2010 NBA Draft Grades: Southeast 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.

* Denotes acquired in trade.

Atlanta Hawks

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
27. Jordan Crawford*, SG, Xavier	B	3
53. Pape Sy, SF, France	D+	1
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	2.58 (B-)

Analysis: With Joe Johnson's future in Atlanta in doubt, the Hawks wisely chose to select an insurance plan, but Jordan Crawford's skill-set overlaps quite a bit with Jamal Crawford. Crawford, thought not the ideal height for a shooting guard, is a dynamic and surprisingly efficient scorer, but he will need to improve his shot selection. Sy is an unknown, lacking the production even in lower level leagues.


Charlotte Bobcats
No picks or trades for prospects.

Miami Heat

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
32. Dexter Pittman, C, Texas	B-	2
41. Jarvis Varnado, PF, Miss. St.	B+	2
42. Da'Sean Butler, SF, West Virginia	B-	2
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	2.89 (B)

Analysis: While Miami's main object was clearly cap space, they also had a solid draft. Pittman is an effective post scorer, but he is not ideally suited for major minutes or the pace of the NBA. Varnado, though he needs to get stronger, could be contributor off of the bench due to his tremendous shot-blocking ability. Prior to his knee injury, Butler was moving up draft boards. If he can recover fully, the Heat have landed a solid, hard-working role player to fill out their roster.


Orlando Magic

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
29. Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky	B-	3
59. Stanley Robinson, SF, UConn	A	1
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.0 (B)

Analysis:The Magic were able to acquire two players who fell on draft day due to question marks in their games. Orton has injury questions, attitude concerns, limited productivity, making him an extremely risky project. Orlando is a good situation, giving him time to develop on the bench without the expectations of early minutes. Robinson is a tremendous athlete marred by questions about his character and consistency, but considering he was drafted behind players like Pape Sy and Ryan Reid, he is a good get for Orlando, especially as second rounders are guaranteed.




Washington Wizards

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
1. John Wall, PG, Kentucky	A+	4
17. Kevin Seraphin*, C, France	B+	3
23. Trevor Booker*, PF, Clemson	B-	3
56. Hamady Ndiaye, C, Rutgers	B+	1
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.51 (B+/A-)

Analysis: This was a franchise changing draft for the Wizards, as the selection of John Wall should be huge in turning around a struggling franchise. They made some solid trades to acquire potential contributors, too. Both Seraphin has solid long-term potential, while Booker should be able to step in and contribute next season for the Wizards. Ndiaye was a good pick late in the draft; he should be a pretty good project.

Check back tomorrow for the Southeast Division.