The NBA Draft, it’s one of those unpredictable nights where any great team can be crowned in the NBA. The host city of this draft is still salty that their Nets lost in an overtime Game 7 to the eventual champion Bucks. (I’m not being biased I’m being logistical) Enough with that speculation, let’s get to the draft. Take it away Commissioner Silver!
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham G, Oklahoma State. Here he is, one of the greatest point guard prospects since Trae Young and Luka Doncic, no surprise that he has fallen to the #1 pick. The Pistons future just got a shot in arm with this pick and he looks to make a major impact right away. As long as they build a supporting cast around him they could be a tough team to beat. It would not be fun dealing with this guy when you root for a division rival. Just saying! (I bet his swag that he showed in front of cameras is only firing up the Motor City)
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green G, NBA G League Ignite. There was no doubt that the Rockets were taking a guard named Jalen, the question was which one? Green at least has outstanding upside and should be a playmaker for that offense right from the start. A true 5 tool player that reminds me a lot of Lonzo Ball. As long as Houston nails their late 1st Round picks they should have a foundation for the future. Good luck boys!
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley C, USC. Lets see, potential generational Center dropping into the laps of a franchise that can’t have enough big men. They are most likely getting rid of Jarrett Allen and now that they have a fresh face on defense they have a man that could make a strong case for Defensive Player of the Year in the future. If he develops his offensive game just a tad bit more he could have a Hall of Fame career. Once again like Cunningham he could be a problem for the Bucks in the future, I don’t like it at all.
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes F, Florida State. With this pick it is most likely that Kyle Lowry is staying in Toronto. The Raptors may have gotten someone that they haven’t had since Kawhi Leonard. A legit talent at Small Forward. He has the ability to be a Point Forward but I wonder how Nick Nurse is going to use him. Even if he has his issues from the free throw line he should make an instant splash with Le Canadiens. If there is one thing that the Raptors know how to do it’s develop homegrown talent. This could be another player that falls into that trend.
Orlando Magic: Jalen Suggs G, Gonzaga. Oh boy the Magic could potentially have a dynamic duo at that guard spot with Cole Anthony and now the man known as J-Sizzle. Suggs was an elite floor general last year for the Zags and now he should be a perfect fit for Orlando’s long term future. Not to mention they do still have a pick in the Top 8 thanks to the Nikola Vucivic trade. I wonder where they go from here?
Oklahoma City Thunder: Josh Giddey G, Australia. This is a pick that many people including myself didn’t see coming. But if you look at his skill asset, he is a perfect fit in OKC. They needed a wingman to Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Giddey looks like a pass first player that could set up their whole offense. If he gets off to a fast start this could be the beginning of a potential 5 tool player. As long as they surround him with excellent talent with the amount of picks they have it could be a thing of beauty.
Golden State Warriors: Jonathan Kuminga F, NBA G League Ignite. This is probably the only pick in the Top 10 that Golden State had their eyes on. They originally wanted Scottie Barnes but they didn’t want to pay a steep price with Toronto to trade up. Kuminga is a player that should be an excellent fit on defense and should get more opportunities now that Klay Thompson is finally back to full strength. I expect DubNation to back in full effect with the young talent that they have assembled around the Splash Brothers. And not to mention they can do whatever they want at 14 because Minnesota is dumb at trading away picks. (Now they have the clown known as Alex Rodriguez running the franchise! YUCK!)
Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner F, Michigan. Well it appear that Magic were impressed with Wagner’s work ethic that they were so lucky that he fell into their laps at #8. His value from a versatility standpoint is something that Orlando has lacked for years. If they fix his shooting abilities he could have a great career. I like what John Hammond has done with building the team around young talent. I just hope he doesn’t fall into the same traps like he did in Milwaukee. (I’m warning you about his trends of hiring stubborn coaches)
Sacramento Kings: Davion Mitchell G, Baylor. This is perhaps the Buddy Hield replacement, Mitchell was the hero of the National Championship and should help out De’Aaron Fox to help the Kings get out of the mediocrity that Ranadive has consumed them in. He is an outstanding defender and a fearless scorer who could produce in bunches. I just hope that Sacramento develops him the right way. Speaking of Hield they originally sent him to the Lakers only for it to be denied for a move that will be mentioned in a little bit. (I bet you it involves Mr Ninkumpu!)
Memphis Grizzlies: Ziaire Williams F, Stanford. I have good news and bad news for Pelicans fans. The good news is that they got an outstanding Forward with high upside and 5 tool talent, the bad news is that the pick went to Memphis. As for the Grizzlies they are getting a talent that should play a key role with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson in terms of the future of the organization. If Taylor Jenkins has him in the right role, they could have an underrated Big 3. I hope for the Grizzlies fans sake they actually could have a championship contender if the deck works in their favor.
Charlotte Hornets: James Bouknight G, UConn. Charlotte took a guard in the 1st Round, when they lacked an elite Center. But looking at their future closely I now understand why. Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier are due for solid contracts next summer and they needed another shooter to go along with LaMelo Ball and Gordan Hayward. I see him as an excellent 3 point shooter who can pass the ball very well. Even if he has his struggles on defense if they fix it just a tad bit he could be a special player. To be honest they are looking like a dark horse contender. If they somehow can get Karl Anthony Towns in a blockbuster trade they should be a force for years to come. Jordan, your move!
San Antonio Spurs: Joshua Primo G, Alabama. This was a shocking pick since they needed to replace DeMar Derozan. But I just realized why they made this selection. They needed another outside shooting talent and Primo looks has the potential to be just like what Patty Mills was in Gregg Popovich’s system. If he develops like most Spurs players this could have an impact on the organization. I just hope they have enough tools to make a playoff push considering how rough the West is.
Indiana Pacers: Chris Duarte G, Oregon. I understand why the Pacers made this selection, they don’t know how healthy Caris LeVert and TJ Warren are at the moment. Duarte is a solid player who is an outstanding shooter who has great defensive upside and has the ability to be a fearless scorer. I like that they hired Rick Carlisle, even if some of his tactics are outdated he should fit in nicely with their identity. (Don’t tell them about Nate McMillan and Frank Vogel)
Golden State Warriors: Moses Moody G, Arkansas. Golden State being Golden State! Getting an outstanding guard talent that could be considered as the biggest steal of the draft. Even if he is not going to be a starter unless they move Klay Thompson to Small Forward he has a Steph Curry type work ethic and is a great talent for the future. I bet you that these guys are going to be dangerous now that everyone is healthy. (It could be Doomsday for the NBA if the Warriors are contenders again!)
Washington Wizards: Corey Kispert F, Gonzaga. Sometimes you have to sleep with a dragon that has problems going away. Even if the trade rumors for Bradley Beal are starting again, the Wizards front office made it clear that they would surround him and the rest of his team with young talent. Kispert is a man with a signature jumpshot and if he can get his feet wet in a huge way it could become a wingman to Beal in the future. Still no news on Russell Westbrook, we’ll get to that later.
Houston Rockets: Alperen Sengun C, Turkey. The Rockets traded up and got themselves a Center that could easily shift Christian Wood back to his primary position. Sengun is a true Glass Cleaner that can get up on those boards with the big boys, and you saw plenty of it overseas. This newlook culture change in Houston hasn’t gone well off the court but they are making positive strides in terms of future development. And you do have another 1st Round Pick. (Where they got that pick from is something that led to this years champion)
New Orleans Pelicans: Trey Murphy III G, Virginia. New Orleans is getting themselves a young guard who will form a nice Alley-Oop combo with Zion Williamson. Murphy is an outstanding distributor of the ball and should have high assist numbers right from the outset. The Pelicans are forming a very young and talented squad but I don’t know how they will be able to get past the West gauntlet. Lets just hope they can at least make the playoffs before Zion’s family wants him to get shipped off to a big market.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Tre Mann G, Florida. The man known as Tre-1-K has landed in Oklahoma City and his energy should give the Thunder a shot in the arm. He has outstanding talent on defense but if his offense comes of age he could be a guy that looks very similar to Trae Young. As long as he walks the walk to back up the talk he could have a solid career.
Charlotte Hornets: Kai Jones F, Texas. The Hornets have done a very good job in the draft the last couple of years. That’s surprising to hear considering Michael Jordan’s reputation as an owner. Now they add more depth to a roster brimming with young talent. When you have a young superstar like LaMelo Ball you have to build the team quickly because they will most likely leave, and Jordan knows that. I think the bandwagon for this team is only beginning.
Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson F, Duke. Hey I know this guy, he used to go to a rival of the High School I went to in Wisconsin in 2019. (He was basically all of Nicolet’s dominance vs Homestead!) He was considered a Top 5 pick before the season but injuries held him back. Now he gets the fortunes of playing with Trae Young and becoming a potential demigod like he was in High School. The main knock on him is his highlight reel plays he makes on a consistent basis. I once again have to cheer against this guy again don’t I!
Los Angeles Clippers: Keon Johnson G, Tennessee. The Clippers realized that other than Kawhi and PG13 they needed more depth. Johnson is a huge asset for that department. I see him as a wait and see player, he won’t become a great player right away but he will make an excellent jump in the future. The Clippers are starting to get desperate and they need to win badly before Kawhi and Paul George leave. Just beat the Lakers for everyone’s sake!
Washington Wizards: Isaiah Jackson F, Kentucky. The Wizards needed a big body in their lineup and Jackson fills a need. But here is the issue, it’s not the pick, it’s why they have it. Guess where Russell Westbrook got traded to? THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! (LeBron needs a superteam if he wants to win a title and this has been the case every year!) Why can’t these players follow the Giannis format and be loyal to the team that drafted him. Anyways Washington you got another good player at a position of need, good pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Usman Garaba F, Spain. So OKC traded back, got more picks and got a project player from Spain who is known for his defense. He looks like a solid piece but I don’t know if he will see the court as a rookie because of where he plays. Hopefully I’m wrong and he becomes the Spanish-Antetokounmpo. Like what I’m seeing with OKC and their 17 future 1st Round picks in the next 6 years HOLY COW!
Houston Rockets: Josh Christopher G, Arizona State. So this was the pick the Bucks gave up for PJ Tucker, and Houston may have gotten another solid guard with starting minutes upside. He may be a fashionista but is a raw talent who can play both sides of the ball and has an outstanding personality who should fit in quickly. Hopefully for my sake his elevation doesn’t become like what Tyler Herro and teammate Christian Wood became. I’m just being an insufferable champion right now that’s what it really is
New York Knicks: Quentin Grimes G, Houston. The Knicks were for sure drafting a guard, it was just when it was going to happen. Even if they traded away Keon Johnson they got a project player in Quin Grimes. If he plays as well as he did at Houston he could settle in with Derrick Rose and RJ Barrett at that guard spot and produce nicely. Am I hearing that the Knicks are trying to get Zion or Dame? I bet you that James Dolan saw what the Nets did with their Big 3 and now he wants one of his own. Good luck buddy. (Who wants him to sell the team now?)
Denver Nuggets: NahShon Hyland G, VCU. Now we understand why the Nuggets took this guard, they are waiting to see how long Jamal Murray is out for. Hyland is a great player especially for VCU standards and just like Markus Howard last year he could fill in for their emerging guard in Murray and have a great impact on Nikola Jokic’s chance at an NBA Title. Denver is one of the few teams that is following the Bucks trend that led to their title this year. And they could very well win a championship the same way.
Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Thomas G, LSU. Oh boy, when you thought the Nets lineup couldn’t get anymore stacked they got a guy who is a clutch scorer and free throw shooter. This most likely the Spencer Dinwiddie replacement since they most likely don’t have any space to bring him Jeff Green or Blake Griffin back. Once again I’m going to ask, do you really trust a team with no depth and elite coaching to get past the defending champions even with the Big 3. Honestly I don’t know. (I like the fact that he has the Mamba mentality it should be good for those New Yorkers)
Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Springer G, Tennessee. I’m surprised that Philly even had a 1st Round pick considering that they traded them for Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris 2 years ago. Springer has the potential to be a Thybulle/Milton type player in the Sixers lineup. Good all around depth piece with defense as his main strength. We all know what Philadelphia is about to do. They are going to trade Ben Simmons and a huge package that will give them a player equal to his talents. I know you want Damian Lillard but Portland would never make that trade.
Brooklyn Nets: DayRon Sharpe C, North Carolina. Wait a minute, how did the Nets get another 1st Round pick? Are we sure the NBA is mad that the Bucks and Suns ruined their perfect Finals matchup. (Actually Phoenix wanted Landry Shamet thats why) As for Sharpe he fits a huge need in the Nets lineup. They lacked an elite Center and it cost them against Milwaukee last year. Sharpe looks to be a guy that fixes the issue. I can only await the moment when they trade this player to Minnesota for Karl Anthony Towns. I would lose it if that happened. (Everyone in Milwaukee hates the Nets, THIS IS PERSONAL!)
Utah Jazz: Santi Aldama F, Loyola MD. Well the Jazz needed more depth to their emerging core by getting a guy who should fit in with their defensive structure and hopefully not allow Terrance Mann to roast them in Game 6 again. I know some people are saying that Donovan Mitchell wants out but why would he do that 1 year after signing a 5 year extension. Don’t worry that ESPN is creating another false narrative.
So there you have it, the 1st Round of the Draft I can’t see the blood that occurs during free agency next week. See you then or for the MLB Trade Deadline!
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