1) LA Clippers- Blake Griffin
My Grade: A+
This was the obvious pick and it was a complete no- brainer. He has so much athleticism and potential. He is still raw as an offensive player but he is an absolute BEAST on the boards. He can average 13-14 rebounds in this league. His biggest impact will be on the offensive end because of his athletic ability and tremendous upside and if it all comes together, he could end up being a perennial all-star.
2) Memphis Grizzlies- Hasheem Thabeet
My Grade: A+
This pick was pretty close to inevitable. Thabeet is as raw an offensive player as you will find but his defense is what makes him the second overall pick. His length and height(7 feet, 3 inches) will change shots in the lane and help improve a Grizzlies defense that has been lacking in the past couple of years. He will get 7-8 rebounds a game but his defense will produce 2-3 blocks a game and help alter the opposing team's shots. His offense needs a lot of work but like Mutumbo, his defensive impact is what makes him so valuable.
3) James Harden
My Grade: A
This wasn't a hard one for me to grade because I predicted that the Thunder would make this move and I think it's a good move for them. I feel they could've drafted Stephen Curry here and have a true shooter to compliment Kevin Durant. But Harden is an awesome pick anyways because he's a scorer that that produce both inside and out. He will balance out the lineup and allow Russell Westbrook to focus on playing the point guard spot. He will hit shots and create points on the floor for others and take some pressure off Durant.
4) Sacramento Kings- Tyreke Evans
My Grade: C
WHAT? OH MY GOODNESS!!! What were the Kings thinking? Evans is a great player and all, but this isn't the right situation for him. I'd be much more excited for the Kings if they would've taken Ricky Rubio or Johnny Flynn or even Stephen Curry. But they took Evans and that wasn't a smart choice at all. Evans is a player with great length and versatility. He can score inside and outside and he can pass the ball. The only problem is that he's not a true point guard and that's what the Kings needed and he's not it. He will have problems with deciding whether to shoot or pass because of his scoring mentality. This is just a bad decision by the Kings management.
5) Minnesota Timberwolves- Ricky Rubio
My Grade: A+
With the T'Wolves trading away Randy Foye this opens up contention for the point guard position and by drafting Rubio the Timberwolves made it clear that Rubio's their guy for the future. Rubio is an amazing passer, a Steve Nash type. He needs to work on his jump shot and on his decision making but his upside is only outdone by Blake Griffin's. If he turns out to be what everyone thinks he can be, he'll be an All-Star by time he's 23.
6) Minnesota Timberwolves- Johnny Flynn
My Grade: A
Back-to-back picks by the T'Wolves, Good job. Flynn was a confusing pick for some but this was a great pick in my book because he's insurance just in case Rubio doesn't turn out to be everything we all think he can become. Flynn is a very strong point guard and he has plenty of athletic ability. He can lead the fast break and score or pass in these kind of situations. He's not a great shooter and he does play a little wild but if Rubio doesn't pan out he can be the man for Minnesota.
7) Golden State Warriors- Stephen Curry
My Grade: A+
This pick was an awesome pick for the Warriors who like the Knicks needed Curry, a flat-out shooter who can score and pass. His true strength would have to be shooting and he is the best one in the draft, hands down. He's perfect for this system and he will produce points immediately for the Warriors. He might average 20 points a game if takes and makes enough shots his rookie year.
8) New York Knicks( My Team!!)- Jordan Hill
My Grade: A
Aw man. Steph Curry's going to California. That sucks. Aw well, it's time to move past the Curry phase and on to the next one: the Hill Phase. Jordan Hill is a nice prospect and he's got a solid NBA body complete with a long wingspan and the mindset of a player who enjoys running the fast break. He can rebound and block shots at a great volume and he gives the Knicks a little breathing room in the free agent debacle between Nate Robinson and David Lee. He can replace Lee if Lee decides to go and also he can score the ball much better than Lee. Hill will be a stud in New York because their playing style will give him a chance to shine.
9) Toronto Raptors- Demar Derozan
My Grade: B+
Demar is good player who can score but he is a project and a star in the making. He has plenty of upside but he needs to mature but his skills are unmatched athletically. The Raptors also could've taken Chase Budinger or Gerald Henderson with this pick but Derozan could end being better than both of them. He must improve his shooting and defensive capabilities but he's a great pick for an ever-evolving Toronto Raptor team.
10) Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon Jennings
My Grade: B
Mr. Jennings is quite the case. He packs plenty of speed, athleticism and passing ability. I do believe that he's the biggest question mark in this draft and I think the Bucks would've done better to pick Dejuan Blair and re-sign Ramon Sessions. But with Jennings they could have their future or their demise. They must work on his shooting and his decision making. I also question his maturity and intelligence because of the whole no college decision. He won't start for 2 years and when he actually does start we'll see if the Bucks made the right choice.
11) New Jersey Nets- Terrence Williams
My Grade: C
Terrence Williams is a great defensive talent and a very athletic player but with Vince Carter gone who's going to help Devin Harris with point production? Gerald Henderson and Chase Budinger would have been much better picks here. But New Jersey still gets a solid player who can guard 3 positions and be a good defensive player in the NBA.
12) Charlotte Bobcats- Gerald Henderson
My Grade: A
Henderson provides the Bobcats with the wing player they've been searching for to play alongside Gerald Wallace. Henderson's finesse will compliment Wallace's power on the wing. Henderson can also shoot the ball well and is a capable defender. He'll start immediately and try to give Charlotte some the scoring they've been longing to obtain for a while.
13) Indiana Pacers- Tyler Hansbrough
My Grade:
CThe former NCAA P.O.Y wasn't a good pick here for the Pacers. They are a team still in search of some sort of identity. Hansbrough is an energy guy, a hype-man like Flava Flav. He's not worth wasting a 13th overall pick on. He has a knack for scoring baskets that look impossible to make. He can pass well and provide solid role play in Indiana. But with players like Earl Clark, Dejuan Blair and Chase Budinger still available at this spot you have to question the decision making of the Pacers.
14) Phoneix Suns- Earl Clark
My Grade: B-
This was an okay pick for me. Between the Shaq trade and the potential Amare trade you've got to wonder, are the Suns trying to lose? Earl Clark is the most versatile player in this draft because of his ability to do everything there is to do on the court. His intensity has been questioned and while he can do everything he seems to only be able those things one way. He doesn't have a true gift for offense or defense but his size and never ending versatility make him valuable. I think Chase Budinger would've been perfect here but it is what it is and hopefully Clark can produce right away.
15) Detroit Pistons- Austin Daye
My Grade: B-
Austin Daye is an okay player who can shoot the ball quite effectively. He can knock down a jump shot with ease and with his length at the small forward position he can get his shot over defenders and disturb other players on defense. The biggest problem here is Austin's weight and lack of muscle. He's going to have to put in overtime at the weight room and add at the very least 20 pounds of muscle. But other than that he's a good pick for the Pistons and his shooting can definitely help them in the future.
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