1. Minnesota Timberwolves
- Original Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky)
- Redraft Pick: Karl-Anthony Towns (Kentucky)
Karl-Anthony Towns was the first No. 1 overall pick in Minnesota Timberwolves franchise history, and the Twolves made it count. Towns, 21, is already one of the best players in the league and currently a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. The reigning Rookie of the Year Award Winner is one of the faces of the NBA.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
- Original Pick: D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State)
- Redraft Pick: Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia)
Kobe Bryant would’ve liked to have Kristaps Porzingis during his 17-win farewell season. But Porzingis lucked out in not having to deal with a year of Byron Scott. He’d be lighting it up in Luke Walton’s offense right now, though.
3. Philadelphia 76ers
- Original Pick: Jahlil Okafor (Duke)
- Redraft Pick: D’Angelo Russell (Ohio State)
If Russell were available, the Sixers would’ve taken him on draft night, and that doesn’t change looking back. He’s easily the third best player in this class. The Sixers haven’t had great guard play since Allen Iverson. Russell would’ve changed the direction of “The Process.” That’s the most important thing of course.
