The Milwaukee pick turned into the 2nd overall pick following the recent lottery - guaranteeing that the Blazers will be able to make the "comfort selection," taking the "left over" superstar from the big 2 of Cameron Payne and Stanley Johnson Jr.
The 2017 season had very few bright spots, but several young players on the roster took steps forward, including Jordan McRae, Giannis Antetokounmpo and James McAdoo.
Jordan McRae
Jordan McRae is considered to be the newest 3 and D phenom in the league. At the ripe age of 24 years old, he's already won a CSL title under the tutelage of legendary GM Jace aka Sun Scorched.
McRae averaged 9.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.6 APG, and 1.2 SPG. His shooting percentages took a substantial dip this past season, but that can clearly be attributed to the lack of an effective philosophy in Portland and frankly, a bad team all around. He will be the team's 2 guard going forward and will be kept as long as possible.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Signed in the off-season to what was considered a "less than ideal" contract (5 years at more than 55 million), Antetokounmpo experienced career highs in multiple statistical categories - including an improved shooting stroke. Antetokounmpo averaged 11.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1 BPG, .5 SPG in 28 minutes. He improved his shooting to a much more manageable 38% - up from previous years that dipped to percentages as low as 30%. Giannis did this while averaging 28 minutes per game after moving to the 6th man mid way through the season.
Giannis is a do-it-all forward that plays lock down defense and provides the rare skill set of being a point-forward at 6 feet 10 inches. Unless blown away by a substantial trade offer, it is likely the trade addicted "AK" will refrain from moving an asset such as Giannis.
James McAdoo
James McAdoo emerged this season as a starter in this league and someone who can ultimately defend on the perimeter or in the post. James McAdoo averaged 10.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, .5 BPG, and .7 SPG. McAdoo proved to be a very efficient forward, shooting nearly 50% on the season, while playing starters minutes (31.4 MPG).
McAdoo has carved a role in this league as a low usage, high-energy big that can rebound, defend and shoot at a high clip. With the possibility of the Blazers drafting Stanley Johnson Jr, there is a chance that McAdoo will move to a 6th man role where he may truly thrive as he feasts upon the 2nd unit bigs in the league.
The Blazers have a long road ahead of them to return to a respectable status within the league after committing to a youth movement - something that should speak volumes of how badly last season's vision crashed and burned. Especially when you consider the fact that the Blazers were one Harrison Barnes sign and trade away from acquiring Paul George in this past-offseason, one can certainly contest that "AK" doesn't have the patience for a long-term youth movement. One thing is certain, the rest of the league can expect to see either Cameron Payne or Stanley Johnson Jr move into the role as the "face of the franchise" come draft night.
just joshing 
