"Wherever they put me, I am going to take advantage of it to the fullest and that's me being the leader right away. I am looking forward to the challenge," Russell said. Los Angeles Lakers owner Magic Johnson hinted that Russell's lack of leadership skills factored into the decision to trade him away, so he'll be looking to prove himself on the court this year. Russell should be the focal point of the offense, and will have little competition for playing time.

Russell's -5.4 nERD was the 13th-lowest among 245 guards in the NBA this year, but he was in a bad Lakers offense that struggled nightly. Brooklyn offers more tempo, which – combined with an increase from Russell's 28.7 minutes per game this year – should boost his 2016-17 per-game averages of 15.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

By opting out, Griffin will take advantage of a higher salary cap next season and fatten his wallet this summer. He is eligible for a four-year/$130 max contract, if he leaves L.A., but can sign a five-year/$175 max contract if he stays with the Clippers. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are rumored to be two of the teams that will try and lure Griffin away from California.

Griffin was hit by the injury bug again in 2016-17 as he missed 21 games. He was able to post solid numbers when he was on the court, averaging 21.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game with a 7.3 nERD rating -- the 26th best mark in the NBA last season.

Paul has been expected to decline the option as he pursues one last big long-term deal in his NBA career. The 32-year-old has been rumored to be a free agent target for the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets. However, the Clippers remain the favorite to re-sign the point guard as they can offer him a "supermax" deal worth over $200 million.

Paul finished the 2016-17 season with 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game while posting a 12.8 nERD rating - the 13th best mark among the 486 NBA players last season.

Nowitzki isn't going anywhere. Dallas turned down the $25 million option in hopes of negotiating a smaller salary for Dirk as they try to free up cap room to re-sign Nerlens Noel and possibly pursue free agent guard Jrue Holiday. The two sides are discussing a two-year deal as an option to get Nowitzki his well-deserved money. The 2017-18 season will be his 20th year in the league, all with Dallas.

The 39-year-old Nowitzki posted his worst season in the NBA last year with just 14.2 points per game on 43.7% shooting. His -0.9 nERD rating was the lowest he has ever posted in his 19-year NBA career.

Korkmaz was the 76ers 26th overall selection in the 2016 draft, but he has yet to set foot on an NBA court. The 20-year-old has been spending most of his time with Banvit B.K. of the Turkish Basketball Super League.

In 21 games with Banvit, Korkmaz started 14 games and averaged 10.8 points on 48.8% shooting and 39.8% from three-point land in the 2016-17 season.

Rubio was on the block prior to Thursday night's draft, but with Minnesota trading away guards Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine, he will be relied on heavily this upcoming season.

Rubio is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high 11.1 points per game on a personal-best 40.2% shooting from the field. His 9.1 assists were also the highest of his six-year career.