Draft Strategy Types

Teams clearly take different strategies in how they prepare for the draft. This can depend heavily on draft order and the specific situation in which each team finds itself. But in general, each GM balances two major different philosophies:

Need: Every team has needs, even the champs. One draft philosophy is to simply take the available player who best serves that specific need.

• Good Example: 2008 #4, Russell Westbrook to the Thunder. OKC needed a tough lead guard to defend and complement their star player Kevin Durant. They "reached" for Westbrook which appears to be a great move.
  
• Bad Example: 2008 #8, Joe Alexander to the Bucks. Milwaukee had a need at small forward. Brook Lopez was available, but because previous #1 overall Andrew Bogut is considered an anchor at center, they pass on him.

Best Available: This was a popular choice for GMs after the Trailblazers passed on Michael Jordan. Simply rank each player in a straight line and take your favorite, regardless of the make-up of your team.

• Good Example: 2008 #1, Derek Rose to the Bulls. With glaring needs at power forward and a glut of guards, the Chicago Bulls select Derek Rose #1 overall. After a stellar Rookie of the Year season, he appears poised to lead Chicago for years to come. Some called for them to select Michael Beasley, projected as a top power forward prospect. Turns out, he's actually a wing player.
  
• Bad Example: 2005 #2, Marvin Williams to the Hawks. This pick has been the topic of much discussion. Rather than address a need at point guard by selecting Deron Williams or Chris Paul, the Hawks went with their favorite player who did not fill a team need. The team was very unbalanced for several years, and Williams has never lived up to the pick while Deron and CP3 are All-Stars.