Sun Mar 09 02:10:00 UTC 2025: ## 2017 NBA Draft Redo: Tatum Takes Top Spot, Surprising Twists Emerge

**Boston, MA** – A retrospective analysis of the 2017 NBA Draft, conducted with the benefit of hindsight, reveals a significantly altered pecking order. While the draft initially boasted several All-Stars, the top selections didn’t fully capture the long-term impact of some later picks. This redraft, focusing solely on player performance and excluding team fit, paints a fascinating picture of what could have been.

Jayson Tatum, originally selected third overall, takes the number one spot. His consistent All-NBA performances, All-Star appearances, and championship ring solidify his status as the class’s best player. Donovan Mitchell, a 13th overall pick, moves to number two, showcasing his consistent scoring prowess and ability to thrive in various team settings.

Bam Adebayo (originally 14th) secures the third spot, his defensive excellence and well-rounded offensive game outweighing his lack of prolific scoring. De’Aaron Fox (originally 5th) is selected fourth, his exceptional speed and dual-threat capabilities making him a valuable asset. Lauri Markkanen (originally 7th) takes the fifth spot, despite recent inconsistencies, his past two stellar seasons showing potential to remain among the class’s top players. Jarrett Allen (originally 20th) rounds out the top six, showcasing his dominance as an interior anchor.

The rest of the redraft sees several surprising developments. Derrick White (originally 29th) and Josh Hart (originally 30th) highlight the value of “glue-guy” role players, while OG Anunoby (originally 23rd), hampered by injury, falls to the eighth spot. Kyle Kuzma (originally 27th) and Malik Monk (originally 11th) land in the top ten, though injury and inconsistency prevent them from a higher ranking. Isaiah Hartenstein (originally 43rd), Dillon Brooks (originally 45th), and others further illustrate how the initial draft underestimated several players’ true potential.

The re-draft exposes the significant impact of injuries on players like Lonzo Ball (originally 2nd), Jonathan Isaac (originally 6th), Markelle Fultz (originally 1st), and Zach Collins (originally 10th), highlighting the unpredictability inherent in professional sports. Overall, this redraft underscores the difficulty in accurately predicting NBA success, and serves as a compelling case study in the evolution of players’ careers.

Read More