NBA Draft 2019: Winners and losers

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 20: Ja Morant looks on after being selected second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2019 NBA Draft on June 20, 2019 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

7 of 11

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 20: Rui Hachimura reacts after being drafted with the ninth overall pick by the Washington Wizards during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

Now, let’s look at some things that went very, very wrong on draft night.

Loser No. 1: The Washington Wizards CPU Autodraft

The Wizards had the ninth pick in the draft, which is a pretty enviable position, even in what’s considered a weak draft. However, what’s not enviable is walking into that situation without a general manager. You know, the guy who is supposed to be calling the shots for personnel decisions, of which the draft is probably the most obvious one? Yeah, the Wizards didn’t have one of those tonight. Instead, they were represented by a shadow mish-mash of Ernie Grunfeld holdovers, Ted Leonsis henchmen, and probably Scott Brooks, maybe? Hopefully?

Well, that autodraft feature turned into Rui Hachimura, who was rated in the early 40s on our draft board, and was a reach even if you were bullish on what he brings to the table. Hachimura is one of the least developed upperclassman players in the draft on defense, and his mental lapses on that side of the ball are going to really limit his ability to be on the floor at the NBA level. Add that to his offensive game, which is much more effective but is antiquated and difficult to project to the NBA level, and it’s a challenge to really see him as much more than a situational bench big. Him going before Clarke, Grant Williams, P.J. Washington, and even a guy like Cam Reddish the pick immediately after him is an incredible reach and one that is very unlikely to pan out. Taking Admiral Schofield at pick No. 42, another player whose best attribute is strength and doesn’t add much else, is also a little bit of an odd decision.

Washington desperately needs to solidify their front office, and doing so is going to be a challenge with free agency so close. This draft really doesn’t help that cause, as the Wizards arguably burned two free shots at young talent by going on autopilot here.

Home/NBA