers would like Telfair, Randolph and Webster to makeup three- fifths of their starting lineup. The fourth overall pick should be able to get them another piece to the starting lineup.

Italy’s Andrea Bargnani, who has been compared to Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki, could be the pick at No. 4, while Connecticut’s Rudy Gay or Washington’s Brandon Roy may also be intriguing.

Portland also has the 30th and 31st picks, and has to be careful with those selections. It could be a very big day for the Trail Blazers if they make smart picks.

Key Player(s): Steve Blake (Guard), Juan Dixon (Guard), Jarrett Jack (guard), Darius Miles (Forward), Joel Przybilla (Center), Zach Randolph (Forward), Theo Ratliff (Center), Sebastian Telfair (Guard), Martell Webster (Forward).

Team Needs: An outside shooter, inside toughness and scoring.

Draft picks: 1st round (4th overall), 2nd round (30th overall), 2nd round (31st overall).