NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Detroit Pistons create young super team; big-name is traded

7. Portland Trail Blazers – Ausar Thompson, G, G League Ignite

The Portland Trail Blazers have some big questions to answer this offseason. And considering that Damian Lillard is already on record saying that he isn’t interested in rebuilding with the Blazers, this is a team that will have their work cut out for them heading into the offseason. While it would be odd for the team to draft such a project-type of prospect at No. 7. I believe this is a move that may end up being better for this team in the long run.

A future core of Ausar, Shaedon Sharpe, and Anfernee Simons could end up being really good for this team down the road. And for a Portland team that says it is retooling around Dame, this is a team that has the potential to solidify an interesting young core for the future. And that should lead this franchise to believe that perhaps it is ready to trade Dame.

Ausar is surely a prospect that has plenty to prove, including on the offensive end. But adding a talent such as him (with that much upside) at this point in the NBA Draft would be a huge win overall for the Blazers.