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2017 NBA Draft: Biggest winners and losers

By Max Holm

Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sacramento Kings
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky) is introduced as the number five overall pick to the Sacramento Kings in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Winner #4: Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings were huge winners on Thursday night and could easily be higher on this list. Choosing between them and the next three was really difficult. The top four winners were really close and all had amazing nights.

As for the Kings, they got their franchise centerpiece in Kentucky’s De’Aaron Fox. Fox’s fire, speed and demeanor should lead this team to a much brighter future in the post-DeMarcus Cousins era.

Part of the reason why the Kings are lower here is because while Fox is outstanding, he’s a bit of a safe pick. There’s nothing wrong with that, but he doesn’t have the ceiling of someone like Jonathan Isaac or Dennis Smith Jr. This selection is totally justifiable, but you wonder if they left better players on the board.

That’s the negative side of things. Here’s the positive: the Kings killed the rest of the draft. While we’re all sad Malik Monk and Fox aren’t reunited in California’s capitol, getting two picks for No. 10 was good value. With Fox, Buddy Hield, and a very young roster, it makes sense to give Hield room to play rather than bringing in competition.

Justin Jackson isn’t a sexy pick, but he should be at worst a solid bench player who can shoot the ball and play the right way. Harry Giles at No. 20 could prove to be the steal of the draft if he ever gets his confidence back. And finally, Frank Mason III was a nice pick in the second round, who could be their long-term backup point guard behind Fox. This may be the day that the Kangz became the Kings again. Good job Vivek.