2017 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Suns snag Lonzo Ball; Heat trade up for Fox

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

26. Portland Trail Blazers – Jordan Bell, F, Oregon

GM: Tom Hyland; Twitter: @TomHylandT6M

Portland choose to trade away the 20th to New York in return for a salary dump of Allen Crabbe’s contract. That leaves them with the 26th pick and we’re keeping in line with the objective of upgrading Portland’s defense as it remains one of the team’s glaring weaknesses.

Jordan bell gets the nod at 26 due to his defensive versatility and tremendous athleticism. As well as averaging 11 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.3 blocks through 2016-17, Bell also had some stunning performances in the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 where in 2 games against Michigan and Kansas he tallied 27 points, 26 rebounds and 10 blocks. Bell was also one of the standout players at the NBA Draft Combine, where he did a little bit of everything and put up 13 points, 7 boards, 5 assists and 5 blocks.

Bell figures as a 4 or undersized 5 and has shown excellent capability in defending both positions. Bell plays with a tenacious energy on defense; he jumps in passing lanes, is an effective weak side help man and has the ability to switch onto smaller guards. Bell will be at his best as an impact guy for Portland, coming on for stretches where stops are vital, or as a player who can come in and shut down the other team’s best frontcourt man.