The Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Philadelphia 76ers – three basketball gambling greats of the 80’s – drew the top 3 picks of the 2017 NBA draft. One of those things is not like the other. The Celtics are now poised to do in the draft what the Warriors did when they signed KD.
1.Team: Boston Celtics
Expected pick: Markelle Fultz
The Celtics should pick Washington Huskies guard not because he’s the most talented player in the draft – which he is – but also because he can play alongside Isaiah Thomas and not at odds with him.
2.Los Angeles Lakers
Lonzo Ball
The UCLA Bruins point guard seems destined to remain in his native California, which Golden State (no, not you Warriors) fans betting on NBA games surely appreciate – even if they have to keep putting up with the elder Ball.
3.Philadelphia 76ers
Josh Jackson
The Kansas Jayhawks forward lacks the shooting skills the Sixers so sorely need, but possesses the size and physicality to fill a small forward vacancy in Philly. Jackson can score in transition as well as find someone who can score.
4.Phoenix Suns
Jayson Tatum
Pretty much the only thing the Duke product is missing to become a fully rounded scorer is three-point shooting. Otherwise he’s quite the basketball gambling boon.
5.Sacramento Kings
De’Aaron Fox
The Kings traded down from three to five with the Sixers – which is still not as bad as the Brooklyn Nets – but Fox could be a nice addition to Sacramento nevertheless. The point guard showed flashes of brilliance in the NCAA Tournament, displaying what could be described as “controlled frenzy.” Hey, he’s just like Kofi Kingston.
6.Orlando Magic
Dennis Smith
Smith is like Sonic, running and bouncing around all over the places, leaving defenders wondering what exactly just happened. Unfortunately, defenders have a chance to get their bearings back thanks so Smith’s lack of perimeter game.
7.Minnesota Timberwolves
Malik Monk
Some fans betting on NBA games think Monk is too small to leave his mark as a shooting guard. For them, two words: Tyrone ‘Muggsy’ Bogues. If he did it at 5 ft 3 in, what’s stopping Monk at 6 ft 3 in?
8.New York Knicks
Jonathan Isaac
A small forward such as Isaac will eventually be an asset to the Knickerbockers whether or not Carmelo Anthony agrees to a trade as Phil Jackson has suggested. Isaac has the height and the reach, but could use a little more mass.
9.Dallas Mavericks
Frank Ntilikina
The young Frenchman is the top international prospect in the 2017 draft and comes directly from the European scene, so fans betting on NBA games probably have no frame of reference here. Suffice it to say that he is generous with the ball and has plenty court vision.
10.Sacramento Kings
Lauri Markkanen
Unlike Ntilikina, basketball gambling fans are pretty familiar with the Finnish forward thanks to his exploits with the Arizona Wildcats in the 2016–17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball season. He should easily stand out in field filled with guards.