I found it incredibly fullfilling to go to NBA.com today and click on the draft page only to findONE of top 5 feature articles from the draft to be about the newest Trail Blazer and recent 47th pick overall, Jake Layman out of Maryland.This article is a must read by all Blazer fans and commentators. Article title is:

"Versatile Layman ready to face NBA challenge head-on

High-character forward who knows all about physical play hopes his game translates at the next level"

I couldn't believe the level of Laziness from Dan Sheldon and Taylor Danforth on 620AM... these guys (dorks, tools, whatever you want to call them) got on the radio after the draft and RAN THEIR MOUTHS without any fact or FACT-FINDING that they could have done. Literally summing up this prospect as "He won't make any impact what-so-ever"... I can't say how disappointing this is to all Blazer Fans!!! If you represent the city of Portland and are lucky enough to hold a career-job on one of the radio stations whose primary role is that of Blazers-reporter, then you should at least spend a little time to have something of depth and value to bring to the table rather than simply writing-off a new prospect. I mean, these guys are all professionals looking to be one of 60 players in the world to take the next jump. I believe ANY pick or ANY undrafted-signee could be the next Wes Matthews, Marc Gasol, Jimmy Butler, Chandler Parsons, Bruce Bowen or Avery Johnson. I mean, 2nd Rounders and Undrafted players can still Ball-out! And earn Max-Deals...etc. So, yeah, maybe these reporter/personality-guys should pay more attention to their craft and the details of their craft if WE THE PEOPLE OF RIP CITY are going to be forced to listen to this garbage. Now that this is off my chest...

I actually follow college hoops and know this prospect is a baller. I thought Maryland had good prospects as 7' freshman Diamond Stone was a draft target on most boards, as was Maryland soph guard Melo Trimble. But in watching Maryland, Layman was the baller that really stood out. Tough, scoring, rebounding, active, touch... he seems like a guy Terry Stotts would absolutely fall in love with. The truth about this pick is that 6'9" 235lb mature and versatile Combo-Forward gives the Portland front office flexibility to be able to package other players (Aminu, Ed Davis, Noah Vonleh, Pat Connaughton, or Dan Diaz) to pry away another key player that the Blazers Brass may be targeting.

1. What is your top FREE AGENT target?

2. Are you impressed with the body of work and information available on Jake Layman?

3. What "lower-tier" role player(s) do you have your eyes on hoping the Stotts/Olshey take note?