I was recently invited by Rohit Ghosh from the sports website Metta Chronicles to take part in grading each team's 2012 draft on Bleacher
Report. It was no small task but what you see below is the marathon grading session that resulted. Rohit graded each team with his straight laced, in depth analysis and you already know what you're getting from me...the Trapped in Golden State approach. Check it out below or hit Bleacher Report to see each team with its own slide and photo.
By Rohit Ghosh and Justin Taylor
Metta: We
saw picks go exactly where they were predicted to, talent fall well below the
lottery, and teams reaching on players who might not even last in the league.
With the way the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is set up, teams are
going to be forced, much more than before, to improve their teams through the
draft as opposed to free agency. As a result, most of the players picked this
year are going to be key pieces to their teams, regardless of how high or low
they were picked in two rounds.
On
behalf of Metta Chronicles,
I got a chance to discuss the draft with Trapped in Golden State. Since
everybody else is pretending to know exactly how these picks are going to turn
out for the teams, we thought we would do exactly the same.
Trapped
in Golden State: I felt this draft was a huge disappointment, except for the Warriors picks of course. Where was the entertainment value that we've always
been able to count on? There were no ridiculous fashion statements from
prospects, and there weren't nearly enough flat out stupid picks. To be fair,
David Kahn in Minnesota didn't have a first round pick and Billy King already
made his moronic move by trading his pick. Plus, the only legitimately
memorable moment from the draft that we can hang our hats on were Andy Katz and
Jared Sullinger's "bulging
dicks".
Take
a look ...
_____
Atlanta Hawks- (23) John Jenkins, SG; (43) Mike Scott, PF
Metta Chronicles: The Hawks got the best pure perimeter shooter at pick No.
23 with John Jenkins. Jenkins shot 43.9 percent on 3-pointers last season while
making nearly four per game. Although Jenkins makes some sense for Atlanta
since they need a back-up to Joe Johnson, neither selection of Jenkins and Mike
Scott (No. 43) fit the “youth” model Danny Ferry was hoping to build for
long-term success. Rather, they get some cheap players who can help now.
My
issue with Jenkins is that he’s extremely one-dimensional, and isn’t a great
ball-handler or defender. Sure, he can shoot lights out but it’s not like the
Hawks are known for their extra-passes to find the open man. He’ll get some
open shots in the wing and corner playing with Horford, Smith, and Johnson, but
I doubt he sees the ball enough to make an impact with his shot.
With
Mike Scott, they get a solid back-up Forward who had a nice season at Virginia
last year. He’s a good rebounder who can be used in pick-and-pop plays, and I
can see him getting some run as a back-up big, a position the Hawks have been notoriously
weak in. Unless, of course, you’re a big fan of Zaza Pachulia. Remember, Mike
Scott just wants 100
kids so he can have 100 friends.
(C-) Atlanta played it safe in the draft, especially with Jenkins at
No. 23. I would have liked to see them gamble on any of the Baylor wings as
long-term projects. Plus, no Josh Smith trade equals a bad draft day.
Trapped in Golden State: It seems like the Hawks hired Danny Ferry who
showed up 20 minutes before the draft, just in time to keep his record of
marginal to terrible streak of draft picks alive. He got the best shooter
in the draft (John Jenkins) at the position the best player on the team already
fills. Over his five years in Cleveland his best pick was Daniel Gibson
(42) but his real strength is trading for and signing marginal talent, good
luck in the upcoming Josh Smith deal ATL.
(D-) You
really can’t fail when you’ve got a couple of low picks to begin with, but they
should have taken a boom or bust guy like Perry Jones III instead of taking
guys who will barely play anyways.
_____
Boston Celtics- (21) Jared Sullinger, PF; (22) Fab Melo, C; (51)
Kris Joseph, SF
Metta: The Celtics added some nice depth with all three of their picks.
With Kevin
Garnett coming back for the next few years, Jared Sullinger and Fab
Melo, picks No. 21 and No. 22 respectively, will be groomed into solid
defensive players. Most importantly, these picks immediately help the C’s out
in their biggest weakness: rebounding.
Sullinger
fell out of the top ten range because of his back issues, but I trust his camp
when they say that it’s more of a flexibility issue stemming from his
hamstrings, and not an actual back injury. Sullinger is a high-IQ guy, has some
skill around the rim, and will instantly be part of the rotation. Fab Melo is
more of a reach at No. 22, but is already an upgrade over playing guys like
Stiemsma and Ryan Hollins at the 5.
With
pick No. 51, Celtics took SF Kris Joseph, also out of Syracuse who could get
some back-up minutes behind Paul Pierce. He’s got some length and a nice
outside shot, a couple things that work quite well when running the floor with
Rondo.
(B/B-) I was surprised Boston took Sullinger
and Melo back-to-back, especially with Perry Jones was still available. If they
had taken PJ3, I would have given them an A. Main goal now: Bring Ray
Allen back, and I think the team definitely has upgraded over this past season.
Trapped: I know I wasn’t the only one hoping they’d take PJIII and Jared
Sullinger back to back but that would have been too many red flags on a that’s
already full of them. Instead they took Sullinger’s bulging dicks (Trademark: Andy Katz)
and Fab Melo right after to replace Kendrick Perkins.
So
after carelessly trading Perkins to the shady OKC
Thunder for Jeff Green (their failure to disclose his heart condition cost them
a 2nd round pick in 2013) they drafted a smaller Big Baby Davis
and a poor man’s Kendrick Perkins. I think Danny Ainge is going about
recreating 2008 the wrong way.
(C+) Melo only partially fills a big
hole in the middle but it’s probably too little too late. I don’t think
he’s NBA starter material right now and probably won’t be till KG, Allen and
Pierce are gone. Hopefully Sullinger can overcome his bulging dick
problem so he can compete with JaJuan Johnson for back up minutes.
_____
Brooklyn Nets- (41) Tyshawn Taylor, PG; (54) Shengelia, SF; (57)
Karaman, PF
Metta: The Nets could have had the No. 6 pick, but traded it. They
don’t even deserve to be analyzed by any writer out there. They did buy into
the second round where they took Tyshawn Taylor and a couple names that sound
made up by smashing down on the keyboard (Tornike Shengalia, Ilkan Karaman).
Taylor
is fast, plays solid defense, and will compete for back-up minutes. Their other
two picks are solid forwards, who really shouldn’t get any run in this league.
(D/D-) I gave them an F at first, but I like
the Taylor pick. The more important problem is if they
end up losing Deron Williams and Gerald Wallace. “What you want me to do? I'm
sorry” (Jay-Z voice).
Trapped: Getting Tyshawn Taylor at number 41 was a pretty good get for
them. I think they got an NBA player, which is no small feat at that
point even in a deep draft. They also got what looks like a pretty good
Euro who might contribute down the road but they failed this draft months ago.
As
a Warriors fan I’m happy they made one of the dumbest trades in forever.
Do you know what kind of indictment that is coming from a Warriors fan?
They basically traded Harrison Barnes or Damian Lillard along with Mehmet
Okur’s carcass for the right to overpay Gerald Wallace for six months or if
they’re lucky, four more years.
(F) Guys like Billy King make me
feel just a little better about the Warriors track record.
_____
Charlotte Bobcats- (2) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF; (31) Jeffery
Taylor, SF
Metta: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist just became the best player Jordan has
ever drafted. Well done MJ, you’re finally improving at this whole front-office
thing. MKG will bring tons of energy and defense to the team, but I’m not too
sure that’s exactly what the team needed.
Well,
okay, they need a bit of everything on that roster, but now they have seven guards
and small forwards, with just three post players—Bismack Biyombo, Tyrus Thomas
and Byron Mullens. Don’t worry, none of those names have us jumping out of our
seats either. Jeffrey Taylor adds more depth and talent to the team, but in the
same role as MKG.
(C+) I’m a big fan of MKG, don’t get
me wrong, I just think he would have been more useful for a team that already
has some offensive weapons (Wizards, for example). Thomas Robinson would have
been a better option for the Bobcats. Nonetheless, let’s hope MKG becomes a
Pippen-like player. Pippen
ain’t easy though.
Trapped: I’m amazed that Michael Jordan took what I consider the
second best player in the draft with the second pick. Even I might have
taken Thomas Robinson for that team but Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is going to be
Gerald Wallace at the very worst and has a ceiling somewhere around the Scottie
Pippen level.
MKG
has to take a couple of elevators just to get to the one that drops you off at
Pippen’s floor, but he is widely regarded as the hardest worker in the draft.
Plues, he’s only eighteen which is nothing but good news.
(B) I also like small forward Jeff
Taylor who they got at number 31 but why take two guys at the same position
when you have holes everywhere?
_____
Chicago Bulls- (29) Marquis Teague, PG
Metta: The Bulls only had one pick in the draft (No. 29), and did
as much with it as they possibly could. They take Kentucky PG Marquis Teague
who will help the team immediately, especially with Rose being out most of next
year. If Rose was healthy, I’d be even more impressed with this pick as it
would have bolstered their bench a great deal.
Teague
gives them speed and athleticism off the bench, and the second Calipari PG on
their roster. Once Rose is back, this could mean the end of CJ Watson’s run as
a Bull.
(A-) They still need a shooter, but Teague
will hold it down until Rose returns.
Trapped: I think this pick was tweeted out sometime on
Wednesday. I’m not sure whether I’m a fan of knowing every pick before
they happen or not but I am a fan of this pick. Teague will grow into a
starting point guard someday but for now he is already better than C.J. Watson
while Derrick Rose recovers.
(A) I don’t know what else they
could have done better. They got the best available player and filled a
giant need at the 29th pick.
_____
Cleveland Cavaliers- (4) Dion Waiters, SG; (17) Tyler Zeller, C
Metta: Draft day for the Cavs was an interesting one. I’m having
a tough time deciding if I like their picks or if they are too much of a gamble
for my liking. Well, let me rephrase- Dion Waiters at No. 4 is a gamble, Tyler
Zeller at No. 17 is not.
Again,
I would have preferred the Cavs to go with Thomas Robinson but they were
looking for someone to pair with Kyrie Irving in their backcourt. It seems like
they’re willing to work with Tristan Thompson and Varejao down low. Waiters
will probably work out just fine, but he’s not as polished of a player as I’d like
to see running alongside Uncle Drew.
Zeller's
height is a plus, and this is a great value pick at 17. He’ll help the team
right away, and adds some depth down low.
(C/C-) The Cavs still don’t have much
core to work with, and they’ll probably continue to keep Dan Gilbert on suicide
watch. I’m a big fan of Irving, though, and I’m hoping he’s able to incorporate
Waiters and Zeller well as the season moves on.
Trapped: The Cavs got the top 6th man in the country and
a marginal center instead of Thomas Robinson, Jared Cunningham, Bernard James
(who got an awesome U.S.A. chant when he was taken for whatever that’s worth)
and Jae Crowder when they traded for Tyler Zeller’s rights in exchange for the
24th, 33rd and 34th picks with
Dallas.
I
don’t care if you already have Tristan Thompson and Sideshow
Bob, that’s unacceptable. I’d be surprised if it were a team other
than Cleveland.
(D-) A core of Irving, Waiters and
Thompson means they’ll be competing for another top pick next season.
_____
Dallas Mavs- (24) J. Cunningham, SG; (33) Bernard James, C; (34)
Jae Crowder, F
Metta: I really am not sure what to make of the players they
took. In Jared Cunningham, Bernard James, and Jae Crowder, they get a bunch of
high-energy, defensive guys who can fill out the rotation. They’re also in the
process of clearing cap space for free agency, so it does make sense that they
weren’t going for any home-runs in the draft.
Cunningham
won’t be able to play PG in the NBA, and will probably spend some time in the
D-league to learn the position. James and Crowder are both
rebounder/junkyard-type players. They should make the team though, since every
team needs players like that.
(C-) I would have taken Perry Jones
III at 24. Cunningham is a good player, but just don’t see him having a defined
position.
Trapped: I can’t really fault the Mavs for the choices they
made. They are basically clearing cap space which is why they traded down
in the first and picked up a couple of non guaranteed 2nd round
contracts to remain flexible for the Deron Williams/Dwight Howard sweepstakes. If
nothing else, Cunningham and James are already better then Dominique Jones and
Brendan Haywood.
(C+) Not because they made shrewd
picks but because they stuck to their plan. The grade would have been
much lower if I didn’t see their ulterior motives.
_____
Denver Nuggets- (20) Evan Fournier, SG; (38) Q. Miller, SF; (50)
I. Turkyilmaz, C
Metta: The Nuggets already have a squad with plenty of talent and
depth at each position, so nothing they did on draft night was going to be a
big positive or a negative. Fournier is considered the best international
player in this draft, but he joins a rotation of Gallinari, Wilson Chandler,
and Jordan Hamilton. There’s not enough playing time for Fournier, at least not
right now.
I’m
hoping he can move to the 2 spot, and open some more playing time for himself.
Either way, he’s not worth the No. 20 pick. With Quincy Miller, they add a nice
piece of talent, but it’s just another SF. Seven-footer Izzet Turkyilmaz could
be something serviceable in a few years.
(C+) Nothing spectacular, nothing
horrible. It’s time to trade some of this depth for a superstar talent.
Trapped: I don’t know much about Evan Fournier other than he’s from
France and people say the pick was a reach but I’m not one to split hairs by
saying they picked him four slots too early. Who cares? If you like
a guy you grab him, it’s not like they passed on a star to fill their need for
a scorer.
The
better pick by them was Quincy Miller at number 38 who might be a better NBA
player then his Baylor teammate PJIII.
(C+) If Al Harrington is taking most
of the big shots for you in the playoffs that’s a good sign you need some more
shooters and it seems like they saw the writing on the wall.
_____
Detroit Pistons- (9) A. Drummond, C; (39) K. Middelton, SF; (44)
K. English, SG
Metta: Solid draft for the Pistons- (9) Andre Drummond, C; (39)
Khris Middelton, SF; (44) Kim English, SG. I’m like a little kid on Christmas
morning anticipating the duo of Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
While
they work on Drummond’s offensive game, he’ll protect the paint and rebound
well immediately. Monroe is one of the most underrated players in the league,
and this front-court duo is a nice start to work with for Dumars. It’ll take a
few years for Drummond to develop, but Detroit fans can look forward to an
intimidating frontline with those two.
Middleton
adds some outside shooting for the team, and Kim English can be a nice backup
guard for the team.
(A-) Let’s hope Drummond ends up having
the same defensive presence Ben Wallace once had.
Trapped: With each pick that Andre Drummond slipped in the draft, he
became less and less of a bust. I don’t know anyone who thinks he has the
skills to be anything more then a defensive specialist. Even that
distinction is questionable since defense and rebounding is mostly desire and
that was one attribute nobody attached to him during the pre draft process.
(B) Even if I hate Drummond it was
a good value pick at number nine because there is always a team that thinks it
can be the one to redeem a guy with that kind of body.
Another
plus is second round pick Khris Middleton who might be a Richard Hamilton type
player down the road.
_____
GSW- (7) H. Barnes, SF; (30) F. Ezeli, C; (35) D. Green, SF;
(52) O. Kuzmic, C
Metta: Honestly, no matter how much I want to hate on anything
this team does, they couldn’t have had a better draft night. They brought in a
haul that immediately fills holes and minimizes weaknesses on their current
squad- (7) Harrison Barnes, SF; (30) Festus Ezeli, C; (35) Draymond Green, SF;
(52) Ognjen Kuzmic, C.
Barnes
will be their starting SF, and trust me, he’ll score and score often. He can
hit the outside shot, will have more space with an extended three-point line
when compared to the college game, and has a great ball-handler in Curry to set
him up. I’d like Coach Jackson to work with Barnes on his footwork, and that’s
something that will take years to develop.
For
now though, he the right guy to fill out their starting lineup. Ezeli will be a
solid backup center, and Draymond Green was an absolute steal in the second
round. I guess tanking does pay off.
(A) Nothing better they could have done.
GSW fans should be excited for next year- another season of promises most
likely ruined by injuries and a lack of defense.
Trapped: The Warriors nailed their first three of their four
selections this year. Harrison Barnes may never be an all star but he
should be a ten year starting caliber player at a position with a long term
need.
Festus
Ezeli also gives them a defensive presence off the bench and that is more then
Andris Biedrins has given them in years and he was starting! I bet he
hits more free throws than Biedrins and Drummond combined this year, any
takers?
(A+) Is this a homer grade here?
Maybe, but getting Draymond Green with the 35th pick was just
icing on a very good looking cake. I wouldn’t have given them better than
a D had they drafted Drummond.
_____
Houston Rockets- (12) Jeremy Lamb, SF; (16) Royce White, PF;
(18) T. Jones, PF
Metta: Jeremy Lamb, Royce White, and Terrence Jones are all good
pieces, but I think they will regret not moving up further to get Drummond.
It’s tough to grade the Rockets right now, since GM Daryl Morey is probably up
to something with some trades this summer. They add plenty of talent through
the draft, which most likely means some of their current roster (ex. Kevin
Martin) is on his way out.
(B-) They still have no inside presence
and as a result, I can’t see them being too much better than they were last
season. It’s time to trade some of this depth on the wings for someone to help
Scola down low.
Trapped: GM Daryl Morey may not have been able to put together
enough assets to land Franchise-Hostage-Taker Dwight Howard but he’s probably
better off. Don’t think for a second that Dwight won’t hold Houston over
the ledge all season if they do figure this thing out.
Instead,
Morey dumped Sam Dalembert and his inflated contract and picked up Jeremy Lamb,
Royce White and Terrance Jones without giving up on Kyle Lowry.
(A) I can’t fault any of the picks
or the maneuvers that led to them. Good job, good effort!
_____
Indiana Paceres- (26) Miles Plumlee, PF; (36) Orlando Johnson,
SG
Metta: Another white, below-average big man for Indiana? You would
think history would teach them a lesson. Miles Plumlee wasn’t even the best
Plumlee on his college team. He’s athletic, but definitely a reach even in the
late first-round.
Honestly,
I think Plumlee will out of the league in less than five years. Being a
California guy, I’ve seen Orlando Johnson plenty and I think he’ll end up
getting some time off the bench for of his offense.
(D) Underwhelming night for
Indiana. I’m disappointed.
Trapped: Miles Plumlee? Really? If they think he has more NBA potential
then Arnett Moultrie, PJIII, Teague or Ezeli (the four picks that followed)
I’ve got some Todd Fuller rookie cards to sell them (this may just be for
Warrior fans).
(F+) Maybe they just wanted a
practice player or something? I know they didn’t think that he would help
them in their series against the Heat for even a minute.
What
they got was a homeless man’s version of Roy Hibbert, only more inconsistent
and pastier than that.
_____
L.A. Clippers- (53) Furkan Aldemir, PF
Metta: Furkan Aldemir can rebound the ball, and that’s pretty much it.
We’ll never see him.
(N/A) Doesn’t even count as a pick.
Trapped: They got a Turkish forward (if I mentioned his name would any of
you know who the hell it was?) that I’m pretty sure real estate tycoon and racist
Clippers owner Donald Sterling wouldn’t let live in any of his apartment
complexes. He better stay overseas until they trade him. Update: Before this article went to press the Clippers moved
Aldemir in a deal that will bring Lamar Odom-Kardashian and his reality show
back to the Clippers. One thing that hasn’t changed is that he won’t be
allowed in a Sterling owned property unless Khloe signs the lease.
(F) Other than Clipper Darryl are
there any real Clipper fans to dispute this grade? Or would they?
_____
L.A. Lakers- (55) Darius Johnson-Odom, SF; (60) Robert Sacre, C
Metta: There’s not too much you can do in the late second-round, but
the Lakers did just about as well as they could with pick No. 55 (Darius
Johnon-Odom).
He
can play backup to Kobe, due to his ability to score the ball and his
toughness. He’s a hard-worker and we know how much Kobe like that. Center
Robert Sacre was taken with the last pick of the second round, but he won’t
make the team. Let’s not waste time on him.
(B) LA wasn’t going to make a splash in
the draft unless they made a huge draft-day deal with Pau Gasol. DJO has a good
chance of making the team, and adds some depth to a team lacking exactly that.
Trapped: With their only pick in the draft the Lakers selected Mr.
Irrelevant. Enough said. I don’t know anyone that was upset about
the Lake Show trading two first round picks to get Ramon Sessions and to send
Derek Fisher out to pasture (but I don’t know many Lakers fans).
(A+) I love what they’ve done with
their draft picks for the next two years. For a Laker hater's money, Ramon
Sessions is way more valuable than next year's first round pick. Next
season I expect them to use their second round pick on a German doctor so Kobe
can stop flying back and forth.
_____
Memphis Grizzlies- (25) Tony Wroten Jr., PG
Metta: The Grizzlies have a nice squad all the way through, but have
been missing a quality backup to Conley. They get that with Tony Wroten. He’s a
PG with some size (6’6), handles the ball well, get to the basket, and can pass
well enough. He’s not a great outside-shooter, but will get playing time
immediately.
(B) He fills an immediate need, and maybe
even more important, Wroten can play the SG spot too. With OJ Mayo probably
heading out, that will come in handy.
Trapped: You could sway me either way on the Grizz picking Tony
Wroten. He’s kind of like O.J. Mayo 2.0 but this model couldn’t throw a
rock into the ocean. It’s not good when a guy who commands the ball and
loves to shoot really sucks at it.
However,
if he continues that mess in Memphis, he’ll probably find himself on the wrong
end of a Z-Bo elbow. Other than that, I hear he’s really good.
(B-) The value of this pick will
really be determined after we know whether Mayo will be returning and whether
or not Wroten ever learns how to shoot.
_____
Miami Heat- (57) Justin Hamilton, C
Metta: The Heat traded down from the first-round to save cap-space, and
took Justin Hamilton in the second round. Maybe Hamilton and Dexter Pittman can
compete to see who knocks out Lance Stephenson again next season?
(C-) I was a bit surprised they
didn’t take someone like Ezeli in the first-round, someone who would have
helped their big-man rotation immediately.
Trapped: After LeBron finally earned his crown, the Heat traded
their pick because 1) they can barely afford a first round pick with the Big 3
and not one, not two, not three, not four, but pretty much the rest of their
worthless roster have them capped out for years to come, and 2) some other
veteran who wants to get dragged to a title will take a severe pay cut to join
their crew of corpses next season.
(N/A) Does it really matter?
James is like Magneto from the X-Men after he learned how to control his powers
and started destroying everyone who ever slighted him at this point.
Mike
Miller might get to limp to three more NBA Finals because the Heat will be
paying him over $6 million a year till 2014-15 to do it. Hopefully he just
retires.
_____
Milwaukee Bucks- (14) John Henson, PF; (42) Doron Lamb, SG
Metta: I’m impressed with what the Bucks have been doing lately.
Earlier in the week, they brought in Samuel Dalembert for their C position. On
draft night, they got the guy they wanted (Henson) and picked up a shooter who
will get playing time next year in Lamb.
The
main issue I have with their pick is their excess of average Forwards/Centers
(Sanders, Udoh, Gooden). Henson is a great defensive player, but Skiles will
have some work ahead of him finding enough playing time for all these projects
they have. Doron Lamb can shoot so he’ll definitely get some run behind Ellis.
(B-) They picked up some good players, but
as stated, they have too many post players for my liking. One important note-
teams will have a tough time scoring in the paint on Milwaukee.
Trapped: They needed a big because Andrew Bogut is a Warrior now and
their other serviceable big guy (Ersan Ilysova) will probably make like Usain
Bolt as soon as the free agency gun goes off.
They
ended up with a guy (John Henson) who could probably fit three of himself in
Brandan Wright’s shadow.
(B) This grade gets bumped up a
little bit because it’s hard not to like their selection of Doron Lamb in the
second round. I just can’t help but think his talents will be wasted
carrying Brandon Jennings’ Xbox and Monta Ellis’ jock strap for the next couple
years.
_____
Minnesota Timberwolves- (58) Robbie Hummel, SF
Metta: There were a lot of rumors that the Timberwolves were
trying to get into the top-5, dangling last years No. 2 pick Derrick Williams
in the trade. No one bit, most likely because Williams just isn’t that good.
They probably would have traded that pick to the Lakers for Pau Gasol, but
nothing spectacular like that ended up happening, and the Wolves took SF Robbie
Hummel late in the second round.
He’s
already had two ACL injuries, and he is not going to be good pro player at all.
He can shoot the ball, and his ability to play some defense might help him stay
on the roster.
(C+) Not much else you can do at the No.
58 pick.
Trapped: The T-wolves made the most of their only selection at number 58
by selecting Boilermaker Robbie Hummel. I love this pick, they’ve been
trying to fill the void that was left at the end of the bench when Mark Madsen
retired in 2009.
I
expect him to be a world class towel waver/butt slapper and if they’re lucky,
a comically bad
dancer.
(A) I told you I love this
pick. He’s got
big shoes to fill but I think he’s up to the challenge! I think
he’ll make fans in Minnesota forget all about Mark Madsen.
_____
NO Hornets: (1) Anthony Davis, PF; (10) Austin Rivers, G; (46)
Darius Miller, SF
Metta: They added Anthony Davis, Austin Rivers, and got a steal
with Darius Miller in the second round. Rivers is going to have to learn to be
more of a true PG with Eric Gordon at the 2 spot, but right now, NOLA needs
talent and that’s what they drafted. Coach Monty Williams is a great coach, and
he’ll be able to contain Rivers’ tendency of over-shooting.
Rivers
at the 1, Gordon on the Wing, and Anthony Davis down low- things are looking
bright for the Hornets. Kentucky's Darius Miller fell to the middle of the
second round, but he will be a solid role player due to his ability to hit the
mid-range jumper and defend.
(A-/B+) Rivers will need to pass the
ball more than he wants to if NOLA wants to keep improving.
Trapped: Nobody in the league showed the kind of dedication that Hornets
management did what it took to rig the lottery for the rights to the most dynamic
eyebrow in NBA history. The Unibrow (Trademark: Anthony Davis, seriously,
he trademarked “Fear the Brow”) is the best big man prospect since Dwight
Howard and will be a big help when Doc Rivers’ kid is getting destroyed on a
nightly basis.
(D) First of all, you get no credit
for rigging the lottery and making the pick that a three year old could have
made. On top of that, I hate the Austin Rivers pick because he’s really a
poor man’s Eric Gordon. Maybe they’re anticipating a slow recovery or a
fast exit from Gordon and if that’s the case, I’ll revise my grade of this
pick.
_____
New York Knicks- (48) Kostas Papanikolaou, SF
Metta: The Knicks only had one pick (No. 48), and there’s not much you
can do with that pick. They took SF Kostas Papanikolaou, who will probably
spend some more time in Europe before coming here.
(C-) They should have tried to take
someone who can make the roster this up-coming season, not a project for years
down the road.
Trapped: The Knicks executed their single second round pick to
perfection. Instead of taking someone who could help plug some holes on a
team that’s full of them they took a Greek guy (who’s name I will never be able
to pronounce) who can’t comes to the States for another two years.
Why
is that you ask? Because for the next two seasons when they get bounced
in the first round of the playoffs they say “just wait, we’re going to win it
all when Papanikolaou gets here!”
(B) The only disappointment here is that
ESPN hasn’t run any stories about this guy being the final piece of the puzzle
yet.
_____
Oklahoma City Thunder- (28) Perry Jones III
Metta: The rich get richer. The Thunder got Perry Jones III at
pick No. 28, and in my opinion, this was the steal of the draft. He’ll have
zero responsibility in OKC and can learn a ton from Kevin Durant. Jones is a
6’11 Forward who can handle the ball, pass, rebound, and slash. He’s not
a bad shooter either. Sound familiar?
They
get someone who can play some minutes behind KD giving the scoring leader some
much needed rest he often doesn’t get, and in a few years, could be a big part
of the rotation. Very fortunate for OKC that he fell to them. Shame on the
other GMs.
(A) Lottery talent at the end of the
first round? Yes please.
Trapped: I’m sure the Thunder went into the draft thinking, “All we need
to do is to get more athletic.” As impossible as it is to fathom one of
the youngest, most athletic teams in the league just got younger and
faster. I still can’t believe the ripcord on PJIII’s free fall didn’t get
pulled until the 28th pick.
(B+) This was another no brainer
that I have a hard time giving full credit for. All I know is that this
guy is going to be electric to watch in pre game warm ups before he takes his
spot on the bench until Scotty Brooks can get a fire lit under him.
_____
Orlando Magic- (19) Andrew Nicholson, PF; (49) Kyle O’Quinn, C
Metta: The Magic took Andrew Nicholson at pick No. 19, pretty
much to have some insurance if and when Dwight Howard skips town. He could be a
good pick if Howard leaves, but if he doesn’t, then Nicholson will get buried
on the bench behind guys like Ryan Anderson and Glen Davis.
He’s
a good rebounder, protects the paint well, but has a very limited offensive
game. Fun fact- the last player picked from St. Bonaventure in the first round
was Bob Lanier. In case you’re reading this, and don’t know who Lanier is, look
him up. He was good, very good.
At
No. 49, the Magic took C Kyle O’Quinn. It’s a solid pick, and not much else
they could have done at that point.
(C) Much depends on what Howard
does, but picking two big men seemed a bit odd.
Trapped: I like the pick but I don’t think this was exactly what
Dwight “Franchise Stick Up Man” Howard when he demanded a point guard to take
him to the conference finals or else. In the end, it really doesn’t
matter what they do because he’d rather get to Brooklyn before Jay-Z cuts his
next record, and then to get back to the NBA Finals.
(C) Andrew Nicholson should be a
very good stretch four but isn’t that what Ryan Anderson is?
When
the Howard leaves over $30 million on the table just to get away from them next
season, I guess they feel they’ll have plenty of cap space (and a top draft
pick) to fill the other four positions on the floor.
_____
Philadelphia 76ers- (15) Maurice Harkless, F; (29) Arnett
Moultrie, PF
Metta: The Sixers added Maurice Harkless (previously known as Moe) and
Arnett Moultrie in the first round. I don’t understand the Harkless pick since
they already have Iguodala and Thaddeus Young already in their rotation.
Harkless
will take some time to develop but his length and rebounding skills will be
used, one way or another. He slashes to the basket well on the offensive end.
He’ll be a project for Philly but they can afford that with their current
roster pretty much set.
Their
Arnett Moultrie pick was solid- he’s strong and rebounds the ball extremely
well. Philly needs some of that down low. Also, he plays well into a left-hand
jumphook when he sets up on the right block. Nice addition for Doug Collins.
(B/B-) Had them around a C initially, but I
like the Moultrie pick too much.
Trapped: The Sixers got a fat haul of skinny forwards this year with
Maurice “Don’t Call Me Mo” Harkless and 6-11”, 230 lbs power forward Arnett
Moultrie. If nothing else, they got more wingspan than any other team in
the league. That has to count for something right?
(B-) Philly is obviously stocking
themselves with long, light and cheap alternatives in anticipation of cutting
ties with their highest paid player (Elton Brand) and their best player (Andre
Igoudala).
Brand
will probably just play out his last big money year ($18 million+) and walk
when his contract expires.
_____
Phoenix Suns- (13) Kendall Marshall, PG
Metta: The Suns took Kendall Marshall at No. 13. This is a tough
one to figure out-it’s a good fit, but it might not be enough to help the team.
It seems that Nash is on his way out from Phoenix, and Marshall replaces him
nicely, especially with his passing.
He
was the best passing guard in this draft, but the issue is that there aren’t
too many people on the Suns to pass to. He’ll run the pick-and-roll well with
Gortat, distribute the rock to some outside shooters, but there isn’t any one
player on that team the offense can rely on. Just not enough talent on the team
for Marshall to maximize his passing skills.
(B-) Unlucky for them that guys like
Rivers, Terrence Ross, and lamb were off the board already.
Trapped: Kendall Marshall was no doubt the right guy to take with the 13th pick
but Phoenix is screwed, plain and simple. They are losing Steve Nash, and
have a roster full of marginal talent. Now they’ve got a guy who can’t shoot
like Nash (that’s the understatement of the year) but he can pass and
play defenselike him.
(B) I can't be too upset about the
pick, but that roster needs help, some major help.
_____
Portland Blazers (6) Damian Lillard, PG; (11) M. Leonard, C;
(40) W. Barton, SG
Metta: The Blazers brought in a nice group of players on draft
night- (6) Damian Lillard, PG; (11) Meyers Leonard, C; (40) Will Barton, SG. I
already wrote
about Lillard before the draft, and he would have been a stud anywhere
he landed. In Portland, he’ll be in an up-tempo environment where his range and
quickness will be useful.
I’m
not a big fan of Leonard’s game, but with Aldridge at the 4, all Leonard needs
to do is rebound the ball and protect the paint. Good fit for him. They get a
steal with Barton in the second round, he’ll bring good energy for them
whenever he gets playing time.
(A-) They get players who fit well with
their current roster. Lillard-Matthews-Batum-Aldridge-Leonard is not too
shabby.
Trapped: I love their pick of Damian Lillard (full disclosure: I’m biased
towards Oakland born and raised point guards) and am indifferent about the
Myers Leonard pick. Lillard probably won’t be Gary Payton but I see
Leonard falling somewhere between Todd Fuller, Patrick O’Bryant and Adonal
Foyle (my apologies for the terrible Warriors comparisons to everyone in
Portland).
(C+) When you need a point guard you
need a point guard and they got the best one in the draft even if they did have
to overspend a little on one.
Lillard
has a supreme work ethic and you don’t have to worry about him spending his paychecks
on Krispy Kreme donuts like you do with Raymond Felton.
_____
Sacramento Kings- (5) Thomas Robinson, PF
Metta: The Kings hit gold when Thomas Robinson fell to them at
No. 5. The Robinson-Cousins combo up front is going be brutal for the
opposition. Good luck trying to rebound while these two are on the floor. He
does need to polish things up a bit, and I’ve heard scouts mention he should
elevate his release a bit more. But he’s not just an inside scorer, he’s
got a great face-up game and can hit the mid-range jumper.
He
will be a double-figure rebounder instantly; Robinson averaged nearly a dozen
rebounds in his one full-time college season. College rebounding success almost
always translates to the NBA game.
(A) So excited to see the T-Rob/DMC combo
on the floor.
Trapped: Did the Kings get lucky or what? They got a top two or
three prospect in the draft at number five and the cheaper then cheap Maloofs
were able to turn their second round pick into a pile of free money!
They
probably could have gotten more for the pick if they held it for ransom and
made the people of Sacramento pay for it like everything else they’ve done that
last few years.
(B+) I feel like I’m giving them a
good grade for getting lucky but I love Robinson’s motor and maturity. How
many of their guys that actually play can you say that about?
_____
San Antonio Spurs- (59) Marcus Denmon, SG
Metta: They took SG Marcus Denmon at pick No. 59. He’s a quick,
athletic guard who plays efficiently. If any other team took Denmon, I’d probably
say he’ll end up with a career in Europe. But it’s the Spurs! Everything they
do somehow seems to work out.
Denmon
will end up being a solid back-up guard for the Spurs. Just saying, Popovich
will find a way. He always does.
(C) The Spurs never do anything that’s
“below average”. They’ll find a way to make Denmon
maximize his potential.
Trapped: The biggest surprises about San Antonio’s pick at number 59 was
that he is American (6-3” point guard Marcus Denmon) and that he will be on the
roster this coming season.
They
must be getting desperate with Timmy on his last legs.
(C+) How do you grade the 59th pick?
Were they supposed to do better? Would their fans rather have seen them draft
and stash a Spaniard?
_____
Toronto Raptors- (8) Terrence Ross, SG; (37) Q. Acy, SF; (56)
Tom Zubcic, SF
Metta: At No. 8, the Raptors took Terrence Ross, a shooting guard out
of Washington. He’s got some nice size, and can shoot the ball, but I’m not
sure if this is what the Raptors needed on their roster. The Raptors were 28th in
scoring in the league last year, so his ability to score will be a plus for the
team.
He’ll
be a good wing alongside DeRozan, but the team still lacks a true starting SF.
If they were going with a SG, I would have taken Rivers or Lamb, but Ross should
be solid enough. The team is hoping Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, who
joins the team this year after being drafted in 2011, will move Bargnani to the
4 spot and give the team more options on offense.
In
the second round, the Raptors took Baylor Forward Quincy Acy, who adds length
and some strength on defense. Solid second round pickup.
(B) If they start Ross, they’ll
have to move DeRozan to the 3. They lack some size at that spot as a result,
but get the perimeter help they’ve needed. Will be interesting to see if
Calderon sticks around, and if Colangelo is successful in bringing Steve Nash
in.
Trapped: I give the Raptors credit for resisting the urge to take
Drummond. I also give them props for getting Quincy Acy in the second
round.
At
the same time I’ll be subtracting a couple points for taking Terrance Ross at
number eight.
Didn’t
they know that when the Logo said he liked him it was a total ruse?
(C-) Personally I would have traded
that pick to a team that was dumb enough to move in front of Detroit to get
Drummond. They also got a 6-11’ guy from Croatia (Tomislav Zubcic) who is
too soft to even play small forward but I guess he fits their style.
_____
Utah Jazz- (47) Kevin Murphy, SF
Metta: At No. 47, they took SF Kevin Murphy. That’s a generic
name if I’ve ever heard one. He was a big time scorer at Tennessee Tech (20.6
pts per game in his senior year), but I doubt he finds much playing time on
that Utah roster.
(N/A) Insignificant pick.
Trapped: I’m sure the Jazz were thrilled that the Warriors ended up with
Harrison Barnes with the seventh pick. Since they didn’t have a first
round pick they had to watch our selection and let 40 picks go by before
selecting a nice little scoring guard from Tennessee Tech named Kevin Murphy.
You
haven’t heard of him? Or the school either? You’re not alone.
(C) Another pick that elicits a
screaming yawn get a mediocre grade. On the bright side, someone informed
the Jazz that they need players at a position other than power forward/center
and they got the message loud and clear.
_____
Washington Wizards- (3) Bradley Beal, SG; (32) Tomas Satoransky,
SG
Metta: Maybe I’m just being overly optimistic, but I think Washington
could sneak into the playoffs next year. The East is weak after Miami, and the
Wizards have some talent on their roster to make the eighth spot.
Bradley
Beal fills their hole at the SG spot, and he’ll be a great fit next to John
Wall. I don’t think too many people know this, but Wall shot 7% from the
three-point line last season. Let’s hope that Beal takes over the
outside-shooting responsibilities, and Wall can stick to driving the ball and
getting his teammates open.
Beal
did have one poor shooting year at Florida, so he’ll need to prove that his new
shooting touch will be consistant, but he’s only 19 and there’s plenty of time
to improve. Promising back-court duo for the Wizards with veteran talent across
the board (Nene, Ariza, Okafor).
They
also got Jan Vesely’s old friend in Tomas Satoransky, a combo guard with
size and athleticism. The team doesn’t have much cap-space left over after
their recent trade, but they have enough talent on their roster to be
much-improved from last season.
(A-) They get Beal and some depth in the
draft. Nice work by GM Ernie Gunfeld.
Trapped: After turning Rashard Lewis’ dead body into Emeka Okafor and
Trevor Ariza, the Wiz didn’t care that MKG didn’t fall or that Thomas Robinson
did. They just stuck to the game plan and took 19 year old (as of draft
night) Bradley Beal and didn’t look back.
I
think Beal is going to be a very good pro but am I the only one that got tired
of hearing the Ray Allen comparisons? As long as he isn’t Nick Young they
will be ecstatic.
(A-) They did very well to fill
their vacancy in the backcourt while still keeping an eye on next season’s
tanking efforts.
The
Wizards achieved this by using their second round pick on a big and talented
guard from the Czech Republic (Tomas Satoransky) who probably won’t touch down
on U.S. soil for another couple of years.
_____
Ha... Got in early. I agree totally on your understanding of Green!! I felt he was the player in the draft who was NBA ready. Many will disagree with me when I state I feel # 2 was MKG. Not the most talented, just the most NBA ready. #1. Even over Unibrow. Of course this doesn't mean he will have the career as AD just his results in his initial season's value may be greater.Formula for Value: Stats / Paycheck. We addressed many issues & I truly feel GS opportunities of playing winning basketball grew with this great draft. Ezeli/Barnes? Just icing on the cake. A little "smoke" blew thru the room when the #52 pick was determined. Never though GS would blow Green's horn but Lacob & co. shown me that improvement could happen with just 1 pick. His value whether coming off the bench or starting? Priceless. A youngster who literally could be placed on the court not making rookie mistakes constantly? Few around. GS showed the fans here that they will address the Defensive absenteeism shown by these recent teams which didn't have a clue on how to win in this game. Been many seasons since I had such a wide smile on my face prior to opening day. Who likes Green, I do, J does. The rest is immaterial. I can live with it & would pull this string again if the possibility presented itself. It's been years since I purchased the W's on T.V. but they are making my thinking more difficult by showing me that we may play a ounce of "D" this season. The Best Do!! Will we? Our rookie free agents brought along with the possible veteran talent cast off by others who need cap room makes for a interesting lead up to the regular season. I'm stoked about our improvement! May take a season to get all to go in the same direction but winning is closer than we think it is. S
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure many will get all the way through this one...you have to read, or just scroll past almost 7500 words to get down to the comments...
DeleteI really like Green and I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't pushing Barnes for minutes. I like Barnes and think he will be a starter for a long time but it's a little early to crown him for opening day.
Mullin, Curry, & now Barnes... #7 is lucky for the W's!
ReplyDeleteI really, really want to believe Eze's going to be a rebounding machine, but I'm just not sold yet. I'll settle for not turning the ball over, defending the paint, dishing out unintentional timely bruises, & boxing out so that his man doesn't get the rebound. If that happens, he'll be the best starting C the W's have had in years... and as a reserve.
Tweener or not, I loved the Green pick. Hopefully his game will translate to the NBA.
I've been listening to Green talk all morning and you can tell he just gets it...I think he's going to nail all of your points...I'm liking him more and more...
DeleteLiked Ezeli too...Barnes might have to get broken down to be built back up...sounds like he thinks his shot will earn him his spot...
From earlier interviews I saw w/ Barnes (I haven't seen today's yet) it looked more like a comfort level in dealing w/ all the hoopla since he's been dealing w/ it forever. It looked more like confidence than cockiness.
DeleteConfidence sometimes gets mistaken for the "it factor," but idk if a player can have "it" w/ out confidence. That others see the potential "it" factor in Barnes is probably why he's been such a high level prospect. Either way, I sure wouldn't mess with "it," if there's a chance a player's got "it."
There's nothing wrong w/ a solid prospect like Barnes feeling like he belongs until proven otherwise. The W's can sure use a closer, even if he's just an average/slightly above avg. starter otherwise.
If it's more arrogance etc. w/ Barnes, then you may be right.
DeleteI do think it's confidence more than arrogance but anyone (including him) who thinks he is a top 20 starter at his position right now has another thing coming...It's going to take a lot of hard work...Green on the other hand seems like he's looking forward to the work...
DeleteThere's absolutely no doubt that Mark Jackson will make Barnes earn it.
ReplyDeleteShould there be any question over who deserves to start I'd put my money on R. Jefferson since I think D. Wright will be traded.
R.E. Terrence Ross - "Didn’t they know that when the Logo said he liked him it was a total ruse?"
ReplyDeleteMakes you wonder who started all the Waiters talk. Could it be w/ hopes that Barnes would be there at #7?
One thing about this draft impresses the hell out of me. The response from W's fans(+ others) about their confidence in the picks made. Even my friends who hate the W's tell me they improved. Do you know how bad it hurts a Laker fan to state the W's did something right? He had a peculiar look while making this revelation. Don't think I didn't just savor the moment. S
ReplyDeleteShow him my Lakers draft grade and see what he has to say about that..lol...I gave them an A+ for using two first rounders to get Sessions (who really shit the bed in the playoffs) and to dump Derek Fisher.
Delete