The 2018 NBA Draft is right around the corner. Let’s take some time to look back one year and re-draft the 2017 NBA Draft.
The 2017 NBA Draft will live in the memories of Chicago Bulls fans for a very, very long time. The Bulls traded their All-Star swingman for the No. 7 pick (and more) in that draft. The Bulls opted to select Lauri Markkanen at No. 7 and we know now that this was an excellent choice.
On the year, Markkanen averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He was also named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team along with Ben Simmons, Donovan Mitchell, Kyle Kuzma and Jayson Tatum.
If teams would’ve known then what they know now, there’s no way the draft order would remain the same. The Bulls probably wouldn’t have gotten Lauri Markkanen.
Who would they have gotten in his place?
I’m going to attempt to re-draft the 2017 NBA Draft with the information we have now that the 2017-18 season is officially over. For the sake of time, I won’t go through the entire draft, I’ll call it quits after the Bulls new selection.
Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft
1. Philadelphia 76ers – Jayson Tatum
Actual spot drafted: No. 3 to Boston
This explanation is relatively simple. All of the question marks surrounding Markelle Fultz and the rise of Jayson Tatum make it quite obvious that if the Sixers could do it all over again, Tatum would be their guy.
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Lonzo Ball
Actual spot drafted: No. 2 to L.A.
Despite Lonzo not having the second-best rookie year, he still fits the mold of what they want in a player. He also still has incredible potential after an underrated rookie season. Lonzo would’ve been their guy no matter what.
3. Boston Celtics – Donovan Mitchell
Actual spot drafted: No.13 to Utah
In my opinion, Mitchell is the best rookie in this draft class. However, the Sixers needed a wing that could shoot, the Lakers were (and I think still are) in love with Lonzo, which means Mitchell would drop to this spot. The fit is a little unorthodox but Brad Stevens can make anything work and Mitchell is a good enough talent to make it work. There’s no way Danny Ainge lets him fall past their team.
4. Phoenix Suns – Lauri Markkanen
Actual spot drafted: No.7 to Chicago
Like I mentioned earlier, Markkanen had a stellar rookie campaign where he showed All-NBA potential. Josh Jackson (the original Suns pick) had a nice year but I believe the Suns would take Markkanen over him. The offensive combination of Lauri Markkanen and Devin Booker would be insanely fun to watch and also insanely effective. Sorry Bulls, your guy is gone.
5. Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox
Actual spot drafted: No. 5 to Sacramento
I think the Kings would stick with their guy. He had an underrated rookie season where he showed flashes of All-Star potential. He also has a charismatic personality that a franchise like the Kings needs to be the face of their team. Fox was and still is their guy.
6. Orlando Magic – Markelle Fultz
Actual spot drafted: No. 1 to Philadelphia
This is a tough player to re-draft. Fultz only played in 14 games during his rookie season due to injuries. His jump shot also looked completely broken. He still has the upside and potential to be a star, so there’s no way the Magic would pass on him at No. 6, but I find it hard to believe that other teams would take him above the guys that I have being drafted ahead of him.
7. Chicago Bulls – Josh Jackson
Actual spot drafted: No. 4 to Phoenix
It’s a little odd that despite all the movement, in my re-draft, the Bulls and Suns simply swapped rookies. But hey, I didn’t make the picks (that’s a lie – I clearly did). While missing out on “Lights Out Lauri” would’ve been sad for the Bulls, Jackson still had a really nice rookie year. He has incredible defensive upside and showed flashes of offensive ability (both are things the Bulls could use).
Next: Paul Zipser is unhappy with the Chicago Bulls
So there you have it. In my opinion, if the 2017 NBA Draft was re-drafted, the Chicago Bulls would’ve ended up with Josh Jackson.
Not bad by any means, but I’ll stick with Lauri Markkanen.