The Trail Blazers hosted a pre-draft workout on Thursday with six high-level prospects, writes Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report (subscriber link).
Michigan State guard Jase Richardson (No. 14 on ESPN’s big board), Illinois wing Will Riley (No. 15), Georgia forward/center Asa Newell (No. 19), UConn wing Liam McNeeley (No. 21) and Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming (No. 28) are all potential first-round picks, while Chinese center Hansen Yang — a combine standout — is viewed as a possible second-rounder, coming in at No. 67 on ESPN’s list.
As Highkin notes, Portland currently controls one pick in June’s draft, No. 11 overall. The team’s previous workouts mainly focused on less heralded players, but some of today’s group could be in contention for the lottery selection.
Richardson, who says he emulates Mike Conley, is out to prove he can orchestrate an NBA offense.
“There are a lot of questions about what position I can play at the next level,” Richardson said. “Playing at Michigan State, I was a two, because coach [Tom Izzo] wanted me to score. But I want to show teams I’m a point guard and I can facilitate.”
In addition to Portland’s front office and coaches, three players on the current roster — Scoot Henderson, Justin Minaya and Jabari Walker — also attended Thursday’s workout. According to Highkin, Newell thinks he’d fit in well with the Blazers.
“They like to [push] the pace a lot with Scoot and [Donovan] Clingan,” Newell said. “He cleans up anything down low. I think I’d be a plug-and-play player.”
Here are a few more notes related to June’s draft:
- Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report updated his mock draft following Wednesday’s deadline for early entrants to withdraw in order to their NCAA eligibility. Wasserman, who has the Trail Blazers selecting Newell at No. 11, says Washington State forward Cedric Coward appears to be one of the big winners of the pre-draft process, with one scout comparing his rise to that of Jalen Williams, who went No. 12 overall in 2022. Coward goes No. 14 to San Antonio in Wasserman’s mock.
- Freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford was voted by four of his peers as the “most underrated” prospect in the 2025 class, according to ESPN, but he wound up withdrawing and returning to Auburn prior to yesterday’s deadline. Arizona forward Carter Bryant (three votes) and North Carolina guard/forward Drake Powell (two) also received multiple votes. “Carter Bryant is super underrated,” Newell told ESPN. “I just feel like his game translates to the NBA really well. He’s got the size, he’s got the touch, he’s got the 3-point ability. And seeing him, he can definitely be a versatile defender.”
- The Nets held a pre-draft workout on Thursday with six prospects, including Colorado State wing Nique Clifford and Tennessee guards Chaz Lanier and Jahmai Mashack, reports Brian Lewis of The New York Post (via Twitter). According to Lewis, the Nets — who control a league-high five picks (all in the top 35) — also have an upcoming workout scheduled with Duke wing Kon Knueppel (Twitter link). Knueppell (No. 8 on ESPN’s board) and Clifford (No. 24) are projected first-round picks, while sharpshooter Lanier (No. 40) is viewed as a second-rounder.
I had Portland taking Liam McNeeley in my last mock. They could def use his shooting on the wing but he’s more than a shooter. Liam plays a really mature game. He’s a legit 6’7 but to me he plays more like a guard. Kon Knueppel who’s a lil shorter plays more like a forward than Liam. His game reminds me of Joe Johnson & Scott Wedman, 2 other big guards. If Portland passes on Liam id love for my Hawks to snatch him up at 13. Id love it even more if we trade Trae out there for Scoot + pieces.
Too soft saw him playing in high school that right there get a GM fired and take the coach out with him
Everyone needs Tre Johnson from Texas especially Washington
I like you mentioned Joe Johnson, Wedman was the man, Kansas City is forgotten
I wished Joe Johnson was still playing, NBA blackballed veterans
Speaking of my Hawks I got us taking Cedric Coward at 13 rn. He’s extremely long, agile, good bball IQ & he’s a great shooter, esp c&s. Having this guy in 1 corner & Zacch in the other would be really tough for defenses to deal with if we keep Trae. If we pass on Coward & he’s not available at 22 I’d love us to consider Dink Pate tho. He’s just as tall/long as Coward if not moreso & seems like he could be a bigger version of guys like KCP/Dumars
The Hawks need a young C or PG to draft. A PG really
Gueye can develop at C
LMAO.. Essengue at 8!?
Ok you think Essengue at 8 is laughable. Explain why. What is your argument against Essengue at 8?
You see how I explain why I see Liam going 11 or Coward going 13. That don’t motivate y’all?
Maybe after 10. He could be something