Post by heelsguy25 on Dec 5, 2010 2:28:34 GMT -5
The 2004 SSBL Draft is considered a much weaker draft than last year. This years draft seemed to strike a fancy by some GMs regardless. We will take a look at how each team did in the first round of the draft. We will also take a look at how the player selected should fit on the team.
All opinions are solely based on our writers.
Dallas Mavericks
Player(s) selected: No Picks
Denver Nuggets
Player(s) selected: No Picks
Houston Rockets
Player(s) selected: SG JR Smith
Grade: B+
Houston needed a SG and got one. The SG class was quite weak, so grabbing the best SG available was a goo move for this team. Look for Smith to start at the 2 guard spot from day one.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Player(s) selected: SF Josh Childress, SG Lenny Cooke
Grade: B
Minnesota doesn't nee much so they went for depth. They drafted a SF and a SG. Did they need another SF though? Getting a true SG helps, but Cooke may be a few years away before being a huge contributor.
San Antonio Spurs
Player(s) selected: No Picks
Utah Jazz
Player(s) selected: PG TJ Ford
Grade: B
Utah landed a PG, something they didn't really need. They could have a backcourt of Parker and Ford and move their draft pick from last season Martin to SF. A better choice at this spot in the draft might have been a true SF in Trevor Ariza. Utah is in shambles, so anything could help we guess.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Player(s) selected: No Picks
Golden State Warriors
Player(s) selected: PF/C Andris Biedrins
Grade: B+
Golden State did their best to land in this draft, despite its weakness. They coveted Latvian youngster Biedrins from day one. They will try Biedrins at PF and see how a huge frontcourt of Biedrins and Kaman works. Shifting Jamison to SF this season should help alot. They felt at #13 Biedrins was the best available, and they could have a steal on their hands.
Los Angeles Clippers
Player(s) selected: SG Tony Allen
Grade: C-
The Clippers got more backcourt depth, but they need help in the frontoucrt. They chose a SG but there were solid PF options available at their pick. Grabbing a player like Humphries or Sampson might have benefited them more down the road.
Los Angeles Lakers
Player(s) selected: PG Blake Stepp
Grade: B+
Los Angeles got a combo guard late in the draft. Stepp could see time at PG and SG. He is a college veteran who has good handles and an outside shot. He gives this dangerous team more depth.
Phoenix Suns
Player(s) selected: PF Dwight Howard, PG Chris Duhon, C Ha Seung Jin
Grade: A+
Suns did well again in the draft. it may not be hard to swing and miss when you have a top pick every year. Howard is a beast and will be ROY unless something weird happens. The Suns get a franchise player and should win quite a few more games next season thanks to Howard. They nabbed a PG in the middle of the round. Duhon will start for this team unless they decide to play Gilbert at the 1. Duhon is a solid all around player and should be a good match with Arenas. Grabbing Jin late in the first round was a good pick up too. He will give the Suns depth a young frontcourt for Phoenix will give them options down the road.
Portland Trailblazers
Player(s) selected: PG Shaun Livingston
Grade: A+
Portland struck gold in the draft. Livingston is a young stud,. he will be the floor general for this club right out of the gate. The Blazers are a rebuilding team and now have their point guard.
Sacramento Kings
Player(s) selected: C David Harrison
Grade: D
The kings truck out again in the draft. they needed some guard help and chose a big. Players like Kirk Snyder and Beno Udrih were available for the taking. They needed a SG to help the backcourt leader Derek Fisher. A player like Beno Udrih would have been a nice addition.
Seattle Supersonics
Player(s) selected: No Picks
