Every draft always brings excitement, especially because the last few years we were drafting guys that could/would change the future of our franchise. This year was different, we weren't in position to snatch a guy like that. Of course we can point to late 1st/2nd round outliers like Tony Parker, Butler, Draymond, Parsons, etc... but they are few and far between. Drafting 24 doesn't guarantee you anything. The writing was on the wall with Griffin's presser. He wants guys who can step in now, 25-29 years old... free agents. Once some of the wings like RHJ/Anderson, or PGs like Grant/Wright were gone I wasn't expecting to keep the pick. So I get what they did. Stash a Euro, draft two 2nd rounders that will likely be D-league guys and hope they can contribute down the road. Keep the roster spots open for FA's. If we bring back the top 12... that leaves 3 roster spots.
PG - Kyrie /FA #1/ Delly
SG - Shump/JR/Harris
SF - LeBron/FA #2/Jones/Miller
PF- Love/TT/Andy
C- Moz
Maybe Christmas makes our 5th big, or they find someone else.
I don't know enough about the 3 guys we drafted to give some accurate, insightful information. But I can tell you I was hoping we selected Dakari in the 2nd round. Would he fit the role of instant contributor like Griffin is looking for, no... but I did like what I saw from him. 19 years old, 7 ft, 260 lbs, 9'4” standing reach. Played about 15 mpg, avg around 6 pts 5 rebounds playing in a platoon system behind WCS (#6 overall) Towns (#1 overall) Lyles (#12 overall) etc... and Julius Randle the year before. Good offensive rebounder. 15.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per 40 minutes pace adjusted.
I think he can be a great pick for a team in the 2nd round. Would have loved to have him as a developmental big to learn from Moz, Andy, etc... I think OKC had a great draft. Obviously a team that is already a contender while healthy, I think Payne behind Westbrook is a good fit for a Reggie Jackson role and I already expressed my views on Dakari. They did a good job IMO.