Just a couple of weeks removed from crowning the Warriors the 2015 NBA champions, the NBA is front and center with one of the most exiting times of the year for basketball fans. Last night, in Brooklyn the top college and international players gathered at the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn nets to learn their fate. For basketball fans, this can be an exhilarating or disappointing time. For teams looking to rebuild, they can stock their roster with young talent with the potential to become the next NBA star. Teams will hold their breath and make a decision that will either be a bust or franchise changing move, fans will cheer or criticize. Last nights festivities certainly did not disappoint, even in the fashion department (see Kelly Oubre’s shoes).
Winners:
Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns
Taken with the 1st pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected the 6’11 Dominican center, Karl-Anthony Towns. The University of Kentucky standout shined in his last two tournament appearances and spent two summers with the Dominican Republic National Team. Towns post game and his ability to attack on the offensive glass made him a force to be reckoned with in college. He is an elite passer and potential is there for him to develop into an impressive outside shooter. He is athletic, has a high basketball IQ and the ability to be an all-around force in the NBA. With Kevin Garnett likely returning to the Timberwolves for one last season, there is no better mentor to have in your corner than “The Big Ticket”. It will be exciting to see the raw passion, work ethic and leadership qualities that Garnett possesses rub off on Towns.
Miami Heat: Justise Winslow
Unlike other analysts, I don’t foresee the heat being a dominant presence in the weak Eastern Conference next year, but nonetheless choosing Justise Winslow with the 10th overall pick was a tremendous move by the Heat. The Duke standout flourished in the NCAA tournament averaging 14.3 pts, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.5 steals. The 6’6 small forward has the ability to score in transition, stop the pick & roll and boasts a fearless demeanor that will transition well into the NBA. Winslow can do a little bit of everything, with his one weak spot being his free throw percentage. Much of Winslow’s first year success could be determined by the state of the Heat this upcoming season. Dwanye Wade’s future is unclear, Luol Deng has a player option, and Goran Dragic is a free agent. Chris Bosh is coming back from a health scare which caused him to remain out for most of the 2014-15 season when a blood clot was found on his lungs. Quite a few roster moves will have to be sorted out in the next couple of months to give a better idea on what to expect from the Heat for the 2015-16 season. With many doubts looming, one thing is certain Winslow is the new face of the Heat franchise.
Denver Nuggets: Emmanuel Mudiay
The 6’5, point guard from Zaire was chosen 7th overall by the Denver Nuggets. While this choice by the Nuggets could mean Ty Lawson’s time on the Nuggets is up, the maturity and skill set of this young man was too difficult to pass up on. Mudiay’s competitiveness, agility and pure athleticism will transition well into the NBA. His instincts are wise beyond his years and his size and speed match up well with the competition. There is not much downside on this young phenom, but at times he shows a lack of confidence and insists on settling on a bad shot. This is an easy fix, once he gains more experience in the NBA. He will be an asset to the Nuggets if he just trusts his instincts and goes out there and plays his game.
Losers:
Celtics
The Celtics haven’t made a splash in the draft process in quite sometime, so this year’s happenings do not come as much of a surprise. Heading into the draft, the Celtics had a few needs, with protecting the rim at the top of the list. The Celts tried in vain to trade up, but instead ended up stocking up on guards, a position that they did not need to fill. According to a source, the Celts had their heart set on trading up for Justise Winslow who ultimately went to their east rival, the Miami Heat. The Celtics drafted Louisville guard, Terry Rozier and Georga State guard, R.J. Hunter. Many fans are left scratching their head in confusion. The only bright spot of the Celtics draft was when the Celtics chose Jordan Mickey with the 33rd pick. The LSU power forward was considered a top player in the draft and led the nation with 3.64 blocks per game and averaged 9.9 rebounds. Mickey should be a welcoming addition to the Celtics family and provides them with interior defense, an area they are sorely lacking in. Danny Ainge spoke to the media after the draft saying, “What you see today is not what you’ll see tomorrow or next month. We’re a team that’s building for a championship.” If that is the case, more moves should be made in the coming months, right now the Celtics appear inconsistent with no leadership on the court.
76ers
The Anti- Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers took a page out of the Celtics playbook but at a different position. The 76ers now have an over abundance of big men. Not really sure what the plan for the 76ers is at the moment, it has been quite some time since they have been relevant. Nonetheless, there may need to be some shakeups in the front office. With the 3rd pick, the 76ers selected Duke star Jhalil Okafor. Last year, the Sixers had the 3rd pick in the draft and chose a big man in Joel Embiid, who missed the entire season with a broken foot. It makes sense that the Sixers are looking for a game changer, a superstar they can build around, Okafor on paper seems to be a genius pick. What about the other picks? All of the Sixers first four picks in the 2nd round were power forwards/centers. Much like the Celtics, Sixers fans are scratching their heads anticipating the next move. The moves they make in the next couple of months will determine if Okafor is the right fit. Massachusetts native Nerlens Noel will likely be on the trade block in the coming weeks while the 76ers plan their next move. Maybe the Celtcis and Sixers can find some common ground and perfect a trade that would be beneficial to both parties. Right now, it just seems that both teams are holding their breath and wishing for the best.
Atlanta Hawks:
Coming off an embarrassing showing in the playoffs against the Cavs, the Hawks had the 15th overall pick to help in the 2015 draft to bolster their roster. They chose Kelly Oubre with the 15th pick and traded him to Washington for the 19th pick, which they then used to trade to the Knicks for Tim Hardaway Jr. It is painfully obvious that the Hawks were lacking something quite big to propel them to beat the Cavs to make it to the NBA finals. Tim Hardaway Jr is not that piece. On paper the Hawks are essentially the same team they were last year, they will have a great regular season in a weak Eastern Conference and falter in the playoffs. There has been many shakeups in the front office in the last few weeks, as well as with the ownership of the team. Furthermore, it seems to me that this will be a team that will be playoff bound for a few more years, but won’t have what it takes to cross the finish line. The Hawks are lacking a true leader, until they find that, they can only be excited by moves like picking up the inconsistent Tim Hardaway Jr.
Neutral:
Pistons: Stanley Johnson
It remains to be seen whether former Arizona Wildcat forward Stanley Johnson will make a successful transition into the NBA. There is no doubt that Johnson was one of the most athletic players in this years draft. But, where he has remarkable speed and agility, there is plenty of room for improvement on many other vital areas. He needs work on his ball handling skills and has a tendency to turn the ball over. His lack of ability to finish at the rim is also an area that needs work as well as the learned ability to make smarter plays. His ability to defend well and passion for the game may be all he needs to elevate him to the next level. Was Johnson the right pick to pass over Justise Winslow? Only time will tell if it was the right move. The Pistons have drafted well in the past, but with much doubt surrounding Johnson’s readiness, Winslow may have been the better option.
Other Notes
Kevin Durant and Kelly Oubre:
There has been a lot of speculation that Durant will be a Washington Wizard before the start of next season. Now, with his pal Kelly Oubre a Wizard, rumors will heat up. Just check out Durant’s Instagram account to see his fondness for Oubre.
Sacramento King: Willie Cauley Stein and DeMarcus Cousins
With the Kings taking Stein with the 6th overall pick, the rumors that Cousins will be traded have been elevated. Keep an eye on movement, Cousins will likely be traded next few weeks.
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