2017 NBA Draft: Biggest winners and losers
By Max Holm
Biggest Loser #3: The 2017 International Class
After a record-breaking number of foreign-born players taken in 2016, the 2017 international class was a let down in more than one way. Only two players who played outside the United States were taken in the first round.
Anzejs Pasecniks landing to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 25 seemed like a bit of a reach with the full intention of keeping him overseas with a loaded roster. T.J. Leaf and OG Anunoby were born abroad, but grew up in the United States. Lauri Markkanen from Finland could help that reputation as the seventh pick heading to Chicago.
Between the five foreign-born first-rounders, two grew up in the United States and one played college here. Not exactly the same as the eight players taken in the first round last year who grew up and played overseas.
Among the international class, aside from Isaiah Hartenstein‘s slide due to injury, the biggest loser might be Frank Ntilikina. This statement has absolutely nothing to do with his game. Ntilikina was a legit top-10 pick and deserved to be selected there, but man, having to go play for the New York Knicks right now is like being banished to Hades.
The second round did produce nine foreign-born players, including college athletes Tyler Dorsey, Jonah Bolden and Dillon Brooks. Nonetheless, the quality of the players is significantly down from the norm. Luckily, the 2018 class has a lot of potential and this group could always prove us wrong.