‘Embrace it Fellas!’: Donovan Mitchell, Ja Morant & Other NBA Players React to the NBA Draft 2021

NBA Fans have had a gala time getting some piece of the action one way or the other. The NBA 2020 season had just ended when we were already bombarded with trades and before fans knew it, the 2021 season was knocking on the door. And as soon as the NBA Finals came to an end, the Olympic basketball games kicked off and already, the NBA Draft Night has taken place. Here’s how the NBA players have reacted to the rookies joining the league.

NBA Players make the most of the Draft Night

Amidst so many trade rumors going on, the NBA Draft came about to add to the offseason excitement. The party was kicked off with the Detroit Pistons‘ No. 1 overall pick, Cade Cunningham of Oklahoma State University. This is the 12th consecutive time a freshman has been picked first.

Next up was the Houston Rockets, who landed Jalen Green who had played for the G-League for a year, as their second overall pick. If this wasn’t enough, right before the Cleveland Cavaliers announced USC’s Evan Mobley as their third pick, the Lakers were making headlines for a blockbuster trade.

The Washington Wizards had agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, in return for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and the 22nd overall pick. But the surprises weren’t over as the Toronto Raptors unexpectedly chose Scottie Barnes over Jalen Suggs at No. 4. And finally, Orlando Magic made the most of that and grabbed Jalen Suggs with their No. 5 pick.

The party went on as other teams continued to draft young stars. But some NBA players were thoroughly enjoying this moment.

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When will we see these young stars on the court?

It’ll take some time for these rookies to get settled in. So, let’s hold our horses. But Training camp is expected to start end of September, with the regular-season opener in Mid-October and the playoffs ready to be enjoyed in April.

The right pick in the draft can change the franchise for better or for worse. Hence, it will be interesting to see whether these turn their teams into champions or busts.

READ MORE: ‘Classy Move’: Ja Morant and Others React to NBA Honoring Former Kentucky Wildcats Star Terrence Clarke at 2021 NBA Draft