Grading 2020 NBA Draft: OKC Thunder are active and aggressive
Franchise altering moves:
This specific category was created for the teams whose picks or trades could conceivably shift the franchise direction in a positive manner. The first name on the list gets inserted simply for making two smart picks after years of question marks.
Knicks
- Obi Toppin (8th), PF, Dayton
- Immanuel Quickley (25th), SG, Kentucky
The critics are sort of all over the map on Obi Toppin. Some feel he’ll be just as successful in the NBA as he was last season in the NCAA while others wonder if his skillset will be limited in the pros and more importantly his shortcomings exposed.
What can’t be denied is he’ll bring energy and dunks and for a franchise who’s been short of something to cheer about for an inexcusably long time Toppin was the perfect pick.
Kentucky guard Quickly might not have the shine of Obi but is an equally compelling selection with a full skill set that will complement the other youngster (RJ Barrett) the club will likely pair him with.
The irony of the virtual draft was missing out on the yearly Knicks fans on-site booing Adam Silver when he reads out their selection. Even in this instance Knicks fans got the short end of the stick as it was the first time in years both picks would likely have been cheered. Then again that might’ve not sat well with the Mecca as it’s almost a right of passage to be booed now.
Grade: A-
76ers
- Tyrese Maxey (21st), SG, Kentucky
- Isaiah Joe (49th), SG, Arkansas
- Paul Reed 58th), PF, DePaul
Let’s pause in reflection for a minute to recognize how drastically Daryl Morey’s life changed in a matter of a few weeks. The Rockets are reeling in the wake of his departure and the new front office has an empty draft cupboard with few tradeable assets and two superstars who want out. In contrast, Morey has landed in Philly with two rising stars, a new veteran coach (Doc Rivers), plus plenty of draft stock and assets from the process era. Suffice to say the world is Morey’s oyster.
In his first venture with GM Elton Brand to the draft, the duo drafted a trio of talents. Kentucky guard Maxey at 21st was a great get both in terms of his above-average shooting and playmaking.
But, the true move of the night was trading ill-fitting Al Horford and his albatross contract to OKC in exchange for two players who’ll produce immediately (Danny Green, Terrance Ferguson). Thunder fans will learn fast enough whether Horford can replicate what Chris Paul did and resurrect his career.