Portland Trail Blazers NBA Draft Picks 2023: Full list of players drafted by the team
The Portland Trail Blazers own the third, 23rd and 43rd picks of the 2023 NBA Draft. They started by getting G League Ignite superstar Scoot Henderson.
Portland was waiting for the Charlotte Hornets to decide between Brandon Miller and Henderson. Once the Hornets selected the former Alabama forward with the No. 2 pick, it was inevitable that the Blazers would get Henderson.
Scoot Henderson has a strong case of becoming the best player from this draft class. If not for Victor Wembanyama, he would have been under strong consideration to be the first pick.
Henderson already worked out with the Blazers on two occasions and he impressed the coaching staff both times. Portland didn't get a consolation prize with its pick.
Damian Lillard has a potential two-way star in the backcourt with him. Scoot Henderson can play both guard positions. With his excellent playmaking and vision, he will help Lillard orchestrate the plays.
The Blazers have landed one of the best prospects in NBA draft history.
The Portland Trail Blazers get Kris Murray with the 23d pick
The Portland Trail Blazers have been on point in the 2023 NBA Draft. With the 23rd pick, they grabbed former Iowa star Kris Murray. The brother of Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will make the Blazers more versatile.
Portland's rookie had an outstanding junior year with the Hawkeyes. From 9.7 points per game in his sophomore season, his average jumped to 20.2 PPG. He shot 47.6%, including 33.5% from deep on nearly seven attempts per game.
Murray is 6-8 and would be the ideal replacement for free agent forward Jerami Grant. The former Hawkeye has versatility on both ends of the floor. Scouts were impressed with his superb basketball IQ.
Keegan Murray's brother will be a solid rotational piece to build around Scoot Henderson and Damian Lillard. At some point, he may push for a spot in the Portland Trail Blazers' starting lineup.
The Sacramento Kings, who were picking 24th, were reportedly keen on uniting the brothers in California. Unfortunately for them, the Blazers had the early opportunity to draft Kris Murray.
French international Rayan Rupert goes to Portland
French international basketball player Rayan Rupert, who used to play for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL, also went to Portland. The Blazers got the talented 6-7 forward with a 7-2 wingspan.
Rupert is raw, but he has the physical tools and flashes of versatility that caught scouts' and the Portland Trail Blazers' attention.
Also read: Scoot Henderson siblings: Taking a closer look at NBA Draft 2023's 3rd pick's personal life