The 2017 NBA Awards Show was a great success for the NBA no doubt, from the humor brought to us from Bill Russell to the heart breaking story of Monty Williams, all the way to the end with the inspiring speech from MVP Russell Westbrook. With all that said, when looking at all of the awards presented, there was one that stood out to me… when Malcolm Brogdon’s name was called for Rookie of the Year. I was definitely happy for him, especially being a second round pick, but the fact of the matter was that he was the only nominee from THIS YEARS DRAFT. Joel Embid, a personal favorite, AND Dario Saric were both drafted in the 2014 draft (3rd and 12th). Were these three players really the best “rookies” the NBA had to offer?… a second round pick and two players from 2014? Surely there must have been great athletes that were just snubbed for this honor… right?
Wrong.
I took a look at the draft class and this is what I found…
There were TWO players that averaged over 10 points per game, one being Buddy Hield of the Pelicans/Kings who averaged 10.6 ppg and 1.5 ast, and you favorite rookie and ROTY, Malcolm Brogdon, who averaged 10.2 ppg and 4.2 ast.
Now we’re going to go through a comprehensive review of each player. (in draft order)*
Ben Simmons: Injured, will report when new findings arise.
Brandon Ingram: Anorexic Kevin Durant, could be Lakers future with Lonzo and Lavar Ball at the helm.
Jaylen Brown: Role player with contender, bad situation to display skills. Shown glimpses of brilliance in playoffs.
Dragan Bender: I must admit, other than Booker’s 70, didn’t watch many Suns games. Based off stats, 3.4 pts and 2.4 rbs is eh.
Kris Dunn: Had high praise coming out of college, good defender but was abandoned by the T-Wolves after one season.
Buddy Hield: One player I really like out of this draft, deadeye shooter. Hopefully not the next Jimmer.
Jamaal Murray: Lots of potential, fits well in system with Nuggets. 9.9 ppg also nice.
Marquese Chriss: I remember the Suns played him a lot mid season then just benched him, don’t quite understand the move.
Jakob Poeltl: Never seen him play, stats aren’t a glimmering shimmer of pride.
Thon Maker: 19, 20, 21, 22? I’m not sure and neither is he. A good fit for the Bucks, part of a nice core with Giannis, Bogdon and Parker.
Domantas Sabonis: An extra 6 points per game for Russell Westbrook’s Triple Double Extravaganza every night.
Taurean Prince: Is just another piece of the Hawks team basketball project.
Georgios Papagiannis: Oh boy. Played 22 games and averaged 5.6 ppg. Good luck to ya.
Denzel Valentine: Could be very interesting considering the Bulls have FINALLY committed to scrapping Butler and rebuilding.
Juan Hernangomez: I look at him and I see “Nikola Jokic’s backup for the next 5 years” written all over him.
Wade Baldwin: A young piece in Memphis. I’m really not sure what else to say here.
Henry Ellenson: Only played 19 games, averaged a -8.2 +/- which aggravates me. Zero efficiency here for a confused Pistons team.
Malik Beasley: Denver keeps acquiring these types of young guards, they’re hoping one works out.
Caris LeVert: 3rd highest minutes per game in draft, 8.2 ppg. Played for Nets so I’ll turn a blind eye.
DeAndre Bembry: I’ve never seen him play and I don’t think you have either. 2.7 ppg, worst ppg so far.
Malachi Richardson: High praise coming out of college, what happened?
Timothe Luwawu: Very high on him, watched him play and fits very well with 76ers system.
Pascal Siakam: Better than their first pick… might actually work out as Ibaka’s replacement when he’s done in Toronto.
Skal Labissiere: Felt like he slipped more than he should have in the draft, Kings got a steal, good player.
Dejounte Murray: Tony Parker went down in playoffs and he earned Pop’s trust enough to start. Any friend of Pop is a friend of mine.
Damian Jones: Garbage time player when GSW blows team out every other night.
Second Round
Deyonta Davis: Vince Carter built a room for him in his house, that pretty cool. Has promising talent, has a HOF mentoring him.
Ivica Zubac: It was nice to see the Lakers get a win on a player for a change. Will be good spark plug off bench for Lopez at center.
Cheick Diallo: 17 games? We’ll wait another year for any redeeming qualities to reveal themselves.
Tyler Ulis: He’s 5’9″ and stole the ball from Isaiah Thomas and hit a 3 to win the game. I really like him, thats what I call a STEAL.
Malcolm Brogdon: Rookie of the Year (ROTY) and perfect fit for a Bucks team thats going to be really good in a few years.
Patrick McCaw: Another Warriors garbage time rookie.
Diamond Stone: 1. Cool name 2. Only played 7 games, we’ll see…
Stephen Zimmerman: 1.2 ppg. 19 games. Verdict still out but not for long.
Isaiah Whitehead: Another Brooklyn placeholder. Has shown potential. Definitely a solid pick.
Paul Zipser: Another part of the new Bulls. Has shown he can be decent role player.
*These are all strong opinions and are not meant to disrespect any players.
(Skipped players that were injured/ did not play with exceptions to Simmons. Also skipped players late in second round due to the fact that they barely played any games, etc.)