NBA Draft 2023: Winners, Losers, and Surprises
Key Points:
- Whitmore from Villanova drafted 20th Overall by Houston
- First round caused a stir with unexpected picks
- Overall draft class deemed weaker than previous years
- Several teams selected international players in early picks
- Los Angeles Lakers traded up to get a late first-round pick
The Draft Night Surprises
As the NBA draft unfolded, fans were left scratching their heads at some of the unexpected picks. Some players moved up higher than they were projected to go while others were left waiting longer than anticipated.
Winners and Losers
The Houston Rockets were widely seen as a winner on draft night, with the selection of Whitmore adding to their young core. On the other hand, some teams were criticized for their picks and found themselves as the butt of many jokes online.
A Weaker Draft Class
The 2023 NBA draft class was deemed by many to be weaker than previous years, with a lack of clear-cut talent at the top. As a result, several teams took risks with international players or gambled on prospects who had yet to fully mature their games.
The Lakers Make a Move
The Los Angeles Lakers traded up to snag a late first-round pick, a move that surprised many considering their recent championship success. Some fans questioned whether the pick would be worth giving up future assets for.
Hot Take
While this year’s draft may not have been the most exciting or stacked, it’s still a chance for teams to find the diamond in the rough and build for the future. Only time will tell which picks were truly unexpected gems or busts.