Redrafting the 2017 NBA Draft ClassÂ
The draft class of 2017 has proved to be a revolutionary one and quite possibly is the best one to emerge out of the 7 competing classes of this decade. The likes of Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, and Kyle Kuzma have been crucial components of their team's successes this season, and very few, if any, have actually proven to be busts of the Anthony Bennett variety.
We at Sportskeeda decided to redraft this class of incoming players into the NBA based on the impact that they have had this season, or are expected to have given their skillsets. For the purposes of our redraft, we have assumed that the rosters for the teams to work withstand as they were on 21st June 2017.
Players like Eric Bledsoe, Nikola Mirotic and Isaiah Thomas, who have been traded away midseason from their original teams, are assumed to be on the same rosters as they previously were. Starting with the 1st pick of the draft, we have the following draft order:
No. 1 pick - Philadelphia 76ers select Donovan Mitchell
The Utah Jazz enacted one of the biggest drafts steals of this decade by trading Trey Lyles and their #24 pick for Donovan Mitchell. The rookie has been beyond sensational for the 6th-placed Jazz, being their premier clutch performer and also their primary scoring option. Mitchell has season averages of 20.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals.
Using his 6'10" wingspan and 42-inch vertical to great effect, the rookie has also produced a number of highlight reel plays in addition to knocking down more 3-pointers than Stephen Curry did in his rookie season. The highlight of his year was winning the 2018 Slam Dunk Contest against Larry Nance Jr in the final round, which he finished off with a 360 windmill dunk reminiscent to that of Vince Carter in the year 2000.
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to add a combo guard in June 2017, and Mitchell fits the bill perfectly with his sneakily good passing and defensive prowess.