Boston Celtics Round 1: J.R. Giddens (30) Round 2: Bill Walker (47), Semih Erden (60) Grade: B -Celtics got two future replacements for Allen and Pierce. Giddens and Walker are considered the most athletic guys in the draft and Celtics got them. Erden will never come to the NBA, so it might just be a wasted pick(?). Gidden and Walkers are guys who could contribute right away. All Boston needs is a back up PG. Their bench is Giddens/Walker/Powe/Davis. Young, tough, and talented. New Jersey Nets Round 1: Brook Lopez (10), Ryan Anderson (21) Round 2: Chris Douglas-Roberts (39) Grade: A Nets grabbed a top 3 talent and the best center prospect at 10. Lopez is very similar to Kaman, he won't ever be a go to guy in the NBA, but he will be a great 2nd option or complimentary big man. Anderson is one of the best shooters/scorers in the draft, Nets desperately needed scoring with loss of Jefferson and they just needed shooting period, Anderson was a great addition. CDR was projected top 15-25 for most of the year, but he fell to 39. A big steal for New Jersey, they got a wing player to replace Jefferson. To top it all off, New Jersey got a top 5 lottery talent in Yi, who will suprise a lot of people next year. New York Knicks Round 1: Danilo Gallinari (6) Grade: B+ Knicks went with the 2nd best pick available. What people need to understand is that Gallinari is FIT for the system. Turnover prone low basketball IQ guys like Gordon and etc don't belong on this team, we already got Crawford to make bonehead plays. Gallinari is a slashing SF with elite passing skills and is a smart unselfish player. That sounds crazy right? Thats because we never had a player like that since the 90s. Gallinari has a lot of potential and will be an all star. D.J. Augustin was first on my board, but it'll be okay since there will be other PG prospects in the future. Philadelphia 76ers Round 1: Marreese Speights (16) Grade: A -Speights is a potential Al Jefferson steal. Al Jefferson wasn't picked in the lottery, but looked how he turned out to be. Speights isn't the most athletic guy, but his style is so similar to Al J, this is what Philadephia needed, a PF who can bang and score in the paint. This was the best pick for them getting a guy who would of been a top 5 pick next year in the 16th pick of this year. Philadephia is on the rise on the East, so watch out. The Atlantic division continues to get stronger and stronger Toronto Raptors Round 2: Nathan Jawai (41) Grade: A Jawai is a power bigman who was a projected a first round pick. Raptors are soft in the paint and they got a warrior in Jawai who's probably the most physical big man in this draft, this is a good fit for Toronto and they picked the best player available. Chicago Bulls Round 1: Derrick Rose (1) Round 2: Omer Asik (36), Sonny Weems (39) Grade: B -**** Chicago Cleveland Cavaliers Round 1: J. J. Hickson (19) Grade B- -Hickson is good, but Koufus and Arthur would of been better picks. Detroit Pistons Round 2: Walter Sharpe (32), Trent Plaisted (46), Deron Washington (59) Grade: D -Most of these guys will end up in Europe and probably not even end up seeing Detroit. Detroit is on the decline. Indiana Pacers Round 1: Brandon Rush (13), Roy Hibbert (17) Grade: B -Getting rid of an old ass injury prone low FG% shooting J-O'Neal for a young elite prospect PG in Ford and for a defensive, solid offensively role playing center in Rasho is a good move. Rush will be a good role player off the bench. Hibbert is a center they needed since they lack size. Solid moves for Indiana. They still will be mediocre. Milwaukee Bucks Round 1: Joe Alexander (8) Round 2: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (37) Grade - B- -Alexander won't start since Jefferson is now a Buck He would be a nice back up SF/PF for the Bucks. I don't know where Mbah a Moute will be play since they're loaded at the SF position. Atlanta Hawks Round 1: None Round 2: None Grade: Incomplete Charlotte Bobcats Round 1: D.J. Augustin (9), Alexis Ajinca (20) Round 2: Kyle Weaver (38) Grade: A+ -Augustin is the best pure PG in the draft, a very good PG prospect for them. -Ajinca is the best center prospect in this draft. He can run the floor at 7"1, he's an animal on defense, he loves to get physical and bang, and surprisingly he has a jumpshot from 3pt range. Imagine Tyson Chandler with a jumpshot. -Weaver is the best perimeter defender in the draft, Bobcats needed D and they got. Really good draft for the Bobcats, won't be surprised if they sneak in the playoffs. Miami Heat Round 1: Michael Beasley (2) Round 2: Mario Chalmers (34), Darnell Jackson (52) Grade: A -The made the right choice sticking with Beasley, a perfectly sidekick for Wade and got the best player in draft @ 2 -Getting Chalmers is HUGE. He's the PG that Wade needs, a defensive PG with a jumpshot. I see him being a starter in Miami soon, so they got a real steal with that addition. -Jackson is a solid big man, Chalmers teammate that adds front court depth. Orlando Magic Round 1: Courtney Lee (22) Grade: F -Orlando failed. They got Bogans, Evans, and Reddick, Lee isn't really that different. The only big man Orlando has is Dwight, they couldn't get one in the draft? They got exposed by Detroit because Detroit has a deep bench of big men and Orlando doesn't. Dwight can't do it by himself, and Lewis isn't really a PF, the guy hangs around the 3pt line almost all the time. Orlando needed someone like Koufus to play center and move Dwight to PF. Koufus could shoot, rebound and has a post game. Orlando failed in this draft IMO. Washington Wizards Round 1: JaVale McGee (18) Grade: D -Just an upside pick. They needed a PG or a big man who can contribute right away. McGee isn't that guy. Dallas Mavericks Round 2: Shaun Foster Grade: C- They didn't have no first round pick thanks to NJ, so they had to settle for a good second round value pick, in Vanderbilt's sweet shooter Shaun Foster, one of the premiere three point shooters in the country. He moves good without the ball, also has good speed, he excels in the open floor finishing well on the break with his explosive leaping ability, playing along side with Kidd should be a great look for him, only thing I'm concerned about is will Rick Carlisle play him? Houston Rockets Round 1: Donta Greene (Traded rights to Nicolas Batum to Portland for rights to Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey; traded rights to Arthur to Memphis for rights to Donte' Greene and 2009 second-round pick; Maarty Leunen) Round 2: Joey Dorsey Grade: B- Greene gives the Rockets the shooting and athleticism that they were seeking. Greene is such a steal IMO (especially if you take him late in the draft like they did), he has all the tools to become a good player, and a potential all-star, I like this kid a lot, and as for Dorsey, I think he has a shot at making the team. Memphis Grizzlies Round 1: OJ Mayo/Darrell Arthur (Traded Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins and rights to Kevin Love (5) to Minnesota for Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner and rights to O.J. Mayo; traded rights to Donte' Greene and a 2009 second-round pick to Houston for rights to Darrell Arthur) Grade: B- But really, did they really need OJ Mayo? They already had an upcoming star, with Rudy Gay, the guy averaged 20 ppg last year, why would they want to add another scorer and take away touches from Gay? I really didn't get the trade, but OJ Mayo will be a good player in this league, might be good enough that the Grizzlies will even consider rebuilding around Conley/& Mayo rather than Conley/& Gay, and as for Arthur, he was some what of a steal, only because of that injury, I think he was suffering a stress fracture in his left leg? If he can stay healthy, there isn't a doubt about his game, hes skilled power forward with a tremendous package of size and athleticism, he can run the floor well for his size, very fluid, has solid post moves for a player his age, and showing good development in his post game, born in 88 (20 y/o) so there's nothing but upside for him. Only question for him is, can he stay healthy due to that stress fracture? New Orleans Hornets: No picks They traded their first-rounder to the Blazers for cash as they save pennies for Chris Paul's big windfall in a couple of years. San Antonio Spurs: Round 2: George Hill (George Hill; traded rights to Goran Dragic to Phoenix for rights to Malik Hairston, a future second-round pick and cash considerations; James Gist) Grade: D+ Not sure who George Hill is really, can't really judge the guy, but for Hairston, from what I remember he's a good shooter, and a good rebounder for his size, I guess they're solid picks, Popovich is a great coach, and they're surrounded by good teammates, so they should fit in well, but I think their lacking an athletic big man, and me personally I would've took DeAndre Jordan with their first round pick (26 overall), imagine Duncan & Jordan? Duncan would've been a great teacher for Jordan, and the guy already has athleticism, you can't teach players that, but you can teach them the fundamentals, I think Jordan would've fit well, and started maybe later on in the season, and he could have been what Bynum was for Kobe & the Lakers, a 10/10 guy, blocking 2 to 3 shots a game, but to bad I guess...what it could have been... Golden State Warriors: Round 1: Anthony Randolph Round 2: Richard Hendrix Grade: B- well, Randolph is a great talent, he reminds me of Chris Bosh, I don't know why, maybe because of his frame? But, Randolph is a good prospect, kid was born in 89 (19), and really makes a difficult match up as he's able to use his great length on both ends of the floor, his offensive skill set is developing quickly, can score well around the basket, blocks a ton of shots, he should play, he should fit Donnie's system well, playing over at SF, with Wright at PF, and Ellis at PG, geez, they should be really fun to watch, I love watching young and athletic teams, they will definitely be a team to watch for me, and with the Hendrix pick, not bad for a second round pick, was a big rebounder in Alabama, what the Warriors need IMO, maybe he can be what Millsap is for Utah?...sort of... B- because, well, I thought the Warriors needed either a Guard, or a Center, but there weren't any good guards left on the board with the 14th overall and on, so you have to go with the best choice with talent wise, and Randolph was definitely the best choice at 14. Thought they needed a Center, because they really have only 1 real big men, maybe Kuofos would've been nice, but I don't think he would've fit Donnie's system, due to his speed? Correct me if I'm wrong though. Los Angeles Clippers Round 1: Eric Gordon Round 2: DeAndre Jordan Grade: B+ They couldn't find a way to move up to get their first choice in Mayo, but Gordon fills the same need for a scoring guard. Meanwhile, the 7-footer Jordan has to be considered a steal at that spot on the board (35th overall). I can go and on with these two, but I'm pretty sure you guys are familiar with their skills. Also, they'll be playing along side with Diddy (Baron Davis), it's a really good look for them IMO Los Angeles Lakers Round 1: They gave up their first-rounder part of the Pau Gasol trade. Round 2: Joe Crawford Grade: D 58th overall pick, who's really left on the board? I guess this pick was okay, Crawford can score a little, but Kobe Bryant doesn't have anything to worry about, does he? Phoenix Suns Round 1: Robin Lopez Round 2: Goran Dragic (traded rights to Malik Hairston, a future second-round pick and cash considerations to San Antonio for rights to Goran Dragic) Grade: C Robin Lopez is a solid pick, hits the glass hard and hustles for loose balls, he was a great shot blocker in college from what I remember, he's a 7 footer, good size (7 foot, about 250 pounds?), only thing about Robin is his offense, no low post moves, he scores mostly on garbage baskets, reminds me of Anderson Varejao a lot, but unlike Verejao, Lopez lucky enough to play with a great cast of teammates (Nash, Amare, Shaq) so maybe he'll get the chance to develop a decent offense, as for their second pick, Goran Dragic, thought he was a good pick, needed a back up PG maybe for the future? Tall PG, (6'4), him under Nash, maybe he'll turn out to be a decent player? Just have to wait and see I guess. Reason why I gave a C, is because I thought Koufos would've been a better pick and a fit here, Koufos is a 7 footer, would've been a young Memo (Memhet Okur) with just a better shot blocking ability, imagine at one point putting this on the floor, Nash, Barbosa, Amare, Koufos, Shaq? Haha' doubt it but it would be kind of interesting and funny Sacramento Kings Round 1: Jason Thompson Round 2: Sean Singletary Round 2: Patrick Ewing Jr. Grade: C+ Post forward with excellent length and versatility, he has a developing skill set and shows a lot of upside, the Kings needed a posting PF, they got one, maybe Randolph would've been better here, Randolph & Hawes, but Thompson wasn't bad, I guess because he's already developed and experienced, I think he'll turn out to be a solid pro, and he's also a good passer in the post, once Hawes develops, him in the post and passing it to Hawes might remind us alittle of Vlade to Webber? (haha okay not as good, but you get the point?) and Singletary and Ewing Jr. appear to be solid picks at their respective spots, Ewing Jr. is an athletic guy, who I think will work hard, and hustle in the league, I might be reaching with this one but I can see him turning into a Gerald Wallace sort of player, at best Denver Nuggets No picks They traded their first-rounder to the Bobcats for a future No. 1, as they go about stockpiling assets for a possible future blockbuster? Minnesota Timberwolves Round 1: Kevin Love Traded Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner and rights to O.J. Mayo to Memphis for Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins and rights to Kevin Love; Nikola Pekovic traded rights to Mario Chalmers to Miami for two future second-round picks and cash considerations) Round 2: Nikola Pekovic Ahh, so we have Tim's team here, let's be nice... Okay, I love Mayo, but I didn't see him fitting in Minnesota (also don't see him fitting in Memphis), but anyway, the Mayo trade was great I thought, they picked up great players IMO with Mike Miller and some expiring contracts that'll put them under the salary cap for the 08-09 (and if they don't spend much, possibly for the 09-10 season) anyway, on the Love pick, who I think is a great fit (Brook is good and all, but Love is a better fit) because of his high Basketball IQ, his toughness on the low post, and also a good passer on the low post, which will get Jefferson more opportunities to score when Love is double teamed, only thing is that, Love is undersized, 6'9? And Jefferson is 6'10 I believe?, their front court is really undersized for their positions, but give them time to develop and they'll be a problem in 2, at most 3 years IMO...but the downside about this pick, you traded a guy who possibly might have been the best player in this draft (OJ Mayo), just hope this trade doesn't turn out to be like the last trade that McHale's done on draft night (Brandon Roy) Grade: A Okay GambitNut, your team is next... Portland Trail Blazers Round 1: Jerryd Bayless (Traded Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts and rights to Brandon Rush to Indiana for Ike Diogu and rights to Jerryd Bayless) Round 1: Nicolas Batum (traded rights to Darrell Arthur and Joey Dorsey to Houston for rights to Nicolas Batum; Also (traded rights to Omer Asik to Chicago for three future second-round picks; traded rights to Mike Taylor to L.A. Clippers for 2009 second-round pick) God...2 years in a row, at first I disliked the Blazers, because of them dumping [Zach] Randolph and his ugly contract on us (New York Knicks), but now, just the moves they make, getting talent, good character players, Kevin Pritchard is a genius, he might just be there with Rod Thorn... I love this Bayless kid, I thought Rush was good at first, because I thought they needed a defensive SF, who can guard the opponents best player, night in, night out, but I guess with this trade, I'm assuming that they're aiming for a 6th man kind of player, Bayless is an explosive guard, who has an amazing first step, when Roy is benched, he should carry the offense, he reminds me of Monta Ellis with a deeper range, imagine that coming off the bench for the Blazers? Nicolas Batum was a steal, 27th overall pick, has the potential to be like Rudy Gay, he's another explosive player as Bayless, but I'm not to sure on his jumpshot? I think it's average, they're also getting Oden back, who I think might be better than Dwight in the future, because Oden is the same sort of player as Dwight is in the post, he catches it and just dunks it over your head, and also he has a left hand which Dwight doesn't, he can also shoot free throws, and his defense is already considered top 10 for big men, I don't look for him to score much though, but I think he'll average a double-double, with 2 block shots per game, Blazers starting 5 for the beginning of the season Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Travis Outlaw, LaMarcus Aldridge, Greg Oden, second string will probably look like Jerryd Bayless, Martell Webster, Nicolas Batum, Channing Frye, & Joel Pryzbilla...great second string IMO, and they also have Rudy Fernandez who I think will play this season? & Ike Diogu as a 3rd option, their deep has plenty of depth, I see them going to the playoffs. Or might win the division, or maybe the Jazz will once again. Grade: A Utah Jazz Round 1: Kosta Koufos Round 2: Ante Tomic Round 2: Tadija Dragicevic Grade: C Koufos is a good pick, but they need a scoring guard, maybe their hoping on last years first round pick Morris Almond to do that? Either way, Koufos was a steal I thought where he was selected at (23rd overall), I've mentioned him and his abilities so much, I doubt you'll want to hear more? & they also got a decent long-range one with Tomic, 2 solid prospects, I might of been alittle to generous, but B-.
I agree with most of your grades except for the Cleveland one. I like what Hickson brings to the table; moreso than Koufos and nobody knew what the deal with Arthur was and you can't really fault them for that.
Very, very generous with Charlotte. They reached for Augustine and bought a pick only to watch Hibbert and Thompson go before it. You're either a Tarheels fan or you have a fetish for small people.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Charlotte Bobcats... Grade: A+ -Augustin is the best pure PG in the draft... -Ajinca is the best center prospect in this draft.</div> That's quite an opinion there. Why do you think Augustin is better than Rose? Why do you think Ajinca was taken after all the bigmen taken before him?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GMJigga @ Jul 21 2008, 01:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Charlotte Bobcats... Grade: A+ -Augustin is the best pure PG in the draft... -Ajinca is the best center prospect in this draft.</div> That's quite an opinion there. Why do you think Augustin is better than Rose? Why do you think Ajinca was taken after all the bigmen taken before him? </div> Yeah, that's a pretty big stretch. Anjica might be really good, I just don't think he has ever lifted a weight in his entire life. I'm a huge Augistin fan, but I wouldn't put him over the #1 pick.
damn dude, rereading the first stuff I wrote, I feel like I seemed a little bitter or something...haha'
