The 2017 NBA Draft was an exciting one. LaVar Ball predicted Laker success, Jimmy Butler was traded, and much more. If you didn't have time to watch the first round of the draft, here are some quick highlights of Thursday's draft.
LaVar Ball claims Lakers will make postseason
The boisterous dad of the No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball claimed that the Lakers will make the playoffs in Lonzo's first year. It will be the ultimate task considering the Lakers are coming off a 26-56 record, which was the third worst team record in franchise history. The Lakers will have one of the younger cores in the league with Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball.
The Lakers recently made a trade for Brook Lopez, but the older Ball might be disappointed because a playoff push with this team is highly unlikely.
Butler traded to the Timberwolves
The Chicago Bulls pulled the plug on their former 2011 first round draft pick. Butler was a three-time all-star, but it sounds like the Bulls are going into full rebuilding mode. The Bulls traded Butler and the No. 16 overall pick, which was used on Creighton center, Justin Patton to the Timberwolves for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 overall pick, which was used on Arizona forward, Laurie Markkanen.
Butler found out the news at 2:00 a.m. London time. He is with now former teammate Dwyane Wade, who might be rethinking his decision on signing with the Bulls.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Wade as one source claimed he is going to seek out a buyout.
Celtics stay pat with assets
The Celtics could always make a trade down the road, but, on draft night, they were quiet. The Celtics selected Jayson Tatum with the No. 3 overall pick. The Celtics have been linked to Butler and Paul George in the recent week, but it looks as if neither of those players will wear a Boston uniform.
It does suggest the Celtics might feel they can sway free agent swingman Gordon Hayward from Utah. Hayward can make up to $180 million compared to $133 million from Boston, but the Celtics lack of moves might suggest their confidence in reeling him in.
A young top ten
Out of the Top Ten players selected in the draft, nine of them were freshman last season, while the one was a player from France. This means that nine players selected were 19 years old, while the Frenchman is just 18 years old. It might have been the youngest top ten draft picks in recent memory for basketball lifers.
