I think we should at least recognize GMs job this decade to select the best player in the draft using the #1 overall pick.
2020 Minny selected Ant. By far the best player in that draft.
2022 Magic selected Paolo. Was a surprise pick over Chet, etc.But proving to be the best player in the draft class so far.
2023 Spurs selected Wemby. I know they just had a rookie season last season. Still, we all know that barring injuries, Wemby is by far the best player in that draft.
What about 2022?
2022 Pistonbs selectee Cade. Too early to decide who is best between Cade/Barnes/Sengun so far. But Cade at least has a fighting chance. Let’s see this upcoming season.
2024 draft remains to be seen. But I think Risacher might be the best player to come up in this draft too. Still too early though.
Still, props to different team GMs who finally selected best players using their #1 ovreall pick.
Why do you think GMs are more accurate now in determining the best player?
Unlike in 2000s and 2010s, where most #1 pick isnt the best player in their respective draft.
Because their careers are still young.
There was a time DRose, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Kyrie, Ben Simmons all looked like the best player in their draft.
DRose won MVP then was injured and never looked the same. Took Russ almost 9 seasons to settle the debate.
Setph and Harden overtook Blake around 2015, 6 sessons in.
PG overtook John Wall around 2017, 7 seasons in.
Kawhi overtook Kyrie around 2017, 6 seasons in.
Jaylen Brown over took Ben Simmons in 2022, 6 seasons in because dude stopped playing basketball.
There’s a lot of uncertainties than might happen in the future.
What if Hali became one of the best PGs in the league, is he better than Ant?
What if Chet became unstoppable?
You have Cade and Paolo in 2022.