Post by heelsguy25 on Nov 9, 2010 11:56:32 GMT -5
2003 SSBL Draft Grades
We are going to take a look at how the teams in SSBL graded after the first round of the draft. We will mention the player picked and if it was the right selection. In this edition, we will look only at the Western Conference teams.
All opinions are solely based on our writers.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks tried to get a pick in the first round, to no avail. They needed depth, but no one would bite.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets traded their pick, and didn't acquire any new ones.
Houston Rockets
Player(s) selected: PF Chris Bosh
Grade: B
The Rockets landed a young stud in Georgia tech PF Chris Bosh. Was Bosh the right pick here though? They already had a young PF in Swift, do they not trust him? Some say you don't draft by need this high in the draft, the Rockets GM felt the same. Another option here could have been SG Gilbert Arenas. Arenas would have filled their PG void. The Rockets will look to lean on Bosh for years to come. At 19, only time will tell if he can mature quick enough.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Player(s) selected: SF Boris Diaw, PG Steve Blake, SF Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Grade: B-
The Timberwolves did exactly what teams are suppose to do via the draft. They added depth at multiple positions. They landed a starting caliber PG in Steve Blake late in the 1st round. They added some foreign firepower In Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Diaw. They both can play multiple positions, so they become more valuable. The only knock we would give would give the drafting from the Minny GM is that they have zero SGs on their roster, and could have landed Barbosa at 16. Barbosa would have been a very nice piece to their puzzle. They chose to go with Diaw at 16, and that could hinder them long term.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs were pickless in this draft.
Utah Jazz
Player(s) selected: SF Kevin Martin
Grade: B-
The Jazz had a tough choice at 11. They went the route of Westen Carolina shooter Kevin martin. They could have chosen UCONN SG Ben Gordon and been just as well off. It is never easy to pick in the lottery, but we feel the Jazz did a decent job. They could have tried to land another pick in the round to fill their roster, but they decided to stand pat.
Vancouver Grizzlies
No picks for the Grizzlies. They could have used one to land a backup PG.
Golden State Warriors
Player(s) selected: C Chris Kaman, PG Kirk Hinrich, PF Maciej Lampe
Grade: B+
The Warriors filled 2 needs via the draft. They were in need of a defensive PG and a big. They landed both early on in the draft. They were unsure of who to nab at 20, and chose to go young there. Lampe will have a coupler years to show how he can progress before he is put into the fire, so to speak. Hinrich steps in and is already being heralded as the PG for many years, despite a buzz around the league for him. Kaman is a big who can do many things, and will man the post for Golden State come season's start.
Los Angeles Clippers
No picks for the clips, yep Im a rapper.
Los Angeles Lakers
No picks for the Western Conference champs
Phoenix Suns
Player(s) selected: SG Gilbert Arenas
Grade: A
The Suns landed a stud here. Arenas was highly touted by many clubs, and looks of disappointment were apparent when he was taken at 6. Arenas can come in and be the starting PG for Phoenix if need be. The Suns are listening to offer for Arenas though. Will he remain in Arizona or be headed elsewhere soon? Staying local could benefit Arenas.
Portland Trailblazers
No picks for the Blazers.
Sacramento Kings
Player(s) selected: PF Charlie Villanueva
Grade: C+
The Kings were MIA for the draft, and looks like they were given BPA here. They didn't need Vuillanueva, but did need to be at the draft. The Kings are a franchise in trouble. Can anyone help this club out?
Seattle Supersonics
Player(s) selected: SG Ben Gordon
Grade: B+
The Sonics landed a starting caliber SG in Gordon. He will challenge for the starting gig right out of the gate. With Pierce no longer in Seattle, look for Gordon to take over a chunk of the scoring if need be. Another option here for the Sonics could have been Leandro Barbosa.
We are going to take a look at how the teams in SSBL graded after the first round of the draft. We will mention the player picked and if it was the right selection. In this edition, we will look only at the Western Conference teams.
All opinions are solely based on our writers.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks tried to get a pick in the first round, to no avail. They needed depth, but no one would bite.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets traded their pick, and didn't acquire any new ones.
Houston Rockets
Player(s) selected: PF Chris Bosh
Grade: B
The Rockets landed a young stud in Georgia tech PF Chris Bosh. Was Bosh the right pick here though? They already had a young PF in Swift, do they not trust him? Some say you don't draft by need this high in the draft, the Rockets GM felt the same. Another option here could have been SG Gilbert Arenas. Arenas would have filled their PG void. The Rockets will look to lean on Bosh for years to come. At 19, only time will tell if he can mature quick enough.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Player(s) selected: SF Boris Diaw, PG Steve Blake, SF Nikoloz Tskitishvili
Grade: B-
The Timberwolves did exactly what teams are suppose to do via the draft. They added depth at multiple positions. They landed a starting caliber PG in Steve Blake late in the 1st round. They added some foreign firepower In Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Diaw. They both can play multiple positions, so they become more valuable. The only knock we would give would give the drafting from the Minny GM is that they have zero SGs on their roster, and could have landed Barbosa at 16. Barbosa would have been a very nice piece to their puzzle. They chose to go with Diaw at 16, and that could hinder them long term.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs were pickless in this draft.
Utah Jazz
Player(s) selected: SF Kevin Martin
Grade: B-
The Jazz had a tough choice at 11. They went the route of Westen Carolina shooter Kevin martin. They could have chosen UCONN SG Ben Gordon and been just as well off. It is never easy to pick in the lottery, but we feel the Jazz did a decent job. They could have tried to land another pick in the round to fill their roster, but they decided to stand pat.
Vancouver Grizzlies
No picks for the Grizzlies. They could have used one to land a backup PG.
Golden State Warriors
Player(s) selected: C Chris Kaman, PG Kirk Hinrich, PF Maciej Lampe
Grade: B+
The Warriors filled 2 needs via the draft. They were in need of a defensive PG and a big. They landed both early on in the draft. They were unsure of who to nab at 20, and chose to go young there. Lampe will have a coupler years to show how he can progress before he is put into the fire, so to speak. Hinrich steps in and is already being heralded as the PG for many years, despite a buzz around the league for him. Kaman is a big who can do many things, and will man the post for Golden State come season's start.
Los Angeles Clippers
No picks for the clips, yep Im a rapper.
Los Angeles Lakers
No picks for the Western Conference champs
Phoenix Suns
Player(s) selected: SG Gilbert Arenas
Grade: A
The Suns landed a stud here. Arenas was highly touted by many clubs, and looks of disappointment were apparent when he was taken at 6. Arenas can come in and be the starting PG for Phoenix if need be. The Suns are listening to offer for Arenas though. Will he remain in Arizona or be headed elsewhere soon? Staying local could benefit Arenas.
Portland Trailblazers
No picks for the Blazers.
Sacramento Kings
Player(s) selected: PF Charlie Villanueva
Grade: C+
The Kings were MIA for the draft, and looks like they were given BPA here. They didn't need Vuillanueva, but did need to be at the draft. The Kings are a franchise in trouble. Can anyone help this club out?
Seattle Supersonics
Player(s) selected: SG Ben Gordon
Grade: B+
The Sonics landed a starting caliber SG in Gordon. He will challenge for the starting gig right out of the gate. With Pierce no longer in Seattle, look for Gordon to take over a chunk of the scoring if need be. Another option here for the Sonics could have been Leandro Barbosa.
