2010 NBA Draft Grades: Southwest 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.
Click here for Central Division Grades.

Dallas Mavericks

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
25. Dominique Jones, SG, USF	B+	3
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.33 (B+)

Analysis: Needing help at the two, the Mavs were able to trade for the rights to Dominique Jones, a dynamic and efficient scorer. Though he is not the ideal height for a shooting guard, his length should help make up for it. With a late first round pick, the Mavs likely got a contributor.


Houston Rockets

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
14. Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky	A-	4
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.66 (A-)

Analysis: While the Rockets did not have a major need at power forward, they got a great value in Patrick Patterson. An athletic and smart big, Patterson does have his weaknesses; he needs to improve as a defender, as is the case with many rookies, and a rebounder. Patterson should contribute immediately.


Memphis Grizzlies

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
12. Xavier Henry, SG/SF, Kansas	B+	4
28. Greivis Vasquez, G, Maryland	B-	3
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.05 (B)

Analysis: It was difficult to predict who the Grizzlies were interested in this year, with many prospects trying to dodge workouts with the team. Nonetheless, they had a pretty solid draft. If Rudy Gay leaves, Henry should be able to step in and succeed, perhaps as a better fit next to Mayo (Henry could play off of the ball better, or at least more willingly, than Gay). Vasquez is limited athletically, but he is skilled.

New Orleans Hornets

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
21. Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State	B	3
26. Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington	B	3
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.00 (B)

Analysis: The Hornets drafted two solid players. Brackins' stock had fallen from his sophomore year to his junior season, but he is still a good player with the size and skill to play at this level. Pondexter took a few years to come around, but he had a very productive senior campaign. Looking forward, he could fit well with with Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton if Chris Paul wants out.


San Antonio Spurs

Draft Picks	Grade	Credits
20. James Anderson, SG, Okla. St.	A-	3
49. Ryan Richards, PF, England	B	1
Team GPA (Let. Grade):	3.5 (B+/A-)

Analysis: The Spurs have a knack for drafting good players who fit their system and quality projects; they got both this year. Anderson isn't a great defender or athlete, but he is very good offensively. As a shooter off the bench, he could provide the Spurs with good minutes this year and start in the future. Richards is an athletic big with good size, but he still has a lot of developing to do before he has a chance in the NBA.