Jayson Tatum is one of the top prospects in tonight’s NBA Draft. (Getty)
Draft day has finally arrived as Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and the other top NBA prospects find their new homes. The NBA draft starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, while the pre-draft coverage begins at 7 p.m. Eastern.
Here are the details for tonight’s NBA draft.
Date: Thursday, June 22, 2017
Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
TV Channel: ESPN
Draft Preview: It would be hard to point to a draft week in recent memory like the one we have experienced this week. The Celtics and Sixers kicked things off with a trade centered around the number one pick. This was the first of several trades leading up to draft day, with rumors of more trades on the horizon involving several superstar players.
Heading into the draft, most expect the night to start with the Sixers taking Markelle Fultz with the first pick, then the Lakers following it up by selecting Lonzo Ball. After that, things get interesting. Boston traded down to three believing the player they were looking at would still be there.
Just who that player is remains to be seen. Forwards Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum are the most likely options. Jackson has the potential to develop into an elite defender, but also has no trouble scoring the basketball. Tatum’s strength lies in his offensive abilities.
What direction the Celtics go will have a domino effect on the rest of the night. The Suns could select whoever remains between Tatum and Jackson (assuming those are the players the Celtics are considering). Phoenix could also look at an athletic player like Jonathan Isaac and make things even more interesting.
It has been an unpredictable week in the NBA which could mean we are in for more excitement tonight during the draft.