Post by Philadelphia 76'ers on Aug 22, 2009 15:47:16 GMT -5
2009 NBA DRAFT: TEAM GRADES (EASTERN CONFERENCE)
written by Skills
Since Dallas wrote one for the Western Conference, I decided to write one for the Eastern Conference. Keep in mind that these grades are all just based on my opinion. So please don't get mad at me if I gave your team a bad grade. Or be excited if I gave your team a good grade. Like I said, these are all strictly opinion-based and have no effect on how your team will do in the upcoming sim league season. Anyway, feel free to share your thoughts and I hope you enjoy!
Atlantic Division
Brandon Jennings (left) and Stephen Curry (right) are considered two of
the best guards in their draft class. And they'll be in the same state too.
Boston Celtics: #51 AJ Price
The Celtics used their only pick in the draft to select a possible future backup PG for Rajon Rondo. Despite Price's Kevin Garnett-like intensity, he is not very athletic and has a similar playing style to that of Boston's current starting point guard. It's not bad to have a guy who plays like one of your team's best players, but it doesn't add much diversity to your roster.
Overall Grade: C
New Jersey Nets: #11 Brandon Jennings, #34 Jonas Jerebko
The Devin Harris trade rumors were solidified when New Jersey picked up Jennings at #11. Jennings is an extremely quick and explosive player who could potentially be an all-star in the league some day. With him running the point, and Courtney Lee at the 2, the Nets certainly have a scary backcourt for the future. Jerebko on the other hand may stay in Europe for another year.
Overall Grade: B+
New York Knicks: #5 Stephen Curry, #28 Marcus Thornton, #32 DaJuan Summers, #38 Nando De Colo
Knicks fans at MSG rejoiced when their hometown team selected the cold blooded scorer out of Davidson with their first of four draft picks. But they probably could've been better off with Hasheem Thabeet. With reports of Al Harrington being shopped around from early June, a blossoming Wilson Chandler could be moved to the 3 to make room for Curry at the 2, which is more of his natural position. With their second draft pick, New York picked up another proficient scorer in Marcus Thornton, who could see time backing up Curry after reports of Larry Hughes also on the trading block. The Knicks selected Summers and De Colo with their last two picks, and they most likely will not see much playing time this upcoming season.
Overall Grade: B+
Philadelphia 76'ers: #17 James Johnson, #45 Tyrese Rice
I don't fault Philly for picking up the best talent available, but they really could of used a player like Jeff Teague to fill their hole at the point guard position. Johnson will have a hard time battling for a spot in the rotation against Thaddeus Young and Jason Kapono. The Sixers managed to fill that hole at the 1 in the second round after selecting the crafty point guard Tyrese Rice. Rice is known for being a hard worker with a great work ethic, but he'll have to continue this if he's going to compete with the league's best.
Overall Grade: C+
Toronto Raptors: #21 Wayne Ellington, #29 Rodrigue Beaubois, Lester Hudson
With the addition of Ellington, the Raptors add to their arsenal of sharpshooters that already consist of OJ Mayo and Peja Stojackovic. Although they really could have used a backup for Greg Oden, though Dallas already snagged BJ Mullens right before them. Ellington should see significant playing time backing up Mayo. Toronto also picked up Beaubois in the first round. He is highly athletic, and has the makings of a strong defensive player in the future. With the Raptors lacking talent at the point, the Guadeloupe born point guard could prove to be a smart pick for the Raptors in a few years time. Hudson is the third guard picked up by Toronto, who likely won't see much playing since he's not as skilled as the previous two.
Overall Grade: B-
Central Division
Pistons' lottery picks Ricky Rubio (left) and Hasheem Thabeet (right)
will be a force to be reckoned with in Detroit this upcoming season.
Chicago Bulls: #16 Ty Lawson, #26 Eric Maynor, #44 Jon Brockman
What the hell were the Bulls thinking? Sure they drafted two point guards filled with potential (Lawson and Maynor), but did they forget Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich were on their roster?! Chicago continued to show their stupidity in drafting a power forward (Brockman), in the second round. Exactly how many bigs do the Bulls need?
Overall Grade: D-
Cleveland Cavaliers: #30 Darren Collison, #50 Sergio Llul
Was Cleveland having a contest with Chicago to see who can draft the most point guards? The Cavaliers used both of their draft picks to pick up PG's. But considering Mo Williams and Delonte West are usually together in the starting lineup, the better guard (Collison) may likely see playing time as a back-up.
Overall Grade: C-
Detroit Pistons: #2 Ricky Rubio, #6 Hasheem Thabeet, #41 DeMarre Carroll
Personally, I think the Pistons had no reason to give up Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince for two top ten picks. But at least they used them wisely. The loss of Stuckey makes Spanish superstar Ricky Rubio Detroit's main floor general. And with the Pistons lacking quality big men, Thabeet will be given the oppurtunity to develop his skills in the starting lineup. Carroll can also be a nice role player for them. Detroit's far past from their 2004 championship form, but give it at least three years and they'll be playoff contenders once again.
Overall Grade: A
Indiana Pacers: #13 Terrence Williams, #47 Danny Green
Williams is a nice pick for Indiana... if they were looking for a very good backup to Danny Granger, that is. The Pacers could have really used a legitimate power forward here like Tyler Hansborough or DeJaun Blair. Williams won't likely see any time starting unless Granger goes down, or he manages to show he's better than Indiana's current nucleus of wings (Brandon Rush, Marquis Daniels, Mike Dunleavy Jr.). I figured the Pacers would've went for a PF in the second round, but instead they picked up Green, who will probably be a third-string small forward for them at best.
Overall Grade: C
Milwaukee Bucks: #10 Jrue Holiday, #36 Taj Gibson
Holiday is one of the most underrated players in the draft and has the potential to be one of the best, but he'll have a hard time doing that in Milwaukee. The Bucks clearly needed someone like Gerald Henderson or Terrence Williams at the 3, but they opted for Holiday who will have trouble finding his way on a team that already has Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour. Milwaukee picked up Gibson in the second round who also has a lot of potential, but will have trouble showing it competing for a rotation spot with Ahmir Johnson.
Overall Grade: D+
Southeast Division
Charlotte picked up two explosive scorers in Gerald Henderson (left)
and Chase Budinger (right) with the only first rounders in the Southeast.
Atlanta Hawks: #53 Jack McClinton
The Hawks needed to get bigger, and McClinton surely didn't help. The 6"1 shooting guard is an amazing scorer, but is too small at his position. His game also seems very one dimensional. Even though the Hawks could benefit from his scoring, I don't see him taking over Nick Young's spot in the rotation.
Overall Grade: C-
Charlotte Bobcats: #13 Gerald Henderson, #24 Chase Budinger, #56 Henk Norel
The Bobcats had one of the best drafts. Henderson is a highly athletic and explosive wing with a large offensive repertoire. He can be a reliable scoring option, and fills Charlotte's hole at the 2. The Bobcats also picked up one of the steals of the draft in Budinger. He's a versatile guard and his terrific scoring ability can be a factor off the bench. Although Charlotte probably needed a point guard more than Budinger, but it was hard to pass on his incredible upside. In the second round, the Bobcats flawed and selected Norel, which gives them yet another player at the 5 and the biggest bench in the league.
Overall Grade: A-
Miami Heat: #52 Jerel McNeal
McNeal is a good player to get in the second round. He's an adequate ball handler and can shoot the ball well. He's also tough and committed on the defensive end. The problem is he's just good and not great. Also, he's on a team that has two similar of his kind (Dwyane Wade and Daequan Cook). Though he could be productive for Miami if one of the aformentioned goes down.
Overall Grade: B-
Orlando Magic: #57 AJ Abrams
Anthony Johnson isn't getting any younger, and won't be Jameer Nelson's backup forever, so the Magic could benefit from a nice, young point guard. Although Abrams is more of an undersized shooting guard. He's capable of being a true floor general, possessing excellent speed and good control of the ball, but he'd rather shoot as much as possible. If he can learn to become more of a team player, this may turn out into a good pick for the Magic.
Overall Grade: C+
Washington Wizards: #35 Derrick Brown
With Washington lacking a true player at the 3, Brown seems like a nice pickup for the Wizards. He's very versatile and can use his length to finish at the basket. He also has the ability to block shots with his long arms. Though he doesn't like to set up his teammates very often, which can be a problem when you're on a team with Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford. His game is always developing so he could be terrific in the future... as long as he continues to improve.
Overall Grade: B
written by Skills
Since Dallas wrote one for the Western Conference, I decided to write one for the Eastern Conference. Keep in mind that these grades are all just based on my opinion. So please don't get mad at me if I gave your team a bad grade. Or be excited if I gave your team a good grade. Like I said, these are all strictly opinion-based and have no effect on how your team will do in the upcoming sim league season. Anyway, feel free to share your thoughts and I hope you enjoy!
Atlantic Division
Brandon Jennings (left) and Stephen Curry (right) are considered two of
the best guards in their draft class. And they'll be in the same state too.
Boston Celtics: #51 AJ PriceThe Celtics used their only pick in the draft to select a possible future backup PG for Rajon Rondo. Despite Price's Kevin Garnett-like intensity, he is not very athletic and has a similar playing style to that of Boston's current starting point guard. It's not bad to have a guy who plays like one of your team's best players, but it doesn't add much diversity to your roster.
Overall Grade: C
New Jersey Nets: #11 Brandon Jennings, #34 Jonas JerebkoThe Devin Harris trade rumors were solidified when New Jersey picked up Jennings at #11. Jennings is an extremely quick and explosive player who could potentially be an all-star in the league some day. With him running the point, and Courtney Lee at the 2, the Nets certainly have a scary backcourt for the future. Jerebko on the other hand may stay in Europe for another year.
Overall Grade: B+
New York Knicks: #5 Stephen Curry, #28 Marcus Thornton, #32 DaJuan Summers, #38 Nando De ColoKnicks fans at MSG rejoiced when their hometown team selected the cold blooded scorer out of Davidson with their first of four draft picks. But they probably could've been better off with Hasheem Thabeet. With reports of Al Harrington being shopped around from early June, a blossoming Wilson Chandler could be moved to the 3 to make room for Curry at the 2, which is more of his natural position. With their second draft pick, New York picked up another proficient scorer in Marcus Thornton, who could see time backing up Curry after reports of Larry Hughes also on the trading block. The Knicks selected Summers and De Colo with their last two picks, and they most likely will not see much playing time this upcoming season.
Overall Grade: B+
Philadelphia 76'ers: #17 James Johnson, #45 Tyrese RiceI don't fault Philly for picking up the best talent available, but they really could of used a player like Jeff Teague to fill their hole at the point guard position. Johnson will have a hard time battling for a spot in the rotation against Thaddeus Young and Jason Kapono. The Sixers managed to fill that hole at the 1 in the second round after selecting the crafty point guard Tyrese Rice. Rice is known for being a hard worker with a great work ethic, but he'll have to continue this if he's going to compete with the league's best.
Overall Grade: C+
Toronto Raptors: #21 Wayne Ellington, #29 Rodrigue Beaubois, Lester HudsonWith the addition of Ellington, the Raptors add to their arsenal of sharpshooters that already consist of OJ Mayo and Peja Stojackovic. Although they really could have used a backup for Greg Oden, though Dallas already snagged BJ Mullens right before them. Ellington should see significant playing time backing up Mayo. Toronto also picked up Beaubois in the first round. He is highly athletic, and has the makings of a strong defensive player in the future. With the Raptors lacking talent at the point, the Guadeloupe born point guard could prove to be a smart pick for the Raptors in a few years time. Hudson is the third guard picked up by Toronto, who likely won't see much playing since he's not as skilled as the previous two.
Overall Grade: B-
Central Division
Pistons' lottery picks Ricky Rubio (left) and Hasheem Thabeet (right)
will be a force to be reckoned with in Detroit this upcoming season.
Chicago Bulls: #16 Ty Lawson, #26 Eric Maynor, #44 Jon BrockmanWhat the hell were the Bulls thinking? Sure they drafted two point guards filled with potential (Lawson and Maynor), but did they forget Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich were on their roster?! Chicago continued to show their stupidity in drafting a power forward (Brockman), in the second round. Exactly how many bigs do the Bulls need?
Overall Grade: D-
Cleveland Cavaliers: #30 Darren Collison, #50 Sergio LlulWas Cleveland having a contest with Chicago to see who can draft the most point guards? The Cavaliers used both of their draft picks to pick up PG's. But considering Mo Williams and Delonte West are usually together in the starting lineup, the better guard (Collison) may likely see playing time as a back-up.
Overall Grade: C-
Detroit Pistons: #2 Ricky Rubio, #6 Hasheem Thabeet, #41 DeMarre CarrollPersonally, I think the Pistons had no reason to give up Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince for two top ten picks. But at least they used them wisely. The loss of Stuckey makes Spanish superstar Ricky Rubio Detroit's main floor general. And with the Pistons lacking quality big men, Thabeet will be given the oppurtunity to develop his skills in the starting lineup. Carroll can also be a nice role player for them. Detroit's far past from their 2004 championship form, but give it at least three years and they'll be playoff contenders once again.
Overall Grade: A
Indiana Pacers: #13 Terrence Williams, #47 Danny GreenWilliams is a nice pick for Indiana... if they were looking for a very good backup to Danny Granger, that is. The Pacers could have really used a legitimate power forward here like Tyler Hansborough or DeJaun Blair. Williams won't likely see any time starting unless Granger goes down, or he manages to show he's better than Indiana's current nucleus of wings (Brandon Rush, Marquis Daniels, Mike Dunleavy Jr.). I figured the Pacers would've went for a PF in the second round, but instead they picked up Green, who will probably be a third-string small forward for them at best.
Overall Grade: C
Milwaukee Bucks: #10 Jrue Holiday, #36 Taj GibsonHoliday is one of the most underrated players in the draft and has the potential to be one of the best, but he'll have a hard time doing that in Milwaukee. The Bucks clearly needed someone like Gerald Henderson or Terrence Williams at the 3, but they opted for Holiday who will have trouble finding his way on a team that already has Ramon Sessions and Luke Ridnour. Milwaukee picked up Gibson in the second round who also has a lot of potential, but will have trouble showing it competing for a rotation spot with Ahmir Johnson.
Overall Grade: D+
Southeast Division
Charlotte picked up two explosive scorers in Gerald Henderson (left)
and Chase Budinger (right) with the only first rounders in the Southeast.
Atlanta Hawks: #53 Jack McClintonThe Hawks needed to get bigger, and McClinton surely didn't help. The 6"1 shooting guard is an amazing scorer, but is too small at his position. His game also seems very one dimensional. Even though the Hawks could benefit from his scoring, I don't see him taking over Nick Young's spot in the rotation.
Overall Grade: C-
Charlotte Bobcats: #13 Gerald Henderson, #24 Chase Budinger, #56 Henk NorelThe Bobcats had one of the best drafts. Henderson is a highly athletic and explosive wing with a large offensive repertoire. He can be a reliable scoring option, and fills Charlotte's hole at the 2. The Bobcats also picked up one of the steals of the draft in Budinger. He's a versatile guard and his terrific scoring ability can be a factor off the bench. Although Charlotte probably needed a point guard more than Budinger, but it was hard to pass on his incredible upside. In the second round, the Bobcats flawed and selected Norel, which gives them yet another player at the 5 and the biggest bench in the league.
Overall Grade: A-
Miami Heat: #52 Jerel McNealMcNeal is a good player to get in the second round. He's an adequate ball handler and can shoot the ball well. He's also tough and committed on the defensive end. The problem is he's just good and not great. Also, he's on a team that has two similar of his kind (Dwyane Wade and Daequan Cook). Though he could be productive for Miami if one of the aformentioned goes down.
Overall Grade: B-
Orlando Magic: #57 AJ AbramsAnthony Johnson isn't getting any younger, and won't be Jameer Nelson's backup forever, so the Magic could benefit from a nice, young point guard. Although Abrams is more of an undersized shooting guard. He's capable of being a true floor general, possessing excellent speed and good control of the ball, but he'd rather shoot as much as possible. If he can learn to become more of a team player, this may turn out into a good pick for the Magic.
Overall Grade: C+
Washington Wizards: #35 Derrick BrownWith Washington lacking a true player at the 3, Brown seems like a nice pickup for the Wizards. He's very versatile and can use his length to finish at the basket. He also has the ability to block shots with his long arms. Though he doesn't like to set up his teammates very often, which can be a problem when you're on a team with Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford. His game is always developing so he could be terrific in the future... as long as he continues to improve.
Overall Grade: B
