Irish Duo Grant and Connaughton: Drafted and Traded

Pat Connaughton – 41st Pick – Selected by Brooklyn Nets – Traded to the Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers sent the draft rights of No. 23 pick Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and guard Steve Blake to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Mason Plumlee and the draft rights of Pat Connaughton. The addition of the two sport star will add to the depth on the wing for Portland which was needed following the departure of Nicolas Batum to Charlotte via a separate trade that landed the Trail Blazers the former Indiana Hoosier’s star Noah Vonleh.

The Numbers:

Leading into the NBA combine Connaughton was tagged with the small-minded “deceptively athletic” label which appears to have motivated the berserk performance he put on at the combine finishing first in Max Vertical -44 inches, Standing Vertical – 37.5 inches, Lane Agility 10.74 second and 3/4 Court Sprint – 3.2 seconds. Those numbers are far from deceptive, they are demonstrative. After the combine even Connaughton had some fun with those who labeled him deceptive:

https://twitter.com/PlanetPat24/status/599246788080578560

The Bottom Line:

The biggest positive for Portland is that they get a competitor, an energetic guy who plays with passion and intensity which translates on the court. Connaughton could quickly carve himself a niche role coming off the bench and breathing life into the Trail Blazers newly shuffled second-unit as he further develops his game. Connaughton does have an uphill battle to make the roster as many second round picks do. However, his intensity, athleticism, high basketball IQ and defensive prowess may make him the steal of the draft looking back a few years from now, especially if his focus is just on basketball.

Connaughton athleticism immediately translates into rebounding ability, perimeter defense and shot blocking. As an under-sized power forward he lead the Fighting Irish in rebounding and blocked shots. Don’t believe me? see his performance versus Kentucky in the Elite 8 and his game saving swat against on Kellen Dunham in their Sweet Sixteen matchup against Butler for reference. Add his impressive touch from behind the arc – he shot 42% his senior season – and you have a complete package meant for basketball. The question is will he stick to just basketball or also pursue a coinciding baseball career with the Baltimore Orioles?

Next: Roy Hibbert Opts In: Pacers Now Look To Trade Him