PORT JEFF, we have so much to discuss; NBA Draft reactions, blockbuster trades.
NBA Draft reactions. After previewing the draft last week, today we’re breaking down some picks I liked and others I didn’t. Starting in Washington, the Wizards used the first overall pick on BYU star AJ Dybansta, and there’s nothing not to like here—AJ should be a first-team All-NBA player sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets selected Mikal Brown Jr. from Louisville. While I’m a fan of Brown, I would’ve preferred Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff, who went to the Sacramento Kings. I think Acuff’s upside is just a bit higher, and he’s a much better pure scorer. You can’t go too wrong with either, but I’d lean toward Acuff.
Other notable draft picks include Morez Johnson from Michigan, who went to the Dallas Mavericks at pick nine after the Mavs poached Dusty May from Michigan just days earlier. The OKC Thunder selected another Michigan standout, 7’3″ big man Aday Mara, to close out the first round. The Atlanta Hawks picked St. John’s star Zuby Ejiofor, marking an incredible achievement for both Zuby and the school, as he becomes their first first-round selection since 2012.
Blockbuster trades are here again. The NBA off-season never fails to deliver, and this time the Miami Heat and Pat Riley have pulled off another stunner, landing a new superstar. Giannis Antetokounmpo is now a member of the Heat after a Godfather-style deal that sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, and multiple first-round picks to bring the Greek Freak to Miami.
This morning, LaMelo Ball was traded to Minnesota for Naz Reid and a first-round pick. To me, this signals a couple of things: first, the Charlotte Hornets didn’t view LaMelo as a franchise player, and second, the Minnesota Timberwolves believe they have a better shot with him than pursuing any free agents.
