Whether it’s a good draft class or not, certain teams/general managers will be hailed as geniuses or donkeys for the moves they made, and the recently-concluded NBA draft should be no different.
Let’s see which squads fall into those categories. Read on!
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THE WINNERS
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Acquired Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick (used on Justin Patton) for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the 7th pick (used on Lauri Markkanen).
The Wolves were finally able to struck a deal for coveted forward Jimmy Butler, who they snagged for a good price. They unloaded a pair of talented players in LaVine and Dunn, but if it’s for a player in Butler’s caliber, it should all be good. The selection of Justin Patton, a defensive-minded big should also draw optimism, as he fits coach Tom Thibodeau’s style of play. Minny gets a big check mark here.
Los Angeles Lakers
- Drafted Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Thomas Bryant.
Rookie GM Magic Johnson had a good draft. He and his team were able to maneuver picks and acquire two guards that fit the high-octane offense they are establishing, while also getting a pair of good low-post players that can fill the lane.
Even if they are unable to seal the deal on the highly-anticipated Paul George trade, fans should still feel good knowing that the Lake Show know has a clearer view in the type of roster they want to build.
Sacramento Kings
- Drafted De’Aron Fox, Justin Jackson, Harry Giles, and Frank Mason III.
Yep, the SACRAMENTO KINGS went into the draft and came out as a winner – a rarity indeed.
They deserve this tag. De’Aaron Fox is a speedster and a playmaker that will fill the need at the point guard position, and Justin Jackson is a shooter and a scorer, who at 6’8 playing the two naturally, could give them a bunch of matchup problems.
As for Harry Giles, it’s still appealing despite the injury concerns. It’s a high risk, high reward pick wherein the reward is just tough to pass on. Giles, when healthy, can easily be expected to start for the Kings.
THE LOSERS
Chicago Bulls
- Acquired Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the 7th pick (used on Lauri Markkanen) for Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick (used on Justin Patton).
It felt like the Jimmy Butler trading saga lasted for a while, since the Bulls were rightfully asking for a lot. But then, it ended up to just this? An ACL-hobbled Zach LaVine, a talented but inexperienced Kris Dunn, and a pick? This isn’t exactly a diss on those three guys, but it seems like they had better offers in the past.
Lauri Markkanen, with all his frame, outside shooting, and offensive abilities, is an interesting prospect. However, there’s a good chance that his development can be delayed, as he is playing alongside similarly-styled Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
New York Knicks
- Drafted Frank Ntilikina, Damyean Dotson, Ognjen Jaramaz.
What’s new, right? Different draft, same old Knickerbockers (or probably Phil Jackson). Another international player?? Two of them??
Ntilikina has the skillset of a good guard, and he may prove us wrong, but it feels like the Knicks – if they really wanted a PG – wouldn’t go wrong with the explosive Dennis Smith Jr.
The former North Carolina State standout has commendable speed, strength, athleticism, and decent outside shooting, who will help the team on both ends and also put butts into the seats with his exciting play.
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