Glenn
06-29-2007, 12:09 PM
Draft grades: evaluating every team, from A+ to D+
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Updated: June 29, 2007
When I'm not covering the draft for ESPN, I grade students for a living as a university professor. So I know that grades can be arbitrary, and in the case of instant draft grades, they are based on incomplete information.
But they are also a necessary tool for evaluation.
So how did the 30 NBA teams do in Thursday night's draft?
Before Thursday, we billed it as the deepest draft in years -- and this year's grades reflect the quality of players available, thanks to Greg Oden, Kevin Durant and a host of others.
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: B
Round 1: Al Horford (3); Acie Law (11)
Round 2: None
Analysis: On talent, the Hawks probably should get an A. They got the best power forward and second-best point guard in the draft, filling two very large needs. The two rookies will make the team respectable. But the Hawks passed on the chance to become a dangerous playoff team -- they had a shot at getting Amare Stoudemire for these two picks and walked away. That's why we docked them.
Boston Celtics
Grade: B+
Round 1: None
Round 2: Gabe Pruitt (32), Glen Davis (35)
Analysis: Celtics fans clamoring for another star to play alongside Paul Pierce got their wish -- sort of. Ray Allen is still a great player, but a combination of him, Pierce and Al Jefferson doesn't necessarily make them a contender, even in the East -- which makes the trade of the No. 5 pick questionable.
Then again, they did dump Wally Szczerbiak's big contract and land two players in the second round who have a real chance of making their roster.
If Allen (plus whatever pieces Danny Ainge gets later this summer) puts them in the Eastern Conference finals, the trade was worth it. If he doesn't, Ainge may have mortgaged the future just to appease Pierce.
Charlotte Bobcats
Grade: B-
Round 1: Jared Dudley (22)
Round 2: Jermareo Davidson (36)
Analysis: The Bobcats traded the draft rights to Brandan Wright for the chance to overpay Jason Richardson. But Richardson actually is a good fit in Charlotte. The Bobcats needed a veteran, not more young players. And he provides exactly what the Bobcats need -- a potent scoring option in their backcourt.
His contract will have an impact, but if the Bobcats don't re-sign Gerald Wallace, they could still make a run at Rashard Lewis this summer.
Dudley and Davidson were good value picks -- especially Dudley, who has a chance to be a Shane Battier-type player in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls
Grade: B+
Round 1: Joakim Noah (9)
Round 2: Aaron Gray (49), JamesOn Curry (51)
Analysis: The Bulls got their guy at No. 9. Noah fits the Bulls' culture of hustle and passion.
But his offensive game is weak, so how can he play at the same time as Ben Wallace or Tyrus Thomas?
I'm not sure either second-round pick will stick on the roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: C+
Round 1: None
Round 2: Nick Fazekas (34), Renaldas Seibutis (50), Milovan Rakovic (60)
Analysis: Fazekas' numbers suggest he'll be a good NBA player, but his slow feet say the opposite. He can shoot, but the Mavs have Dirk Nowitzki for that.
With more experience in Europe, Seibutis could be a good scorer. I doubt we'll ever hear from Rakovic again.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: A-
Round 1: Rodney Stuckey (15), Arron Afflalo (27)
Round 2: Sammy Mejia (57)
Analysis: At No. 15, the Pistons had a difficult choice between Nick Young and Stuckey. I had Young rated higher, but Stuckey was a better fit for Detroit. The high-scoring combo guard can provide relief to both Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton.
Afflalo is also a good fit with the Pistons because of his blue-collar work ethic.
I'm not sure if Mejia can make it as a third rookie guard on this roster.
Golden State Warriors
Grade: A
Round 1: Brandan Wright (8), Marco Belinelli (18)
Round 2: Stephane Lasme (46)
Analysis: I think the Warriors made several excellent moves here. In exchange for Jason Richardson, they got a player with great upside in Wright, who will be at home given Golden State's up-tempo style. He also fits a need in the frontcourt.
Belinelli also will thrive with Golden State. He loves to let it fly and Nellie will let him.
But the biggest addition may have been one of subtraction. By sending Jason Richardson packing, the team created a whopping $10 million trade exception that they can use to lure a free agent via sign-and-trade or to help with a trade in the next year.
Houston Rockets
Grade: D+
Round 1: Aaron Brooks (26)
Round 2: Carl Landry (31), Brad Newley (54)
Analysis: New Houston GM Daryl Morey may be the resident Rocket scientist, but I don't get this draft.
Brooks is an undersized point guard who's really more of a 2-guard in the Earl Boykins mode.
Landry is tough and physical, which fits a need in Houston, but I don't think he's as good as Glen Davis, who was available.
Newley has talent, but does he really want to be a role player for the Rockets? If not, he can just stay in Australia and be a star.
Morey is smart, and he may make me look very stupid in a few years for saying this, but I think the Rockets' draft was one of the worst of the night.
Indiana Pacers
Grade: B-
Round 1: None
Round 2: Stanko Barac (39)
Analysis: Barac has generated a lot of buzz among international scouts. He was productive this year in Serbia (many young European prospects aren't very productive), and he's very skilled. He needs more experience and has to add some weight, but drafting him here was only a mild risk.
If he develops, they got a steal. If he never works out, they didn't give up much -- just a future second-round pick (Barac was drafted by Miami and then traded to Indiana for a future second-rounder).
Los Angeles Clippers
Grade: A-
Round 1: Al Thornton (14)
Round 2: Jared Jordan (45)
Analysis: The Clippers went bargain hunting and picked up two players who slipped further than they should have.
Thornton slipped because of his age (24) and questions about his wrist -- but he has an NBA-ready game. His arrival makes it appear that Corey Maggette is back on the trading block.
Jordan is one of the best pure point guards in this draft class. He's not big or athletic, but he has a sixth sense for seeing the floor the same way that injured Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston does.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade: B+
Round 1: Javaris Crittenton (19)
Round 2: Sun Yue (40), Marc Gasol (48)
Analysis: Phil Jackson likes big point guards who can shoot, and Crittenton has the talent to make the Lakers very happy -- if they're patient. Crittenton isn't ready now, though he could be soon.
The Lakers also did a nice job with those second-round picks. Sun can sell tickets in L.A -- and become an effective understudy for Luke Walton. Gasol doesn't have the talent or athleticism of his brother, but he is a big body who can be a nice role player down the road.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: A
Round 1: Mike Conley (4)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: The Grizzlies land the best point guard in the draft -- a guy who can, with seasoning, become a Tony Parker-like leader on the floor. With Conley, Pau Gasol, Mike Miller and Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies could be worth watching again. They probably won't be in the playoffs anytime soon in the crowded West, but they are headed in the right direction again.
Miami Heat
Grade: C+
Round 1: Daequan Cook (21)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: We all love Cook's talent, but he'll likely have the same role in Miami that he had at Ohio State -- on the bench. Pat Riley doesn't have much patience for young players who aren't ready. (Just ask Dorell Wright.) It's too bad Cook didn't stay in school another year.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: Yi Jianlian (6)
Round 2: Ramon Sessions (56)
Analysis: From a talent perspective, the Bucks made the right choice. But will Yi ever play in Milwaukee?
The Bucks knew they were taking a risk, because they knew Yi's camp didn't want him in Milwaukee. And now that the pick is made, Yi's camp will probably push for a trade.
If the Bucks have their way, they'll be rewarded with a player with tremendous potential.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: B
Round 1: Corey Brewer (7)
Round 2: Chris Richard (41)
Analysis: The Wolves tried hard to complete a Kevin Garnett trade that would net them more picks -- even on Thursday, Minnesota was talking with Golden State and Charlotte but couldn't seal the deal.
So they add Brewer, a versatile defender with an emerging offensive game, and Richard, a bruising big man who never got a chance to show his stuff in college.
Even if they keep KG, the additions won't be enough to put the Wolves back in the playoffs.
If they trade KG, then Brewer and Randy Foye, their '06 first-round pick, become the new backbone of the team.
New Jersey Nets
Grade: A-
Round 1: Sean Williams (17)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: I like risk-takers, so I applaud the Nets for taking a chance at No. 17. Williams has the talent of a lottery pick, but he slipped because of off-court issues.
Maybe the temptations the NBA provides will torpedo Williams' career. But in the right environment, he could become the athletic shot-blocker the Nets have sought for years.
New Orleans Hornets
Grade: B+
Round 1: Julian Wright (13)
Round 2: Adam Haluska (43)
Analysis: While Nick Young might have been the better fit, Wright is the better player. He's not a great shooter, but he does everything else really well and will be a great fit alongside Chris Paul in the open court -- and he has plenty of upside.
Haluska, on the other hand, seems like a huge stretch.
New York Knicks
Grade: B-
Round 1: Wilson Chandler (23)
Round 2: Demetris Nichols (53)
Analysis: Chandler has the athletic ability to be a very good NBA player -- but does he have the heart and head of an NBA player?
The Zach Randolph acquisition had nothing to do with the draft, but it was the real story on draft day for New York. While New York easily won the trade from a talent perspective, it was a reminder that Knicks president Isiah Thomas doesn't seem to understand chemistry. The Stephon Marbury-Steve Francis combo never worked, and likewise we have to wonder how a pairing of Randolph with Eddy Curry will work.
Orlando Magic
Grade: B
Round 1: None
Round 2: Reyshawn Terry (44)
Analysis: Terry is a good value in the second round. He's a prototypical small forward with a great body and good skills.
But the real story here is that the Magic traded their first-round pick to acquire Darko Milicic. So far, the trade looks like it's paying off for Orlando -- but Darko is a restricted free agent this summer, and Orlando is going to have to decide how much he's worth.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: A-
Round 1: Thaddeus Young (12), Jason Smith (20)
Round 2: Derrick Byars (42), Herbert Hill (55)
Analysis: I'm a big fan of the Sixers' draft. Young has as much upside as any small forward in the draft, and Smith has great potential as well -- really, the difference between him and Yi Jianlian isn't huge. Both are athletic 7-footers who can shoot the ball and run the floor.
Byars and Hill are value picks who could make the team.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: C
Round 1: Alando Tucker (29)
Round 2: D. J. Strawberry (59)
Analysis: For the fourth straight year, the Suns sold or traded a first-round pick. This year it was Rudy Fernandez to the Blazers. Last year it was Sergio Rodriguez to the Blazers. The year before it was Nate Robinson to the Knicks. And in 2004 it was Luol Deng to the Bulls. The Suns probably should have kept all of those picks.
Tucker was a bit of a surprise at No. 29. He's a fantastic athlete and scorer, but he can't shoot -- a big problem in Mike D'Antoni's system.
Strawberry gives the team versatility in the back court and a defensive presence. But he can't shoot either.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: A+
Round 1: Greg Oden (1), Rudy Fernandez (24), Petteri Koponen (30)
Round 2: Josh McRoberts (37), Taurean Green (52)
Analysis: For the second straight year, the Blazers walk away with the best grade in the draft.
Landing Oden alone gets them an A. But GM Kevin Pritchard didn't rest there. He also acquired two late first-rounders, including Fernandez, who is quickly becoming a star at the highest levels of the Euroleague. Both he and Koponen will likely play in Europe for one more year before heading to Portland.
In the second round, McRoberts, a close friend of Oden, was also a steal. But I'm not sure Green can make the team.
While they gave up a ton of talent in trading Zach Randolph, the Blazers saved roughly $30 million in long-term salaries, improved the locker-room atmosphere and landed a player in Frye who was virtually untouchable just a year ago.
Sacramento Kings
Grade: C+
Round 1: Spencer Hawes (10)
Round 2: None
Analysis: The Kings continue their tradition of big, unathletic centers in the middle. Hawes is a skilled player around the basket, and like Brad Miller, he's an amazing passer.
But his lack of athleticism will probably keep him from being a star. I think Al Thornton or Julian Wright may have been a better pick here.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A
Round 1: Tiago Splitter (28)
Round 2: Marcus Williams (33), Giorgos Printezis (58)
Analysis: The Spurs continue to amaze with their ability to find gems late in the draft. Splitter would've gone 10 to 15 spots higher if he had been able to get out of his contract and come to the NBA next season. But next summer, he can exercise a buyout and join the Spurs. When he comes, he'll be 23, battle-tested in the Euroleague and ready to supplant Fabricio Oberto in the middle.
As a pure small forward, Williams also seems like a great fit, as long as he can get with coach Gregg Popovich's team-oriented game plan. Printezis is a young, athletic forward who will continue to play in Greece for a while.
Seattle SuperSonics
Grade: A-
Round 1: Kevin Durant (2), Jeff Green (5)
Round 2: None
Analysis: Durant guarantees a high grade, but we have to consider the Sonics' other big move, as well.
The price was high for Green. While moving Ray Allen and his contract was smart, I'm not sure the same can be said for taking on Wally Szczerbiak's contract.
As for Green himself, he's a great prospect and a good complement to Durant. But I'm a little surprised they didn't go for Yi Jianlian at No. 5. Given the Sonics' potential move, he and Durant may have been able to keep basketball in Seattle for a long time.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Utah Jazz
Grade: B+
Round 1: Morris Almond (25)
Round 2: Kyrylo Fesenko (38)
Analysis: The Jazz wanted a shooter to stretch the defense, and they got one in Almond, possibly the best shooter in the draft. Almond is also a crafty scorer, but he needs to work on his athleticism.
Fesenko is a physical low-post presence who could be a nice complement to Mehmet Okur in the paint someday. Considering where they were picking, the Jazz drafted well.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B+
Round 1: Nick Young (16)
Round 2: Dominic McGuire (47)
Analysis: Landing Young here was a steal. Young and Gilbert Arenas will make a potent scoring duo in the backcourt.
McGuire is intriguing as an Andrei Kirilenko-type forward.
By Chad Ford
ESPN Insider
Updated: June 29, 2007
When I'm not covering the draft for ESPN, I grade students for a living as a university professor. So I know that grades can be arbitrary, and in the case of instant draft grades, they are based on incomplete information.
But they are also a necessary tool for evaluation.
So how did the 30 NBA teams do in Thursday night's draft?
Before Thursday, we billed it as the deepest draft in years -- and this year's grades reflect the quality of players available, thanks to Greg Oden, Kevin Durant and a host of others.
Atlanta Hawks
Grade: B
Round 1: Al Horford (3); Acie Law (11)
Round 2: None
Analysis: On talent, the Hawks probably should get an A. They got the best power forward and second-best point guard in the draft, filling two very large needs. The two rookies will make the team respectable. But the Hawks passed on the chance to become a dangerous playoff team -- they had a shot at getting Amare Stoudemire for these two picks and walked away. That's why we docked them.
Boston Celtics
Grade: B+
Round 1: None
Round 2: Gabe Pruitt (32), Glen Davis (35)
Analysis: Celtics fans clamoring for another star to play alongside Paul Pierce got their wish -- sort of. Ray Allen is still a great player, but a combination of him, Pierce and Al Jefferson doesn't necessarily make them a contender, even in the East -- which makes the trade of the No. 5 pick questionable.
Then again, they did dump Wally Szczerbiak's big contract and land two players in the second round who have a real chance of making their roster.
If Allen (plus whatever pieces Danny Ainge gets later this summer) puts them in the Eastern Conference finals, the trade was worth it. If he doesn't, Ainge may have mortgaged the future just to appease Pierce.
Charlotte Bobcats
Grade: B-
Round 1: Jared Dudley (22)
Round 2: Jermareo Davidson (36)
Analysis: The Bobcats traded the draft rights to Brandan Wright for the chance to overpay Jason Richardson. But Richardson actually is a good fit in Charlotte. The Bobcats needed a veteran, not more young players. And he provides exactly what the Bobcats need -- a potent scoring option in their backcourt.
His contract will have an impact, but if the Bobcats don't re-sign Gerald Wallace, they could still make a run at Rashard Lewis this summer.
Dudley and Davidson were good value picks -- especially Dudley, who has a chance to be a Shane Battier-type player in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls
Grade: B+
Round 1: Joakim Noah (9)
Round 2: Aaron Gray (49), JamesOn Curry (51)
Analysis: The Bulls got their guy at No. 9. Noah fits the Bulls' culture of hustle and passion.
But his offensive game is weak, so how can he play at the same time as Ben Wallace or Tyrus Thomas?
I'm not sure either second-round pick will stick on the roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Dallas Mavericks
Grade: C+
Round 1: None
Round 2: Nick Fazekas (34), Renaldas Seibutis (50), Milovan Rakovic (60)
Analysis: Fazekas' numbers suggest he'll be a good NBA player, but his slow feet say the opposite. He can shoot, but the Mavs have Dirk Nowitzki for that.
With more experience in Europe, Seibutis could be a good scorer. I doubt we'll ever hear from Rakovic again.
Denver Nuggets
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Detroit Pistons
Grade: A-
Round 1: Rodney Stuckey (15), Arron Afflalo (27)
Round 2: Sammy Mejia (57)
Analysis: At No. 15, the Pistons had a difficult choice between Nick Young and Stuckey. I had Young rated higher, but Stuckey was a better fit for Detroit. The high-scoring combo guard can provide relief to both Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton.
Afflalo is also a good fit with the Pistons because of his blue-collar work ethic.
I'm not sure if Mejia can make it as a third rookie guard on this roster.
Golden State Warriors
Grade: A
Round 1: Brandan Wright (8), Marco Belinelli (18)
Round 2: Stephane Lasme (46)
Analysis: I think the Warriors made several excellent moves here. In exchange for Jason Richardson, they got a player with great upside in Wright, who will be at home given Golden State's up-tempo style. He also fits a need in the frontcourt.
Belinelli also will thrive with Golden State. He loves to let it fly and Nellie will let him.
But the biggest addition may have been one of subtraction. By sending Jason Richardson packing, the team created a whopping $10 million trade exception that they can use to lure a free agent via sign-and-trade or to help with a trade in the next year.
Houston Rockets
Grade: D+
Round 1: Aaron Brooks (26)
Round 2: Carl Landry (31), Brad Newley (54)
Analysis: New Houston GM Daryl Morey may be the resident Rocket scientist, but I don't get this draft.
Brooks is an undersized point guard who's really more of a 2-guard in the Earl Boykins mode.
Landry is tough and physical, which fits a need in Houston, but I don't think he's as good as Glen Davis, who was available.
Newley has talent, but does he really want to be a role player for the Rockets? If not, he can just stay in Australia and be a star.
Morey is smart, and he may make me look very stupid in a few years for saying this, but I think the Rockets' draft was one of the worst of the night.
Indiana Pacers
Grade: B-
Round 1: None
Round 2: Stanko Barac (39)
Analysis: Barac has generated a lot of buzz among international scouts. He was productive this year in Serbia (many young European prospects aren't very productive), and he's very skilled. He needs more experience and has to add some weight, but drafting him here was only a mild risk.
If he develops, they got a steal. If he never works out, they didn't give up much -- just a future second-round pick (Barac was drafted by Miami and then traded to Indiana for a future second-rounder).
Los Angeles Clippers
Grade: A-
Round 1: Al Thornton (14)
Round 2: Jared Jordan (45)
Analysis: The Clippers went bargain hunting and picked up two players who slipped further than they should have.
Thornton slipped because of his age (24) and questions about his wrist -- but he has an NBA-ready game. His arrival makes it appear that Corey Maggette is back on the trading block.
Jordan is one of the best pure point guards in this draft class. He's not big or athletic, but he has a sixth sense for seeing the floor the same way that injured Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston does.
Los Angeles Lakers
Grade: B+
Round 1: Javaris Crittenton (19)
Round 2: Sun Yue (40), Marc Gasol (48)
Analysis: Phil Jackson likes big point guards who can shoot, and Crittenton has the talent to make the Lakers very happy -- if they're patient. Crittenton isn't ready now, though he could be soon.
The Lakers also did a nice job with those second-round picks. Sun can sell tickets in L.A -- and become an effective understudy for Luke Walton. Gasol doesn't have the talent or athleticism of his brother, but he is a big body who can be a nice role player down the road.
Memphis Grizzlies
Grade: A
Round 1: Mike Conley (4)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: The Grizzlies land the best point guard in the draft -- a guy who can, with seasoning, become a Tony Parker-like leader on the floor. With Conley, Pau Gasol, Mike Miller and Rudy Gay, the Grizzlies could be worth watching again. They probably won't be in the playoffs anytime soon in the crowded West, but they are headed in the right direction again.
Miami Heat
Grade: C+
Round 1: Daequan Cook (21)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: We all love Cook's talent, but he'll likely have the same role in Miami that he had at Ohio State -- on the bench. Pat Riley doesn't have much patience for young players who aren't ready. (Just ask Dorell Wright.) It's too bad Cook didn't stay in school another year.
Milwaukee Bucks
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: Yi Jianlian (6)
Round 2: Ramon Sessions (56)
Analysis: From a talent perspective, the Bucks made the right choice. But will Yi ever play in Milwaukee?
The Bucks knew they were taking a risk, because they knew Yi's camp didn't want him in Milwaukee. And now that the pick is made, Yi's camp will probably push for a trade.
If the Bucks have their way, they'll be rewarded with a player with tremendous potential.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Grade: B
Round 1: Corey Brewer (7)
Round 2: Chris Richard (41)
Analysis: The Wolves tried hard to complete a Kevin Garnett trade that would net them more picks -- even on Thursday, Minnesota was talking with Golden State and Charlotte but couldn't seal the deal.
So they add Brewer, a versatile defender with an emerging offensive game, and Richard, a bruising big man who never got a chance to show his stuff in college.
Even if they keep KG, the additions won't be enough to put the Wolves back in the playoffs.
If they trade KG, then Brewer and Randy Foye, their '06 first-round pick, become the new backbone of the team.
New Jersey Nets
Grade: A-
Round 1: Sean Williams (17)
Round 2: None.
Analysis: I like risk-takers, so I applaud the Nets for taking a chance at No. 17. Williams has the talent of a lottery pick, but he slipped because of off-court issues.
Maybe the temptations the NBA provides will torpedo Williams' career. But in the right environment, he could become the athletic shot-blocker the Nets have sought for years.
New Orleans Hornets
Grade: B+
Round 1: Julian Wright (13)
Round 2: Adam Haluska (43)
Analysis: While Nick Young might have been the better fit, Wright is the better player. He's not a great shooter, but he does everything else really well and will be a great fit alongside Chris Paul in the open court -- and he has plenty of upside.
Haluska, on the other hand, seems like a huge stretch.
New York Knicks
Grade: B-
Round 1: Wilson Chandler (23)
Round 2: Demetris Nichols (53)
Analysis: Chandler has the athletic ability to be a very good NBA player -- but does he have the heart and head of an NBA player?
The Zach Randolph acquisition had nothing to do with the draft, but it was the real story on draft day for New York. While New York easily won the trade from a talent perspective, it was a reminder that Knicks president Isiah Thomas doesn't seem to understand chemistry. The Stephon Marbury-Steve Francis combo never worked, and likewise we have to wonder how a pairing of Randolph with Eddy Curry will work.
Orlando Magic
Grade: B
Round 1: None
Round 2: Reyshawn Terry (44)
Analysis: Terry is a good value in the second round. He's a prototypical small forward with a great body and good skills.
But the real story here is that the Magic traded their first-round pick to acquire Darko Milicic. So far, the trade looks like it's paying off for Orlando -- but Darko is a restricted free agent this summer, and Orlando is going to have to decide how much he's worth.
Philadelphia 76ers
Grade: A-
Round 1: Thaddeus Young (12), Jason Smith (20)
Round 2: Derrick Byars (42), Herbert Hill (55)
Analysis: I'm a big fan of the Sixers' draft. Young has as much upside as any small forward in the draft, and Smith has great potential as well -- really, the difference between him and Yi Jianlian isn't huge. Both are athletic 7-footers who can shoot the ball and run the floor.
Byars and Hill are value picks who could make the team.
Phoenix Suns
Grade: C
Round 1: Alando Tucker (29)
Round 2: D. J. Strawberry (59)
Analysis: For the fourth straight year, the Suns sold or traded a first-round pick. This year it was Rudy Fernandez to the Blazers. Last year it was Sergio Rodriguez to the Blazers. The year before it was Nate Robinson to the Knicks. And in 2004 it was Luol Deng to the Bulls. The Suns probably should have kept all of those picks.
Tucker was a bit of a surprise at No. 29. He's a fantastic athlete and scorer, but he can't shoot -- a big problem in Mike D'Antoni's system.
Strawberry gives the team versatility in the back court and a defensive presence. But he can't shoot either.
Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: A+
Round 1: Greg Oden (1), Rudy Fernandez (24), Petteri Koponen (30)
Round 2: Josh McRoberts (37), Taurean Green (52)
Analysis: For the second straight year, the Blazers walk away with the best grade in the draft.
Landing Oden alone gets them an A. But GM Kevin Pritchard didn't rest there. He also acquired two late first-rounders, including Fernandez, who is quickly becoming a star at the highest levels of the Euroleague. Both he and Koponen will likely play in Europe for one more year before heading to Portland.
In the second round, McRoberts, a close friend of Oden, was also a steal. But I'm not sure Green can make the team.
While they gave up a ton of talent in trading Zach Randolph, the Blazers saved roughly $30 million in long-term salaries, improved the locker-room atmosphere and landed a player in Frye who was virtually untouchable just a year ago.
Sacramento Kings
Grade: C+
Round 1: Spencer Hawes (10)
Round 2: None
Analysis: The Kings continue their tradition of big, unathletic centers in the middle. Hawes is a skilled player around the basket, and like Brad Miller, he's an amazing passer.
But his lack of athleticism will probably keep him from being a star. I think Al Thornton or Julian Wright may have been a better pick here.
San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A
Round 1: Tiago Splitter (28)
Round 2: Marcus Williams (33), Giorgos Printezis (58)
Analysis: The Spurs continue to amaze with their ability to find gems late in the draft. Splitter would've gone 10 to 15 spots higher if he had been able to get out of his contract and come to the NBA next season. But next summer, he can exercise a buyout and join the Spurs. When he comes, he'll be 23, battle-tested in the Euroleague and ready to supplant Fabricio Oberto in the middle.
As a pure small forward, Williams also seems like a great fit, as long as he can get with coach Gregg Popovich's team-oriented game plan. Printezis is a young, athletic forward who will continue to play in Greece for a while.
Seattle SuperSonics
Grade: A-
Round 1: Kevin Durant (2), Jeff Green (5)
Round 2: None
Analysis: Durant guarantees a high grade, but we have to consider the Sonics' other big move, as well.
The price was high for Green. While moving Ray Allen and his contract was smart, I'm not sure the same can be said for taking on Wally Szczerbiak's contract.
As for Green himself, he's a great prospect and a good complement to Durant. But I'm a little surprised they didn't go for Yi Jianlian at No. 5. Given the Sonics' potential move, he and Durant may have been able to keep basketball in Seattle for a long time.
Toronto Raptors
Grade: Inc.
Round 1: None
Round 2: None
Analysis: No draft picks.
Utah Jazz
Grade: B+
Round 1: Morris Almond (25)
Round 2: Kyrylo Fesenko (38)
Analysis: The Jazz wanted a shooter to stretch the defense, and they got one in Almond, possibly the best shooter in the draft. Almond is also a crafty scorer, but he needs to work on his athleticism.
Fesenko is a physical low-post presence who could be a nice complement to Mehmet Okur in the paint someday. Considering where they were picking, the Jazz drafted well.
Washington Wizards
Grade: B+
Round 1: Nick Young (16)
Round 2: Dominic McGuire (47)
Analysis: Landing Young here was a steal. Young and Gilbert Arenas will make a potent scoring duo in the backcourt.
McGuire is intriguing as an Andrei Kirilenko-type forward.