In a conversation on Open Mike, Bianchi tasked me with something that I found really interesting: It was…outside of Giannis…who else have Weltman/Hammond hit on?
So I did some digging…
Giannis was drafted 15th overall in 2013. So that’s the big hit.
Weltman was an assistant GM of the Bucks during that time, so we’ll give him partial credit there. Weltman’s first job where he called the shots was in Toronto…2016 and 2017.
The Raptors drafted Pascal Siakum 27th overall in 2016. Let’s give Welts credit there.
The Raptors drafted OG Anunoby 23rd overall in 2017. We’ll give Welts credit there.
Let’s flip to Hammond, the GM. The Giannis guy.
Now in 2014, the Bucks had the 2nd overall pick and Hammond selected Jabari Parker one spot ahead of Joel Embiid. Not good.
He did select Normal Powell who turned out to be a good player…but then traded him to his buddy Jeff Weltman up in Toronto.
How about this- 2016, Hammond selects Thon Maker…not great but then in the 2nd round, takes Malcom Brogdon, now one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
So all in all, recent history suggests these guys are pretty good. Some misses, but everyone misses in the NBA.
Grade: A-
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