In the aftermath of the Kevin Garnett trade every sportswriter, blogger, and watercooler guy has jumped in to declare a definitive "winner" and a definitive "loser" in the deal. The thing is though, it is way too early to make such a determination. I am not suggesting that we need to see how Garnett plays with the Celtics. My hesitation involves the two most underrated assests involved in the trade; the two first round picks.
The "future first round pick" in the NBA is the equivalent of the "player to be named later" in baseball trades. The pick usually remains unnoticed until the draft comes around, at which time everyone says "Man, how are the Bulls picking 9th this year?" (If you were wondering, the answer to that question is the Eddy Curry deal with New York.) Not only will the Timberwolves have the Celtics pick (probably somewhere between 14-20), but they also get their own first round pick back that they had traded to Boston in the Ricky Davis deal. If the Wolves are as bad the next couple of years as some people think they will be, that pick very well could turn out to be a top 5 selection, which could completely change the complexion of the Garnett trade.
For the sake of fun, here is a look at the top ten players that were selected with picks that were traded before the draft;
10. Ron Artest
Drafted: #16 by the Bulls in 1999
Pick From: Phoenix Suns
9. Michael Finley
Drafted: #21 by the Suns in 1995
Pick From: LA Lakers
8. Antoine Walker
Drafted: #6 by the Celtics in 1996
Pick From: Dallas Mavericks
7. Emeka Okafor
Drafted: #2 by the Bobcats in 2004
Pick From: LA Clippers
6. Shawn Kemp
Drafted: #17 by the Sonics in 1989
Pick From: Philadelphia 76ers
5. Detlef Schrempf
Drafted: #8 by the Mavericks in 1985
Pick From: Cleveland Cavaliers
4. Shawn Marion
Drafted: #9 by the Suns in 1999
Pick From: Dallas Mavericks
3. Scottie Pippen
Drafted: #5 by the Sonics in 1987
Pick From: New York Knicks
2. James Worthy
Drafted: #1 by the Lakers in 1982
Pick From: Cleveland Cavaliers
1. Charles Barkley
Drafted: #5 by the 76ers in 1984
Pick From: LA Clippers
I have to admit, it is pretty interesting that there are some repeat offenders on this list. The Clippers traded away Charles Barkley and Emeka Okafor, the Cavs traded James Worthy and Detlef Schrempf, and the Mavs traded both Shawn Marion and Antoine Walker. If one of the first round picks from the Garnett trade turns out like one of these, perhaps the Wolves will come out looking a lot better than people are giving them credit for right now.
Bookmark WTB!
Press [Ctrl + D]
