ThePortland Trail Blazers’ predraft workouts have picked up the pace with more high-end prospects starting to visit the team’s Tualatin practice facility. The Oregonian/OregonLive is producing mini profiles on most of the top prospects the Blazers could target in the 2025 NBA draft on June 25-26.
**Prior posts:**Michigan State guard Jase Richardson; Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley; Illinois forward Will Riley; Saint Joseph’s forward Rasheer Fleming.
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Georgia | 6-9 | Power Forward | 19
Background: Newell was a five-star recruit in 2024, coming out of Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida, where he was teammates with former Connecticut forward Liam McNeeley, who also worked out for the Blazers on Thursday.
“We brought the energy,” Newell said.
Asa Newell
Forward Asa Newell, out of Georgia, speaks with the media following a predraft workout for the Portland Trail Blazers at their practice facility in Tualatin, Oregon, on May 29, 2025. Photo by Aaron Fentress/The OregonianAaron Fentress
2024-25 statistics: Newell started 33 games, averaging 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds, while shooting 54.3% from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. The SEC coaches voted Newell to the Freshman All-SEC Team.
Newell was credited for being the only player in the country with 50 dunks and 25 made threes (26 of 89).
Newell said he went to Georgia with he plan to be a one-and-done and is now living his dream.
Mock drafts: Most have Newell going off the board before pick No. 20. Bleacher Report sees the Blazers taking Newell at No. 11.
Bleacher Report: No. 11, Blazers.
YahooSports.com: No. 13, Atlanta Hawks.
SBNation.com: No. 13, Atlanta Hawks.
NBADraft.Net: No. 15, Minnesota Timberwolves.
USA Today: No. 15, Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Ringer: No. 19, Brooklyn Nets.
HoopsHype.com: No. 23, Indiana Pacers.
CBSSports.com: No. 23, Indiana Pacers.
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NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - First Round - Wichita
Asa Newell #14 of the Georgia Bulldogs dunks over Gonzaga Bulldogs during the first round of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Strengths: Newell certainly doesn’t lack confidence.
“I’m a floor spacer,” he said. “I can run the floor like a gazelle. I can knock down the three-point shot and guard on both sides of the floor.”
He said scouts have praised his play style.
“They love how I can defend both sides of the ball, how hard I work and how much energy I play with my motor,” Newell said.
Mock drafts point to Newell’s athleticism and ability to get to the rim and finish, especially as a lob threat, as major strengths.
His athleticism should also allow Newell to work well as a switchable defender and rebound early. He’s already displayed a desire to excel on defense, something that could make him playable right away.
Weaknesses: Like many teenage prospects, Newell’s shooting needs work. His shooting form, however, is considered solid enough to believe he will improve in this area.
Although he can run the floor and score going to the basket, he must develop as a shot creator. He won’t consistently take NBA defenders off the dribble and score anytime soon.
Newell also must improve his strength at 224 pounds. Although he could be disruptive inside right away, larger, stronger NBA players will bully him down low.
“I’m getting strong every single day in the weight room,” he said. “I just think that my overall frame will fill out.”
Georgia v Gonzaga
Graham Ike #13 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts as he defends against Asa Newell #14 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Arena on March 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Getty Images
Fit with Blazers: A strong fit exists.
The Blazers need win-now players, but Newell would be a candidate to earn minutes as a high-energy role player living off feeds inside from Scoot Hendreson, Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija, while maybe hitting the open three and providing weakside defensive help.
He certainly would fit in on the break and could work well alongside Blazers’ 7-foot-2 defensive-minded center Donovan Clinga.
“They like to run the pace a lot with Scoot, and Clingan, he cleans up anything down low,” Newell said. “So, I think I can be a plug-and-play player.”
Newell also believes his vibrant personality makes him a good fit for any team.
“Just my character, I’m encouraging my teammates, and also just the contagious energy that I bring,” he said.
-- Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)