Portland Trail Blazers 2009 Draft Preview
(Sports Network) - The Portland Trail Blazers sport a ton of talent. Now they just need the experience to match it.General manager Kevin Pritchard's first order of business is locking up his two young stars, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, to long-term extensions. The Blazers could be a busy team on draft night. They don't have a ton of room on the roaster and own a first round pick and four second-round selections. You have to think the Blazers would want a natural point guard with upside but the top-tier quarterbacks will be gone by No. 24. Since Portland is very deep, it will likely go the "best player available" route, and that might be Gonzaga forward Austin Daye. Daye's skill set and 6-foot-10 frame have NBA scouts intrigued but he does lack physical strength. The Blazers can afford to take the plunge since they have the time and talent on hand to let him develop. Anyone could use a frontcourt player that can space the floor. Players under contract: C Joel Przybilla; C Greg Oden; F/C LaMarcus Aldridge; G Steve Blake; F Travis Outlaw; G/F Martell Webster; G Brandon Roy; G Jerryd Bayless; G/F Rudy Fernandez; G Sergio Rodriguez; F Nicolas Batum Draft picks: 1st round (24th overall), 2nd round (33rd overall. 38th overall, 55th overall, 56th overall)
Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.









