Draft Breakdown + Grades

Note: projected rotations are based solely on signed players, draft picks, rights players, and the teams free agents I see returning.

Atlanta Hawks
Draft picks: Jordan Crawford SG, Xavier (27, from New Jersey), Pape Sy SF, France (53)

Crawford is a good fit if the Hawks can't resign Joe Johnson because he can fill Jamal Crawford's role as instant offense off the bench, while he moves to the starting lineup. Pape Sy is a stash pick but he's not a very good prospect. Maybe they know something we don't, but right now it doesn't look like he'll ever come to the NBA. It would have been nice for the Hawks to draft some size, but I guess there wasn't anyone they like. Grade: C+

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Mike Bibby/Jeff Teague
SG: Jamal Crawford/Jordan Crawford
SF: Marvin Williams/Josh Childress
PF: Josh Smith/Joe Smith
C: Al Horford/Zaza Pachulia

Boston Celtics
Draft picks: Avery Bradley G, Texas (19) Luke Harengody PF, Notre Dame (52)

The Celtics got two guys who should be able to make their roster, and one who should contribute right away. Bradley can back up Rajon Rondo at the point as well as play alongside him, creating one of the toughest defensive backcourts in the League. Harengody is a mix between Glen Davis and Brian Scalabrine; you can expect him to contribute likewise. Grade: BBradley

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Rajon Rondo/Avery Bradley
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett/Glen Davis/Luke Harengody
C: Kendrick Perkins

Charlotte Bobcats
Draft Picks: None

The Bobcats have no picks this year, and considering that they have no cap room and need scoring, that's a bad thing. Grade: F

Projected rotation right now:
PG: D.J. Augustine
SG: Stephen Jackson/Gerald Henderson
SF: Gerald Wallace/Derrick Brown
PF: Boris Diaw/Tyrus Thomas
C: Nazr Mohamed/Tyson Chandler

Chicago Bulls
Draft picks: None

The Bulls traded their picks for cap room to get space to sign two max guys. If they get it done, they get an A+, if not, nothing changes.

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: ?
SF: Luol Deng/James Johnson
PF: Taj Gibson
C: Joakim Noah

Cleveland Cavaliers
Draft picks: None

The Cavs traded their picks for players that didn't help them win the title. Grade: N/A


Projected rotation right now:
PG: Mo Williams/Daniel Gibson
SG: Anthony Parker/Delonte West
SF: Jamario Moon/Danny Green
PF: Antwan Jamison/J.J. Hickson
C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas/Anderson Verajao

Dallas Mavericks
Draft picks: Dominique Jones SG, South Florida (25, from Memphis)

The Mavericks get this pick from Memphis and add another quality scorer who can give this teams some punch off the bench and hopefully help Jason Terry to be more consistent. However, they have a lot of wing players and could have used a big man. Grade: C+

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Jason Kidd/Roddy Beaubois
SG: Caron Butler/Jason Terry/Dominique Jones
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Eduardo Najera
C: Erick Dampier

Denver Nuggets
Draft picks: None

The Nuggets gave up their pick to get Ty Lawson, better than anything they could get at 23 so it was a good overall deal for them. Grade: N/A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Chauncey Billups/Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo/J.R. Smith
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Linas Kleiza
PF: Kenyon Martin
C: Nene/Chris Anderson

Detroit Pistons
Draft picks: Greg Monroe PF/C, Georgetown (7) Terrico White G, Mississippi (36)

The Pistons got the big guy they desperately need in Monroe and a versatile backup in White. Monroe's passing, defense, and rebounding will fit well with the Pistons, and if he can score consistently he'll be a very good player. White kind of duplicates Rodney Stuckey, but he'll be a valuable player if the Pistons can trade one of their guards. Grade: B

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Rodney Stuckey/Terrico White
SG: Richard Hamilton/Ben Gordon
SF: Tayshaun Prince/Austin Daye
PF: Jonas Jerebko/Charlie Villanueva
C: Greg Monroe/Kwame Brown

Golden State Warriors
Draft picks: Ekpe Udoh PF, Baylor (6)

I love Udoh as a player, but I think his max range was 9. At 6 is a big reach and, though his shot blocking and versatility on offense will be a nice fit in Golden State, he's a similar player to Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright. He's not the big post defender they needed desperately. Grade: D

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Stephen Curry/C.J. Watson
SG: Monta Ellis/Anthony Morrow
SF: Kelenna Azubuike
PF: Anthony Randolph/Ekpe Udoh/Brandan Wright
C: Andris Biedrins/Ronny Turiaf

Houston Rockets
Draft picks: Patrick Patterson PF, Kentucky (14)

The Rockets only had one pick in this draft and did a great job, getting one of the few guys I can see being a rotation player for years to come outside the top players. He'll fit in with their tough defensive style, help with their interior D and replace Carl Landry. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Aaron Brooks/Kyle Lowry
SG: Kevin Martin/Shane Battier
SF: Trevor Ariza/Chase Budinger
PF: Luis Scola/Patrick Patterson
C: Yao Ming/Jordan Hill

Indiana Pacers
Draft picks: Paul George G/F, Fresno State (10), Lance Stephenson SG, Cincinnati (40) Magnum Rolle PF/C, Louisiana Tech (51, from Oklahoma City)

The Pacers, uncharacteristically, went high risk high reward with this draft. George has tons of upside and skill, but coasts a lot, doesn't dominate, and could easily bust. Stephenson has an NBA and NBA skills, but is a character risk and could be a team killer. Rolle has a lot of potential and is a great shot blocker. I think he could be the missing athletic piece to the Pacers frontcourt, or not make the team. All in all, this draft could turn the Pacers into a contender, or kill a ton of careers. They're really jammed at the wings however, and have no point guard. I expect a trade coming. Grade: B

Projected rotation right now:
PG: T.J. Ford
SG: Brandon Rush/Paul George/Lance Stephenson
SF: Danny Granger/Mike Dunleavy
PF: Troy Murphy/Tyler Hansbrough
C: Roy Hibbert/Jeff Foster

Los Angeles Clippers
Draft picks: Al-Farouq Aminu SF, Wake Forest (8), Eric Bledsoe PG, Kentucky (18, from Oklahoma City), Willie Warren G, Oklahoma (54)

The Clippers had a nice draft, filling needs without reaching and adding high upside players that could make their team a real contender if things go right. Though they normally don't for the Clippers. Aminu won't have a lot of pressure while he learns the 3, and can also play the 4. He'll be able to rebound, defend, and run the floor while the perimeter skills come. Bledsoe can back up Baron Davis, while Warren can backup Gordon. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Baron Davis/Eric Bledsoe
SG: Eric Gordon/Willie Warren
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Blake Griffin
C: Chris Kamen/DeAndre Jordan

Los Angeles Lakers
Draft picks: Devin Ebanks SF, West Virginia (43), Derrick Caracter PF, UTEP (58)

The rich get richer. The Lakers get two first round talents in the second round. Ebanks can fill a need as a back up small forward and improve his already considerable defensive talents by watching Ron Artest. He also will be a nice fit in the triangle because he moves well off the ball. If he can improve his shot like Trevor Ariza did, he'll be prefect of the Lakers. Caracter is yet another talented post scorer for the Lakers and gives them nice depth.

Projected rotation right now:
PG: ?/Derek Fisher
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Ron Artest/Devin Ebanks
PF: Pau Gasol/Lamar Odom/Derrick Caracter
C: Andrew Bynum

Memphis Grizzles
Draft picks: Xavier Henry G/F, Kansas (12), Greivis Vasquez PG, Maryland (28)

The Grizzles had the biggest "meh" draft for me. They made two ok picks, but didn't do anything to blow me away one way or the other. However, if they can retain Rudy Gay, I'll like this draft a lot better. The Grizzles got almost to .500 last year despite having a terrible scoring bench and both Henry and Vasquez should instantly upgrade that and help them improve. If Gay leaves and Henry starts, it'll be less impressive to me. Grade: C+

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Mike Conley Jr./Greivis Vasquez
SG: O.J. Mayo/Sam Young
SF: Xavier Henry/DeMarre Carrol
PF: Zach Randolph/Darrell Arthur
C: Marc Gasol/Hasheem Thabeet

Miami Heat
Draft picks: Dexter Pittman C, Texas (32), Jarvis Varnado PF, Mississippi State (41), Da'Sean Butler SF, West Virginia (42)

The Miami Heat have two guys on their roster right now, so they need to fill it up with cheap 2nd round picks so they have space to sign 3 max guys. Pittman can be a beast if he stays in shape and loses 20 pounds. Varnado is Birdman at worst and Butler is a first rounder pre-injury and has is off the charts in the intangibles and IQ department; a perfect guy for a title team. I love these players because they work perfectly as role players playing off other stars. Their lineup is tough to figure out now because Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers. Grade: A-

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: Da'Sean Butler
PF: Michael Beasley/Jarvis Varnado
C: Dexter Pittman

Milwaukee Bucks
Draft picks: Larry Sanders PF/C, VCU (15), Darington Hobson SF, New Mexico State (37), Jerome Jordan C, Tulsa (44), Keith Gallon PF, Oklahoma (47)

I really like the Bucks draft. They got four guys who should contribute and really beefed up their frontcourt. They also added Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts via trade. Sanders and Jordon give them size and athleticism up front, while Hobson is a nice glue player, and Gallon is a high upside, skilled player. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Brandon Jennings/Luke Ridnour
SG: Michael Redd/Chris Douglas-Roberts
SF: Corey Maggette/Carlos Delfino/Darington Hobson
PF: Larry Sanders/Luc Ricard Mbah a Moute/Ersan Ilyasova
C: Andrew Bogut/Jerome Jordan

Minnesota Timberwolves
Draft picks: Wes Johnson SF, Syracuse (4), Lazar Heyward SF, Marquette (30, from Washington), Nemanja Bjelica SF, Serbia (35, from Washington), Paulo Prestes C, Brazil (45)

For David Kahn's sake, I hope he plans on trading at least one of his wing players because with Johnson, Heyward, Bjelica, Corey Brewer, and Martell Webster on the roster, there's a big jam at the wing. Johnson was a good pick, and the right pick, but why reach for a mid-late second rounder like Heyward? Or trade for Webster? The Timberwolves have too many needs to waste picks. Heyward isn't a bad player, but why not take Hassan Whiteside at 30 then get Heyward 45? I guess they're acquiring assets for a Al Jefferson trade, but who knows? Wes Johnson. if he gets to play at least, saves an F grade. Grade: D

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Jonny Flynn/Ramon Sessions
SG: Corey Brewer/Martell Webster
SF: Wes Johnson/Lazar Heyward
PF: Al Jefferson/Kevin Love
C: Darko Milicic/Nikola Pekovic

New Jersey Nets
Draft picks: Derrick Favors PF, Georgia Tech (3), Damion James SF, Texas (24, from Atlanta)

I like the Nets draft, they added one of the highest upside players in the draft in Favors and immediate impact player in James. Favors won't have a lot of pressure on him and can learn offense slowly, his rebounding and defense is NBA ready. This will be a good fit for James because the Nets really need a boost on the boards. They were 27th in the league in rebound margin. The Nets still have some work to do in free agency however, before they're ready to sniff the playoffs.

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Devin Harris
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Terrance Williams/Damion James
PF: Derrick Favors/Josh Boone
C: Brook Lopez

New Orleans Hornets
Draft picks: Craig Brackins PF, Iowa State (21, from Oklahoma City), Quincy Pondexter G/F, Washington (26, from Oklahoma City)

The Hornets did a great job in trading down to save money, and still getting young talent. Brackins is a talented scorer who's a lot like David West (so if he plays well, I wouldn't be surprised if West is available on the trade deadline) and gives New Orleans a much needed back up 4. Pondexter is also a NBA ready player, but also has some significant upside. He's a great slasher, a high energy defender, and leader. A nice pair of picks who can contribute for the Hornets and even start down the line. Grade: A-

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Chris Paul/Darren Collison
SG: Marcus Thorton/Quincy Pondexter
SF: Peja Stojakovic/James Posey
PF: David West/Craig Brackins
C: Emeka Okafor

New York Knicks
Draft picks: Andy Rautins G, Syracuse (38), Landry Fields SF, Stanford (39)

I get the Rautins pick, he fits well, though the Knicks probably could have bought a later pick to get him, but the Fields pick is indefensible. I don't have a problem with him on the team, he very well be a great fit in their offense, but there was no reason to take him at 39. They could have taken a much better prospect there, and signed Fields as an undrafted free agent. It was such a waste using that pick on him and they missed out on much better players. Plus he plays the same position as Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and LeBron, so when does he play, even if LeBron doesn't come? Grade: F

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Toney Douglas/Sergio Rodriguez
SG: Andy Rautins
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Danilo Gallinari
C: Eddy Curry

Oklahoma City Thunder
Draft picks: Cole Aldrich C, Kansas (11, from New Orleans), Tibor Pleiss C, Germany (31, from Atlanta), Latavious Williams SF, Tulsa 66ers (48, from Miami), Ryan Reid PF, Florida State (57, from Indiana)

The Thunder had a spectacular draft, doing what they always do: filling their biggest need with the best player available, adding a high upside project, and getting assets for the future. I'm not a big Aldrich fan for most teams, but I love him on the Thunder because all he has to do is rebound, defend, and make outlet passes, which he can do. He could even be a solid low post scorer down the line. Pleiss is a really nice prospect who can develop in Europe and help in a year or two, Williams and Reid won't make the team and Reid is inexplicable, but since the Thunder definitely don't have room for them on the roster, it doesn't really matter. They also turned the number 18 pick into a future Clippers number 1, which most likely will be in the lottery and in a deeper draft. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Russell Westbrook/Eric Maynor
SG: Thabo Sefolosha/James Harden
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Jeff Green/Serge Ibaka
C: Cole Aldrich/Nenad Kristic

Orlando Magic
Draft picks: Daniel Orton C, Kentucky (29), Stanley Robinson SF, UCONN (59)

The Magic got good value at their picks and two players that should make the roster. Orton could possible lead to Marcin Gortat being traded down the line, while Robinson can potentially replace Matt Barnes. There grade would be higher if they got players who can contribute right away. Grade: B

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Vince Carter/J.J. Redick
SF: Mickael Pietrus/Stanley Robinson
PF: Rashard Lewis/Fran Vasquez
C: Dwight Howard/Marcin Gortat

Philadelphia 76ers
Draft picks: Evan Turner G/F, Ohio State (2)

The Sixers did what they had to, and there really isn't that much to say about this except the only reason they didn't get an A+ is because they could get rid of Elton Brand's contract. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Jrue Holiday/Lou Williams
SG: Evan Turner/Willie Green
SF: Andre Igoudala/Andres Nocioni
PF: Elton Brand/Thaddeus Young
C: Marreese Speights/Spencer Hawes

Phoenix Suns
Draft picks: Gani Lawal PF, Georgia Tech (46), Dwayne Collins PF, Miami (60)

The Suns got two tough, athletic defensive minded power forwards who will run the floor well and finish strong, but they won't come close to replacing the offense of Amare Stoudemire. I'd rather have seen them take a skilled low post scorer like Derrick Caracter instead, but the Suns offense has done wonders before: Grade: C+

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Steve Nash/Goran Dragic
SG: Jason Richardson/Leandro Barbosa
SF: Grant Hill/Jared Dudley
PF: Gani Lawal/Louis Amundson
C: Robin Lopez/Channing Frye

Portland Trailblazers
Draft picks: Luke Babbitt F, Nevada (16, from Minnesota), Elliot Williams G, Memphis (22), Armon Johnson PG, Nevada (34)

I love the Babbitt pick, especially since they got rid of Martel Webster, who was redundant with Nicolas Batum, so they'll get a nice matchup guy in Babbitt. Batum is an emerging stopper and Babbitt can give them some serious offensive punch. I'm not so sure about Williams and Johnson picks though. Williams is a tweener and Johnson duplicates Jerryd Bayless, while both guys might struggle to find minutes in a crowded backcourt. Grade: B-

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Andre Miller/Jerryd Bayless
SG: Brandon Roy/Rudy Fernandez
SF: Nicolas Batum/Luke Babbitt
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge/Dante Cunningham
C: Marcus Camby/Greg Oden

Sacramento Kings
Draft picks: DeMarcus Cousins C, Kentucky (5), Hassan Whiteside PF/C, Marshall (33)

The Kings stayed in their spots, didn't make any moves, and ended up with two of the top 5 upside players in the draft. Plus the two biggest headcase risks at the same time. Cousins has all the talent in the world, and Whiteside is the best physical specimen in the draft of the big men. I think Whiteside has the mobility to play power forward, and so the Kings could have an unbelievably talented front court in a few years if things work out. Though I expect Whiteside to start out in the D league. Grade: A

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Beno Udrih
SG: Tyreke Evans/Fransisco Garcia
SF: Donte Green/Omri Casspi
PF: Carl Landry/Jason Thompson
C: Samuel Dalembert/DeMarcus Cousins

San Antonio Spurs
Draft picks: James Anderson SG, Oklahoma State (20), Ryan Richards F/C, England (49)

The Spurs, once again, had a really nice draft. The get a guy in Anderson who'll give them what they hoped Richard Jefferson would as well as being a reliable scorer whenever needed. The Spurs have a good track record with developing raw talent, and Richards is definitely that. I expect him start out in the D-league, but with Matt Bonner possibly leaving, he could play as a backup center. Grade: B+

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Tony Parker/George Hill
SG: James Anderson/Manu Ginobili
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Tim Duncan/DeJuan Blair
C: Antonio McDyess/Ryan Richards

Toronto Raptors
Draft picks: Ed Davis PF, North Carolina (13), Solomon Alabi C, Florida State (50, from Dallas)

I really like the Raptors draft, though at least with Davis, they didn't really do anything except let him fall to them. They needed a potential Chris Bosh replacement and Davis is the second best pure 4 prospect in the draft. He won't have to start either, because Andrei Bargnani can start at the 4, while Alabi can give them the shot blocking presence they need, a nice get in the second round. Grade: A-

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Jose Calderon/Jarrett Jack
SG: DeMar DeRozan/Marco Belinelli
SF: Hedo Turkgolu/Sonny Weems
PF: Andrei Bargnani/Ed Davis
C: Solomon Alabi/Rasho Nesterovic

Utah Jazz
Draft picks: Gordon Heyward SF, Butler (9), Jeremy Evans SF, Western Kentucky (55)

I don't dislike Heyward's fit with the Jazz, he'll work out well there, but they needed size and length not another wing who'll struggle to defend. Ed Davis would have been a better pick. Evans is a late round flier, but considering the success the Jazz had with Wesley Matthews, who knows what will happen there. Grade: C-

Projected rotation right now:
PG: Deron Williams/Ronnie Price
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: C.J. Miles/Gordon Heyward
PF: Andrei Kirilenko/Paul Millsap
C: Mehmet Okur/Kosta Koufus

Washington Wizards
Draft picks: John Wall PG, Kentucky (1), Kevin Seraphin PF, France (17, from Chicago), Trevor Booker PF, Clemson (23, from Minnesota), Hamady N'diaye C, Rutgers (56, from Minnesota)

There's not much more to say about Wall, he was the obvious pick and they made him. He can turn them around. Seraphin is an interesting pick, and I like it. The Wizards clearly aren't trying to win now, so why not take a guy with awesome upside and the right mentality? He's a physical beast and like to play tough and bang, just what you need. The same can be said about Trevor Booker, who's a monster with a motor that never stops, he'll be a nice back up and leader. N'diaye could make the roster with his defense, but it might be a long shot. I'm not so sure about getting Yi Jianlian and Kirk Hinrich, but I suppose Yi will give them some flexibility on offense and Hinrich can mentor Wall like he did Derrick Rose.

Projected rotation right now:
PG: John Wall/Kirk Hinrich
SG: Gilbert Arenas/Nick Young
SF: Josh Howard/Al Thorton
PF: Andray Blatche/Trevor Booker
C: JaVale McGee/Yi Jianlian