NBA draft 2023: Surprises, winners and losers from the first round

The 2023 NBA Draft is still fresh in our minds, and there were certainly some surprises, winners, and losers from the first round. Here are a few of the biggest takeaways:

Jalen Duren going second overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Duren was projected to be a top-three pick, but many thought he would go to the Detroit Pistons at number one. The Hornets' decision to trade up and select Duren was a bit of a surprise, but it could pay off big time if he develops into the player they think he can be.

Surprise

Chet Holmgren going third overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Holmgren was another player who was projected to be a top-three pick, but many thought he would go to the Houston Rockets at number two. The Thunder's decision to trade up and select Holmgren was a bit of a surprise, but it could also pay off big time if he develops into the player they think he can be.

Surprise

Mark Williams going 15th overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Williams was not projected to be a first-round pick, but the Hornets took a chance on him and it could pay off. Williams is a big, athletic center who can protect the rim and rebound. He could be a valuable asset for the Hornets in the future.

Surprise

The Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets made two big moves in the draft, trading up to select Duren and then drafting Williams in the second round. Both players have the potential to be impact players, and they could help the Hornets turn things around in the near future.

Winners

The Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder also made two big moves in the draft, trading up to select Holmgren and then drafting Ousmane Dieng in the second round. Both players have the potential to be stars, and they could help the Thunder build a championship contender in the future.

Winners

The Houston Rockets. The Rockets did not make any big moves in the draft, but they did select Jabari Smith Jr. with the third overall pick. Smith is a talented forward who has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He could be a key piece of the Rockets' rebuild in the future.

Winners

The Detroit Pistons. The Pistons were widely expected to select Duren with the first overall pick, but they instead selected Jaden Ivey. Ivey is a talented guard, but he is not as big or athletic as Duren. The Pistons could regret passing on Duren in the future.

Losers

The Sacramento Kings. The Kings had two lottery picks in the draft, but they did not make the most of them. They selected Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick and Dyson Daniels with the seventh overall pick. Both players are talented, but they are not surefire stars. The Kings could have used their picks to acquire a more established player who could help them win now.

Losers

The New York Knicks. The Knicks had the 11th overall pick in the draft, but they used it to select Ousmane Dieng. Dieng is a talented player, but he is raw and will need time to develop. The Knicks could have used their pick to acquire a more experienced player who could help them win now.

Losers

Overall, the 2023 NBA Draft was a successful one. There were some surprises, but there were also some great players who were selected. It will be interesting to see how these players develop in the future and how they impact their respective teams.

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