How bad is this year's NBA Draft class? Russillo shares what he's heard from front offices.

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[@Earl_E_Burd]

1st in MVP: drafted 41st 2nd in MVP: drafted 11th 3rd in MVP: drafted 3rd 4th in MVP: drafted 15th 5th in MVP: drafted 33rd

[@razkable]

Brunson Shai are on other teams..Giannis was a project for 2 years and Jokic Doncic were traded as well...sorta a cop out..

[@richporter22]

Good point

[@blas_de_lezo7375]

I’d say the main difference being how guaranteed are they to be good to very good.

[@df3575]

​@@blas_de_lezo7375true....but the entire culture around winning the lottery is that you get a guy who slots onto that MVP top 5 list year in, year out.

[@deangulberry1876]

@@df3575yeah but they pick the wrong guys a lot. These GMs are kinda stupid.

[@customfroFN]

This is gonna age terribly I can just feel it

[@RMS5006]

That's hilarious!

[@Kagemusha08]

There's always going to be one or two Kawhis or Tyrese Maxeys every draft who are late bloomers and defy expectations. Their (and everyone else's) point is that this draft really lacks slam dunk picks that are obvious. This is true.

[@Sean.Cordes]

The problem with a lot of guys in this draft is they can't shoot. The guys that can shoot are also extremely small [Sheppard and Dillingham]

[@owlperson5075]

A lot of people are already looking forward to Cooper Flagg's class

[@33moneyball]

It can’t age terribly….you don’t understand the difference between a prospect and a player. Tom Brady was a shitty prospect. That’s what you draft. Not what they become.

[@patricija4179]

You just know at least one all timer comes out of this one

[@Mdksupreme1]

And it will be Topic!

[@benmesser7361]

Cuz it’s such an arrogant, nba media circle jerk take. We talking about the same guys who didn’t pick Jokic till the 2nd round? Those the guys who are saying this is an all time bad draft? Please. We won’t know for 5 years how bad or good this class is, same as every other.

[@MrBacchus18]

Probably will get drafted in the teens

[@htown11465]

@@benmesser7361the fact that Sarr, who I have watched a lot as he plays for my hometown team, is projected number 1 pick is so telling. He didn’t start in the Australian NBL and I can’t see him getting significant minutes in the NBA. And he’s the projected no. 1. That’s weak.

[@tdup191]

​@@benmesser7361 Jokic isn't a good example because it took him a few seasons to show potential. You'd have a point if he was ROY

[@brianp2845]

Russiilo is great “no one said Lou Dort in particular”.

[@stilldre247]

But yes 😂😂😂

[@thomassharer8453]

Go look up Bill Simmons 2009 Draft coverage. It’s a draft that had Steph Curry, Blake Griffin, James Harden, Demar, Rubio, amongst others and was considered the worst draft of the 2000’s amongst many draft experts. Just because this draft doesn’t have an obvious #1 like Wemby or Cooper Flagg, doesn’t mean it’s gonna be a shitty draft. Kobe was #13, Giannis was #15, Kawhi was #15, Jokic #41….theres gonna be some great players here no doubt. People said Anthony Edwards and Paolo were ‘weaker’ #1 overall picks, so you just can’t trust all these guys say. The real storyline for me, is that this will be a huge reflection point for the Hawks. If they take this draft seriously, do due diligence, they can trade back, or take the guy they truly like to go along with Jalen Johnson and whoever else remains on next years roster. What you don’t want to do is what Bill/Simmons are saying about the GMs. Cam Johnson for the 1st overall pick?! Should be at least worth a player like Randle or Markannen. All it takes is ONE team to fall in love with a top prospect, and you can cash in.

[@djrt8179]

You weren’t kidding. I just copied this from BS’ 2009 draft diary: Trust me: It’s the worst draft class since the infamous Kenyon Martin Draft in 2000. If I had to bet my life on any 2009 prospect becoming a top-three player on a championship team, I’d bet on Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry. That’s it. You’d remember this draft as Suckapalooza 2009 someday if it hadn’t happened on the same day we lost Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Only the Clippers could have the No. 1 pick on a day like this, right?

[@jdankerdake]

“Inflection point”

[@xavierb9061]

means its random luck pickig guys..tough draft

[@MPHswayze]

Look I don't understand draft stock and I've never seen UConn's mens team. But I do know that star players have cool names. Therefore, Stephon Castle should go #1. Thats an All Star's name

[@famouskev5589]

No offense to Jabari cause I actually like his game quite a bit, but these were the same people saying he should go over Paolo and Chet, which is abundantly clear that Orlando and OKC made the correct decisions. Also 2013 still to this day is considered a bad draft, we still left with Giannis, Gobert, McCollum and other consistent starters like KCP and Oladipo. Some of these guys will hit, and one or 2 will probably hit big.

[@SchulzEricT]

Russillo said he'd take Paolo 1st and Simmons said Chet.

[@famouskev5589]

@@SchulzEricT I didn’t mean these guys in particular. I realized I worded it wrong after I posted. I just meant draft experts in general. I feel like Jabari was majority the number 1.

[@southgooner86]

Every time they say this (like 2020) they end up dominating bruh. Gtfo with the narratives

[@stathamanthony]

Weird how our culture and sports media and the GMs and scouts find outs before they have to make decisions. THERE IS ALWAYS GOOD TALENT in every draft.

[@kerstinwollinger8056]

I mean we said the same about 2020 so

[@PGO_Gaming]

We should reserve judgment based on past NBA drafts.

[@shmuelcoen9906]

LMAO! Why are the porn bots commenting about video games on this NBA short?

[@Humanipathic]

There will def be surprise players turn out good. Happens in good drafts and good players turn out bad.

[@hayesc0]

I think this draft will be better than expected because of the way people have put it down.

[@Thunderball.Mcgillicutty]

I'm coming back in 5 years when 3 players make All Star status, these 2 knuckleheads don't know prospecting or basketball!

[@t4d0W]

Chill. There are levels to talents man. There have been many players who were one time all-star picks. There are fewer who have consistently made All-NBA teams and are legit franchise builders. Bad teams are looking for the latter because it makes team building easy. Just ask the Pistons.

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

Nikola Topić is the best player in this draft.

[@nanner7085]

Youre just saying that cause his name looks like Nikola Jokic

[@patricija4179]

@@nanner7085no he is saying that cause he from Serbia/Balkan.

[@dimitrijetucovic1307]

@@nanner7085 I'm saying that cause i've watched every game he's played for Mega basket and Crvena Zvezda.

[@Earl_E_Burd]

He's just saying that cause his name looks like Nikola Jovic

[@janstegu]

Sedi na klupi u zvezdi😂😂😂😂😂

[@jackbombay1423]

Experts, experts everywhere.

[@Bryan-ig2zp]

It's the Atlanta Hawks of drafts.

[@deangulberry1876]

These scouts and GMs are so stupid. 2013 draft. Anthony Bennett went 1 and Giannis went 15. There were 8 centers drafted ahead of Rudy Gobert.

[@showtimesportsmedia6906]

I feel like the pundits always do this when there’s a lot of guys who they don’t study and research. I know there have been bad drafts overall but sometimes it’s just bad picks. The nba is kind of perfect for guys especially in college who didn’t really get to showcase their talent the right way. College is more set and system based where as the league is more wide open and 1v1 thats why I believe a kid like bronny can play & get better as he ages these guys won’t be 18-20 forever

[@eliyarrows2456]

My overreactions to the draft: -Atlanta made a safe pick that will work out but look bad if they have to blow it up soon -Sarr seems like the lead candidate to be a bust -there’s still gonna be like 3 future all stars in this draft like every draft -Reed Shepherd might be the truth, Castle is gonna be a fundamental piece of the spurs for the next 5+ years, and Dillingham might just be Roty as the 8th man on his team.

[@sarahmccoy1941]

Dillingham at 4 to the Spurs is HORRIBLE!

[@ivanriobla]

the best thing for the spurs is RD at 4

[@PattyMac811]

I think Castle is the biggest sure thing in this draft. Work ethic, loves playing defense, winning pedigree.

[@Fchwpo_7]

Hopefully he a spur

[@Lokahi-fo-life]

These draft decision makers get it wrong so often I’ll wait and see. The one person I would trust just passed away. RIP JERRY WEST. He told us the draft class everyone touted as great, Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker wasn’t going to be good.

[@33moneyball]

Do you have to be named Nikola and have a 5 letter last name to play basketball in Serbia?? Jokic, Jovic, and Topic. Sweet Lord. Mix it up.

[@josho6854]

My guess is the “league sources” they quote are rebuilding teams that want to trade veterans for picks. Of course they talk down the draft, they are hoping to get a better deal. I don’t think anyone can predict which players will be good, other than rare cases like Wemby and Shaq and Duncan. It is always a crapshoot

[@Joed757]

As a Spurs fan, I dont care if there isnt a Wemby on the board. Wemby is on the team already. What we want is the Robins that will complement big Vic. The "Klay and Draymond" to dominate the future.

[@JoeBoom24]

Yall said this aame shit about the Anthony Edwards draft. Everybody, including the media, is a fucking casual.

[@Riles3152]

Who would bet that there’s going to be at least All-Star that emerges from this draft? There’s always a sleeper and a steal.

[@addytrolla2535]

There is no Wemby in 2024, but there are 10+ guys in this draft that could be better than Scoot or Miller or the Thomoson twins

[@Javi1da]

Dort caught a wild stray

[@andu1854]

One time I am not bummed the Dubs don’t have a first round pick, I could see some of th better players being late first and second round picks

[@Fchwpo_7]

Celtics showing you the blue print its not always about STARS find good as starters role players

[@umberto488]

NFL players are smarter than NBA players on average, id wager. Its a much more nuanced game.

[@callumalston5755]

Tbf the celtics would say no to most packages that included Derrick white

[@seankotch5055]

it is completely fair for everyone to call this draft terrible while still producing a HOFer.

[@Dave-nm8uf]

If the Celtics had the number one pick they would be singing a different tune.

[@Dave-nm8uf]

You knew Simmons had to mention Atlanta. He is obsessed with Atlanta, why?

[@SixAnd0]

2 guys who rarely pay any attention to prospects until they are put on nba draft mocks

[@florida1289]

Why not just tell players to go home we'll just do the draft next year.

[@glennsatterfield1755]

This is why Bronny is staying in the draft. Why wait and have to enter a stonger draft next year

[@Dave-nm8uf]

The fact that Atlanta won the lottery gives these guys a boost of energy to trash this draft.

[@timothycontoveros4699]

Don’t sleep on Lively

[@k4yztx]

yup, this already aging rough

[@aj427a]

There is at least one hall of fame player in pretty much every draft

[@aaron_h785]

Kings would love to have Alex Sarr on their roster

[@Henry_Smith_862]

it's good for everyone who doesn't have the 1st pick

[@evanwrenn402]

It'll probably end up being a good draft lol

[@SomeChink]

Where’s Poku gonna land?

[@shazebahmed0704]

They said the same crap about luka doncic so why should I believe you lot I think zaccharie risacher is going to be a really good player I would take him number one if you’re Washington wizards you take Alex sarr number two Spurs should take a good point guard and a good 3 and D wing

[@rulerzigzag]

Nah, bill was very high on luka and said he should be the #1 pick

[@shazebahmed0704]

@@rulerzigzag I was just referring to the NBA’s media in general they all said luka was going to be a bust

[@jantaramiyongsuntriyapas2570]

Every draft class produced at least 1 HOF player, except for two draft class, 2000 and 1951. So chances are, there will be at least 1 HOF in this class.

[@dionruffin3996]

Shhh the casuals are talking

[@jacobwheeler2462]

This is going to age horribly lol

[@christianmoreno7390]

Ok but Dereck Lively has been phenomenal as a rookie. Based on his rookie season, he should’ve been the #2 pick behind Wemby

[@zackmciver208]

He doesn’t even start lol

[@christianmoreno7390]

@@zackmciver208 He gets more minutes than Gafford. He’s better than Gafford. I watch every Mavs game and both are really good, but Lively has been insane these playoffs

[@wowsadowsa]

Players have proven that GMs don’t know how to evaluate talent. I’m never saying a draft class is terrible ever again. Only bad organizations choose poorly and develop players terribly.

[@yahcrack]

Watch their be two/three stars come out of this draft. BOZOS

[@jstdun]

There almost always is a definitive star that comes out of each draft. The point is that there is not a consensus pick. Just look at how the actual #1 pick wasn't even on the leaderboard listed on this video.

[@GentlemensCage]

Zach edey

[@RyanSheppard-tq4pg]

Until Edey eats

[@scottkellogg2180]

Guarantee you there’s gonna be a random ass HOF’er come out of absolutely nowhere in this draft.

[@bigdog1648]

There’s a reason why NBA allowed Hawks to get #1 pick this year.

[@mohamedkoubaa8337]

The values of Derek Lively and Tobias Harry are wildly different though.

[@DavidJackson-fq9fn]

Is the 25 draft supposed to be significantly better?

[@dthatme]

This draft getting a lot of disrespect. I can't wait to see how this draft plays out

[@AustinAaq]

Teams are Drafting for Lebron this year 😂😂😂😂

[@gagejernigan5277]

I like Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht alot

[@rastaoiiii]

Why is there a picture of Topic not Sarr?

[@rickyr.6030]

LeBron is going number 1 again lol

[@burdman_9615]

Cap. Quit saying that

[@razkable]

I think it's the worst since 2000

[@Fchwpo_7]

Your a clueless casual

[@PotatoGunCamper]

Being in Atlanta this is the most depressing draft class.

[@Dave-nm8uf]

Don't fall for this crap man.

[@mac4860]

Jacobe walker will be an all star mark my words I’ll be back

[@Earl_E_Burd]

Return of the mac?

[@caewrld3796]

When i seen the white dude from Kentucky at the draft lottery i knew how shit this draft is. He look 12

[@sittinonthegodamcornerdoindope]

He’s just a role player in the nba nothin more. Role players get drafted in the lottery all the time

[@dannytallmage2971]

White people are dominating the NBA and it makes me laugh so hard thinking about you shining shoes and fuming over that fact. Bruthas ain’t go anything left but break dancing.

[@Fchwpo_7]

Better than klank Thompson

[@Earl_E_Burd]

"Like 2013" so like Giannis, KCP, and Gobert?

[@trumpetking11]

CJ McCollum too.

[@nicyee3701]

Still a weak class, all the players you named weren’t top picks. Also KCP is just a role player.

[@Earl_E_Burd]

How many NBA Top 75 players does a draft class need to have to be considered strong?

[@Stephen246666]

@@Earl_E_Burd Drafts have 6.7 all stars on average, so the 2013 draft class only having 3 and a near all star in mccollum still makes it weak.

[@t4d0W]

The only legit argument the 2013 class has is Giannis as a multi MVP/HOF caliber player. Which very few of the 2010s drafts ever had. Take him out and that class isn't touching what 2010 (PG, Wall, Hayward, Cousins) or 2015 (Dbook, KAT, KP, DLo, M Turner) have produced.

[@JohnColton88]

This draft class sucks!!! College basketball needs to do what football does and freshman comeout wen they are sophomores or juniors!!! Its so many 1 and dones in the g league!!! Should've just stayed in college to develop more smh

[@infamouswildcat11]

These two are never held accountable lol watch this draft will have 3 all stars

[@emilfrederiksen.1622]

We don't know about this draft class yet until years in future lol people are way too quick to judge that everybody will suck in this draft before they have even made the league.

[@htown11465]

It’s kind of their job, hey?

[@shorewall]

@@htown11465 And they get it wrong all the time. :D

[@t4d0W]

I mean trends are a thing. Look through the 2010s draft classes along with the changing of the modern game and it is still pretty clear cut which draft classes offered better prospects. If there is one comforting trend is that the modern game gives an idea for role players with useful skillsets to help contribute fast.

[@andreblair5885]

The last draft that was this badly regarded had Giannis so somebody great will come out of it we just don't know who.

[@JtheLionheart]

Topic is trash and people also said the 2013 Draft was bad. Dillingham will be the best player in this draft.

[@AceManning18]

How is the topic trash? And yet still here you are commenting. Sounds like somebody either has a team/player they like either picking/going top 10 and is butthurt. It's called draft evaluation, they do it every single season. You didn't have a problem any other year, when everyone in the league and around personnel tells you the draft is really bad when it comes to all nba type Stars, you listen. And in the NBA where 1 player can make a huge, huge impact, that's important. Take your bitter misplaced anger ass somewhere else

[@nicyee3701]

And Dillingham would be the smallest player in the league. He is built like a toothpick and doesn’t look 6’3 at all. He is better than Topic that’s for sure.

[@htown11465]

He’s tiny

[@JtheLionheart]

@nicyee3701 there are plenty of guys his size and smaller. Not too many with his talent, skill, and attitude. Great kid with a good head on his shoulders with a skill set better than anyone in the draft. Pop would do great things for him.

[@jdankerdake]

I don’t have much faith in a 175 lb player. Trae has shown that ceiling is pretty fixed.