By With the NBA draft over it is time to go over who were the winners and losers of last week’s draft, now there some no brainers that I don’t need to review (Pelicans and Hawks for winners and Suns and Cavaliers for losers) so here are my winners and losers.
Losers
Miami Heat: This summer maybe an overall big lost for the Miami Heat. Having no cap space to bring in a star player but their draft was less than desired. Drafting forward P.J. Washington from Kentucky who can become something special but the Heat would have been happier with a top 10 pick.
Washington Wizards: The Washington Wizards continue their bizarre and confusing spiral at last week’s draft by selecting Rui Hachamura from Gonzaga who may have been drafted higher than expected. Drafting Hachamura is a questionable fit with this current roster and will Hachamura reach his potential.
Cameron Johnson: UNC’s sharpshooter Cameron Johnson 1 of 2 players I feel were losers at last week’s draft. Drafted 11 by the Phoenix Suns, Johnson is going to unsuccessful situation and isn’t a good fit for a young and rebuilding Suns team who injury history maybe resolved but basketball fit could set him back.
Bol Bol: For me the biggest and unfortunate loser from the NBA draft is center Bol Bol. Bol was projected to be a lottery pick and due to apparent injury concerns fell to the 2nd to the Denver Nuggets via trade; this was a massive drop that hopefully Bol will prove everyone wrong and be a steal.
Colin Sexton: Another player that lost on draft night was Cavalier point guard Colin Sexton, who watch his team draft Vanderbilt star guard Darius Garland who plays the same position. Now the apparent plan is to pair them up and make their version of a Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum backcourt but the Cavs history makes that idea doubtful which will lead to 1of them being traded in the near future.
Winners
Minnesota Timberwolves: The T’wolves came out the draft pretty good drafting Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver to pair up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to begin a bright rebuild in the twin cities.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies were huge winners at last week’s draft. Drafting star guard Ja Morant and moving back into the first round to draft Gonzaga forward Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies rebuild could be quick and exciting with Morant, Clarke and 2nd year stud Jaren Jackson Jr could lead to an exciting future.
Cam Reddish: Reddish came out a huge winner from the draft, the hawks drafted him which should lead to his offensive potential being reached finally after being the 3rd wheel at Duke behind R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson. With his exceptional scoring ability and range, Reddish will be totally complementarily to Trae Young in the backcourt for the Hawks.
R.J. Barrett: Our last winner is sort of a no brainer but Duke’s R.J.Barrett is in a prime spot at the moment. Picked 3rd by the Knicks Barrett can immediately make an impact with this roster in need of an aggressive and confident scorer. Regardless of what the Knicks do this free agency Barrett will have a lot of opportunities and adjust to the pro game quicker than his peers.
