Post by Dallas Mavericks on Aug 20, 2009 15:17:21 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]Pacific Division:[/glow]
Golden State: B+ The Warriors selected a solid PG in Flynn, although his size may prove to be a hindrance in the NBA. While the jury is still out on Flynn's effectiveness, we all know Jermaine Taylor will be a strong scorer. Both guards give the Warriors the athletic, fast, and thrill seeking talent that they have been known for.
Los Angeles Clippers: B Its hard to decide whether I like or don't like what the Clippers did with the second overall pick. Instead of taking Ricky Rubio or another top-flight prospect, they solved some other problems instead. They turned the 2nd pick into a great back-up PG (Sebastian Telfair) and a serviceable wing player (Earl Clark), both of which were desperately needed, and a 2010 first rounder. They then made a trade to get Yao Ming, a perennial all-star. Whether you agree or not with what they did with the 49th pick, the Clippers did a decent job using one pick to fill numerous holes.
Los Angeles Lakers: A- With only two second-round picks to use, the Lakers got two solid players. Toney Douglas was a steal and Taylor Griffin was too in the late, late second round. Griffin can help bring some hustle and energy to a team coming off a disappointing season.
Phoenix: C Phoenix did what they could and took Jeff Pendergraph. They improved their team this year through trading, not drafting.
Sacramento: B+ Even though they grabbed a great young prospect (and amazing athlete) in Tyreke Evans, they failed to improve their front line. Sam Young was another great addition and should play well, and Cunningham might contribute as well. The Kings, however, did an excellent job adding to a solid backcourt in Udrih, Evans, and Martin.
[glow=green,2,300]Northwest Division:[/glow]
Denver: D- The Nuggets spent one pick on a guy who might be a nice bench/role player, but isn't going to change any games.
Minnesota: B DeMar DeRozan joins a young team and a franchise that has been hurting since Kevin Garnett's prime. With the addition of Jason Terry, can Al Jefferson/Kevin Love/Derek Fisher/DeRozan make the playoffs and begin to restore Minnesota's prestige.
Oklahoma City: C- The Thunder's first two picks earn an 'A', but their draft night was turned from a success into a letdown after the next two picks. DeJuan Blair and Jeff Teague will be great additions, but can Nick Calathes and Patty Mills really make any impact at all behind Westbrook AND Teague? Two words: trade bait.
Portland Trailblazers: N/A The NBA doesn't really know that much about Victor Claver, but it won't really matter. Whether he is able to contribute right away or not is irrelevant, as Portland is already putting a solid, contending team back on the floor. If Boozer re-signs, then the Claver will get fewer minutes in the rotation. But only time can tell.
Utah Jazz: F Utah did not have a single pick in this year's draft, so they were irrelevant the last couple days. This isn't really their fault, but if you don't take a test, you can't pass it.
[glow=blue,2,300]Southwest Division:[/glow]
Dallas Mavericks: B+ The Dallas Mavericks added a young, raw big man in BJ Mullens. It may take him a couple years but they feel that he can be a starter one day. They also strengthened their swing positions by adding high-scoring shooting guard Jodie Meeks, who would be the primary back-up at guard if it weren't for Raja Bell. Ahmad Nivins was a nice late-round pick, but he plays much like Pops Mensah-Bonsu (only weaker).
Houston Rockets: B Houston got a steal with Hansbrough going so low, and Austin Daye was a nice addition as well. However with Yao gone to LA and Kaman possibly playing alongside Chris Paul next year, the Rockets will be strapped for big man talent for the 5 position. At power forward, Houston is stacked. At center, their options could be miniscule.
Memphis: A+ The Grizzlies drafted two players who could be starters in James Harden and Jordan Hill. James will almost certainly take over the SG left by Mayo, while Jordan may have to be the team's starting center by default. Casspi adds some risky yet potential-laden foreign intriegue, while Heytvelt might also contribute.
New Orleans: A+ With the third to last pick in the draft, New Orleans nabbed Christian Eyenga. Eyenga was a possible first round draft pick who went unnoticed until the very end. Eyenga could prove to be the steal of the draft, depending on how the Hornets plan to incorporate him in their style of play and how he transitions into American pro basketball.
San Antonio Spurs: D The Spurs didn't do much in this draft, but did they need to? The reigning NBA champions sat back and waited for the next season to begin so that they could begin dominating again.
