Fansided

Hindsight is 20/20: Redoing the 2015 NBA Draft

By Cody Williams

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 30
Next
Mar 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Orlando Magic: D’Angelo Russell, PG

Original Pick: Mario Hezonja, SF

For the most part, the purpose of this redo of the 2015 NBA Draft is to assess the class and re-evaluate the players to where they should’ve gone in relation to one another. That’s still the case here with the Orlando Magic and the fifth pick. However, it’s hard not to look at the Magic’s selection of Mario Hezonja and think about how substantially better off they would be with D’Angelo Russell in the fold.

As mentioned before, Russell was largely held back in his rookie season by his then head coach, but showed tremendous flashes when he was unleashed. He was indeed unleashed in the 2016-17 season and again showed flashes. He’s still far from consistent, but he’s a versatile player that opposing teams have to account for.

Russell is the prototypical combo guard with the ability to run the offense at the point and make plays for teammates, coupled with the prowess to step off the ball and beat teams from the perimeter in that regard. Though he has his obvious deficiencies on the defensive end of the floor, he still has plenty that he brings to the table in a positive light.

With the Magic having Elfrid Payton at the helm, having Russell in the backcourt with him would be stellar. They would be great complements to one another, especially with Russell’s shooting prowess in comparison to Payton’s. As such, Russell is the obvious choice here in this re-draft. He’s the best player still available and just so happens to be a phenomenal fit.

Home/NBA Draft