Portland Trail Blazers Eye International Point Guards in NBA Draft

Portland, Oregon — The Portland Trail Blazers are set to make their pick at 11th in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday evening, with an array of choices ahead of them. NBA writer Jake Fischer speculates that the team will likely focus on two international point guards, Egor Demin and Kasparas Jakucionis.

Despite having two existing point guards, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson, the Blazers are reportedly considering selecting another guard or wing player due to their overloaded frontcourt. Fischer notes, “I believe Portland is going to select Egor Demin or Kasparas Jakucionis.” He adds that the team has become quite enigmatic in the late lottery, making it hard for rivals to predict their choices.

The Blazers’ frontcourt has come under scrutiny, with Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton underperforming. They also possess wings such as Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija, creating a crowded roster. In light of this, selecting either Demin, Jakucionis, or Arizona’s Carter Bryant seems likely.

Demin, a 6-foot-8 guard from BYU, has garnered attention due to his versatile skillset. His college coach, Kevin Young, praised him as a natural point guard who is adept on both ends of the court. “He’ll have multiple homes,” an Eastern Conference executive stated, highlighting his adaptability and potential fit in multiple systems.

With the NBA Finals concluding and the draft day approaching, teams are observing how their decisions could reshape their futures. The late lottery this year is especially volatile, as teams look for the best talent to rejuvenate their organizations. Mistakes in the draft can cost executives their jobs, which adds pressure to the decision-making process.

As the draft draws closer, the Trail Blazers remain a focal point among analysts and front offices. Selecting a player with the right fit could bolster their chances for a successful season ahead. Whether they choose Demin, Jakucionis, or another prospect, the decision made could have lasting impacts on the franchise.