2024 NBA Mock Draft: Grizzlies add key piece in lottery, Pistons get future star
By Tyler Watts
10. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors) choose Ryan Dunn
The Warriors' struggles have Portland picking twice in the top ten. The Blazers are building around Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. They need size and defense to complement their three guards. If they believe Deandre Ayton is their center of the present and future, their focus should be on defensive-minded wings.
Dunn is arguably the best defender in this class and profiles as a potential lockdown option in the NBA. He is 6’8 with a 7’1 wingspan. The 20-year-old is averaging 2.0 steals and 2.1 blocks in 26.7 minutes per game through his first 15 games played this season. Dunn can guard multiple positions and should make an instant impact on that end in the NBA.
His offensive game will determine his playing time and role. He has made just ten of his 39 3-point attempts over 46 NCAA games. Dunn cannot handle the ball or space the floor. His jumper must improve for him to play 30-plus minutes at the next level, and there is a ton of work to be done in that area.
The Portland Trail Blazers pair Ryan Dunn with Cody Williams in what could be a franchise-altering draft. They have plenty of scoring punch. If they get two elite defenders in this class, the Trail Blazers could be a team nobody wants to face in a few years.