If the season were to end today, the Portland Trail Blazers would have just a 1.5 percent chance of landing the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and a 7.1 percent chance of jumping into the top four. So, you’re saying there’s a chance!<\/p>\n
Luck was on their side in a recent Bleacher Report mock draft, where Zach Buckley has Portland selecting North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson <\/a>with the No. 4 overall selection. <\/p>\n There’s a top-three consensus of prospects between AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer. Wilson wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize by any means, and could be a win-win scenario as his landing spot in Portland could be ideal for his development. <\/p>\n “Portland’s lottery winnings here could mean good fortunes for Wilson, too. He needs a little time to impact the game with more than explosion and energy\u2014shooting and handling are big swing skills\u2014and the Blazers are deep enough up front to not ask too much from him too quickly,” Buckley writes.<\/p>\n Caleb Wilson is the perfect fit for Joe Cronin’s vision<\/p>\n The Blazers would face a difficult decision if this simulated lottery were to become reality. Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. has seen his draft stock rise after a strong March and should be in consideration here, as it’s rarely a bad idea to bet on a John Calipari guard in the NBA. Acuff would give Portland more clarity in what has suddenly become an uncertain backcourt<\/a>, with question marks surrounding how Scoot Henderson and, to a lesser extent, Shaedon Sharpe fit into their long-term plans. <\/p>\n