Pretty much everyone tracking tonight's NBA Draft expected Ben Simmons (LSU) to go No. 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers and Brandon Ingram (Duke) to go No. 2 to the Los Angeles Lakers. After the predictable picks were complete, the surprises began.
Few—if any—draft analysts had predicted Jaylen Brown (California) or Dragan Bender (Croatia) going in the top four. The latest ESPN big board had Kris Dunn (Providence), Jamal Murray (Kentucky), and Marquese Chriss (Washington) ranked ahead of both players.
Fans had a split opinion.
If 76ers fans are laughing at your pick, you know you F'ed uphttps://t.co/5KcB8AEEG7
Dragan Bender has Darko Milicic written all over him
Celtics select Jaylen Brown with the 3rd overall pick. Woah.
Dragan Bender is going to be the most badass name ever for a top 5 bust in NBA history.
.... Did notttttt expect Jaylen Brown to go there. I wonder if it's for trade purposes pic.twitter.com/9YEAJjEnut
Devin Booker was the youngest player in the league last year. Dragan Bender is the youngest player in this draft. Exciting times in Phoenix.
Lots of people who have never seen Jaylen Brown play are very angry about Jaylen Brown being picked.
Dragan Bender will average 22 points his first season. Screenshot this.
I have no idea if he'll pan out for my Phoenix Suns, but what a goddamn name. #DraganBender
Crowd reaction to Wyc Grousbeck's reasoning for choosing Jaylen Brown 3rd overall. pic.twitter.com/5r2drAVTYE
According to Chad Ford, Dragan Bender could be a "bigger Draymond Green without the mean streak". pic.twitter.com/WgTW5UaNCi
Jaylen Brown is a risk, and if we're taking risks I would of drafted Buddy Hield. Dude is a great shooter and has heart.
Brad Stevens is gunna develop Jaylen Brown. Trust the process
Here is a full breakdown of the picks so far:
1. Philadelphia - Ben Simmons
2. Los Angeles - Brandon Ingram
3. Boston - Jaylen Brown
4. Phoenix - Dragan Bender
5. Minnesota - Kris Dunn
6. New Orleans - Buddy Hield
7. Denver - Jamal Murray
8. Phoenix (via Sacramento) - Marquese Chriss
9. Toronto - Jakob Poeltl
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