NBA Mock Draft: Dallas Mavericks take a huge gamble; A surprise riser emerges

3. Portland Trail Blazers – Scoot Henderson, G, G League Ignite

The Portland Trail Blazers have a very big decision to make this offseason and, quite frankly, I believe there’s one clear path forward for the franchise. Unfortunately, it may involve trading Damian Lillard. With the No. 3 pick and the opportunity to select a player as dynamic and talented as Scoot Henderson, I’m not sure how the Blazers could pass that up. I don’t think they can.

Add in the fact that the Blazers would get a huge haul in a trade for Lillard and it just makes a lot more sense to trade him this offseason than it would to trade the No. 3 pick and a few of their other talented young pieces for a “star” that may or may not help Portland achieve something special with Lillard.

And, hey, maybe Henderson is a good enough prospect where Lillard would be willing to wait around a season to see how he looks during his rookie year. Maybe the Blazers could get the best of both worlds. Though, that may seem unlikely right now.

If Scoot is there, the Blazers need to make him their selection.