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: Rodrigue Beaubois (#25), Nick Calathes (#45), Ahmad Nivins (#56).
Grade: B+.
Analysis: I really like what the Mavs did with their draft. They started the night by drafting BJ Mullens, who then traded to the Thunder for Beaubois and a future second. Beaubois has a lot of upside, displaying excellent athleticism and a high skill level. Calathes, who is signed to play in Greece, has good role player potential and could help in two years. Late in the second, Nivins is a solid big prospect. Overall, Dallas had itself a nice draft.
Picks: B+.
Grade: Jermaine Taylor (#32), Sergio Llull (#34), Chase Budinger (#44).
Analysis: Houston entered the draft with no picks but left with three quality prospects. Jermaine Taylor is an athletic scorer who could step in immediately on the wing and contribute. The Rockets were able to acquire his rights for cash considerations. Sergio Llull is a smart point with above average athleticism, and he can be kept in Spain as he continues to develop. Again, he was acquired for cash. For cash and a future second, the Rockets acquired Chase Budinger, a good shooter who needs to work on his defense. In all, that's three intriguing prospects for one future pick and some cash.
Picks: Hasheem Thabeet (#2), DeMarre Carroll (#27), Sam Young (#36),
Grade: A-.
Analysis: With OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay, Memphis already has players that can score. Last night, they became more physical and better defensively. Hasheem Thabeet is a defensive presence that makes the overall team defense better, even if he has offensive limitations. He doesn't need twenty shots a night to impact the game. DeMarre Carroll, a combo forward, helps with his versatility. Finally, Sam Young was an excellent value pick for the Grizzlies. Young is an athletic, physical wing who can get after players defensively, and his offensive game is developing.
Picks: Darren Collison (#21), Marcus Thornton (#43).
Grade: B+.
Analysis: While Collison and Thornton don't have a ton of potential, they fill needs for the Hornets. Collison is a pass-first point guard that knows how to play defense, and he will help off of the bench. Thornton was acquired for two future seconds, which may be a bit much, but he can develop into a rotational player with a good shooting.
Picks: DeJuan Blair (#37), Jack McClinton (#51), Nando De Colo (#53).
Grade: A-.
Analysis: The Spurs just know how to draft. Though DeJuan Blair's knees may have scared other teams away, San Antonio was able to acquire a tremendous rebounder, which almost always translates to the NBA, risking nothing more than a second round pick. Late in the second, they made two nice picks. Jack McClinton has a role in the NBA because of his shooting ability. Nando De Colo is a player that the Spurs can watch develop overseas.
