I'm Pumped for the NBA Draft

Well, basketball season is officially over until October, but one of the most exciting times for basketball fans is right around the corner. (No, not the Summer League.) The NBA Draft is my second favorite basketball event of the year, behind the NCAA Tournament. I've said this earlier on my podcast, but I want to say it again: the NBA Draft is awesome because EVERYONE–college and NBA fans alike–comes together to celebrate the graduation of the most recent crop of draftees. This is really the only point where the NBA and the NCAA collide. And the collision is glorious. 

There are always stories, reports and predictions circulating around which prospects will go where and how good they will be in the league. Most of these (including my future ones) aren't true. One of the best things about the Draft is the chaos surrounding it. There are so many conflicting viewpoints and updates concerning players and teams and trades that nobody knows what to do. NBA insiders like Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst become public figures for one night as fans try to sort out what's true and what's not. 

The stakes for this year's draft seem higher because of the level of talent available. Sure, according to ESPN every player is a breakout star or a sleeper every year, but this year is actually different. The 2017 Draft has the most talent since 2003, where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and Darko Miličić were selected. (The last one on that list is supposed to be a joke. If you don't get it, look him up.) it's almost fitting that as these players get older and enter the last year's of their careers, a new crop of stars is about to be harvested. Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles (I still believe), De'Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr, Johnathan Isaac and Frank Ntilikina all have All-Star potential. This could be the draft that defines the next twelve years of the NBA. 

So, just remember that as we enter into Draft Week, embrace the chaos and pay attention. We could find the next LeBron.