Will the Trail Blazers trade that draft pick tonight or take a gamble on a mystery man?

If you are "all-in" for this season does another rookie project make sense?

Photo by mano harshith on Unsplash

Most people seem to agree that by trading for Jrue Holiday, the Trail Blazers served notice they will be in win-now mode this season. They are going for it — whatever “it” is, given their talent level.

So, as we approach tonight’s NBA Draft, my assumption would be that the team will trade its No. 11 pick. Try to package it with one of the existing players on their roster whose salary they wish to shed and try to obtain a more seasoned player who can have an impact this season.

Does this team need another development project? I wouldn’t think so. If you are all in on this season, a rookie might not be of much help. Unless, of course, a player slides to you at 11 that you think is a possible breakout star.

That’s why I think it’s smart to keep the pick until it’s time to use it — just making sure that there isn’t a player still on the board who you think could turn into a franchise cornerstone.