With the 2009 NBA Draft complete, we have finished grading each team on their picks. Though it takes time to see how a class will actually pan out, the grades should give an indication of the value and fit of each play for each team.
Picks: Jeff Teague (#19), Sergiy Gladyr (#49).
Grade: B+.
Analysis: The Hawks were looking for a point guard and had their choice between Jeff Teague and Eric Maynor. They went with Teague. He is not a pure point, but he has is athletic, skilled, and full of potential. In the second, Sergiy Gladyr is only 19 and can be kept in Europe for several years.
Picks: Patrick Beverley (#42).
Grade: B.
Analysis: Though they entered the draft armed with a single mid-second pick, the Heat did well. They picked Marcus Thornton at 43 and traded him to New Orleans for two future seconds. Miami then acquired Patrick Beverley from the Lakers for a future second and cash. Beverley has developed into a pretty good point guard prospect while playing overseas in Ukraine, and considering what they started the night with, the Heat got him for a good price.
Picks: None.
Grade: N/A.
Analysis: The Magic traded their first round pick in the Rafer Alston deal.
Picks: None.
Grade: D.
Analysis: Clearly, the Wizards were more interested in saving money than improving their team through the draft. The Wizards started the week by trading the fifth overall pick and bad contracts for Randy Foye, a decent starter, and Mike Miller, an expiring contract. As a result, they missed out on a chance to draft an elite prospect like Ricky Rubio. Then, in the second, they sold the rights to Jermaine Taylor for cash considerations.
