NBA draft produces surprises and sets records

On Thursday, June 25 the annual NBA draft was a much anticipated event.  The new Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, hosted the event.  Coming into the draft, there were several trade and draft rumors, and it was expected the Minnesota Timberwolves would draft ex-Kentucky Wildcat Karl-Anthony Towns as the number one pick of the draft.  Most draft experts believed the Los Angeles Lakers would draft ex-Duke Blue Devil Jahlil Okafor second overall; but instead, they drafted D’Angelo Russell whom some scouts considered to be the number one prospect over both Towns and Okafor.  Russell had the highest rating for superstar potential of any player in this year’s draft.  Among the trade rumors, Boston was looking to trade up with gluttony of draft picks including two first rounders in this year’s draft.  Among other teams rumored to be in the mix of draft day trades:  New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Charlotte Hornets.  However, most of rumors never materialized.  
As expected, the Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Karl-Anthony Towns number one.  The Los Angeles Lakers drafted ex-Ohio State Buckeye D’Angelo Russell number two.  The Philadelphia 76ers drafted Jahlil Okafor third overall.  Most draft experts consider the 76ers drafting of Okafor to be a head scratcher since they have three centers already on their roster including two lottery picks from the past two drafts.  The New York Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis fourth overall.  The Knicks pick was heavily booed at the Barclays Center as many Knicks fans expected the Knicks to draft Emmanuel Mudiay, a highly touted prospect or Winslow Justice.

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