Portland Trail Blazers Make Progress on Draft Day, But More is Still to Come

No, the Blazers did not manage to land Arizona State sensation, and 2009 Pac-10 player of the year, James Harden (far right). He was selected third in the draft by Portland's once interstate rivals, the Oklahoma City Thunder/Seattle Supersonics. Blazers fans have become accustomed to drooling over what trades general manager Kevin Pritchard will make on draft day, which amazing prospects will he miraculously manage to score, which teams will be Pritch-slapped. This year's draft, for the Portland Trail Blazers, was not about finding that young, talented player, the missing piece to the puzzle. This year's draft was about making minor adjustments to an already potent roster. The Blazers needs were simple: Cut away any deadwood necessary in order to sign free agents, or trade for players to fill the holes at starting point guard backup power forward. Today, Kevin Pritchard was able to slightly fill some of these goals. By selecting Victor Claver with their No. 22 pick, the Blazers will be ... (link)