The NBA Draft: A High-Stakes Gamble
When it comes to the NBA Draft, even the most promising prospects can turn out to be duds. Franchises invest countless hours and resources into scouting and evaluating talent, but ultimately, it’s a crapshoot. One wrong move can set a team back years, while a stroke of genius can catapult them to greatness.
The 2017 Draft: A Turning Point
The 2017 NBA Draft is a prime example of this unpredictability. Markelle Fultz was hailed as the consensus top pick, a can’t-miss prospect with superstar potential. But Danny Ainge, the shrewd GM of the Boston Celtics, had other plans. He orchestrated a draft-day heist, trading down to select Jayson Tatum, a move that would alter the course of NBA history.
Tatum’s Untold Story
For years, we’ve heard about Josh Jackson’s refusal to work out for the Celtics, but Jayson Tatum’s pre-draft experience remained largely untold. That was until recently, when he shared his side of the story. And what a revelation it was.
A Debt of Gratitude
As a lifelong Celtics fan, I’ve always harbored a deep disdain for the Los Angeles Lakers. But after hearing Tatum’s story, I’m forced to admit a begrudging respect for their ineptitude. It turns out the Lakers showed zero interest in attending Tatum’s pre-draft workout, a decision that would prove to be a franchise-altering blunder.
A Miss of Epic Proportions
The Lakers’ mistake is all the more egregious considering they opted for Lonzo Ball instead, a player whose father’s influence reportedly swayed their decision. Meanwhile, Tatum has blossomed into a two-way superstar, a cornerstone of the Celtics’ franchise. It’s a miss that will haunt the Lakers for years to come.
What Could Have Been
It’s tantalizing to imagine an alternate scenario where Josh Jackson didn’t refuse that workout. Perhaps the Celtics would have selected him instead, altering the trajectory of both franchises. But as it stands, the Lakers’ oversight has given the Celtics a perennial All-Star, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
The Tatum Era
As the LeBron James era draws to a close, the Jayson Tatum era is just beginning. The Celtics have a real championship pedigree, and Tatum is the driving force behind it. The Lakers, on the other hand, are left to ponder what could have been. It’s a sweet victory for Celtics fans, and one that will only continue to grow sweeter with time.
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