Post by Admin on Jul 29, 2021 20:27:39 GMT -5
Grades courtesy of The Ringer: nbadraft.theringer.com/draft-grades
2021 NBA Draft
Round I
1) Cade Cunningham (Guard-Oklahoma State) Detroit Pistons
Cunningham, a 6-foot-8 playmaker with excellent shot-making and passing ability, has long been the favorite to go to the Pistons. He could also be one of the draft’s best defenders. Pairing him with Killian Hayes makes for a natural balance on both offense and defense. Detroit now has two large, switchable guards who can make plays on offense. Cunningham has the skills to be a good player in this league. It’s just a matter of how great he can become. Walking into a situation with Hayes, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and the rest of the young Pistons would be ideal for almost any no. 1 pick.
Grade: A+
Cunningham, a 6-foot-8 playmaker with excellent shot-making and passing ability, has long been the favorite to go to the Pistons. He could also be one of the draft’s best defenders. Pairing him with Killian Hayes makes for a natural balance on both offense and defense. Detroit now has two large, switchable guards who can make plays on offense. Cunningham has the skills to be a good player in this league. It’s just a matter of how great he can become. Walking into a situation with Hayes, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, and the rest of the young Pistons would be ideal for almost any no. 1 pick.
Grade: A+
2) Jalen Green (Guard-Ignite) Houston Rockets
Green has a chance to become the best player in the 2021 draft because of his bouncy athleticism, shooting upside, and elite work ethic. He shined in the G League playing against professionals and made major progress as both a passer and defender. The Rockets will give him a perfect pick-and-roll partner in Christian Wood, and playing with John Wall—for now—will help alleviate pressure on him to run the offense. Passing on Evan Mobley, the second-ranked player on most evaluator’s big boards (including mine), could come back to bite the Rockets. But Houston is a perfect destination for Green, and Rockets fans should begin to feel hope again.
Grade: A
Green has a chance to become the best player in the 2021 draft because of his bouncy athleticism, shooting upside, and elite work ethic. He shined in the G League playing against professionals and made major progress as both a passer and defender. The Rockets will give him a perfect pick-and-roll partner in Christian Wood, and playing with John Wall—for now—will help alleviate pressure on him to run the offense. Passing on Evan Mobley, the second-ranked player on most evaluator’s big boards (including mine), could come back to bite the Rockets. But Houston is a perfect destination for Green, and Rockets fans should begin to feel hope again.
Grade: A
3) Evan Mobley (Big-USC) Cleveland Cavaliers
Mobley is a no-brainer selection for the Cavaliers. At 7 feet, he can defend the perimeter like a wing and make an impact as a rim protector. On offense, he can pass and score from outside like a guard. His former AAU coach told The Ringer’s Mirin Fader that Mobley has a chance to be “a generational player in the NBA.” It’s true. Mobley has all the ingredients to be a two-way star, and he has the floor to at least be an important player who impacts winning. He’ll mesh with Jarrett Allen, a restricted free agent, and whichever guards the Cavs keep. A core of Mobley, Allen, Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Isaac Okoro is pretty, pretty good.
Grade: A+
Mobley is a no-brainer selection for the Cavaliers. At 7 feet, he can defend the perimeter like a wing and make an impact as a rim protector. On offense, he can pass and score from outside like a guard. His former AAU coach told The Ringer’s Mirin Fader that Mobley has a chance to be “a generational player in the NBA.” It’s true. Mobley has all the ingredients to be a two-way star, and he has the floor to at least be an important player who impacts winning. He’ll mesh with Jarrett Allen, a restricted free agent, and whichever guards the Cavs keep. A core of Mobley, Allen, Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Isaac Okoro is pretty, pretty good.
Grade: A+
4) Scottie Barnes (Forward-Florida State) Toronto Raptors
We have our first surprise of the draft! The Raptors pass on Jalen Suggs, long presumed to go fourth, for Barnes, whose stock has risen dramatically in recent weeks. Barnes is the type of player who impacts winning. He plays hard constantly. He defends across positions. There’s a Draymond Green vibe to the way he impacts defense and how he facilitates on offense. Barnes ran the point for Florida State as a freshman and did a good job of it despite his size and lack of shooting ability. The Raptors hope Barnes can improve his shot, but he has more than enough winning qualities as is. Toronto choosing him over Suggs may come as a shock to some, but his defensive ability will serve as a building block for a bright future.
Grade: B+
We have our first surprise of the draft! The Raptors pass on Jalen Suggs, long presumed to go fourth, for Barnes, whose stock has risen dramatically in recent weeks. Barnes is the type of player who impacts winning. He plays hard constantly. He defends across positions. There’s a Draymond Green vibe to the way he impacts defense and how he facilitates on offense. Barnes ran the point for Florida State as a freshman and did a good job of it despite his size and lack of shooting ability. The Raptors hope Barnes can improve his shot, but he has more than enough winning qualities as is. Toronto choosing him over Suggs may come as a shock to some, but his defensive ability will serve as a building block for a bright future.
Grade: B+
5) Josh Giddey (Guard-Adelaide) Orlando Magic
The Magic get tremendous value with Suggs falling into their laps. The Gonzaga guard sent an ominous warning to NBA teams before the draft: “The ones that do pass up on me, [that] take another prospect, it'll come back. It'll be to their detriment,” he said. “You can look at my track record and what I’ve done and where I’ve been, and it’s always win at the highest level, and my play has been at the highest level.” Now the Magic will have an opportunity to win with him. He can shoot off the bounce and attack the basket, and he rarely makes mistakes.
Grade: A
The Magic get tremendous value with Suggs falling into their laps. The Gonzaga guard sent an ominous warning to NBA teams before the draft: “The ones that do pass up on me, [that] take another prospect, it'll come back. It'll be to their detriment,” he said. “You can look at my track record and what I’ve done and where I’ve been, and it’s always win at the highest level, and my play has been at the highest level.” Now the Magic will have an opportunity to win with him. He can shoot off the bounce and attack the basket, and he rarely makes mistakes.
Grade: A
6) Oklahoma City Thunder
Every team, the Thunder included, could use a playmaker with the height to see over the defense and the vision to deliver advanced passes. Now Oklahoma City has two by pairing Giddey with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Giddey’s ability to make good teammates better is why he became a lottery pick, and in Oklahoma City he’ll enhance the team’s existing young talent. Though he needs to improve as a shooter and defender, the ability is there, and over time he could become an important piece on a contender.
Grade: B–
Every team, the Thunder included, could use a playmaker with the height to see over the defense and the vision to deliver advanced passes. Now Oklahoma City has two by pairing Giddey with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Giddey’s ability to make good teammates better is why he became a lottery pick, and in Oklahoma City he’ll enhance the team’s existing young talent. Though he needs to improve as a shooter and defender, the ability is there, and over time he could become an important piece on a contender.
Grade: B–
7) Jonathan Kuminga (Forward-Ignite) Golden State Warriors
The Warriors were long rumored to potentially move this pick, but ultimately they are staying put and taking Kuminga, who was too good to pass on. But what’s his role as a rookie on a veteran team? He has size, length, fluidity, and power. He’s raw, but his upside is significant. Can Golden State afford to be patient with him? Can he improve enough on defense to contribute immediately? Last season in the G League, his flaws as a decision-maker and defender were on display. This pick could pan out, but Kuminga’s a definite risk. His timeline matches up well with last year’s no. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, but the same can’t be said for Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—who are all now north of 30.
Grade: C+
The Warriors were long rumored to potentially move this pick, but ultimately they are staying put and taking Kuminga, who was too good to pass on. But what’s his role as a rookie on a veteran team? He has size, length, fluidity, and power. He’s raw, but his upside is significant. Can Golden State afford to be patient with him? Can he improve enough on defense to contribute immediately? Last season in the G League, his flaws as a decision-maker and defender were on display. This pick could pan out, but Kuminga’s a definite risk. His timeline matches up well with last year’s no. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, but the same can’t be said for Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—who are all now north of 30.
Grade: C+
8) Franz Wagner (Forward-Michigan) Orlando Magic
What a draft for Orlando. After landing Suggs at 5, the Magic go for a big man at 8 and land a special one. Wagner is an oversized playmaker who measured 6-foot-9 at Michigan but claims to have grown to nearly 6-foot-11 since college. That growth spurt only raises his potential. The Magic can utilize him in a variety of roles next to Suggs. Both are unselfish, high-IQ players who should fit together perfectly at the next level. Wagner can be utilized in a number of roles on offense, and is a good 3-point shooter, something the Magic have sorely lacked in recent years. But Wagner’s best trait might be his defense: He can defend wings and some guards, is excellent both on and off the ball, and will boost Orlando on both ends.
Grade: A-
9) Davion Mitchell (Guard-Baylor) Sacramento Kings
So much for Mitchell’s heroics in the NCAA tournament being forgotten in the run-up to the draft. Mitchell’s stock had reportedly dropped off a bit in recent weeks, but Sacramento made him a top-10 pick. Mitchell will provide an immediate defensive presence in the backcourt (more on that in a second). It could be argued that he will be one of the NBA’s best on-ball defenders, even as a rookie. At 6 feet and 22 years old, he’s undersized and on the older side for a lottery pick, but late bloomers do happen. Mitchell popped as a redshirt junior as a perimeter shot creator, and 22 is still young by NBA standards. The big question becomes: Is there a De’Aaron Fox trade coming? After the Kings selected Tyrese Haliburton last season, Sacramento’s backcourt is awfully crowded with lottery talent.
Grade: B
So much for Mitchell’s heroics in the NCAA tournament being forgotten in the run-up to the draft. Mitchell’s stock had reportedly dropped off a bit in recent weeks, but Sacramento made him a top-10 pick. Mitchell will provide an immediate defensive presence in the backcourt (more on that in a second). It could be argued that he will be one of the NBA’s best on-ball defenders, even as a rookie. At 6 feet and 22 years old, he’s undersized and on the older side for a lottery pick, but late bloomers do happen. Mitchell popped as a redshirt junior as a perimeter shot creator, and 22 is still young by NBA standards. The big question becomes: Is there a De’Aaron Fox trade coming? After the Kings selected Tyrese Haliburton last season, Sacramento’s backcourt is awfully crowded with lottery talent.
Grade: B
10) Ziaire Williams (Wing-Stanford) Memphis Grizzlies
Wow, this is the first reach in years from the Grizzlies, and maybe the first pick of theirs I’ve disagreed with in recent memory. Memphis traded up to no. 10 to take Zaire Williams, who was a top high school recruit, but had ups and downs during his freshman season at Stanford. Anyone with his size, score, and fluidity has a chance to become a long-term success, but he’s still very raw at this stage of his career. He is a good positional fit next to Ja Morant, but his selection provides more questions than answers.
Grade: C
11) James Bouknight (Guard-UConn) Charlotte Hornets
Bouknight’s stock skyrocketed throughout the pre-draft process thanks to his improved jump shot in workouts. Now he’ll get ample chances to show his shot off in Charlotte, where he’ll play next to LaMelo Ball, one of the best passers in the league. The two guards make for a perfect fit in the Hornets’ backcourt. Bouknight has the combination of pure athleticism, agility, and perimeter skill to become a star and should flourish next to last year’s Rookie of the Year. What a balance.
Grade: B+
Bouknight’s stock skyrocketed throughout the pre-draft process thanks to his improved jump shot in workouts. Now he’ll get ample chances to show his shot off in Charlotte, where he’ll play next to LaMelo Ball, one of the best passers in the league. The two guards make for a perfect fit in the Hornets’ backcourt. Bouknight has the combination of pure athleticism, agility, and perimeter skill to become a star and should flourish next to last year’s Rookie of the Year. What a balance.
Grade: B+
12) Joshua Primo (Wing-Alabama) San Antonio Spurs
Have the Spurs lost their touch? They took a dramatic risk by taking Primo here, who was no. 27 on my big board. Primo looks the part of a 3-and-D wing, and he displayed go-to scoring upside with occasional dribble jumpers, but he’s still extremely raw. If he’s able to tap into his shot-creation ability with the Spurs, there’s a chance he ends up being more than just a role player. But San Antonio clearly sees a lot of promise in the lights-out shooter. At 18 years old, he’s the youngest player in the draft. This is a sign the Spurs are playing the long game.
Grade: C-
Have the Spurs lost their touch? They took a dramatic risk by taking Primo here, who was no. 27 on my big board. Primo looks the part of a 3-and-D wing, and he displayed go-to scoring upside with occasional dribble jumpers, but he’s still extremely raw. If he’s able to tap into his shot-creation ability with the Spurs, there’s a chance he ends up being more than just a role player. But San Antonio clearly sees a lot of promise in the lights-out shooter. At 18 years old, he’s the youngest player in the draft. This is a sign the Spurs are playing the long game.
Grade: C-
13) Chris Duarte (Wing-Oregon) Indiana Pacers
Duarte will be a 24-year-old rookie, but for the Pacers, who just hired a veteran head coach in Rick Carlisle, finding a player who can help now is the priority. Duarte is arguably the best shooter in the draft. But he does more than launch 3s. He can make some plays off the bounce and get stops on defense. Though some younger players undeniably have higher long-term upside, there’s additional value for the Pacers to have a contributing player still on a rookie contract. At a minimum, Indiana could use him as a shooter off the bench next season, especially if it ends up losing Doug McDermott and/or TJ McConnell in free agency.
Grade: B
Duarte will be a 24-year-old rookie, but for the Pacers, who just hired a veteran head coach in Rick Carlisle, finding a player who can help now is the priority. Duarte is arguably the best shooter in the draft. But he does more than launch 3s. He can make some plays off the bounce and get stops on defense. Though some younger players undeniably have higher long-term upside, there’s additional value for the Pacers to have a contributing player still on a rookie contract. At a minimum, Indiana could use him as a shooter off the bench next season, especially if it ends up losing Doug McDermott and/or TJ McConnell in free agency.
Grade: B
14) Moses Moody (Wing-Arkansas) Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are loading up on athleticism, but I’m a little surprised they didn’t go for a more ready-made player. Are they gearing up for a trade or just planning for the future? Moody’s 7-foot-1 wingspan gives him an excellent physical profile for a versatile wing. The Warriors could certainly use another 3-and-D player next to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. We can also now begin to see the outline of Golden State’s future with a frontcourt of James Wiseman, Kuminga, and Moody. The latter has the skills to have a long career, and his playmaking flashes suggest there could be more to his game. The Warriors are banking on it.
Grade: B-
The Warriors are loading up on athleticism, but I’m a little surprised they didn’t go for a more ready-made player. Are they gearing up for a trade or just planning for the future? Moody’s 7-foot-1 wingspan gives him an excellent physical profile for a versatile wing. The Warriors could certainly use another 3-and-D player next to Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. We can also now begin to see the outline of Golden State’s future with a frontcourt of James Wiseman, Kuminga, and Moody. The latter has the skills to have a long career, and his playmaking flashes suggest there could be more to his game. The Warriors are banking on it.
Grade: B-
15) Corey Kispert (Wing-Gonzaga) Washington Wizards
With Russell Westbrook headed to the Lakers and Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope headed to Washington, it’s a new era for the Wizards—and one with a lot more shooting. Adding to the new embarrassment of riches on the perimeter is Kispert, who will be reunited with former Zags teammate Rui Hachimura and will immediately add an elite second shooter alongside Bradley Beal. He can run off screens and handoffs, and few players in this class have his level of spatial awareness when getting open. There are other players with more upside than him, but few are as ready to contribute today.
Grade: B
With Russell Westbrook headed to the Lakers and Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope headed to Washington, it’s a new era for the Wizards—and one with a lot more shooting. Adding to the new embarrassment of riches on the perimeter is Kispert, who will be reunited with former Zags teammate Rui Hachimura and will immediately add an elite second shooter alongside Bradley Beal. He can run off screens and handoffs, and few players in this class have his level of spatial awareness when getting open. There are other players with more upside than him, but few are as ready to contribute today.
Grade: B
16) Alperen Sengun (Big-Beşiktaş) Houston Rockets
Sengun slipped out of the lottery, but the Rockets kept him from falling past 16 by sending two future first-round picks to the Thunder to nab the big man. Sengun won the Turkish league MVP at just 18 years old and displayed throwback skill as a low-post scorer. He has perimeter talent. He can pass the ball at a high level, which makes him a great fit on the Rockets next to Jalen Green and Christian Wood. And though he doesn’t shoot many 3s, his flashes of stepbacks and his touch inside suggest he could become a deeper shooting threat. He could be an absolute steal for the Rockets. Some team analytics departments had him ranked as the no. 1 prospect, and the Rockets must have been high on him to trade away two future firsts. Sengun needs to improve on defense, but Houston has time to develop him.
Grade: A
Sengun slipped out of the lottery, but the Rockets kept him from falling past 16 by sending two future first-round picks to the Thunder to nab the big man. Sengun won the Turkish league MVP at just 18 years old and displayed throwback skill as a low-post scorer. He has perimeter talent. He can pass the ball at a high level, which makes him a great fit on the Rockets next to Jalen Green and Christian Wood. And though he doesn’t shoot many 3s, his flashes of stepbacks and his touch inside suggest he could become a deeper shooting threat. He could be an absolute steal for the Rockets. Some team analytics departments had him ranked as the no. 1 prospect, and the Rockets must have been high on him to trade away two future firsts. Sengun needs to improve on defense, but Houston has time to develop him.
Grade: A
17) Trey Murphy (Forward-Virginia) New Orleans Pelicans
Murphy’s stock soared during the pre-draft process because every team, including the Pelicans, could use a switchable defender who can splash 3s. Drafting Murphy comes with slight risk because there are still higher-upside players on the board, but potential isn’t everything. Sometimes teams want a player who can help now. And after missing the playoffs in Zion Williamson’s first two seasons, it’s clear the Pelicans—who made a big trade earlier this week—are set on improving. Murphy should be able to immediately fill a role and help New Orleans space the floor.
Grade: B
Murphy’s stock soared during the pre-draft process because every team, including the Pelicans, could use a switchable defender who can splash 3s. Drafting Murphy comes with slight risk because there are still higher-upside players on the board, but potential isn’t everything. Sometimes teams want a player who can help now. And after missing the playoffs in Zion Williamson’s first two seasons, it’s clear the Pelicans—who made a big trade earlier this week—are set on improving. Murphy should be able to immediately fill a role and help New Orleans space the floor.
Grade: B
18) Tre Mann (Guard-Florida) Oklahoma City Thunder
A growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore seasons at Florida made Mann into a legitimate NBA prospect. He’ll bring perimeter shooting and playmaking skills to the Thunder, which follows the trend of their first selection with Josh Giddey. Mann might be slightly overdrafted here, as most executives thought he'd go in the mid to late 20s. But his fit in OKC is strong now that he'll be surrounded by two larger playmakers in Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With OKC, Mann won't need to facilitate. He can just shoot. That's what he does best. If the rest of his game comes along, watch out.
Grade: B-
A growth spurt between his freshman and sophomore seasons at Florida made Mann into a legitimate NBA prospect. He’ll bring perimeter shooting and playmaking skills to the Thunder, which follows the trend of their first selection with Josh Giddey. Mann might be slightly overdrafted here, as most executives thought he'd go in the mid to late 20s. But his fit in OKC is strong now that he'll be surrounded by two larger playmakers in Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With OKC, Mann won't need to facilitate. He can just shoot. That's what he does best. If the rest of his game comes along, watch out.
Grade: B-
19) Kai Jones (Big-Texas) New York Knicks
The Hornets pried this pick away from the Knicks via trade to take who they hope will be their big man of the future. In a few years, Jones is the type of prospect who could make teams look foolish for passing on him. But he could also be just another rotation big. That’s because he’s young and underdeveloped. There are glimmers of elite two-way play when he runs the floor, launches 3s, or attacks off the dribble. But his fundamentals and floor sense must improve for him to realize his potential. The Hornets understandably took the risk. He could be a legitimate weapon next to LaMelo Ball and fits well next to the Hornets’ other first-round pick (James Bouknight). Why not take a swing?
Grade: A
The Hornets pried this pick away from the Knicks via trade to take who they hope will be their big man of the future. In a few years, Jones is the type of prospect who could make teams look foolish for passing on him. But he could also be just another rotation big. That’s because he’s young and underdeveloped. There are glimmers of elite two-way play when he runs the floor, launches 3s, or attacks off the dribble. But his fundamentals and floor sense must improve for him to realize his potential. The Hornets understandably took the risk. He could be a legitimate weapon next to LaMelo Ball and fits well next to the Hornets’ other first-round pick (James Bouknight). Why not take a swing?
Grade: A
20) Jalen Johnson (Forward-Duke) Atlanta Hawks
Johnson had one of the widest ranges in the draft with some teams expecting him to go in the late lottery and others projecting him to fall into the 20s. With size, playmaking skill, and a subpar jump shot, he’ll undoubtedly draw comparisons to Ben Simmons. But for Johnson to reach his potential as a versatile player, he’ll need to make dramatic fundamental improvements and invest in getting stops on defense. Atlanta could be good for him. Trae Young could use a playmaking outlet when he gets trapped in the pick-and-roll, and Johnson's skills are tailor-made for that role. After falling to the 20th pick, he should be motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
Grade: B-
Johnson had one of the widest ranges in the draft with some teams expecting him to go in the late lottery and others projecting him to fall into the 20s. With size, playmaking skill, and a subpar jump shot, he’ll undoubtedly draw comparisons to Ben Simmons. But for Johnson to reach his potential as a versatile player, he’ll need to make dramatic fundamental improvements and invest in getting stops on defense. Atlanta could be good for him. Trae Young could use a playmaking outlet when he gets trapped in the pick-and-roll, and Johnson's skills are tailor-made for that role. After falling to the 20th pick, he should be motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
Grade: B-
21) Keon Johnson (Wing-Tennessee) Los Angeles Clippers
Johnson received interest as high as the mid-lottery, so grabbing him this late in the first could be a potential steal for the Clippers, who need a fill-in for Kawhi Leonard. Johnson is a raw player who didn’t start playing organized basketball full time until high school, but he brings athletic defense to the floor. On offense, he’s all speed, verticality, and potential. It may take time for Johnson’s flashes as a shot creator to become more consistent, but the reward could be massive.
Grade: B-
Johnson received interest as high as the mid-lottery, so grabbing him this late in the first could be a potential steal for the Clippers, who need a fill-in for Kawhi Leonard. Johnson is a raw player who didn’t start playing organized basketball full time until high school, but he brings athletic defense to the floor. On offense, he’s all speed, verticality, and potential. It may take time for Johnson’s flashes as a shot creator to become more consistent, but the reward could be massive.
Grade: B-
22) Isaiah Jackson (Big-Kentucky) Los Angeles Lakers
The Pacers traded for this pick after sending Aaron Holiday and the no. 31 pick to the Wizards. Jackson has a long way to go before he can become a high-level contributor in the NBA. He is an excellent athlete, but his fundamentals, awareness, and strength must improve for him to make an impact with the Pacers. As an above-the-rim finisher, he could contribute as a hustling big who runs the floor and finishes lob opportunities. Indiana didn't need to give up a ton to get him, but this selection will only add more fuel to the Myles Turner trade rumors.
Grade: C+
The Pacers traded for this pick after sending Aaron Holiday and the no. 31 pick to the Wizards. Jackson has a long way to go before he can become a high-level contributor in the NBA. He is an excellent athlete, but his fundamentals, awareness, and strength must improve for him to make an impact with the Pacers. As an above-the-rim finisher, he could contribute as a hustling big who runs the floor and finishes lob opportunities. Indiana didn't need to give up a ton to get him, but this selection will only add more fuel to the Myles Turner trade rumors.
Grade: C+
23) Usman Garuba (Forward-Real Madrid) Houston Rockets
It comes as a surprise that Garuba fell out of the top 20, but Rockets fans should be thankful. It won’t take long to fall in love with his energy. Garuba is one of the best defensive prospects in the draft thanks to his combination of sheer strength and quickness. He can switch across positions, which could aid Houston's 27th-ranked defensive rating from last season. Garuba does have questions about his jumper, but his interior finishing and playmaking ability will be valuable to a rotation headlined by Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. It also makes him a perfect complement to a floor-spacing big in Christian Wood and a potential versatile big in Houston’s selection, Alperen Sengun.
Grade: B
It comes as a surprise that Garuba fell out of the top 20, but Rockets fans should be thankful. It won’t take long to fall in love with his energy. Garuba is one of the best defensive prospects in the draft thanks to his combination of sheer strength and quickness. He can switch across positions, which could aid Houston's 27th-ranked defensive rating from last season. Garuba does have questions about his jumper, but his interior finishing and playmaking ability will be valuable to a rotation headlined by Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. It also makes him a perfect complement to a floor-spacing big in Christian Wood and a potential versatile big in Houston’s selection, Alperen Sengun.
Grade: B
24) Josh Christopher (Guard-Arizona State) Houston Rockets
Christopher has the qualities of a spark-plug scorer, but he also has the length and athleticism to shine on defense. Why wasn’t he a no-brainer first-round pick? Consistency. Decision-making. Streaky shooting. These are major limitations that could hold him back early in his career, but the Rockets can afford to be patient with his development.
Grade: C
Christopher has the qualities of a spark-plug scorer, but he also has the length and athleticism to shine on defense. Why wasn’t he a no-brainer first-round pick? Consistency. Decision-making. Streaky shooting. These are major limitations that could hold him back early in his career, but the Rockets can afford to be patient with his development.
Grade: C
25) Quentin Grimes (Wing-Houston) New York Knicks from LAC
Grimes was an elite high school recruit who dropped off the map after transferring from Kansas to Houston. But it turned out to be the best decision of his career after he transformed himself into a 3-and-D style player. The Knicks can be confident in his foundation and his ability to be a rotation player, and maybe he can tap into the potential that once made him a projected lottery pick. But Knicks fans have to be disappointed to have held picks 19 and 21 and then end up drafting just Grimes after moving down to 25. There's a bigger plan here, perhaps. New York opened a little bit of cap space. Who knows what's in store for free agency, but this night overall is a bummer for now.
Grade: B-
Grimes was an elite high school recruit who dropped off the map after transferring from Kansas to Houston. But it turned out to be the best decision of his career after he transformed himself into a 3-and-D style player. The Knicks can be confident in his foundation and his ability to be a rotation player, and maybe he can tap into the potential that once made him a projected lottery pick. But Knicks fans have to be disappointed to have held picks 19 and 21 and then end up drafting just Grimes after moving down to 25. There's a bigger plan here, perhaps. New York opened a little bit of cap space. Who knows what's in store for free agency, but this night overall is a bummer for now.
Grade: B-
26) Nah'Shon Hyland (Guard-VCU) Denver Nuggets
With Jamal Murray expected to miss most of next season while recovering from a torn ACL, Hyland makes perfect sense. "Bones" is a dynamic scoring guard who can drain 3s from way behind the arc and immediately inject some life into Denver's backcourt. Hyland isn't just some chucker, though. He's an excellent spot-up shooter and mover without the ball, so there's potential for him to develop the type of cohesion with Nikola Jokic that we've seen other guards have.
Grade: A-
Grade: A-
27) Cameron Thomas (SG-LSU) Brooklyn Nets
Thomas was one of the best scorers in college basketball last season. More buckets are in his NBA future with the Nets, where he should get plenty of open spot-up looks playing alongside superstars. Thomas is a hard-working basketball junkie, but the main knocks on him are his passing and defense. He has skeptics, but executives and scouts who believe in his game say he’s never been asked to pass or defend because he’s such a brilliant scorer. Brooklyn could be good for his development in this regard: Earning minutes for a title contender will require a consistent commitment to defense. We could witness the total maturation of his overall game while he’s playing for Steve Nash.
Grade: A
28) Jaden Springer (PG-Tennessee) Philadelphia Sixers
The main thing Springer is lacking at this stage is the ability to break down defenders off the dribble. But everything else is there. He can hit spot-up 3s. He can score at the rim. He shows good passing vision. And if he’s able to become a more dynamic dribbler, it could unleash his ability to generate jump shots off the bounce. But what he will bring to the 76ers from Day 1 is defense. He’s gritty, and it won’t take long for Philly fans to realize it.
Grade: A-
29) Day'Ron Sharpe (Big-North Carolina) Brooklyn Nets
Sharpe is all about hustle. And despite being nearly 7 feet, he has the quick feet to defend on the perimeter. The Nets made a wise move in trading with the Suns to land the 29th pick and a quality big man in turn. He’ll help fill the void left by some of the team’s frontcourt free agents who could depart, including Blake Griffin, Jeff Green, and Bruce Brown.
Grade: B
Sharpe is all about hustle. And despite being nearly 7 feet, he has the quick feet to defend on the perimeter. The Nets made a wise move in trading with the Suns to land the 29th pick and a quality big man in turn. He’ll help fill the void left by some of the team’s frontcourt free agents who could depart, including Blake Griffin, Jeff Green, and Bruce Brown.
Grade: B
30) Santi Aldama (PF-Loyola Md) Utah Jazz traded to Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are sending the no. 40 pick and two future second-rounders to Utah for the right to nab Aldama. He's a talented passing big with some skills on the perimeter and could potentially be a backup to Steven Adams.
Grade: C+
Round II
Courtesy of www.espn.com/nba/draft/rounds
Attachments:
