The 2017 NBA Draft has quickly developed into one of the best drafts in recent memory. This season, breakout seasons from Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo and Lonzo Ball in different capacities have furthered a draft that already featured a budding star in Donovan Mitchell.
For the Lakers specifically, 2017 was a draft that changed the landscape of the franchise. On top of drafting Ball, the Lakers got two other starter-caliber players in Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma. Because of that draft, the team was able to make a trade for Anthony Davis, allowing the Pelicans to reap the rewards of their draft success.
Still, the 2017 Draft figures to be one of the better drafts over the last decade. On his latest Lightharted Podcast, Hart welcomed in Mitchell and ranked his top five players from the draft.
It’s hard to argue much with Hart’s rankings from an objective standpoint. Tatum and Adebayo were All-Stars in February and both have reached their highest levels of play this season. Mitchell was also an All-Star this season and has already established himself as one of the best guards in the Western Conference.
Given the narratives surrounding Ball and De’Aaron Fox, it’s a bit of a surprise that he opted to put the former over his teammate. One could also argue his teammate should be atop that list, but Hart has always been one to keep it real.
Do you agree with Hart’s rankings of the top players in the draft class? Let us know your rankings below!
