Top 5 biggest "what-ifs" in NBA draft history
- Arhaan Raje
NBA fans often wonder how things would've played out if a team drafted differently.
The unpredictable nature of how business is conducted during the draft has long term ramifications.
Some players are capable of single-handedly turning the fate of a franchise around.
However, recency bias and immediate needs often end up blindsiding NBA GM's as they miss out on the opportunity to draft these players.
On that note, here's a look at Top 5 biggest "what-ifs" in NBA draft history
Image Via: Mass Live
D-Wade was inarguably the 2nd best player behind LeBron from the 2003 draft. However, he was the #5 pick. The Pistons could've had him at #2 but they drafted Darko Milicic instead.
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Portland picked Greg Oden with the #1 pick instead of Kevin Durant in 2007. Along with Aldridge, KD could've turned the team into perennial contenders down the line.
Image Via: Bleacher Report
Pacers drafted Kawhi in 2011 and could've had the best wing duo the Clippers have right now with him and Paul George. However they traded the 2x Finals MVP to the Spurs.
Image Via: Sports Illustrated
Cleveland selecting Giannis with the #1 pick in 2013 would've wreaked havoc down the line. A big-three of him, Kyrie and LeBron would've arguably been the most dominant ever
Image Via: LA Times
Lakers picking Tatum over Lonzo would've allowed the team more flexibility today. He would've been the ideal successor to LeBron as the face of the franchise.
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