Revisiting the 2017 NBA Draft: A Redraft With Career Lessons

BOSTON, Mass. — The 2017 NBA Draft class has sparked heated debates whenever the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet on the court. However, a closer look reveals a different perspective on how this group of athletes has performed over the years, especially as hindsight gives fans and analysts a clearer view of each player’s trajectory.

Initially perceived as a depth-filled draft, this class saw only half of its six All-Stars chosen in the top ten. This re-evaluation of the draft order…

1. Boston Celtics (originally Markelle Fultz): Jayson Tatum, originally selected with the third pick, stands out due to his multiple All-NBA selections, regular All-Star nods, and consistent MVP considerations. Tatum has established himself as a top player, solidifying his No. 1 status in this redraft.

2. Los Angeles Lakers (originally Lonzo Ball): Donovan Mitchell, originally the 13th pick, proved his worth with impressive offensive skills and a significant scoring impact on high-performing teams like the Utah Jazz and Cleveland Cavaliers, making him an easy choice at No. 2.

3. Philadelphia 76ers (originally Jayson Tatum): Bam Adebayo, taken as the 14th pick, exemplifies the modern big man with defensive versatility and playmaking abilities, earning a place at No. 3 due to his winning impact and defensive accolades.

4. Phoenix Suns (originally Josh Jackson): De’Aaron Fox, who was originally the fifth pick, showcases elite speed and agility, making him one of the fastest players in the league. Although his performance consistency remains debated, he still holds the No. 4 selection.

5. Sacramento Kings (originally De'Aaron Fox): Lauri Markkanen, the seventh pick, demonstrated extreme scoring potential recently but struggled to maintain that performance earlier in his career, placing him appropriately at No. 5.

6. Orlando Magic (originally Jonathan Isaac): Jarrett Allen, who was drafted at 20, has flourished as a rim-runner and gained popularity that warrants a jump to No. 6.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves (originally Lauri Markkanen): Derrick White, originally 29th, fills a unique role in multiple positions and brings a winning mentality, making him a worthy selection at this spot.

8. New York Knicks (originally Frank Ntilikina): Josh Hart, originally 30th, has made significant strides in performance, making him a valuable asset worthy of the eighth position due to his recent impressive statistics.

9. Dallas Mavericks (originally Dennis Smith Jr.): OG Anunoby, who was selected 23rd, demonstrates immense versatility when healthy, making him a wise choice at this slot despite injury concerns.

10. Sacramento Kings (originally Zach Collins): Kyle Kuzma, who initially went 27th, utilizes size and skill, maintaining relevance in the conversation with solid contributions over several NBA seasons.

This redraft considers career achievements over predictions, demonstrating how players have evolved since being drafted. Evaluators and fans alike now face a distinct outlook on a class once seen as merely promising.