NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 31
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas represents his team during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

Brooklyn’s First-Round Pick

Even though the Boston Celtics aren’t exactly where they thought they’d be after signing Al Horford in the offseason, they still have perhaps the most sought after draft pick in all of basketball right now. Brooklyn’s first-round pick.

As we have already discussed, the Nets aren’t expected to win many games this season. Thus, their draft pick should be high – probably in the top 5, at least. However, their 2017 pick goes straight to Boston – it’s not protected at all. Now you can see why it’s considered, by some, as the team’s best asset. And with the expectation that this year’s draft is expected to be one of the strongest as of late, you’re going to want to have a high pick this season.