By Coach Boyd
The NBA draft is one of the most exciting nights of the year for some of the nation’s top players as well as some of the most sought after players from overseas seeking a chance to play at the next level. With talent spread across the board, teams will have a better understanding of what their future will look like. We witness a new NBA record of 9 international players selected in the first round which allow the 2016 draft be known as the stretch 4 draft. What Golden State has been doing for the last two seasons, teams have to specialized in players that can stretch the floor and shoot the three.
The top pick in the draft goes to the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished the season with a 10-72 record and selected Ben Simmons out of LSU. The 6-10 forward Simmons Australia born is entering the draft after one year of college definitely will be an impact player this year. The second pick went to L.A. Lakers. The Lakers posted the second worst record this season with a 17-65 record, and the retirement of Kobe Bryant left scoring opportunities for selecting Brandon Ingram. The Boston Celtics have the third pick, and selected Jaylen Brown out of California. He will add athleticism to the wings. Phoenix chose Dragon Bender from Croatia as the fourth pick. Minnesota Timberwolves had the fifth pick in the 2016 draft, and perhaps the best pick of all. They select Kris Dunn from Providence. Dunn can score and guard, something the Timberwolves have been lacking for many year’s. New Orleans had the sixth pick and selected Buddy Hield out of Oklahoma. With Anthony Davis anchoring the paint, Buddy will be able to stretch the floor and be the knock down shooter he was in college. The Denver Nuggets at seven selected Jamal Murry out of Kentucky. The Nuggets got a great pick, Jamal Murry is already an offensive minded player that can shot from the outside. The eighth pick went to Sacramento but was traded to Phoenix. They selected 230lb, 6-10 Marquese Chriss from the University of Washington. Chriss an elite athlete with three point range will help the front & backcourt. At nine the Toronto Raptors selected Jakob Poeiti out of Utah. Toronto needed a player who would be able to step in immediately, just in case they lose key player Bismack Biyombo to free agency. This year Bucks have the 10th overall pick. Last time the Bucks had the 10th pick in the draft was in Brandon Jennings 2009 & Tobias Harris 2011. The Bucks will be seeking a forward-center type who can rebound and defend, that is one of the top priorities, along with a perimeter shooter. The Bucks finished almost dead last in 3PT percentage in the NBA, and last place in the Central Division with a 33 – 49 record. The Bucks need to get back to what made them successful, defending players and keeping teams in check. This year’s draft pick will need length and size as well as speed. Coach Jason Kidd receives a three year contract extension and commented on his contract just before the draft, “I’m very thankful to the Owners and Management for believing in our system, but we are all in agreement that we need to win some games”. Coach Kidd went on to say that his extension gives the younger players a sense of comfort that he’ll be around for the duration of the maturation process. We want to bring a winner here, and I love the challenges of developing the players.
The Bucks selected 7-1 center/forward from South Sudan Thon Maker. In 2015-2016 Thon spent his second year at Athlete Institute Academy in Ontario. He was named league MVP and Finals MVP, and voted first team All-Star, which he posted double digits in points and rebounds as he led Canada elite to the title game of the Under Armour 17 and under league. Thon averaged 16.5 points , 11.8 rebounds at the UAA finals which were in Georgia. Thon’s strengths are he can run the floor very well, has a good shot from the mid-range and three point line, plays with intensity, can be a presence in the lane altering shots.
John Hammond commented on the pick. “Were very excited about the pick; this pick is putting us in the direction we want to be headed. Thon has excellent work ethic, his heart and character is what we need on this team. Not to mention that his size and length will be added to an already lengthy team who is also the youngest in the NBA.” When Hammond was asked about taking Henry Ellenson ( Wisconsin Native) out of Marquette University, who was later drafted by the Detroit Pistons at 18th, Hammond said, “Henry will be a great player in the league, but Thon Maker was the best fit for our team”. When Thon worked out for the Bucks, he went through the hour and half regiment, asked plenty of questions and instead of going to diner after the workout, went back to court and worked out again for an additional two hours. That is what sold the Coaching staff and management. Bucks also had the 38th pick. They selected Malcolm Brogdon out of the University of Virginia. Brogdon was named the ACC player of the year and ACC defensive player of the year as a senior. First in conference history to receive both honors. He ranks ninth all time in school history with 1,809 points scored. Malcolm strength is the wing, the 6-5 guard is highly intelligent and efficient player, and has three point range. But his main qualities when brought in for an interview with Bucks staff, he never used the word I. Everything that came from him was team first! The Bucks did an excellent job in this year’s draft. Their picks fit the needs of the team. I give the Bucks an A-.
Last year’s team had a disappointing 10 – 31 road record, which means they may be the youngest team overall, but will have to grow up fast.
Our time in now!
