The Portland Trail blazers emerged as a surprising standout in the 2024-25 NBA season. Under head coach Chauncey Billups, the team had faced challenges in recent years, leading to Damian Lillard’s trade request. However, with a youthful core featuring Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan, Portland posted a 36-46 record in the competitive Western Conference—a 15-win leap from the prior season. They stayed in the Play-In hunt until the season’s final weeks.
To elevate further, one analyst suggests bolstering their frontcourt with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite a 16.9% chance at a top-four selection and a 3.7% shot at No. 1, Portland landed at No. 11 in a stunning lottery outcome. Fortunately, the draft’s depth offers hope.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony predicts Portland will choose the best available talent, projecting Maryland’s Derik Queen for the No. 11 pick. “Queen is arguably the most skilled big in this draft,” Givony noted, highlighting his pick-and-roll prowess, face-up scoring versatility, and passing instincts. Though his shooting needs work—potentially clashing with Portland’s perimeter struggles—his talent may be too significant to overlook, especially if Clingan’s shooting progresses after promising rookie flashes.
At 6’10” and 246 pounds, Queen boasts an NBA-ready frame, polished handles, and a soft touch near the basket. As a Maryland freshman, he led the team with 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, shooting 56% on 2-pointers, and averaged 18.7 points in March Madness. While his jump shot is developing, his youth and defensive mobility suggest he can avoid being a liability against perimeter players.
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