Top five takeaways from NBA Draft punctuate a shift in the Association with many likely to affect how the offseason progresses.
It’s been a few days since the NBA Draft when the OKC Thunder selected Darius Bazley with the 23rd pick. The draft offered some interesting takeaways which could affect how the remainder of the offseason plays out.
Here are my top five takeaways from the night.
Emotions ran high:
Although every NBA Draft has its share of emotional moments the 2019 version had more than it’s fair share. It began with the opening pick of Zion Williamson. Despite everyone including Zion knowing he would be the top draft pick he was overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry.
It was a moment that endeared him to fans (even outside New Orleans) as he made it clear just how heavy the burden is for these young men who spend the better portion of their lives hoping to play in the National Basketball Association one day.
Prospect after prospect had moments like Williamson. His Duke teammate RJ Barrett broke down in tears on his father Rowan Barrett Sr.’s shoulder shortly after he was selected with his father also fighting back tears.
Matisse Thybulle broke down when discussing his mother, a doctor who had passed after a lengthy battle with illness.
Overall it was an extremely emotional night and one which resonated for fans who got to witness the human side of these young men.