With the 2019 NBA Draft over it’s time to talk winners and losers
Of course New Orleans walked out of the draft the biggest winner of the night in grabbing Zion Williamson, but not the only reason why.
The NBA world is still waiting for an organization’s general manager or vice president of basketball operations to come into a media session directly after the draft, and openly admit, “We had a terrible draft, we didn’t really like who we picked.’’
A little bit of honesty every so often. Some real transparency.
Bulls executive John Paxson wasn’t going to be that first to break the mold, and even joked after the selection of Coby White on Thursday, that of course his draft room was sky high with excitement over their two selections … just like the 29 other teams in the Association.
“Talking as we sat as a group, [GM] Gar [Forman] and [coach] Jim Boylen, we’re really excited about the possibilities,’’ Paxson said. “But this league is competitive. It’s difficult. Other teams are sitting there feeling like they did a great job with their draft and the direction they’re going.’’
Maybe.
But not all of them should.
Here is a look at the 2019 NBA Draft winners and losers.
WINNERS
New Orleans – Even if they would have simply drafted Zion Williamson first overall they would have been sitting atop the “winners’’ category. However, they did so much more.
New exec David Griffin turned Anthony Davis into the No. 4 pick, as well as Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram, and then traded back with that fourth pick to grab Texas big man Jaxson Hayes, as well as versatile guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Oh by the way, they also cleared salary space so they have about $30 million to spend in free agency if they get that itch.
Cleveland – The Cavaliers landed Darius Garland – who could turn out to be one of the better shooters in the draft – and are making an attempt to copy the Portland backcourt model. But the real work came later when Cleveland nabbed pure scorer Dylan Windler from Belmont, and traded back in the first round to grab the biggest risk/reward player in the draft in Kevin Porter Jr.
Atlanta – De’Andre Hunter was their target, and they did exactly what they needed to in order to draft him, moving up to the No. 4 spot to grab one of the more first-day-starter-ready players in the pool.
Then they waited patiently at No. 10, landing the enigma that is Cam Reddish, gambling that he will be an elite forward now that he is away from the shadows of Coach K and Duke.
The best young offense in the Eastern Conference, has now added some defense.
LOSERS
Phoenix – They went down as the head-scratching franchise of the draft, trading back to No. 11 and grabbing Cam Johnson – a player they could have gotten in the late first round … and still haven’t addressed their point guard problems.
Kris Dunn – The Bulls point guard said he wouldn’t be giving up his starting position without a battle, and a battle is coming.
In drafting White, the Bulls sent a very loud message to Dunn that his play hasn’t been dynamic enough, but to make matters worse, a source told the Sun-Times that the Bulls will still be shopping for a proven veteran point guard to mentor White.
Dunn could be elsewhere by the start of training camp.
Bol Bol – No player built up more sympathy as the night went on than the son of former NBA big man Manute Bol. Whether it was his injury history or his lack of fire on the court, Bol Bol went from late first-round talent to being selected 44th over in a trade with Denver.