A few thoughts on how the draft order will affect teams 1-5.
Pick 1: Washington Wizards
If there’s one franchise that can use a bright spot this season, it’s Washington. What to do? They can take point guard John Wall, widely considered the best player in the draft, and hope he meshes with Gilbert Arenas. A second option is versatile swingman Evan Turner, who spent three years in college developing his game compared to Wall’s one. The Wizards probably can’t go wrong with either decision. However, just because a player is considered the number one talent in the draft does not necessarily mean he will become the best player or be the best fit for your team.
Pick 2: Philadelphia 76ers
For a team that took the Orlando Magic to six games in last season’s playoffs, the 76ers in 2009-10 were disappointing to say the least. Elton Brand didn’t gel any better into the offense and he recorded the first 0-rebound game of his career. In fact, the offense in general never seemed to gel with the absence of Andre Miller. Jrue Holiday showed potential on both ends of the floor in his 51 starts. It will be interesting to watch him develop as a floor leader in his sophomore season.
It is extremely unlikely Philadelphia can significantly retool their team due to over 100 million dollars in salary committed to Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala. A number two draft selection and a new coach may spark the Sixers to a 2011 playoff push.
Pick 3: New Jersey Nets
It was hard to see the Nets drop to number three after winning only 12 games in 2009-10. Not long ago, the Nets were competitive with 6 consecutive playoff appearances from 2002-07, including back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals in ’02 and ’03. According to new majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov, it is only a matter of time before the Nets compete for a championship again. And it doesn’t look like he wants to wait very long.
Look for the Nets to woo marquee free agents this summer with promises of a rapid rebuild and eventual relocation to Brooklyn. Franchise center Brook Lopez put up serious numbers this past season and is certainly a player to build around. Point guard Devin Harris, a victim of nagging injuries for the duration of the regular season, was an all-star in 2009. With a solid 1 and 5 in the starting lineup, the Nets can hopefully gain players through the draft and free agency to fill the numbers in between.
Pick 4: Minnesota Timberwolves
Many Timberwolves fans sat dismayed as the Wolves dropped from number two to number four in the lotto. Realistically, the Wolves could have had a franchise-changing draft last season. With the 5th and 6th picks in 2009, the Wolves would have been winners had they selected lottery picks Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings, late first round picks Darren Collison and Rodrigue Beaubois, or even second rounder DeJuan Blair. The reality is that a franchise like the Spurs can gamble on a pick like DeJuan Blair, since they aren’t dependent on the draft for a successful season. The Wolves were dependent last year, and after a 15-win season (9 wins fewer than in 2008-09), the team remains as dependent as ever.
Pick 5: Sacramento Kings
The Kings have some good young talent, with 2009-10 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans front and center. Carl Landry and Jason Thompson will be two key players to count on in the franchise’s future. 20-5-5 man Tyreke Evans was the 4th overall pick in 2009, which gives Kings fans plenty of reason to believe that the 5th selection could prove favorable as well. Sacramento can also try and trade the pick for a veteran who can offer immediate help.
