NBA Mock Draft: Who each lottery team should take with the No. 2 pick

The Trail Blazers are the toughest team here to peg in part because they will almost certainly trade the pick if they don’t land at No. 1, looking for a win-now veteran to help maximize what’s left of Damian Lillard’s prime.

The Blazers are the only team on this list who I have taking Whitmore, a sign that he may be way too much of a reach. But if we assume the Blazers aren’t going to trade the pick, they’re going to look for a two-way talent with upside who can also play a role on a playoff team next season. In that scenario, Whitemore may be the best fit. He’s nowhere near the shooter or individual creator Miller is but he should be able to play an ancillary role on offense right away, spotting up, cutting off the ball, finishing in transition and crashing the offensive glass.

Whitmore is also a long, quick and powerful defender, someone who should be able to handle a variety of matchups at the next level. His defense will give him a way to contribute immediately. Put him in the rotation as a third wing with Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe, Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons in the backcourt. If they can do something with the center position, either replacing Nurkic or finding a capable backup to lighten his load, they could be in business.

Check out our full scouting report on Cam Whitmore here.