New York Knicks: 2017 NBA Draft report cards for all 30 teams
By Yazen Abed
PACIFIC DIVISION:
Golden State Warriors: A
Additions: No. 38 Jordan Bell
It pains me to give the champs a good grade. Not only do they have the best roster in the league, but they nabbed first-round talent Jordan Bell in the second round for a couple of million dollars (Someone check on Bulls GM Gar Forman).
Bell will find a way to be productive, like Patrick McCaw was before him. The Warriors get a good player for cheap as they look to keep that core intact.
Los Angeles Clippers: B
Additions: No. 39 Jawun Evans, No. 48 Sindarius Thornwell
At first glance, the Clippers got two solid backups in Jawun Evans and Sindarius Thornwell. But with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin opting out, we may not be far away from a Clippers rebuild that would thrust Evans and Thornwell into prominent roles early.
Evans has first-round talent and should man the ship should CP3 depart this summer
Sacramento Kings: A
Additions: No.5 De’Aaron Fox, No. 15 Justin Jackson, No. 20 Harry Giles, No. 34 Frank Mason III
You’re reading that right. The Kings had a good draft. I’m just as shocked. This grade can be an A+ and more if Harry Giles lives up to his potential. Three potential long-term starters to join Buddy Hield and Willie Cauley-Stein is a great haul for a Kings team desperate for a new identity.
Fox may be the next best point guard prospect in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers: A++
Additions: No. 2 Lonzo Ball, No. 27 Kyle Kuzma, No. 30 Josh Hart, No. 42 Thomas Bryant, Brook Lopez
Best draft of the night goes to the Los Angeles Lakers. The strength of the Lonzo Ball pick alone is worthy of an A+, who will be the face of the franchise and make his teammates like Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and the newly acquired Brook Lopez infinitely better.
Add Kyle Kuzma to provide depth behind Randle, Josh Hart who may very well become the starting shooting guard in short order, and Thomas Bryant to replace Timofey Mozgov behind Lopez, and these Lakers may fulfill Lavar Ball’s promise of playoffs next year.
Phoenix Suns: A
Additions: No. 4 Josh Jackson, No. 32 Davon Reed, No. 54 Alec Peters
Davon Reed and Alec Peters may end up becoming serviceable players in the league, but this grade is based solely on Josh Jackson falling to them at 4. He is exactly the player they needed, and may become the best player in this draft.
A perfect two-way compliment to “Mr. 70” Devin Booker, Jackson has franchise potential written all over him.
Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Marquese Chriss, and Dragan Bender is a lineup that will be a favorite of NBA 2K players for a long time.
Must Read: Pros and Cons of re-signing Derrick Rose
The New York Knicks improved their future at the 2017 NBA Draft, but they weren’t alone.