Alan's Music and Stuff: Re-Visiting the 2017 NBA Group Mock Draft that I Helped Partake In

It's been over 3 years since I helped participate in my first group NBA mock draft, as it was held by NBA Thursday, and jointly by NBA Scouting Live and the Ridin' the Pine podcast back on June 20th, 2017. It was a very fun event that was held at the now defunct-Kickin' Boot Whiskey Kitchen, and we had a great time taking part in this. 12 people participated in the group mock draft, with others also having watched the event live.

My friend, Ashwin had the first overall pick (after he and I agreed to make a trade that helped him get that pick), and 60 picks were made on that night in total. The group NBA mock draft was a fun way to get a group of friends to participate together, and this was also an homage to the Usenet mock drafts that were done years ago that I had grown fond of reading.

Reviewing a group mock draft years later was an interesting exercise to do, and I tried to be as impartial as I could, as I rated them along with my brother. All of these moves were what we had done all the way from before the mock draft started until it ended. All statistics are dated as of January 11th, 2021.

Here were the teams that each of us had.

Ashwin: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat
Kim: Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets
Andrew: Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors
Alan (myself): Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers
Ian: Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors
Richard: Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers
Danny: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks
Peter: Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets
Aaron G: Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers
Aaron A: Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
Eric: Philadelphia 76eres, Detroit Pistons
Kyle: Oklahoma Ciy Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs

Examining each of our moves:

Ashwin's 2017 Phoenix Suns

Here are who the Suns drafted in this mock draft:

Here is the first trade that the Suns made:

Trade Grade for Phoenix: A-

They certainly raised eyebrows at the poker table, but they came away with arguably the best all-around player in Jaylen Brown, and the best draft pick in this deal in Thomas Bryant. They did give up Booker to get them, but still a sizeable haul for them.

Here is the 2nd trade they made:

Received from ATL:
Taurean Prince

Since: 212 GP, 13.0 PPG, 11.4 PER, 4.4 WS, .035 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Dealt to ATL:
The rights to Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), and the 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris)

Cam Oliver
DNP

Monte Morris
168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Trade Grade for Phoenix: B-

They couldn’t have foreseen Atlanta hitting it big with Morris, but the value of acquiring Taurean Prince for two second round picks certainly sounds like and is – a reasonable price. Prince hasn’t developed into more than a 3 and D role player that is best used off the bench, but he’s still getting regular playing time in the NBA.

Here is the 3rd trade they made:

Phoenix Suns' 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Phoenix Suns sure made a lot of moves on draft night, and they were willing to tear down and rebuild their entire team from the ground up. They made a lot of bold moves, and they were willing to re-structure their team around the number one overall pick, whom they selected to be Markelle Fultz, and Jaylen Brown, whom they received in a trade.

At first, they raised eyebrows in trading away then-burgeoning star guard, Devin Booker, who had scored 70 points in an NBA season recently, but they managed to take back an equally solid, rising star in acquiring all-purpose forward, Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.

The real big winner was actually the 56th pick Phoenix made in selecting Indiana Hoosiers’ center, Thomas Bryant. He had a slow start to his NBA career, as he barely played for the Lakers in real life, but he’s really hit his stride with the Wizards, and was a solid, offensive minded big man before getting hurt this season in real life.

As for Boston, they started out fast by getting Booker, but their draft picks they made in the mock draft (Josh Jackson and Sindarius Thornwell) both fizzed out rather quickly, and the GM immediately had buyer’s remorse, wishing he had selected Jayson Tatum instead, as Josh Jackson had canceled the team workout mid-flight close to draft day in real life.

The trade that hurt Phoenix the most actually was trading Eric Bledsoe away to Milwaukee, and they didn’t quite make an impact with the draft picks they received back. Leaf and Kobi Simmons barely made a dent in the NBA, and Semi Ojeleye is a back end of the rotation player in real life. Phoenix’s GM raved about Ojeleye prior to the draft, and while Ojeleye may be a somewhat useful NBA role player, the other two have not panned out in the league so far.

Phoenix ultimately drafted well, with their best pick being selecting Thomas Bryant at 56. They quietly made a good trade with Boston, but in turn made a not so good one with Milwaukee. Acquiring Jaylen Brown and Thomas Bryant on draft night were good moves they made, even though they had to part with Devin Booker, but trading Eric Bledsoe for a back end rotation player and two others that didn’t make much of a splash in the NBA did not turn out so well in hindsight. If anything, Phoenix was willing to take big swings, and they managed to land some of theirs. They showed that, you win some, and you lose some.

Ashwin's 2017 Miami Heat:

The Miami Heat’s 2017 Moves (GM: Ashwin Kamath)

Drafted

14. Donovan Mitchell

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

_____

The trade that was unmade:

MIA would have received:

Victor Oladipo

Since: 138 GP, 20.6 PPG, 2-time All-Star, 19.9 PER, 11.2 WS, .120 WS48, 6.4 VORP

Would have dealt to OKC:

Wayne Ellington

(Likely would’ve been waived, would’ve been cap filler)

171 GP, 9.6 PPG

14th OVR Pick (Donovan Mitchell)

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

Reason it was rejected: Victor Oladipo’s poison pill provision actually made it fail in ESPN’s trade machine, even though it looked and sounded like a perfectly reasonable deal at the time.

Technically, it was made in a gentlemen’s agreement, but the trade fell through even after the pick was made due to the unforeseen compications of Oladipo’s contract (specifically, the poison pill provision).

Would have been trade grade for MIA: A-

______

Miami's 2017 Draft Night Grade: A

Since the proposed trade actually fell through, Miami ended up keeping Donovan Mitchell, and it ended up being their pick. That really paid off, as Mitchell is now one of the best players to come out of the 2017 draft class, and is currently a franchise, cornerstone player for the Utah Jazz in real life.

Ashwin’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: A-

He hit big on the Donovan Mitchell pick (that Hondo made for him), and the Thomas Bryant pick that he made at 56. Time has come around to help reveal that Phoenix actually made out far better in the Phoenix-Boston trade than it initially looked, but they also made a bad trade in trading Eric Bledsoe for a role player, and two others that haven’t done much in the NBA. Still, Phoenix made out better than anticipated, and Miami certainly hit the jackpot in selecting Donovan Mitchell, with the trade deal not going through.

Kim's 2017 Los Angeles Lakers:

Drafted

2. Lonzo Ball

171 GP, 10.8 PPG, 12.4 PER, 6.1 WS, .053 WS48, 3.2 VORP

Grade for LAL: C+

Trade #3:

Acquired from Portland:

Shabazz Napier

Since 2017: 186 GP, 9.4 PPG, 14.3 PER, 6.9 WS, .086 WS48, 2.2 WS

Festus Ezeli

DNP

The 26th overall pick (Justin Patton) - would later be traded

Dealt to Portland:

D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance, and the rights to Jordan Bell (28th OVR Pick)

De’Angelo Russell

Since: 1-time All-Star, 184 GP, 20.1 PPG, 18.1 PER, 7.3 WS, .064 WS48, 5.1 VORP

Larry Nance

Since: 199 GP, 9.4 PPG, 18.4 PER, 15.7 WS, .150 WS48, 5.5 VORP

Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Trade grade for the Lakers: C-

In wanting to trade D’Angelo Russell so badly, this ended up costing the Lakers much more than they anticipated. They traded a future All-Star, and gave away a solid role player, and in turn received a solid backup point guard and a late first round pick, which was probably not the return the Lakers had in mind. It could’ve been worse for them, but trading away both Russell and Nance while only getting back Napier and the 26th overall pick didn’t quite seem to be a great return for them.

Trade #6:

So the backstory was that there was another mock draft GM that was supposed to be in charge of the Los Angeles Clippers, but he dropped out, so a substitute GM stepped in. Unfortunately for the Clippers, and a futile bid to trade back into the draft, they essentially took a big, steaming dump (metaphorically) by making an absurd trade, as they traded away a solid starting center, and traded Jordan away for two albatross contracts, and a future failed first round pick in project center, Justin Patton.

Acquired from LAC:

DeAndre Jordan

213 GP, 10.3 PPG, 19.5 PER, 22.1 WS, .180 WS48, 5.7 VORP

2020 2nd round pick (the rights to the 32nd overall pick)

Dealt to LAL:

Justin Patton (26th OVR Pick)

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Corey Brewer – albatross contract with multiple years

Since: 108 GP, 5.0 PPG, 11.3 PER, 3.3 WS, .091 WS48, 0.3 VORP

Timofey Mosgov – albatross contract with multiple years

31 GP, 4.2 PPG, 12.3 PER, 0.4 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Trade Grade for the Lakers: A

This was a great trade for the Lakers. They managed to get two bad contracts off their hands, were able to receive a solid rim protector, and only gave up a late first round pick while adding back a 2020 second round pick in return. That’s a tremendous haul out of basically giving up the 26th overall pick, and two roster filler players.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B

The Lakers made the safe pick in taking Lonzo Ball, whom plenty of people would argue to have been a better selection than Fultz at number one if given only those two options to take in retrospect.

While they made one not so good trade in dealing Russell and Nance away to essentially get Napier and the 26th pick, they then made a terrific trade afterwards. Their best trade was sending the 26th overall pick and some dead weight, albatross contracts to pick up DeAndre Jordan, and that turned out to be a terrific haul for them, especially since they didn’t have to give up very much to get him.

Kim's Charlotte Hornets:

11. Luke Kennard

175 GP, 9.7 PPG, 12.4 PER, 7.1 WS, .084 WS48, 1.0 VORP

41. Chris Boucher

100 GP, 6.3 PPG, 22.1 PER, 5.6 WS, .227WS48, 1.4 VORP

The Charlotte Hornets made a sensible pick by selecting wing player, Luke Kennard to provide some sharpshooting and scoring prowess for them, and that turned out to be a fairly solid, safe pick for them.

They also drafted well in the second round, as they used the 41st overall pick to take the very athletic, Chris Boucher, who showed intriguing floor spacing and shot blocking capabilities, and he is now a solid rotation player on the Toronto Raptors this season.

The Charlotte Hornets’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

Kim’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B

Kim generally made solid, if not spectacular picks for both teams, and they were sensible choices for the teams he ran. He made one not so good trade with the Lakers, and then made out with a terrific trade that helped him land DeAndre Jordan, which was especially impressive, as he unloaded bad contracts, was able to get another draft pick, and only gave up a late first round pick to get him.

Andrew's 2017 Sacramento Kings:

Trade #8:

Sacramento gets the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

De’Aaron Fox

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Golden State gets the rights to Malik Monk (5th overall pick)

Malik Monk

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: A

The Kings made out by getting a budding superstar in De”Aaron Fox. They got the best player in this deal, and they didn’t even have to give up anything more than the rights to Malik Monk to get him. This was a terrific trade made on Sacramento’s end.

Trade #9:

Sacramento receives:

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick) – to be traded away later

Spencer Hawes

DNP

Sacramento traded away to Milwaukee:

Willie Cauley-Stein, Malachi Richardson, and a 2020-top 55 protected pick (the rights to the 60th pick)

Willie Cauley-Stein

217 GP, 10.8 PPG, 17.6 PER, 14.1 WS. .123 WS48, 3.5 VORP

Malachi Richardson

48 GP, 2.5 PPG, 4.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.5 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: D

The Sacramento Kings were definitely angling for something big, as they were able to land the 17th overall pick by trading away Willie Cauley-Stein, another player, and a future pick. They maybe had hoped to add Spencer Hawes to their team, but he didn’t play in the NBA after the 2016-17 season.

The Kings later packaged the 17th overall pick in a package deal to get Ivan Rabb at 22 in an odd effort to trade down, but the best player in this deal was the one they gave away, Willie Cauley-Stein, who has been a solid backup center in the NBA.

Trade #12:

Sacramento receives:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick)

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

SAC dealt away to PHO:

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR Pick)

139 GP, 3.3 PPG, 13.8 PER, 2.7 WS, .107 WS48, 0.1 VORP

The rights to Kobi Simmons (34th OVR Pick)

33 GP, 5.9 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.8 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: C

Drafted:

3. De’Aaron Fox

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

10. Lauri Markkanen

174 GP, 16.2 PPG, 15.8 PER, 9 WS, .081 WS48, 2.3 VORP

Draft grade: B-

22. Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

The Sacramento Kings’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Sacramento Kings traded up to get a very good player in De’Aaron Fox, and they also drafted another solid player in Lauri Markkanen, whose offensive skills could fit well around Fox. However, they also made a couple of less than stellar trades, as they traded away Willie Cauley-Stein and didn’t get much back, and in a second trade, parted ways with the 17th pick to get Ivan Rabb, who is now currently out of the league.

Andrew's Toronto Raptors

23. Frank Mason

99 GP, 6.8 PPG, 13.1 PER, 1.2 WS, .038 WS48, -0.1 VORP

The Toronto Raptors’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C-

The Raptors made an interesting choice, as they used their one draft pick to select Kansas’ senior point guard, Frank Mason III. He turned in a decent rookie season, but he struggled to get playing time in the following years, and despite having been the 2020 G-League MVP, he is currently not in the NBA right now.

Andrew’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

He was able to make one good trade in acquiring De’Aaron Fox, and he also made two less than stellar trades, as he also parted ways with Willie Cauley-Stein. He drafted fairly well for Sacramento, as he also helped get them Lauri Markkanen at 10. However, his choice to take Frank Mason at 23 for Toronto, while bold and inspiring, didn’t quite turn out as well as hoped, as Mason is currently not in the NBA. Andrew had his fair share of hits and misses, but at least it seemed like he had a lot of fun making moves on draft night.

Alan's 2017 Boston Celtics:

Drafted:

4. Josh Jackson

32. Sindarius Thornwell

Trade #2:

Received from PHO in the mock draft trade:

Devin Booker, Leandro Barbosa, the rights to Josh Jackson (4th overall pick), and Sindarius Thornwell (32nd overall pick)

Devin Booker:

Since: 1-time All-Star, 25.9 PPG in 198 more games, est. PER (17-21): 19.5, 13.9 WS, , .096 WS48, 5.8 VORP

Josh Jackson:

186 GP, 11.9 PPG, 11.6 PER, -1.8 WS, -.019 WS48, -2.2 VORP

Sindarius Thornwell:

141 GP, 2.6 PPG, 7.8 PER, 1.1 WS, .036 WS48, -0.3 VORP

Leandro Barbosa:

(Celtics were rumored to have considered waiving Barbosa after this mock draft trade deal)

DNP

Traded to PHO in the mock draft trade:
Jaylen Brown, Tyler Zeller, the rights to Markelle Fultz (1st overall), Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris), and the 56th overall pick (Thomas Bryant)

Jaylen Brown:

Since: 211 GP, 16.1 PPG, 15.2 PER, 13.7 WS, .104 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Markelle Fultz

113 GP, 10.9 PPG, 13.5 PER, 3.3 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Thomas Bryant

143 GP, 10.7 PPG, 20.6 PER, 10.4 WS, .168 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Tyler Zeller:

(Phoenix was rumored to have wanted waive him after trade deal)

Since: 74 GP, 6.6 PPG, 16.1 PER, 3.2 WS, .127 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Trade Grade for Boston: C

Boston Celtics’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

In this mock draft trade, the Celtics got the superstar headliner in Devin Booker, but they also traded away Jaylen Brown, and they also whiffed on their picks, and the best draft pick ended up being the one they gave away to Phoenix in this deal (at 56). Boston gets penalized heavily for completely whiffing on the 4th pick of the mock draft, which could’ve swung the trade for them in a big way early on, and at least would have evened out the trade had they succeeded with that pick.

Alan's 2017 Atlanta Hawks:

Drafted:

25. Caleb Swanigan

75 GP, 2.3 PPG, 6.8 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.015 WS48, -0.7 VORP

31. Derrick White

153 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.6 PER, 8.2 WS, .111 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

37. Cameron Oliver

DNP

53. Monte Morris

168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Trade #1:

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Atlanta Gets:

Elfrid Payton

Since: 160 GP, 11.5 PPG, 15.5 PER, 6.3 WS, .066 WS48, 1.6 VORP

Terrence Ross

Since: 183 GP, 14.3 PPG, 14.3 PER, 8.3 WS, .082 WS48, 2.4 VORP

Mario Hezonja

Since: 186 GP, 6 PPG, 11.8 PER, 3 WS, .039 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Stephen Zimmerman

DNP

Caleb Swanigan

75 GP, 2.3 PPG, 6.8 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.015 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade Grade for Atlanta: C+

There is a lot to unpack here with this trade. Atlanta dealt away Dennis Schroder, who was on a complicated Poison Pill Provision, but somehow were able to get the deal done without red tape getting in the way, as it went through in the ESPN trade machine. They didn’t have to trade much else though, as the main piece they gave up was Schroder.

They hauled in Elfrid Payton and Terrence Ross, both of whom are solid role players, and Mario Hezonja has been a project player that has served as sort of a reclamation project for various NBA teams. Zimmerman and Swanigan didn’t pan out, as the move to get both of them were swings and misses. But Ross was subtly a solid pick up here, as the Hawks manage to get a solid, steady 3 and D role player for their team.

Trade #5:

Received from PHO:
The rights to Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), and the 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris)

Cam Oliver

DNP

Monte Morris

168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Dealt to PHO: Taurean Prince

Since: 212 GP, 13.0 PPG, 11.4 PER, 4.4 WS, .035 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Atlanta actually hit the jackpot in drafting Monte Morris at 53. This trade was quite the gamble, as they were dealing a future starter in Taurean Prince, and the Hawks completely struck out and whiffed by selecting Cam Oliver initially, but Morris has been a steady, reliable backup point guard in the NBA, and advanced metrics certainly seem to love him.

Trade Grade for Atlanta: A-

It was risky to deal Prince for two second round picks, as analysts elsewhere likely would’ve denigrated it a dump move on draft day, but they made out by selecting Monte Morris with their second second-round pick.

Side note: The Atlanta Hawks were actively trying to shop Dwight Howard in this mock draft, but they did not receive much interest from around the mock draft league. They wanted to get a lottery pick back from him, but they were not even offered a first round pick back in return, so they ended up keeping him.

The Atlanta Hawks’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

The Hawks did a lot of maneuvering, but they managed to trade for manageable contracts, a group of solid role players, and they also made out with two very good second round picks in Derrick White and Monte Morris. Sure, they are both point guards, but both players have succeeded in the NBA, and I’m sure the Hawks in this timeline would have found a way to make it work.

They parted ways with Schroder and Taurean Prince, but were able to get back Elfrid Payton on a very manageable contract and Terrence Ross, and they also drafted better than expected. They missed on their first round pick and at 37, but their picks at 31 and 53 combined with having traded for a group of solid role players helped make this a better night than expected for the Hawks.

Alan's Los Angeles Clippers:

Drafted:

26. Justin Patton

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Trade #6:

This is the classic case of, sometimes the best move is no move, and well, the Clippers’ desperately trying to make a move really burned them in this 2017 NBA Mock Draft. Sometimes, trading to get back into the draft can go horribly wrong, especially if a team doesn’t have the resources or the trade angle to do so.

Received from the Lakers:

Timofey Mosgov – albatross contract with multiple years

31 GP, 4.2 PPG, 12.3 PER, 0.4 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Corey Brewer – albatross contract with multiple years

Since: 108 GP, 5.0 PPG, 11.3 PER, 3.3 WS, .091 WS48, 0.3 VORP

Justin Patton (26th OVR Pick)

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Dealt away to the Lakers:

DeAndre Jordan

213 GP, 10.3 PPG, 19.5 PER, 22.1 WS, .180 WS48, 5.7 VORP

2020 2nd round pick (the rights to the 32nd overall pick)

Trade grade for the Clippers: F+

Unfortunately, this was a laughably bad trade in what would look like a failing bid to turn this into a rebuilding project. This trade is wear-a-dunce cap and sit-in-time-out, bad, and clearly the Clippers didn’t make out very well at all with this trade. In fact, can we order more thumbs down for the Clippers’ end of the trade? In any case, some people are much better at making trades than others, and well, it doesn’t look good for the Clippers in any way you look at this.

(So it seems that the grand plan was to draft….Justin Patton? Huh?)

The only first round pick the Clippers received in return was a late first round pick out of DeAndre Jordan, and they took on two massive, albatross contracts, traded a future pick of their own, and then promptly struck out by selecting Justin Patton over the likes of Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, and Josh Hart. At the very least, maybe this trade would have helped them get a lottery pick in 2018. Oh well, hopefully, the Clippers’ mock draft GM will come in with a more sound plan the next time.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: F+

Alan’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C

He made solid low-key, quality moves as Atlanta’s mock draft GM in 2017, as he helped them get some solid role players, as well as Derrick White and Monte Morris in the second round.

With Boston, he went all in for Devin Booker and 4, but parted ways with Jaylen Brown, and he also dealt the 56th pick, in which Phoenix used it to select Thomas Bryant, which turned out to be the best pick amongst either Boston or Phoenix in this mock draft. Boston started out hot by trading to get Booker, but that they had to trade away Jaylen Brown to get the deal done, and their whiff on picking Josh Jackson instead of Jayson Tatum at 4 doesn’t make that trade look nearly as good on their own in retrospect.

In how he managed the Clippers…oh, boy. Saying he did a bad job may be kind to the word, bad. With only a day to figure out what they had as the substitute GM, it seems that he tanked this one for them pretty hard.

He was desperate to trade back into the draft, as the Clippers started off with zero picks, and he deemed them a mid-tier playoff team with no real chance to win the title, as Golden State Warriors-mania had reached a fever pitch, especially since they had won the title in 2017, this time with Kevin Durant having joined Steph, Klay, Draymond, Iguodala, and head coach Steve Kerr to form a super team.

Sometimes though, the best move is no move. He totally whiffed on trading away DeAndre Jordan, and it now looks laughable in hindsight, as he ended up with the 26th overall pick, and he selected Justin Patton, who turned out to be a real dud, and played in just 9 NBA games before ending up out of the league.

Ian's 2017 Golden State Warriors:

Drafted:

5. Malik Monk

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade #7:

Golden State receives:

Ben Simmons, Gerald Henderson, and the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

Ben Simmons

226 GP, 2-time All-Star, 16.3 PPG, 20 PER, 25.1 WS, .155 WS48, 11.4 VORP

Gerald Henderson

(was on an expiring, was likely to be waived)

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick)

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Warriors trade away to PHI:

Klay Thompson

Since: 151 GP, 2-time All-Star, 20.8 PPH, 16.3 PER, 10.2 WS, .095 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Trade grade for Golden State: B

The numbers seem to really love and favor Golden State’s end of this deal, as they would’ve been able to get Ben Simmons, but this would’ve meant breaking up the stellar backcourt tandem of Steph and Klay, as Klay Thompson would’ve been sent to Philadelphia. This dichotomy between advanced metrics, and Klay’s chemistry and fit with Golden State may serve as cognitive dissonance, as numbers would favor Golden State, but basketball minds would probably condemn this trade because it would mean parting ways with one half of the duo that made up for arguably the best backcourt shooting duo in recent modern history.

Trade #8:

GSW receives:

The rights to Malik Monk (5th OVR Pick)

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

They dealt away to SAC:

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick)

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Trade grade for the Golden State Warriors: F

For the Warriors’ end, this was another case of what exactly were they thinking? They initially selected a good player in Fox, only to later trade him to be able to select Malik Monk two spots down at 5, and they didn’t even add any extra draft picks or players on top of that. They initially had taken Fox, and then decided that they wanted Monk instead. This was the classic indecision that made for a bad trade, and this might not even have been definitively the worst trade of the night. It just shows how wacky trades can be. In this case, for the Warriors, this trade was rather...perplexing, if anything. The Warriors were also not trying to be bad even, as they were still contending for a title, so this makes this trade, befuddling.

Golden State Warriors’ 2017 Draft Night Grade: C-

They did manage to get a tremendously talented player in a trade in Ben Simmons here, but at the expense of fit and team chemistry, as they parted ways with Klay Thompson to get him, and then they drafted and traded away De’Aaron Fox to get Malik Monk in a baffling 3 for 5 deal with no other picks involved. They initially made a good pick in selecting Fox, and then they out thought themselves by deciding to trade him for Monk instead, which may have been the epitome of Golden State’s weird draft night in the 2017 mock draft.

Ian's 2017 Milwaukee Bucks:

Drafted:

48. Youssoupha Fall

DNP

Draft grade: D

Trade #9:

Sacramento traded away to MIL:

Willie Cauley-Stein, Malachi Richardson, and a 2020-top 55 protected pick (the rights to the 60th pick)

Willie Cauley-Stein

217 GP, 10.8 PPG, 17.6 PER, 14.1 WS. .123 WS48, 3.5 VORP

Malachi Richardson

48 GP, 2.5 PPG, 4.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.5 VORP

Sacramento receives:

Spencer Hawes

DNP

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick) – to be traded away later

Trade grade for Milwaukee: B

For Milwaukee, they made out pretty well by getting Willie Cauley-Stein, who has been a solid backup center, and he’s been the best player in this deal. They parted ways with the 17th overall pick, but the player that would get selected at that spot (T.J. Leaf) hasn’t actually done very much in the NBA, as Leaf is currently not in the NBA at the moment.

Trade #11:

Bucks receive:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick), and Semi Ojeleye (27th OVR Pick)

Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Dealt away to Brooklyn:

Malcolm Brogdon

Since: 175 GP, 15.6 PPG, 17.2 PER, 14.7 WS, .134 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Trade grade for Milwaukee: B-

Initially, this looked to be an intriguing trade, as the Bucks traded away their 2017 Rookie of the Year award winner to net two first round draft picks, so this trade was quite intriguing in its nature. However, the two draft picks ended up being a fringe rotation player in Ojeleye, and another player that played well in limited minutes but is now out of the NBA (Rabb), which is hardly the return that the Bucks had in mind.

Fortunately for him, though he would then later flip the rights to Rabb and Ojeleye to other teams in a separate trade to later acquire Eric Bledsoe. Therefore, the value of the draft picks turned out to be better than the players that they ended up becoming.

Trade #12:

Milwaukee Received: Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe

Since: 222 GP, 16.1 PPG, 18.8 PER, 19.7 WS, .145 WS48, 7.2 VORP

SAC also received from MIL:

22. Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

PHO Received from MIL and SAC: John Henson, the draft rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick), 27th and 34th OVR picks (Semi Ojeleye and Kobi Simmons)

John Henson

(Unsure if he would’ve played or gotten waived, seen as cap filler)

Treated as cap filler, probably would’ve been waived

T.J. Leaf

139 GP, 3.3 PPG, 13.8 PER, 2.7 WS, .107 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Kobi Simmons

33 GP, 5.9 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.8 VORP

Trade Grade for Milwaukee: A

Milwaukee traded away several picks in this draft, but they landed by far, the best player in this deal. Eric Bledsoe was a solid regular season starter for them, and even though he had his shortcomings in the playoffs, he’s helped the Bucks in real life be contenders out in the East, and to many regular season wins.

Milwaukee Bucks’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Bucks made some good trades to make up for a second round pick that has yet to reap any dividends. They were able to trade to get Eric Bledsoe, and they also acquired Willie Cauley-Stein in a separate deal, but they also traded Malcolm Brogdon in part of an effort to acquire Bledsoe. They drafted Youssoupha Fall in the second round, who has not yet played in the NBA. They did trade away Brogdon, but their acquisitions of Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein helped make this a pretty good, if not a spectacular night for Milwaukee.

Ian's 2017 Minnesota Timberwolves:

Drafted:

7. Jonathan Isaac

136 GP, 9.3 PPG, 13.7 PER, 6.7 WS, .091 WS48, 2 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

20. Jarrett Allen

233 GP, 10.1 PPG, 19.2 PER, 21.6 WS, .183 WS48, 4.7 VORP

Draft Grade: A

Trade #4 between Minnesota and Portland:

MIN receives:

Meyers Leonard and the rights to Jarrett Allen (20th OVR Pick)

Meyers Leonard

148 GP, 5.3 PPG, 13.5 PER, .136 WS48, 1.4 VORP

MIN dealt away to Portland:

Cole Aldrich

21 GP, 0.6 PPG, 6 PER, 0 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Trade grade for Minnesota: A

This was a tremendous trade for Minnesota, as they managed to get the best player in this deal in Jarrett Allen, and Meyers Leonard also was a serviceable role player for the Miami Heat in 2020. They managed to get two quality big men, one that may have All-Star potential, and all they had to give up was Cole Aldrich in the process.

Minnesota’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: A

They made a terrific trade that helped them net Jarrett Allen at 20, and nabbing Jon Isaac at 7 was also a good pick up for them as well. The Wolves made smart moves, and they really made out by having one of the best nights of this mock draft.

Ian Barrett’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

He raised some eyebrows with his moves as Golden State’s GM, but he made some solid trades as Milwaukee’s GM, as he was able to acquire Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein, despite parting ways with Brogdon, and his moves were absolutely terrific as Minnesota’s GM. He really made out with the trade with Portland, as that helped him be able to select Jarrett Allen at 20 for Minnesota, and his strong drafting and trading as the Wolves’ GM more than made up for some of the curious moves he made as Golden State’s GM.

Richard Lu’s Draft Night:

Teams: Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers

Richard's 2017 Indiana Pacers:

Drafted:

18. Terrance Ferguson

195 GP, 4.7 PPG, 5.7 PER, 4.6 WS, .055 WS48, -2 VORP

Draft Grade: B-

47. Dillon Brooks

182 GP, 13 PPG, 10.4 PER, 2.4 WS, .022 WS48, -2.8 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers’ Draft Night Grade: B

They selected a very athletic, project player in Terrance Ferguson, who has been a fringe rotation player in the NBA, as he still projects into a 3 and D role in the NBA. The Pacers also made a solid pick by selecting Brooks at 47, and he is a starter that can score the basketball.

Richard's 2017 Orlando Magic:

6. Jayson Tatum

235 GP, 17.7 PPG, 17.1 PER, 20.1 WS, .128 WS 48, 7.1 VORP

Grade: A

12. OG Anunoby

219 GP, 8 PPG, 11.3 PER, 11.2 WS, .103 WS48, 2 VORP

Grade: A-

33. Josh Hart

204 GP, 8.6 PPG, 11.1 PER, 9.3 WS, .086 WS48, 1.7 VORP

Grade: A-

60. Marcus Keene

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #1 (Complicated trade that successfully utilized Dennis Schroeder's Poison Pill Provision):

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Orlando Gets:

Reggie Jackson

Since: 168 GP, 13.9 PPG, 15.1 PER, 8.4 WS, .092 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Boban Marjanovic

Since: 147 GP, 6.6 PPG, 25 PER, 6.5 WS, .210 WS48, 1.6 VORP

DeAndre Bembry

Since: 156 GP, 6.9 PPG, 10 PER, 0.6 WS, .009 WS48, -0.6 VORP

Mike Dunleavy – to be waived

Malcolm Delaney

54 GP, 6.3 PPG, 10.6 PER, 1.0 WS, .047 WS48, -0.1 VORP

OG Anunoby

219 GP, 8 PPG, 11.3 PER, 11.2 WS, .103 WS48, 2 VORP

Trade Grades for Orlando: C

The Magic made bold moves, as they traded away burgeoning star center, Nikola Vucevic, and they also dealt away Elfrid Payton on a cheap contract, as well as Terrence Ross, who has been solid as a role player in the NBA.

They managed to get the best draft pick out of this group, as they were able to get the 12th overall pick, in which they used to select OG Anunoby, who has also been a solid 3 and D role player in the NBA. Reggie Jackson has been able to provide scoring punches to various NBA teams, though he’s been inconsistent. Boban Marjanovic has thrived as a productive, limited use, backup center, but he’s certainly no Nikola Vucevic, as his lack of mobility and conditioning prevents him from getting extended playing time on a regular basis.

Orlando Magic’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

Even though they parted ways with Nikola Vucevic, they did an excellent job of drafting players, as they landed on Tatum at 6, Anunoby at 12, and Josh Hart at 33. The Magic acquired a treasure chest of picks and used them wisely, and they managed to get arguably the best player in the entire draft.

Richard Lu’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

He drafted very well throughout this draft, as he managed to get Dillon Brooks at 47 for Indiana, and he also drafted Jayson Tatum, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart for Orlando. The only hiccup was that he had to part ways with Nikola Vucevic to get the 12th overall pick that he used to select Anunoby. Overall though, he did a fine job with both of the teams, and he had a memorable draft night that will go down as one of the best in this mock draft.

Danny Sear's Draft Night:

Teams: Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks

Danny's 2017 Chicago Bulls:

Drafted:

16. Justin Jackson

216 GP, 6.5 PPG, 10 PER, 5 WS, .057 WS48, -0.9 VORP

Grade: C

38. Kennedy Meeks

DNP

Grade: D

The Chicago Bulls’ Draft Night Grade: C-

The Bulls made the safe pick in selecting Justin Jackson, as he played well in the 2017 NCAA Tournament to lead North Carolina to win the championship, and it was thought that he would project well into a 3 and D role in the NBA. He has at times, but he started off slowly, and has been inconsistent as a player in this league.

They also took Kennedy Meeks, Jackson’s collegiate teammate that also helped him win the title in college, but Meeks has not yet played in the NBA yet. In selecting a fringe rotation player and a player who hasn’t made it to the NBA yet, the Bulls received a fairly average return on their investment, but it doesn’t seem like the moves reaped the dividends that they were expecting.

Danny's 2017 New York Knicks:

Drafted:

8. Dennis Smith Jr.

158 GP, 12.4 PPG, 11.9 PER, -1.5 WS, -.018 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Grade: D+

44. Antonius Cleveland

28 GP, 1.2 PPG, 4 PER, -0.1 WS, -.025 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Grade: C-

58. Rolands Smits

DNP

Grade: D

The New York Knicks’ Draft Night Grade: D+

The Knicks made the conventional pick in selecting athletic, scoring point guard, Dennis Smith Jr., whose playing style and upside seem to make him an intriguing selection then. However, he has not played well in the NBA, and he has not played well for the Knicks in real life, either. As for Antonius Cleveland, having fawned over the name alone, that seemed to be a reason enough for the Knicks to take Cleveland with them. Cleveland has played in the NBA, but the athletic swingman has not been able to play much in any single season in this league yet. Smits has not played in the NBA yet. The Knicks didn’t make much noise in their draft moves here, and they ended up taking a fringe rotation player and a fringe roster player with their first two picks, which was hardly what they were imagining they would end up getting in this draft.

Danny's 2017 Brooklyn Nets:

57. Kenan Sipahi

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #11:

Nets Receive:

Malcolm Brogdon

Since: 175 GP, 15.6 PPG, 17.2 PER, 14.7 WS, .134 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Dealt to Milwaukee:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick), and Semi Ojeleye (27th OVR Pick)

Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Trade grade for Brooklyn: A

The Nets received the best player in this trade, and Brogdon is a solid starter that is playing at or close to an All-Star level right now. He’s definitely shown that he’s a keeper in the NBA, and his versatility and wide range of skills makes him a very good player in the NBA.

Brooklyn Nets’ Draft Night Grade: A-

They really made a terrific trade, as they were able to swing a trade to land Malcolm Brogdon, an All-Star caliber playmaking guard, and all they had to give up were two late first round picks. When he drafted Sipahi at 57, that raised a lot of eyebrows, as he hadn't played much or very well during the 2016-17 season in Turkey's top professional league that year. Sipahi hasn’t played in the NBA yet, but Brogdon was a tremendous get for Brooklyn.

Danny Sear’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

His draft moves were consistently bad, with his best 2017 draft pick having been selecting Justin Jackson, but the saving grace of his draft night was that he swung a trade with Milwaukee to land rising star guard, Malcolm Brogdon. He helped the Nets land a cornerstone player, which helps make him for an otherwise lackluster draft night for him.

Peter Wong's Draft Night:

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets

Peter's 2017 Dallas Mavericks:

Drafted:

9. Frank Ntilikina

182 GP, 6 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.8 WS, -.009 WS48, -2.5 VORP

Grade: C

Draft Night Grade: C

Peter's 2017 Memphis Grizzlies:

Drafted:

No picks

Grizzlies’ draft grade: Incomplete

Peter's 2017 Houston Rockets:

Drafted:

43. Wesley Iwundu

187 GP, 4.7 PPG, 8.9 PER, 4.3 WS, .063 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Grade: C

45. Tyler Dorsey

104 GP, 6.7 PPG, 10.5 PER, 1 WS, .030 WS48, -0.5 VORP

Grade: C-

Draft Night Grade: C

Peter Wong’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C

None of his draft picks were that bad, but unfortunately, they weren’t amazing, either. Ntilkina is a pass-first, backup point guard that doesn’t accumulate gaudy stats, and Wes Iwundu is a fringe rotation player on Dallas right now. Tyler Dorsey had a promising rookie season, but after two seasons in the NBA, he’s out of the league. Among his three draft picks, he drafted two fairly average rotation-level players, and a player that is currently thriving in Euroleague.

Aaron Graham's 2017 Draft Night:

Teams: Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers – No Picks

Draft Grade: Incomplete

Denver Nuggets:

Drafted:

13. Zach Collins

154 GP, 5.7 PPG, 10.8 PER, 3.9 WS, .069 WS48, -0.4 VORP

Grade: C

49. Derrick Walton Jr.

42 GP, 2 PPG, 9.7 PER, 1 WS, .118 WS48, 0.2 VORP

Grade: C

51. Nigel Williams-Goss

10 GP, 1.4 PPG, 8.1 PER, 0 WS, .017 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C-

Aaron Graham’s Draft Night Grade: C

Zach Collins was seen as a sensible pick back then, and he’s been a capable backup big man that has shown flashes of brilliance, if nothing more. However, he’s also tended to be injury prone recently. Walton has bounced around a few NBA teams, but hasn’t been able to stick onto an NBA roster. Williams-Goss had a terrific 2017 NCAA Tournament with Gonzaga that helped his draft stock rise, but after playing overseas, he played one season in the NBA before getting released early into the next season. Denver ended up with one rotational big man, and two fringe roster players in this draft.

Aaron Anderson's Draft Night:

Teams:

Portland, Utah, Washington

Washington Wizards:

Drafted:

52. D.J. Wilson

113 GP, 4.1 PPG, 9.8 PER, 2.3 WS, .078 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Grade: C+

Washington’s Draft Night Grade: C+

Drafting Wilson was good for the value, as he is an athletic big man that is capable of stretching the floor. He hasn’t yet developed into a regular rotation player, as he is on a very good, Milwaukee Bucks’ team, but there’s hope that Wilson could one day.

Utah Jazz:

Drafted:

24. Isaiah Hartenstein

59 GP, 3.4 PPG, 15.4 PER, 1.7 WS, .144 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C

30. Bam Adebayo

231 GP, 10.8 PPG, 18.5 PER, 20.5 WS, .166 WS48, 6.1 VORP

Grade: A

42. Ike Anigbogu

14 GP, 0.9 PPG, 17 PER, 0 WS, .057 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: D+

55. Frank Jackson

122 GP, 7.1 PPG, 9.2 PER, 0.5 WS, .013 WS48, -1.5 VORP

Grade: C

Utah Jazz’s Draft Night Grade: B

Drafting Bam Adebayo more than makes up for drafting a couple of middle-of-the-road role players, and a project player that flamed out after two seasons, as Adebayo is now an All-Star center on one of the best teams in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers:

Drafted:

15. John Collins

185 GP, 16.2 PPG, 21 PER, 17.5 WS, .160 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Grade: A

28. Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Grade: C

Trade #3:

Acquired from POR:

Festus Ezeli

DNP

Shabazz Napier

Since: 186 GP, 9.4 PPG, 14.3 PER, 6.9 WS, .086 WS48, 2.2 WS

The 26th overall pick (Justin Patton)

Dealt to POR:

D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance, and the rights to Jordan Bell (28th OVR Pick)

De’Angelo Russell

Since: 1-time All-Star, 184 GP, 20.1 PPG, 18.1 PER, 7.3 WS, .064 WS48, 5.1 VORP

Larry Nance

Since: 199 GP, 9.4 PPG, 18.4 PER, 15.7 WS, .150 WS48, 5.5 VORP

Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Trade Grade for Portland: A

It was a very good deal on Portland’s end, as they managed to get a future All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, and a solid role player in Larry Nance. They didn’t have to give up very much, as Ezeli didn’t play another minute in the NBA, the future 26th overall pick of this mock draft would not amount to much, but Shabazz Napier has been a decent backup for various NBA teams.

Trade #4:

MIN dealt away to Portland:

Cole Aldrich

21 GP, 0.6 PPG, 6 PER, 0 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.1 VORP

MIN receives:

Meyers Leonard and the rights to Jarrett Allen (20th OVR Pick)

Meyers Leonard

148 GP, 5.3 PPG, 13.5 PER, .136 WS48, 1.4 VORP

Trade grade for Portland: D

This was largely seen as a salary dump move, as it seemed that they were desperate to rid themselves of Meyers Leonard, and they took on the expiring contract of Cole Aldrich. However, they also parted ways with the 20th overall pick, which became Jarrett Allen, whom has played very well in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers’ Night Grade: B+

They drafted well, as they selected John Collins at 15, and they also managed to acquire D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr., but they also gave away the 20th pick in a bid to sell off Meyers Leonard, as they only acquired Cole Aldrich in a separate trade. Still, the Blazers made out well, as they managed to get several solid pieces for their team.

Aaron Anderson’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

He was thinking big with every selection he had, and he certainly landed on some of his picks. He drafted Bam Adebayo for Utah, and he also drafted John Collins for Portland. He swung a trade to help the Blazers land both D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr. However, he also traded away the 20th overall pick that became Jarrett Allen along with Meyers Leonard in a salary dump move for just Cole Aldrich. Still, he had a good draft night all things considered.

Eric Bette's Draft Night:

Teams:

Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers

Detroit Pistons:

Drafted:

19. Harry Giles

110 GP, 6.7 PPG, 15.1 PER, 2.5 WS, .079 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Grade: C

35. Melo Trimble

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #1:

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Detroit Gets:

Nikola Vucevic

Since: 209 GP, 1-time All-Star, 19.3 PPG, 23 PER, 21.6 WS, .159 WS48, 11.5 VORP

Dennis Schroder

Since: 222 GP, 17.6 PPG, 15.2 PER, 9.5 WS, .068 WS48, 1.5 VORP

Harry Giles

110 GP, 6.7 PPG, 15.1 PER, 2.5 WS, .079 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Melo Trimble

DNP

56th OVR Pick of 2019 Draft

Trade Grades for Detroit: A

Detroit made out with two of the best players in this deal in future All-Star center, Nikola Vucevic, and scoring point guard, Dennis Schroder, who can start or be a stellar sixth man off the bench. Harry Giles has showed that he can be a backup center in this league, though he’s been injury-prone, and has struggled at times to crack the rotation.

Detroit’s Draft Night Grade: A

Eric's 2017 Philadelphia 76ers:

Drafted:

36. Jonah Bolden

51 GP, 4.3 PPG, 12.2 PER, 1.4 WS, .098 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Grade: C

39. Dwayne Bacon

145 GP, 5.6 PPG, 8 PER, 0.4 WS, .009 WS48, -1.8 VORP

Grade: C

46. Kyle Kuzma

219 GP, 15.8 PPG, 13.5 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 0.8 VORP

Grade: A

50. Anzejs Pasecniks

28 GP, 5.6 PPG, 10.6 PER, 0.4 WS, .038 WS48, -0.5 VORP

Grade: C

Trade #7:

Warriors trade away to Philadelphia:

Klay Thompson

Since: 151 GP, 2-time All-Star, 20.8 PPH, 16.3 PER, 10.2 WS, .095 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Golden State receives:

Ben Simmons, Gerald Henderson, and the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

Ben Simmons

226 GP, 2-time All-Star, 16.3 PPG, 20 PER, 25.1 WS, .155 WS48, 11.4 VORP

Gerald Henderson

(was on an expiring, was likely to be waived)

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick) - would later be flipped to Sacramento for Malik Monk in this mock draft

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Trade grade for Philadelphia: B

Numbers would really not favor Philly’s end, but basketball minds might like their end of this deal, because Klay Thompson is one of the league’s best shooters, and they would’ve loved his fit with Joel Embiid. It’s also a weird trade because these teams were on different timelines, as Golden State was in win now, and Philly was a team on the rise, and were still building. This trade, while possible, would not have made much sense at the time or in real life.

Philadelphia Draft Night Grade: B

They really made a nice pick in selecting Kyle Kuzma at 46, and they also drafted a current starter in Dwayne Bacon at 39, even though the stats don’t really seem to favor him that much right now. The trade with Golden State was…intriguing. They dealt away Ben Simmons and the third overall pick, but fans could certainly get behind the fit and idea of Klay Thompson meshing with Joel Embiid.

Eric Bette’s Draft Night Grade: A-

He consistently made very good moves for both of the teams he ran, Detroit and Philadelphia. He helped the Pistons get Nikola Vucevic and Dennis Schroeder, and he also helped the 76ers land Kyle Kuzma. Trading away Ben Simmons and the third overall pick was a bit of a risky choice, but doing so to get Klay Thompson makes it an intriguing trade for Philly, as Thompson might fit Embiid’s skills much more than Ben Simmons. Overall, Eric had a very good draft night in 2017.

Kyle Henderson's 2017 Draft Night:

Teams:

New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs

Kyle's 2017 New Orleans Pelicans:

Drafted:

40. Sterling Brown

172 GP, 5.3 PPG, 10.2 PER, 4.5 WS, .079 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C+

Pelicans’ Draft Night Grade: C+

They made out decently, and they ended up with a 3 and D role player in Sterling Brown, as he has shown that he can capably fill a bench role in the NBA, and has earned rotation minutes in this league.

Kyle's 2017 San Antonio Spurs:

29. Tyler Lydon

26 GP, 0.9 PPG, 9.1 PER, 0.2 WS, .084 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Grade: D

59. Davon Reed

31 GP, 2.4 PPG, 5.3 PER, -0.2 WS, -.039 WS48, -0.3 VORP

Grade: C-

Spurs’ Draft Night Grade: D+

They didn’t have a great night in hindsight, but at the time it seemed as if they made sensible moves. Lydon of course, didn’t pan out, as he barely got off the bench in the NBA. Reed was picked much higher in real life, but he too, had trouble contributing much in this league. They ended up with two fringe roster players, which was not what they were hoping for.

Kyle's 2017 Oklahoma City Thunder:

Drafted:

21. Jawun Evans

56 GP, 4.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, -0.4 WS, -0.022 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Grade: D

Thunder's Mock Draft Night Grade: D+

Like the Spurs' draft night, the Thunder's mock draft night was another night that seemed pretty solid back then, but in hindsight did not turn out so well.

Jawun Evans had trouble getting settled into the NBA, as he had to battle for playing time constantly with the Clippers, and he suddenly found himself out of the NBA after a full season. He never quite reached anywhere close to his potential, which was a shame, because he was a speedy playmaker that showed some serious skills in college. They almost landed Donovan Mitchell, but it was nixed because of Oladipo’s poison pill provision.

The trade that was unmade:

OKC would have received:

Wayne Ellington

(Likely would’ve been waived, would’ve been cap filler)

171 GP, 9.6 PPG

14th OVR Pick (Donovan Mitchell)

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

MIA would have received:

Victor Oladipo

Since: 138 GP, 20.6 PPG, 2-time All-Star, 19.9 PER, 11.2 WS, .120 WS48, 6.4 VORP

Would've been trade grade for OKC: A

Reason it was rejected: Victor Oladipo’s poison pill provision actually made it fail in ESPN’s trade machine, even though it looked and sounded like a perfectly reasonable deal at the time.

Technically, it was Hondo that had made the 14th overall pick in a gentlemen’s agreement, but the trade fell through even after the pick was made due to the unforeseen compications of Oladipo’s contract (specifically, the poison pill provision).

Kyle Henderson’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C-

He almost made a big move, but it was nixed due to Oladipo’s complicated Poison Pill Provision that was in his contract. His best draft move was selecting Sterling Brown at 40 with the Pelicans, but his picks for the Spurs and the Thunder didn’t quite pan out, even if they were quite sensible at the time. To be fair, he was kind of saddled with the lowest start position at 21 amongst all of the participants, so he did what he could with the picks and players he had, but unfortunately, sometimes not all of the players that get drafted pan out, which seemed to be the case this year.

2017 NBA Mock Draft Review, graded as of 1/12/21:

Here were my grades as of January 12th, 2021. There were four standout contenders for the top spot. As of right now, here is my review of how we did in making those moves. Half of the people in our group did very well, and the other half (me included), probably wish things turned out better.

1. Eric Bette – A-

2. Ashwin Kamath – A-

3. Richard Lu – B+

4. Aaron Anderson - B

5. Kim Dao – B

6. Ian Barrett - B

Overall, he did well as a first-time mock draft GM on this web site. He did raise some eyebrows with his moves as Golden State’s GM, but he made some solid trades as Milwaukee’s GM, as he was able to acquire Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein, despite parting ways with Brogdon, and his moves were absolutely terrific as Minnesota’s GM. He really made out with the trade with Portland, as that helped him be able to select Jarrett Allen at 20 for Minnesota, and his strong drafting and trading as the Wolves’ GM more than made up for some of the curious moves he made as Golden State’s GM.

7. Alan Lu – C

He made solid low-key, quality moves as Atlanta’s mock draft GM in 2017, as he helped them get some solid role players, as well s Derrick White and Monte Morris in the second round.

However, his moves with the Clippers were bad, and he didn’t seem to be prepared at all to work with them. He really wanted a draft pick, and they started with none, but sometimes the best move is no move.

8. Danny Sear – C

His draft moves were consistently bad, but the saving grace of his draft night was that he swung a trade with Milwaukee to land rising star guard, Malcolm Brogdon. He helped the Nets land a cornerstone player, which helps make him for an otherwise lackluster draft night for him.

9. Peter Wong – C

He made sensible moves, though they weren’t splashy. He didn’t make a trade, and perhaps there wasn’t one to make. None of his draft picks were bad, but unfortunately, they weren’t great, either. Ntilkina is a pass-first, backup point guard that doesn’t accumulate gaudy stats, and Wes Iwundu is a fringe rotation player on Dallas right now. Tyler Dorsey had a promising rookie season, but after two seasons in the NBA, he’s out of the league. Among his three draft picks, he drafted two fairly average rotation-level players, and a player that is currently thriving in Euroleague.

10. Andrew Bart – C

11. Aaron Graham - C

12. Kyle Henderson – C-

He almost made a big move in a bid to land Donovan Mitchell in the draft, but it was nixed due to Oladipo’s complicated Poison Pill Provision that was in his contract. His best draft move was selecting Sterling Brown at 40 with the Pelicans, but his picks for the Spurs and the Thunder didn’t quite pan out, even if they were quite sensible at the time.

Anyways, I had a lot of fun taking part in this event, and it felt like a historic night, even if it were really just a fun night amongst friends. I will plan on reviewing the 2018 NBA Mock Draft night next season, as that one was one of the more hectic group mock drafts.

Thank you for reading. Also, congrats to Joe Biden for being the 46th president of the United States! I would like to thank Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their newly elected positions, and yesterday was inauguraton day.

Alan's Music and Stuff

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Re-Visiting the 2017 NBA Group Mock Draft that I Helped Partake In

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