The Athletic: NBA mock expansion draft: Non playoff to playoff
Posted: Fri May 21, 2021 3:10 pm
Since we have a few days before the playoffs start, I thought it may be a fun discussion to have some thoughts on the recent article fromThe Athletic, where they conducted a mock expansion draft, where playoff teams could draft one player from the lottery teams, for the duration of the championship run. The biggest rule they had was that injured players, could not be magically healed and returned to the court. This means no Zion, G. Haywood or Shai.
Here's a snippet from the article for those without access. I don't know the rules on posting content, so I'll only post the first 4 picks.
Personally, while I absolutely would love to have KAT, for this exercise, I would probably go with Ingram, OG Anunoby or Siakem for this current Wizards roster. Thoughts?
https://theathletic.com/2603161/2021/05/21/nba-mock-expansion-draft-adding-one-player-from-non-playoff-team-to-playoff-team/
"With that said, let’s get to the draft.
1. Washington Wizards: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wizards already have a strong backcourt with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. Those two have powered Washington back into the playoffs, but they still need help. Robin Lopez has been a nice backup center and Alex Len is starting but Washington can still upgrade here. Putting Towns onto this team would make it even more dangerous offensively and make life easier on Beal and Westbrook. Plus, seeing Towns and Joel Embiid go at it in the first round would be very fun. — Mike Vorkunov
2. Boston Celtics: Zach LaVine, G, Chicago Bulls
The Celtics lost Jaylen Brown to injury and could use another dynamic player in the backcourt along with Jayson Tatum. A LaVine-Tatum duo would have enough juice to keep up with Brooklyn’s Big 3 in Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics are certainly going to miss Brown’s defense, but I also think the Nets have so much firepower on the floor that the Celtics need someone else who could also get buckets, and LaVine is one of the best scorers in the NBA. — Chris Kirschner
3. Golden State Warriors/Memphis Grizzlies: Brandon Ingram, W, New Orleans Pelicans
The Warriors could use another bucket-getter, and so could the Grizzlies, so why not the best one available: Brandon Ingram. A 6-foot-8 wing who can score at all three levels, create a shot and was an excellent spot-up shooter this season, Ingram next to Steph Curry or Ja Morant would be a lot of fun. The league needs to adopt this fantasy we’ve created. — James Edwards
4. Miami Heat: De’Aaron Fox, PG, Sacramento Kings
The Heat had a top-10 defense during the regular season but were the 18th-ranked offense in the NBA. Fox would add some explosiveness to the Heat and a solid option as a pick-and-roll creator. Fox’s ability to put pressure on the rim — as well as finish when he gets there — would open up more room for Miami’s shooters. — Edwards"
Here's a snippet from the article for those without access. I don't know the rules on posting content, so I'll only post the first 4 picks.
Personally, while I absolutely would love to have KAT, for this exercise, I would probably go with Ingram, OG Anunoby or Siakem for this current Wizards roster. Thoughts?
https://theathletic.com/2603161/2021/05/21/nba-mock-expansion-draft-adding-one-player-from-non-playoff-team-to-playoff-team/
"With that said, let’s get to the draft.
1. Washington Wizards: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wizards already have a strong backcourt with Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook. Those two have powered Washington back into the playoffs, but they still need help. Robin Lopez has been a nice backup center and Alex Len is starting but Washington can still upgrade here. Putting Towns onto this team would make it even more dangerous offensively and make life easier on Beal and Westbrook. Plus, seeing Towns and Joel Embiid go at it in the first round would be very fun. — Mike Vorkunov
2. Boston Celtics: Zach LaVine, G, Chicago Bulls
The Celtics lost Jaylen Brown to injury and could use another dynamic player in the backcourt along with Jayson Tatum. A LaVine-Tatum duo would have enough juice to keep up with Brooklyn’s Big 3 in Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. The Celtics are certainly going to miss Brown’s defense, but I also think the Nets have so much firepower on the floor that the Celtics need someone else who could also get buckets, and LaVine is one of the best scorers in the NBA. — Chris Kirschner
3. Golden State Warriors/Memphis Grizzlies: Brandon Ingram, W, New Orleans Pelicans
The Warriors could use another bucket-getter, and so could the Grizzlies, so why not the best one available: Brandon Ingram. A 6-foot-8 wing who can score at all three levels, create a shot and was an excellent spot-up shooter this season, Ingram next to Steph Curry or Ja Morant would be a lot of fun. The league needs to adopt this fantasy we’ve created. — James Edwards
4. Miami Heat: De’Aaron Fox, PG, Sacramento Kings
The Heat had a top-10 defense during the regular season but were the 18th-ranked offense in the NBA. Fox would add some explosiveness to the Heat and a solid option as a pick-and-roll creator. Fox’s ability to put pressure on the rim — as well as finish when he gets there — would open up more room for Miami’s shooters. — Edwards"