BRB Draft Grades

Atlanta Hawks (B): Atlanta, with the 3rd overall pick, went with the "safe" pick Al Horford. To be honest, I don't know how safe this pick actually was. Sure, he was an accomplished collegiate player but we all know, especially Duke fans, that not all great collegiate players become great NBA players. To me, Horford is an undersized PF at the NBA level and the bully mentality that he used in college will be non-existant at the next level when his strength is neutralized. Outside of a few jump shots in the title game this year, I have never seen Horford hit the jumper with any type of consistency. If you're going on the best player on the board and you're ignoring the fact that you already have 18 PF's on the team, you have to take a guy with a much brighter upside and that would've been Brandon Wright. I love that the Hawks didn't reach and take Mike Conley at #3 because that would've been way too high. I think that decision looks even better when you add in that Atlanta got the most NBA ready PG in the draft in Acie Law. Sure, there are issues with Law's ability to be a "true" PG but one thing is for sure, he won't shy away from the big moments at the end of the game and when you're a perennial loser like the Hawks, you need a guy like that. I could be wrong about Horford. He could become a Carlos Boozer type player but I just don't see it right now. With Shelden Williams and Marvin Williams there, it just doesn't make any sense. If you're not crazy about Wright, take Yi and trade him to a team that desperately wanted him like the Warriors. Just think what the Hawks could look like if they pulled off a Yi for Jason Richardson deal: Acie Law, Joe Johnson, Jason Richardson, Marvin Williams, Shelden Williams with Josh Childress off the bench. I like the Johnson-Richardson 1-2 punch.

Boston Celtics (C): Anytime you get a guy with the talent of Ray Allen, you can't go wrong and they did dump the Wally contract as well which is a good thing. However, Allen provides the Celtics with a temporary stop gap and I'm not sure if there are enough balls on the court for the trio of Allen, Pierce, and Jefferson. Plus, the combo of Brandon Wright and Al Jefferson had the possibility of being a frontline for the ages. I like the selection of Gabe Pruitt in the 2nd Round. He has the chance to be a productive PG at the next level but Glen Davis is a very shady pick. For one thing, will he ever lay off the Krispy Kremes? Second, he quit on his team this year when they were losing. Third, did you read that piece in ESPN the Magazine? The guy is constantly suicidal. Terrible pick especially when you have McRoberts, lottery pick talent, waiting in the wings.

Charlotte Bobcats (F-): After the 8th pick in the draft, it seemed as if the Bobcats would do no worse than a C but then they traded away potential for Jason Richardson. JRich is a solid player but he's a now player with a hefty contract and to be frank, this team is not a now team and as currently constituted, it isn't a later team either. Richardson will help ease the blow when they lose Gerald Wallace to free agency. But how can you get rid of Brandon Wright after a guy with his upside slipped to #8 in the draft? It just doesn't make much sense. Jared Dudley at #22 is a stretch even though he will add some toughness and heart to that team. Michael Jordan needs to realize that success on the court does not necessarily breed success in the front office.

Chicago Bulls (C): I know I am in the minority here but Noah just isn't a lottery pick. He's a cockier version of Anderson Varejo. He does provide a load of intangibles and he'll work his ass off but when you have the kind of talent on the board that this draft did, Noah should've been an after thought. Why do the Bulls need more interior defense? They have Ben Wallace and a promising prospect in Tyrus Thomas. Spencer Hawes would've been a much better pick because he could've provided the Bulls with what they need the most, a low post guy who can score. Aaron Gray, if he works hard enough, could be a decent backup center in the Association but let's be real, he won't sniff the court. Jameson Curry is a gamble the Bulls could afford to take with such a late 2nd Round pick but make no mistake, this guy has trouble written all over him. He seems to have controlled the drug thing but is he coachable and will he play defense? Doubtful.

Cleveland Cavaliers (INC): No picks in the draft but a word of advice: if you have to sell your soul to get Billups, do it!

Dallas Mavs (C+): No first round picks but Fazekas is a decent pick in the 2nd Round despite having a piano on his back at all times. However, I don't see why they needed another slow footed white guy who can shoot. Don't they have the best one of all? I won't comment on the Euro guy, I've never heard of him but Reyshawn Terry will give them some defensive help if he decides to try ever now and then. My prediction is this team will undergo some serious changes in the offseason because I think the Warriors may have permanantly damaged their psyche.

Denver Nuggets (INC): No picks, totally worth it to get Iverson. The question is: will the dynamic duo of Anthony/Iverson ever gel where they can contend? Not when the Spurs and Suns still have those rosters they can't.

Detroit Pistons (B): I've never seen Rodney Stuckey play but I've been reading nothing but great stuff on this guy all year long. Then why did he go to Eastern Washington? Rumor has it that he couldn't even spell SAT let alone do well on them. The Pistons only care about his basketball IQ. Affalo is a nice safe pick for the Pistons and I think a good one because he has a similar-type game to Hamilton and will be able to give him a much needed blow every now and again. If it weren't for Corey Brewer the last few years, he may have been a late lottery pick.

Golden State Warriors (A): I won't give them an A+ because I really did like JRich on this team but in order to get a guy like Brandon Wright, you can't give up Adonyl Foyle. I love the Wright trade and he'll be great as the undersized, underbulked #5 in that run and gun system. If Baron Davis can stay healthy a whole year, this team could be dangerous again. I love Bellinelli at #18. From what I've read, he's the Italian version of Ray Allen. If so, he fits nicely into that system. Stephane Lasme is also a nice selection in the 2nd Round. Didn't he have 9 blocks one game this year? Love the Warriors, so much so that I will purchase the NBA package next year to watch them.

Houston Rockets (B+): If Jeff Van Gundy was still the coach, I wouldn't like the Brooks pick. With Adelman in Texas, Brooks fits in nicely with his run and gun approach. Landry may have been a little high at 31 but he's a blue-collared guy that carried Purdue this year. Jury is still out on Newley and whether he wants to play in the NBA and give up his cozy gig in Aussie land.

Indiana Pacers (C): Who the hell is Stanko Barac? Supposedly he's an assassin from outside and could be a good player but I have some serious questions about a guy who is 7' 2'' and can't score within the 3-point line in Europe. Bottom line is that they didn't make themselves better for next year and they will most likely get rid of Jermaine O'Neal.

LA Clippers (B): I've loved Al Thorton his whole career at FSU. He's an absolute freak who should contribute right away. Maybe Crittendon would have been the better pick since they have an aging Cassell and a one-legged Shaun Livingston but it never hurts to take the best overall player on the board. Jared Jordan? He's a feel good story but when a guy gets shut down by Siena twice in one week, he's not a legit pro prospect and a reason to get rid of Daniel Ewing.

LA Lakers (D): Crittendon has the potential to be good and if he lives up to his potential, he'll be a steal at #19. Problem is that you took Jordan Farmer in the 1st Round last year and Crittendon is miles away from being a finished product. With an angry Kobe Bryant, this pick won't improve them in the immediate future. McRoberts seemed to fit their system nicely at #19 as he is a PF who can pass the ball and be unselfish, which is ideal for the triangle and a ballhog like Kobe. The Chinese PG and Gasol's brother are lightyears away from contributing.

Memphis Grizzlies (C+): I think Mike Conley has the potential to be a good PG but #4 is a bit high. Sure, there most pressing need was PG but this team is still miles away from competing so why not take the best player on the board?

Miami Heat (B): They only had one pick and swapped with Philly to get Daqean Cook from Ohio State. With most of their players receiving AARP invitations, it never hurts to get a young, athletic SG with a load of potential. He could be the shooting answer as early as next season with the departure of Jason Kapono who got a ridiculously large contract from the Raptors.

Milwaukee Bucks (A-): They got Yi at #6, which was their guy. He has incredible upside but his camp doesn't want him in the middle of nowhere with a very limited Chinese population. Even if he doesn't play a game for the Bucks, it was a good move picking him up because there are plenty of teams that will give up plenty to take a chance on this guy. At worst, he's nice trade bait. Ramon Sessions at #56 could be a steal considering many thought he had first round talent. I really like what I saw from him in the NCAA Tourney when Fazekas was his usually no show.

Minnesota Timberwolves (B+): I think Corey Brewer is a steal at #7. That's how good I think he is. At worst, he's one of the best defenders in the league for years to come. However, over the course of last year, I really liked him emergence on the offensive end. Some compare him to Stacy Augman but I think he'll be closer to Scottie Pippen. Yeah, I went there. Chris Richard is a decent pick in the 2nd Round. He could be similar to what Millsap was this year for Utah. Problem is that KG will be on the decline before the likes of Foye and Brewer hit their max potential. Kevin McHale needs to be fired.

New Jersey Nets (B+): Sean Williams will be a dominant low post defender for years to come, mark my word. I'm just not sure if it will be in the NBA or the California Penal League. This guy has all types of issues but if he can get it together, watch out. To me, he's got the potential to be a mix between Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace. Hopefully, he gets his act together. But let's be honest, even a Sean Williams with a crack addition is better than Jason Collins in the middle.

New Orleans Hornets (B-): Whenever you get a guy with the talent of a Julian Wright, you can have a grade out of a B. Also, I am usually a proponent of taking the best guy on the board but not in this case. This team desperately needed a SG in the worst way and Nick Young would've fit like a glove in that system. The one thing lacking from Wright's game is shooting ability.

NY Knicks (A-): Say whatever you want about Isiah but he knows how to draft so even though I have questions about Wilson Chandler and Demetrious Nichols, I'm sure they will work out. To me, the Randolph deal is a no-brainer and I just don't understand how people can say this a bad deal. Does he have a huge contract? Sure, he does but the difference between this contract and the other 50 bad contracts the Knicks have is that he's still young and in his prime. The combo of Curry and Randolph could be an absolute force in the weak Eastern Conference and plust, they get rid of a cancer in Steve Francis. Bravo Isiah, Bravo!

Orlando Magic (G?): I can't give out a grade to the Magic. Their offseason has sucked ass and this clown from Europe is an unknown. Billy Donovan may have been on to something by ditching this team prematurely.

Philadelphia 76ers (B+): Thaddeus Young is a potential pick. He has Top 5 talent but will he ever put it together? If he does, he'll make people forget about Iverson. I don't know much about Jason Smith except that he's more of a pick and pop center than a low-post scorer. Derrick Byars is absolute steal at #42. I'm almost inclined to call the D.A. to report such a thievery. He's an athletic swingman that can make an immediate impact. Herbert Hill? Best guess is that he'll be an assistant coach at Providence before he makes a big-time impact at the next level.

Phoenix Suns (C-):Alando Tucker was a very good collegiate player but he's not a Phoenix player at all. He can jump out of the gym but he can't hit the broad side of a barn with his jumper. I just don't understand this pick and I really don't understand why this team keeps selling off their picks. They need a backup PG (see Marcus Banks sucks) and Aaron Brooks or even Taurean Green makes more sense than Tucker. Strawberry fits the mold of a Raja Bell with his defensive intensity but he can't shoot it like Raja.

Portland Trailblazers (A++): Greg Oden, need I say more? He's a cahmpionship-level player on and off the court. He immediately makes Portland a contender. In addition to Oden, they got two foreign PG's that have enormous talent but aren't ready yet and then they get Josh McRoberts to fall in their laps. This is a perfect fit for McRoberts because he made his reputation and played his best when playing opposite of Oden in AAU ball. Taurean Green gives them a solid, winning backup for years to come. Sure, it hurts to give up a guy like Randolph for a guy like Channing Frye who is softer than Charmin but he was a cancer and could've dwarfed the progress of their franchise big guys, Oden and Aldridge.

Sacramento Kings (C+): I'm not sure what direction this team is actually going in. Their best player should be in Creedmore and Mike Bibby is rapidly declining and losing trade value. Hawes is a west coast guy and he has a load of potential. Reggie Theus will have his hands full this season.

San Antonio (A): This team always earns an A in my draft book. Their track record is just way too good. Splitter won't be around to make an immediate impact but the Spurs are set and can afford to take such a gamble. Marcus Williams is an enormous talent but just doesn't seem like he's all there. In any other organization, I say he falls into bad habits and doesn't become anything. However, with the Spurs, who knows. I've seen the Spurs win with Stephen Jackson in 2003.

Seattle Supersonics (A): Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, two of the best collegiate players last year, in one draft. Need I say more? Sure, Ray Allen hurts but this team is building for the future and they are moving in the right direction.

Toronto Raptors (G?): Same as Orlando except I like the Raptors future prospects. I have no idea what this guy from Greece is about but Manu Ginoboli was selected in the same postion so who knows. On a side note, Jason Kapono for 4 years/24 mill, are you kidding? What Brian Cardinal wasn't available?

Utah Jazz (B): Utah needed a shooter last year in the draft and missed out on JJ and took Ronnie Brewer instead. This year, they got the best shooter in the draft in Almond. Don't know why he went to Rice but from what you hear, he has a chance to be special. Never heard of the Euro guy they selected...

Washington Wizards (B-): Nick Young will give them yet another talented scorer but I think the pick would've been better suited going to a big guy. However, they took the best player on the board and you can't fault them for that.