2010 NBA Draft Grades: Central Division

With the picks now finalized, it's time to analyze how each team's draft day. This year, we will be trying something new with our draft grades. We will be calculating each team's "Draft GPA" based on each of their selections. Higher draft picks will be given more weight, just like (most) major courses versus electives in college. For the purposes of our grades, lottery picks will be worth 4 credits, the remaining first round picks are 3 credits, early second round picks are 2 credits, and late second round picks are just 1 credit.

Click here for Atlantic Division Grades.
Click here for Southeast Division Grades.

Chicago Bulls
No draft picks.

Cleveland Cavaliers
No draft picks.

Detroit Pistons

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
7. Greg Monroe, PF, Georgetown	A-	4
36. Terrico White, SG, Ole Miss	B+	2
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.56 (~A-)

Analysis: The Pistons had a very good draft, filling a major need in the front court and drafting a strong value pick in the second. Monroe, who has ideal size to player 4 or 5, is likely the most skilled big man in this draft. While he is not a great athlete, he should be a contributor immediately for Detroit. White does not fill a specific need, but the athletic guard is a great value early in the second round.

Indiana Pacers

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
10. Paul George, SF, Fresno St.	B	4
40. Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati	B	2
51. Magnum Rolle, PF, Louisiana Tech	B-	1
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	2.95 (B)

Analysis: The Pacers chose to take risks in this draft, but I think they are wise bets. Paul George is probably not ready to contribute immediately, but with his size and skill, he could develop into a very good player in the future. Stephenson has many question marks, from off-court issues to shot selection and his ability to play off the ball, but he has enough ability and upside to justify his selection. Rolle will probably not amount to much, but he has good length and athleticism despite his advanced age.

Milwaukee Bucks

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
15. Larry Sanders, PF, VCU	B	3
37. Darington Hobson, SF, New Mexico	B+	2
44. Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa	A-	2
47. Tiny Gallon, PF/C, Oklahoma	B+	2
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.3 (B+)

Analysis: The Bucks had a very solid draft, improving their front court depth in the process. Between Sanders, Jordan, and Gallon, Milwaukee acquired three solid front court prospects who bring different skills to the table. While Sanders needs to gain weight and improve offensively, Gallon has a pretty good offensive game but really needs to get in better shape. Jordan has good size and tools to make for a solid project. As for Hobson, he is not a great athlete but could develop into an excellent role player.