Post by kmatrixg on May 5, 2011 15:52:59 GMT -5
1 Seattle Supersonics - John Wall PG 6'4'' 195 20 B C B- B- C- A
Seattle couldn't go wrong with this selection, even with Brooks and Gibson manning the PG effectively. Spending just a year in Kentucky, Wall entered a loaded draft as the best talent. Combining elite athleticism with great handling skills, he could be one of the leagues best PG's in just a few years time. Wall was probably the top selection in everyone's books, and now Seattle boasts one of the youngest and most athletic lineups in the Western Conference. Being that it was a consensus #1, it's hard to give it an A, but that's what it gets.
Grade: A
2 Denver Nuggets - Derrick Favors PF 6'10'' 246 19 B- D D+ B- B- A
After trading down mere minutes before the draft began, Denver took Favors with it's "consolation" pick. Quite a consolation, the GT product looks eerily similar to new teammate Blake Griffin when he was drafted. Quintero could have gone with a guard here, however Jerryd Bayless looks to be improving each year, and could be able to take over the SG spot as early as next season. Having an incredibly athletic frontcourt could potentially prove to be very deadly for the future of this franchise. Two picks down, and two flawless grades.
Grade: A+
3 Toronto Raptors (from Magic) - Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 21 B C B- C+ C A
Toronto made the first pick that could be questioned by some. Evans was seen as the number one overall by a few around the league, and with the recent move of Monta Ellis to PG full time opened up a huge hole a SG. With the way the roster is currently set up, Felton was more than capable, albeit underwhelming, at the PG position. We can't forget they shipped out Trevor Ariza for this pick, so the return should have been seamless as Ariza is an up and coming superstar. The real weakness on this team is down low, where the only starting quality player is Andris Biedrins. Could DeMarcus Cousins have made more sense for Toronto in this draft? It can be argued both Cousins and Evans are equally talented and have similar upside. Even staying at SG, what about Evan Turner? Either way, the pick wasn't absent of talent.
Grade: B
4 New Jersey Nets - Evan Turner SG 6'7'' 205 22 B- B- B- C+ C+ A
Evan Turner was a steal here at number 4 for Nick. Evan is a multi-positional talent who could play a huge role for the Nets right off the bat. Turner should be considered one of the favorite's for ROY just because of his striking versatility. With the size, quickness and handling to play 1-2-3, Turner's skills will be used according to help this team win some games. After dropping off in the lottery from the projected #1 to #4, many saw this as a disappointing consolation for the dismal season. Turner luckily fell to Nick at #4, and should bring some serious game.
Grade: A
5 Memphis Grizzlies - DeMarcus Cousins PF 6'11'' 270 20 B- D+ D C+ B B
After taking over for the legendary afro, I had to quickly draw up ideas for this team and it's future. Moving to Memphis took away some guilt for moving the pieces Afro put into place. The first weakness I noticed was at PG, and other than that glaring hole, the team was setup very nicely. I was really hoping for Turner, or Wall to be somewhere around 5 (high hopes) but when each were taken, I had to go plan B, where Cousins fit. Curry has since been traded, opening the starting job for Cousins who's size and rebounding will be very effective next to an equally bulky Kevin Love. I went BPA here, and also filled a need. Also the first player with a "B" scouted potential which has me worried, but probably unnecessarily. I don't see anyone I'd rather have at this juncture.
Grade: B+
6 Los Angeles Clippers - Greg Monroe PF 6'11'' 240 20 B- C- C+ C+ C+ A
High risk/High reward, Brian looked to go for a guy he believes will have an incredible impact down the road, and also a versatile foundation of skill, comparable to many superstars that have come and gone in v4. Monroe doesn't have a weakness, outside of his jumpshot, and he looks to have some solid potential to be a great player. A great ball handler, Monroe will be deadly in a pass and go scheme with current FA Rajon Rondo, should he decide to resign. The big question surrounding Monroe is currently position related: Is he a Center? A Power Forward? Will Brian leave him or force him to a new playing style? Talented and full of promise, Monroe was a good pick.
Grade: B+
7 Atlanta Hawks - Kemba Walker PG 6'1'' 180 20 C+ B+ C+ B- D+ B
Kemba Walker possibly had the best set of skills coming into the league of the entire draft class. Deadly shooter and a capable ball handler, Walker was a sure shot top ten selection. Whether Atlanta needed Walker, who is set up to play now as opposed to progressing over time, is still in question. With only 4 players on the roster at draft time, Atlanta needed anyone. But, they don't have a top option, rather 4 capable starters. In the post, Andreas Gliniadakis and Jaokim Noah are the only bigs, and need a lot of help to boot. While the pick wasn't bad by any stretch, it just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense from a team building standpoint. DeMar DeRozan, Wesley Johnson were available from the crop of Guards, while 18 year old Enes Kanter could prove to be a promising Forward prospect. Amanuel played it safe with the pick, but playing it safe isn't what the team needed.
Grade: B-
8 Seattle Supersonics (from Heat) - Enes Kanter C 6'10'' 250 18 C+ D D- C+ B- A
At just 18 years old, the sky is the limit for Enes Kanter. Being the Sonics second lottery pick, they could afford to take a big chance on the teenager, and this pick could go either way. Without a hole in the future for any position, Seattle picked no holds barred. The Sonics have tons of defense in the post, and now Kanter brings the much needed offensive threat, having a great touch around the rim.
Grade: A-
9 Portland Trailblazers - James Harden SG 6'5'' 218 21 C+ B C+ C+ C- A
The third head scratcher of the lottery, MP's infatuation with James Harden may have gotten the best of him. While it wasn't a stretch to pick Harden at 9, there were other viable options with arguably higher upside; DeRozan, Wesley Johnson, and even Paul George should MP have decided to trade down and get optimum value for the pick. Regardless, a hole was filled, and Harden should get starter minutes on the thin team.
Grade: B
10 Los Angeles Lakers - Demar DeRozan SG 6'7'' 207 21 B+ C C- C C- A
DGAF was able to round off the top ten selections with an athletic masterpiece in DeRozan. At 21 years old, DeRozan possesses a certain level of maturity with top quality untapped potential. He has holes in his game, as he is primarily a slashing scorer, but coming to a team that doesn't need his services immediately should help DeRozan by bringing him along at a good pace. I personally saw (bias aside) DeRozan as the 3rd best SG after Evan Turner and Tyreke Evans, so it can be argued DeRozan at number 10 is a sure shot high quality pick in a draft where promising guards were limited.
Grade: B+
Seattle couldn't go wrong with this selection, even with Brooks and Gibson manning the PG effectively. Spending just a year in Kentucky, Wall entered a loaded draft as the best talent. Combining elite athleticism with great handling skills, he could be one of the leagues best PG's in just a few years time. Wall was probably the top selection in everyone's books, and now Seattle boasts one of the youngest and most athletic lineups in the Western Conference. Being that it was a consensus #1, it's hard to give it an A, but that's what it gets.
Grade: A
2 Denver Nuggets - Derrick Favors PF 6'10'' 246 19 B- D D+ B- B- A
After trading down mere minutes before the draft began, Denver took Favors with it's "consolation" pick. Quite a consolation, the GT product looks eerily similar to new teammate Blake Griffin when he was drafted. Quintero could have gone with a guard here, however Jerryd Bayless looks to be improving each year, and could be able to take over the SG spot as early as next season. Having an incredibly athletic frontcourt could potentially prove to be very deadly for the future of this franchise. Two picks down, and two flawless grades.
Grade: A+
3 Toronto Raptors (from Magic) - Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 21 B C B- C+ C A
Toronto made the first pick that could be questioned by some. Evans was seen as the number one overall by a few around the league, and with the recent move of Monta Ellis to PG full time opened up a huge hole a SG. With the way the roster is currently set up, Felton was more than capable, albeit underwhelming, at the PG position. We can't forget they shipped out Trevor Ariza for this pick, so the return should have been seamless as Ariza is an up and coming superstar. The real weakness on this team is down low, where the only starting quality player is Andris Biedrins. Could DeMarcus Cousins have made more sense for Toronto in this draft? It can be argued both Cousins and Evans are equally talented and have similar upside. Even staying at SG, what about Evan Turner? Either way, the pick wasn't absent of talent.
Grade: B
4 New Jersey Nets - Evan Turner SG 6'7'' 205 22 B- B- B- C+ C+ A
Evan Turner was a steal here at number 4 for Nick. Evan is a multi-positional talent who could play a huge role for the Nets right off the bat. Turner should be considered one of the favorite's for ROY just because of his striking versatility. With the size, quickness and handling to play 1-2-3, Turner's skills will be used according to help this team win some games. After dropping off in the lottery from the projected #1 to #4, many saw this as a disappointing consolation for the dismal season. Turner luckily fell to Nick at #4, and should bring some serious game.
Grade: A
5 Memphis Grizzlies - DeMarcus Cousins PF 6'11'' 270 20 B- D+ D C+ B B
After taking over for the legendary afro, I had to quickly draw up ideas for this team and it's future. Moving to Memphis took away some guilt for moving the pieces Afro put into place. The first weakness I noticed was at PG, and other than that glaring hole, the team was setup very nicely. I was really hoping for Turner, or Wall to be somewhere around 5 (high hopes) but when each were taken, I had to go plan B, where Cousins fit. Curry has since been traded, opening the starting job for Cousins who's size and rebounding will be very effective next to an equally bulky Kevin Love. I went BPA here, and also filled a need. Also the first player with a "B" scouted potential which has me worried, but probably unnecessarily. I don't see anyone I'd rather have at this juncture.
Grade: B+
6 Los Angeles Clippers - Greg Monroe PF 6'11'' 240 20 B- C- C+ C+ C+ A
High risk/High reward, Brian looked to go for a guy he believes will have an incredible impact down the road, and also a versatile foundation of skill, comparable to many superstars that have come and gone in v4. Monroe doesn't have a weakness, outside of his jumpshot, and he looks to have some solid potential to be a great player. A great ball handler, Monroe will be deadly in a pass and go scheme with current FA Rajon Rondo, should he decide to resign. The big question surrounding Monroe is currently position related: Is he a Center? A Power Forward? Will Brian leave him or force him to a new playing style? Talented and full of promise, Monroe was a good pick.
Grade: B+
7 Atlanta Hawks - Kemba Walker PG 6'1'' 180 20 C+ B+ C+ B- D+ B
Kemba Walker possibly had the best set of skills coming into the league of the entire draft class. Deadly shooter and a capable ball handler, Walker was a sure shot top ten selection. Whether Atlanta needed Walker, who is set up to play now as opposed to progressing over time, is still in question. With only 4 players on the roster at draft time, Atlanta needed anyone. But, they don't have a top option, rather 4 capable starters. In the post, Andreas Gliniadakis and Jaokim Noah are the only bigs, and need a lot of help to boot. While the pick wasn't bad by any stretch, it just doesn't seem to make a lot of sense from a team building standpoint. DeMar DeRozan, Wesley Johnson were available from the crop of Guards, while 18 year old Enes Kanter could prove to be a promising Forward prospect. Amanuel played it safe with the pick, but playing it safe isn't what the team needed.
Grade: B-
8 Seattle Supersonics (from Heat) - Enes Kanter C 6'10'' 250 18 C+ D D- C+ B- A
At just 18 years old, the sky is the limit for Enes Kanter. Being the Sonics second lottery pick, they could afford to take a big chance on the teenager, and this pick could go either way. Without a hole in the future for any position, Seattle picked no holds barred. The Sonics have tons of defense in the post, and now Kanter brings the much needed offensive threat, having a great touch around the rim.
Grade: A-
9 Portland Trailblazers - James Harden SG 6'5'' 218 21 C+ B C+ C+ C- A
The third head scratcher of the lottery, MP's infatuation with James Harden may have gotten the best of him. While it wasn't a stretch to pick Harden at 9, there were other viable options with arguably higher upside; DeRozan, Wesley Johnson, and even Paul George should MP have decided to trade down and get optimum value for the pick. Regardless, a hole was filled, and Harden should get starter minutes on the thin team.
Grade: B
10 Los Angeles Lakers - Demar DeRozan SG 6'7'' 207 21 B+ C C- C C- A
DGAF was able to round off the top ten selections with an athletic masterpiece in DeRozan. At 21 years old, DeRozan possesses a certain level of maturity with top quality untapped potential. He has holes in his game, as he is primarily a slashing scorer, but coming to a team that doesn't need his services immediately should help DeRozan by bringing him along at a good pace. I personally saw (bias aside) DeRozan as the 3rd best SG after Evan Turner and Tyreke Evans, so it can be argued DeRozan at number 10 is a sure shot high quality pick in a draft where promising guards were limited.
Grade: B+
