The 2017 NBA Re-Draft: Unpacking the Top Picks and Surprising Omissions

The 2017 NBA draft was a highly anticipated event, with many teams and fans alike eagerly awaiting the selection of the next generation of superstars. While some players exceeded expectations, others fell short of their potential. In the spirit of NBA draft analysis, it's time to re-examine the top picks from the 2017 draft and consider whether they would have been better served if they had been selected a year earlier. This article will delve into the top picks and surprising omissions of the 2017 NBA draft, exploring the what-ifs and maybes that have left fans and analysts scratching their heads.

The 2017 NBA draft was a unique event, with several talented players entering the draft from high school and international competitions. The draft saw the selection of several franchise-changing players, including Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Jayson Tatum. However, with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that some of these players were not the best fit for their respective teams.

Re-Examining the Top Picks of the 2017 NBA Draft

Let's take a look at the top picks from the 2017 NBA draft and consider whether they would have been better served if they had been selected a year earlier.

Markelle Fultz

Fultz was the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, and many expected him to become the franchise cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, the young guard struggled to find his footing in the NBA, displaying a lack of confidence and consistency that has left many wondering if he was the right choice.

Fultz's Development and The Reasons Behind His Struggles

Fultz's struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of development in college and a high expectations level that he was thrust upon as the number one pick. The young guard's shooting mechanics were also questioned, with many analysts suggesting that he was not as polished as other top prospects.

What Could Have Been Done Differently

If the 76ers had taken a more cautious approach to Fultz's development, it's possible that they could have avoided some of the pitfalls that have plagued the young guard. This could have involved taking a more well-rounded player at the top of the draft, or investing more time and resources into Fultz's training and development.

Lonzo Ball and The Unicorn Phenomenon

Lonzo Ball was another highly touted prospect in the 2017 NBA draft, with many expecting him to become a superstar point guard. However, Ball's development has been marked by inconsistency and a lack of physicality, leading many to question whether he was the right choice.

The Unicorn Phenomenon and Ball's Role on the Lakers

Ball's unique playing style, which was dubbed the "Unicorn Phenomenon" by many analysts, was seen as a major draw by the Los Angeles Lakers. However, the young guard's lack of physicality and defensive skills has led to questions about whether he was the right fit for the team.

The Lakers' Approach to Ball's Development

The Lakers' decision to prioritize Ball's unique playing style over more traditional point guard skills has been a subject of debate. While some analysts argue that Ball's unorthodox approach has paid off, others argue that the team would have been better served by taking a more well-rounded player at the top of the draft.

Surprising Omissions of the 2017 NBA Draft

While the top picks of the 2017 NBA draft were highly touted, there were several players who were overlooked in favor of the more highly touted prospects. Let's take a look at some of the surprising omissions and consider what could have been.

Josh Jackson

Jackson was a highly touted prospect coming out of high school, with many expecting him to become a dominant force in the NBA. However, the young forward struggled to find his footing in the league, displaying a lack of confidence and consistency that has left many wondering if he was the right choice.

Jackson's Development and The Reasons Behind His Struggles

Jackson's struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of development in college and a high expectations level that he was thrust upon as a top prospect. The young forward's defense has also been questioned, with many analysts suggesting that he was not as polished as other top prospects.

What Could Have Been Done Differently

If the Phoenix Suns had taken a more cautious approach to Jackson's development, it's possible that they could have avoided some of the pitfalls that have plagued the young forward. This could have involved taking a more well-rounded player at the top of the draft, or investing more time and resources into Jackson's training and development.

Jaylen Brown

Brown was another highly touted prospect in the 2017 NBA draft, with many expecting him to become a dominant force in the league. However, the young guard has struggled to find his footing in the NBA, displaying a lack of confidence and consistency that has left many wondering if he was the right choice.

Brown's Development and The Reasons Behind His Struggles

Brown's struggles can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a lack of development in college and a high expectations level that he was thrust upon as a top prospect. The young guard's defense has also been questioned, with many analysts suggesting that he was not as polished as other top prospects.

What Could Have Been Done Differently

*If the Boston Celtics had taken a more cautious approach to Brown's development, it's possible that they could have avoided some of the pitfalls that have plagued the young guard. This could have involved taking a more well-rounded player at the top of the draft, or investing more time and resources