NBA Draft: Before Jayson Tatum

Hey guys, let's dive into the NBA Draft and rewind to see the players who were selected before the Boston Celtics snagged Jayson Tatum. It's always a fun exercise to look back and see how these draft classes have shaped the league. You know, with the benefit of hindsight, it’s easy to critique draft picks, but at the time, these guys were considered top prospects. Plus, the NBA draft is a bit of a crapshoot, and sometimes even the experts get it wrong. So, grab your popcorn, and let's take a trip down memory lane. This article is all about the 2017 NBA draft, specifically the players that were selected before Jayson Tatum. This allows us to reflect on the careers of these players and compare them to the trajectory that Tatum has had.

The 2017 NBA Draft Class: A Look Back

The 2017 draft class was loaded with talent, and it's fascinating to see how the careers of these players have unfolded. When we talk about the NBA Draft, it's about potential, projections, and a whole lot of hope. The teams are trying to find the next big thing, the player who will lead them to a championship. That year, the stakes were high, and several players were touted as potential franchise cornerstones. As we all know, Tatum was picked third overall. So let's see who the teams picked before him and their current status within the league. Thinking back, it's pretty wild to see how some players soared while others, well, their careers didn't quite take off as expected. The draft is like a lottery in a way, and sometimes the biggest talents are not discovered right away. Let's remember that the journey of an NBA player is rarely a straight line. Ups and downs are part of the process, and the ability to adapt and grow is key to lasting success. What's also intriguing is to consider how the dynamics of the league have changed since then. New playing styles, rule changes, and the evolving role of analytics have all influenced how these players have performed.

Before Tatum, two players heard their names called. Let's break it down:

Markelle Fultz: The First Overall Pick

With the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz. At the time, Fultz was considered a can't-miss prospect, a dynamic guard with a smooth shot and incredible playmaking ability. He had a fantastic college season at the University of Washington, and he seemed poised to become a star. However, his NBA journey has been a rollercoaster, to say the least. It’s a bummer, really. When you look back at his college highlights, you see the potential. The Sixers were hoping for a player that would pair nicely with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons to create a fearsome trio. But unfortunately, injuries and a mysterious shoulder condition derailed his early career. Fultz struggled with his shot, and his confidence seemed to erode. He spent several years trying to regain his form, bouncing between the Sixers and later, the Orlando Magic.

While Fultz has shown flashes of his potential with the Magic, he hasn't quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him on draft night. He's been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, making it hard for him to truly establish himself as a consistent star. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Fultz has shown resilience, and he's still a valuable player, a great defender and passer. He has the tools to be a great player, and the question is whether or not he can put it all together. Looking back, the Sixers were in a tough spot. They were trying to build a contender, and they took a chance on a player who had the potential to be a star. Sometimes, it works out. Other times, like in Fultz's case, things don't go as planned. However, Fultz has been able to stick with the Magic and shows that, given the right situation, he can be a solid contributor.

Lonzo Ball: Picked Second

The Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick. Now, Lonzo was another player with a ton of hype. Ball was known for his exceptional passing ability and court vision. Before his NBA career, he had a great college career playing for the UCLA Bruins. His ability to make highlight-reel passes and his all-around game made him a sought-after prospect. The Lakers, looking to add a playmaker alongside their young core, saw Ball as a key piece of their rebuild. Ball's tenure with the Lakers was filled with ups and downs. His passing skills were on full display, but his shooting struggles and injury concerns were a persistent problem. He had some amazing moments, but he never quite lived up to the high expectations that surrounded him.

He was later traded to the New Orleans Pelicans as part of the deal for Anthony Davis. Ball played well in New Orleans, showing improvement in his shooting and defensive skills. Ball showed flashes of his potential to be a top guard. He was then traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he signed a contract. However, injuries, particularly to his knees, have significantly hampered his career. He has missed a considerable amount of time and his career is now in jeopardy. It is unfortunate, especially because he had a lot of potential. Ball's career is a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NBA. One minute, you're a promising young player, and the next, you're fighting to stay healthy and on the court. His story is a mix of talent, potential, and the harsh realities of injuries and the game. His story underscores the uncertainty that comes with the draft, a lesson that can be applied to all draft picks and players, and how health is a very important part of staying on top. And despite the setbacks, he remains a gifted player. His passing is elite and his defensive skills are solid, and hopefully, he can get back on the court and show what he can do.

Jayson Tatum's Ascension: The Celtics' Choice

Then came Jayson Tatum, picked third overall by the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, who had a strong team, saw Tatum as a player who could add scoring punch and versatility to their roster. And boy, did they hit the jackpot. From the moment he stepped on the court, Tatum showed that he belonged. He quickly became a key player for the Celtics, and his scoring ability and all-around game have made him one of the league's top players. His journey to stardom wasn't just handed to him, though. Tatum has worked hard to improve his game year after year. He’s added new dimensions to his skills, from his scoring to his playmaking, to become a complete player.

Tatum is a multi-time All-Star, and he has led the Celtics on deep playoff runs, including a trip to the NBA Finals. He's a player who has shown an ability to thrive under pressure. He has demonstrated the ability to lead his team, and he is a constant threat. His career is still unfolding, and he's poised to achieve even greater heights. Looking back at the draft, it's clear that the Celtics made a great decision, and Tatum’s selection has been a cornerstone for their franchise. His success is a testament to his talent, his work ethic, and his ability to adapt and grow. When you consider the players that were selected before him, it adds even more meaning to his story. It shows that the draft is not always a perfect science, and that sometimes, the best players are discovered a little later on.

Comparing the Draft Picks

It's always interesting to compare the careers of players selected in the same draft class. As we've seen, the paths of Fultz and Ball have been filled with challenges, while Tatum has blossomed into a star. There are many factors that influence a player's career, from injuries to team fit. But it's clear that Tatum's work ethic and adaptability have been crucial to his success.

While Fultz has shown flashes of his potential and Ball has had his moments, they haven't achieved the same level of success as Tatum. The contrast highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft and the importance of player development and the right environment. One thing is for certain, the Celtics have done a fantastic job of surrounding Tatum with a strong supporting cast and coaching staff. They are in prime position to contend for championships for years to come. In the end, the 2017 NBA draft is a case study in the uncertainty and excitement of the draft process. It shows us that every pick carries its own story and that the success of a draft class can be measured in many ways.

The Takeaway

So, what's the takeaway, guys? The NBA Draft is a crapshoot. You've got to take the good with the bad. The draft is a reminder that potential doesn't always translate into immediate success, and that a player's journey is often shaped by a combination of talent, opportunity, and resilience. Jayson Tatum's success shows us that hard work and dedication can pay off, while the stories of Fultz and Ball remind us that even the most promising players can face challenges along the way. But let's be honest, it's those challenges that make the league so fascinating. So, next time you're watching an NBA game, remember the 2017 draft class and the players who were selected before Jayson Tatum. It's a reminder that every draft pick has a story, and the journey is just as interesting as the destination. Now, let’s see what the future holds for these guys and their respective teams. Basketball is exciting, right?