3 takeaways from The Step Back's NBA expansion draft

3 takeaways from The Step Back’s NBA expansion draft (and why KCP??)

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with Gordon Hayward #20 against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Depth of talent

One of the byproducts of an expansion draft with only three players protected per team is that it became possible to build a deep team with talent up and down the roster. For example, Clint Capela was the final player selected, while Gordon Hayward went in the 10th round.

Mind you, this was possible because only one player per team could be selected, so when I picked Kemba Walker first overall, Gerald knew he could grab Hayward whenever. As for me, I was excited to be able to select Michael Porter Jr. with the 19th pick in the draft.

Related Story. Predicting Michael Porter Jr. stats and scenarios. light

The very fact that he was made available by Nugg Love was a delight in itself, but being able to select him as a flyer in the late rounds was a favorable development. Another late-round selection on my part was Tyus Jones, my 12th-round selection with the 23rd pick.

Gerald’s second-to-last pick was Spencer Dinwiddie, and he could have gone basically any round after the first couple picks, although I couldn’t have selected him because I picked Jarrett Allen with my third selection and could only take one Brooklyn Nets player.

If these teams were able to play in the real-life NBA, they would both have significant depth advantages over most teams.