2017 NBA Draft: First Round Mock 1.1

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Portland Trail Blazers- Terrance Ferguson- SG/SF- Adelaide

Portland is another team with some question marks heading into next year.  How are they going to solve their cap crunch?  They have a dynamic backcourt, and the trade for Jusuf Nurkic gives them a center, but are they satisfied with the forward positions?  Can they make a move to push this team further into contention?

Why Terrance Ferguson?

The Trail Blazers need defense especially perimeter defense to take another step forward.  Lillard and McCollum are perhaps the most dynamic offensive backcourt in the NBA, but despite their defensive improvements still, need help on that end.  Enter Ferguson named by Bleacher Report as the fourth best perimeter defender in the draft.

Draft Express details his offensive ability as being best suited to being a spot-up shooter, and that fits Portland as well.  Lillard and McCollum can do the playmaking, so players around them are best served as screeners or spot up shooters.  Ferguson seems to fit that bill.