Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks traded down from their pick at 17 to 24 and selected Jared Cunningham, a super athletic two guard who may be able to transition to point guard ala Russell Westbrook. Cunningham is intriguing because he's got the potential to be an elite defender but also led college basketball in fouls drawn. Also, if Cunningham can improve his shooting he could stay at shooting guard. Either way he'll have value as a defender and slasher. Their second round picks were a little more interesting though, when they went back-to-back taking 27 year old war vet Bernard James (33) and 6-5 power forward Jae Crowder (34). Both are very tough players and could be valuable by toughing up practices, but I don't see either being much of a contributor. This may have been a move to avoid having to take on money, though I don't know why they didn't take a chance on Quincy Miller or Will Barton or take a solid contributor like Draymond Green or Doron Lamb. I worry that Dallas is putting all their eggs in the Deron Williams basket and if he picks Brooklyn, they'll be left with a pretty weak roster. They already will have nothing at center after they amnesty Brendan Haywood are seriously lacking in depth.
Projected depth chart
PG: Rodrigue Beaubois/Jared Cunningham
SG: Vince Carter/Dominique Jones
SF: Shawn Marion/Jae Crowder
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Brendan Wright
C: Bernard James
Houston Rockets
It seems safe to say that most if not all of these players that Houston has drafted, including three first round picks, will actually end up on the Rockets roster, these picks are all about acquiring assets to swing a big trade, though their first pick Jeremy Lamb (12) does fill a big need for backup shooting guard and an insurance policy for the injury prone Kevin Martin. I really like Lamb's potential to be a lockdown defender who can also light up the score board on occasion, down the line he could develop into a solid number 2 or 3 for a good team. Their next pick could be seen as a big steal down the line because of the potential Royce White (16) has, White is a big and athletic point forward who can do just about everything on the floor and could really turn into a star for Houston, or he could be out of the league in three years because of an anxiety issue and a fear of flying, though if that was a really big concern, I doubt any team would have taken him, let alone at 16. The next Rockets pick doesn't make much sense unless you're viewing these picks as simply trade assets, there's no reason Terrence Jones should have fallen to 18, so he was a good value, but he's very similar to White as a player and plays the same position a number of other Rockets players, again these are all just being acquired as trade assets. The Rockets also acquired Clippers second round pick Furkan Aldemir, an undersized Turkish center who can really rebound. The Rockets will look like a drastically different team at the start of the season, it's just impossible to know how, but one thing's for sure is Greg Smith probably won't be the starting center.
Projected depth chart
PG: Kyle Lowry/Courtney Fortson
SG: Kevin Martin/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Chandler Parsons/Royce White/Marcus Morris
PF: Luis Scola/Patrick Paterson/Terrence Jones
C: Greg Smith
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies had one really big need going into the draft, backup point guard, and filled it with their one pick at 25 with a good value in high upside point guard Tony Wroten. Wroten is a huge, 6-6 athletic point guard who can get to the rim at will and has great court vision and passing ability, sort of a more raw Tyreke Evans. Wroten can play out of control though and his jump shot needs work, but even if he gets a passable jumper and learns to reign it in a little, he could be a star. Also, with his size he can guard shootings guards and should be able to play alongside Mike Conley, which is good because Memphis is likely to lose O.J. Mayo to free agency and they'll need to replace his offense off the bench.
Projected depth chart
PG: Mike Conley Jr/Tony Wroten Jr/Josh Selby
SG: Tony Allen/Wroten Jr
SF: Rudy Gay/Quincy Pondexter
PF: Zach Randolph/Darrell Arthur*
C: Marc Gasol
New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets would have had a successful draft even if they didn't do anything after their first pick, because with their first pick they got easily the best prospect in the draft, Anthony Davis. The question with Davis is just how good he'll be, we know right off the bat he'll be a game changer defensively and he's got the tools and the work ethic to be a force offensively as well. The Hornets also had a very good rest of the draft, with the tenth pick they got from the Chris Paul trade, they selected Austin Rivers, who I have reservations about because of his demeanor and effort in other parts of the game besides offense, but he's in a great situation with teammates who demand the most of him and one of the best coaches of young players, Monty Williams. If Rivers doesn't succeed in New Orleans, he probably wasn't going to succeed anywhere. In the second round New Orleans made a great pick in Darius Miller, Anthony Davis' former teammate at Kentucky and a great backup small forward who can stretch the floor and play defense. The future is very bright in New Orleans.
Projected depth chart
PG: Greivis Vasquez/Jarrett Jack
SG: Eric Gordon/Austin Rivers/Xavier Henry
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu/Darius Miller
PF: Anthony Davis/Jason Smith
C: Gustavo Ayon/Smith
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs only had 1 really late second round pick, 59, but they took one of my favorite players in the draft and someone who can easily make their team and see minutes. Marcus Denmon is a combo guard who is a knockdown shooter who defends well and can handle to ball well enough to be a primary ball handler. Gary Neal really struggled at times during the playoffs, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs replaced him with Denmon, who is a better defender.
Projected depth chart
PG: Tony Parker/Cory Joseph
SG: Danny Green*/Manu Ginobili
SF: Kawhi Leonard/Stephen Jackson
PF: Tim Duncan/DaJuan Blair
C: Tiago Splitter/Duncan
*Currently unsigned
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Draft review: Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors really wanted a small forward, but didn't feel like there would be any available at pick 7 worth taking, however they lucked out when North Carolina's Harrison Barnes fell to them. Barnes is exactly what the Warriors wanted and should be a really good fit in Golden State. Barnes will give the Warriors three very good outside shooters (Barnes, Klay Thompson, Steph Curry) to go around Andrew Bogut and David Lee in the paint. My one concern is that none of those three are great off the dribble, so a lot of pressure will be on Barnes, who has the tools to do it, but hasn't shown that he can do it yet. With their second first rounder with the last pick in the first took some Bogut/Biedrins insurance in Vanderbilt's Festus Ezeli who should be a solid backup center for them. In the 2nd, they got a steal and Euro stash pick. Draymond Green of Michigan State was the steal at 35, he's and ultimate glue guy and will bring a good attitude and versatility. With a big roster, the Warriors used their 52nd pick on an stash player in Ognjen Kuzmic from Bosnia, who is big and long, but needs to work on his skill level and get stronger.
Projected depth chart
PG: Stephen Curry/Charles Jenkins
SG: Klay Thompson/Richard Jefferson
SF: Harrison Barnes/Dorell Wright
PF: David Lee/Draymond Green
C: Andrew Bogut/Andris Biedrins/Festus Ezeli
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers had one pick, in the second round and they traded it the day after the draft in a four way deal for Lamar Odom. If Odom can get back to his Sixth Man of the Year level, he'll be a great pickup for the Clippers, but they've still got some work to do at shooting guard and depth everywhere but point guard and power forward.
Projected depth chart
PG: Chris Paul/Eric Bledsoe
SG: Nick Young
SF: Caron Butler/Ryan Gomes
PF: Blake Griffin/Lamar Odom
C: DeAndre Jordan
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers only had two late second round selections and they pick up one player that should make the team and one that most likely won't. At 55, they took Darius Johnson-Odom who is undersized for a two guard, but really strong, tough, athletic, a good defender, and shot 39% from 3 his last year at Marquette, he'll make the team if only for how hard he'll work in practices. There other pick, the last pick in the draft, was Gonzaga's Robert Sacre, who is big but not very athletic and only marginally skilled. The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make about what to do with a roster is on the way down, not up, and this draft didn't change that.
Projected depth chart
PG: Steve Blake/Andrew Goudelock
SG: Kobe Bryant/Darius Johnson-Odom
SF: Metta World Peace
PF: Pau Gasol/Josh McRoberts
C: Andre Bynum/Gasol
Phoenix Suns
The Suns only had one pick and they took a presumed replacement for Steve Nash, who they must not have much hope of resigning. Marshall is a special passer, not quite the magician Nash is yet, but he should be able to run the Suns up-tempo offense very well, but he won't give Phoenix the scoring Nash did. I love Marshall's passing and he's the type of point guard other players want to play with, but I worry off his ability to score and defend. Still, he's a great fit for the offense and will make lesser players better. The Suns have nothing else in their backcourt, literally nothing except Sebastian Telfair, so they'll have to find at least three more guards to put with Marshall.
Projected depth chart
PG: Kendall Marshall/Sebastian Telfair
SG: Shannon Brown*
SF: Jared Dudley/Josh Childress
PF: Channing Frye/Markieff Morris
C: Marcin Gortat
Sacramento Kings
With perhaps the best pick in the draft the Kings filled their biggest need with the best player available and got perhaps the best fit in the draft. The Kings needed a power forward and they got a great one in Thomas Robinson at 5. He'll fit great next to DeMarcus Cousins and should make the Kings one of the best rebounding teams in the League. Sacramento is a team full of shot takers and Robinson doesn't need to shoot to be effective and he also plays with the kind of fire and intensity that the Kings have lacked for quite some time. I wouldn't be surprised to see Robinson become the leader of this team early on and average close to a double-double, his rookie season while also playing tough defense.
Projected depth chart
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Jimmer Fredette
SG: Marcus Thornton/Evans
SF: Tyreke Evans/John Salmons
PF: Thomas Robinson/Hassan Whiteside
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Chuck Hayes
*Currently unsigned
The Warriors really wanted a small forward, but didn't feel like there would be any available at pick 7 worth taking, however they lucked out when North Carolina's Harrison Barnes fell to them. Barnes is exactly what the Warriors wanted and should be a really good fit in Golden State. Barnes will give the Warriors three very good outside shooters (Barnes, Klay Thompson, Steph Curry) to go around Andrew Bogut and David Lee in the paint. My one concern is that none of those three are great off the dribble, so a lot of pressure will be on Barnes, who has the tools to do it, but hasn't shown that he can do it yet. With their second first rounder with the last pick in the first took some Bogut/Biedrins insurance in Vanderbilt's Festus Ezeli who should be a solid backup center for them. In the 2nd, they got a steal and Euro stash pick. Draymond Green of Michigan State was the steal at 35, he's and ultimate glue guy and will bring a good attitude and versatility. With a big roster, the Warriors used their 52nd pick on an stash player in Ognjen Kuzmic from Bosnia, who is big and long, but needs to work on his skill level and get stronger.
Projected depth chart
PG: Stephen Curry/Charles Jenkins
SG: Klay Thompson/Richard Jefferson
SF: Harrison Barnes/Dorell Wright
PF: David Lee/Draymond Green
C: Andrew Bogut/Andris Biedrins/Festus Ezeli
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers had one pick, in the second round and they traded it the day after the draft in a four way deal for Lamar Odom. If Odom can get back to his Sixth Man of the Year level, he'll be a great pickup for the Clippers, but they've still got some work to do at shooting guard and depth everywhere but point guard and power forward.
Projected depth chart
PG: Chris Paul/Eric Bledsoe
SG: Nick Young
SF: Caron Butler/Ryan Gomes
PF: Blake Griffin/Lamar Odom
C: DeAndre Jordan
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers only had two late second round selections and they pick up one player that should make the team and one that most likely won't. At 55, they took Darius Johnson-Odom who is undersized for a two guard, but really strong, tough, athletic, a good defender, and shot 39% from 3 his last year at Marquette, he'll make the team if only for how hard he'll work in practices. There other pick, the last pick in the draft, was Gonzaga's Robert Sacre, who is big but not very athletic and only marginally skilled. The Lakers have a lot of decisions to make about what to do with a roster is on the way down, not up, and this draft didn't change that.
Projected depth chart
PG: Steve Blake/Andrew Goudelock
SG: Kobe Bryant/Darius Johnson-Odom
SF: Metta World Peace
PF: Pau Gasol/Josh McRoberts
C: Andre Bynum/Gasol
Phoenix Suns
The Suns only had one pick and they took a presumed replacement for Steve Nash, who they must not have much hope of resigning. Marshall is a special passer, not quite the magician Nash is yet, but he should be able to run the Suns up-tempo offense very well, but he won't give Phoenix the scoring Nash did. I love Marshall's passing and he's the type of point guard other players want to play with, but I worry off his ability to score and defend. Still, he's a great fit for the offense and will make lesser players better. The Suns have nothing else in their backcourt, literally nothing except Sebastian Telfair, so they'll have to find at least three more guards to put with Marshall.
Projected depth chart
PG: Kendall Marshall/Sebastian Telfair
SG: Shannon Brown*
SF: Jared Dudley/Josh Childress
PF: Channing Frye/Markieff Morris
C: Marcin Gortat
Sacramento Kings
With perhaps the best pick in the draft the Kings filled their biggest need with the best player available and got perhaps the best fit in the draft. The Kings needed a power forward and they got a great one in Thomas Robinson at 5. He'll fit great next to DeMarcus Cousins and should make the Kings one of the best rebounding teams in the League. Sacramento is a team full of shot takers and Robinson doesn't need to shoot to be effective and he also plays with the kind of fire and intensity that the Kings have lacked for quite some time. I wouldn't be surprised to see Robinson become the leader of this team early on and average close to a double-double, his rookie season while also playing tough defense.
Projected depth chart
PG: Isaiah Thomas/Jimmer Fredette
SG: Marcus Thornton/Evans
SF: Tyreke Evans/John Salmons
PF: Thomas Robinson/Hassan Whiteside
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Chuck Hayes
*Currently unsigned
Friday, June 29, 2012
Draft review: Northwest
Denver Nuggets
I really liked what the Nuggets did in this draft, they took good players and gave themselves a lot of flexibility going forward. With their first round pick, they took French shooting guard Evan Fournier, who can either stay in Europe if they re-sign Rudy Fernandez or bring him over to take his minutes if Fernandez leaves. Fournier is a talented young player and would really fit well with Denver's offense because of his ability to get to the rim and handle the ball on the break. Then with their second round pick, the Nuggets got what could be the steal of the draft when they took Baylor's Quincy Miller. Miller has top 10 talent, but fell because a issue with his knee, however with the 38th pick in the draft there is no risk and all reward. Miller is also a good fit in Denver and will have a chance to be coached and developed by one of the better coaching staffs in the NBA. With their last pick, the Nuggets took a project Euro big man that they will keep in Europe, as they have a pretty full roster. Turkey's Izzet Turkyilmaz is tall and has some interesting skills, but he needs to get a lot bigger and is a ways away from contributing to an NBA team.
Projected depth chart
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo/Corey Brewer
SF: Danilo Gallinari/Wilson Chandler/Justin Hamilton
PF: Kenneth Faried/Al Harrington/Quincy Miller
C: JaVale McGee/Timofey Mozgov
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves traded their first round pick that they got from Utah to Houston for Chase Budinger. There might have been a player that will end up being better than Budinger available at that pick, but Budinger is exactly what the Timberwolves needed and a great fit on this team, where his former coach Rick Adelman already knows how to use him and Budinger knows the system Adelman runs. Minnesota did have a late second round pick and they took Robbie Hummel, who once had a future as a first round pick, but two ACL tears really hurt his chances. However, the Timberwolves took him and if the knees hold up, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make the team. Hummel is a great fit in Rick Adelman's system because he can pass and shoot, defensively he needs work but as a 3 point specialist he has value and he's such a hard worker that just having him in practices is valuable to a team.
Projected depth chart
PG: Ricky Rubio/Luke Ridnour
SG: Chase Budinger/J.J. Barea
SF: Wes Johnson/Martell Webster
PF: Kevin Love/Derrick Williams
C: Nikola Pekovic/Darko Milicic
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder reportedly didn't want to have to pay a rookie guaranteed money, so they were trying to trade this pick or were planning on take a Euro to keep overseas for a while. However, all that changed when Perry Jones III, who was in the debate for top overall pick before the season started, fell to them at 28 because of a knee injury. Jones also has worries about his motor and whether he can take over a game, but in Oklahoma City, he'll never have to take over a game and can just focus on what he does best and playing hard for limited minutes a game. Jones actually really reminds me of a former Thunder player Jeff Green, in that he doesn't really have a set position and is very skilled, but is just best suited as a second or third option on a team, not as an alpha dog. Jones will have some of the most passionate basketball players in the NBA egging him on and teaching him in Westbrook, Durant, and Perkins, so it's probably the best opportunity for Jones to have landed in.
Projected depth chart
PG: Russell Westbrook/Eric Maynor/Reggie Jackson
SG: Thabo Sefolosha/James Harden/Daequan Cook
SF: Kevin Durant/Sefolosha
PF: Serge Ibaka/Perry Jones III
C: Kendrick Perkin/Nick Collison
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers had two picks in the top 11, so if they don't come away with at least an above average player and a contributor, this draft will be a really big disappointment. However, I do like the picks that Portland made and they should have come away with three starters. Coming into the draft, the Blazers has big holes at point guard, center, and shooting guard. At 6, the took Damian Lillard, a scoring point guard who still needs to learn how to run a team and didn't play against elite competition (in 102 games at Weber State, he never faced a top 25 team) but he's a good athlete and a great shooter who is smart and steady enough to learn how to run a team pretty easily. With the 11th pick, the Blazers got their center in Meyers Leonard, a big athletic defensive center who can rebound and score close to the basket, there's some risk, but I think his downside is probably Joel Pryzbilla, he's a good fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge. Finally, with their second round pick the Blazers got one of the best values in the draft when they filled their hole at shooting guard with Will Barton at pick 40. Barton could easily have gone in the late first round and is a great compliment to Wes Matthews. I wouldn't be surprised if Barton starts and Matthews returns to the sixth man role he formerly thrived in.
Projected depth chart
PG: Damian Lillard/Nolan Smith
SG: Will Barton/Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum*/Shawne Williams
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/J.J. Hickson*
C: Meyers Leonard/Aldridge
Utah Jazz
Despite not having a first round pick, the Utah Jazz had about as good of a past two days as they could possibly have imagined. First, with their second round pick, the Jazz got Kevin Murphy (47) who does two things: he's a really good shooter and is athletic enough to hold his own on defense. The Jazz really needed to get a three point shooter to space the floor for their big men because Gordon Heyward was the only above average three point shooter on the team last season. Then today, the Jazz were able to get another deadly shooter in Mo Williams for free as part of the Lamar Odom trade to the Clippers. Williams is an upgrade at backup point guard and could even usurp Devin Harris if Harris doesn't improve. Don't forget, the Jazz also have a ton of assets and could make a big trade if they want this summer.
Projected depth chart
PG: Devin Harris/Mo Williams
SG: Alec Burks/C.J. Miles*
SF: Gordon Hayward/Kevin Murphy
PF: Paul Millsap/Derrick Favors
C: Al Jefferson/Enes Kanter
*Currently unsigned
I really liked what the Nuggets did in this draft, they took good players and gave themselves a lot of flexibility going forward. With their first round pick, they took French shooting guard Evan Fournier, who can either stay in Europe if they re-sign Rudy Fernandez or bring him over to take his minutes if Fernandez leaves. Fournier is a talented young player and would really fit well with Denver's offense because of his ability to get to the rim and handle the ball on the break. Then with their second round pick, the Nuggets got what could be the steal of the draft when they took Baylor's Quincy Miller. Miller has top 10 talent, but fell because a issue with his knee, however with the 38th pick in the draft there is no risk and all reward. Miller is also a good fit in Denver and will have a chance to be coached and developed by one of the better coaching staffs in the NBA. With their last pick, the Nuggets took a project Euro big man that they will keep in Europe, as they have a pretty full roster. Turkey's Izzet Turkyilmaz is tall and has some interesting skills, but he needs to get a lot bigger and is a ways away from contributing to an NBA team.
Projected depth chart
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo/Corey Brewer
SF: Danilo Gallinari/Wilson Chandler/Justin Hamilton
PF: Kenneth Faried/Al Harrington/Quincy Miller
C: JaVale McGee/Timofey Mozgov
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves traded their first round pick that they got from Utah to Houston for Chase Budinger. There might have been a player that will end up being better than Budinger available at that pick, but Budinger is exactly what the Timberwolves needed and a great fit on this team, where his former coach Rick Adelman already knows how to use him and Budinger knows the system Adelman runs. Minnesota did have a late second round pick and they took Robbie Hummel, who once had a future as a first round pick, but two ACL tears really hurt his chances. However, the Timberwolves took him and if the knees hold up, I wouldn't be surprised to see him make the team. Hummel is a great fit in Rick Adelman's system because he can pass and shoot, defensively he needs work but as a 3 point specialist he has value and he's such a hard worker that just having him in practices is valuable to a team.
Projected depth chart
PG: Ricky Rubio/Luke Ridnour
SG: Chase Budinger/J.J. Barea
SF: Wes Johnson/Martell Webster
PF: Kevin Love/Derrick Williams
C: Nikola Pekovic/Darko Milicic
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder reportedly didn't want to have to pay a rookie guaranteed money, so they were trying to trade this pick or were planning on take a Euro to keep overseas for a while. However, all that changed when Perry Jones III, who was in the debate for top overall pick before the season started, fell to them at 28 because of a knee injury. Jones also has worries about his motor and whether he can take over a game, but in Oklahoma City, he'll never have to take over a game and can just focus on what he does best and playing hard for limited minutes a game. Jones actually really reminds me of a former Thunder player Jeff Green, in that he doesn't really have a set position and is very skilled, but is just best suited as a second or third option on a team, not as an alpha dog. Jones will have some of the most passionate basketball players in the NBA egging him on and teaching him in Westbrook, Durant, and Perkins, so it's probably the best opportunity for Jones to have landed in.
Projected depth chart
PG: Russell Westbrook/Eric Maynor/Reggie Jackson
SG: Thabo Sefolosha/James Harden/Daequan Cook
SF: Kevin Durant/Sefolosha
PF: Serge Ibaka/Perry Jones III
C: Kendrick Perkin/Nick Collison
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers had two picks in the top 11, so if they don't come away with at least an above average player and a contributor, this draft will be a really big disappointment. However, I do like the picks that Portland made and they should have come away with three starters. Coming into the draft, the Blazers has big holes at point guard, center, and shooting guard. At 6, the took Damian Lillard, a scoring point guard who still needs to learn how to run a team and didn't play against elite competition (in 102 games at Weber State, he never faced a top 25 team) but he's a good athlete and a great shooter who is smart and steady enough to learn how to run a team pretty easily. With the 11th pick, the Blazers got their center in Meyers Leonard, a big athletic defensive center who can rebound and score close to the basket, there's some risk, but I think his downside is probably Joel Pryzbilla, he's a good fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge. Finally, with their second round pick the Blazers got one of the best values in the draft when they filled their hole at shooting guard with Will Barton at pick 40. Barton could easily have gone in the late first round and is a great compliment to Wes Matthews. I wouldn't be surprised if Barton starts and Matthews returns to the sixth man role he formerly thrived in.
Projected depth chart
PG: Damian Lillard/Nolan Smith
SG: Will Barton/Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum*/Shawne Williams
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/J.J. Hickson*
C: Meyers Leonard/Aldridge
Utah Jazz
Despite not having a first round pick, the Utah Jazz had about as good of a past two days as they could possibly have imagined. First, with their second round pick, the Jazz got Kevin Murphy (47) who does two things: he's a really good shooter and is athletic enough to hold his own on defense. The Jazz really needed to get a three point shooter to space the floor for their big men because Gordon Heyward was the only above average three point shooter on the team last season. Then today, the Jazz were able to get another deadly shooter in Mo Williams for free as part of the Lamar Odom trade to the Clippers. Williams is an upgrade at backup point guard and could even usurp Devin Harris if Harris doesn't improve. Don't forget, the Jazz also have a ton of assets and could make a big trade if they want this summer.
Projected depth chart
PG: Devin Harris/Mo Williams
SG: Alec Burks/C.J. Miles*
SF: Gordon Hayward/Kevin Murphy
PF: Paul Millsap/Derrick Favors
C: Al Jefferson/Enes Kanter
*Currently unsigned
Draft review: Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks had a very average draft. They didn't take any risks and got players who project as solid role players, but with much less upside. At 23, they took perhaps the best shooter in the draft in John Jenkins, who has deep range and a quick release but little else to his game. He should be a solid backup shooting guard and give the Hawks some spacing they really need. I with their second round pick, the Hawks selected Virginia's Mike Scott, who I really like as a backup power forward who can shoot the ball and play physical defense, sort a later career Joe Smith. However, in both cases they passed on more risky, but higher upside players, though given the amount of shots that need to go around in Atlanta, taking solid role players might not be such a bad idea. Both Jenkins and Scott are players who will help you win but neither will take you to great from good, where Atlanta has been for quite a few years now. Atlanta has a pretty barren roster depth-wise, so I'd expect them to either be active in the trade market or looking for some free agent bargains.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jeff Teague
SG: Joe Johnson/John Jenkins
SF: Marvin Williams
PF: Josh Smith/Mike Scott
C: Al Horford/Zaza Pachulia
Charlotte Bobcats
I thought that the Bobcats should have taken Thomas Robinson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist because they likely weren't going to get a top, franchise changing player here so they needed to take a player that will bring leadership and be the kind of player that other players want to play with so you can get that number 1 option. Kidd-Gilchrist needs to add some offensive polish, but can do everything else on the floor will be the hardest worker from day 1 in Charlotte. I also like Charlotte's second pick, Jeffery Taylor, who they took with the first pick of the 2nd round (31). Taylor is a similar, defensive minded wing who shot 42% from 3 and is an explosive athlete with a quick first step. Scoring will still be hard to come by in Charlotte, but their defense should be very much improved.
Projected depth chart
PG: D.J. Augustin*/Kemba Walker
SG: Gerald Henderson/Ben Gordon
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Jeffery Taylor
PF: D.J. White*/Tyrus Thomas
C: Bismack Biyombo/ Byron Mullens
Miami Heat
The Heat had a late first round pick, but traded it to Philadelphia for the Sixers second rounder and a lottery protected pick next season. With that second rounder, the Heat took LSU big man Justin Hamilton (45), who under performed at LSU but was reportedly very good in workouts. Hamilton was a reach who is unlikely to contribute to Miami, and I'm not sure why they didn't either take a shooter to replace Mike Miller or another big man to bolster a pretty poor rotation. I know that the Heat just came off winning an NBA Title, but the rest of the league is going to be getting better in an attempt to take them down, so I think it's a mistake to not try to improve, and make yourself more versatile.
Projected depth chart
PG: Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole
SG: Dwayne Wade/Battier
SF: Shane Battier/James Jones
PF: LeBron James/Udonis Haslem
C: Chris Bosh/Joel Anthony
Orlando Magic
It's nice to see the Magic finally get someone else who can play defense besides Dwight Howard. At 19, the Magic got one of the better two way players in the draft in Andrew Nicholson who is a really good shooter, but also a solid defender and shot blocker. Yes, he offensively duplicates Ryan Anderson somewhat, but what's to say the Magic even bring back Anderson, who is a restricted free agent. Someone is going to sign him to a really big deal and I don't think the Magic want another big contract on their books. Plus, with a whole new management and coaching staff, they won't have any loyalty to Anderson or even thinks he fits their system. With their round second pick, the Magic took a back/insurance policy center in Kyle O'Quinn (49), who has a good chance not only to make the team, but be Dwight Howard's backup. Obviously, the Magic's season hinges on what happens with Dwight Howard, but this draft did a good job of getting them some solid rotation players, which isn't bad considering where they were picking.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jameer Nelson/Chris Duhon
SG: Jason Richardson/J.J. Redick
SF: Hedo Turkoglu/Quentin Richardson
PF: Glen Davis/Andrew Nicholson
C: Dwight Howard/Kyle O'Quinn
Washington Wizards
Despite their best effort to completely telegraph which player they wanted at 3, the Wizards got not only the player they wanted but the player they needed. Whatever you think about the trade the Wizards made for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, one thing was clear before and after the trade: Washington needed shooting and a perimeter scorer. Bradley Beal can do both those things and is the kind of high character player the Wizards want after past experiences with certain other players. Beal also has star upside, something that no one else on the Wizards besides John Wall has. In the 2nd round, Washington took a Euro to stash in Czech Tomas Satoransky, an athletic point forward type who can really play, though I don't think he's in Washington's immediate plans, as they've already talked about how they want him to develop in Europe where he can get playing time, as opposed to on the Wizards. I understand that reasoning, and I don't think Satoransky was a bad pick, but I would have taken Doron Lamb and gotten even more shooting, which they need or Draymond Green, who'll just help you win.
Projected depth chart
PG: John Wall/Shelvin Mack
SG: Bradley Beal/Jordan Crawford
SF: Trevor Ariza/Chris Singleton
PF: Nene/Trevor Booker/Jan Vesely
C: Emeka Okafor/Kevin Seraphin
*Currently unsigned
The Hawks had a very average draft. They didn't take any risks and got players who project as solid role players, but with much less upside. At 23, they took perhaps the best shooter in the draft in John Jenkins, who has deep range and a quick release but little else to his game. He should be a solid backup shooting guard and give the Hawks some spacing they really need. I with their second round pick, the Hawks selected Virginia's Mike Scott, who I really like as a backup power forward who can shoot the ball and play physical defense, sort a later career Joe Smith. However, in both cases they passed on more risky, but higher upside players, though given the amount of shots that need to go around in Atlanta, taking solid role players might not be such a bad idea. Both Jenkins and Scott are players who will help you win but neither will take you to great from good, where Atlanta has been for quite a few years now. Atlanta has a pretty barren roster depth-wise, so I'd expect them to either be active in the trade market or looking for some free agent bargains.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jeff Teague
SG: Joe Johnson/John Jenkins
SF: Marvin Williams
PF: Josh Smith/Mike Scott
C: Al Horford/Zaza Pachulia
Charlotte Bobcats
I thought that the Bobcats should have taken Thomas Robinson or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist because they likely weren't going to get a top, franchise changing player here so they needed to take a player that will bring leadership and be the kind of player that other players want to play with so you can get that number 1 option. Kidd-Gilchrist needs to add some offensive polish, but can do everything else on the floor will be the hardest worker from day 1 in Charlotte. I also like Charlotte's second pick, Jeffery Taylor, who they took with the first pick of the 2nd round (31). Taylor is a similar, defensive minded wing who shot 42% from 3 and is an explosive athlete with a quick first step. Scoring will still be hard to come by in Charlotte, but their defense should be very much improved.
Projected depth chart
PG: D.J. Augustin*/Kemba Walker
SG: Gerald Henderson/Ben Gordon
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Jeffery Taylor
PF: D.J. White*/Tyrus Thomas
C: Bismack Biyombo/ Byron Mullens
Miami Heat
The Heat had a late first round pick, but traded it to Philadelphia for the Sixers second rounder and a lottery protected pick next season. With that second rounder, the Heat took LSU big man Justin Hamilton (45), who under performed at LSU but was reportedly very good in workouts. Hamilton was a reach who is unlikely to contribute to Miami, and I'm not sure why they didn't either take a shooter to replace Mike Miller or another big man to bolster a pretty poor rotation. I know that the Heat just came off winning an NBA Title, but the rest of the league is going to be getting better in an attempt to take them down, so I think it's a mistake to not try to improve, and make yourself more versatile.
Projected depth chart
PG: Mario Chalmers/Norris Cole
SG: Dwayne Wade/Battier
SF: Shane Battier/James Jones
PF: LeBron James/Udonis Haslem
C: Chris Bosh/Joel Anthony
Orlando Magic
It's nice to see the Magic finally get someone else who can play defense besides Dwight Howard. At 19, the Magic got one of the better two way players in the draft in Andrew Nicholson who is a really good shooter, but also a solid defender and shot blocker. Yes, he offensively duplicates Ryan Anderson somewhat, but what's to say the Magic even bring back Anderson, who is a restricted free agent. Someone is going to sign him to a really big deal and I don't think the Magic want another big contract on their books. Plus, with a whole new management and coaching staff, they won't have any loyalty to Anderson or even thinks he fits their system. With their round second pick, the Magic took a back/insurance policy center in Kyle O'Quinn (49), who has a good chance not only to make the team, but be Dwight Howard's backup. Obviously, the Magic's season hinges on what happens with Dwight Howard, but this draft did a good job of getting them some solid rotation players, which isn't bad considering where they were picking.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jameer Nelson/Chris Duhon
SG: Jason Richardson/J.J. Redick
SF: Hedo Turkoglu/Quentin Richardson
PF: Glen Davis/Andrew Nicholson
C: Dwight Howard/Kyle O'Quinn
Washington Wizards
Despite their best effort to completely telegraph which player they wanted at 3, the Wizards got not only the player they wanted but the player they needed. Whatever you think about the trade the Wizards made for Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza, one thing was clear before and after the trade: Washington needed shooting and a perimeter scorer. Bradley Beal can do both those things and is the kind of high character player the Wizards want after past experiences with certain other players. Beal also has star upside, something that no one else on the Wizards besides John Wall has. In the 2nd round, Washington took a Euro to stash in Czech Tomas Satoransky, an athletic point forward type who can really play, though I don't think he's in Washington's immediate plans, as they've already talked about how they want him to develop in Europe where he can get playing time, as opposed to on the Wizards. I understand that reasoning, and I don't think Satoransky was a bad pick, but I would have taken Doron Lamb and gotten even more shooting, which they need or Draymond Green, who'll just help you win.
Projected depth chart
PG: John Wall/Shelvin Mack
SG: Bradley Beal/Jordan Crawford
SF: Trevor Ariza/Chris Singleton
PF: Nene/Trevor Booker/Jan Vesely
C: Emeka Okafor/Kevin Seraphin
*Currently unsigned
Draft review: Central Division
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls only had one pick, but it ended up being one of the best picks in the draft. With Derrick Rose out for at least the first couple months of the season and only C.J. Watson on the roster at point guard, the Bulls had to find a point and one fell into their lap at 29 with Marquis Teague, who easily could have gone 10 spots higher and no one would have blinked an eye. Teague is a similar type of player to Rose as a rookie, in that he's extremely quick and explosive but is still working on his jumpshot and learning how to run an offense. Teague improved dramatically over the course of the season and should see minutes immediately, with a chance to start later on in the season. I still expect the Bulls to bring in a veteran guard because Teague isn't ready to run a team yet, but considering he's a better prospect than his brother, who is Atlanta's starting point guard, this is a great pick.
Projected depth chart
PG: C.J. Watson/Marquis Teague
SG: Richard Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson
C: Joakim Noah/Omer Asik*
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers dropped the first shocker of the draft by taking Dion Waiters at the 4th overall pick, despite Harrison Barnes and Thomas Robinson still being on the board. I understand that the Cavaliers need a second scorer, but Waiters' best attribute is scoring with the ball in his hands and getting to the rim, which is also what Kyrie Irving does best. Waiters is inconsistent as a shooter but he has a good stroke and if he can become a solid shooter, this will work better but if not they don't really have any shooting around Irving. I think Barnes would have been a better fit and value, but Waiters will still give the Cavs a dynamic backcourt, though a small one with Waiters at 6-4 and Irving at 6-3. The Cavs traded their later first round pick at 24, plus the 33 and 34 pick to move up to 17 to take Tyler Zeller. Zeller was a good value at that pick because he's safe and will be able to play right away and produce, the upside isn't huge but a starting caliber center at 17 is a good value, though I think they gave up too much to get him because they've got too many other needs to trade 3 for 1.
Projected depth chart
PG: Kyrie Irving/Waiters
SG: Dion Waiters/Daniel Gibson/Manny Harris
SF: Omri Casspi/Alonzo Gee*
PF: Tristan Thompson
C: Anderson Verajao/Tyler Zeller
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had one of the best picks in the draft when they let Andre Drummond fall into their laps. Drummond was one of the best prospects in the draft and a perfect fit for Detroit. Drummond fell because of questions about his motor, but he's the most physically gifted prospect in the draft and should be a top defensive center even if he only kinda tries. If Detroit can unlock his potential, they'll have a star, if not they'll have a very good defender and a great fit next to Greg Monroe, who struggles on defense. I like the rest of Detroit's draft as well, with their first of two second round picks they took Khris Middleton (39) a solid wing player who struggled with injuries last season, but has a classic small forward's game and could be a role player down the line. With their second pick they got a replacement for Ben Gordon's shooting in Kim English. Though he doesn't do much else on offense but shoot, English plays really hard and should be scrappy defender who can match up with taller wings at 6-6. The Pistons still need to find another true big man to fill out their rotation, and they should have the money for it when they amnesty Charlie Villanueva.
Projected depth chart
PG: Brandon Knight/Will Bynum
SG: Rodney Stuckey/Kim English
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Corey Maggette/Austin Daye
PF: Greg Monroe/Jonas Jerebko/Jason Maxiell*
C: Andre Drummond/Monroe
Indiana Pacers
I really don't understand the fascination with Miles Plumblee. I get that he's big and athletic and worth a flier in the second round, but with a late first round pick in a deep and talented draft? Especially because Indiana now has to give him a guaranteed first round contract. Plumblee is an elite athlete, but he was also incredibly unproductive at Duke, despite Duke having a need for a frontcourt scorer. In fact, Plumblee scored 650 total points in his four seasons at Duke, while Draymond Green, a player the Pacers could have taken scored almost that much THIS SEASON. He's a good rebounder, but that's all he's going to offer you and you don't take a rebounding specialist with the 26th pick in the draft. The Pacers second pick, Orlando Johnson, was better though, and would have been less of a reach at 26 than Plumblee would have been at 36, where Johnson was selected. Johnson is a high scoring power guard who should be able to replace Leandro Barbosa scoring off the bench if not next season, than down the line.
Projected depth chart
PG: Darren Collison/George Hill*
SG: Paul George/Orlando Johnson/Lance Stephenson
SF: Danny Granger/George
PF: David West/Tyler Hansbrough
C: Roy Hibbert*/Miles Plumblee
Milwaukee Bucks
I think the Bucks were caught off guard when Terrence Ross went 8th and none of the top shooting guards fell to them at 14, so they didn't know which way to go exactly. John Henson is the kind of athletic, long armed, versatile defensive big man that the Bucks love, unfortunately they already have several of those in Larry Sanders, Ekpe Udoh, and Samuel Dalembert, and only Dalembert is coming off the books soon, and that's not til next year. Henson might end up better than them, but there's no guarantee of it. Moe Harkless would have been a better pick and fit I think, but Henson was the best player available. I really like the Bucks second round pick though, Doron Lamb (42) could easily have gone in the late first round and is one of the two best shooters in the draft. He's a nice third guard compliment to Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings and should stick in the league for a long while.
Projected depth chart
PG: Brandon Jennings/Ellis
SG: Monta Ellis/Doron Lamb
SF: Mike Dunleavy/Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
PF: Drew Gooden/Ersan Ilyasova*/John Henson
C: Samuel Dalembert/Larry Sanders/ Ekpe Udoh
*Currently unsigned
The Bulls only had one pick, but it ended up being one of the best picks in the draft. With Derrick Rose out for at least the first couple months of the season and only C.J. Watson on the roster at point guard, the Bulls had to find a point and one fell into their lap at 29 with Marquis Teague, who easily could have gone 10 spots higher and no one would have blinked an eye. Teague is a similar type of player to Rose as a rookie, in that he's extremely quick and explosive but is still working on his jumpshot and learning how to run an offense. Teague improved dramatically over the course of the season and should see minutes immediately, with a chance to start later on in the season. I still expect the Bulls to bring in a veteran guard because Teague isn't ready to run a team yet, but considering he's a better prospect than his brother, who is Atlanta's starting point guard, this is a great pick.
Projected depth chart
PG: C.J. Watson/Marquis Teague
SG: Richard Hamilton/Ronnie Brewer
SF: Luol Deng/Kyle Korver/Jimmy Butler
PF: Carlos Boozer/Taj Gibson
C: Joakim Noah/Omer Asik*
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers dropped the first shocker of the draft by taking Dion Waiters at the 4th overall pick, despite Harrison Barnes and Thomas Robinson still being on the board. I understand that the Cavaliers need a second scorer, but Waiters' best attribute is scoring with the ball in his hands and getting to the rim, which is also what Kyrie Irving does best. Waiters is inconsistent as a shooter but he has a good stroke and if he can become a solid shooter, this will work better but if not they don't really have any shooting around Irving. I think Barnes would have been a better fit and value, but Waiters will still give the Cavs a dynamic backcourt, though a small one with Waiters at 6-4 and Irving at 6-3. The Cavs traded their later first round pick at 24, plus the 33 and 34 pick to move up to 17 to take Tyler Zeller. Zeller was a good value at that pick because he's safe and will be able to play right away and produce, the upside isn't huge but a starting caliber center at 17 is a good value, though I think they gave up too much to get him because they've got too many other needs to trade 3 for 1.
Projected depth chart
PG: Kyrie Irving/Waiters
SG: Dion Waiters/Daniel Gibson/Manny Harris
SF: Omri Casspi/Alonzo Gee*
PF: Tristan Thompson
C: Anderson Verajao/Tyler Zeller
Detroit Pistons
The Pistons had one of the best picks in the draft when they let Andre Drummond fall into their laps. Drummond was one of the best prospects in the draft and a perfect fit for Detroit. Drummond fell because of questions about his motor, but he's the most physically gifted prospect in the draft and should be a top defensive center even if he only kinda tries. If Detroit can unlock his potential, they'll have a star, if not they'll have a very good defender and a great fit next to Greg Monroe, who struggles on defense. I like the rest of Detroit's draft as well, with their first of two second round picks they took Khris Middleton (39) a solid wing player who struggled with injuries last season, but has a classic small forward's game and could be a role player down the line. With their second pick they got a replacement for Ben Gordon's shooting in Kim English. Though he doesn't do much else on offense but shoot, English plays really hard and should be scrappy defender who can match up with taller wings at 6-6. The Pistons still need to find another true big man to fill out their rotation, and they should have the money for it when they amnesty Charlie Villanueva.
Projected depth chart
PG: Brandon Knight/Will Bynum
SG: Rodney Stuckey/Kim English
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Corey Maggette/Austin Daye
PF: Greg Monroe/Jonas Jerebko/Jason Maxiell*
C: Andre Drummond/Monroe
Indiana Pacers
I really don't understand the fascination with Miles Plumblee. I get that he's big and athletic and worth a flier in the second round, but with a late first round pick in a deep and talented draft? Especially because Indiana now has to give him a guaranteed first round contract. Plumblee is an elite athlete, but he was also incredibly unproductive at Duke, despite Duke having a need for a frontcourt scorer. In fact, Plumblee scored 650 total points in his four seasons at Duke, while Draymond Green, a player the Pacers could have taken scored almost that much THIS SEASON. He's a good rebounder, but that's all he's going to offer you and you don't take a rebounding specialist with the 26th pick in the draft. The Pacers second pick, Orlando Johnson, was better though, and would have been less of a reach at 26 than Plumblee would have been at 36, where Johnson was selected. Johnson is a high scoring power guard who should be able to replace Leandro Barbosa scoring off the bench if not next season, than down the line.
Projected depth chart
PG: Darren Collison/George Hill*
SG: Paul George/Orlando Johnson/Lance Stephenson
SF: Danny Granger/George
PF: David West/Tyler Hansbrough
C: Roy Hibbert*/Miles Plumblee
Milwaukee Bucks
I think the Bucks were caught off guard when Terrence Ross went 8th and none of the top shooting guards fell to them at 14, so they didn't know which way to go exactly. John Henson is the kind of athletic, long armed, versatile defensive big man that the Bucks love, unfortunately they already have several of those in Larry Sanders, Ekpe Udoh, and Samuel Dalembert, and only Dalembert is coming off the books soon, and that's not til next year. Henson might end up better than them, but there's no guarantee of it. Moe Harkless would have been a better pick and fit I think, but Henson was the best player available. I really like the Bucks second round pick though, Doron Lamb (42) could easily have gone in the late first round and is one of the two best shooters in the draft. He's a nice third guard compliment to Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings and should stick in the league for a long while.
Projected depth chart
PG: Brandon Jennings/Ellis
SG: Monta Ellis/Doron Lamb
SF: Mike Dunleavy/Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
PF: Drew Gooden/Ersan Ilyasova*/John Henson
C: Samuel Dalembert/Larry Sanders/ Ekpe Udoh
*Currently unsigned
Draft Review: Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
In a deep draft, the Celtics were in a great position to get value with back-to-back picks in the 20s and hey did a decent job of it. With Jared Sullinger of Ohio State (pick 21), the Celtics once again showed they weren't afraid to take a risk. To be clear there, the risk is all because of the back injury, not because of his game on the court. Sullinger may not be a great athlete, but he's strong, smart, skilled, and the best low post scorer in the draft. Plus, with their experience with Glen Davis, Boston knows how to use players like Sullinger, though Sullinger is better than Davis. With their second first rounder, Boston again bolstered their frontcourt with Syracuse's Fab Melo. Melo is far from a finished product offensively, but he can be a game changer on defense with his size, length, and timing. Melo should be a good rebounder, you can't read too much into his rebounding numbers at Syracuse, who play a 2-3 zone, because the center in a zone rarely puts up high rebounding totals. With their second round, and final pick (51), Boston took Melo's Syracuse teammate Kris Joseph. Joseph is an athletic wing who has improved his shooting each season and has a good chance to make the team, but not much more than that. Presuming the Celtics resign Jeff Green and Kevin Garnett, Boston should have a deep frontcourt, but need to find one or two more shooters.
Projected depth chart
PG: Rajon Rondo/Bradley
SG: Avery Bradley/E'Twaun Moore
SF: Paul Pierce/Jeff Green*
PF: Jared Sullinger/Green
C: Kevin Garnett*/Fab Melo
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets traded their first round pick for Gerald Wallace and didn't have any other first round picks. They did end up with three 2nd round picks, including the 41st pick with which they selected Tyshawn Taylor. Taylor is very explosive and a good defender, but can also make some terrible decisions and is turnover prone. Still, he's got the skills to play in the NBA and should be a good backup combo guard for Brooklyn. With the other two second round pick, the Nets selected two International prospects, including athletic, slashing wing Tornike Shengelia (54) from Georgia (the country), who could make the team this season and a project big man in Turkey's Ilkan Karaman (57). New Jersey is still the favorite to sign Deron Williams and will most likely bring back some, if not all, of Wallace, Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Green.
Projected depth chart
PG: Deron Williams*/Tyshawn Taylor
SG: MarShon Brooks/Anthony Morrow
SF: Gerald Wallace/Gerald Green
PF: Kris Humphries/Wallace
C: Brook Lopez/Jordan Williams
New York Knicks
The Knicks didn't have a first round pick and only had one pick in the second round. With that pick, they grabbed Greek wing Kostas Papanikolaou, who despite the reaction from ignorant Knicks fans, is a really good prospect and got some looks in the late first. In fact, if Perry Jones hadn't fallen to them, I think the Thunder would have taken him. Papanikolaou is a smart, high effort wing play who could see minutes immediately for the Knicks or stay in Europe if the Knicks want to roster spot. The only other player the Knicks could have targeted that might have been better was Scott Machado, but Machado went undrafted so the Knicks could get him anyway. The Knicks have a lot of work to do in free agency despite not have a lot of flexibility.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jeremy Lin*/Toney Douglas
SG: Landry Fields*/J.R. Smith*
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Steve Novak*
PF: Amare Stoudemire
C: Tyson Chandler/Josh Harrellson
Philadelphia 76ers
At 15, the 76ers got about average value and took a player in Maurice Harkless (St. John's) who duplicates what Thad Young does as an athletic slasher and plays the same position as Andre Igoudala. However, given the Sixers struggles to get shots at the rim, Harkless' ability to finish in the paint should help them out. My main issue with Harkless is his lack of defensive effort, but perhaps as a backup with less responsibility, he'll be able to play a little harder. However, the Sixers second pick, Arnett Moultrie, which they acquired from Miami was a great value that filled a big need. Moultrie is the king of big, athletic forward Philadelphia hasn't had for a while and should provide rebounding and decent shooting right away. The Sixers did give up a second round pick this year (45) and a lottery protected 1st next year to the Heat, but given how weak next year's draft is, it wasn't a bad move. Especially, because Philly is expected to amnesty Elton Brand this summer.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jrue Holiday/Lou Williams*
SG: Evan Turner/Williams
SF: Andre Igoudala/Maurice Harkless
PF: Elton Brand/Arnett Moultrie
C: Nikola Vucevic/Lavoy Allen
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were hoping for Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, or Dion Waiters to fall to them at 8 but ended up not having any of them on the board so they went with who they must have thought was the second best swing man on the board. I like Ross, I would have taken Jeremy Lamb, but I like Ross here. It might have been a little bit of a reach, but unless there was a big trade being offered, there isn't ton of difference between the 8th pick and the 12th pick, where no one would have blinked if Ross was taken. Ross allows DeMar DeRozan to move to small forward and will gives Toronto shooting from the 2 guard spot. The rest of the draft didn't go so well for the Raptors, in the second round they drafted Quincy Acy (37), an undersized, athletic power forward who's offense comes mostly from dunks and a skilled Euro big man in Tomislav Zubcic (56). So why was that disappointing? First, the Raptors have a clone of Acy in Amir Johnson already on their roster, (not to mention that they passed on Quincy Miller to take him) and Zubcic is an underachiever who hasn't improved or produced in quite some time.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Terrence Ross/Gary Forbes
SF: DeMar DeRozan/James Johnson
PF: Andrea Bargnani/Ed Davis/Amir Johnson
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Bargnani
*Currently unsigned
In a deep draft, the Celtics were in a great position to get value with back-to-back picks in the 20s and hey did a decent job of it. With Jared Sullinger of Ohio State (pick 21), the Celtics once again showed they weren't afraid to take a risk. To be clear there, the risk is all because of the back injury, not because of his game on the court. Sullinger may not be a great athlete, but he's strong, smart, skilled, and the best low post scorer in the draft. Plus, with their experience with Glen Davis, Boston knows how to use players like Sullinger, though Sullinger is better than Davis. With their second first rounder, Boston again bolstered their frontcourt with Syracuse's Fab Melo. Melo is far from a finished product offensively, but he can be a game changer on defense with his size, length, and timing. Melo should be a good rebounder, you can't read too much into his rebounding numbers at Syracuse, who play a 2-3 zone, because the center in a zone rarely puts up high rebounding totals. With their second round, and final pick (51), Boston took Melo's Syracuse teammate Kris Joseph. Joseph is an athletic wing who has improved his shooting each season and has a good chance to make the team, but not much more than that. Presuming the Celtics resign Jeff Green and Kevin Garnett, Boston should have a deep frontcourt, but need to find one or two more shooters.
Projected depth chart
PG: Rajon Rondo/Bradley
SG: Avery Bradley/E'Twaun Moore
SF: Paul Pierce/Jeff Green*
PF: Jared Sullinger/Green
C: Kevin Garnett*/Fab Melo
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets traded their first round pick for Gerald Wallace and didn't have any other first round picks. They did end up with three 2nd round picks, including the 41st pick with which they selected Tyshawn Taylor. Taylor is very explosive and a good defender, but can also make some terrible decisions and is turnover prone. Still, he's got the skills to play in the NBA and should be a good backup combo guard for Brooklyn. With the other two second round pick, the Nets selected two International prospects, including athletic, slashing wing Tornike Shengelia (54) from Georgia (the country), who could make the team this season and a project big man in Turkey's Ilkan Karaman (57). New Jersey is still the favorite to sign Deron Williams and will most likely bring back some, if not all, of Wallace, Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries, and Gerald Green.
Projected depth chart
PG: Deron Williams*/Tyshawn Taylor
SG: MarShon Brooks/Anthony Morrow
SF: Gerald Wallace/Gerald Green
PF: Kris Humphries/Wallace
C: Brook Lopez/Jordan Williams
New York Knicks
The Knicks didn't have a first round pick and only had one pick in the second round. With that pick, they grabbed Greek wing Kostas Papanikolaou, who despite the reaction from ignorant Knicks fans, is a really good prospect and got some looks in the late first. In fact, if Perry Jones hadn't fallen to them, I think the Thunder would have taken him. Papanikolaou is a smart, high effort wing play who could see minutes immediately for the Knicks or stay in Europe if the Knicks want to roster spot. The only other player the Knicks could have targeted that might have been better was Scott Machado, but Machado went undrafted so the Knicks could get him anyway. The Knicks have a lot of work to do in free agency despite not have a lot of flexibility.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jeremy Lin*/Toney Douglas
SG: Landry Fields*/J.R. Smith*
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Steve Novak*
PF: Amare Stoudemire
C: Tyson Chandler/Josh Harrellson
Philadelphia 76ers
At 15, the 76ers got about average value and took a player in Maurice Harkless (St. John's) who duplicates what Thad Young does as an athletic slasher and plays the same position as Andre Igoudala. However, given the Sixers struggles to get shots at the rim, Harkless' ability to finish in the paint should help them out. My main issue with Harkless is his lack of defensive effort, but perhaps as a backup with less responsibility, he'll be able to play a little harder. However, the Sixers second pick, Arnett Moultrie, which they acquired from Miami was a great value that filled a big need. Moultrie is the king of big, athletic forward Philadelphia hasn't had for a while and should provide rebounding and decent shooting right away. The Sixers did give up a second round pick this year (45) and a lottery protected 1st next year to the Heat, but given how weak next year's draft is, it wasn't a bad move. Especially, because Philly is expected to amnesty Elton Brand this summer.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jrue Holiday/Lou Williams*
SG: Evan Turner/Williams
SF: Andre Igoudala/Maurice Harkless
PF: Elton Brand/Arnett Moultrie
C: Nikola Vucevic/Lavoy Allen
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors were hoping for Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, or Dion Waiters to fall to them at 8 but ended up not having any of them on the board so they went with who they must have thought was the second best swing man on the board. I like Ross, I would have taken Jeremy Lamb, but I like Ross here. It might have been a little bit of a reach, but unless there was a big trade being offered, there isn't ton of difference between the 8th pick and the 12th pick, where no one would have blinked if Ross was taken. Ross allows DeMar DeRozan to move to small forward and will gives Toronto shooting from the 2 guard spot. The rest of the draft didn't go so well for the Raptors, in the second round they drafted Quincy Acy (37), an undersized, athletic power forward who's offense comes mostly from dunks and a skilled Euro big man in Tomislav Zubcic (56). So why was that disappointing? First, the Raptors have a clone of Acy in Amir Johnson already on their roster, (not to mention that they passed on Quincy Miller to take him) and Zubcic is an underachiever who hasn't improved or produced in quite some time.
Projected depth chart
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Terrence Ross/Gary Forbes
SF: DeMar DeRozan/James Johnson
PF: Andrea Bargnani/Ed Davis/Amir Johnson
C: Jonas Valanciunas/Bargnani
*Currently unsigned
Thursday, June 28, 2012
2012 NBA Draft First Round: Pick-by-pick
1. New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Kentucky
Unsurprisingly, New Orleans takes the easily the best prospect in the draft. The real intrigue begins at number 2....
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
The best pick for Charlotte was either this or Thomas Robinson, because they're more than just good basketball players, they're emotional leaders on and off the court. Kidd-Gilchrist effects the game in so many ways and, while may not be the the franchise changer Charlotte needs, there's only one of those in this draft, but he's not going to be a bust and would be a great second option on most teams in the league.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida
The Wizards lucked out that no one traded up for Bradley Beal because they desperately needed a 3 point shooting two guard. Beal is the kind of potential primary scoring option and floor stretcher that the Wizards need, but perhaps more importantly he's the kind of smart, high character player that Washington has, shall we say, lacked in the last couple years.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
The Cavaliers really needed a shooting guard and a secondary scoring option, and Dion Waiters can certainly do that, but this pick is questionable because there were better options and fits on the board. Waiters' is at his best getting to the rim and creating off the dribble, but that's also what Kyrie Irving is best at, and you definitely don't want to take the ball out of his hands. Harrison Barnes would have been a better fit.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
The Kings win the draft. Thomas Robinson is a perfect fit on this team and a great value. Robinson is ready to come in and contribute from day 1 and should also become a leader on a team that needs one. Robinson is also a great fit because of his toughness and rebounding in the paint as well as the fact that he doesn't need to shoot the ball to influence the game, as the Kings have a lot of scoring options.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn): Damian Lillard, Weber State
This pick became pretty clear in the last few days, and in a vacuum it makes sense. Portland needs a point guard and Lillard is the best and safest point in the draft. I personally would have taken Harrison Barnes because he's just a better overall prospect, but Portland didn't seem very interested and had to be sold that either Barnes or Nicolas Batum at shooting guard.
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
The Warriors really wanted a wing player and they got the second best one in the draft. Barnes is an okay fit for this team, but Golden State is really loaded down with shooters and there will be a lot of pressure on Barnes to create off the dribble and that's not really his game.
8. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Ross, Washington
This will be regarded as a reach, but Ross is exactly what the Raptors needed and one of the most underrated players in this draft. Ross can play both the 2 and 3 and is the kind of shooter/slasher this team has lacked on the wing for quite a while. If DeMarr DeRozan can take the step his talent would dictate and Jonas Valanciunas is the real deal, Toronto could be a much improved team.
9. Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond, Connecticut
Like Sacramento, Detroit gets a perfect fit and one of the top 5 talents in this draft without having to trade up. Andre Drummond is the kind of athletic, defensive player that the Pistons want to pair with Greg Monroe and should give Detroit a solid offense/defense frontcourt with big upside. Drummond has been picked apart, but he's young and extremely talented.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, Duke
I don't know what to think about this pick, I don't think Rivers is a reach here but if New Orleans tries to get him to play point guard, it might not end well. And if they're not, Jeremy Lamb is a better overall player in my opinion. Still, Rivers can really score and is young, he's got some maturing to do, but with Davis and Eric Gordon as teammates he'll have some good examples.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Portland has done a good job filling the two biggest holes on their roster, first point guard with Lillard and now center with Meyers Leonard. Leonard is similar to former Blazer Joel Przybilla but with more upside offensively. Leonard is a nice fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge and probably has a floor of Pryzbilla, not bad for a number 11 pick.
12. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee): Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
The Rockets haven't made a big trade yet and if they don't, I love this pick. Jeremy Lamb is one of my favorite prospects in the draft and a great fit on Houston. The Rockets have Kevin Martin on the wing, but Martin is injury prone and not a good defender while Lamb is a very good defender, with the potential to be elite.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
With all the top shooting guard prospects off the board, the Suns target another big need at point guard. Kendall Marshall will be able to run the up-tempo offense (almost) as well as Steve Nash, but won't replace the scoring, so Phoenix will need to find some offense around Marshall.
14. Milwaukee Bucks (from Houston): John Henson, North Carolina
The Bucks love versatile defensive weapons and Henson certainly is that. I think the Bucks hoped to get a wing player here, but when there wasn't one here they went to a backup plan and took shotblocker extraordinaire Henson. When you've got two smaller perimeter guard, you need some rim protectors and Milwaukee has that in Henson.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Moe Harkless, St. John's
Athletically, Moe Harkless can match up with some of the elite wing players in the NBA, and that may be what the 76ers are hoping to get from him. Unfortunately, Harkless doesn't always play hard defensively, however with less minutes and pressure on offense, Harkless may be able to up his effort. Plus offensively, Harkless excels at getting shots at the rim, something Philadelphia struggles with.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York): Royce White, Iowa State
Royce White is sort of a bigger Chandler Parsons, so I'm not quite sure what Houston is doing here. White is really talented and should be one of the better players coming out of this draft, but I'm not really sure of the fit.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Dallas): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Tyler Zeller was falling and the Cavaliers took advantage, trading essentially the rest of their draft for one of the last really safe players in the draft. Zeller is skilled and can run the floor and is a similar player to Spencer Hawes, which is a great value at 17.
18. Houston Rockets (from Minnesota): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Again, not really sure what Houston is doing here as far as fit. I really like Jones and think he's really talented, but he's similar to Royce White, Chandler Parsons, and Patrick Patterson. Unless Houston is loading up for a trade, there's loading up with a lot of similar players.
19. Orlando Magic: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
The Magic love big men who can shoot, they traded for Ryan Anderson and drafted Justin Harper last season, but though Andrew Nicholson can shoot he's also a potentially very good defender, two things Anderson and Harper aren't.
20. Denver Nuggets: Even Fournier, France
This makes a lot of sense for the Nuggets, who can use Fournier to replace Rudy Fernandez, who is a free agent or keep Fournier overseas for a while, as they have a pretty loaded roster.
21. Boston Celtics: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
You could see this coming a mile away. Boston is unafraid of taking risks and had a lot of success with a similar bodied, but inferior player in Glen Davis. Sullinger is one of the steals of this draft and should have a productive career long after some of the players above him have flamed out.
22. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Fab Melo, Syracuse
This is probably the best case scenario for Fab Melo to land in because if any team is going to get the most out of him it's Boston. Melo also fills a huge need as a true center on Boston and won't be required to do much on offense.
23. Atlanta Hawks: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
The Hawks do need some shooting, and when you're picking this low just finding a player who can contribute with one skill. Jenkins is an elite shooter and should at least stick in the league for a while because of it.
24. Dallas Mavericks (from Cleveland): Jared Cunningham, Oregon State
I like this pick for the Mavericks. Cunningham will be a nice injection of athleticism and defense on the perimeter for Dallas and Cunningham has some high upside as a potential primary ball handler with elite athleticism and slashing ability.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten Jr, Washington
We've known for a while that Memphis is desperate for a backup point guard and Tony Wroten is one of the most talented players in the draft and has huge upside. Wroten will be able to work on his game and come in as a backup who pushes the tempo with Memphis' second unit playing 10-15 minutes with a game. A really good situation.
26. Indiana Pacers: Miles Plumblee, Duke
I don't get the fascination with Miles Plumblee. Yes he's big and athletic, but in four years at Duke he did next to nothing and has a low skill level. I'm not against taking a flyer on him, but giving him a guaranteed contract? I think that's a mistake.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (from Miami Heat): Arnett Moultire, Mississippi State
A lot of mocks had the Sixers taking Moultrie at 15, so getting him at 15 is a steal. Moultrie is the kind of athletic frontcourt player the Sixers really need and he should contribute as a shooter/rebounder for Philadelphia.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Perry Jones III, Baylor
Wow. Oklahoma City, one of the two most talented teams in the league, gets one of the most talented players in draft at 28? Perry Jones is super athletic and skilled, he just doesn't have a killer instinct. On the Thunder, Jones won't need to be an alpha dog and you have to think Durant, Westbrook, and Perkins can light a fire under him.
29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The Bulls really luck out here, filling arguably their biggest need with one of the most talented prospects in this draft. Marquis Teague might have been a top 10 pick if he went back to school. The risk is that he'll be thrown right into the fire next season as Derrick Rose is out for a couple months of the season with a knee injury.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt
This is a pick that the Warriors really needed to make. There are better prospects on the board, but with Andris Biedrins and Andrew Bogut's injury problems and only Jeremy Tyler to man the middle, backup center was a huge need. Festus Ezeli is big and athletic and can rebound and defend.
Unsurprisingly, New Orleans takes the easily the best prospect in the draft. The real intrigue begins at number 2....
2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky
The best pick for Charlotte was either this or Thomas Robinson, because they're more than just good basketball players, they're emotional leaders on and off the court. Kidd-Gilchrist effects the game in so many ways and, while may not be the the franchise changer Charlotte needs, there's only one of those in this draft, but he's not going to be a bust and would be a great second option on most teams in the league.
3. Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal, Florida
The Wizards lucked out that no one traded up for Bradley Beal because they desperately needed a 3 point shooting two guard. Beal is the kind of potential primary scoring option and floor stretcher that the Wizards need, but perhaps more importantly he's the kind of smart, high character player that Washington has, shall we say, lacked in the last couple years.
4. Cleveland Cavaliers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse
The Cavaliers really needed a shooting guard and a secondary scoring option, and Dion Waiters can certainly do that, but this pick is questionable because there were better options and fits on the board. Waiters' is at his best getting to the rim and creating off the dribble, but that's also what Kyrie Irving is best at, and you definitely don't want to take the ball out of his hands. Harrison Barnes would have been a better fit.
5. Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, Kansas
The Kings win the draft. Thomas Robinson is a perfect fit on this team and a great value. Robinson is ready to come in and contribute from day 1 and should also become a leader on a team that needs one. Robinson is also a great fit because of his toughness and rebounding in the paint as well as the fact that he doesn't need to shoot the ball to influence the game, as the Kings have a lot of scoring options.
6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn): Damian Lillard, Weber State
This pick became pretty clear in the last few days, and in a vacuum it makes sense. Portland needs a point guard and Lillard is the best and safest point in the draft. I personally would have taken Harrison Barnes because he's just a better overall prospect, but Portland didn't seem very interested and had to be sold that either Barnes or Nicolas Batum at shooting guard.
7. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina
The Warriors really wanted a wing player and they got the second best one in the draft. Barnes is an okay fit for this team, but Golden State is really loaded down with shooters and there will be a lot of pressure on Barnes to create off the dribble and that's not really his game.
8. Toronto Raptors: Terrence Ross, Washington
This will be regarded as a reach, but Ross is exactly what the Raptors needed and one of the most underrated players in this draft. Ross can play both the 2 and 3 and is the kind of shooter/slasher this team has lacked on the wing for quite a while. If DeMarr DeRozan can take the step his talent would dictate and Jonas Valanciunas is the real deal, Toronto could be a much improved team.
9. Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond, Connecticut
Like Sacramento, Detroit gets a perfect fit and one of the top 5 talents in this draft without having to trade up. Andre Drummond is the kind of athletic, defensive player that the Pistons want to pair with Greg Monroe and should give Detroit a solid offense/defense frontcourt with big upside. Drummond has been picked apart, but he's young and extremely talented.
10. New Orleans Hornets (from Minnesota): Austin Rivers, Duke
I don't know what to think about this pick, I don't think Rivers is a reach here but if New Orleans tries to get him to play point guard, it might not end well. And if they're not, Jeremy Lamb is a better overall player in my opinion. Still, Rivers can really score and is young, he's got some maturing to do, but with Davis and Eric Gordon as teammates he'll have some good examples.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Meyers Leonard, Illinois
Portland has done a good job filling the two biggest holes on their roster, first point guard with Lillard and now center with Meyers Leonard. Leonard is similar to former Blazer Joel Przybilla but with more upside offensively. Leonard is a nice fit next to LaMarcus Aldridge and probably has a floor of Pryzbilla, not bad for a number 11 pick.
12. Houston Rockets (from Milwaukee): Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut
The Rockets haven't made a big trade yet and if they don't, I love this pick. Jeremy Lamb is one of my favorite prospects in the draft and a great fit on Houston. The Rockets have Kevin Martin on the wing, but Martin is injury prone and not a good defender while Lamb is a very good defender, with the potential to be elite.
13. Phoenix Suns: Kendall Marshall, North Carolina
With all the top shooting guard prospects off the board, the Suns target another big need at point guard. Kendall Marshall will be able to run the up-tempo offense (almost) as well as Steve Nash, but won't replace the scoring, so Phoenix will need to find some offense around Marshall.
14. Milwaukee Bucks (from Houston): John Henson, North Carolina
The Bucks love versatile defensive weapons and Henson certainly is that. I think the Bucks hoped to get a wing player here, but when there wasn't one here they went to a backup plan and took shotblocker extraordinaire Henson. When you've got two smaller perimeter guard, you need some rim protectors and Milwaukee has that in Henson.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Moe Harkless, St. John's
Athletically, Moe Harkless can match up with some of the elite wing players in the NBA, and that may be what the 76ers are hoping to get from him. Unfortunately, Harkless doesn't always play hard defensively, however with less minutes and pressure on offense, Harkless may be able to up his effort. Plus offensively, Harkless excels at getting shots at the rim, something Philadelphia struggles with.
16. Houston Rockets (from New York): Royce White, Iowa State
Royce White is sort of a bigger Chandler Parsons, so I'm not quite sure what Houston is doing here. White is really talented and should be one of the better players coming out of this draft, but I'm not really sure of the fit.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Dallas): Tyler Zeller, North Carolina
Tyler Zeller was falling and the Cavaliers took advantage, trading essentially the rest of their draft for one of the last really safe players in the draft. Zeller is skilled and can run the floor and is a similar player to Spencer Hawes, which is a great value at 17.
18. Houston Rockets (from Minnesota): Terrence Jones, Kentucky
Again, not really sure what Houston is doing here as far as fit. I really like Jones and think he's really talented, but he's similar to Royce White, Chandler Parsons, and Patrick Patterson. Unless Houston is loading up for a trade, there's loading up with a lot of similar players.
19. Orlando Magic: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure
The Magic love big men who can shoot, they traded for Ryan Anderson and drafted Justin Harper last season, but though Andrew Nicholson can shoot he's also a potentially very good defender, two things Anderson and Harper aren't.
20. Denver Nuggets: Even Fournier, France
This makes a lot of sense for the Nuggets, who can use Fournier to replace Rudy Fernandez, who is a free agent or keep Fournier overseas for a while, as they have a pretty loaded roster.
21. Boston Celtics: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State
You could see this coming a mile away. Boston is unafraid of taking risks and had a lot of success with a similar bodied, but inferior player in Glen Davis. Sullinger is one of the steals of this draft and should have a productive career long after some of the players above him have flamed out.
22. Boston Celtics (from L.A. Clippers): Fab Melo, Syracuse
This is probably the best case scenario for Fab Melo to land in because if any team is going to get the most out of him it's Boston. Melo also fills a huge need as a true center on Boston and won't be required to do much on offense.
23. Atlanta Hawks: John Jenkins, Vanderbilt
The Hawks do need some shooting, and when you're picking this low just finding a player who can contribute with one skill. Jenkins is an elite shooter and should at least stick in the league for a while because of it.
24. Dallas Mavericks (from Cleveland): Jared Cunningham, Oregon State
I like this pick for the Mavericks. Cunningham will be a nice injection of athleticism and defense on the perimeter for Dallas and Cunningham has some high upside as a potential primary ball handler with elite athleticism and slashing ability.
25. Memphis Grizzlies: Tony Wroten Jr, Washington
We've known for a while that Memphis is desperate for a backup point guard and Tony Wroten is one of the most talented players in the draft and has huge upside. Wroten will be able to work on his game and come in as a backup who pushes the tempo with Memphis' second unit playing 10-15 minutes with a game. A really good situation.
26. Indiana Pacers: Miles Plumblee, Duke
I don't get the fascination with Miles Plumblee. Yes he's big and athletic, but in four years at Duke he did next to nothing and has a low skill level. I'm not against taking a flyer on him, but giving him a guaranteed contract? I think that's a mistake.
27. Philadelphia 76ers (from Miami Heat): Arnett Moultire, Mississippi State
A lot of mocks had the Sixers taking Moultrie at 15, so getting him at 15 is a steal. Moultrie is the kind of athletic frontcourt player the Sixers really need and he should contribute as a shooter/rebounder for Philadelphia.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Perry Jones III, Baylor
Wow. Oklahoma City, one of the two most talented teams in the league, gets one of the most talented players in draft at 28? Perry Jones is super athletic and skilled, he just doesn't have a killer instinct. On the Thunder, Jones won't need to be an alpha dog and you have to think Durant, Westbrook, and Perkins can light a fire under him.
29. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague, Kentucky
The Bulls really luck out here, filling arguably their biggest need with one of the most talented prospects in this draft. Marquis Teague might have been a top 10 pick if he went back to school. The risk is that he'll be thrown right into the fire next season as Derrick Rose is out for a couple months of the season with a knee injury.
30. Golden State Warriors (from San Antonio): Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt
This is a pick that the Warriors really needed to make. There are better prospects on the board, but with Andris Biedrins and Andrew Bogut's injury problems and only Jeremy Tyler to man the middle, backup center was a huge need. Festus Ezeli is big and athletic and can rebound and defend.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Under the radar freshman contributors
Taking a little break from the NBA draft and looking at some incoming freshman outside of the super elites that will be very important to their teams this upcoming season. The big recruits this year, Nerlens Noel, Shabazz Muhammad, Isaiah Austin etc will obviously have a huge impact this season, but there are some other recruits that who may be as or more important to their teams.
Archie Goodwin, SG Kentucky
On most teams, Archie Goodwin would be the prize incoming free agent, but Kentucky is a different breed and Goodwin is living in the shadows of top overall recruit, center Nerlens Noel as well as forward Alex Poythress. Of the freshman, Noel will take Anthony Davis' spot as defensive anchor and Poythress will be slashing to the rim and providing energy and defense while Sophomore Kyle Wiltjer will be a shooter at the power forward spot and N.C. State transfer Ryan Harrow will be running the point. Goodwin will be key however, because none of those players, with the exception of maybe Harrow, is a player that can consistently get his own shot. Much in the way that last year's Kentucky team used Doron Lamb. Like Lamb, Goodwin can get to the rim and shoot it from deep. The 2012-2013 Kentucky Wildcats will likely be suffocating defensive team and if Goodwin can step in as a 1/2 scorer, they have a chance to be a special team yet again.
DaJuan Coleman, C Syracuse
Last season, Syracuse was entirely perimeter based and guard dominated last season, and though the team was successful, it also led to a streaky offense. This season, with center DaJuan Coleman they'll have a true low post threat. At 6-10, 280 Coleman is a load in the middle and has a polished post game, which will allow the Orange to play more inside-out. Syracuse is in a great position to play that way too because they'll have a lot of shooters on the floor, Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Triche, James Southerland, and C.J. Fair can all hit 3s and redshirt Freshman Trevor Cooney is an outstanding shooter. A more well rounded offense will help offset the loses of Dion Waiters, Kris Joseph, Scoop Jardine, and Fab Melo, who were 4 of the Orange's top 6 scorers last season. A more consistent offense paired with Syracuse's always tough 2-3 zone could make Syracuse a more dangerous team than last season, maybe not a more successful one (they won 34 games last season) but one with more staying power in March.
Rodney Purvis, SG North Carolina State
North Carolina State returns all but one of the main pieces from a team that reached the Sweet 16 last season, but will they be able to take the next step to the elite level? It depends on how their top rated recruiting class performs, specifically Rodney Purvis. Purvis is a strong, athletic guard who can get to the rim at will and is always in attack mode. This slashing ability will give an added dimension to the Wolfpack offense has two strong frontcourt players in C.J. Leslie and Richard Howell, a solid point guard (Lorenzo Brown) and a lethal three point shooter in Scott Wood. Purvis' ability to get to the rim, finish and draw fouls will make North Carolina State's offense that much more dangerous and had to defended, as they can play inside out, space the floor, and beat you off the dribble. North Carolina State is also bringing in several other very good recruits and should have a good shot to come out on top in a very winnable ACC next season, as both Duke and North Carolina are inexperienced and losing a lot of talent.
Ricardo Gathers, PF Baylor
Baylor is losing 4 of it's 5 tallest players, including their top four rebounders, so the Bears recruiting class will need to provide a lot on the inside. Center (and top 5 recruit) Isaiah Austin is getting most of the publicity of Baylor's recruiting class, and for good reason: Austin is long, athletic and as skilled as they come. However, though Austin is a very good rebounder and a monster shot-blocker, he's also fairly thin at around 215 pounds, so he won't be able to bang in the paint in the physical Big 12. Enter Ricardo Gathers: built like an linebacker, Gathers is one of the biggest and strongest players in this class and a explosive athlete to boot. Defensively, Gathers can take on the bigger bodies Baylor faces, allowing Austin to protect the rim as a shot blocker and on offense Gathers is overpowering in the post and has a devastating drop-step, giving Austin the option to play in the high post where he is very comfortable. Baylor had a lot of success with fan favorite Quincy Acy and Gathers is a similar type of strong forward who wants to dunk everything.
Katin Reinhardt, SG UNLV
UNLV is loaded next season, there's no doubt about that, by mid-season when Khem Birch becomes eligible to play, UNLV will have 3 NBA level big men between Birch, Junior Mike Moser, and top 10 recruit Anthony Bennett. The Rebels should be a dominant inside team, however to prevent teams to collapse on them they'll need some shooting to balance the floor. Unfortunately, UNLV is losing their top 3 shooters (Chace Stanback, Kendall Wallace, and Oscar Bellfield) so they've got to hope that one of their incoming freshman class can provide that shooting. The top candidate to be that shooter is Katin Reinhardt. Reinhardt is more than just a shooter, but he's got a very good stroke and should start right away on the wing and play a lot minutes, as well as being the primary source of scoring on the perimeter next season for what looks like a Final Four caliber team.
On most teams, Archie Goodwin would be the prize incoming free agent, but Kentucky is a different breed and Goodwin is living in the shadows of top overall recruit, center Nerlens Noel as well as forward Alex Poythress. Of the freshman, Noel will take Anthony Davis' spot as defensive anchor and Poythress will be slashing to the rim and providing energy and defense while Sophomore Kyle Wiltjer will be a shooter at the power forward spot and N.C. State transfer Ryan Harrow will be running the point. Goodwin will be key however, because none of those players, with the exception of maybe Harrow, is a player that can consistently get his own shot. Much in the way that last year's Kentucky team used Doron Lamb. Like Lamb, Goodwin can get to the rim and shoot it from deep. The 2012-2013 Kentucky Wildcats will likely be suffocating defensive team and if Goodwin can step in as a 1/2 scorer, they have a chance to be a special team yet again.
DaJuan Coleman, C Syracuse
Rodney Purvis, SG North Carolina State
Ricardo Gathers, PF Baylor
Katin Reinhardt, SG UNLV
Monday, June 25, 2012
Scouting report: Doron Lamb
Doron Lamb, SG Kentucky (Sophomore)
Measurements: 6-4¾, 199 pounds, 6-6¾ wingspan, 8-2½ reach, 33½ vertical
Season stats: 31.2 mpg, 13.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.1 bpg, 1.1 tpg, 47%/47%/83% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Smooth scoring guard
-Polished offensive game
-Tremendous shooter
-Deep range
-Quick release
-Excellent mid-range scorer
-Very good ball handler
-Good penetrater
-Good finisher
-Solid defender
-High basketball IQ
-Efficient
-Rarely turns the ball over
Measurements: 6-4¾, 199 pounds, 6-6¾ wingspan, 8-2½ reach, 33½ vertical
Season stats: 31.2 mpg, 13.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.1 bpg, 1.1 tpg, 47%/47%/83% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Smooth scoring guard
-Polished offensive game
-Tremendous shooter
-Deep range
-Quick release
-Excellent mid-range scorer
-Very good ball handler
-Good penetrater
-Good finisher
-Solid defender
-High basketball IQ
-Efficient
-Rarely turns the ball over
Negatives
-A little undersized
-Not an explosive athlete
-Doesn't provide much besides scoring
Summary
As talented as Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Terrence Jones, and Marquis Teague are, Doron Lamb was the go-to option for much of the season at Kentucky. The reason for this is his ability to create his own shot and score from anywhere on the floor. Lamb won't give you much in other areas of the game (though he is a solid defender) but his versatile scoring ability, particularly the knockdown shooting, should give him a spot on a roster.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Scouting report: Will Barton
Will Barton, SG Memphis (Sophomore)
Measurements: 6-6, 174 pounds, 6-9¾ wingspan, 8-6½ reach, 34 inch vertical
Season stats: 35.3 mpg, 18 ppg, 8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.1 tpg, 51%/35%/75% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Long, athletic wing
-Outstanding, versatile scorer
-Aggressive
-Good shooter with 3 point range
-Quick first step
-Good handles
-Athletic finisher
-Terrific mid-range scorer
-Burgeoning post game
-Good passer and playmaker
-Excellent rebounder for a guard
-Good defender
-Great motor
Negatives
Measurements: 6-6, 174 pounds, 6-9¾ wingspan, 8-6½ reach, 34 inch vertical
Season stats: 35.3 mpg, 18 ppg, 8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.4 spg, 0.7 bpg, 2.1 tpg, 51%/35%/75% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Long, athletic wing-Outstanding, versatile scorer
-Aggressive
-Good shooter with 3 point range
-Quick first step
-Good handles
-Athletic finisher
-Terrific mid-range scorer
-Burgeoning post game
-Good passer and playmaker
-Excellent rebounder for a guard
-Good defender
-Great motor
Negatives
-Needs to bulk up, get stronger
-History of questionable shot selection
-Needs more consistency from 3
Summary
Will Barton has one of the most versatile offensive games, and is a very similar prospect to MarShon Brooks a year ago, who went 25th overall last year but probably should have gone 10 pick higher. Teams are concerned with Barton's thin frame, but other than that there aren't a ton of concerns with him, however for some unknown reason, Barton is likely to be taken in the late 1st. Unless their some other issue that isn't public, a scorer like Barton should go high than that and will be a steal for someone.
Scouting report: Fab Melo
Fab Melo, C Syracuse (Sophomore)
Measurements: 7-0, 255 pounds, 7-2½ wingspan, 9-2 reach, 31 inch vertical
Season stats: 25.4 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 2.9 bpg, 1.4 tpg, 57%/NA/63% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
Measurements: 7-0, 255 pounds, 7-2½ wingspan, 9-2 reach, 31 inch vertical
Season stats: 25.4 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.7 apg, 0.5 spg, 2.9 bpg, 1.4 tpg, 57%/NA/63% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Huge center
-Strong, NBA body
-Long wingspan
-Decent athlete for his size
-Mobile, moves well for his size
-Decent finisher close to the rim
-Good rebounder
-Excellent defensive player
-Physical post defender
-Excellent shot blocker
-Willing help defender
-Takes charges
Negatives
-Severely limited offensive player
-Little to no post up game
-Below average shooter
-Has had conditioning issues in the past
-Can be foul prone
-Played in a zone
-Questionable basketball IQ
-Academic issues
Summary
All the off the court issues aside, the bottom line with Fab Melo is that he's most likely never going to be much of a threat offensively as a center, but if he can learn some more of the intricacies of the game he could be a very good defensive center simply because he's so big, mobile enough, and is a willing defender. A defensive center who's also somewhat of a project might not seem like the most appealing pick, but the two teams in the finals started defense only centers for most of the season, but expecting anything more from Melo will leave you disappointed.
Scouting report: Andrew Nicholson
Andrew Nicholson, PF Saint Bonaventure (Senior)
Measurements: 6-9½, 234 pounds, 7-4 wingspan, 8-11 reach, 30½ inch vertical
Season stats: 30.1 mpg, 18.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg, 2 bpg, 2.5 tpg, 57%/43%/78% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Long, 7-4 wingspan
-Excellent shooter
-3 point range
-Soft hands
-Finishes strong inside
-Solid back-t0-the-basket game
-Good rebounder
-Fantastic defensive player
-Great shot blocker
-Good lateral quickness
Negatives
Measurements: 6-9½, 234 pounds, 7-4 wingspan, 8-11 reach, 30½ inch vertical
Season stats: 30.1 mpg, 18.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.7 spg, 2 bpg, 2.5 tpg, 57%/43%/78% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives-Long, 7-4 wingspan
-Excellent shooter
-3 point range
-Soft hands
-Finishes strong inside
-Solid back-t0-the-basket game
-Good rebounder
-Fantastic defensive player
-Great shot blocker
-Good lateral quickness
-Good motor
-Very efficient and productive
-Low riskNegatives
-Just an average athlete
-Needs to bulk up some
-Not an elite rebounder
-Has been foul prone in the past
-Can disappear offensively for stretches
Summary
If there's two things that the NBA always needs it's defense and spacing, and Andrew Nicholson is that rare big man who can provide both. His shooting is absolutely legit, while he's also a terrific defender. What I like most about Nicholson is that, while he can certainly play the role of shooter, he also willingly will go in the paint and mix it up on both ends, trying to dunk or block everything. This is no soft jump shooter. While his "upside" may be considered low because of his age and lack of elite athleticism, what he is already is well worth a mid-first round pick and anything after that is a bonus.
Scouting report: Marquis Teague
Marquis Teague, PG Kentucky (Freshman)
Measurements: 6-2, 180 pounds, 6-7¼ wingspan, 8-0½ reach, 40½ inch vertical
Season stats: 32.6 mpg, 10 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.8 apg, o.9 spg, 0.3 bpg, 2.7 tpg, 41%/33%/71% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Athletic point guard
-Great length
-Explosive athleticism
-Very quick and fast
-Great first step
-Can get in the lane at will
-Good court vision
-Great in transition
-Good passer
-Very good defender
-Competes on the defensive end
-Good motor
-Improved greatly during the season
-Took on a lesser role
-Upside
Measurements: 6-2, 180 pounds, 6-7¼ wingspan, 8-0½ reach, 40½ inch vertical
Season stats: 32.6 mpg, 10 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.8 apg, o.9 spg, 0.3 bpg, 2.7 tpg, 41%/33%/71% (FG/3P/FT)
Positives
-Great length
-Explosive athleticism
-Very quick and fast
-Great first step
-Can get in the lane at will
-Good court vision
-Great in transition
-Good passer
-Very good defender
-Competes on the defensive end
-Good motor
-Improved greatly during the season
-Took on a lesser role
-Upside
Negatives
-Just average height
-Jump shot needs work
-Has the tools, but not always a great finisher
-Not very efficient
-Turnover prone
-A project
Summary
At the rate he's been improving, Marquis Teague is really just in need of experience. If he had gone back to school and got another year of experience, Teague likely would have been a top 10 pick because the ways in which he needs work are easily improvable. His jumper looks good, he just needs to be more consistent, he can easily get to the rim, he just needs to learn to use his physical ability to finish, he can fly up and down the floor, he just needs to learn to slow down occasionally. Teague might take a year or two before he's ready to start, so the team that takes him must be patient or else it will only hurt his development.
Scouting report: Tony Wroten Jr.
Tony Wroten Jr, PG Washington (Freshman)
Measurements: 6-6, 203 pounds, 6-9 wingspan, 8-5 reach, 35½ inch vertical
Season stats: 30.5 mpg, 16 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.4 bpg, 3.8 tpg, 44%/16%/58%
Measurements: 6-6, 203 pounds, 6-9 wingspan, 8-5 reach, 35½ inch vertical
Season stats: 30.5 mpg, 16 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.9 spg, 0.4 bpg, 3.8 tpg, 44%/16%/58%
Positives
-Huge point guard
-Explosive athlete
-Very quick and fast
-Very good ball handler
-Excellent court vision
-Great, creative passer
-Explosive finisher
-Draws a ton of fouls
-Good rebounder
-Tools to be a great defender
-Picks up a lot of steals
-Massive upside
Negatives
-Jumper really needs work
-Bellow average free throw shooter
-Not very efficient
-Can play out of control
-Turnover prone
-Tries to make the spectacular play
-Questionable shot selection
-Inconsistent effort on the defensive end
Summary
Tony Wroten is oozing with potential, but will need time to reach that potential. Luckily for him, most of his problems are easily correctable but that doesn't mean that he's going to make those corrections. If a team expects to throw him right into the fire with big minutes, it could get messy, he needs to start his career as a backup while he fixes his jumper and works on playing more in control. Right now he plays at one speed and is more about flash than substance. However, it's rare to see a player his size who can pass the way he can, so I'm sure a team will take a shot on him in the mid-to-late first, because the reward is immense, as is the risk.
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