It's now two days after the NBA Draft, all of the sports analysts have given their best/worst, as has my counterpart, so now I’ll give mine. As I mentioned in my mock draft, this draft lacked “superstar” talent. Obviously it’s easier to do better if you have more picks right? Wrong. For some franchises that just gave them more opportunities to make bad picks. I agree with two of my partner’s decisions for best/worst, but have a few different views for the others.
The Best (In descending order):
Denver Nuggets: (See below post).
Houston Rockets: On draft day the Rockets were able to acquire four players that can make an immediate impact. They drafted international center Nikola Mirotic, but then shipped him, Brad Miller, and a future first round pick to Minnesota in exchange for Jonny Flynn and the T-Wolves 20th pick, Donatas Motiejunas. Flynn, who became expendable for Minnesota with the Ricky Rubio signing, has the potential to be a franchise point guard. Along with the acquisitions of those two, Houston also drafted one of the more talented players in the draft in Kansas forward Marcus Morris, and one of the most underrated players in the draft, Florida’s Chandler Parsons.
Utah Jazz: The Jazz were able to get arguably the most talented big man in the draft in Enes Kanter, and one of the best value picks with Alec Burks at #12. Utah was able to address not only needs with their picks, but also was able to get the best available player in doing so. Burks can share time at the point with Devin Harris, while also playing shooting guard, and even some small forward if he is needed. Kanter will take some of the pressure down low off of Al Jefferson by allowing him to obtain easier looks and also providing a big body on defense.
The Worst (In descending order):
New York Knicks (See below post).
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers draft would’ve been described as a bad draft unless they made a trade to upgrade their team by adding a superstar, or a player who could make an immediate impact. The Lake Show did not make that trade. Darius Morris was taken with the 41st pick, Andrew Goudelock was taken with the 46th overall pick, and their late second round picks of Chukwudiebere Maduabum and Ater Mojik left many scratching their heads. Although Maduabum has since been traded for a future second round pick, the Lakers simply didn’t make any improvement this draft that will impact their season. With all this being said, if the Lakers are able to include Morris, Mojik and/or Goudelock in a trade for an impact player, they will no longer be mentioned as a worst. However, if they trade Bynum/Gasol they will regret not drafting a big man with the 46th pick, passing on Keith Benson.
Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats had two of the top 10 picks, and in my mind made the wrong decisions on their picks. Charlotte took international big man Bismack Biyombo with their #7 pick (acquired from Sacramento), but not only is Biyombo a raw talent, but he also has a buyout issue. While the buyout issue may not matter if the lockout does indeed occur, the Bobcats should’ve gone another route with this pick. They would’ve had a steal by selecting Kentucky guard, Brandon Knight (who was drafted one pick later by Detroit). If they drafted Knight, they could’ve still went with Kemba Walker at #9 playing Walker at point and Knight at shooting guard, or went with Klay Thompson, Jimmer Fredette, or Marcus Morris. By taking Walker/Biyombo and trading Stephen Jackson the Bobcats have an abysmal offense that will undoubtedly be a bottom dweller this upcoming season.
Best Steals of the Draft:
#8: Brandon Knight:
#12: Alec Burks (Utah Jazz)
#26: Jordan Hamilton (Drafted by Mavericks, traded to Nuggets)
#44 Charles Jenkins (Golden State Warriors)
#48: Keith Benson (Atlanta Hawks)
#60: Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento Kings)
Worst Picks of the Draft (Based on team who selected/acquired player & pick the player was drafted):
#7: Bismack Biyombo (Charlotte Bobcats)
#28: Norris Cole (Drafted by Bulls, traded to Heat)
#45: Josh Harrellson (Drafted by Hornets, traded to Knicks)
#58: Ater Mojik (Los Angeles Lakers)
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