Post by footy on Mar 5, 2009 0:03:24 GMT -8
Good morning/afternoon/evening/night and welcome to what may become the first of many sim-annually articles ranking each team's draft. I'm basing my rankings purely on team needs, room for improvement and reasoning for each pick. So here we go.
Boston Celtics
First Round Pick/s
25. Sam Young SF 23 6'6'' 220 B- B- C- C+ C B
Second Round Pick/s
25. JR Inman SF 22 6'9'' 220 C+ C D C C+ C
The Celtics are a heavily focused offensive team with very little emphasis on defense. Consequently, an offensive powerhouse was always going to be the result for this team however as good as Young is and as good as he could be Kyle Singler at pick 27 probably would have a been a great pick. Young is solid and may develop into a well rounded small forward for this team however the chances of him ever dominating are slim. Inman is a nothing choice and I'd expect he would be released.
Draft Grade: C+
Miami Heat
First Round Pick/s
12 - Evan Turner SG 6'6'' 200 20 B C+ C C+ C A
Second Round Pick/s
10 - Bamba Fall C 7'1'' 200 22 C+ C- D B C C
Prior to the draft Miami was a team with really only one outstanding player in Deron Williams and a second budding star in Andrea Bargnani. Turner instantly changes the face of this franchise from a team stuck in the mud to a team that suddenly has a very nice core of 3 young studs who can help them compete. Turner looks set to become a premier Shooting Guard in this league and was certainly the best guard availiable for the Heat at pick 12. Fall is an unknown quantity, you will get blocks out of him but probably not much else.
Draft Grade: B
New Jersey Nets
Second Round Pick/s
18 - Chris Johnson PF 6'11'' 205 23 C+ C D C+ C+ C
A new GM signals a new beginning for the Nets however with no first round picks and a mid range second, they could never have really hoped for much from this draft. Johnson will never be a starter in this league.
Draft Grade: D+
New York Knicks
First Round Pick/s
29 - Ty Lawson PG 5'11'' 175 21 C C+ B B D+ B
Second Round Pick/s
29- Dwayne Collins PF 22 6'8'' 240 C+ D+ D- B- B- C
The defending Champs had the best draft pick they could hope for. Their one glaring weakness was a Point guard who could distribute and lockdown. Although a coupla seasons away from his peak, Lawson could become the perfect Point Guard for this team of champions. Picking up Collins with the last pick of the draft was about all they could hope for.
Draft Grade: A
Orlando Magic
First Round Pick/s
Jodie Meeks SG 21 6'4'' 208 B B+ C C C B
Second Round Pick/s
Dexter Pittman C 20 6'10'' 310 B+ D D C C+ C
Orlando has often given birth to many a great big man. Dexter however could be the biggest of them all. Although he can flat out control the offensive paint, on the defensive end he can be found out and exposed by his much quicker and agile opponents. Their first round pick of Meeks was a great choice provided he can build his defensive ability up to par with PWW level. A nice draft from the Magic.
Draft Grade: A-
Philadelphia 76ers
First Round Pick/s
4 - Earl Clark SF 6'9'' 220 21 B- C+ C+ B C+ A
Second Round Pick
1 - Luke Nevill C 7'1'' 250 23 B- C- C B- B- C
The 6er's entered the draft with the 4th pick of the draft and walked away with the 4th best prospect from this draft. Clark will be a box score filler and will eventually become of the leagues most versatile Forwards. Nevill will be a solid player off the bench however there were plenty more deserving players to be picked ahead of him.
Draft Grade: C+
Washington Bullets
Second Round Pick/s
Josh Heytvelt PF 23 6'11'' 240 B- C+ D+ C C+ B
A quiet draft night for the Bullets but they come away with Heyvelt at pick 57. A solid outcome for the team of ageing superstars.
Draft Grade: C
Atlanta Hawks
First Round Pick/s
Victor Claver SF 21 6'10'' 225 C+ C+ C C+ C A
Second Round Pick/s
9. Derrick Brown SF 23 6'7'' 210 B- C+ C- B C C
The Hawks were another team with looking for potential rather than production and Claver is certaintly that. Although he may one day record numerous double-double's that day is still a long way off. Brown was a very nice pick at 9 though in the second round
Draft Grade: C+
New Orleans Hornets
First Round Pick/s
17 - Darren Collison PG 6'0'' 160 22 C B B B+ D C
Second Round Pick/s
17- Alonzo Gee SG 23 6'6'' 215 C+ C C- C C C
Collison should provide an immediate impact upon this Hornets Club. Along with Carmelo Anthony and Paul Millsap the Hornets have a splendid blend of scoring, distributing and defensive capabilities. Expect Gee to be cut.
Draft Grade: B
Chicago Bulls
Second Round Pick/s
Taj Gibson PF 24 6'9'' 230 B- C- C- B- C+ B
Gibson is a nice pick late in the second round and could be a handy player in the Drew Gooden mould. Just an overall lovely pick from the Stern-esqe Brandon.
Draft Grade: B
Cleveland Cavaliers
First Round Pick/s
2 - James Harden SG 6'5'' 220 20 B B C+ B C- A
Second Round Pick/s
Connor Atchley PF 24 6'10'' 230 C+ C+ C- B- C- B
The Cavs were always going to take either Harden or Griffin and would be over the moon at either of them. Harden will be a superstar of this league and perennial All-Star. He is destined to become a great player. Atchley could develop into something nice too which is a great benefit as a second round pick.
Draft Grade: B+
Detroit Pistons
First Round Pick/s
22 - Omar Samhan C 6'11'' 265 20 B C- D C+ C+ B
23 -Eric Maynor PG 6'3'' 180 22 C+ C+ B C+ C- B
Second Round Pick/s
Aron Baynes C 22 6'10'' 270 C+ D+ D C+ C+ C
The pistons picked up a coupla nice additions at number 22 and 23 however I think alot more could have been made of these picks. Maynor is a solid pick at 23, however I think Samhan was a bit of a stretch. Especially considering the highly touted AJ Ogilvy was still on the board.
Draft Grade: C+
Indiana Pacers
First Round Pick/s
6 - Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 19 B- B- B- C C- A
Second Round Pick/s
6 - Henk Norel PF 6'11'' 220 22 C+ D C- C C+ A
Evans will be a stud for the Pacers however the only hinderance to his development is time. Consequently as the Pacer's main man has jsut about hit his peak, Evans may soon find himself on the trade block as the Pacers make a move at the Championship. Then again, management may decide to keep Evans and ditch Wade. Time will tell. Still, a nice safe pick. Norel is very much a project and could become anything!
Draft Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks
First Round Pick/s
8 - B.J. Mullens C 7'0'' 260 19 B C- D+ C+ C+ A
Second Round Pick/s
7 - Antonio Anderson SG 6'6'' 200 23 C B- B- B- C- C
Mullens is as talented as any player in the draft however questions have frequented his career as to whether or not he has the desire to become a force at the professional level. He is worth a shot here at pick 8 however his future production may never live up to his pick 8 billing. Anderson was a very poor pick this early in the second round.
Draft Grade: D+
Toronto Raptors
First Round Pick/s
16 - Stephen Curry PG 6'1'' 180 21 C A B C D+ B
Second Round Pick/s
16-Patrick Mills PG 21 5'11'' 180 C+ B- B- C+ C B
A fantastic draft for the Raptors. The pick of Curry is spot on and Mills was the biggest steal of the draft. Entering the draft, it is likely the Raptors were not expecting much, that all changed as Mills tumbled down the boards for really no particular reason. A great draft from the Raptors who look set to become an exciting team to watch.
Draft Grade: A+
Charlotte Bobcats
First Round Pick/s
14 - Terrence Williams SG 6'6'' 220 22 B C C+ B C+ B
18 - Ryan Thompson SF 6'6'' 210 20 C+ C+ C+ C+ C+ B
26 - Tyler Smith SF 6'7'' 220 22 B- C C B+ C B
Second Round Pick/s
12 - Tyrese Rice PG 6'0'' 190 22 C A- B C D+ C
The Bobcats was one of only a handful of teams with multiple picks but boy they did a hell of a job. Williams, Thompson and Smith were all great picks and Rice in the second round would have been steal of the second round if not for Mills. My only criticism would have been passing on Ogilvy twice who would have been the perfect compliment to Al Jefferson. Williams is highly touted by most and Thompson is adored by many, myself included. Smith is a solid player to add and Rice is ready to contribute. A great draft for the Bobcats.
Draft Grade: A
Eastern Conference Steals
First Round Picks
Ty Lawson
Second Round Picks
Patty Mills
Boston Celtics
First Round Pick/s
25. Sam Young SF 23 6'6'' 220 B- B- C- C+ C B
Second Round Pick/s
25. JR Inman SF 22 6'9'' 220 C+ C D C C+ C
The Celtics are a heavily focused offensive team with very little emphasis on defense. Consequently, an offensive powerhouse was always going to be the result for this team however as good as Young is and as good as he could be Kyle Singler at pick 27 probably would have a been a great pick. Young is solid and may develop into a well rounded small forward for this team however the chances of him ever dominating are slim. Inman is a nothing choice and I'd expect he would be released.
Draft Grade: C+
Miami Heat
First Round Pick/s
12 - Evan Turner SG 6'6'' 200 20 B C+ C C+ C A
Second Round Pick/s
10 - Bamba Fall C 7'1'' 200 22 C+ C- D B C C
Prior to the draft Miami was a team with really only one outstanding player in Deron Williams and a second budding star in Andrea Bargnani. Turner instantly changes the face of this franchise from a team stuck in the mud to a team that suddenly has a very nice core of 3 young studs who can help them compete. Turner looks set to become a premier Shooting Guard in this league and was certainly the best guard availiable for the Heat at pick 12. Fall is an unknown quantity, you will get blocks out of him but probably not much else.
Draft Grade: B
New Jersey Nets
Second Round Pick/s
18 - Chris Johnson PF 6'11'' 205 23 C+ C D C+ C+ C
A new GM signals a new beginning for the Nets however with no first round picks and a mid range second, they could never have really hoped for much from this draft. Johnson will never be a starter in this league.
Draft Grade: D+
New York Knicks
First Round Pick/s
29 - Ty Lawson PG 5'11'' 175 21 C C+ B B D+ B
Second Round Pick/s
29- Dwayne Collins PF 22 6'8'' 240 C+ D+ D- B- B- C
The defending Champs had the best draft pick they could hope for. Their one glaring weakness was a Point guard who could distribute and lockdown. Although a coupla seasons away from his peak, Lawson could become the perfect Point Guard for this team of champions. Picking up Collins with the last pick of the draft was about all they could hope for.
Draft Grade: A
Orlando Magic
First Round Pick/s
Jodie Meeks SG 21 6'4'' 208 B B+ C C C B
Second Round Pick/s
Dexter Pittman C 20 6'10'' 310 B+ D D C C+ C
Orlando has often given birth to many a great big man. Dexter however could be the biggest of them all. Although he can flat out control the offensive paint, on the defensive end he can be found out and exposed by his much quicker and agile opponents. Their first round pick of Meeks was a great choice provided he can build his defensive ability up to par with PWW level. A nice draft from the Magic.
Draft Grade: A-
Philadelphia 76ers
First Round Pick/s
4 - Earl Clark SF 6'9'' 220 21 B- C+ C+ B C+ A
Second Round Pick
1 - Luke Nevill C 7'1'' 250 23 B- C- C B- B- C
The 6er's entered the draft with the 4th pick of the draft and walked away with the 4th best prospect from this draft. Clark will be a box score filler and will eventually become of the leagues most versatile Forwards. Nevill will be a solid player off the bench however there were plenty more deserving players to be picked ahead of him.
Draft Grade: C+
Washington Bullets
Second Round Pick/s
Josh Heytvelt PF 23 6'11'' 240 B- C+ D+ C C+ B
A quiet draft night for the Bullets but they come away with Heyvelt at pick 57. A solid outcome for the team of ageing superstars.
Draft Grade: C
Atlanta Hawks
First Round Pick/s
Victor Claver SF 21 6'10'' 225 C+ C+ C C+ C A
Second Round Pick/s
9. Derrick Brown SF 23 6'7'' 210 B- C+ C- B C C
The Hawks were another team with looking for potential rather than production and Claver is certaintly that. Although he may one day record numerous double-double's that day is still a long way off. Brown was a very nice pick at 9 though in the second round
Draft Grade: C+
New Orleans Hornets
First Round Pick/s
17 - Darren Collison PG 6'0'' 160 22 C B B B+ D C
Second Round Pick/s
17- Alonzo Gee SG 23 6'6'' 215 C+ C C- C C C
Collison should provide an immediate impact upon this Hornets Club. Along with Carmelo Anthony and Paul Millsap the Hornets have a splendid blend of scoring, distributing and defensive capabilities. Expect Gee to be cut.
Draft Grade: B
Chicago Bulls
Second Round Pick/s
Taj Gibson PF 24 6'9'' 230 B- C- C- B- C+ B
Gibson is a nice pick late in the second round and could be a handy player in the Drew Gooden mould. Just an overall lovely pick from the Stern-esqe Brandon.
Draft Grade: B
Cleveland Cavaliers
First Round Pick/s
2 - James Harden SG 6'5'' 220 20 B B C+ B C- A
Second Round Pick/s
Connor Atchley PF 24 6'10'' 230 C+ C+ C- B- C- B
The Cavs were always going to take either Harden or Griffin and would be over the moon at either of them. Harden will be a superstar of this league and perennial All-Star. He is destined to become a great player. Atchley could develop into something nice too which is a great benefit as a second round pick.
Draft Grade: B+
Detroit Pistons
First Round Pick/s
22 - Omar Samhan C 6'11'' 265 20 B C- D C+ C+ B
23 -Eric Maynor PG 6'3'' 180 22 C+ C+ B C+ C- B
Second Round Pick/s
Aron Baynes C 22 6'10'' 270 C+ D+ D C+ C+ C
The pistons picked up a coupla nice additions at number 22 and 23 however I think alot more could have been made of these picks. Maynor is a solid pick at 23, however I think Samhan was a bit of a stretch. Especially considering the highly touted AJ Ogilvy was still on the board.
Draft Grade: C+
Indiana Pacers
First Round Pick/s
6 - Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 19 B- B- B- C C- A
Second Round Pick/s
6 - Henk Norel PF 6'11'' 220 22 C+ D C- C C+ A
Evans will be a stud for the Pacers however the only hinderance to his development is time. Consequently as the Pacer's main man has jsut about hit his peak, Evans may soon find himself on the trade block as the Pacers make a move at the Championship. Then again, management may decide to keep Evans and ditch Wade. Time will tell. Still, a nice safe pick. Norel is very much a project and could become anything!
Draft Grade: B+
Milwaukee Bucks
First Round Pick/s
8 - B.J. Mullens C 7'0'' 260 19 B C- D+ C+ C+ A
Second Round Pick/s
7 - Antonio Anderson SG 6'6'' 200 23 C B- B- B- C- C
Mullens is as talented as any player in the draft however questions have frequented his career as to whether or not he has the desire to become a force at the professional level. He is worth a shot here at pick 8 however his future production may never live up to his pick 8 billing. Anderson was a very poor pick this early in the second round.
Draft Grade: D+
Toronto Raptors
First Round Pick/s
16 - Stephen Curry PG 6'1'' 180 21 C A B C D+ B
Second Round Pick/s
16-Patrick Mills PG 21 5'11'' 180 C+ B- B- C+ C B
A fantastic draft for the Raptors. The pick of Curry is spot on and Mills was the biggest steal of the draft. Entering the draft, it is likely the Raptors were not expecting much, that all changed as Mills tumbled down the boards for really no particular reason. A great draft from the Raptors who look set to become an exciting team to watch.
Draft Grade: A+
Charlotte Bobcats
First Round Pick/s
14 - Terrence Williams SG 6'6'' 220 22 B C C+ B C+ B
18 - Ryan Thompson SF 6'6'' 210 20 C+ C+ C+ C+ C+ B
26 - Tyler Smith SF 6'7'' 220 22 B- C C B+ C B
Second Round Pick/s
12 - Tyrese Rice PG 6'0'' 190 22 C A- B C D+ C
The Bobcats was one of only a handful of teams with multiple picks but boy they did a hell of a job. Williams, Thompson and Smith were all great picks and Rice in the second round would have been steal of the second round if not for Mills. My only criticism would have been passing on Ogilvy twice who would have been the perfect compliment to Al Jefferson. Williams is highly touted by most and Thompson is adored by many, myself included. Smith is a solid player to add and Rice is ready to contribute. A great draft for the Bobcats.
Draft Grade: A
Eastern Conference Steals
First Round Picks
Ty Lawson
Second Round Picks
Patty Mills