The 2015 NBA draft has come and gone, now GMs, owners, coaches and fans everywhere all have shiny new players to salivate over, speculate on, denigrate and in some cases, already envision trading. The pressure cooker environment of the war rooms is not for the faint of heart. It’s difficult to imagine a five minute decision shaping your team’s future success and, thus, your job security. That’s why it’s easy for us to sit back today and declare the winners and losers! (Note: Not every team is featured below, only the major teams of note.)
Minnesota Timberwolves – Winners: The wolves left little to debate, declaring early on their intentions of drafting Karl-Anthony Towns. They wanted him, they got him and he will fit in perfectly with their organization. Paired with Andrew Wiggins, the Wolves should be very interesting in the coming years.
Los Angeles Lakers – Broke Even: The Lakers threw many for a curve when they selected D’Angelo Russell with the second pick. Russell is sure to be a terrific player, but this is the Lakers, a team with a storied tradition of skilled big men. From Mikan to Chamberlain to Kareem to Shaq, even Dwight Howard for a cup of coffee, Okafor seemed like a sure fit. Russell’s selection is a clear signal of the changing value of today’s centers, seven feet just ain’t what it used to be.
Philadelphia 76ers – Broke Even: This is no slight against Jahlil Okafor, who unquestionably will be a great player in the NBA. Simply put, the last thing the 76ers wanted to do was draft another center. They now have three legitimate prospects at the now marginalized position. The fact that Okafor is so good is what keeps Philadelphia from losing here. Would it have killed Hinkie to draft for need rather than best player available for once.
Jahlil Okafor – Loser: See above (and below).
New York Knicks – Broke Even: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, there’s this kid over in Europe that’s seven feet tall, has a shot like Larry Bird, the vision of Magic Johnson and draws comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki. Only time will tell if this was a wise selection, though for the current headline seeking Knicks, this is not a win now move.
New York Knicks Fans – Huge Losers: Booing their draft picks has become something of a tradition with Knicks fans. It isn’t one to be proud of. The top three players were off the board, Phil Jackson did the right thing in selecting the player with the greatest upside. It’s a risk, but a worthwhile one. Should Porzingis be a complete bust or develop into an Allstar, Knicks fans will never have another chance to make a first impression with the foreign born player. They did nothing to ingratiate themselves to the newest member of their team. Besides, there may be larger decisions looming for them to redirect their ire.
Orlando Magic – Winners: With even more players off the board, the Magic made the right move in drafting Mario Hezonja. The Magic will likely look to bring the Croatian to the Magic Kingdom as soon as possible. They’re a rebuilding team and he might as well be there for the whole shebang.
Sacramento Kings – Broke Even: Willy Cauley-Stein was a reach for the Kings at number six, they took him early, no doubt about it. However, WCS will without question succeed in the NBA. He is tailor made for the current basketball trend of defensive centers that rely primarily on dunks and putbacks. There is some concern about his rebounding ability, but at 7’1, expect that to be of little concern moving forward. The Kings have stated that they intend to pair him with Boogie Cousins in the front court. The potential success rate for that duo yields far less confidence.
Denver Nuggets – Winners: Emmanuel Mudiay at number seven is a solid pick. With lawson likely heading out, knock-knock Sacramento, Mudiay should be a good piece to rebuild with.
Charlotte Hornets – Losers: Frank Kaminsky has all the feel of a college superstar and an NBA role player. Frank could prove doubters wrong, however, his lack of speed and athleticism will likely be exposed in the pros. The strongest reason for Charlotte’s poor grade is what they didn’t do. Reportedly, the Boston Celtics offered a package of six draft picks (Coveted Nets picks included.) to swap places. Supposedly Michael Jordan desperately wanted Frank the Tank, but It is highly probable that Kaminsky would have been available much later in the draft. This means they could have had the player they wanted and the picks on top.
Miami Heat –Winners: Perhaps the biggest winners of the night when Justise Winslow fell into the lap of Pat Riley. It’s not hard to picture Riley sitting back, smirking, fighting back the urge cackle at the feebleness of his contemporaries. Winslow has the look of an NBA scorer, always a valuable attribute. This will be one of those picks discussed years from now, wondering how Justise Winslow fell so far.
Boston Celtics – Losers: An ill advised trip to the Playoffs, where they were soundly dispatched by the Cavaliers in just four games, left a rebuilding Boston outside of the Lottery. Terry Rozier will hopefully be a star one day, for now he looks like a mammoth reach at #16. It’s Boston’s failed attempts at moving up in the draft that are the most disconcerting. Armed with a horde of picks, the Celtics were unable to entice anyone in the lottery, to let them in.
Now we play the waiting game, who will bust and who will surprise, some will take longer than others. One thing is for sure though, the NBA is the hardest league to get better in. It’s a cutthroat industry and sometimes a little good fortune can make or break you. Good luck to all selected and to those selecting, may the odds be ever in your favor.
