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As I watched replays of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and the rest of the Golden State Warriors hoisting that championship trophy a couple of nights ago, an overwhelming part of me was really sad. The NBA season was now officially over and there won’t be another competitive dribble of professional basketball until like October. Could I fill that time enjoying baseball or NFL training camp? I mean….. I guess, but how many times do I want to look at NFL players in warm up jerseys running around on a practice field? My prospects were looking pretty bleak until I realized that the NBA draft is right around the corner!!
While this year’s class isn’t as highly touted as last years, there are still some very intriguing moves that could happen at the draft. Are the Lakers going to trade their pick for Boogie Cousins? Who are the Knicks going to take at #4? Who the heck is Mario Hezonja? Is Vlade Divac really in charge of Basketball Operations for the Kings?? We’ll have to wait until the draft to get definitive answers for these questions but until the here are the top 10 picks……I think
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns, PF/C Kentucky
FACT: Karl-Anthony Towns was the best player on a Kentucky team that won 38 games (tied for the most in NCAA history.
FACT: The athleticism that Towns brings to the post would be of great help to the Wolves who are sorely lacking on capable athletic bigs
FACT: Out of the entire class, Towns has the highest ceiling and it’s not really that close.
FACT: Pairing him up with Andrew Wiggins and your franchise might be set for 10+ years - Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor, C Duke
This is where the draft will get really interesting because there are a bunch of factors surrounding who the Lakers might (or might not) take here. As an organization they seem sold on taking Okafor from Duke. HOWEVER, D’Angelo Russell impressed during his workout and is seen as a potential wing player to take over for Kobe Bryant. Also, LA is at the center of a potential trade with Sacramento for Demarcus Cousins, AND LA is near the top of the list for Blazers PF Lamarcus Aldridge who is most likely NOT going to re-sign in Portland…Did I miss anything? …Oh wait….AND Kevin Love opted out of his deal and will take meetings from a few teams…..So with all this uncertainty why Okafor? Well when was the last time that the Lakers organization based on a big man who can average 20-10 every night? Exactly
- Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell, PG Ohio State
Another year, another Sixers lottery pick. Last year it was Joel Embiid, the year before it was Nerlens Noel and Michael-Carter Williams. The epic Philadelphia rebuilding process has no real end in sight and with Embiid facing more time on the bench to recover from injury the Sixers have to think about NOW more than the future. D’Angelo Russell could be that guy. After having a stellar NCAA Tournament Russell impressed everyone with his draft workouts and he fills a need of a true point guard (which the Sixers don’t have since they traded Michael-Carter Williams).
- New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay, PG Guangdong
Kristaps Porzingis may be the perfect fit for the triangle offense, but he is at least a year away from being able to make a valuable contribution to the depressing Knicks. Mudiay on the other hand is an exciting point guard who skipped college to play in China. His athletic ability could make him an incredible defender on the perimeter and he is extremely capable of operating a pick and roll offense.
- Orlando Magic: Kristaps Porzingis, PF Sevilla
Add the Sevilla big man to the long list of foreign players who had an incredible workout that caused his draft stock to rise. It remains to be seen whether Porzingis can reach his potential but teaming him up with Nikola Vucevic in the frontcourt could be a lethal combination
- Sacramento Kings: Mario Hezonja, F/G FC Barcelona
This is all you need to know about Hezonja. When asked earlier this year if he had plans on going to see Lionel Messi play for FC Barcelona’s soccer team he responded, “Let Messi come see me.” He is a great shooter, can put the ball on the floor and is an excellent playmaker. He could make an excellent small ball addition to the Kings. SIDE NOTE: The Kings offseason has been pretty insane. George Karl, who was hired 4 months ago, is actively trying to trade EVERYONE ON THE ROSTER. Kings upper management does not want to trade Demarcus Cousins and now George Karl might be fired before the season even starts.
- Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow, F Duke
Like he showed in the NCAA tournament, Winslow is a capable playmaker and a great defender who can guard multiple positions. The leadership qualities he showed at Duke will also be a big help in Denver where they have a brand new head coach in Mike Malone.
- Detroit Pistons: Devin Booker, SG Kentucky
This is the point in the draft where teams are looking for assets rather than players that they think will contribute immediately. Devin Booker was a deadeye shooter at Kentucky and with some development under Stan Van Gundy he could be an integral part in their return to prominence.
- Charlotte Hornets: Willie Cauley-Stein, C Kentucky
The Hornets have already treaded Lance Stephenson, Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh and acquired Nicolas Batum. No one is really sure what their endgame is but Cauley-Stein gives them a player who can literally defend EVERY position and could be one of the most valuable rim protectors in the league.
- Miami Heat: Sam Dekker, SF Wisconsin
Frank Kaminsky may have gotten that national hype back in college but Sam Dekker is shaping up to be more ready for today’s NBA. Dekker can shoot, defend, and make plays in an offense. This versatility could be extremely valuable for the Miami Heat.
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