WATERCOOLER CHAT: WILD NIGHT IN NBA DRAFT
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In the NBA, it was a wild night in the NBA Draft.
Unlike drafts in years past, this year had no clear #1 overall pick. Some projected it would be Kentucky’s Nerlens Noel, others thought Georgetown’s Otto Porter might sneak up there, and some thought the #1 pick should be the best athletic talent in Kansas’ Ben Mclemore. But, when all was said and done, the Cleveland Cavs shocked the world, taking Anthony Bennett from UNLV with the #1 overall pick. They said they thought he had the most to offer as a player. Plus, it gives the Cavs an explosive low-post presence to match with their up-and-coming roster.
Then, at #2, the surprises kept coming, as the Orlando Magic made Indiana guard Victor Oladipo their star guard of the future. Oladipo was fantastic as a Hoosier, and he will definitely help the Magic with their rebuilding effort. At #3, the Wizards took local product Otto Porter from Georgetown, giving them a small forward that they desperately needed. At #4, the Charlotte Bobcats took Indiana’s Cody Zeller, an explosive athletic talent that can play both sides of the floor. Notice that the popular projected #1 overall pick still hadn’t been picked.
At #5, the slide continued, as the Phoenix Suns grabbed athletic Maryland big man Alex Len in their own rebuilding effort. Then, finally, some of the hot names started coming off the board. The New Orleans’ Pelicans grabbed Nerlens Noel, but shipped him to Philadelphia in exchange for all-star point guard Jrue Holiday. The Sixers are hoping that Noel can be a force for their future, and fill the void left by the injured Andrew Bynum. Ben Mclemore went to the Kings, where they’re hoping he can become a star, and Michigan star point guard Trey Burke got drafted 9th by the Timberwolves, but was traded to the Utah Jazz where he will get a chance to really shine.
Other notable picks of the evening: The New York Knicks grabbed Michigan’s athletic Tim Hardaway Jr., causing Knicks fans in the audience to erupt. And, the hometown Brooklyn Nets selected Duke big man Mason Plumlee.  In the second round, the Detroit Pistons took a chance and tapped Louisville star point guard Peyton Siva. Most thought that Siva was too small for the NBA, but he is gifted athletically, and has a chance to be an important piece in the Pistons organization.
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