Post by cashmoney on May 3, 2011 14:59:29 GMT -5
Congrats to the Celtics for yet another fine season. LeBron is da man. With the Celtics champs, the 2010 offseason is here and in full swing. To start things off, the draft gives teams a chance to rebuild, retool, or trade for established players. This draft is fairly deep, so teams will have a chance to get future stars or solid role players and definitely solid DLeague prospects. The lottery started off the madness, with the Nets going from #1 to #4, Grizz #2 to #5, Clippers #3 to #6, Raptors #4 to #3, and the winners Sonics from #7 to #2 and the Nuggets #5 to #1. Adding another potential star with Griffin is just plain scary. This draft is all about potential and obviously needs. If teams don’t scout I think that could be a strategic mistake. Let’s take a look at what makes sense for the teams in this years draft.
1. Denver Nuggets
Needs: SG, SF, C
Selection: Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 21 B C B- C+ C A
Not an easy choice here. MANY options at #1. However, with CP3 at PG, Wall doesn’t make too much sense here unless the Nuggets can trade CP3 for another positional need. I like Evans better at PG I think playing and developing him at SG can be done. He has a solid inside scoring rating but will definitely need to work on his shooting, especially 3PT range. Evans will have good opportunities to develop his scoring with CP3 at PG.
2. Seattle Supersonics
Needs: True SG, PF, C
Selection: DeMarcus Cousins PF 6'11'' 270 20 B- D+ D C+ B B
Derrick Favors gets a good look here too. Favors has a higher ceiling but the bust factor is higher as well with Favors. I like Cousins’ big body and scoring tough, along with his solid rebounding. He does need to work on his conditioning and defense. Also, many scouts question his character on and off the court. I think if he gets the right coaching, he could become a really nice big in this league.
3. Toronto Raptors (from Magic)
Needs: PG
Selection: John Wall PG 6'4'' 195 20 B C B- B- C- A
This is a no-brainer pick by the Raptors. They basically have traded Ariza for SF Rudy Gay and PG John Wall. If Gay doesn’t fall in TC, this could be a very nice trade for the Raptors. Regardless, Wall answers their need at PG. He’s a tall PG who’s really quick and can get to the basket with ease. Like Evans, he will need to work on this shooting, mainly 3PT. TOs could be a concern but something that could be easily fixed with camps.
4. New Jersey Nets
Needs: PG, SF
Selection: Evan Turner SG 6'7'' 205 22 B- B- B- C+ C+ A
Favors gets a look here but with McGee and Speights, he’s not really a need. The Nets intend to bring back Sefolosha, so drafting a SG doesn’t make sense. However, the Nets aren’t drafting Turner as a SG but look at him to be their SF. He’s one of the most complete offensive players in the draft and his bust factor is safe compared to other top prospects in this draft. His versatility is also something of high value.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Needs: PG, SG, C
Selection: Derrick Favors PF 6'10'' 246 19 B- D D+ B- B- A
The Grizz have a weird mix of players but will probably look to retool around Granger and Love this offseason. With no PGs or SGs really standing out, the next best big prospect is Favors. It will need to be decided if Love or him would be at C but I think many teams would love to have that tough decision. Favors is raw and athletic, but you have to love his upside.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Needs: All positions except PG and SG
Selection: Enes Kanter C 6'10'' 250 18 C+ D D- C+ B- A
The Clippers fully intend on bringing back Rando so PG is no need for them. Rudy enjoyed his breakout season and the Clippers have confidence in him so SG is not the biggest need either. The Clippers have expressed interest in Kanter before so this pick makes sense for me. He young and raw but the Clippers have time as their luxury. They already have one prospect in Rubio who’s slowly being groomed in Spain. One thing I like about Kanter is his toughness for a Euro player and work ethic. He could very well end up being one of the top bigs from this draft.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Needs: All positions
Selection: Donte Greene* SF 6'10'' 220 22 C+ B C- B- C+ B
The Hawks rebuild is finally underway as they have cap space and a nice lotto pick. They really need any position because not even Noah is that good. It’s all about potential here and I think the Hawks can take a bit of a gamble here. However, I really like Greene here. He’s a “safe” pick imo because of the fact that he stayed in school. That extra time really helped his development. He already features a solid outside shot and versatile defense. His size could be a problem for opposing defenders at SF. If developed right, he could become a nice scorer.
8. Seattle Supersonics (from Heat)
Needs: SG, PF, C
Selection: Greg Monroe PF 6'11'' 240 20 B- C- C+ C+ C+ A
With the Sonics taking Cousins earlier, Monroe makes sense. I like Monroe for the Sonics not only because they need another big but because I look at him as another “safe” pick. His handling for a big has not been seen since Lamar Odom. He could turn into an Odom type but really needs to work on his outside shot.
9. Portland Trailblazers
Needs: SG and PF
Selection: James Harden SG 6'5'' 218 21 C+ B C+ C+ C- A
The Blazers are set at PG, SF, and C with the Blazers hoping to resign C Caio Torres. They do have Blair at PF but his development has been slow. The Blazers could take a chance with DeRozan here, but I like the safer pick of Harden. He has already shown great shooting skills and his old school game is beloved by scouts. He’s underrated as well when it comes to ball-handling. Factoring all that together, he could become a solid player the Blazers need.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Needs: SG and PF
Selection: Demar DeRozan SG 6'7'' 207 21 B+ C C- C C- A
I didn’t even know the Lakers have had a GM. Their wings are somewhat set but I take a chance on DeRozan here. The Lakers will definitely need to bring back Cook because his shooting is much needed. DeRozan is really raw and an athletic freak. He dropped not because of his potential but his shooting woes in college. That and he tends to never play defense with intensity. He will need all the proper development and guidance he can get.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
Needs: C
Selection: Ekpe Udoh PF 6'10'' 240 23 C+ D+ C- B B- B
This team has a lot of questions moving forward. I don’t understand why Garcia wasn’t getting PT with his solid ratings. Ridnour is not the answer at PG with 3.9 topg. I also think the Jermaine O’Neal era in CLE is done too. The Cavs have ample scoring but need defense. Udoh is by no means a sexy pick but he’s a need. The Cavs lack defense up front and why not add one of the top-rated shot blockers in the draft in Udoh. I think he could be a difference maker starting day 1 for the Cavs.
12. Washington Wizards
Needs: Front court defense
Selection: Hassan Whiteside C 7'0'' 235 21 C+ D D B C+ A
I’m still baffled that the Wizards ended up lotto but hey, shit happens. I think a lack of a shot blocker is a major reason why they weren’t as good last season. After Udoh, I think the next best defensive big is Whiteside. He’s raw as well but fits a need for them. Moving Okafor for a nice scoring big would be nice too.
13. New York Knicks
Needs: Everything
Selection: Wesley Johnson SF 6'7'' 195 23 B- B- C- B- C B
I really think the Knicks should just blow it up. Their team is not composed right and Amare is not getting any younger. However, many will differ. With Carter having the ability to play SG, Johnson makes sense at SF. He’s one of the most ready players in the draft, something the Knicks need. He needs work on his shooting but his defense and length on the perimeter will be key for the Knicks.
1. Denver Nuggets
Needs: SG, SF, C
Selection: Tyreke Evans SG 6'5'' 195 21 B C B- C+ C A
Not an easy choice here. MANY options at #1. However, with CP3 at PG, Wall doesn’t make too much sense here unless the Nuggets can trade CP3 for another positional need. I like Evans better at PG I think playing and developing him at SG can be done. He has a solid inside scoring rating but will definitely need to work on his shooting, especially 3PT range. Evans will have good opportunities to develop his scoring with CP3 at PG.
2. Seattle Supersonics
Needs: True SG, PF, C
Selection: DeMarcus Cousins PF 6'11'' 270 20 B- D+ D C+ B B
Derrick Favors gets a good look here too. Favors has a higher ceiling but the bust factor is higher as well with Favors. I like Cousins’ big body and scoring tough, along with his solid rebounding. He does need to work on his conditioning and defense. Also, many scouts question his character on and off the court. I think if he gets the right coaching, he could become a really nice big in this league.
3. Toronto Raptors (from Magic)
Needs: PG
Selection: John Wall PG 6'4'' 195 20 B C B- B- C- A
This is a no-brainer pick by the Raptors. They basically have traded Ariza for SF Rudy Gay and PG John Wall. If Gay doesn’t fall in TC, this could be a very nice trade for the Raptors. Regardless, Wall answers their need at PG. He’s a tall PG who’s really quick and can get to the basket with ease. Like Evans, he will need to work on this shooting, mainly 3PT. TOs could be a concern but something that could be easily fixed with camps.
4. New Jersey Nets
Needs: PG, SF
Selection: Evan Turner SG 6'7'' 205 22 B- B- B- C+ C+ A
Favors gets a look here but with McGee and Speights, he’s not really a need. The Nets intend to bring back Sefolosha, so drafting a SG doesn’t make sense. However, the Nets aren’t drafting Turner as a SG but look at him to be their SF. He’s one of the most complete offensive players in the draft and his bust factor is safe compared to other top prospects in this draft. His versatility is also something of high value.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies
Needs: PG, SG, C
Selection: Derrick Favors PF 6'10'' 246 19 B- D D+ B- B- A
The Grizz have a weird mix of players but will probably look to retool around Granger and Love this offseason. With no PGs or SGs really standing out, the next best big prospect is Favors. It will need to be decided if Love or him would be at C but I think many teams would love to have that tough decision. Favors is raw and athletic, but you have to love his upside.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Needs: All positions except PG and SG
Selection: Enes Kanter C 6'10'' 250 18 C+ D D- C+ B- A
The Clippers fully intend on bringing back Rando so PG is no need for them. Rudy enjoyed his breakout season and the Clippers have confidence in him so SG is not the biggest need either. The Clippers have expressed interest in Kanter before so this pick makes sense for me. He young and raw but the Clippers have time as their luxury. They already have one prospect in Rubio who’s slowly being groomed in Spain. One thing I like about Kanter is his toughness for a Euro player and work ethic. He could very well end up being one of the top bigs from this draft.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Needs: All positions
Selection: Donte Greene* SF 6'10'' 220 22 C+ B C- B- C+ B
The Hawks rebuild is finally underway as they have cap space and a nice lotto pick. They really need any position because not even Noah is that good. It’s all about potential here and I think the Hawks can take a bit of a gamble here. However, I really like Greene here. He’s a “safe” pick imo because of the fact that he stayed in school. That extra time really helped his development. He already features a solid outside shot and versatile defense. His size could be a problem for opposing defenders at SF. If developed right, he could become a nice scorer.
8. Seattle Supersonics (from Heat)
Needs: SG, PF, C
Selection: Greg Monroe PF 6'11'' 240 20 B- C- C+ C+ C+ A
With the Sonics taking Cousins earlier, Monroe makes sense. I like Monroe for the Sonics not only because they need another big but because I look at him as another “safe” pick. His handling for a big has not been seen since Lamar Odom. He could turn into an Odom type but really needs to work on his outside shot.
9. Portland Trailblazers
Needs: SG and PF
Selection: James Harden SG 6'5'' 218 21 C+ B C+ C+ C- A
The Blazers are set at PG, SF, and C with the Blazers hoping to resign C Caio Torres. They do have Blair at PF but his development has been slow. The Blazers could take a chance with DeRozan here, but I like the safer pick of Harden. He has already shown great shooting skills and his old school game is beloved by scouts. He’s underrated as well when it comes to ball-handling. Factoring all that together, he could become a solid player the Blazers need.
10. Los Angeles Lakers
Needs: SG and PF
Selection: Demar DeRozan SG 6'7'' 207 21 B+ C C- C C- A
I didn’t even know the Lakers have had a GM. Their wings are somewhat set but I take a chance on DeRozan here. The Lakers will definitely need to bring back Cook because his shooting is much needed. DeRozan is really raw and an athletic freak. He dropped not because of his potential but his shooting woes in college. That and he tends to never play defense with intensity. He will need all the proper development and guidance he can get.
11. Cleveland Cavaliers
Needs: C
Selection: Ekpe Udoh PF 6'10'' 240 23 C+ D+ C- B B- B
This team has a lot of questions moving forward. I don’t understand why Garcia wasn’t getting PT with his solid ratings. Ridnour is not the answer at PG with 3.9 topg. I also think the Jermaine O’Neal era in CLE is done too. The Cavs have ample scoring but need defense. Udoh is by no means a sexy pick but he’s a need. The Cavs lack defense up front and why not add one of the top-rated shot blockers in the draft in Udoh. I think he could be a difference maker starting day 1 for the Cavs.
12. Washington Wizards
Needs: Front court defense
Selection: Hassan Whiteside C 7'0'' 235 21 C+ D D B C+ A
I’m still baffled that the Wizards ended up lotto but hey, shit happens. I think a lack of a shot blocker is a major reason why they weren’t as good last season. After Udoh, I think the next best defensive big is Whiteside. He’s raw as well but fits a need for them. Moving Okafor for a nice scoring big would be nice too.
13. New York Knicks
Needs: Everything
Selection: Wesley Johnson SF 6'7'' 195 23 B- B- C- B- C B
I really think the Knicks should just blow it up. Their team is not composed right and Amare is not getting any younger. However, many will differ. With Carter having the ability to play SG, Johnson makes sense at SF. He’s one of the most ready players in the draft, something the Knicks need. He needs work on his shooting but his defense and length on the perimeter will be key for the Knicks.
