In the NBA, those teams that win well win, making the draw too viable. And on Thursday night at the Barclays Center, the Post will see exactly who left the building as winners and who as losers.
Winners
Orlando magic
The Magic was named Best Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 and a dozen years later by Dwight Howard. They went all the way to the big one again. Paolo Banchero has protection and intangible assets for a team in dire need of both. Imagine Ben Simmons, a jumper, a 6-foot, 250-pound man who can feed.
Detroit Pistons
GM Troy Weaver killed just that draft. After Sacramento passed on Jaden Ivey inexplicably for Keegan Murray, Detroit attacked Ivey’s threat. The Purdue star has made comparisons with Ja Morant and should be the perfect sporty addition to Cade Cunningham’s size and cleverness. The bonus was the addition of Jalen Duren, an athletic 6:11 blocker, to the tripartite deal; but creating enough space to chase DeAndre Ayton or Miles Bridges hangs on the rim.
New Orleans Pelicans
Dyson Daniels No. 8 fits perfectly. Brandon Ingram, newly acquired CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson (finally) create the shots; Daniels starts working in defense and dirty work. He has a trembling jumper, but assistant Fred Vinson did wonders with Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Herb Jones. Daniels is his next student.
San Antonio Spurs
One choice later took the Spurs over Jeren Sochan from Duren in a 6-foot defense. But like New Orleans one place before, they are opting for a young turn with the Achilles heel, they are convinced that long-time doctor Chip Engelland can fix it. Then came the much-improved Ohio state guard Malaki Branham in 20th place and Notre Dame’s Blake Wesley in 25th, three athletic climbs. Who will contribute to the development of Spurs players?
Follow the New York Post Live Watch for an up-to-date overview and analysis of the 2022 NBA draft options.
Losers
Brooklyn Nets
It’s not just that Nets didn’t have any choice in his building on Thursday. It’s not just that they postponed the 23rd choice for next year, hoping Philadelphia’s relegation, but to see how the 76ers get better with the acquisition of De’Anthony Melton. The thing is, they owed their choice to Houston for James Harden, and we’ll see how it worked. Oh, and Kyrie Irving’s ghost shone overnight.
Kings of Sacramento
They were played by Ivey. After his noise that he didn’t want to play in Sacramento, they scared the best player available and went to Murray. Yes, he fulfills the need; but it would almost certainly have been available later. Kings could have made a nice profit from falling from 4th place, especially when Ivey was at the table. But hey, they passed Luka Doncic to Marvin Bagley, so maybe Ivey had an idea.
New York Knicks
Yes, they changed from one choice to three and freed up the cork space. But they sacrificed lottery talent, while Bucks’ choice is likely to be poor and the other two heavily defended. Kemba Walker’s $ 9.2 million expiring deal seems a tough price. All this for catching only free agent Jalen Brunson. (Unless Irving is the end game, which leads to very different worries).
Memphis Grizzlies
Not only was Memphis jealous in the wing league, but he also had an abundance of wings. They exchanged the 23rd option from Melton with Philadelphia, taking David Roddy with No. 19 Jake LaRavia. They have done well under Zach Kleiman; but why give up a solid defender and a legitimate piece for a couple of newcomers with limited elevation who can work hard to break that rotation? For such a young team, experience should be a priority.
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