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.
* Denotes acquired in trade.
Boston Celtics
Analysis:
While the Celtics were reportedly interested in moving this pick, they ultimately chose to select guard Avery Bradley. He will likely be a better option than Nate Robinson off of the bench because he will excel defensively at the next level. With Rajon Rondo at the point, Bradley will not be under major pressure to develop as a primary ball-handler. The one question I have is whether his poor shooting will prevent a Rondo-Bradley pairing, and thus limit his minutes. With that said, this was still a solid pick for Boston. As for Harangody, he is a highly productive collegiate player. He may not work out in the NBA due to his lack of size and athleticism, but Boston may be his best fit, making for a good late-second pick.
New Jersey NetsAnalysis:
Despite rumors connecting Wesley Johnson and the Nets, they ultimately elected to choose Derrick Favors, which was the right pick due to his skill-set He is already a good rebounder, a solid defender, and an efficient scorer at a young age (18). More importantly, with his athleticism, he will compliment Brook Lopez well. (The same could not be said for a player like DeMarcus Cousins). The Nets also acquired Damion James, one of my favorites, for two picks (#27 and #31). His work ethic defensively, coupled with his adequate athleticism, rebounding, and IQ, will make him a valuable role player at the very least. James may not have an extremely high ceiling, but his floor is pretty high, too, and late in the first, you can't ask for much more than that.
New York KnicksAnalysis:
If anyone asked me how unpredictable the second round is, I would have just pointed to these two selections. Neither Rautins or Fields were listed in many (any?) mock drafts, but they were taken with early second round picks. Rautins is a bit undersized for shooting guard and too slow for the point. I don't see him as a productive NBA player, which explains the grade, but he does have one NBA skill: shooting. I think Landry has a bit more potential due to his productivity and size, but he doesn't really have one standout, NBA-level skill. At this point, this draft looks pretty weak for the Knicks, but maybe they'll prove me wrong.
Philadelphia 76ers| Draft Picks | Grade | Credits |
2. Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio St.
| A
| 4
|
| Team GPA (Let. Grade): | 4.0 (A) |
Analysis:
Evan Turner was the consensus number two in this draft, making this pick fairly easy for the Sixers. Turner may not be a great fit next to Andre Iguodala, since both are ball dominant player who aren't great shooters, but he is quite possibly the most NBA-ready pick in this draft, as he can score, create for teammates, handle the ball, rebound, and defend.
Toronto Raptors| Draft Picks | Grade | Credits |
13. Ed Davis, PF, UNC
| B+
| 4
|
50. Solomon Alabi*, C, FSU
| A+
| 1
|
| Team GPA (Let. Grade): | 3.53 (~A-) |
Analysis:
The Raptors had a solid draft, addressing their needs with two value picks. Ed Davis, who may have gone to Detroit had Greg Monroe not fallen, slid into a good situation. With Bosh (almost certainly) gone, Toronto had a need a power forward. While Davis is not polished offensively or physically mature, he works hard on the glass and has good defensive potential. Alabi went into draft day as a projected first round pick, but according to Draft Express' Jonathan Givony, fell due to medical red flags. He has great size and shot-blocking ability, but he is still learning the game. While Alabi would have been risky as a first rounder, he is an excellent second round project since almost all risk is removed. I really like the fit of these two defenders next to the offensive-minded Andrea Bargnani.
Check back tomorrow for the Southeast Division.
