Post by KruPaxson on Jan 13, 2007 7:55:00 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]2000[/glow] [glow=red,2,300]Draft [/glow][glow=red,2,300]Grades[/glow]
[shadow=black,left,300]Eastern Conference[/shadow]
[/center]
[shadow=black,left,500]Atlantic Division[/shadow]
Initially I was ready to kill the Celtics for not holding onto their pick but that’s nonsense. The Celtics got a lot of bang for their buck or should I say a lot of length? They lost out on the rights to the Janitor Brian Cardinal but gained the 7’6 monster Shawn Bradley. Bradley proved to be a valuable commodity leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Championship only to fall to the Magic in a hard fought 7 games. The Celtics really maximized their value.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
Over the past season the Heat front office has left people shaking their heads in confusion. As much as the people are confused about the moves, I think the front office is even more confused and this is why they brought in assistant G.M C.C. to help restructure this franchise. C.C came a few days to late though as the Heat passed up on the opportunity to land Manu Ginobili as they traded away the #7 pick for a future draft pick. I think the move that prompted this was the fact that they overpaid for the services of Stephen Jackson the past off season as the Heat’s cap space burnt a hole in their pocket, no pun intended. They drafted Etan Thomas with the pick they received in the Manu deal only to ship him off to Dallas along with more future picks for bad kneed 38 year old Patrick Ewing.
Overall Draft Grade: F-
Apparently GM Mark thinks that Tim Duncan can play 1 on 5 basketball because it doesn’t look like he is trying to add any depth around him. This is the second straight season where he hasn’t had a first round pick. However he did make up for it by taking U-Conn sensation Khalid El-Amin in the second round which was the most value he could see from there. Maybe he should have thought about dealing Allan Houston or Rod Strickland before they became expiring contracts and acquire some picks for his future but he had the horse blinders on as he was going for it all.
Overall Draft Grade: F
The Knicks fell right into purgatory when they landed the 8th seed in the playoffs last season as they were just not good enough to compete but not bad enough to be lotto. With the 18th overall selection they drafted PG Keyon Dooling. Dooling is a player with some upside with his long reach and athletic ability he could be a special player. A weakness with Dooling is he is not a pass first PG and isn’t on a team with a boat load of talent which could hinder his development. It’s questionable that they didn’t go with 6’9 swingman DeMarr Johnson instead. Either way this is a low risk high reward pick at 18.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
GM Aaron Haberman is really getting killed by fans in Orlando after taking his team to the finals only to fall to Galo’s Clippers. Haberman’s questionable lineup changes in the playoffs left fans asking many questions. 38 year old centers with bad knees must be a trend because Haberman shipped off 25 yr old Tony Battie and a first round draft choice for Sabonis. Adding Sabonis a player most likely to retire soon makes moves such as the Mutombo deal look worse as he traded 3 future first round picks. Not to mention he did trade Kevin Garnett. So this brings me to the draft where Haberman has not been that strong either. Last season Haberman drafted Andre Miller, who he benched in the playoffs due to lack of confidence in his boy, and Rico Hill. Hill would most likely not make most teams’ IR. This year we thought Haberman might redeem himself but he showed us again his lack of knowledge when he selected Jimmie Hunter out of Life University. Hunter made a great decision to quit Life and cash in at the stupidity of Aaron Haberman. This most likely looks like 2 consecutive busts under the Haberman regime.
Overall Draft Grade: D
The 76ers seem to be the only bright spot in the Atlantic division having another superb draft day. It’s obvious the Sixers organization has a plan. With the expansion arrivals of Zydrunus Ilgaukas and Stephon Marbury they had a great base with the two most important positions on the court (C&PG). Last year admittedly by default they drafted all around talent Shawn Marion. The GM had serious talks with Bulls about sliding down a spot in the draft but the Sixers held the 6 spot strong as they knew if Houston decided to go with Kenyon Martin, we’ll get to that issue later, that would leave them with Lamar Odom which would have been lethal. They still had the choice of Manu Ginobili on the table which most scouts predicted to be taken ahead of Kenyon Martin but Martin makes this Sixers team ready to compete and almost complete. The Sixers should have no problem aquireing a SG. Let’s not forget the fact that they acquired another big man in Josh Voskuhl late in the first which gives them another big man who could see some big minutes. Lavar Postell was the 2nd round selection which provides them with a cheap option to start at SG while still building up their franchise.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
It would have been nice if the Wizards could have held onto their pick which wound up to be Najera which would have been another pesky player to add to their roster but they did aquire Doug Christie. Christie was a valuable backup and spot starter for the Wiz last season and was a big part of their success. It’s questionable if he will resign with them at the season’s end as he is looking for a starting gig someplace.
Overall Draft Grade: B
[shadow=Black,left,300]Central Division[/shadow]
Another franchise in dismay, the Atlanta Hawks did not have a first round pick and failed to make the playoffs this season after a nice run last year. Bender much like Kevin of the Heat would deal off players for picks then turn around and deal picks for players with no rhyme or reason. The Hawks are entering a big season as they only player under contract next year is Steve Francis.
Overall Draft Grade: F
GM Martinez was a major player in the draft war room but mostly sat on the bench. He was involved in a lot of trade rumors and talks but didn’t pull the trigger on any of them and that was indeed the right move. It showed a lot of maturity and patience as he held onto his players and dealt for a major potential player in Deshawn Stevenson. Stevenson couldn’t have asked for a better team to be drafted by as he will have an opportunity to see some minutes but has tons of talent surrounding him to ensure his success. Stevenson could turn out to be a very exciting player
Overall Draft Grade: B+
Chicago Bulls didn’t luck out in the lotto as they hoped and landed the #9 pick which they were projected to receive. GM Krupimpski was confident that he would land Mike Miller with the #9 pick but wasn’t confident if Miller would be a stud or a player that never lived up to his potential and that risk was too great for him to just sit back and pick. So he got on his red batman phone and started to dial up every team that had a pick before him. 1,2,3,4,5,6 he struck out on swinging but finally connected with 7 which ensured him a shot at a primetime player like Kenyon Martin or Manu Ginobili. Manu was a great insurance policy to Miller because now if Miller pans off he looks like a genius and if he doesn’t it’s not so bad because Manu is there to pick up the slack. The question remained what GM Krupimpski could land with the 17 pick. Hedo Turkoglu was a player that was highly rated on the Bulls draft board and they were pleasantly surprised that he fell to 17. Although the Bulls might have walked away with the most talent in this draft they did not fulfill their team needs as they have 9 SG on their rosters and are without a starting PG and C.
Overall Draft Grade: A
The Cavs could have made a very great draft selection by taking Marcus Fizer out of Iowa State. Fizer wreaks havoc on defenders with his quick moves inside the paint showing a soft touch. He is a bit undersized to play the PF position and I’m not sure if he will be quick enough or have enough range to play the SF position. If the Cavs concentrate on Fizer continuing to develop his midrange game Fizer could become a lethal scorer in BBS. The question is can Scott finally pull all this talent together on this team and make a run in the playoffs? Does this draft selection mean Juwan Howard is on his way out?
Overall Draft Grade: B+
It’s no hidden secret GM Aaron Reilly’s feeling on the past two drafts, why bother. He has chosen to put his eggs in the basket and not risk the chance to the draft. So far this has worked for his team winning a Championship and most likely an injury or two away from his second straight. Any player on his roster was worthy enough to be the number one pick. It should be interesting to monitor the moves of Aaron and his Pistons as he will be faced with a hard off season retaining Billups and Cassell without having any cap space as Shaq, Dice, and Allen account for 100% of the cap.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
The Pacers are really holding on their stock in KG. GM Haberman can get some credit for getting this pick out of him but like every other failed move of his he dealt it away to the Suns. Duce should have known his team wouldn’t have been special with only KG. Stro Swift would have been pretty swift but instead the suns give him a swift kick to the nuts. Can’t totally kill him for getting the best player in the game but with no one else to play with KG’s skills are not fully maximized.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Jordan’s Bucks dealt away their late first round pick for All Defensive 2nd team player Donyell Marshall. Marshall was a bargain at the deadline for the Bucks although the playoffs didn’t yield the results he wanted. His pick landed Etan Thomas….You make the call Etan Thomas or Donyell Marshall.
Overall Draft Grade: A
Last but not least from the Eastern Conference the CaKnuckle heads from Canada. What world full of talent DJ’s raptors have put together. Adding Michael Redd to Tracy McGrady and AK is deadly. There should be no reason why DJ can’t land a point guard via free agency with over 5 mil in cap space and a deep pool of point guards to choose from. The Raptors have no reason why they shouldn’t make a deep run in the playoffs. Even the Canadians are growing restless with the poor play of the Raptors the past 2 seasons and this should be the year they turn it around.
Overall Draft Grade: A
[shadow=black,left,300]Midwest Division[/shadow]
GM Greggor has made some questionable moves in his time in BBS. Dealing this years first round pick, other firsts, as well as his soul for Rasheed Wallace who is no longer on his roster somehow Dallas managed to have a decent draft. Late second round picks Corey Hightower and Igor Rakocevic might be relative unknowns but they have the potential to be nice role players on this Dallas squad. Although these were good potential picks Dallas really could have used a big man in the draft and failed to do so.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Denver may have some real golden Nuggets in Quentin Richardson, Courtney Alexander, and Albert White. Ducky is sitting on a really explosive offense now with the addition of these three guards. Denver is a playoff bound team anything short is unsuccessful.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
I have been waiting to blow up the Rockets. Now you can’t go wrong with drafting Lamar Odom but how do you draft a SF three years in a row? Rashard Lewis, Corey Maggette, and now Odom. It would have been great if the Grizz and Rockets could have gotten together over a nice cup of Joe and said Hmmm let’s swap draft positions and we both win. That would have been ironic if the two least active GM’s pulled a deal on draft day. If Rockets would have slid up to the three spot they would have had the luxury to choose Redd or Parker and actually put their franchise on the map. Instead he will continue to bury talent on the bench. However Collier was a nice pickup in the 2nd round.
Overall Draft Grade: B-
Minnesota will not be featured in the draft ratings for the next 7 seasons due to not having a pick. Zo and Shareef should carry them though.
Overall Draft Grade: F
Baron Davis is a great fit for any team but he is the perfect fit for the high flying Spurs. The Spurs become immediate contenders in the Midwest. Jabari Smith was a no brainer pick in the 2nd round hopefully they can land a nice big via free agency. I’m not sure why they didn’t buy out the contract of Harold Miner last season which would have given them another 6 mil to play around with this off season but maybe he can be a contributor off the bench.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
Manas has done a great job of keeping this team afloat after a few questionable deals involving his own picks. It’s funny that Manas gets picked up on the spell checker. Manas has to manage to make the playoffs again to prevent his pick from being lotto. Manas is another team that has a lot of pondering to do for the upcoming off season.
Overall Draft Grade: C-
Again D2A has managed to shock the world with his superior management skills. With the 24 year old scrappy pass first point guard, Brevin Knight running the show in Memphis there was no greater need then to draft a raw PG. Why not draft Redd? Knight, Redd, Hill, Kandi is an explosive combination for many years to come. There was a fetal attempt to deal Knight as D2A put him up on the block. Who is going to trade for an 8 mil expiring contract that will be highly coveted by every team in the league this off season? If he does get traded no way D2A gets fair value in return. Oyedeji was a good value pick late 2nd round.
Overall Draft Grade: C
[shadow=black,left,300]Pacific Division[/shadow]
Spence made the most out of the position he was in with his 4 picks this draft. High school high flyer Darius Miles was happy to go Golden State with the 10th pick as he got a nice little pay raise for being lotto. Spence cleaned house with getting the Janitor Brian Cardinal late in the first round. Cardinal is a nice well rounded player that won’t do anything particularly well but he does indeed do a little bit of everything. Spence went to the air up there with 2nd round selections Soumaila Samake and Mamadou N'Diaye.
Overall Draft Grade: B
The Champs is here. So we can’t bash him too much for winding up with Donnell Harvey. Ahh what else was really out there that was better with the last pick in the 1st round. Although if I were him I would have looked to dump this pick onto someone else in exchange for a 2nd round pick just to avoid the guaranteed contract. Harvey occupies 2 mil in cap that could go to free agents to be Theo Ratliff, Keith Van Horn, and newly acquired Tony Battie.
Overall Draft Grade: D+
The Lakers continue to mask in their own mediocrity as they wound up with another mid first round pick. Winding up with the crafty Euro center Primoz Brezec. Primoz has a nice mid range game and an assortment of low post moves that can be summed up in two words Razzle Dazzle but the big man lacks toughness and strength down low. Maybe Hernando the NY native should have taken a look the Hofstra product Speedy Claxton to possibly be the answer to his incumbent PG situation or if not going the PG route take a look at Hedo Turkoglu. One thing is for sure it should be interesting site to see when Primoz starts taking shots away from Kobe.
Overall Draft Grade: D
GM Brian has risen like the Phoenix in the new BBS showing an increased interest and activity. Brian potentially cashed in but the key word being potential. Stromile Swift is the most athletic big to come out of this draft but his drive to play has been questioned. Marko Jaric is another player with huge potential. He has the handles to play the 1 and at 6’7 he poses major problems for opposing teams.
Overall Draft Grade: A-
Well well well what team other than the Blazers would draft bad boy Ron Artest. Some questioned the pick over the Frenchmen but I love it. Artest could be the best player out of this draft with his lockdown defense the ability to be a top offensive option. GM Basone took Jamal Magloire to complete his all Canadian front court. The team is in great shape for the future as they only have to concentrate on retaining the greedy Larry Hughes this offseason. Oddly enough it seems that despite Steve Nash’s skills team’s benefit when letting him go.
Overall Draft Grade: A+
Lumley is back at for one more go around. Rumors have it that he is going to deal Michael Jordan to the Bulls so he can retire there. It’s not a bad way for Lumley to retain some youth.
Overall Draft Grade: C+
Well Pig has done it again. Hard work pays off and Pig has made another slam dunk in the draft. Eddie House could be the best ready shooter coming out of the draft. DeMarr Johnson is another intriguing prospect that has an extreme amount of potential that Pig is very high on. Speedy and Cleaves should really benefit from being under the tutelage of Steve Nash. The Sonics are one of the most young exciting teams in BBS.
Overall Draft Grade: A