Breaking Down the Crestmont Arcane’s Expansion Draft Success
By Amy Andrews, Lead Beat Reporter for the Crestmont Arcane
Amy Andrews
Crestmont Arcane lead beat reporter for the Crestmont Sports Report
It’s official: the Crestmont Arcane are ready to take the court as one of the NBA’s newest teams. In a historic expansion draft that reshaped the league landscape, General Manager Max Webber and Head Coach Michael Stauffer made bold moves to assemble a competitive roster. Here’s a deep dive into the Arcane’s draft picks, the division realignments, and what fans can expect from this promising squad.
Crestmont Arcane Expansion Draft Picks
The Arcane approached the draft with a clear strategy: build around a mix of experienced starters and versatile role players. Here’s the roster:
Point Guards (PG):
Fred VanVleet (#5, Age 30)
2023/2024 Stats: 17.4 PPG, 8.1 APG, 3.8 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 41.6% FG, 38.7% 3P
Projected Role: Starting Point Guard
VanVleet brings championship pedigree and leadership, critical for a new franchise.Scotty Pippen Jr. (#1, Age 23)
2023/2024 Stats: 12.9. PPG, 4.7 APG, 3.2 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 49.3% FG, 41.7% 3P
Projected Role: Developmental Player
With strong potential, Pippen Jr. will look to grow under VanVleet’s mentorship.
Shooting Guards (SG):
Mikal Bridges (SG/SF, #25, Age 28)
2023/2024 Stats: 19.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 43.6% FG, 37.2% 3P
Projected Role: Starting Shooting Guard
Bridges’ two-way play is expected to anchor the backcourt.Keon Ellis (SG/PG, #23, Age 24)
2023/2024 Stats: 5.4 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.5 APG
Projected Role: Rotational Guard
A scrappy defender, Ellis adds depth to the bench.Bruce Brown (SG/SF, #11, Age 28)
2023/2024 Stats: 10.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 APG
Projected Role: Utility Wing
Known for his playoff heroics, Brown’s versatility is a major asset.
Small Forwards (SF):
OG Anunoby (SF/PF, #8, Age 27)
2023/2024 Stats: 14.7 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 48.9% FG, 38.2% 3P
Projected Role: Starting Small Forward
An elite defender and consistent scorer, Anunoby is a cornerstone player.Luguentz Dort (SF/PF, #18, Age 25)
2023/2024 Stats: 10.9 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.4 APG
Projected Role: Sixth Man
Dort’s toughness and defensive prowess will energize the second unit.Brice Sensabaugh (SF/SG, #28, Age 21)
2023/2024 Stats: 7.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG
Projected Role: Bench Scorer
The rookie has shown flashes of offensive brilliance.
Power Forwards (PF):
Jerami Grant (PF/SF, #9, Age 30)
2023/2024 Stats: 21.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 0.6 BPG
Projected Role: Starting Power Forward
Grant’s scoring versatility and veteran presence are invaluable.Aaron Wiggins (PF/SF, #21, Age 25)
2023/2024 Stats: 6.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG
Projected Role: Rotational Forward
A high-energy player, Wiggins offers depth and hustle.Cameron Reddish (PF/SF, #22, Age 25)
2023/2024 Stats: 5.4 PPG, 2.1 RPG
Projected Role: Developmental Wing
Reddish’s untapped potential makes him a low-risk, high-reward pick.
Centers (C):
Marvin Bagley III (C/PF, #35, Age 25)
2023/2024 Stats: 11.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 0.7 BPG
Projected Role: Starting Center
Bagley looks to revive his career as the Arcane’s interior anchor.Andre Drummond (C, #52, Age 31)
2023/2024 Stats: 8.4 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 0.6 BPG
Projected Role: Rotational Center
A rebounding specialist, Drummond adds veteran presence and size to the roster.Day’ron Sharpe (C, #20, Age 22)
2023/2024 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG
Projected Role: Developmental Prospect
Sharpe’s potential makes him a project worth investing in.
Meet the other New Teams:
Honolulu Breeze (Pacific Division):
The NBA has finally planted its flag in Hawaii, with the Honolulu Breeze making waves in the Pacific Division. Known for their tropical branding and ocean-inspired aesthetics, the Breeze are set to deliver island vibes and competitive play to the league.
Pittsburgh Force (Atlantic Division):
Pittsburgh finally joins the NBA family with the Force, a team emphasizing strength and resilience. Their arrival adds a new chapter to the city's rich sports tradition, promising intense rivalries with nearby teams.
Cincinnati Lions (Atlantic Division):
Cincinnati’s return to professional basketball has been celebrated with the arrival of the Lions. The team’s regal branding and roaring energy are a nod to the city’s pride and passion for sports.
Baltimore Barons (Southeast Division):
The Barons are bringing a blend of historic charm and modern competitiveness to Baltimore. As the Southeast Division's newest addition, they aim to establish themselves as a force in a fiercely contested division.
St. Louis Sound (Southeast Division):
Following the relocation and rebranding of the Orlando Magic, the St. Louis Sound is a fresh start for basketball in Missouri. With a focus on harmony and rhythm, the Sound aims to resonate with fans both locally and across the league.
Vancouver Ravens (Northwest Division):
Basketball returns to Vancouver with the Ravens, marking a revival of the city’s NBA presence. The team’s sleek and dynamic branding is a tribute to the city’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty.
Division Realignments
With the league’s expansion to 36 teams, significant changes were made to the divisional structure:
Minnesota Timberwolves: Shifted to the Central Division.
Phoenix Suns: Moved to the Southwest Division.
Toronto Raptors: Realigned to the Northwest Division.
Crestmont Arcane: Year One Predictions
Expectations are cautiously optimistic for the Arcane. With a starting five of VanVleet, Bridges, Anunoby, Grant, and Bagley, complemented by a deep bench, the team is projected to be competitive out of the gate. Defense will be a hallmark of this squad, thanks to players like Anunoby, Dort, and Grant.
The biggest question marks lie in chemistry and scoring depth. However, with Stauffer’s tactical prowess and Webber’s sharp roster construction, the Arcane are well-positioned to surprise doubters.
Predicted Win/Loss Record: 38-44
While a playoff berth might be a stretch in their inaugural season, the Arcane are building a foundation for sustained success. Crestmont fans, get ready—basketball magic is coming to town!