Sports chick: The big draft night winners

While many events are being overshadowed by the World Cup in Brazil, the NBA and NHL Draft was not one of them. 

Every year, young, talented and zealous athletes sit alongside their families in a packed arena eagerly awaiting teams to call their name. 

It is a day full of anticipation and promise, and for some, a day when dreams really do come true. The 2014 NBA and NHL drafts were no exception.  While certain teams obviously came out on top with their  selections, fans of a few teams are left scratching their heads.  

In case you missed the draft results, here’s a quick look at our top three winners in each league on draft night.  See if you agree…

NBA 

Boston Celtics

The Celtics snagged a solid combo guard in Marcus Smart. While critics may believe this was not the best choice for the Celtics, we believe this kid is as strong as an ox and could one day fill the big sneakers of Rondo.

LA Lakers

The Lakers needed some big guns to support Kobe.

They accomplished this by nabbing Julius Randle. The kid is a physical power forward and that is exactly what the Lakers needed to bolster their roster.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs snagged #1 draft pick Andrew Wiggins. This is not the first time the Cavs were fortunate enough to have a number one pick. Last year they selected Anthony Bennett, and we all know how that worked out.  This year, all eyes will be on the Kansas guard to see if he can play like a #1 draft pick.

Honourable mention: Phil Jackson wasted no time in adding some youth and excitement to his NY Knicks.  The Knicks surprisingly landed Cleanthony Early and Thanasis Antetokounmpo.  These two solid and athletic players are definitely going to add some thrills.

NHL

Florida Panthers

It may have taken the Panthers 20 years to get a first overall selection, but they certainly made up for the time lost by top defenceman and top pick Aaron Ekblad.

The former of the Barrie Colts is a whopping 6ft 4in, 214 lbs. The 18-year-old monster brings talent to both ends of the ice with his massive physical strength, not to mention recording 23 goals and 53 points last season for the Colts.

New York Islanders

While many thought Garth Snow would give up his #5 draft selection, he surprised us all and used it to nab left wing Michael Dal Colle.  The 18-year-old Ontario, Canada, native had an impressive 39 goals and 56 assists in 67 games for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL last season. There is no doubt this solid winger will make a dramatic impact and become a tremendous asset for the Islanders.

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Bolts selected Anthony DeAngelo with the 19th pick. The 18-year-old DeAngelo is a tough defenceman in the OHL for the Sarnia Sting. But outside of leading OHL defencemen for points and assists (56) last season, his reputation is what caught the attention of many. The 5ft 11in, 167 lbs defenceman was suspended for the  second time for violating the OHL’s policy. If DeAngelo can get his act together and realize the NHL has no tolerance of ignorance, he can certainly offer some quality defensive power for the Bolts. 

Honorable mention: The Anaheim Ducks have been desperately seeking a quality #2 centre to team up with Ryan Getzlaf.

Well, mission accomplished as the Ducks got their man before the draft even started, in acquiring Ryan Kesler and a 2015 third-round pick from the Vancouver Canucks. 

Follow Bobbi Singh on  Twitter @sportschickca