NBA Draft Grades

What a night on Thursday, oh my! Just because this was a “weak draft” didn’t make it less exciting. In fact, this was one of the more exciting drafts I’ve ever seen. There was so much uncertainty, unknown options, movement, “near” movement, and straight up shocks. Nobody was close on their mock drafts and after the dust settled, we know that some teams are happy and others aren’t. So with the NBA draft finally behind us, we wanted to share with you our thoughts on each team and grade them on their performance.

NOTE: Honestly each team’s grade is still “incomplete” because of the ongoing free agency period. Some teams have trades lined up already, others will be seeking trades based on who they drafted, and others still have holes to fill and free agency, rather than the draft, is how they will fill those needs. But, we’ll grade teams based on the draft alone anyways... cause it’s fun!

Atlanta Hawks

Draft Day Players: 16 C Lucas Nogueira, 17 PG Dennis Schroeder, 44 C Mike Muscala, 47 PG Raul Neto, SG Jared Cunningham

The Hawks are obviously rebuilding, assuming they lose Josh Smith, and I think they may have done a decent job. Lucas and Dennis were my two favorite international players in the draft, and Muscala is a potential steal at 44. The good news is that with the international guys, they can be stashed or brought over, which gives them flexibility, and if one of these big men work out, Horford can move over to power forward which is where he is best suited. Overall, I think they can be fairly pleased by this draft.

Grade: B

Boston Celtics

Draft Day Players: 13 C Kelly Olynyk, 53 Colton Iverson

Last night we learned that Boston is in complete makeover mode. Their biggest move was not in the draft, but in an agreed upon trade where they will lose Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry for a few trash players and three future picks. This of course was after they traded Doc Rivers. Losing all those guys is scary, especially since they won’t get the rewards for years to come. As for the draft, both of these big men are role players at best. They were chosen around where I would have expected, but this was definitely not flashy.

Draft Grade: C

Impending Trade Grade: D

Brooklyn Nets

Draft Day Players: 22 PF/C Mason Plumlee

On the flip side of that Boston deal was Brooklyn, who now look to have one of the best starting lineups in the league. They immediately became a title contender, or at least a credible threat to Miami in the East. New coach Jason Kidd will be under a lot of pressure though to perform immediately. But focusing just on the draft, I like the Plumlee pick. He will be an immediate factor off the bench. He can play either spot down low and can make an impact in a lot of different ways. It’s pretty good value at #22 also in my opinion.

Grade: A-

Impending Trade Grade: A

Charlotte Hornets (Bobcats)

Draft Day Players: 4 PF/C Cody Zeller

I know many people on Twitter thought MJ struck again with his poor drafting, but I personally think this is the second year in a row they nailed their first round pick. Last year, Kidd-Gilchrist was perfect and will be a solid 3 for a long time in this league. And now they addressed their PF position and drafted a player that is very skilled offensively, where they currently struggle. I thought Zeller was the second best player in this draft (behind Oladipo), so I give them props for making this choice, even if many disagreed.

Grade: A-

Chicago Bulls

Draft Day Players: 20 SG Tony Snell, 49 PF Erik Murphy

I thought the Bulls did a solid job with their selections. Snell is an underrated player that will add depth on the wing. He will bring it defensively and can do some things on the offensive end. If they do end up trading Luol Deng, Snell would be even more important. Erik Murphy is a stretch 4, a player unlike any on their roster, so he could possibly garner a spot on the team.

Grade: B

Cleveland Cavaliers

Draft Day Players: 1 PF Anthony Bennett, 19 SF Sergey Karasev, 33 SG Carrick Felix

You can’t blame them for not trying to trade their #1 pick. But after all talks failed, they simply took the player they thought had the most talent, Bennett. I think he could turn into a star, so I kind of like it. I also really like their selection of Karasev. He gives them an option at SF, which is the position of their biggest need, and many thought he could be taken higher so I think it’s pretty good value.

Grade: B+

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Day Players: 18 PG Shane Larkin, 43 SG Ricky Ledo

I actually thought Dallas did a solid job drafting Thursday. The moved down in the first round and traded Cunningham, two things that saved them money (which they will use for a max player). Then, they ended up getting two players with high upside in Larkin and Ledo. Both could be excellent guards in this league and at least nice contributors off the bench immediately. The key now is filling in the rest of their roster through free agency.

Grade: A-

Denver Nuggets

Draft Day Players: 46 SG Erick Green, 55 PF Joffrey Lauvergne, PF Darrell Arthur

While Joffrey will likely be stashed overseas for a long time, Green and Arthur could be nice players for this franchise. Green is a straight up scorer that could be a steal in this draft. Arthur is a promising young player that’s been pretty decent for the Grizzlies. Like many other teams though, can they do well in free agency (i.e. resign Iguadala).

Grade: A-

Detroit Pistons

Draft Day Players: 8 SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 37 F Tony Mitchell, 56 PG Peyton Siva

This grade is twofold… First, I hated their first round selection. Caldwell-Pope is okay but he’s not the position I would have addressed, particularly with who was on the board. Knight and Stuckey (if resigned) have been much better off the ball. They have nobody who can run the offense well though (especially because they are likely losing Calderon in free agency). Trey Burke and MCW were sitting there and the passed (McCollum too). The other half though is that they dominated the second round. Mitchell is easily a first round talent. He may not have a defined position, but the boy can play and has huge potential. I also love Siva here late in the draft. Maybe he’s the point guard that can blend everything together. I do know this, Siva is a winner and will make an impact in some way down the road.

Grade: B-

Golden State Warriors

Draft Day Players: 30 PG Nemanja Nedovic, SG Malcolm Lee

It’s pretty interesting that they entered the draft without a pick yet ended up with two players. Really it only cost them a second rounder next year which doesn’t sound like too much. The problem though is that neither player will do much for them. Lee might add a little depth, but Nedovic was a huge reach that may never get over to the states. I would have kept all my assets and sat the draft out, or would have gotten a better player!

Grade: D+

Houston Rockets

Draft Day Players: 34 PG Isaiah Canaan

Without a first rounder due to the James Harden trade (which was a home run), they only had one pick to make. And I loved it. Canaan had value in the early 20’s, so taking him in the mid-30’s was incredible. He will be a great backup behind Jeremy Lin, and you could see him in the league for years to come.

Grade: A

Indiana Pacers

Draft Day Players: 23 SF Solomon Hill

To put it simply, the Pacers had another off night. Last year, they blew their first round selection by taking Miles Plumlee. I knew it then, and they know it now. But apparently knowing it doesn’t mean they learned from it. Why do I hate this selection? We had gaping holes in our bench, most notably PG and SG, and his position (SF) is the one we needed the least since they will have Danny Granger back at that spot. Secondly, they reached… big time! Many mock drafts expected him to go undrafted, and at best the end of the second round. Why didn’t they just draft him then and trade this pick or something? Thirdly, I frankly don’t see him as a good pro prospect. He’s a power forward in a small forward’s body. He’ll be an NBDL player just like Plumlee.

Grade: F

LA Clippers

Draft Day Players: 25 SF Reggie Bullock

Obviously, the Clippers have been aggressive in their coaching search and their ability to resign Chris Paul. But I think on draft day they made another solid move. Bullock gives them shooting that they often lacked and can be productive off the bench. Secondly, he has potential to blossom and be a long-term replacement for Caron Butler at the 3-spot. Win-win!

Grade: B+

LA Lakers

Draft Day Players: 48 PF Ryan Kelly

With only one pick in the draft, the Lakers did a decent job finding someone who can help them. Kelly is a big-bodied power forward with the ability to shoot it. We’ve seen a lot of teams use this “stretch-4” ploy and use it well, so it makes sense for the Lakers, especially if they keep Howard.

Grade: B

Memphis Grizzlies

Draft Day Players: 41 SG Jamaal Franklin, 60 SF Janis Timma, C Kostas Koufos

The Grizzlies had a good night. Franklin is probably the steal of the draft and probably the best value of any player all night. I had originally placed him in the teens and thought he would have been worth it there. He does so much right and could be a star in the making. Koufos will be a great bench big man, even if they gave up Arthur to get him. Good upside. Janis is worthless but can be stashed and it was the last pick of the draft so who cares.

Grade: A

Miami Heat

Draft Day Players: 50 SF James Ennis

Just puzzling… they bought their way in but didn’t address their biggest need: CENTER! I don’t like Ennis as a player either and don’t think he’s a great fit.

Grade: D

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Day Players: 15 SF Giannis Antetokounmpo, 38 PG Nate Wolters

Overall, fairly solid. Giannis has tons of upside and could end up being one of the best players in this draft. It will be a while until they know though. Wolters came to them via trade (Ledo) and I think will be a great bench player for years in the NBA. The main questions for them come in free agency now…

Grade: B+

Minnesota Timberwolves

Draft Day Players: 14 SF Shabazz Muhammed, 21 C Gorgui Dieng, 52 PG Lorenzo Brown, 59 PF Bojan Dubljevic

The Wolves had a lot of holes, and they filled some of them nicely. Trading Burke for Muhammed and Dieng was a good decision. With Rubio and many other guards on the roster, Burke wasn’t needed, so they got two other greats instead. I like Muhammed and Dieng a lot, and believe they can be starters in this league. I think the same of Lorenzo Brown who they stole at 52. Like many others, Dubljevic will be stashed overseas. Overall, I liked what they did.

Grade: A-

New Orleans Pelicans

Draft Day Players: 42 PG Pierre Jackson, PG Jrue Holiday

The Pelicans made the biggest draft pick trade of the night by giving up Noel for Holiday. I think it could pay off. Jrue is a young All-Star that will give them exactly what they need. He’s better than anyone they could have drafted at #6. The most costly thing they gave up is their first rounder in the loaded 2014 draft, but getting Jrue was likely still worth it. Pierre Jackson will be a great backup and someone I think can be very productive. Trading Grievas Vasquez is now essential.

Grade: A+

New York Knicks

Draft Day Players: 24 SG Tim Hardaway Jr.

This move was a great move, in large part because they will likely lose JR Smith during free agency. But frankly, Hardaway Jr. could be a very good pro. He can shoot it extremely well, has NBA athleticism, and a great head on his shoulders. He is exactly what the Knicks needed in a player, and he fits the system there well.

Grade: A-

Oklahoma City Thunder

Draft Day Players: 12 C Steven Adams, 26 SF Andre Roberson, 32 SG Alex Abrines, 40 PF Grant Jerrett

Honestly, I was puzzled with the Thunder. They are a legit title contender and had three picks in spots where they could land players who could help immediately (plus they traded for an additional second rounder). Yet, they drafted projects instead. I liked that they drafted a center and wing players (plus a potential stretch-4 via trade), but hated who the players were. At #12 overall, they could definitely have drafted an impact player, not one that will take years to develop. I also think they passed up much better players at 26 and 32. I think they blew a great chance to improve.

Grade: D+

Orlando Magic

Draft Day Players: 2 SG Victor Oladipo, 51 PF Romero Osby

If you read this blog with any consistency, you know I loved what they did with their second pick. Oladipo was at the top of my board, so I loved that they grabbed him at #2. He is a high character guy with a great motor and had tons of upside. I think he could be a star and is great for a team rebuilding. Osby is another great defender and could definitely land on the roster.

Grade: A-

Philadelphia 76ers

Draft Day Players: 6 C Nerlens Noel, 11 PG Michael Carter-Williams, 54 PF Arsalan Kazemi

Let’s get the obvious part out of the way, the Sixers fully believe they are losing Andrew Bynum, and are fully in rebuilding mode. So if we are looking at this draft from a rebuilding standpoint, they killed it! Yes they parted ways with Jrue Holiday, but they came away with the man many thought was the best prospect in this draft, Nerlens Noel. They also picked up a 2014 first rounder, a pick that could be extremely valuable in a loaded draft. Plus, they found their point guard of the future in Michael Carter-Williams. The other bonus is that by losing Jrue and taking a player who is injured, they will be in a good position to win the Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes. Plus, by conducting multiple second round trades they added two future second round picks. So again, what’s not to like about this draft from a rebuilding standpoint?

Grade: A-

Phoenix Suns

Draft Day Players: 5 C Alex Len, 29 SG Archie Goodwin, 57 C Alex Oriakhi

The Suns are a team that needed talent. Len is a player many think could be a star so that made sense. Goodwin has tons of upside but is a project. Both picks could be great, but they could turn out to be wastes. For a team in dire need of stars, it made sense to take these risks. Only time will tell.

Grade: C+

Portland Trail Blazers

Draft Day Players: 10 SG C.J. McCollum, 31 SG Allen Crabbe, 39 C Jeff Withey, 45 PF Marko Todorovic

Portland had a solid night. I loved the players and value at 10, 31, and 39. I think those first three picks have a chance to be very solid pros, a couple of them even stars. Portland has been at the center of many rumors recently too (they just added Thomas Robinson for example), and these picks allow them to be flexible. With this draft, I think they can shop Wesley Matthews. Plus, assuming they get great value in return (another PF would be nice), Aldridge can be traded as he desires. They now have an excellent young core.

Grade: A

Sacramento Kings

Draft Day Players: 7 SG Ben McLemore, 36 PG Ray McCallum

They have to be thrilled! Having McLemore fall right into their lap had them dancing most likely. I know they didn’t have a huge need at that spot, but talent is talent. This allows them to be very flexible during free agency and will allow them to make some deals too. McLemore can be their future no doubt. McCallum was a fairly nice pick also. In fact, he could end up being better than their current point guard, Isaiah Thomas, from a pure point guard perspective.

Grade: A-

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Day Players: 28 SF Livio Jean-Charles, 58 SF Deshaun Thomas

I think the Spurs drafted like they typically do, and five years from now we’ll say they took advantage of this draft in a big way. Jean-Charles isn’t a huge name, but he is an international player that has a lot of upside and could definitely contribute in a couple of years. They are built to win now so stashing a player overseas while some of their vets play out their last seasons makes sense. Then they got the steal/value of the entire draft with Thomas at 58. I liked Thomas as a first round pick in the 20’s and am still confused as to why he fell so low. He will be a great bench player for them for many years, and even an eventual/potential starter. Now, what will they do in free agency, particularly with Manu and Splitter?

Grade: B+

Toronto Raptors

Draft Day Players: None

The Raptors started on the sidelines and decided not to jump in. That’s not a bad decision. I killed the Warriors for jumping in and failing to land anyone who can help, so kudos for the Raptors for sticking to their guns. They likely couldn’t have jumped in to a spot of significance anyways.

Grade: C+

Utah Jazz

Draft Day Players: 9 PG Trey Burke, 27 C Rudy Gobert

When Burke fell to the T-Wolves at 9, the Jazz had to smile. A quick phone call and a trade was in place for Utah to grab the best point guard of the draft. He is just the player they needed to run this team and perfect to build around. Gobert was picked after another trade, and it didn’t really cost them much at all. Gobert was the biggest player in this draft and will be able to improve for a couple more years before coming over to Utah. And with plenty of options down low currently, that move makes perfect sense.

Grade: A-

Washington Wizards

Draft Day Players: 3 SF Otto Porter, 36 SG Glen Rice Jr.

As we discussed here leading up to the draft, Porter at 3 was one of the only predictable picks of the entire draft. But it was a good one. He’s a solid player that has the potential to contribute his entire career. He’s still young and improving, and also a great fit with them at a position of need. Rice was being talked about as a late first rounder, so it wasn’t decent value to land him as well. He will give them an additional wing to pair with John Wall, someone to compete with Beal as a starter, or back him up.

Grade: A

Now it’s on to free agency. Lots of holes to fill for teams and big names to fill them. Some teams need role players, others need stars, but every team needs help. It should be fun, exciting, and confusing, just like this draft was!

By: The Sports Guys