Eastern Conference Draft Recap: Raptors Select Graves; Sixers Add Philon; Hawks Take Flemings; Hornets Double Up; Bulls Emphasize Defense
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The first round of Monday night’s NBA Draft reshaped several Eastern Conference rosters, highlighted by Toronto’s choice of Santa Clara wing Allen Graves at No. 19 and Philadelphia’s addition of Alabama guard Labaron Philon at No. 22.
Raptors lock in on Graves at No. 19
Toronto’s front office had targeted Graves and was pleased to see him still on the board, general manager Bobby Webster said. The 6’6” freshman shot 41.3 percent from three, posted an impressive steal rate, and excelled on the offensive glass.
“He’s a high-processor, two-way player who wins the possession game on both ends,” Webster noted. “He’ll need the usual adjustment to NBA pace, but we feel we landed one of the better two-way players in the draft.”
Sixers address backcourt with Philon
Philadelphia, thin at guard after dealing Jared McCain to Oklahoma City, turned to Philon to bolster depth alongside Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe. New president Mike Gansey called the SEC standout “dynamic” and said the club was surprised he slipped to No. 22.
Philon expects to contribute immediately. “I want to take pressure off Tyrese and VJ,” he said. “With Joel Embiid and Paul George here, I believe I can get into the paint and create shots so we can have a special season.”
Hawks replace Trae Young with Flemings
After shipping Trae Young to Washington, Atlanta filled its long-term point-guard vacancy by drafting Kingston Flemings eighth overall. President of basketball operations Onsi Saleh praised the pick’s size, athleticism, and defensive upside, calling Flemings “the ultimate competitor” and “a super-efficient offensive player.”
Hornets grab Steinbach and Anderson
Charlotte owned two top-20 selections and used them on Hannes Steinbach (No. 14) and Christian Anderson (No. 18). President of basketball operations Jeff Peterson labeled Steinbach “the best rebounder in the draft” and highlighted Anderson’s 40 percent three-point shooting on nearly eight attempts per game, along with his pick-and-roll proficiency.
Bulls focus on defensive tone
Chicago chose forwards Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round. President of basketball operations Bryson Graham said both rookies were selected to establish a defensive identity. “The fastest way to find playing time is on the defensive side,” Graham explained, adding that he expects Wilson and Swain to become “pillars” for the organization.
Source: Hoops Rumors
