Grading the Draft
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2021 12:00 pm
1. Vancouver Grizzlies (from Pacers) | Drazen Petrovic SG 6'5'' 195 22 C+ B+ C B- C A
GRADE: A+
Grizzlies get the top pick, thanks to the Pacers. He even goes up at SF where the Grizzlies would like to play him. Grizzlies are already championship contenders, so this is just dirty. A+ more so to the Grizzlies than even the pick itself.
2. Washington Bullets | Brad Daugherty C 6'11'' 245 21 B+ C- C- B- B- A
GRADE: A+
I think he'll end up being the best player in the draft. No weaknesses, he can do it all. And if his potential is indeed amazing, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
3. Denver Nuggets (from Spurs) | Arvydas Sabonis C 7'3'' 279 22 C+ C C B- B- A
GRADE: B
Not that this is a bad pick, but it's a little risky. Unlike Petrovic and Daugherty who are already ready to contribute and start. Sabonis is going to rely on his potential for a good first TC. If he lives up to his potential, this will end up being a really good pick. But he's less developed and also isn't quite the defensive presence you'd hope for one of the top centers. Also, lots of other good talent from picks 3-8, so hard to tell if Sabonis would be the best of all of them. But props to Nuggets for trading up and getting who they want.
4. Los Angeles Clippers | Len Bias SF 6'8'' 210 22 B+ C C C+ C A
GRADE: C
As the Clippers look to rebuild, I would have love for them to go with a guy with the highest possible upside. They have time to sit back and ride the lottery for a couple years. Instead, they take a high risk player who relies heavily on athleticism. I think the Clippers will look back and wish they either traded up/down or picked someone else.
5. Milwaukee Bucks | Dennis Rodman PF 6'7'' 210 25 C D+ C- B B A
GRADE: B
I like this pick, Rodman should be a defensive stud at PF. He's the type of piece you can lock in for the next 10 years to be a reliable defensive and rebounding presence. I am a little concerned that he's already 25. Also concerning, he's undersize, can't move positions, and won't contribute much offensively. But I probably would have made the same pick if I were the Bucks at this spot.
6. Chicago Bulls | John Salley PF 6'11'' 230 22 B- D+ D B+ B- B
GRADE: B-
Interesting spot for the Bulls. They get a guy who is ready to play, but has a more limited upside. If Chicago is looking to win and have some trades and signings lined up to start competing, I give this pick a B+/A-. If they still wanna rebuild, then I'm not so sure about this pick. Hard to tell. Not a bad pick, because Salley was likely the next BPA. However, still trying to feel where and how he fits in with this team (long term).
7. Toronto Raptors | Roy Tarpley C 6'11'' 230 22 B C- D B C+ B
GRADE: A-
Salley or Tarpley is a good fit for Raptors. They already have pieces or young pieces at other positions, so getting a defensive-minded big man was important. Tarpley is a great pick and should fit in well.
8. Boston Celtics (from Nuggets) | Johnny Dawkins PG 6'2'' 165 23 C+ C B C+ D A
GRADE: C-
Celtics traded up to 3, then down to 8. Lots of sacrifice for Johnny Dawkins. Boston was hoping on landing either Tarpley or Salley with this pick, but that backfired. Celtics stuck with a PG who has some upside, but doesn't help them immediately. Good player, bad pick.
9. Atlanta Hawks | Jeff Hornacek SG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ C+ C C+ C- A
GRADE: D
I don't know what Hawks saw in his notes, but sounds like a low skilled player with potential that may not be enough to be contributor. So many other good options too. Sorry Hawks, but this is likely a swing and a miss.
10. Vancouver Grizzlies (from Timberwolves) | Brad Sellers PF 7'0'' 210 24 B+ C- C- B B+ C
GRADE: A
Amazing draft for the Grizzlies. They are looking at a ring, and Sellers is the most ready player in the draft. This is the second pick that Grizzlies scouted and moved him to a position where his defense goes up. Very good job. Other GMs, take notes.
11. New York Knicks (from SuperSonics) | Kevin Duckworth C 7'0'' 275 22 C+ C- C- B- C+ A
GRADE: B+
Solid pick. A 7-footer with solid upside, can't complain at #11 for the Knicks.
12. Dallas Mavericks | William Bedford C 7'0'' 225 23 C+ C- C- C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
I felt like Price or Williams would have been a better pick here for the Mavs. They are both younger with more upside, and would fit team needs. But he is the commish, so maybe I should shush my mouth. Anyway, Bedford plays good defense so not a terrible pick, but very average from what I see.
13. Atlanta Hawks (from Celtics) | Chuck Person SF 6'8'' 220 22 B- B- C- C+ C- B
GRADE: C
I know that the Hawks are trying to go with an outside offense focus, but man Price was such a no-brainer pick here. Hawks are stacked at SF so this is a head scratcher. Sorry for the hate Hawks, but I think this will be a draft you look back at and regret. I also would have taken Williams just for his upside, defense, and versatility.
14. Sacramento Kings | John Williams SF 6'8'' 235 20 C+ C C B- C+ A
GRADE: A
What value for a #14 pick! Maybe I should have taken him at #8. I kinda forgot about him, and apparently others did too. This could be a player where a lot of teams regret not taking.
15. Sacramento Kings (from Nets) | Mark Alarie PF 6'8'' 217 23 C+ C- C- C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
They needed a big man, so makes sense they take probably the best one left on the board. Unfortunately, all the better ones were taken. Also Alarie is a bit of a tweener lacking defensive skills, so not my type of flavor. I would have rather them take BPA instead here. But I respect them trying to balance their roster.
16. Utah Jazz | Mark Price PG 6'0'' 170 22 C C+ C+ B- D+ A
GRADE: A-
Good value at #16. I don't even care what their roster looks like, if Price has good potential, he'll be a starter quality PG.
17. Detroit Pistons | Ron Harper SG 6'6'' 185 23 C+ C- B- B- D B
GRADE: B-
Good defense and good handles for a guy who can play PG/SG. Ideal 6th man type of player. Above average pick.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (from Trailblazers) | Dell Curry SG 6'4'' 190 22 C B C+ B C- B
GRADE: B
Good defense and good shooter. Similar to the Harper pick. It'll be really interesting to see how some of these mid-teens pick turn out. Dell Curry could really thrive in an outside offense.
19. Golden State Warriors | Nate McMillan PG 6'5'' 195 22 B- C- B- B C C
GRADE: C+
On paper I don't love this pick, but McMillan does have good notes. Won't ever be a scorer, but good passing and defense on a team that needs a PG isn't bad. I do feel like they were so close to getting someone like Adams, so trading up could have been cool, but I think he fits what the Warriors need. I personally would have taken Washington, but they are pretty similar. I'm also a little nervous that handles weren't mentioned, so could turn it over more than Washington or Skiles.
20. Charlotte Hornets | Dwayne Washington PG 6'2'' 190 23 B- C B B D+ C
GRADE: B+
Perfect fit for the Hornets. Good handles, passing, and defense. Great pick. 'Solid' potential is also vague, so if he has a good TC or two, we could be talking about a B C+ B+ A- type of talent. Which would be a pleasant surprise for the Hornets.
21. Houston Rockets (from Magic) | Scott Skiles PG 6'1'' 180 22 C C+ B- B- D B
GRADE: B-
I don't want to hate on this pick, but I just don't like Skiles. But his Notes hint that he could be a really good passer, so a breakout TC away from being starter material. Sorry for the lack of love Rockets, 5 PGs were picked before, so I feel like he was just what was left at PG.
22. Washington Bullets (from Knicks) | Walter Berry PF 6'8'' 215 22 B- D C- C+ B- B
GRADE: B-
Bet he could play SF well also. Nothing special, but probably the best forward on the board at this point.
23. Houston Rockets (from Grizzlies) | Kenny Walker SF 6'8'' 210 22 B- C- C- B C- B
GRADE: C
I like my forwards to block shots and get steals. Walker does neither. Can't rebound well, and not a scorer. I'd rather take Tim Kempton or a PF to move to SF. I like what Rockets were trying to do here, and there's just nothing available at this position that is ready to contribute.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (from Suns) | Chris Washburn C 6'11'' 225 21 C+ D C- B B- C
GRADE: D
Ew. No potential, I don't get this for the Bucks. By the time his contract is up, he'll be in FA.
25. Utah Jazz (from Rockets) | Harold Pressley SF 6'7'' 210 23 C+ C C C+ C A
GRADE: B
Take a high potential guy who can help down the road. I like the idea here.
26. Miami Heat | Greg Dreiling C 7'1'' 250 24 B- C D- B B- C
GRADE: C+
I like the idea by Miami here to get a ready-now player, but I don't like his notes.
27. Atlanta Hawks (from Lakers) | Myron Jackson PG 6'3'' 185 22 C C C C+ D A
GRADE: C
He is so raw, I just don't see him ever being a contributing. But again, I like the heart behind this pick.
28. Atlanta Hawks (from Cavaliers) | Augusto Binelli C 7'1'' 260 22 C+ D+ D C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
I don't think he's gonna be anything special, but certainly a good call by Hawks to go for high potential guys.
29. Washington Bullets (from 76ers) | Panagiotis Fasoulas C 7'0'' 220 23 C+ C- C C+ B- B
GRADE: C+
Nice skillset, but again I'd rather have a top 5 2nd round pick, because you could very likely get someone better and at a much more ideal contract for less years. Hope he doesn't just sit on the bench and eat up years+Cap space.
GRADE: A+
Grizzlies get the top pick, thanks to the Pacers. He even goes up at SF where the Grizzlies would like to play him. Grizzlies are already championship contenders, so this is just dirty. A+ more so to the Grizzlies than even the pick itself.
2. Washington Bullets | Brad Daugherty C 6'11'' 245 21 B+ C- C- B- B- A
GRADE: A+
I think he'll end up being the best player in the draft. No weaknesses, he can do it all. And if his potential is indeed amazing, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
3. Denver Nuggets (from Spurs) | Arvydas Sabonis C 7'3'' 279 22 C+ C C B- B- A
GRADE: B
Not that this is a bad pick, but it's a little risky. Unlike Petrovic and Daugherty who are already ready to contribute and start. Sabonis is going to rely on his potential for a good first TC. If he lives up to his potential, this will end up being a really good pick. But he's less developed and also isn't quite the defensive presence you'd hope for one of the top centers. Also, lots of other good talent from picks 3-8, so hard to tell if Sabonis would be the best of all of them. But props to Nuggets for trading up and getting who they want.
4. Los Angeles Clippers | Len Bias SF 6'8'' 210 22 B+ C C C+ C A
GRADE: C
As the Clippers look to rebuild, I would have love for them to go with a guy with the highest possible upside. They have time to sit back and ride the lottery for a couple years. Instead, they take a high risk player who relies heavily on athleticism. I think the Clippers will look back and wish they either traded up/down or picked someone else.
5. Milwaukee Bucks | Dennis Rodman PF 6'7'' 210 25 C D+ C- B B A
GRADE: B
I like this pick, Rodman should be a defensive stud at PF. He's the type of piece you can lock in for the next 10 years to be a reliable defensive and rebounding presence. I am a little concerned that he's already 25. Also concerning, he's undersize, can't move positions, and won't contribute much offensively. But I probably would have made the same pick if I were the Bucks at this spot.
6. Chicago Bulls | John Salley PF 6'11'' 230 22 B- D+ D B+ B- B
GRADE: B-
Interesting spot for the Bulls. They get a guy who is ready to play, but has a more limited upside. If Chicago is looking to win and have some trades and signings lined up to start competing, I give this pick a B+/A-. If they still wanna rebuild, then I'm not so sure about this pick. Hard to tell. Not a bad pick, because Salley was likely the next BPA. However, still trying to feel where and how he fits in with this team (long term).
7. Toronto Raptors | Roy Tarpley C 6'11'' 230 22 B C- D B C+ B
GRADE: A-
Salley or Tarpley is a good fit for Raptors. They already have pieces or young pieces at other positions, so getting a defensive-minded big man was important. Tarpley is a great pick and should fit in well.
8. Boston Celtics (from Nuggets) | Johnny Dawkins PG 6'2'' 165 23 C+ C B C+ D A
GRADE: C-
Celtics traded up to 3, then down to 8. Lots of sacrifice for Johnny Dawkins. Boston was hoping on landing either Tarpley or Salley with this pick, but that backfired. Celtics stuck with a PG who has some upside, but doesn't help them immediately. Good player, bad pick.
9. Atlanta Hawks | Jeff Hornacek SG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ C+ C C+ C- A
GRADE: D
I don't know what Hawks saw in his notes, but sounds like a low skilled player with potential that may not be enough to be contributor. So many other good options too. Sorry Hawks, but this is likely a swing and a miss.
10. Vancouver Grizzlies (from Timberwolves) | Brad Sellers PF 7'0'' 210 24 B+ C- C- B B+ C
GRADE: A
Amazing draft for the Grizzlies. They are looking at a ring, and Sellers is the most ready player in the draft. This is the second pick that Grizzlies scouted and moved him to a position where his defense goes up. Very good job. Other GMs, take notes.
11. New York Knicks (from SuperSonics) | Kevin Duckworth C 7'0'' 275 22 C+ C- C- B- C+ A
GRADE: B+
Solid pick. A 7-footer with solid upside, can't complain at #11 for the Knicks.
12. Dallas Mavericks | William Bedford C 7'0'' 225 23 C+ C- C- C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
I felt like Price or Williams would have been a better pick here for the Mavs. They are both younger with more upside, and would fit team needs. But he is the commish, so maybe I should shush my mouth. Anyway, Bedford plays good defense so not a terrible pick, but very average from what I see.
13. Atlanta Hawks (from Celtics) | Chuck Person SF 6'8'' 220 22 B- B- C- C+ C- B
GRADE: C
I know that the Hawks are trying to go with an outside offense focus, but man Price was such a no-brainer pick here. Hawks are stacked at SF so this is a head scratcher. Sorry for the hate Hawks, but I think this will be a draft you look back at and regret. I also would have taken Williams just for his upside, defense, and versatility.
14. Sacramento Kings | John Williams SF 6'8'' 235 20 C+ C C B- C+ A
GRADE: A
What value for a #14 pick! Maybe I should have taken him at #8. I kinda forgot about him, and apparently others did too. This could be a player where a lot of teams regret not taking.
15. Sacramento Kings (from Nets) | Mark Alarie PF 6'8'' 217 23 C+ C- C- C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
They needed a big man, so makes sense they take probably the best one left on the board. Unfortunately, all the better ones were taken. Also Alarie is a bit of a tweener lacking defensive skills, so not my type of flavor. I would have rather them take BPA instead here. But I respect them trying to balance their roster.
16. Utah Jazz | Mark Price PG 6'0'' 170 22 C C+ C+ B- D+ A
GRADE: A-
Good value at #16. I don't even care what their roster looks like, if Price has good potential, he'll be a starter quality PG.
17. Detroit Pistons | Ron Harper SG 6'6'' 185 23 C+ C- B- B- D B
GRADE: B-
Good defense and good handles for a guy who can play PG/SG. Ideal 6th man type of player. Above average pick.
18. Milwaukee Bucks (from Trailblazers) | Dell Curry SG 6'4'' 190 22 C B C+ B C- B
GRADE: B
Good defense and good shooter. Similar to the Harper pick. It'll be really interesting to see how some of these mid-teens pick turn out. Dell Curry could really thrive in an outside offense.
19. Golden State Warriors | Nate McMillan PG 6'5'' 195 22 B- C- B- B C C
GRADE: C+
On paper I don't love this pick, but McMillan does have good notes. Won't ever be a scorer, but good passing and defense on a team that needs a PG isn't bad. I do feel like they were so close to getting someone like Adams, so trading up could have been cool, but I think he fits what the Warriors need. I personally would have taken Washington, but they are pretty similar. I'm also a little nervous that handles weren't mentioned, so could turn it over more than Washington or Skiles.
20. Charlotte Hornets | Dwayne Washington PG 6'2'' 190 23 B- C B B D+ C
GRADE: B+
Perfect fit for the Hornets. Good handles, passing, and defense. Great pick. 'Solid' potential is also vague, so if he has a good TC or two, we could be talking about a B C+ B+ A- type of talent. Which would be a pleasant surprise for the Hornets.
21. Houston Rockets (from Magic) | Scott Skiles PG 6'1'' 180 22 C C+ B- B- D B
GRADE: B-
I don't want to hate on this pick, but I just don't like Skiles. But his Notes hint that he could be a really good passer, so a breakout TC away from being starter material. Sorry for the lack of love Rockets, 5 PGs were picked before, so I feel like he was just what was left at PG.
22. Washington Bullets (from Knicks) | Walter Berry PF 6'8'' 215 22 B- D C- C+ B- B
GRADE: B-
Bet he could play SF well also. Nothing special, but probably the best forward on the board at this point.
23. Houston Rockets (from Grizzlies) | Kenny Walker SF 6'8'' 210 22 B- C- C- B C- B
GRADE: C
I like my forwards to block shots and get steals. Walker does neither. Can't rebound well, and not a scorer. I'd rather take Tim Kempton or a PF to move to SF. I like what Rockets were trying to do here, and there's just nothing available at this position that is ready to contribute.
24. Milwaukee Bucks (from Suns) | Chris Washburn C 6'11'' 225 21 C+ D C- B B- C
GRADE: D
Ew. No potential, I don't get this for the Bucks. By the time his contract is up, he'll be in FA.
25. Utah Jazz (from Rockets) | Harold Pressley SF 6'7'' 210 23 C+ C C C+ C A
GRADE: B
Take a high potential guy who can help down the road. I like the idea here.
26. Miami Heat | Greg Dreiling C 7'1'' 250 24 B- C D- B B- C
GRADE: C+
I like the idea by Miami here to get a ready-now player, but I don't like his notes.
27. Atlanta Hawks (from Lakers) | Myron Jackson PG 6'3'' 185 22 C C C C+ D A
GRADE: C
He is so raw, I just don't see him ever being a contributing. But again, I like the heart behind this pick.
28. Atlanta Hawks (from Cavaliers) | Augusto Binelli C 7'1'' 260 22 C+ D+ D C+ C+ A
GRADE: C+
I don't think he's gonna be anything special, but certainly a good call by Hawks to go for high potential guys.
29. Washington Bullets (from 76ers) | Panagiotis Fasoulas C 7'0'' 220 23 C+ C- C C+ B- B
GRADE: C+
Nice skillset, but again I'd rather have a top 5 2nd round pick, because you could very likely get someone better and at a much more ideal contract for less years. Hope he doesn't just sit on the bench and eat up years+Cap space.
