The NBA Draft was full of suprises, trades, and quite a few good and bad picks. There were a few teams that went into Thursday night and simply went home winners, and some players who ended up in perfect situations.
The New Orleans Pelicans – The Pelicans would have been in an ideal situation if they’d hung on to Noel, who many experts had at the top of the board. With the two Kentucky big men paired together in New Orleans, the Pelicans would have had the frontcourt of the future. But they’ve found themselves in an even better situation. They acquired 23-year-old point guard Jrue Holiday from Philadelphia for Nerlens Noel, the 42nd pick and a 2014 First Round pick. The Pelicans now have a backcourt of Holiday, an All-Star last year, and Eric Gordon, assuming he stays on the roster. New Orleans has also been linked with Tyreke Evans in Free Agency. Pair that backcourt with Anthony Davis, and we may well have a playoff team in 2014. Great night for New Orleans.
The Sacramento Kings – It’s not every day that the most talented player in the draft falls to the 7th pick, but that’s exactly what happened to Ben McLemore. The Kings needed an NBA-ready 2 to step up, and they’ve certainly got it. This now opens the door for them to move Tyreke Evans, whether by letting the restricted free agent leave or to sign-and-trade him somewhere. Evans is in desperate need of a change of scenery, and it would benefit both to move on. McLemore can and will come in ready and should start day 1. If all these potential-packed young players, especially Demarcus Cousins, can get it together, we may see significant improvements from Sacramento this season.
Otto Porter – Porter landed in his college town of DC to play for the Wizards. This couldn’t possibly be any better for him. He has the ability to score the basketball at a high rate, but he won’t feel pressured to do so as John Wall and Bradley Beal will be the primary two scorers. This will allow Porter to fully develop and become the best player he can be, which could be quite good. Should everyone stay healthy, the Wizards may contend for the playoffs next year.
The Phoenix Suns – Alex Len was among those being discussed in Cleveland to go first overall, and when he didn’t, Charlotte became the immediate favorites to pick him. But when they passed on Len, Noel and McLemore for Cody Zeller, the Maryland big became a great value pick. Even though he went 5th, Len is a guy who, if he can stay healthy, could have a great career. He’s got the body, the skills, and the mindset. All Len must do is work hard and fully rehab that left foot and we can see a top NBA big in Phoenix.
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