Three Potential Undrafted Free Agent Prospects that Address Blazers' Needs

Without owning a pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers will need to go into their first offseason under new ownership mining for gems in the undrafted free agent market. Below are three options that fit the Blazers' need of shooting, playmaking, and defense.

Tyler Nickel, Wing, Vanderbilt

"NBA teams are always looking for guys who can play off the ball and threaten defenses, as Nickel can as a shooter, because of the space these guys create for star players," Sam Vecenie wrote in The Athletic's 2026 NBA Draft Guide. "The bigger they are, the better because that gives them a chance to defend. And at 217 pounds, Nickel at least has a chance on defense."

While Nickel seems to only be suited as a movement shooter in the NBA, he has the size and intensity to hold his own in the league. While he's on the floor, opposing teams must put a body on him in transition, which could open up the offensive glass more often. He profiles similarly to San Antonio Spurs wing Julian Champagnie with a similar build and similar offensive skillset. Nickel would be an interesting developmental two-way prospect if he weren't drafted by another team.

Aaron Nkrumah, Wing, Tennessee State

While he needs to develop his shot, Aaron Nkrumah is one of the most disruptive players in this year's draft class. Portland’s entire team identity hinges upon three things: defense, pace, and shooting—three things that Nkrumah has in spades," wrote Rip City Project's Nicholas Kula.
"Nkrumah finished second in the nation in steals and a plus in defensive metrics. At the combine, Nkrumah registered a plus-four wingspan and a truly dominant shuttle run, which further bolstered his case on the defensive end."

Kula continued, "Consider Nkrumah a Matisse Thybulle replacement if it comes to that—he’s improved every year in school and is a defensive pest that could act as a game disruptor and shotmaker in limited minutes."

While Herb Jones was a higher-profile prospect coming out of Alabama, and though he is slightly bigger, Nkrumah has the skills to eventually make a similar impact as he continues to develop.

Tamin Lipsey, Guard, Iowa State

There's one NBA player that comes to mind when I watch Tamin Lipsey play—New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado. "In an NBA where the possession battle is more important than ever, Lipsey helps you win that better than nearly any other player in the draft class," Vecenie wrote. "If I were the general manager of a team overseas, he’d be one of the players I’d most want to try to convince to join my team. And in the NBA, I absolutely think he’s worth a two-way contract as a developmental third guard who runs your G League team."

Lipsey is an absolute pest and playmaker. The Blazers struggled in both areas this past season; Lipsey may be the cure for both. The only developmental part of his game may be his outside shot. If he can at least be a threat to shoot, he may find himself on an NBA roster sooner than expected.

All three players have the skills to help the Blazers address some of their shortcomings but also have some room for development that could possibly keep them from getting drafted. If they are still on the board after the 60 picks are made, the Blazers should give them a look for potential two-way contracts.