With the NBA closing the chapter to a quarantined playoffs that saw the Los Angeles Lakers emerge triumphant and the now swift change to a soon approaching start date to the 2020-2021 regular season, the NBA found a way to squeeze in a virtual draft in between. One that was not quite star studded as recent draft classes but one that has impressive depth. As well as the free agency period that is right around the corner that is having a significant on team’s draft strategies. Without further ado, let’s highlight a few teams that did well and ones that left us scratching our heads.
“Winners”
Golden State Warriors - It definitely was an odd night for the Warriors with the news of shooting guard Klay Thompson suffering a lower leg injury during a workout. While that cloud remains overhead, the Warriors added plenty of skill to their already championship caliber roster. The front court is bolstered with the second overall pick James Wiseman. His presence gives the Warriors a unique blend with size, quickness, fluidity, and athleticism. Point guard Nico Mannion is a former McDonald’s All-American and is a skilled point guard that can provide great depth and allow the Warriors to be even more versatile at times.
Charlotte Hornets - A franchise and city in desperate need of a star, the Hornets injected a little life into their franchise with the selection of point guard LaMelo Ball at third overall. Ball is quite possibly the best passer in the draft and as a 6’6 playmaker he eases the pressure a bit off Hornets guards Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham. The selection of center Vernon Carey Jr., in the second round gives the Hornets plenty of skill and offensive efficiency. If the Hornets turn the corner in upcoming seasons, it might be this class that gets things started.
Sacramento Kings - For a team that is somewhat stuck in purgatory, their draft was one that may have elevated their roster as a whole. Guard Tyrese Haliburton brings size and shooting in the back court, while forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (yes, you read that correctly) is an elite athlete that has immense upside. The potential is there for the Kings to be one of the best scoring teams in the league.
Philadelphia 76ers - The Sixers may have had the best draft day out of all the 30 teams simply because of their picks as well as trades to acquire veteran help. Kentucky guard Tyrese Maxey was the pick for the Sixers at 21st overall and his shooting prowess will be welcomed dearly. The trade acquisitions of veterans Danny Green and Seth Curry will help drive home the point that the Sixers needed to get better when it comes to shooting from deep. Oh, they also found a way to offload that horrid Al Horford contract. That’s worthy of a victory cigar on it’s own.
“Losers”
New York Knicks - This is not necessarily a knock on who they drafted, but more so, what they drafted. Dayton forward Obi Toppin was the consensus National Player of the Year last season in college basketball. But with a plethora of power forwards on the roster currently, was he needed? Kentucky point guard Immanuel Quickley was selected by Oklahoma City at 25th and traded to the Knicks. While Quickley can bury shots from deep, the team needed pure playmakers able to make their own shots when the time is needed. That, they did not acquire.
Houston Rockets - It appears to be that the smoke clouds you see are coming from this organization. The team has two disgruntled veterans in James Harden and Russell Westbrook that want out. It seems inevitable that the trading of both will happen and you got the impression that trading through the draft to acquire picks and help aid their roster would be the logical time to do so. Nope. No such thing. This looks like a franchise on the brink of a major renovation.
Cleveland Cavaliers - It’s tough to be fond of the Cavs roster as a whole. There really isn’t any scoring punch with this team and they have some expensive bigs that are tough to move via trade. So while fifth overall pick Isaac Okoro is a nice prospect with 3-and-D potential, this is still a bad roster inside and out because of a lack of reliable shooters and playmakers.