It was a night that started out with a room full of excited young men, sitting on their hands, waiting for their childhood dreams to come to fruition. The high school class of 2016, the college freshman at the Draft, has been regarded as one of the most talented high school classes in at least a decade. This high regard was in full showcase and reinforced last night at the Barclay's Center in New York City. The first seven picks of the Draft were freshmen. There were 16 freshmen selected in the first round of the 2017 Nba Draft. Here's a look at the top seven picks in last nights 2017 NBA Draft.
One of the best freshmen classes in a decade
Here is a look at the seven young men that are going to help change where the NBA is going. Remember, these players are "one and done" guys.
1. Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz. He's a 6'4" point guard out of Washington State. In one season he lead his team in a very competitive conference. He averaged 23 points, almost 6 assists, and almost 6 boards. He is joining an already young core in Philly, including Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons.
2. Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball. Ball is the 6'6" point guard that played for the Bruins. Aside from talking about the drama surrounding his father, Ball is an incredible basketball player who led the most offensively efficient team in the NCAA last season.
Even with his unconventional jump shot, he shot 41% from the three point line. In his first and only season at UCLA, Ball set the single season Bruin record for most assists in a season with 274. Ready for "showtime" maybe?
3. The Boston Celtics took Jayson Tatum, 6'8" small forward, out of Duke University. Tatum has a recorded almost 9 foot wingspan.
He's a playmaker with a great motor. When you add his versatility to play the small and power forward positions, with the talents of guys like Isaiah Thomas, you get offense. They are going to be fun to watch together. Youth can light a flame.
4. Phoenix selected the 6'8" small forward out of Kansas, Josh Jackson. Despite his off the court issues, which hopefully he has put in his rearview, he is a great addition to the talents of Devin Booker.
This is definitely a step in and compete type of pick.
5. The Sacrament Kings selected Kentucky point guard De'Aaron Fox. He was one of the most dynamic play-makers in college basketball. The Kings already had a front court presence, now they may have found one of the pieces of the puzzle to help open up their perimeter game. His vision and basketball I.Q. is perfect for this role, and for making an immediate impact.
6. Orlando picked Jonathan Isaac, small forward from Florida State. He's an overall talent going to a team that just needed the best boost of talent they could get at this spot. He can pass, shoot, and hit the boards. Maybe he can be a player that can be built around. He is the first Seminole taken in the top ten of the Draft since 1989.
7. The Minnesota Timberwolves did big things with this pick and they made out very well. Follow me on this. They drafted Lauri Markkanen, 7' power forward, out of Arizona. They, then, proposed a trade with the Chicago Bulls that would send Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and Lauri Markkanen to Chicago for Jimmy Butler. Yes, I said Jimmy Butler is going to Minnesota. Both these teams got the shots of youth and experience they needed.
The direction of the NBA
So, needless to say, this may be the beginning of a new era in the NBA. There were 9 more freshmen selected in the first round. The only seniors taken were in the last two picks of the round. The NBA is now flooded with youth and rejuvenation. Let's see where they take the league.
