After a long drawn out process the majority of college’s elite basketball prospects have settled into their new homes. After the dust settles the only thing left to is reflect, and decipher who are the big winners and losers of this years draft.

Winners:

1. New Orleans Pelicans: It’s mighty rare for a team to trade a generational talent, and somehow actually improve the overall makeup of their roster. The Pelicans are in a better position long term without Anthony Davis. I believe they made several solid picks last night that could lead to this franchise getting back to their winning ways. They obviously landed the best prosepect and generational talent in Zion Williamson. He will instantly become the new face of this rebuilding franchise. With the 8th pick in the first round the Pelicans scooped up an athletic phenom from Texas in Jaxon Hayes. Jaxon Hayes is solid in all the areas their incumbent center Jahlil Okafor is not. Giving them a solid one, two punch at the center spot. They also added another 3 and D prototype player in Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He will instantly add scoring to their bench behind Jrue Holiday. Their final pick is a clear project in defensive minded Marcos Louzada Silva. On paper, David Griffin hit a home run in his first draft as the Pelicans GM.

2. Chicago Bulls: I was impressed with the amount of value the Bulls picked up with only two draft picks. They found their point guard of the future in Coby White, and also added a valuable frontcourt piece in Daniel Gafford. Coby White will bring speed, athleticism, and defensive prowess to Chicago. Gafford gives them a great leaper with rim protection skills, as well as the ability to run the floor in transition. The Bulls quietly added to solid prospects that improve the overall makeup of the team.

3. San Antonio Spurs: As usual, the Spurs simply know how to find talent without overpaying. Luka Samanic was a star of the NBA Draft combine, and showed enough to warrant a first round selection. He is a smooth operator with a multi-dimensional offensive game, and impressive frame to help him guard multiple positions. I also felt the pick of Keldon Johnson was a steal at the end of round one. Johnson had a solid year for Kentucky, and will be able to contribute defensively from day one. If he becomes a more consistent shooter Johnson could develop into much more than a rotational piece.

Losers

1. Phoenix Suns: The Suns in my opinion reached at the 11th spot in picking Cameron Johnson. He is a nice player with the ability to shoot, but I do not feel he is is well rounded as T.J. Warren. Warren was traded in a salary dump deal to the Indiana Pacers. I just do not see Johnson being able to make a major impact for Phoenix in the near future. I actually was more excited about the addition of Ty Jerome with the 24th pick. Jerome is a well rounded point guard with a high basketball IQ. I doubt he will ever be an all-star, but I could see him being a Ricky Rubio type player at the next level.

2. Washington Wizards: I felt the Wizards drafted with a need based approach instead of taking the best talent available. They needed a power forward, but there were better options available in my opinion over Rui Hachimura. Hachimura was the leader of a dangerous Gonzaga team, but I’m not sure his bully ball type of offense will be as effective in the NBA. He also lacks the defensive consistency of his peers which could hinder his production early on. Their second round pick of Admiral Schofield gives them some depth at the small forward position. Like Hachimura, I believe Schofield will ultimately be a better collegiate player than as a NBA pro. At the very least, Washington was able to draft two hard working, high character guys to their locker room.

3. Sacramento Kings: Despite not having a first round pick, I still have the Kings as losers in this draft. Their first pick Justin James out of Wyoming was the best player on a terrible college team. I do not believe he possesses the all-around skillset to last long in the league. Kyle Guy is your typical functional back up point guard in the NBA. He will bring energy, and an unselfishness that will allow him to pick up quality minutes. Their final pick Vanja Marinkovic, has been a pro since 2013, but has not faced the level of talent the NBA has to offer. The Kings get somewhat of a pass because in all honesty the 2nd round of the NBA draft is very unpredictable.