Revisiting the 2017 NBA Draft, Four Years Later

August 20^th, 2021

By Alan Lu

I’ve decided to tackle a rather ambitious project.  I decided to revisit the 2017 NBA Draft, with the idea of doing so five years later.  I started to analyze this, and midway I realized that it’s actually four years later instead.  Nevertheless, I decided to keep going with this project to get an early look at which teams actually may have won draft night in 2017.

Back in 2017, draft selections and trades were made, and the early snapshots were in.  The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Sacramento Kings appeared to be the early winners of the 2017 draft night. 

I decided to go back and revisit the 2017 draft night to make a determination of how NBA teams actually did, and which teams actually won draft night.  Some of the teams did well as predicted, while other teams’ selections and acquisitions may have turned out to be smoke in mirrors, fools’ gold type of moves.  One team didn’t make any moves on the 2017 draft night (the Cleveland Cavaliers), so I will be evaluating 29 NBA teams’ moves in terms of how they did back then.

After looking up and researching information on Basketball-Reference, I decided to break down each of how the NBA teams fared on draft night in the 2017 NBA Draft, four years later.  I decided to examine the totality and the scope of how each of the NBA teams did on this night, though some of the NBA teams made very impactful picks based on who they selected in this draft. I’ve kept the same 2.85-grading curve for all of the teams that participated and made moves in the 2017 NBA Draft, so some of the teams may be curved upwards to reflect that. 

In revisiting the 2017 draft four years later, the big winners now look to be the Boston Celtics, the Utah Jazz, the Miami Heat, and several other teams that made very good picks and trades on this night.

Boston Celtics

3. Jayson Tatum, F, Duke
NBA Career to date: 289 GP, 19.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 46 FG%, 40 3PT%, 84 FT%, 25.5 WS, .129 WS48, 2-time NBA All-Star, won the Gold Medal with the U.S. in the 2020 Olympics
NBA Career w/BOS: 289 GP, 19.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 46 FG%, 40 3PT%, 84 FT%, 25.5 WS, .129 WS48

This proved to be a tremendous pick for the Boston Celtics, and they ended up selecting a player that was the best player in the top 10, but arguably the best player in this draft.  Tatum has provided strong all-around skills for his team, and he’s become the Celtics’ franchise player, as he helped lead them to the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: A

37. Semi Ojeleye, F, SMU

NBA Career to date: 254 GP, 3.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 39 FG%, 35 3PT%, 70 FT%, 5.0 WS, .064 WS48
NBA Career w/BOS: 254 GP, 3.5 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.5 APG, 39 FG%, 35 3PT%, 70 FT%, 5.0 WS, .064 WS48

Ojeleye has been fairly effective as a back-end of the rotation player for the Boston Celtics.  He hasn’t been the scorer that he was at SMU and he’s been inconsistent as a shooter, but he’s shown that he can play a 3 and D role in the NBA, and he’s consistently played solid defense for his team in this league.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C+

53. Kadeem Allen, G, Arizona

NBA Career to date: 47 GP, 5.5 PPG, 2.3 APG, 1.5 RPG, 43 FG%, 35 3PT%, 76 FT%, 1.0 WS, .075 WS48
NBA Career w/BOS: 18 GP, 1.1 PPG, 27 FG%, 0 3PT%, 78 FT%, -0.1 WS, -.038 WS48

Allen didn’t play very much in the NBA, and he played sparsely for the Celtics.  He played adequately for the New York Knicks, and he provided solid playmaking and defensive skills for them off the bench, along with improved shooting and scoring skills, but he wasn’t able to stick around to carve out a long career in this league.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C

56. Jabari Bird, G-F, California

NBA Career to date: 13 GP, 3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 58 FG%, 43 3PT%, 46 FT%, 0.2 WS, .098 WS48
NBA Career w/BOS: 13 GP, 3 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.6 APG, 58 FG%, 43 3PT%, 46 FT%, 0.2 WS, .098 WS48

Bird played sparingly for Boston as a rookie, but he showed off promising shooting and scoring skills, and he was an athletic swingman that looked poised to be a quality, 3 and D role player in the NBA.  However, he had a domestic violence arrest that derailed his career, and he was later traded to Atlanta, where he would be waived a day later.  He did not play in the NBA after his domestic violence arrest.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C

In analyzing Boston trading the 1^st overall pick (the rights to Markelle Fultz) to Philadelphia for the 3^rd overall pick (the rights to Jayson Tatum) and a 2019 first round pick (the rights to Romeo Langford):

This was a great trade for Boston.  The Celtics were able to select arguably the best player in the draft two spots down at 3, and they also were able to acquire another potential rotation player in a draft two years later.  The Celtics drafted an All-Star, Olympian forward, while the 76ers’ pick, Markelle Fultz would be traded for a journeyman (Jonathan Simmons) a future second round pick (the rights to Carsen Edwards) just two years later.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: A

Boston Celtics’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (1^st Overall)

The Boston Celtics had a tremendous draft night overall.  They traded down two spots to draft the best player in superstar forward, Jayson Tatum, and they also managed to pick up another asset, as they were able to get a 2019 first round pick, which they would later use to draft Romeo Langford two years later.

Tatum is a strong all-around player that has been the Celtics’ franchise player, and he’s a very skilled, versatile forward that led them to get to the 2020 Eastern Conference Finals.  They also drafted a back-end rotation player in Semi Ojeleye at 37, which was a pretty good get for that spot.  Neither Kadeem Allen nor Jabari Bird stuck around for too long, but the biggest haul was their trade with Philly that helped them net Jayson Tatum and a future 2019 first-round pick, which proved to be the smartest, shrewdest move of this draft.

Utah Jazz

13. Donovan Mitchell, G, Louisville

NBA Career to Date: 278 GP, 23.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 44 FG%, 36 3PT%, 83 FT%, 21.8 WS, .112 WS48, 2-time NBA All-Star
NBA Career w/UTA: 278 GP, 23.4 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 44 FG%, 36 3PT%, 83 FT%, 21.8 WS, .112 WS48, 2-time NBA All-Star

This was a terrific pick up for the Utah Jazz, and Donovan Mitchell is a superstar point guard that is one of the best players in the NBA right now.  He is an exciting, very athletic scorer that played for one of the best teams this past season, and he is hands down one of the best players to come out of this draft class.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

28. Tony Bradley, F-C, North Carolina

NBA Career to Date: 112 GP, 5.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 65 FG%, 68 FT%, 6.1 WS, .208 WS48
NBA Career w/UTA: 70 GP, 4.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 63 FG%, 66 FT%, 3.4 WS, .222 WS48

He’s now a solid backup center in the NBA, but it took him a while to get there.  Bradley struggled to get playing time on good Utah Jazz teams, but he’s played well in limited miutes nas a backup center in the past two seasons.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C+

55. Nigel Williams-Goss, G, Gonzaga

NBA Career to Date: 10 GP, 1.4 PPG, 0.6 APG, 0.6 RPG, 31 FG%, 29 3PT%, 100 FT%, 0 WS, .017 WS48
NBA Career w/UTA: 10 GP, 1.4 PPG, 0.6 APG, 0.6 RPG, 31 FG%, 29 3PT%, 100 FT%, 0 WS, .017 WS48

He had a very good junior season at Gonzaga as he led them to the 2017 National Championship game, and so it was thought that it would be a very good pick for the Utah Jazz to get him.  That did not turn out to be the case.

Williams-Goss played one uneventful season in the NBA for the Utah Jazz before later getting waived by them.  He is currently not in the NBA.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D-

In analyzing Utah trading away Trey Lyles and 24 (rights to Lydon) to get the 13th overall pick (rights to Donovan Mitchell):

This was an excellent trade for Utah, as it netted them a future superstar guard in Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is one of the best players in the 2017 draft, and he’s an exciting player that excels as a scorer and defender when he is on the floor. He’s also helped turn Utah into being title contenders recently.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: A

In evaluating Utah getting 28 (rights to Tony Bradley) for 30 (rights to Josh Hart) and 42 (rights to Thomas Bryant):

While Tony Bradley ended up being a serviceable role player in the NBA, trading up to get him at 28 was a bit much, especially as they gave up two picks, in which those players have also become solid players in the NBA.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

Utah Jazz’s 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (2^nd Overall)

The Utah Jazz had a tremendous draft, and they managed to swing a trade with Denver to land future NBA superstar guard, Donovan Mitchell at 13.  This turned out to be a tremendous pick and a great draft for Utah, and Mitchell is an All-Star guard that has helped Utah become title contenders out in the West.

Miami Heat

14. Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky

NBA Career to Date: 287 GP, 12.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 BPG, 56 FG%, 16 3PT%, 74 FT%, 28.3 WS, .173 WS48, 1-time NBA All-Star, won the Gold Medal with the U.S. in the 2020 Olympics
NBA Career w/MIA: 287 GP, 12.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.9 BPG, 56 FG%, 16 3PT%, 74 FT%, 28.3 WS, .173 WS48, 1-time NBA All-Star

Bam Adebayo has been a very good player for the Miami Heat, as he has impressed by showing strong playmaking and defensive skills, and he’s also been a solid scorer for them.  He’s been a good interior defender, and he’s shown superb playmaking skills that he didn’t appear to show at all at Kentucky.  Also, Adebayo is one of the best players to have come out of the 2017 draft class.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

Miami Heat’s 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (3^rd Overall)

The Miami Heat made one move on draft night, and it was a terrific one.  They made a slam dunk pick in drafting Bam Adebayo at 14, and the Miami Heat had a great draft night because they were very precise with their move, and they ended up getting one of the best players to come out of the 2017 draft.

Chicago Bulls

7. Lauri Markkanen, F-C, Arizona

2021 NBA Career to Date: 221 GP, 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 44 FG%, 37 3PT%, 84 FT%, 11.6 WS, .086 WS48
2021 NBA Career w/CHI: 221 GP, 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 44 FG%, 37 3PT%, 84 FT%, 11.6 WS, .086 WS48

Markkanen has been a solid, sharpshooting big man for the Chicago Bulls.  While he didn’t exactly become an All-Star, his ability to shoot and knock down shots has enabled him to be a solid pro in the NBA.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: B-

Bulls trade Jimmy Butler and 16 (the rights to Justin Patton) to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, 7 (Lauri Markkanen), and Kris Dunn.

This trade turned out to be very good for the Chicago Bulls.  They were able to get a future All-Star and star player in Zach LaVine, and they also were able to draft a solid sharpshooting big man in Lauri Markkanen.  Markkanen didn’t exactly become a cornerstone piece, but he was able to provide some fairly solid years for them.  Kris Dunn also was a serviceable backup point guard, as he provided some defensive skills when he was there.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: A

Bulls trade 38 (the rights to Jordan Bell) to Golden State for cash considerations.

Considering that the Chicago Bulls could’ve used the 38^th pick to draft Monte Morris, Chris Boucher, or Dillon Brooks at 38, or even have Jordan Bell for one year, the Bulls’ decision to trade the pick for cash doesn’t look great.  Jordan Bell was very good for one year, but he hasn’t played nearly as well since.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: D

Chicago Bulls’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (4^th Overall)

When the Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler back in 2017, it certainly raised eyebrows at the time, but it turned out to really work well in their favor.  The Bulls were able to get back a future All-Star guard in acquiring the super athletic scoring guard, Zach LaVine, and they also were able to move up 9 spots in the draft to select a sharpshooting big man in Lauri Markkanen at 7.

Markkanen was a solid role player for Chicago, as he provided sound shooting and scoring skills for them.  Though he hasn’t exactly dominated, he’s played his role well for them.  Kris Dunn also was a good defensive, backup point guard for the Bulls when he was with them.  The Bulls trading the 38^th overall pick for cash considerations may weaken their overall score a bit, as they could’ve used another good player in the draft, but the Chicago Bulls came out with a strong draft night overall, as they came away with a future star guard in LaVine, a solid floor spacing big man in Markkanen, and with a decent backup point guard with strong defensive skills in Dunn.

Atlanta Hawks

19. John Collins, F-C, Wake Forest

NBA Career to date: 239 GP, 16.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 BPG, 57 FG%, 38 3PT%, 78 FT%, 23.1 WS, .162 WS48
NBA Career w/ATL: 239 GP, 16.6 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 BPG, 57 FG%, 38 3PT%, 78 FT%, 23.1 WS, .162 WS48

This was a tremendous pick by the Atlanta Hawks, and they were able to get one of the best players in the draft at 19.  Collins is an athletic, skilled big man that possesses strong scoring skills, and he also played solid defense in the 2021 NBA playoffs this year.  He was an integral player to the Hawks’ 2021 postseason run that saw them get to the Eastern Conference Finals, and Collins will be a mainstay on the Hawks, as he, Trae Young, and Clint Capela have been a formidable trio out in the Eastern Conference.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

41. Tyler Dorsey, G, Oregon

NBA Career to date: 104 GP, 6.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 39 FG%, 35 3PT%, 67 FT%, 1.0 WS, .030 WS48
NBA Career w/ATL: 83 GP, 6.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 37 FG%, 34 3PT%, 69 FT%, 0.4 WS, .014 WS48

Dorsey had a promising rookie season, in which he showcased shooting and scoring skills, but it did not at all guarantee him a long lasting career in the NBA.  Dorsey had an up and down second season, as he struggled for Atlanta the next year before being traded to Memphis and then played better for them.  He played just two seasons in the NBA, and he is now currently playing professional basketball overseas.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C

60. Alpha Kaba, F-C, Mega Leks (France)

NBA Career to date: 0 GP, has never played in the NBA
NBA Career w/ATL: 0 GP, has never played for them

Kaba had played fairly well in the Adriatic League, and he was an athletic center that showed promise as a scorer and defender, and he also could really rebound.  It was uncertain if or when he would step foot in the NBA. 

Currently, his development has stalled a bit overseas, as he’s an efficient rotation player in France’s top league, the French Jeep Elite and in Eurocup, but he has not played in the NBA, and it is uncertain if he ever will.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

On the Dwight Howard-Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli trade that involved picks 31 and 41 (the rights to Tyler Dorsey):

The Atlanta Hawks traded Dwight Howard and moved down 10 spots in this draft to get the 41^st pick (the rights to Tyler Dorsey), but they were also able to get two veteran role players in Marco Belinelli and Miles Plumlee.

They traded away Howard to start their rebuilding process.  Belinelli was a shooter off the bench, and Plumlee was basically just a backup center.  On the surface, this trade may not have looked great, but it served its purpose.  Basically, this trade helped the Hawks get playing time for their younger players and to rebuild so that they could get wins in future years.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: B

Atlanta Hawks’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (5^th Overall)

The Atlanta Hawks did a great job of selecting John Collins with the 19^th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, and they were able to get a future star big man that would be a key player in their run to the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals this past season.  Their terrific pick here was way better than the other moves that they made in this draft, and the Hawks did very well overall on this day.

Toronto Raptors

23. OG Anunoby, F, Indiana

NBA Career to date: 253 GP, 9.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 48 FG%, 38 3PT%, 69 FT%, 13.8 WS, .105 WS48
NBA Career w/TOR: 253 GP, 9.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 48 FG%, 38 3PT%, 69 FT%, 13.8 WS, .105 WS48

The Raptors made a very good pick, as it was asserted then that they made a very good draft choice then, and it looks even better now.  Anunoby had slipped to Toronto at 23 due to having been injured early in his sophomore season, but he has since excelled as a very athletic, 3 and D role player for the Raptors, and he is one of the best players in the 2017 draft class.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

Toronto Raptors’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (6^th Overall)

The Raptors did a very good job of drafting OG Anunoby at 23, and they were able to get their future starting small forward, and Anunoby was able to help his team win the 2019 NBA championship with them.  He did take a backseat on that team, but Anunoby has really excelled as an athletic, 3 and D player for the Raptors.

Los Angeles Lakers

2. Lonzo Ball, G, UCLA

NBA Career to date: 217 GP, 11.7 PPG, 6.4 APG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 40 FG%, 35 3PT%, 56 FT%, 9.2 WS, .063 WS48
NBA Career w/LAL: 99 GP, 10.0 PPG, 6.4 APG, 6.2 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 38 FG%, 32 3PT%, 44 FT%, 3.5 WS, .053 WS48

Ball has been a solid, steady player in the NBA, though he had his ups and downs at first.  He hasn’t quite been the spectacular, star playmaker that he was advertised to become, but he’s provided reliable all-around play recently in this league.  He initially struggled with his outside shot and scoring ability, but he’s adjusted by improving his jump shot, and he’s proven to be a reliable playmaker and defender that can be a good complementary player in this league.  While the Lakers did trade Ball away, no one can blame then for trading him and others to get superstar big man, Anthony Davis, which helped the Lakers win the NBA championship in 2020.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: B

27. Kyle Kuzma, F, Utah  (rights were traded by BRK to LAL)

NBA Career to date: 276 GP, 15.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 45 FG%, 34 3PT%, 73 FT%, 12.2 WS, .072 WS48
NBA Career w/LAL: 276 GP, 15.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 45 FG%, 34 3PT%, 73 FT%, 12.2 WS, .072 WS48

Kyle Kuzma did far better than anyone anticipated, especially early on with the Los Angeles Lakers.  He’s proven to be a tall, athletic scorer that can get buckets, and he has shown that he can be an instant offense player for NBA teams.  His development has stalled a bit as he hasn’t really expanded the other parts of his game, but Kuzma was instrumental in helping the Lakers win the NBA championship in 2020, and he has been one of the best players to come out of the 2017 draft class.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: A

30. Josh Hart, G-F, Villanova (rights were traded by UTA to LAL)

NBA Career to date: 242 GP, 8.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.6 APG, 43 FG%, 35 3PT%, 73 FT%, 11.4 WS, .087 WS48
NBA Career w/LAL: 130 GP, 7.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.3 APG, 44 FG%, 36 3PT%, 70 FT%, 5.5 WS, .083 WS48

Josh Hart has been a solid role player in the NBA.  His outside shooting hasn’t been nearly as good as it was when he was a rookie, but he’s excelled as a facilitator, rebounder, and defender, and he’s shown that he can be a reliable bench player in this league.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: B+

42. Thomas Bryant, F-C, Indiana

NBA Career to date:  143 GP, 10.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 60 FG%, 36 3PT%, 75 FT%, 10.5 WS, .169 WS48
NBA Career w/LAL: 15 GP, 1.5 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 38 FG%, 10 3PT%, 56 FT%, 0.1 WS, .050 WS48

Though Bryant has turned out to be a good player in the NBA, he wasn’t really given a fair shake in Los Angeles, as he played sparingly for them as a rookie, and he was waived a month before turning 21 in the offseason.  The Washington Wizards have certainly reaped the benefits of signing Thomas Bryant, and Bryant is currently their starting center.  Basically in this situation, the Lakers’ loss turned out to be the Wizards’ gain.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: B

On the trade in which the Lakers received Brook Lopez and 27 (rights to Kyle Kuzma) from Brooklyn for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov:

This turned out to be a very good trade for the Lakers.  They struck gold by drafting Kuzma at 27.  Lopez played one season for the Lakers before leaving them in free agency.  The Lakers were also able to rid themselves of the massive contract that Mosgove had.  Russell did become an All-Star for the Brooklyn Nets, but he has since been a solid player on bad NBA teams afterwards after having been traded to Golden State and later to Minnesota.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: B+

In evaluating the Lakers getting 30 (rights to Josh Hart) and 42 (rights to Thomas Bryant) for 28 (rights to Tony Bradley):

This turned out to be a good trade for the Lakers.  They were able to get a 3 and D role player in Josh Hart, and while they traded away a player that became a serviceable backup center in Tony Bradley, it took Bradley a while to develop.  Plus, Hart helped the Lakers make the trade for Anthony Davis, which helped them win the title in 2020.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: B+

Los Angeles Lakers’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (7^th Overall)

The Los Angeles Lakers had a quality draft overall, and they basically hit on all of their draft picks.  Lonzo Ball has been a steady, reliable role player that calso ashed in free agency by getting a 4 year, $85 million deal with the Chicago Bulls, and his strong playmaking skills and versatility has made him a valuable player in this league.

Swinging a trade to get the 27^th overall pick to select Kyle Kuzma paid huge dividends for the Lakers.  Kuzma has been a good player due to his solid shooting and scoring skills, and he packed a scoring punch to help the Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship.  Josh Hart has been a solid, gritty defensive specialist that has occasionally provided some quality shooting.  Thomas Bryant didn’t pan out for the Lakers, but he’s been playing well for the Washington Wizards, as he’s been their starting center before he ended up getting injured this past season.

Brooklyn Nets

22. Jarrett Allen, C, Texas

NBA Career to date: 285 GP, 10.7 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 61 FG%, 20 3PT%, 70 FT%, 26.5 WS, .175 WS48
NBA Career w/BRK: 234 GP, 10.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 61 FG%, 17 3PT%, 70 FT%, 21.5 WS, .181 WS48

He has played very well in the NBA, and he was a very good selection that was made by the Brooklyn Nets.  Allen has excelled as an interior player for the Nets and Cavaliers on both ends of the floor, and after being traded to Cleveland, he is currently one of the Cavaliers’ best players on their team.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

57. Aleksandar Vezenkov, F, FC Barcelona (Bulgaria)

NBA Career to date: 0 GP, has never played in the NBA
NBA Career w/BRK: 0 GP, has never played for them

He was considered to be a tall forward that was a very good shooter that played in some of the toughest leagues in professional basketball overseas.  His development has stalled a bit since, as he’s seen his playing time get diminished for no apparent reason in some years, but now he’s back to be a good role player in the top leagues in Europe.  It’s unsure if he will ever come over to play in the NBA, but he would likely project to be a rotational shooting specialist in the NBA if he does.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C-

On the trade involving D’Angelo Russell, Timofey Mozgov for Brook Lopez and 27 (rights to Kuzma):

The Nets were able to acquire D’Angelo Russell, who was able to make one All-Star team, and they were able to flip him in a trade to get Kevin Durant.  They did have to take on the massive contract of Timofey Mosgov, and they had to part with two solid role players in Lopez and the rights to Kuzma, but this trade worked well for both Brooklyn and the Los Angeles Lakers.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: B

Brooklyn Nets’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A (8^th Overall)

Brooklyn did a great job of drafting Jarrett Allen at 22, and they were able to get a very good center that excelled as an interior player for them on both ends of the floor.  They later traded him in a multi-team trade to get superstar guard, James Harden.  The Nets were also able to get D’Angelo Russsell, who made one All-Star team with them, and they were able to flip him in a deal to get Kevin Durant.  The Nets had a very good 2017 draft night on this day.

Sacramento Kings

5. De’Aaron Fox, G, Kentucky

NBA Career to date: 263 GP, 18.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 46 FG%, 33 3PT%, 72 FT%, 13.2 WS, .077 WS48
NBA Career w/SAC: 263 GP, 18.2 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 46 FG%, 33 3PT%, 72 FT%, 13.2 WS, .077 WS48

De’Aaron Fox has excelled as an attack-minded, score-first point guard for the Sacramento Kings, and he’s been a rising star for his team.  His teams have not won many games, but he is a rising star that is currently the best player on his team right now.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: A-

15. Justin Jackson, G-F, North Carolina

NBA Career to date: 248 GP, 6.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 43 FG%, 32 3PT%, 80 FT%, 5.3 WS, .053 WS48
NBA Career w/SAC: 120 GP, 6.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 43 FG%, 33 3PT%, 78 FT%, 2.6 WS, .048 WS48

Justin Jackson had led the 2017 North Carolina Tar Heels to win the National Championship, and he was projected to be a tall, athletic 3 and D role player in the NBA.  However, he’s struggled to shoot or defend well in this league, and he’s bounced around as a journeyman in this league.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D+

20. Harry Giles, F-C, Duke

NBA Career to date: 142 GP, 5.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 51 FG%, 26 3PT%, 67 FT%, 3 WS, .079 WS48
NBA Career w/SAC: 104 GP, 7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 52 FG%, 0 3PT%, 69 FT%, 2.5 WS, .081 WS48

Giles has been plagued with injuries and with a lack of playing time, but he’s shown that he can at times be a serviceable backup big man in this league.  He’s an athletic, energetic center, but he’s struggled to be a consistent player on the court.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C

34. Frank Mason III, G, Kansas

NBA Career to date: 103 GP, 6.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, 2.0 RPG, 40 FG%, 30 3PT%, 76 FT%, 1.2 WS, .035 WS48
NBA Career w/SAC: 90 GP, 6.8 PPG, 2.6 APG, 1.9 RPG, 39 FG%, 30 3PT%, 77 FT%, 12.8 PER, 0.9 WS, .029 WS48

Mason had a decent rookie season, as he provided some shooting and defensive skills for his team, but he’s struggled to play nearly as well or get as much playing time since.  Currently, he’s been on the back end of NBA team’s rosters for the past several seasons.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D+

Thoughts on Sacramento trading 10 (rights to Zach Collins) for 15 (rights to Justin Jackson) and 20 (rights to Harry Giles)

The Kings traded down from the 10^th pick to get Justin Jackson at 15 and Harry Giles at 20.  Suffice to say, neither Jackson nor Giles ended up being long-term pieces for the Kings, and both players are fringe rotation players in the NBA for the time being.  At 10, the Kings could’ve had Donovan Mitchell if they had stayed there.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: C-

Sacramento Kings’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A- (9^th Overall)

Drafting De’Aaron Fox at 5 was a very good pick, and Fox has been a speedy, scoring point guard that has provided excitement to this franchise.  However, their other picks and trades were swings and misses.  They traded down from 10 to get the 15^th and 20^th overall selections, but neither Justin Jackson nor Harry Giles have maintained a firm grasp in NBA rotations recently, and both have struggled to find playing time.  Frank Mason had one decent rookie season, but he’s also struggled to find much playing time since, as he has been a fringe roster player in this league.

San Antonio Spurs

29. Derrick White, G, Colorado

NBA Career to date: 188 GP, 10.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 45 FG%, 36 3PT%, 82 FT%, 10.2 WS, .106 WS48
NBA Career w/SAS: 188 GP, 10.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.2 RPG, 45 FG%, 36 3PT%, 82 FT%, 10.2 WS, .106 WS48

He has turned out to be a very good pick for the San Antonio Spurs.  Derrick White has proven to be a reliable role player for them, as he’s been a solid all-around player and a steady playmaker that has excelled in their system.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A-

59. Jaron Blossomgame, F, Clemson

NBA Career to date: 27 GP, 4.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 44 FG%, 26 3PT%, 77 FT%, 0.3 WS, .030 WS48
NBA Career w/SAS: 0 GP, never played for them in the regular season or playoffs

He was seen as an athletic scorer that could realize his potential due to being picked by Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs’ team, but surprisingly, Blossomgame never ended up playing for them.  He had spent the 2017-18 season playing for the Austin Spurs in the G-League, and he then was waived by San Antonio before playing one mediocre season for Cleveland.  He is currently out of the NBA.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

San Antonio Spurs’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: A- (10^th Overall)

The Spurs made a very good pick in selecting Derrick White at 29, and he’s been a solid, steady playmaking point guard that has helped them on both ends of the floor.  Blossomgame didn’t really pan out for them, and he ended up playing just one season in the NBA, but the Spurs’ selection of Derrick White makes this a very good 2017 draft for them.

Memphis Grizzlies

35. Ivan Rabb, C, California

NBA Career to date: 85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 55 FG%, 20 3PT%, 74 FT%, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48
NBA Career w/MEM: 85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 55 FG%, 20 3PT%, 74 FT%, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48

Rabb had slipped to 35 and it was thought that it was a good pickup by the Grizzlies.  He was a young, athletic big man that can score in the post and rebound the basketball.  However, he struggled to find consistent playing time or to defend well, and he ended playing just two seasons in the NBA before ending up out of the league.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

45. Dillon Brooks, G-F, Oregon

NBA Career to date: 240 GP, 14.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 42 FG%, 35 3PT%, 79 FT%, 3.7 WS, .026 WS48
NBA Career w/MEM: 240 GP, 14.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 42 FG%, 35 3PT%, 79 FT%, 3.7 WS, .026 WS48

Dillon Brooks has turned out to be a very good pick for the Grizzlies.  It was a bit surprising that he slipped to the 45^th pick in the draft, and he has excelled as a shooter and scorer for Memphis.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A-

Thoughts on Grizzlies acquiring 35 (Ivan Rabb) from Orlando by giving up a future second round pick:

It was a pretty good move at the time, and it could have really paid off if Rabb had developed into being a reliable rotation player for them.  Rabb played just two seasons in the NBA, but it was still worth a shot from them to make this move, as it allowed them to take multiple chances to select players in the 2017 draft.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

Thoughts on Memphis acquiring the 45^th pick (Dillon Brooks) for a future 2^nd round pick:

This was a great move by Memphis to get this pick, and they were able to get a quality role player that has helped them get to the playoffs.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: A

Memphis Grizzlies’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B+ (11^th Overall)

The Memphis Grizzlies did a very good job of acquiring the 45^th pick to select Dillon Brooks in the 2017 draft, and he’s provided them with solid shooting and scoring skills since.  Their first selection stemming from their trade with Orlando, Ivan Rabb, didn’t quite pan out nearly as well, but Brooks has provided very good value, especially as they were able to select him in the middle of the second round in this draft.

Detroit Pistons

12. Luke Kennard, G-F, Duke

NBA Career to Date: 227 GP, 9.4 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 45 FG%, 41 3PT%, 86 FT%, 9.7 WS, .092 WS48
NBA Career w/DET: 164 GP, 9.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.2 APG, 44 FG%, 40 3PT%, 86 FT%, 7 WS, .088 WS48

Though this pick did not turn out to be Donovan Mitchell, the Pistons made a solid pick here by drafting a sharpshooting guard in Luke Kennard, and he was able to provide solid floor spacing skills for them. 

2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B-

Detroit Pistons’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B+ (12^th Overall)

While the Pistons missed out on the possibility of selecting Donovan Mitchell, they still were able to draft a solid sharpshooting guard in Luke Kennard, who was able to turn in several good seasons for them before being later traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he would sign a contract extension with them a month later.

Orlando Magic

6. Jonathan Isaac, F-C, Florida State

NBA Career to date: 136 GP, 9.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 43 FG%, 33 3PT%, 80 FT%, 6.7 WS, .091 WS48
NBA Career w/ORL: 136 GP, 9.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 43 FG%, 33 3PT%, 80 FT%, 6.7 WS, .091 WS48

Isaac has been solid, rangy defender for the Orlando Magic, and he’s intrigued with his vast athleticism and versatility.  He hasn’t quite been the shooter or scorer that he was advertised to be, but he’s been fairly solid for them when healthy.  However, he ended up getting hurt in the Orlando bubble in 2020, and he missed the entire 2020-21 NBA season due to injury.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: B-

33. Wesley Iwundu, G-F, Kansas State

NBA Career to date: 223 GP, 4.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 41 FG%, 29 3PT%, 80 FT%, 4.2 WS, .053 WS48
NBA Career w/ORL: 182 GP, 4.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.0 APG, 42 FG%, 32 3PT%, 79 FT%, 4.2 WS, .063 WS48

Iwundu is a very athletic swingman that has at times intrigued with his defensive skills and 3 and D potential.  He was a serviceable role player for the Orlando Magic, but he hasn’t played nearly as well for other teams, as he played poorly for the Dallas Mavericks and the New Orleans Pelicans this past season.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C

Thoughts on Orlando acquiring a 1^st Round pick in 2020 (the rights to Tyrese Maxey), 2^nd Round pick in 2020 (the rights to Yam Madar) in exchange for trading away pick #25 (Anzejs Pasecniks):

This would have been a good trade for Orlando, if they had kept and made those picks, but they packaged the first round pick back to Philadelphia in a trade to acquire (and also overpay) Markelle Fultz.   On the other hand, Pasecniks hasn’t really done much in the NBA.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: C

Thoughts on the Orlando Magic getting a future 2^nd round pick (the rights to Talen Horton-Tucker) out of pick 35 (Ivan Rabb, to MEM):

Orlando did not keep the future pick, either.  This was a long, tangential, roundabout trade that eventually helped Orlando land James Ennis, who turned in a good 2021 season for them this year.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: B

Orlando Magic’s 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B+ (13^th Overall)

While the Magic didn’t exactly end up hitting home runs with their picks and trades, they consistently made fairly solid moves each time.  Jonathan Isaac has shown to be an athletic, versatile, rangy defensive minded forward when healthy, but he also missed a full season this past year.

They were able to quietly make a solid trade that eventually helped them land James Ennis in the future, who provided sound sharpshooting skills for their team.  Wesley Iwundu provided minutes for Orlando as an athletic, backend rotation player, though he did not play well for either Dallas or New Orleans this past season.  By consistently making solid moves, the Magic had a solid draft night overall.

Denver Nuggets

24. Tyler Lydon, F, Syracuse

NBA Career to Date: 26 GP, 0.9 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.2 APG, 50 FG%, 40 3PT%, 33 FT%, 0.2 WS, .084 WS48
NBA Career w/DEN: 26 GP, 0.9 PPG, 0.7 RPG, 0.2 APG, 50 FG%, 40 3PT%, 33 FT%, 0.2 WS, .084 WS48

Though he was seen as an athletic, versatile combo forward that appeared to be a reasonable pick in the late first round at the time, Tyler Lydon never really took off with the Denver Nuggets or in the NBA.  He played very sparingly for the Nuggets as he was buried on the bench on loaded teams, and he ended up out of the NBA after two seasons.

2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: F+

49. Vlatko Čančar, F, Mega Leks (Serbia)

NBA Career to Date: 55 GP, 1.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 45 FG%, 26 3PT%, 82 FT%, 0.4 WS, .054 WS48
NBA Career w/DEN: 55 GP, 1.9 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 45 FG%, 26 3PT%, 82 FT%, 0.4 WS, .054 WS48

Cancar was seen as a decent pick at the time, and he was a tall, athletic swingman that showed the potential to be a 3 and D role player in the NBA.  He is on the Denver Nuggets, but he has played sparingly, and he has yet to carve out a niche role for them, as he has not played very well in the league so far.

2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D-

51. Monte Morris, G, Iowa State

NBA Career to Date: 205 GP, 9.8 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 RPG, 48 FG%, 39 3PT%, 82 FT%, 13.1 WS, .130 WS48
NBA Career w/DEN: 205 GP, 9.8 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 RPG, 48 FG%, 39 3PT%, 82 FT%, 13.1 WS, .130 WS48

This was far away, the best pick that Denver made that would stay for them in the 2017 draft.  Monte Morris has been a steady, reliable backup point guard in the NBA, and he’s excelled as a shooter and playmaker on the court.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: A

On Denver trading away 13 (rights to Donovan Mitchell) for 24 (Tyler Lydon) and Trey Lyles:

This trade doesn’t look so great on Denver’s end nowadays.  Trey Lyles still managed to turn in one solid season out of two for the Nuggets, but Lydon did basically nothing for Denver.  Definitely, the Nuggets must be absolutely kicking themselves over not keeping the 13^th overall pick to draft Donovan Mitchell in retrospect.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C-

Denver Nuggets’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B (14^th Overall)

Drafting Monte Morris was far away Denver’s best move in the 2017 draft, but trading down prevented them from being able to draft and keep Donovan Mitchell for themselves, and the Nuggets totally whiffed on their first round selection, Tyler Lydon, who is now out of the league.  Vlatko Cancar is currently on the Nuggets, but he has been a little-used benchwarmer for them.  With all this in mind, their other moves outside of drafting Monte Morris doesn’t look great for Denver.

Golden State Warriors

38. Jordan Bell, F-C, Oregon

NBA Career to Date: 160 GP, 3.7 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 BPG, 55 FG%, 64 FT%, 4.9 WS, .121 WS48
NBA Career w/GSW: 126 GP, 3.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 BPG, 57 FG%, 64 FT%, 4.5 WS, .134 WS48

He had a very good rookie season with the Golden State Warriors, but he quickly plateaued and regressed from there, as he didn’t seem to make any sort of improvements as a player afterwards.  Bell has proven that he can block shots and play interior defense, but his limited offensive skills and clashes with the coaching staff in his early years have made it tough for him to get consistent playing time later in his NBA career.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C+

Thoughts on their trade involving 38 (Jordan Bell), as they made a deal with Chicago and parted ways with cash:

The Warriors got one solid year out of Jordan Bell considering they only gave up cash, and Bell helped them win the 2018 NBA championship.  Sure Bell has regressed since then, but consider this trade a win for Golden State.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: B-

Golden State Warriors’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B (15^th Overall)

Jordan Bell was a very good value pick for the Golden State Warriors at the time, and he provided one very good season for them when he was a rookie.  He helped them win the 2018 NBA championship, and he was definitely a very good pick up, especially since all Golden State had to give up was cash to get him.  He’s regressed since then, but Golden State’s move to get him at the time was still a fairly solid one, overall.

Indiana Pacers

18. T.J. Leaf, F, UCLA

NBA Career to date: 146 GP, 3.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.3 APG, 49 FG%, 34 3PT%, 58 FT%, 2.7 WS, .104 WS48
NBA Career w/IND: 139 GP, 3.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.3 APG, 49 FG%, 34 3PT%, 57 FT%, 2.7 WS, .107 WS48

Leaf had burst onto the scene of college basketball, as he had teamed up with Lonzo Ball and Ike Anigbogu to create a formidable UCLA squad for the 2016-17 college basketball season.  Leaf appeared to be an agile, skilled scorer that had a knack for efficiency.  He appeared to be a good prospect, but it turned out that was the effect of Lonzo Ball making his teammates better.

Unfortunately for Leaf and the Pacers, he just did not live up to expectations in the NBA.  He couldn’t find much playing time.  He also wasn’t the shooter as advertised, and he didn’t make a huge impact for his team in any sort of way.  While he showed flashes here and there, he was underwhelming for the Pacers, and he also played just seven games for the Blazers this past season.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D-

47. Ike Anigbogu, C, UCLA

NBA Career to date: 14 GP, 0.9 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 33 FG%, 83 FT%, 0 WS, .057 WS48
NBA Career w/IND: 14 GP, 0.9 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG, 33 FG%, 83 FT%, 0 WS, .057 WS48

I was never really high on Anigbogu or sold on his basketball skills, but it was clear that other draft analysts were, and he was expected to go in the first round.  He was a very athletic, but raw and unpolished big man that tantalized NBA scouts and draft analysts, as he would feed off of lobs from Lonzo Ball to score on powerful dunks.  Again, Lonzo Ball just had that effect, where he would find ways to make his teammates better.  When he slipped to the 47^th pick, I felt that was about where he should have went at the time, but others were very surprised that he fell out of the first round.

Unfortunately for Anigbogu, he just never really panned out in the NBA.  He rarely saw much playing time, and he was ineffective in the very limited amount of minutes that he saw on the court.  He played just 14 games in two NBA seasons before he was unceremoniously waived and ended up out of the league.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D-

52. Edmond Sumner, G, Xavier

NBA Career to date: 108 GP, 5.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 47 FG%, 33 3PT%, 73 FT%, 1.9 WS, .061 WS48
NBA Career w/IND: 108 GP, 5.7 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 1.1 APG, 47 FG%, 33 3PT%, 73 FT%, 1.9 WS, .061 WS48

The Pacers swung a trade to land Sumner with the 52^nd overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, and little did they know that this would be their best selection of this draft night.  Sumner has been a late bloomer in the NBA, but he had his best season yet this year, as he’s excelled as a shooter off the bench for the Pacers.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: B

Thoughts on them acquiring Edmond Sumner in a trade with the Pelicans for cash:

All the Pacers had to give up was cash to acquire the 52^nd overall pick to select Edmund Sumner, so this turned out to be a great trade for the Pacers, as they were able to get a future solid role player this late in the draft.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: A

Indiana Pacers’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B (16^th Overall)

The Indiana Pacers may have struck out with their first two picks, as they picked both of Lonzo Ball’s ex-teammates from UCLA, T.J. Leaf and Ike Anigbogu, but Indiana’s best move in the 2017 draft was when they acquired the 52^nd overall pick in a trade, as they used that to select Edmond Sumner.  Sumner has been a late bloomer, but he did a good job of shooting the basketball for them this past season, and the Pacers got very good value with the 52^nd overall pick of this draft.

Charlotte Hornets

11. Malik Monk, G, Kentucky

NBA Career to date: 233 GP, 9.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 40 FG%, 34 3PT%, 84 FT%, 2.0 WS, .023 WS48
NBA Career w/CHO: 233 GP, 9.1 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 40 FG%, 34 3PT%, 84 FT%, 2.0 WS, .023 WS48

Malik Monk was thought to be one of the best pure shooters and scorers in the draft along with Markkanen, and so it was quite a surprise when Monk slipped to 11 to the Charlotte Hornets.  It was thought that the Hornets got quite the steal in the draft.

However, he struggled to make shots consistently in his first three seasons in the NBA.  He turned in a much better season this past year, as he made 40% of his threes and averaged nearly 12 points per game with the Hornets, and that enabled him to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C+

40. Dwayne Bacon, G-F, Florida State

NBA Career to date: 207 GP, 7.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.1 APG, 40 FG%, 31 3PT%, 78 FT%, 0.8 WS, .010 WS48
NBA Career w/CHO: 135 GP, 5.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 40 FG%, 35 3PT%, 72 FT%, 0.3 WS, .007 WS48

Dwayne Bacon is an athletic swingman that has had his ups and downs over the years.  At times, he’s provided shooting and scoring, other times he’s been rather inefficient in other years.  He’s struggled to be consistent in games, but he was a starter for the Orlando Magic this past season.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C

On the Dwight Howard-Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli trade that involved picks 31 and 41:

The Charlotte Hornets managed to move up 10 spots and also acquire a talented center, but arguably sometimes a headcase in Dwight Howard.  He also managed to put together one solid season for them, as he averaged 16.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game during the 2017-18 NBA season.  While the Hornets had to part with two veteran role players in Belinelli and Miles Plumlee, and they still didn’t end up making the playoffs, acquiring Dwight Howard and the 31^st overall pick was a solid get in this trade.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: B+

Trading 31 (Frank Jackson) to New Orleans for 40 (Dwayne Bacon) and cash considerations:

It was a bit of a curious move to trade down 9 spots to also acquire cash, but Bacon so far has been able to earn plenty of minutes in the NBA, despite being very inconsistent over the years, and Frank Jackson is a talented, fringe rotation player for the Detroit Pistons.  It seems like this trade largely looks to be a wash.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

Charlotte Hornets’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B- (17^th Overall)

It seemed as if the Hornets’ 2017 draft would look disappointing early on, as Malik Monk struggled right out of the gates.  Dwayne Bacon had consistently been getting playing time but was inconsistent.  But then, the 2020-21 NBA season changed things.  Malik Monk shot the ball really well, as he excelled as a sharpshooter and scorer for his team, and Dwayne Bacon was a starter on the Orlando Magic.  Monk played well enough to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, and suddenly, the Hornets’ 2017 draft is looking pretty decent right now.

Milwaukee Bucks

17. D.J. Wilson, F-C, Michigan

NBA Career to date: 142 GP, 4.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.7 APG, 41 FG%, 33 3PT%, 60 FT%, 2.4 WS, .067 WS48
NBA Career w/MIL: 119 GP, 4.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 41 FG%, 33 3PT%, 57 FT%, 2/2 WS, .074 WS48

While Wilson was a talented, athletic big man with shooting potential, drafting him at 17 raised some eyebrows, and it was considered to be a significant reach, especially since he showed signs of being a one-year wonder after playing three seasons in college. Wilson was initially a little used big man for the first two years of his collegiate career at Michigan before suddenly putting forth a solid junior season.  Wilson showed off good athleticism, shooting, and defensive potential, but it was still a surprise when he was made the 17^th overall pick, considering that he only had one good season out of three in college.

Wilson struggled to find consistent playing time or to consistently play well in the NBA.  His shooting percentages fluctuated over the years, and he did sometimes show some of his shooting potential, but he didn’t quite rebound or defend nearly as well as he was capable of, and he is currently not in the NBA.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D-

46. Sterling Brown, G-F, SMU

NBA Career to date: 215 GP, 5.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.1 APG, 43 FG%, 37 3PT%, 78 FT%, 5.8 WS, .073 WS48
NBA Career w/MIL: 164 GP, 5.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 42 FG%, 34 3PT%, 77 FT%, 3.9 WS, .073 WS48

He’s been a decent, back end of the rotation player that has provided shooting and defensive skills over the years.  Brown is not a high volume scorer, but he’s been able to consistently carve out a role in this league.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C+

On acquiring 46 (Sterling Brown) from Philadelphia for cash:

This turned out to be a good move for Milwaukee.  They were able to buy a pick in the second round to draft a decent role player that factored into their rotation for several seasons.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: B

On trading the 48^th pick (Sindarius Thornwell) for cash considerations:

Considering that they could’ve used this pick to draft another quality player such as Monte Morris, Chris Boucher, or someone else, this was not a great move, but it was understandable, since they already had selected two players in the 2017 draft, and they probably felt that they didn’t have enough spots on their roster to select another player here.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

Milwaukee Bucks’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B- (18^th Overall)

The Bucks swung and missed on their first round selection, as they had drafted D.J. Wilson at 17, but they swung a trade to make a solid, second round pick in being able to acquire Sterling Brown.  Their Wilson pick was a significant reach, and Wilson didn’t realize his full potential in the NBA, as his inconsistent play combined with being buried on the bench on veteran-laden teams made it tough for him to earn playing time.  Sterling Brown was a solid pick up for Milwaukee as he’s been a fairly solid 3 and D role player in this league, and that salvages Milwaukee’s 2017 draft.

New Orleans Pelicans

31. Frank Jackson, G, Duke

NBA Career to Date: 160 GP, 7.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 43 FG%, 35 3PT%, 77 FT%, 1.8 WS, .031 WS48
NBA Career w/NOP: 120 GP, 7.2 PPG, 7.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 42 FG%, 32 3PT%, 74 FT%, 0.6 WS, .015 WS48

He missed a full season due to injury during the 2017-18 NBA Season, and he’s spent the last three seasons as a fringe rotation player that’s provided some scoring and shooting off the bench in the NBA.  Still, Jackson has shown potential to develop into a reliable scorer in the future.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C+

Trading 40 (Dwayne Bacon) to Charlotte for 31 (Frank Jackson) and cash considerations:

This trade is kind of a wash, as Frank Jackson has been a talented, fringe rotation player that has had trouble consistently earning minutes, while Dwayne Bacon has been a rotation player that has been quite inconsistent over the years.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

New Orleans Pelicans’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: B- (19^th Overall)

Frank Jackson has had his ups and downs, as he’s missed a full season due to injury, and he’s been inconsistent over the years, but Jackson showed promise as a shooter and scorer for the Detroit Pistons recently.  He didn’t shoot the ball nearly as well for New Orleans, but he’s provided scoring off the bench over the years.

Los Angeles Clippers

39. Jawun Evans, G, Oklahoma State

2017 NBA Career to date: 56 GP, 4.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.7 RPG, 34 FG%, 26 3PT%, 78 FT%, -0.4 WS, -.022 WS48
2017 NBA Career w/LAC: 48 GP, 4.8 PPG, 2.1 APG, 1.8 RPG, 35 FG%, 28 3PT%, 78 FT%, -0.2 WS, -.011 WS48

This was thought to be a steal at 39, as Evans was considered a first-round talent, but he didn’t shoot the ball well at all in his rookie season for the Clippers, and as the Clippers kept upgrading their talent, they ended up waiving him the very next year.  He played just two forgettable seasons in the NBA, and he never quite realized his potential as the speedy playmaker he was touted to be in this league.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

48. Sindarius Thornwell, G-F, South Carolina

2017 NBA Career to date: 160 GP, 2.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 41 FG%, 34 3PT%, 67 FT%, 1.1 WS, .032 WS48
2017 NBA Career w/LAC: 137 GP, 2.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.6 APG, 41 FG%, 34 3PT%, 69 FT%, 1.0 WS, .034 WS48

Thornwell had a decent rookie season, as he excelled as a defender and as a low volume, three-point shooter, but it was quite surprising that he didn’t really show much of the strong scoring skills that he displayed during his senior season at South Carolina in the NBA.  He ended up getting buried on the bench for the Clippers the next year, and he has bounced around as an end of the bench, journeyman in the NBA recently.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C

On the Clippers getting Evans and trading away cash:

This was not a bad idea to acquire a player in this draft, and all they had to give up was cash.  Sure, they didn’t hit a home run with this pick, but it gave them multiple chances to try to land a solid player in this draft.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

On trading cash for the 48^th pick (rights to Sindarius Thornwell):

Again, this was a pretty good idea to get another pick, and all they had to give up was cash to do so.  Thornwell had a decent rookie season for the Clippers before he ended up getting buried on the bench as the Clippers later loaded up to get veterans in the offseason.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C+

The Clippers were quite aggressive in making moves on draft night, but their first round selection fizzled out, as he only played a year for them, and Thornwell had one decent rookie season, but struggled to find his footing for them, as they didn’t seem to be too invested in helping him consistently establish a role on the team after finding a role as a defensive specialist that provided some three-point shooting as a rookie.  Thornwell has spent the latter three seasons as a end of the bench, journeyman that has bounced around from team to team in the NBA.

Los Angeles Clippers’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: C+ (20^th Overall)

You have to applaud the Clippers’ boldness, audacity, and initiative for making moves to acquire two picks in this draft.  They started the night with no picks, and they were able to make two trades to make two selections in the second round.  That said, things didn’t quite work out for the Clippers as expected. Sindarius Thornwell had a decent rookie season for them, but Jawun Evans didn’t pan out, and both players ended up losing significant playing time in the following years.  Still, being able to acquire Thornwell at 48 was not bad for the value, especially as he was able to provide one pretty good season for them. However, Evans ended up playing just two seasons in the NBA before ending up out of the league.

Portland Trail Blazers

10. Zach Collins, F-C, Gonzaga

NBA Career to Date: 154 GP, 5.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 44 FG%, 32 3PT%, 72 FT%, 3.9 WS, .069 WS48
NBA Career w/POR: 154 GP, 5.7 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 44 FG%, 32 3PT%, 72 FT%, 3.9 WS, .069 WS48

Zach Collins has had his ups and downs, as he’s missed nearly two seasons due to foot injuries.  He’s an offensively skilled big man that can space the floor a bit, and while he’s been able to get consistent playing time when healthy, he’s had trouble avoiding injuries over the years.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C

26. Caleb Swanigan, C, Purdue

NBA Career to Date: 75 GP, 2.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 44 FG%, 12 3PT%, 61 FT%, -0.2 WS, -.015 WS48
NBA Career w/POR: 65 GP, 2.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.8 APG, 44 FG%, 13 3PT%, 65 FT%, -0.2 WS, -.013 WS48

When he put forth a good sophomore season at Purdue, it was thought that his apparently much improved offensive skill level would serve him well in the NBA.  But sometimes with big men, it can be very hard to figure out whose outside shot would stick around and be a permanent mainstay and addition to their game, and just like former fellow Big Ten big man Adreian Payne, Swanigan couldn’t shoot threes in the NBA and quickly ended up out of the league.

Swanigan did come in with mobility questions coming into the draft.  It turns out that his perceived improved offensive skill level was a façade, as his college three-point shot didn’t translate to the NBA, and he didn’t become the playmaker that people thought he would be, as he was still quite turnover prone. His immobility also hurt him defensively at the NBA level, as he had trouble guarding quicker players in the league. Swanigan didn’t shoot the ball well at all at this level, and he was a massive disappointment in the NBA.  He played three uneventful seasons in the NBA, and he is currently out of the league.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: F

On trading 15 (rights to Justin Jackson) and 20 (rights to Harry Giles) for 10 (Zach Collins):

It was thought to be a bit of a reach at the time, and while Zach Collins is basically just an injury-prone, backup center in the NBA, neither Harry Giles nor Justin Jackson have proven themselves to be reliable rotation players in the league. Portland may have come away with the best player in this trade technically, but none of the players involved in this deal are anywhere close to the level of Donovan Mitchell.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: C

Portland Trail Blazers’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: C+ (21^st Overall)

The Portland Trail Blazers missed out on an opportunity to draft Donovan Mitchell as they passed on him to select Zach Collins.  Zach Collins has been a serviceable backup center when healthy, and he’s shown promise to excel on both ends of the floor, but he’s missed nearly two seasons of basketball due to injuries.  Caleb Swanigan didn’t pan out at all, as he didn’t bring over the outside shot he showed in college to the NBA, and he is currently out of the league.

Houston Rockets

43. Isaiah Hartenstein, F-C, Zalgiris (Germany)

NBA Career to date: 97 GP, 4.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 0.9 APG, 57 FG%, 24 3PT%, 67 FT%, 3.1 WS, .141 WS48
NBA Career w/HOU: 51 GP, 3.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.6 APG, 59 FG%, 18 3PT%, 71 FT%, 1.5 WS, .150 WS48

Hartenstein is now a solid role player in the NBA, but it took him a while to get consistent playing time, and he didn’t really realize his potential in Houston, as they didn’t play him that much, and they did not like the idea of playing centers during Morey’s tenure.  He was unceremoniously waived by Houston during the 2020 season, but Hartenstein has managed to be a reliable role player for Cleveland this past season.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: C

Thoughts on Houston trading away 45 (Dillon Brooks) to Memphis for a future 2^nd round pick (the rights to De’Anthony Melton, who was later traded away without playing a single game for Houston):

It sounded bad at the time, considering that they could have stayed put to draft Dillon Brooks as a contributor on their roster.  They did manage to pick a solid NBA player, except he didn’t develop for them, because they traded him to Phoenix in what is now a meaningless trade for them.  Melton could’ve been a solid player for Houston if they had kept him, but he now is a solid player for Memphis.  So essentially, this trade didn’t look great then, and it doesn’t look that great now.

2017 Trade Re-Grade: D

Houston Rockets’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: C+ (22^nd Overall)

Isaiah Hartenstein turned out to be a solid role player, though he didn’t realize that with the Houston Rockets.  He barely played for them and he was waived, but after being traded to Cleveland during the middle of the 2020-21 NBA season, he has since excelled as an interior player for them, and he has a chance to prove that he can be a reliable rotation player for them in the future.

New York Knicks

8. Frank Ntilikina, G, SIG Strasbourg (France)

NBA Career to Date: 211 GP, 5.5 PPG, 2.7 APG, 2.0 RPG, 37 FG%, 33 3PT%, 75 FT%, -0.4 WS, -.004 WS48
NBA Career w/NYK: 211 GP, 5.5 PPG, 2.7 APG, 2.0 RPG, 37 FG%, 33 3PT%, 75 FT%, -0.4 WS, -.004 WS48

Despite being something of a fan favorite in New York, and providing some playmaking and defensive skills, Ntilikina was still a considerable disappointment overall in his tenure with them in the NBA. 

He didn’t provide nearly the shooting or scoring ability as advertised, and he looked to be a much more limited offensive player than the other point guard counterparts that were picked in the top ten of the 2017 NBA Draft.  Right now, he is currently not with an NBA team at the moment.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D

44. Damyean Dotson, G, Houston

NBA Career to Date: 211 GP, 7.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 42 FG%, 35 3PT%, 71 FT%, 3.0 WS, .034 WS48
NBA Career w/NYK: 165 GP, 6.7 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 41 FG%, 29 3PT%, 67 FT%, 3.1 WS, .044 WS48

Oddly enough, it can be argued that the Knicks’ selection of Damyean Dotson at 44 might have been the best pick of their 2017 draft night.  Sure, he’s no Dillon Brooks, Monte Morris, or Chris Boucher, but Dotson was able to provide three-point shooting and scoring off the bench for the New York Knicks.  Currently, he is on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: C

58. Ognjen Jaramaz, G, Mega Leks (Serbia)

NBA Career to Date: 0 GP, has never played in the NBA
NBA Career w/NYK: 0 GP, has never played for them

He was an athletic, slashing combo guard that couldn’t shoot, and he was sort of in between guard positions, as he was undersized to play the two, but he wasn’t really a pure point guard, either.  He played well at the 2017 Adidas Eurocamp which helped him get drafted, but this was sort of a weird pick at the time, considering that he was not a good shooter and also had spotty shot selection back then.

Jaramaz has been a decent role player in the Adriatic League, but he’s never really dominated at the higher levels of European basketball, and it’s looking to be very unlikely that he will ever play in the NBA.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D-

New York Knicks’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: C- (23^rd Overall)

The Knicks made a decent pick in selecting Damyean Dotson with the 44^th overall pick, and he was able to provide some shooting and scoring for them off the bench.  A strong case can be made that Dotson was the Knicks’ best pick in the 2017 draft.  However, Frank Ntilikina has not become the offensive player that he was advertised to be, and while he has provided solid defensive skills, his lack of offensive skills makes him a huge reach at 8.  Ognjen Jaramaz has not played for the Knicks in the NBA regular season or postseason, and it’s unsure if he ever will.

Phoenix Suns

4. Josh Jackson, F, Kansas

NBA Career to date: 240 GP, 12.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 42 FG%, 30 3PT%, 68 FT%, -1.7 WS, -.014 WS48
NBA Career w/PHO: 156 GP, 17.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 42 FG%, 29 3PT%, 65 FT%, -3.1 WS, -.029 WS48

On draft night, plenty of people thought that Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum were similarly talented, and would go on to have similar careers in the NBA.  This turned out to not be the case.  Tatum has proven to be one of the best players, if not the best player in the 2017 draft class. 

Jackson on the other hand, has basically been a draft bust more or less in his young career, though he is coming off his perhaps best year yet with the Detroit Pistons.  After being force-fed the ball early in his career, he’s really struggled to shoot or score efficiently, and he has been a journeyman in the NBA.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D

32. Davon Reed, G-F, Miami (Fl)

NBA Career to date: 31 GP, 2.4 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.5 APG, 31 FG%, 31 3PT%, 67 FT%, -0.2 WS, -.039 WS48
NBA Career w/PHO: 21 GP, 3.0 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 29 FG%, 29 3PT%, 67 FT%, -0.3 WS, -.039 WS48

Reed was a surprise pick early in the second round, and he was projected to go much later in this draft, if at all.  In the 2017 draft, he was projected to be a 3 and D prospect with limited upside. 

Alas the Suns’ surprise second round pick at 32 did not play well in the NBA, and the pick that was thought to be a significant reach at the time turned out to indeed be the case.  After playing one uneventful season for the Suns, Reed was waived, and he played sparingly for the Pacers before he ended up out of the NBA.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D

54. Alec Peters, F, Valparaiso

NBA Career to date: 20 GP, 4.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 38 FG%, 31 3PT%, 80 FT%, 0.3 WS, .055 WS48
NBA Career w/PHO: 20 GP, 4.1 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.6 APG, 38 FG%, 31 3PT%, 80 FT%, 0.3 WS, .055 WS48

I didn’t think too highly of this pick at the time, and when I saw the Oregon-Valparaiso game early in the 2016-17 college basketball season, I felt that Oregon’s 6-10 big man, Chris Boucher to have clearly been the best prospect and player on the floor in that game, and that he had significantly outplayed Peters, though Peters I felt also did play fairly well in that match. I honestly was surprised that other draft analysts didn’t rate Boucher substantially higher, considering that Boucher’s size and tremendous athleticism combined with his shooting and defensive prowess and potential made him quite an intriguing prospect that could create mismatches that would swing in his and his team’s favor.

Back then, I felt that Peters was a considerably overrated prospect. While Peters had some shooting and scoring skills, I felt that he was a below average athlete that did not defend well, and I felt that his lack of mobility would make it tough for him to succeed in the NBA. 

Alas, my hunch turned out to be correct, and he didn’t last long in this league.  The Suns were not patient with Peters as he struggled in his lone season with them, and Peters ended up out of the NBA after one season.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D-

Phoenix Suns’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: C- (24^th Overall)

On draft night, it didn’t seem like there was much of a talent gap between Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum, as both players were rated similarly by many draft analysts pretty much across the board.  However, while Jayson Tatum has become a superstar in the NBA and a Gold Medal Olympian, Josh Jackson has struggled with his shooting and scoring efficiency during his NBA career, and he’s bounced around as a journeyman before finally finding his footing with the Detroit Pistons.

Still, Jackson has not been anywhere close to Tatum’s level at any point of his career in the NBA, and while he’s provided some athleticism and scoring, Jackson’s lack of shooting and inconsistent play makes him a reach at 4.  As for Davon Reed and Alec Peters, they didn’t last long in the NBA, as both are currently out of the league.

Washington Wizards

Trades involving 52(Edmond Sumner), as Washington gets Tim Frazier:

The Wizards traded a potential future solid role player that they could have drafted at 52 to acquire a marginal backup point guard in Tim Frazier.  Frazier played one season for them before signing elsewhere in free agency in the offseason.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: D

Washington Wizards’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D+ (25^th Overall)

The Wizards’ 2017 draft night was by no means spectacular, but Tim Frazier was able to get fairly consistent playing time as a backup point guard for them during the 2017-18 NBA season.  A case can be made either way of whether or not if they should receive a higher or lower grade.  Frazier did manage to last longer in the NBA than most of the players that were selected at 52 and beyond, but it can also be argued that the Wizards may have played it too safe by acquiring a veteran that was a fringe backup point guard rather than use this selection to draft a rookie with more upside.

Dallas Mavericks

9. Dennis Smith Jr., G, NC State

NBA Career to date: 179 GP, 11.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.1 RPG, 40 FG%, 32 3PT%, 65 FT%, -1.0 WS, -.010 WS48
NBA Career w/DAL: 58 GP, 8.7 PPG, 3.7 APG, 2.4 RPG, 38 FG%, 28 3PT%, 56 FT%, -0.5 WS, -.008 WS48

Dennis Smith Jr. had 1 ½ decent, promising seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, but after he was traded to the New York Knicks, somewhere along the way, his jump shot and his game fell off significantly.  After having shown promise as a ball-dominant, athletic scoring point guard, Smith really couldn’t shoot for the Knicks after being traded to them.

He was thought to play a New York-style of basketball that would make Knicks’ fans happy, but Smith ended up playing terribly for them instead.  He recovered to play decently for the Detroit Pistons after being traded to them during the 2020-21 NBA season.  Currently, Smith is a fringe rotation player that is currently unsigned at the moment.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

Dallas Mavericks’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D+ (26^th Overall)

Dallas drafted Dennis Smith Jr. back then, which was seen as a good pick at the time.  He has not been anywhere near the caliber of Donovan Mitchell at any point in the NBA.  Regardless, Smith turned in a couple of decent seasons for Dallas before being traded to New York.  He really struggled for the Knicks, but he rebounded to play decently for the Detroit Pistons this past season.  Currently though, Smith is out of the NBA.

Oklahoma City Thunder

21. Terrance Ferguson, G-F, Adelaide (USA)

NBA Career to date: 204 GP, 4.5 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 40 FG%, 33 3PT%, 75 FT%, 4.4 WS, .053 WS48
NBA Career w/OKC: 191 GP, 4.8 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 41 FG%, 34 3PT%, 75 FT%, 4.6 WS, .056 WS48

Ferguson was a very interesting pick at the time.  From his high school exploits, he was known as a very athletic shooter that appeared to have considerable prospect for the NBA, and he had played very well at the 2016 Nike Hoops Summit.  However, he really struggled in his one season in Australia in the NBL, and he didn’t shoot the ball nearly as well as expected there, so there were some doubts if he should go high in the first round.  The Thunder ended up drafting Ferguson at 21, and it was still seen as a solid move at the time, especially given the Thunder’s penchant for developing their younger players.

For the Thunder, Ferguson had his ups and downs, as he shot the ball well during his second season in the NBA, but he struggled to make shots in other years, and he was never a high volume scorer or anywhere close to that.  Ferguson provided basically minimal offense in this league, but he provided above average on-ball defense when he was on the court.  However, his lack of offensive skills made it tough for coaches to play him, and so he’s bounced around, and he is currently not in the NBA.

2017 Draft Re-Grade: D

Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D+ (27^th Overall)

It was thought to be a pretty good move at the time, as Ferguson was an athletic project player that was viewed as a 3 and D role player that had a vast amount of upside as a prospect for the NBA.  He had his ups and downs for the Thunder, and he had one year where he shot the ball fairly well, and he also was a solid defender in this league.  However, he struggled to shoot the basketball in the other seasons, and he didn’t look to score very much, as he showed off limited offensive skills.  He didn’t play much for Philly this past season, and he was traded to New York where he was waived, and he is currently out of the NBA.

Minnesota Timberwolves

16. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

NBA Career to date: 22 GP, 3.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 40 FG%, 25 3PT%, 67 FT%, 0.4 WS, .066 WS48
NBA Career w/MIN: 1 GP, 2.0 PPG, 1.0 SPG, 50 FG%, 0 3PT%, 0 FT%, 0 WS, .151 WS48

Drafted for his size, athleticism, and upside, Patton has failed to deliver in the NBA.  He’s been oft-injured and unproductive in short stints in the league, and he’s been a little used, journeyman benchwarmer that is currently out of the NBA.  It is also worthy of note that Patton played just one game for Minnesota before being traded away to Philadelphia.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: F

On the trade in which Minnesota received Jimmy Butler and 16 (rights to Justin Patton) for 7 (Lauri Markkanen), Kris Dunn, and Zach LaVine:

The Jimmy Butler trade did help the Timberwolves get to the 2018 NBA playoffs for the first time since 2004, but in the long run, renting Jimmy Butler for a year didn’t help them, as their relationship quickly soured shortly after the postseason.  He demanded to be traded the very next year, and he was traded for a slew of veterans and a 2022 2^nd round pick, but none of the players he was dealt for are still in Minnesota, and the Timberwolves are still a rebuilding team right now.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: C

Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D+ (28^th Overall)

When the Timberwolves swung a blockbuster trade to get Jimmy Butler in the 2017 NBA Draft, at the time it appeared as if they had struck gold and were destined to become playoff contenders in the future.  They had traded to acquire a star forward that had strong defensive skills, as well as good all-around skills, which theoretically would make him a solid fit around Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

However, this actually turned out to be a very shortsighted move in retrospect.  They traded away a future star guard in Zach LaVine that had been with Minnesota since the start of his NBA career, and they traded him to get a star forward (Jimmy Butler) who it turns out, didn’t want to be there.  He did help them get to the 2018 NBA playoffs, which was Minnesota’s first trip to the postseason since 2004, but Butler quickly became disgruntled and wanted out as he would later demand a trade.

Butler’s trade demands and Minnesota acquiescing to trade him for a slew of above average role players quickly sent the Timberwolves tumbling back down towards the rebuilding path once again, as they didn’t end up keeping any of those players, and the Timberwolves have not been back to the playoffs since.  (They did end up getting D’Angelo Russell via trade, and Anthony Edwards in the 2020 NBA Draft, but that’s a story for another time.)

Meanwhile, Justin Patton was plagued with injuries, and with a lack of playing time, and he played just one game for Minnesota before being shipped off with Jimmy Butler to Philadelphia.  Patton has played the fewest amount of games among 2017 first-round picks, and he was drafted over the likes of John Collins, Jarrett Allen, OG Anunoby, Kyle Kuzma, and Derrick White.  Patton is currently out of the NBA.

Philadelphia 76ers

1. Markelle Fultz, G, Washington

NBA Career to date: 113 GP, 10.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 45 FG%, 27 3PT%, 69 FT%, 3.1 WS, .052 WS48
NBA Career w/PHI: 33 GP, 7.7 PPG, 3.4 APG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 SPG, 41 FG%, 27 3PT%, 53 FT%, 0.5 WS, .038 WS48

When the 76ers traded up to get Fultz at number one, there were several beliefs that were held back then.  That he was 1) the best player in the draft, 2) a pure shooter that would show off a smooth three-point shot and shooting stroke in the NBA, and that 3) he would at least make one NBA All-Star team or come very close.  All those beliefs turned out to be false.

Fultz injured his shoulder in the 2017 NBA Summer League, and he’s been plagued with the yips, as it has hurt his outside shot greatly.  He is still an athletic slashing point guard that can provide some defense, but he hasn’t had nearly as big of an impact as expected in the NBA.  He’s been plagued by injuries and shooting woes, but at least is a starting point guard for the Orlando Magic.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade, 5 Years Later: D

25. Anžejs Pasečņiks, C, Gran Canaria (Latvia)

NBA Career to date: 28 GP, 5.6 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0.7 APG, 52 FG%, 0 3PT%, 59 FT%, 0.4 WS, .038 WS48
NBA Career w/PHI: 0 GP, never played for them

Back then, I felt it was a bit of a reach for the 76ers to acquire Pasecniks at 25 back then, and while he showed some scoring and athleticism in the Spanish ACB League back then, his lack of shot creation ability, playmaking, rebounding ability, and inconsistent defensive play made it a questionable pick back then.

It looks to be a really bad pick now, considering that Pasečņiks has played only a handful of games in two seasons at the end of NBA teams’ benches, and he’s played less than 500 minutes total to date.  He hasn’t even shown any of the supposed stretch big potential that made him remotely enticing as a prospect in the first place, The 76ers also basically late him walk in the 2019 offseason, so he basically had no impact at all for Philadelphia.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade, 5 Years Later: F

36. Jonah Bolden, F-C, FMP Beograd (Australia)

NBA Career to date: 51 GP, 4.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 49 FG%, 34 3PT%, 48 FT%, 1.4 WS, .098 WS48
NBA Career w/PHI: 48 GP, 4.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.8 BPG, 50 FG%, 35 3PT%, 45 FT%, 1.4 WS, .100 WS48

Back then, Bolden was an athletic big man that intrigued fans and NBA scouts alike with his shooting, playmaking ability, and offensive potential back then.  He had a fairly solid rookie season, but he was unable to carve out a long NBA career, as he ended up getting waived by the 76ers, and the Phoenix Suns let him go after a 10-day contract with them later on. 

Bolden is currently out of the NBA, so this pick was not quite the hit that it should have been.  That the 76ers gave up on him and released him so quickly after a successful rookie season is a shame, even if Bolden had trouble getting playing time in his second year with them.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D

50. Mathias Lessort, F-C, Nanterre (France)

NBA Career to date: 0 GP, has never played in the NBA
NBA Career w/PHI: 0 GP, has never played for them

At the time, it appeared to be a solid pick late in the second round of this draft, as Lessort was a very athletic big man that projected into a defensive specialist role in the NBA.  However, he has never come over to play in the NBA.  He largely projects to be a defensive specialist if he comes over one day, and he’s a good player in France overseas.  On the other hand, as five years have passed and he has only suited up once for Philly in the 2017 NBA Summer League, I’m getting the feeling that maybe Lessort will never come over to play in the NBA.  Currently, he has his draft rights held by the New York Knicks.

2017 NBA Draft Re-Grade: D-

On the 76ers trading 3 and a future 1^st round pick to get Fultz:

This turned out to be a very bad trade on the 76ers’ part.  There was a decent chance that they didn’t need to trade up to get him, as it was later said that the Celtics would’ve drafted Jayson Tatum at 1 if no trade was made, and the Lakers might have drafted Lonzo Ball regardless, so the 76ers could’ve stayed put, especially with De’Aaron Fox also on the board, whom was also considered a likely top 5 pick at the time.

Trading away so much to get Fultz was a bit much back then, and it looks far worse now.  It’s usually not a great idea to trade up, due to the uncertainty of the impending rookies’ future development paths, unless if an NBA team is absolutely certain that they would get back far more value than if they hadn’t done so.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: F

On the 76ers trading a 2020 first round pick and a 2020 2^nd round pick to get 25 (the rights to Anzejs Pasecniks):

This was a lot to give up from the 76ers’ end, and this also turned out to be very bad on their end, especially since they gave up multiple assets for a player that they would just waive two years later.  This was a very bad move on the 76ers’ part, and their decision to acquire Pasecniks at 25 was not at all good for them, and it reflected poorly on the Bryan Colangelo regime.

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: F

On the 76ers trading away the 39th pick (the rights to Jawun Evans) for cash:

Again, this was not a great move, considering that they were still a rebuilding team, and they could have used another prospect to draft to add to their team.  They could’ve had Thomas Bryant, Monte Morris (whom I was very high on back then, and has turned out to be a quality backup point guard for the Denver Nuggets), Edmond Sumner, or Chris Boucher (whom I was also high on, but draft analysts had knocked him down for his late season injury).

2017 NBA Trade Re-Grade: D-

Philadelphia 76ers’ 2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: D- (29^th overall)

The 76ers gave up a lot as they traded up to get the first overall pick, and they dealt multiple picks to do so.  They used that pick to select Markelle Fultz, who at the time was seen as a near consensus favorite to be the top pick of the 2017 draft. However, he later ended up with injuries and shooting woes (most likely the yips) that really plagued him, and while he’s technically the starting point guard for the Orlando Magic, he’s been nowhere close to the All-Star level player he was advertised to be. 

The 76ers could have had Jayson Tatum, but drafting Fultz at 1 ended up setting a bad tone for their draft.  They then drafted a slew of international players that didn’t really pan out.  Pasecniks was considered to be a reach at 25, and he is a fringe roster player in the NBA right now, and Bolden fizzled out shortly after having one decent rookie season for the 76ers, as they grew impatient with his development.  Lessort has not come over to the NBA, and it’s looking unlikely that he ever will.

Philadelphia swung and missed hard at the top, and they also missed on all of their subsequent trades and picks.  This earns them the worst marks of the 2017 draft night.

Cleveland Cavaliers

They sat out of the 2017 NBA Draft, so they don’t get a grade here, even in the 2017 draft night re-grade.

2017 Draft Night Re-Grade: I (I for Incomplete)

In total, in revisiting the 2017 NBA Draft four years later, among the 29 teams I gave grades to in the re-grading, I handed out eight As, two A-s (A minuses), three B+s (B pluses), three Bs, three B-s (B minuses), three C+s (C pluses), zero Cs, two C-s (C minuses), four D+s (D pluses), zero Ds, one D- (D minus), and zero F+s or Fs.

In coming up with the process to grade these teams, I started out with the idea of implementing and adhering to a statistical formula for grading NBA players and teams in this draft, and I initially grouped teams in tiers. I then looked over the data to see if it made sense. I then moved teams up or down and re-ranked and re-arranged them, so that the list would make more sense, but I still managed to keep it at the 2.85-grading curve in the re-grading the 2017 draft.

For those that were interested in how I had graded the 2017 NBA Draft right after it happened back then, you can read it here. Obviously, my opinions that I had then have changed now. There were some teams that I was pretty close to in my projections of how they did in the 2017 draft at the time. I rated Brooklyn and Toronto quite well back then, and even better now. Indiana I rated fairly well back then, and decently now, although for different reasons. I gave Portland the same C+ grade in the re-grade as I did back then, as I felt though their draft wasn’t terrible, other teams had better drafts than they did.

As for the other teams, I was either way too high on their draft, or far too low on theirs. I was far too low on Utah, Chicago, Miami, and Atlanta’s drafts, and I was far too high on the Clippers, Mavericks, and Timberwolves’ drafts. Our opinions of how NBA teams did at the time may not always reflect what will happen in the future, but it’s always fun to make predictions to see how things will turn out.

Amongst players that went undrafted, the top players that went undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft look to be Chris Boucher, Matt Thomas, Mychal Mulder, P.J. Dozier, Luke Kornet, and Antonio Blakeney, with the jury still out on whether or not if Oklahoma City Thunder forward, Gabriel Deck will play well in the NBA.

Overall, this was a fun and fascinating look back at the 2017 NBA Draft, and I may choose to revisit this once again 6 years or 11 years later, sometime far in the future.  Time will tell to see how this draft holds up, but it’s clear that the big winners in this draft look to be mostly significantly different than the perceived winners at the time when the selections were made.  Thanks for reading.