New York (AFP)
The Detroit Pistons, recipients of the first choice of the NBA draft, have selected Cade Cunningham, a 19-year-old player who distinguished himself in the college championship.
Oklahoma State University player Cunningham has good statistics: 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 blocks.
In the national team, he was decisive in the conquest of the title of world champion under 19 years.
"It's still crazy. I have no words," responded the young player.
"I'm ready to see what I can do at the level above," he added.
The Pistons, 20 wins and 52 losses last season, had won the first pick in the draft lottery, where lower-ranked teams are more likely to recruit the best players.
The Houston Rockets, last with 17 wins and 55 losses, were able to choose second.
The Texas franchise has set its sights on back Jalen Green (17.9 pts, 2.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists), from Ignite, a G-League franchise, minor league and antechamber of the NBA.
Cleveland has recruited Evan Mobley, a strong winger (16.4 pts, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists) from the University of Southern California.
Toronto chose winger Scottie Barnes (Florida State University) and Orlando point guard / back Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga University).
18-year-old Australian point guard / fullback Josh Giddey is the top foreign league player in this draft.
Adelaide player last season, the son of two pros was chosen in the sixth grade by Oklahoma City.
Jonathan Kuminga (18), a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo who arrived in the United States at 13, joined Golden State after a G-League season with the Ignite.
German winger Franz Wagner (University of Michigan) will have the opportunity to play with his brother Mo in Orlando.
The first (and only) French drafted was in the second round.
Juhann Begarin, 18, native of Guadeloupe and Paris Basketball player (Pro B), was the 45th pick in the draft.
He will play with the Boston Celtics.
© 2021 AFP