After a wait like no other, the NBA draft was finally completed this week and for the most part, nothing too wild went down. It has to be said that the talent of this draft does not match up with the star studded boards we have been spoilt by the last 5 years, however there were still some interesting and puzzling selections. Now that the dust has settled, here are my picks for the winners and losers of this year’s draft.
Dubs
New York Knicks
I know how unaccustomed we are to seeing the name New York Knicks and winner in the same equation, but credit where it is due, the Knicks didn’t do much wrong this draft cycle. They got their man, big apple native Obi Toppin out of Dayton after he fell to them at eight. Toppin’s meteoric rise in stock has been warranted after a stunning 2020 college season which saw the 6’9” power forward come away with the Wooden, Naismith and Associated Press Player of the year awards and leading Dayton to a 29-2 season before the coronavirus pandemic put the college season on hold. Without question the man can straight hoop.
But, in a guard-oriented league, the pick doesn’t add much needed depth at the point guard position, especially now former 10th overall pick Elfrid Payton has been put to the sword, the only primary ball handlers left on the roster are Dennis Smith jr and Frank Ntilikina. Tyrese Haliburton down in 12th might’ve benefitted the Knicks with his 7’0” wing span, basketball IQ and perimeter defence.
Despite this potential missed opportunity, shrewd moves from the knicks front office including the additions of Wildcat long guard Immanuel Quickley as the 25th pick and undrafted Seton Hall star Myles Powell means the Knicks are ready to look towards the future with some excitement.
Charlotte Hornets
The greatest basketball player to ever live has made some questionable decisions as a front office exec, but MJ got this one right. Picking up generational talent Lamelo Ball at 3 who average 17 and 7 assists in the NBL last year, and who will add some much needed excitement to a franchise who haven’t tasted playoff basketball in 5 years. Whilst question marks remain over his defensive capabilities and unorthodox jumper, Lamelo has the highest ceiling out of anyone in this class.
The Hornets also picked up Duke big man Vernon Carey Jr at 32 who will provide much needed depth at the centre position, is physical and can stretch the floor, an asset that will compliment Lamelo’s ability to penetrate.
Grant Riller at 56 will provide much needed scoring at the backup point guard position, averaging 22 ppg at his last 2 seasons at Charleston. Despite the fact he will likely spend time in the G league this year, he is a valuable pickup.
Philadelphia 76ers
Morey did it again, swooping up Tyrese Maxey as a surprising late first round pick who will provide some instant offensive production attacking the rim and creating off the dribble. He is a competent shooter even though his 29% 3pt shooting in college is disappointing, his big frame and aggressive defence make him a steal at the 21st pick.
Second round pickup Isiah Joe will provide a much needed deep threat to the 6ers offence averaging 34% from three point land in his sophomore season. De Paul’s Paul Reed is another shrewd pickup at 58 and will add defensive solidity as only one of six college in the last 10 average the 2.5 blocks and 1.9 steals he managed in his junior year.
Scrubs
Phoenix Suns
Some critics are labelling Phoenix contenders for next season after adding future hall of famer Chris Paul to join All Star talent Devin Booker in the Phoenix backcourt. But I can’t say this was the smart pick. With their one and only pick the Suns took Jalen Smith at 10. The CP3 trade has left glaring gaps in the sun’s roster but with DeAndre Ayton coming off a strong sophomore season, Smith is likely to be nothing more than a backup.
With strong guard talent in Darren Vessel and Tyrese Haliburton still on the board, I can’t say I really understand this selection at all. Even if Smith turns out to be a decent NBA player, this wasn’t it James Jones.
Chicago Bulls
You all probably saw this one coming. The bulls had the fourth pick in the draft and decided to spend that on Patrick Williams out of Florida State. Before I say anymore, I think Williams will be a good NBA player. He is an athletic freak and is 6’8” with a 7’0” wingspan and has bags of two way potential, with the tools to fit the bulls system very nicely. But he is not a 4th overall pick. Very prone to turning the ball over and with talents Deni Avdija and Tyrese Haliburton still on the board, I think the Bulls may regret this missed opportunity.
The Bulls also selected 6’11” Serbian Marko Simonovic out of the ABA at 44 but have already stated they will stash him. Not all that inspiring.
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