NBA Draft: Re-drafting the 2008 NBA Draft’s first round

#15 Pick – Phoenix Suns: Javale McGee (Originally: Robin Lopez)

Despite having solid production in his early years with the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets, Javale McGee was typically known as the face of TNT’s hit segment, Shaqtin’ A Fool. A segment that features the biggest mess-ups or fails in an attempt to mock them and the player who completed them, Shaq loved to rip on McGee every chance he got.

However, since going to the Golden State Warriors in 2016, McGee has built up his reputation as a useful, energy big. His role in Golden State was minimal, but he helped contribute to two straight championships.

This drew interest from the Lakers and has drawn McGee into a strong role, averaging 16.8 minutes per game this season for the best team in the Western Conference.

McGee has always shown his production through his energy and athleticism. He doesn’t have many moves to work with in the post or a face-up game, but his rim protection and rebounding helped him become a contributing piece to the Lakers’ rotation.

McGee is under contract until the end of the 2021 season, and it will be interesting to see what happens to him after that. Some of the most productive and sought-after centers in the NBA are these long, rangy, athletic guys who can rebound and block shots.

Javale has put together a solid career and has done a fantastic job of turning his reputation around as a valuable piece and deserving of a top-15 pick.