The 76ers are banking on potential with their top picks rather than safety. Last year, they selected Nerlens Noel who had a torn ACL at the time and never played during his first season. Joel Embiid is out a minimum 5-8 months and might not even step onto the court this season as a precautionary. You could make the argument that in their position, there was no one worth the value of a #3 pick with the needs they possessed. However, if their gambles pay off, they might form one of the better front courts in the NBA. Don’t forget, Michael Carter-Williams had question marks when he came into the league. His jump shot is a work in progress as well. He has compensated that with driving to the hole and pulling up over small guards.
The Celtics are preparing for life with or without Rajon Rondo. Marcus Smart can play either guard position, but played primarily the point in his two college seasons. Teams are moving towards stronger, taller point guards and Smart fits that mold. Another selling point for Brad Stevens was Smart’s solid work on the defensive end. He led the BIG 12 last season in steals per game with 2.77. Smart also improved his shooting percentages with 18 points per game and 42% from the field. If the Celtics look to be building with Rondo during the season, they have a solid shooting guard in Smart. If they look to be faltering, Rondo is excellent trade bait and can yield proven players to surround Marcus.
The Heat will add even more superstar talent. After hearing word that LeBron was opting out of his contract, it caused a little concern for Heat “fans.” After hearing Wade and Bosh are going to do the same, it all but assures me that they’re going to sign new deals at a lower price to bring in even more talent. Ray Allen has said he’d like to play next season and you can never have enough shooting. I know that Ric Bucher was humiliated after his reporting blunder with the Kyle Lowry sign and trade to the Heat, but when there’s smoke, there’s fire. Lowry to the Heat would make so much sense and provide a point guard that the team never had. Other rumors have the Heat going after Pau Gasol and Carmelo Anthony. I don’t see any coming to fruition. Gasol is still looking for top dollar. Carmelo is willing to take a discount, but I’m not sure he’d be willing to take Miami’s type of discount they’d offer.
Kyle Anderson will be the steal of the draft. Surprise, surprise the Spurs picked him. He was a do it all guard at UCLA and not to mention he stands at 6’9’’. Anderson improved in every offensive statistical category last season, highlighted by improving his 3 point percentage to 48%. To be honest, anytime the Spurs make a pick, I make a mental note on that player. They are the cream of the crop when drafting. I’m not sure that he’ll stick long term with the Spurs due to Kawhi Leonard in front of him, but Anderson might be able to supplant Danny Green in the starting lineup.
Nik Stauskas landed in a terrible spot in Sacramento. Many questioned whether Stauskas would succeed without Trey Burke at Michigan, but improved his playmaking skills. Stauskas comes to a team that finished last in assists. The lack of ball movement will stunt his growth; just ask Ben McLemore. DeMarcus Cousins will still be the focal point of the offense, but there is no true leader to help Stauskas. He has so much talent but needs a veteran to teach him how to succeed in the NBA.
Not really a huge point, but the Cavaliers need a new play by play announcer. He doesn’t even know who the team drafted #1!!
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