The 2017 NBA Draft: A Turning Point in History
A Tale of Two Teams
Back in November, Jayson Tatum shared his pre-draft story, revealing the Lakers’ lack of interest in drafting him. As fate would have it, this decision has significantly shaped the NBA landscape today. Now, with Tatum and the Celtics having won a title, it’s amusing to look back at the stories of the Sixers and Lakers.
Magic Johnson’s Response
Fast forward to 2024, and Magic Johnson, the man at the helm of the Lakers in 2017, has responded to Tatum’s claim. Johnson’s account, however, seems to have conveniently omitted the “LaVar Ball bullying” episode. According to him, the Lakers passed on Tatum due to their existing roster, featuring Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, and Larry Nance Jr. This spin is quite astonishing, especially considering the Celtics had Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, Jaylen Brown, and Jae Crowder on their roster yet still drafted Tatum.
A Visionary’s Move
It’s clear that Danny Ainge was the only one who saw the potential in Tatum. In contrast, Magic’s justification for passing on Tatum is questionable, especially given his subsequent draft pick, Kyle Kuzma. The notion that the Lakers needed a point guard is debatable, as Tatum’s versatility would have alleviated any playmaking concerns.
Tatum’s Unparalleled Versatility
Newsflash: Jayson Tatum excels in all five positions. He can thrive in any system, making him one of the most valuable two-way players in the league. It’s puzzling that Magic would downplay Tatum’s abilities, instead of acknowledging the Lakers’ mistake.
A Shoutout to Tatum’s Agent
Kudos to Jeffrey Wechsler, Tatum’s agent, for navigating the draft process and ensuring his client landed with the Celtics. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. In fact, it would be beneficial for other NBA agents to follow this path, keeping their franchise-altering talents away from the Lakers and guiding them towards the Celtics.
The Next Chapter
Now that Magic has shared his side of the story, it’s time for the decision-makers in Philly to come forward and share their account of the 2017 Draft. Magic’s response has only added fuel to the fire, making him look worse in the process. The 2017 NBA Draft will forever be remembered as a turning point in history, and Magic’s fumble has had a lasting impact on the NBA landscape.
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