New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft report cards for all 30 teams
By Yazen Abed
SOUTHEAST DIVISION:
Washington Wizards: N/A
No picks for the Washington Wizards, as they traded their first for Bojan Bogdanovic and their second for Tim Frazier.
Atlanta Hawks: B
Additions: No. 19 John Collins, No. 41 Tyler Dorsey, No. 60 Alpha Kaba, Miles Plumlee, Marco Bellinelli
The Atlanta Hawks shipped away Dwight Howard and will most likely lose Paul Milsap this offseason, so frontcourt depth was the biggest need. They could have easily have gone center to immediately replace Howard, but with Millsap probably leaving, Collins fits in well, too.
Dorsey can fill a Kent Bazemore-type role, as well, and “Mr. Irrelevant” Alpha Kaba has been on the draft radar for years. It remains to be seen if he will be NBA ready in a few years.
Miami Heat: C-
Additions: No. 14 Bam Adebayo
This one is a head-scratcher for me. The Miami Heat needed a big man, which they got; I’m just not sure they got the right one. Bam Adebayo projects to be more of a backup to Hassan Whiteside, rather than a complement at the power forward spot.
Adebayo and Whiteside are similar in playing style, and neither can really stretch the floor. This pick leaves more to be desired.
Charlotte Hornets: A
Additions: No. 11 Malik Monk, No. 40 Dwayne Bacon, Dwight Howard
The Hornets got arguably the best value pick in Malik Monk at 11, as Monk was once projected as high as third overall. His size at 6’3″ will be a detriment, but his unbelievable shooting ability will, at the very least, make him a great sixth man like his luminaries Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams.
At best, Kemba Walker may have found a long-term running mate in the backcourt along with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at the 3. The Dwight Howard deal is questionable, but they really did not give up much, if anything, for his services.
They should contend for a playoff spot this year.
Orlando Magic: B+
Additions: No. 6 Jonathan Isaac, No. 33 Wesley Iwundu, 2020 Thunder 1st round pick, 2020 Sixers 2nd round pick, 2020 Nets 2nd round pick
I’m a bit skeptical about how well Jonathan Isaac fits alongside Aaron Gordon. The Magic seem to be a team where talented players go to lose an identity and not fit well together. Regardless, he has star potential and the Magic can afford to take him and figure the rest out later.
Trading Anzejs Pasceniks and Ivan Rabb for future picks is smart, too, as the roster is too young and convoluted to roster four rookies.