Post by Maniac on Apr 30, 2011 16:36:07 GMT -5
A few people expressed a dislike for the 2021 BBS Draft but it proved to be deep and intriguing for quite a number of teams. So, we're just going to go pick-by-pick and attempt to make some sort of coherent analysis for each. Enjoy!
The Lottery:
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Dean Hollis
Pre-TC: Dean Hollis SF 6'10'' 220 20 B B+ C B- B- A
Post-TC: Dean Hollis SF 20 6'10'' 220 B A- C B+ B- A
People seemed to have developed a mixture of opinions regarding Hollis. His notes were not overly exciting and quite a few people seemed to think he'd have moderate potential at best. Well, it certainly looks like Hollis is off to a good start as a franchise player. He made a nice little jump with his outside scoring and a very encouraging leap forward in his defense all-the-while keeping his scouted potential. Seems fair to say that Hollis probably has a little more than just moderate potential and could be the cornerstone of the Clippers.
Grade: A
2. Los Angeles Clippers - Durell Valentine
Pre-TC: Durell Valentine C 7'0'' 290 21 B D+ D- C B+ A
Post-TC: Durell Valentine C 21 7'0'' 290 B D+ D- C+ A- A
The Clippers made a nice move trading up for the second pick with the hopes of grabbing a stud to pair with Hollis for many years. It looks possible that Valentine will be able to fulfill that role. It is very encouraging to see a jump in defense in his first year; his notes tabbed him as a very, very poor defender entering the draft so Marty has to be happy with his improvement. He should be able to score a good bit just because of his sheer strength and rebounding ability. Definitely a good start for the rebuilding effort of the Clippers.
Grade: A
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kwan Xi
Pre-TC: Kwan Xi PF 6'10'' 215 19 C B+ C- C B+ A
Post-TC: Kwan Xi SF 19 6'10'' 215 C A- C C- A- A
The Cavaliers did not have to make much of a decision; Kwan was touted as a potential number one pick and fell into their lap. Again, he had a very solid first TC, improving in both of his areas of strength. It is a bit concerning that his defense has already decreased but, well, he will never be able to stop anyone regardless. He should be a match-up nightmare but will really struggle against some of the stronger players in the league.
Grade: A-
4. Charlotte Bobcats - Matt Wesley
Pre-TC: Matt Wesley SF 6'7'' 229 20 C+ B+ C+ C B- A
Post-TC: Matt Wesley SF 20 6'7'' 229 C+ A- B- C B- A
The draft became a bit more of a challenge after the first three spots and it does not seem like the Bobcats will be disappointed. Wesley, considered by some to be as good of a shooter as Kwan Xi, increased his outside scoring and handling in his first TC. We are seeing a trend here early in the draft with players that just will not be able to stop anyone. This could be a very high scoring draft class. I am not sure that the Bobcats needed a SF, especially after the solid TC of Kemp, but it makes sense to take the best player available this early in the draft. Good pick.
Grade: A-
5. Dallas Mavericks - Tracy Parker
Pre-TC: Tracy Parker SG 6'6'' 204 22 C B+ C+ B- C- A
Post-TC: Tracy Parker SG 22 6'6'' 204 C A- C+ B C- A
The Mavericks took a beating for moving the #2 overall pick but it looks like it may work out fairly well for them. Parker, a player touted as having an excellent mid-range game, made solid strides overall and helped justify his GM passing on one of the top prospects. The Mavericks have an encouraging roster of young players that should have little trouble putting the ball in the basket.
Grade: B+
6. Washington Wizards - Marcus Jay
Pre-TC: Marcus Jay SG 6'5'' 210 21 C+ A C- C C A
Post-TC: Marcus Jay SG 21 6'5'' 210 C+ A+ C- C+ C B
The Wizards were a steadily in the top three projected the entire season but caught a little fire at the end of the year. They ended up slipping a spot in the lottery but came away with a player that should fit in perfectly with their system. Jay, an extremely strong SG, should fit in well with the reigning Rookie of the Year Trey Mack, another fill-the-basket type of player. Jay should be a favorite to keep that award in Washington because he will be called upon to be a big-time scorer right away. It is also very encouraging that he already has improved his poor defense.
Grade: A
7. Boston Celtics - Edison Vale
Pre-TC: Edison Vale C 6'11'' 255 22 B C- D+ C+ B A
Post-TC: Edison Vale C 22 6'11'' 255 B- C- C- B B+ B
The draft became really tricky at this point, with a number of big men that could have gone anywhere from 7 to 15. The Celtics took a chance with Vale and it appears that he will develop into a solid player. The decrease in scoring is a bit discouraging but he made a nice leap defensively, a rarity in this draft. And, if you have a big man who can play some defense and grab rebounds you're certainly looking at a plus player. Vale could easily develop into an above-average starter.
Grade: B
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Cesar Pable
Pre-TC: Cesar Pable C 7'5'' 269 19 C+ D C- A C A
Post-TC: Cesar Pable C 19 7'5'' 269 C+ D C- A C C
The Cavaliers, a team that lucked out tremendously in free agency, probably thought they struck gold again as the humongous Pable slid down the draft board. Well, he certainly is not off to the most encouraging start. The young mammoth failed to make any improvements in his first TC and his scouted potential took a big hit. I think his value will largely be dictated by just how well he can block shots but it is not looking like he will be able to do much else.
Grade: C-
9. Portland Trailblazers - Antonio Smith
Pre-TC: Antonio Smith SF 6'6'' 210 19 C B+ C+ C C A
Post-TC: Antonio Smith SF 19 6'6'' 210 C B B- C+ C+ A
Smith would have had an absolutely fantastic TC if his outside rating did not take a hit. However, it did. Still, it has to be very encouraging for the Blazers to see him already developing a more well-rounded game. The outside rating should probably go back to a B+ with an RC. The Blazers are looking to build some nice complimentary pieces around big man Randy Sinclair and Smith should be able to fill a nice role.
Grade: B
10. Chicago Bulls - Jayson O'Keane
Pre-TC: Jayson O'Keane PF 6'8'' 245 21 A- C+ D+ C+ B C
Post-TC: Jayson O'Keane PF 21 6'8'' 245 A- C+ D+ C B+ B
The Bulls soft, pudgy GM took a chance on O'Keane, a well developed player who slid a bit because of turnover concerns. O'Keane looks like he will be a nice scoring big man who carries the ability to stretch the court a bit. However, I'm not so sure I want my turnover prone big man shooting too many three-pointers. A bit disappointing that he dropped defensively but he did up his rebounding. He joins a frontcourt loaded with some talented players and may not have a defined role early in the year.
Grade: B
11. Dallas Mavericks - Jeremy Thorpe
Pre-TC: Jeremy Thorpe C 6'10'' 243 20 B+ C D- B- B- B
Post-TC: Jeremy Thorpe C 20 6'10'' 243 B+ C D- B- B A
The Mavericks used their second pick of the lottery, acquired by trading down from the second spot, to choose Jeremy Thorpe, a center with a nice inside game. Thorpe had a solid TC, increasing his rebounding and scouted potential and giving the Mavericks yet another solid prospect. In a draft touted as a bit of a crapshoot, the Mavericks found it best to have a quantity of picks and that strategy appears to have paid off. Looks like the trade worked out pretty well for him
Grade: B+
12. Washington Wizards - Christian Keck
Pre-TC: Christian Keck PG 6'6'' 180 21 B- C+ B+ C- C A
Post-TC: Christian Keck PG 21 6'6'' 180 B- B- A- C- C C
The Washington Wizards took another step forward in their quest to have a five guard starting lineup, grabbing Christian Keck with their second lottery pick. Keck, a player with a unique and interesting set of skills, improved his outside scoring and his handling while dropping in scouted potential. The biased Wizards GM, however, does not buy the drop in scouted potential given the solid improvements made by the tall, lanky PG.
Grade: B+
13. San Antonio Spurs - Ivan Harris
Pre-TC: Ivan Harris PF 6'10'' 234 22 A- C C B- C+ C
Post-TC: Ivan Harris PF 22 6'10'' 234 A- C C B- C+ C
Ivan Harris was the next off the board of a group of big men that looked strangely similar. And, well, Harris looks the same after TC, failing to make any improvements. Not a very encouraging sign given the improvements made by other similar bigs. Just not a very exciting pick.
Grade: C
The Rest:
14. Indiana Pacers - Marus Trannell
Pre-TC: Marus Trannell PG 6'5'' 208 20 B C+ B- C+ C- A
Post-TC: Marus Trannell PG 20 6'5'' 208 B C+ B- B C- B
Trannell made a nice leap forward defensively while losing some scouted potential. Would've liked to see an increase in his handling ability.
Grade: B
15. Washington Wizards - Gabe Simon
Pre-TC: Gabe Simon SF 6'10'' 220 20 B C C B- C A
Post-TC: Gabe Simon SF 20 6'10'' 220 B C C B C A
The Wizards finally decided to select a forward, taking a chance on the defensively versatile Gabe Simon, a player touted to have the ability to block shots and get steals. Solid first TC.
Grade: B+
16. Chicago Bulls - Brad Thompson
Pre-TC: Brad Thompson SG 6'4'' 205 19 B C+ C C C A
Post-TC: Brad Thompson SG 19 6'4'' 205 B- C+ C- C+ C B
The raw, young Thompson did not get off to a very good start. Looks like he will suck.
Grade: D+
17. Boston Celtics - Mikey O'Meara
Pre-TC: Mikey O'Meara SF 6'10'' 219 22 C B+ C+ B+ C B
Post-TC: Mikey O'Meara SF 22 6'10'' 219 C A- C+ B C+ C
O'Meara had an average first TC, increasing his outside ability but losing some defense and potential. The Celtics GM hates his team.
Grade: C+
18. Atlanta Hawks - Damon McCullers
Pre-TC: Damon McCullers SG 6'5'' 207 19 C+ B+ C- B- C B
Post-TC: Damon McCullers SG 19 6'5'' 207 C+ B+ C B- C A
McCullers made a jump in his potential which is semi-encouraging consider his young age. However, he failed to make any tangible jumps.
Grade: B
19. Los Angeles Clippers - Ben Mars
Pre-TC: Ben Mars PG 6'3'' 210 20 C B C+ B+ C B
Post-TC: Ben Mars PG 20 6'3'' 210 C- A- C+ B+ C B
Solid first TC for Mars at this point, a good value pick for a team already having a nice draft day. Made a sizable jump in his outside scoring.
Grade: B+
20. Washington Wizards - Cody Williams
Pre-TC: Cody Williams C 6'10'' 231 21 B+ D+ C B- C+ B
Post-TC: Cody Williams C 21 6'10'' 231 A- D+ C B B- C
The Wizards, making their fourth selection of the first round, appear to have struck gold a bit with Cody Williams. He had a better TC than players similar in ratings that were taken well ahead of him, having made nice increases in his inside scoring, defense, and rebounding.
Grade: A
21. Toronto Raptors - Darren Patterson
Pre-TC: Darren Patterson SG 6'4'' 207 22 C+ B C- B- C A
Post-TC: Darren Patterson SG 22 6'4'' 207 C+ B+ C- B C A
Patterson looks like another nice value pick later in the first round, having increased his outside scoring and defense. Kept his potential.
Grade: A-
22. Denver Nuggets - Michael Devlin (Traded to Dallas)
Pre-TC: Michael Devlin PG 6'3'' 208 22 C B C+ C+ D+ A
Post-TC: Michael Devlin PG 22 6'3'' 208 C B B- B- D+ A
Well, the Mavericks bolstered a solid day by taking advantage of a mentally challenged person. The Nuggets GM gave up Devlin for just about nothing for reasons unknown. Looks like a steal for the Mavericks, grabbing a bulky PG who had a nice TC.
Grade: A- (for the Mavericks)
23. Charlotte Bobcats - Renato Amare
Pre-TC: Renato Amare PG 6'4'' 176 21 C+ C C B- C A
Post-TC: Renato Amare PG 21 6'4'' 176 C+ C C+ B- C A
A lot of solid looking value players late in the first round. Amare increased his handles and kept his potential.
Grade: B
24. Dallas Mavericks - Leonard Ostling
Pre-TC: Leonard Ostling SF 6'8'' 228 22 C A- D+ C+ C+ B
Post-TC: Leonard Ostling SF 22 6'8'' 228 C+ A- C- C+ C+ A
The Mavericks bolstered a good draft day for them by grabbing Ostling, a sharpshooter that surely would've went to Washington two spots later had he not went here. Encouraging start for Ostling, increasing his inside scoring and his scouted potential.
Grade: A-
25. Cleveland Cavaliers - Riley Corbin
Pre-TC: Riley Corbin PF 6'10'' 255 23 C C C+ B- A- B
Post-TC: Riley Corbin PF 23 6'10'' 255 C+ C C+ B- A- B
Corbin continues a run of solid looking players late in the first round, increasing his inside scoring. He has a unique set of skills and should develop into a contributor.
Grade: B
26. Washington Wizards - Christian Gola
Pre-TC: Christian Gola PF 6'11'' 289 22 B C+ C- B- C B
Post-TC: Christian Gola PF 22 6'11'' 289 B C+ C- B C+ A
Exciting pick for the Wizards, their fifth of the day. Gola increased his defense, rebounding, and scouted potential to give himself the look of a really nice prospect. This big man with range should fit in well with the outside-oriented Wizards.
Grade: A
27. Cleveland Cavaliers - Gary Maxwell
Pre-TC: Gary Maxwell SG 6'5'' 221 20 C B+ B- B C B
Post-TC: Gary Maxwell SG 20 6'5'' 221 C A- B- B C B
Solid TC and good value, again, at the end of the round.
Grade: B+
28. Washington Wizards - FAIL
Grade: F
29. Philadelphia 76ers - Darius Dooling
Pre-TC: Darius Dooling SG 6'7'' 209 22 B B- C B D C
Post-TC: Darius Dooling SG 22 6'7'' 209 B+ B- C+ B+ D C
This draft was unusually strong in the 20's and Dooling caps that off, increasing his inside, handling, and defense. Good stuff.
Grade: A
Shout-out to the Milwaukee Bucks for grabbing Donovon Beals in the early portions of the second round. Looks like a steal.
---
So, it was certainly an interesting draft. Value was there to be had and many teams took advantage of it, grabbing nice players in the teens and twenties. Hollis looks like the only true franchise player in the draft but, down the road, I think this will be remembered as a deep, talented draft.
The Lottery:
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Dean Hollis
Pre-TC: Dean Hollis SF 6'10'' 220 20 B B+ C B- B- A
Post-TC: Dean Hollis SF 20 6'10'' 220 B A- C B+ B- A
People seemed to have developed a mixture of opinions regarding Hollis. His notes were not overly exciting and quite a few people seemed to think he'd have moderate potential at best. Well, it certainly looks like Hollis is off to a good start as a franchise player. He made a nice little jump with his outside scoring and a very encouraging leap forward in his defense all-the-while keeping his scouted potential. Seems fair to say that Hollis probably has a little more than just moderate potential and could be the cornerstone of the Clippers.
Grade: A
2. Los Angeles Clippers - Durell Valentine
Pre-TC: Durell Valentine C 7'0'' 290 21 B D+ D- C B+ A
Post-TC: Durell Valentine C 21 7'0'' 290 B D+ D- C+ A- A
The Clippers made a nice move trading up for the second pick with the hopes of grabbing a stud to pair with Hollis for many years. It looks possible that Valentine will be able to fulfill that role. It is very encouraging to see a jump in defense in his first year; his notes tabbed him as a very, very poor defender entering the draft so Marty has to be happy with his improvement. He should be able to score a good bit just because of his sheer strength and rebounding ability. Definitely a good start for the rebuilding effort of the Clippers.
Grade: A
3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kwan Xi
Pre-TC: Kwan Xi PF 6'10'' 215 19 C B+ C- C B+ A
Post-TC: Kwan Xi SF 19 6'10'' 215 C A- C C- A- A
The Cavaliers did not have to make much of a decision; Kwan was touted as a potential number one pick and fell into their lap. Again, he had a very solid first TC, improving in both of his areas of strength. It is a bit concerning that his defense has already decreased but, well, he will never be able to stop anyone regardless. He should be a match-up nightmare but will really struggle against some of the stronger players in the league.
Grade: A-
4. Charlotte Bobcats - Matt Wesley
Pre-TC: Matt Wesley SF 6'7'' 229 20 C+ B+ C+ C B- A
Post-TC: Matt Wesley SF 20 6'7'' 229 C+ A- B- C B- A
The draft became a bit more of a challenge after the first three spots and it does not seem like the Bobcats will be disappointed. Wesley, considered by some to be as good of a shooter as Kwan Xi, increased his outside scoring and handling in his first TC. We are seeing a trend here early in the draft with players that just will not be able to stop anyone. This could be a very high scoring draft class. I am not sure that the Bobcats needed a SF, especially after the solid TC of Kemp, but it makes sense to take the best player available this early in the draft. Good pick.
Grade: A-
5. Dallas Mavericks - Tracy Parker
Pre-TC: Tracy Parker SG 6'6'' 204 22 C B+ C+ B- C- A
Post-TC: Tracy Parker SG 22 6'6'' 204 C A- C+ B C- A
The Mavericks took a beating for moving the #2 overall pick but it looks like it may work out fairly well for them. Parker, a player touted as having an excellent mid-range game, made solid strides overall and helped justify his GM passing on one of the top prospects. The Mavericks have an encouraging roster of young players that should have little trouble putting the ball in the basket.
Grade: B+
6. Washington Wizards - Marcus Jay
Pre-TC: Marcus Jay SG 6'5'' 210 21 C+ A C- C C A
Post-TC: Marcus Jay SG 21 6'5'' 210 C+ A+ C- C+ C B
The Wizards were a steadily in the top three projected the entire season but caught a little fire at the end of the year. They ended up slipping a spot in the lottery but came away with a player that should fit in perfectly with their system. Jay, an extremely strong SG, should fit in well with the reigning Rookie of the Year Trey Mack, another fill-the-basket type of player. Jay should be a favorite to keep that award in Washington because he will be called upon to be a big-time scorer right away. It is also very encouraging that he already has improved his poor defense.
Grade: A
7. Boston Celtics - Edison Vale
Pre-TC: Edison Vale C 6'11'' 255 22 B C- D+ C+ B A
Post-TC: Edison Vale C 22 6'11'' 255 B- C- C- B B+ B
The draft became really tricky at this point, with a number of big men that could have gone anywhere from 7 to 15. The Celtics took a chance with Vale and it appears that he will develop into a solid player. The decrease in scoring is a bit discouraging but he made a nice leap defensively, a rarity in this draft. And, if you have a big man who can play some defense and grab rebounds you're certainly looking at a plus player. Vale could easily develop into an above-average starter.
Grade: B
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Cesar Pable
Pre-TC: Cesar Pable C 7'5'' 269 19 C+ D C- A C A
Post-TC: Cesar Pable C 19 7'5'' 269 C+ D C- A C C
The Cavaliers, a team that lucked out tremendously in free agency, probably thought they struck gold again as the humongous Pable slid down the draft board. Well, he certainly is not off to the most encouraging start. The young mammoth failed to make any improvements in his first TC and his scouted potential took a big hit. I think his value will largely be dictated by just how well he can block shots but it is not looking like he will be able to do much else.
Grade: C-
9. Portland Trailblazers - Antonio Smith
Pre-TC: Antonio Smith SF 6'6'' 210 19 C B+ C+ C C A
Post-TC: Antonio Smith SF 19 6'6'' 210 C B B- C+ C+ A
Smith would have had an absolutely fantastic TC if his outside rating did not take a hit. However, it did. Still, it has to be very encouraging for the Blazers to see him already developing a more well-rounded game. The outside rating should probably go back to a B+ with an RC. The Blazers are looking to build some nice complimentary pieces around big man Randy Sinclair and Smith should be able to fill a nice role.
Grade: B
10. Chicago Bulls - Jayson O'Keane
Pre-TC: Jayson O'Keane PF 6'8'' 245 21 A- C+ D+ C+ B C
Post-TC: Jayson O'Keane PF 21 6'8'' 245 A- C+ D+ C B+ B
The Bulls soft, pudgy GM took a chance on O'Keane, a well developed player who slid a bit because of turnover concerns. O'Keane looks like he will be a nice scoring big man who carries the ability to stretch the court a bit. However, I'm not so sure I want my turnover prone big man shooting too many three-pointers. A bit disappointing that he dropped defensively but he did up his rebounding. He joins a frontcourt loaded with some talented players and may not have a defined role early in the year.
Grade: B
11. Dallas Mavericks - Jeremy Thorpe
Pre-TC: Jeremy Thorpe C 6'10'' 243 20 B+ C D- B- B- B
Post-TC: Jeremy Thorpe C 20 6'10'' 243 B+ C D- B- B A
The Mavericks used their second pick of the lottery, acquired by trading down from the second spot, to choose Jeremy Thorpe, a center with a nice inside game. Thorpe had a solid TC, increasing his rebounding and scouted potential and giving the Mavericks yet another solid prospect. In a draft touted as a bit of a crapshoot, the Mavericks found it best to have a quantity of picks and that strategy appears to have paid off. Looks like the trade worked out pretty well for him
Grade: B+
12. Washington Wizards - Christian Keck
Pre-TC: Christian Keck PG 6'6'' 180 21 B- C+ B+ C- C A
Post-TC: Christian Keck PG 21 6'6'' 180 B- B- A- C- C C
The Washington Wizards took another step forward in their quest to have a five guard starting lineup, grabbing Christian Keck with their second lottery pick. Keck, a player with a unique and interesting set of skills, improved his outside scoring and his handling while dropping in scouted potential. The biased Wizards GM, however, does not buy the drop in scouted potential given the solid improvements made by the tall, lanky PG.
Grade: B+
13. San Antonio Spurs - Ivan Harris
Pre-TC: Ivan Harris PF 6'10'' 234 22 A- C C B- C+ C
Post-TC: Ivan Harris PF 22 6'10'' 234 A- C C B- C+ C
Ivan Harris was the next off the board of a group of big men that looked strangely similar. And, well, Harris looks the same after TC, failing to make any improvements. Not a very encouraging sign given the improvements made by other similar bigs. Just not a very exciting pick.
Grade: C
The Rest:
14. Indiana Pacers - Marus Trannell
Pre-TC: Marus Trannell PG 6'5'' 208 20 B C+ B- C+ C- A
Post-TC: Marus Trannell PG 20 6'5'' 208 B C+ B- B C- B
Trannell made a nice leap forward defensively while losing some scouted potential. Would've liked to see an increase in his handling ability.
Grade: B
15. Washington Wizards - Gabe Simon
Pre-TC: Gabe Simon SF 6'10'' 220 20 B C C B- C A
Post-TC: Gabe Simon SF 20 6'10'' 220 B C C B C A
The Wizards finally decided to select a forward, taking a chance on the defensively versatile Gabe Simon, a player touted to have the ability to block shots and get steals. Solid first TC.
Grade: B+
16. Chicago Bulls - Brad Thompson
Pre-TC: Brad Thompson SG 6'4'' 205 19 B C+ C C C A
Post-TC: Brad Thompson SG 19 6'4'' 205 B- C+ C- C+ C B
The raw, young Thompson did not get off to a very good start. Looks like he will suck.
Grade: D+
17. Boston Celtics - Mikey O'Meara
Pre-TC: Mikey O'Meara SF 6'10'' 219 22 C B+ C+ B+ C B
Post-TC: Mikey O'Meara SF 22 6'10'' 219 C A- C+ B C+ C
O'Meara had an average first TC, increasing his outside ability but losing some defense and potential. The Celtics GM hates his team.
Grade: C+
18. Atlanta Hawks - Damon McCullers
Pre-TC: Damon McCullers SG 6'5'' 207 19 C+ B+ C- B- C B
Post-TC: Damon McCullers SG 19 6'5'' 207 C+ B+ C B- C A
McCullers made a jump in his potential which is semi-encouraging consider his young age. However, he failed to make any tangible jumps.
Grade: B
19. Los Angeles Clippers - Ben Mars
Pre-TC: Ben Mars PG 6'3'' 210 20 C B C+ B+ C B
Post-TC: Ben Mars PG 20 6'3'' 210 C- A- C+ B+ C B
Solid first TC for Mars at this point, a good value pick for a team already having a nice draft day. Made a sizable jump in his outside scoring.
Grade: B+
20. Washington Wizards - Cody Williams
Pre-TC: Cody Williams C 6'10'' 231 21 B+ D+ C B- C+ B
Post-TC: Cody Williams C 21 6'10'' 231 A- D+ C B B- C
The Wizards, making their fourth selection of the first round, appear to have struck gold a bit with Cody Williams. He had a better TC than players similar in ratings that were taken well ahead of him, having made nice increases in his inside scoring, defense, and rebounding.
Grade: A
21. Toronto Raptors - Darren Patterson
Pre-TC: Darren Patterson SG 6'4'' 207 22 C+ B C- B- C A
Post-TC: Darren Patterson SG 22 6'4'' 207 C+ B+ C- B C A
Patterson looks like another nice value pick later in the first round, having increased his outside scoring and defense. Kept his potential.
Grade: A-
22. Denver Nuggets - Michael Devlin (Traded to Dallas)
Pre-TC: Michael Devlin PG 6'3'' 208 22 C B C+ C+ D+ A
Post-TC: Michael Devlin PG 22 6'3'' 208 C B B- B- D+ A
Well, the Mavericks bolstered a solid day by taking advantage of a mentally challenged person. The Nuggets GM gave up Devlin for just about nothing for reasons unknown. Looks like a steal for the Mavericks, grabbing a bulky PG who had a nice TC.
Grade: A- (for the Mavericks)
23. Charlotte Bobcats - Renato Amare
Pre-TC: Renato Amare PG 6'4'' 176 21 C+ C C B- C A
Post-TC: Renato Amare PG 21 6'4'' 176 C+ C C+ B- C A
A lot of solid looking value players late in the first round. Amare increased his handles and kept his potential.
Grade: B
24. Dallas Mavericks - Leonard Ostling
Pre-TC: Leonard Ostling SF 6'8'' 228 22 C A- D+ C+ C+ B
Post-TC: Leonard Ostling SF 22 6'8'' 228 C+ A- C- C+ C+ A
The Mavericks bolstered a good draft day for them by grabbing Ostling, a sharpshooter that surely would've went to Washington two spots later had he not went here. Encouraging start for Ostling, increasing his inside scoring and his scouted potential.
Grade: A-
25. Cleveland Cavaliers - Riley Corbin
Pre-TC: Riley Corbin PF 6'10'' 255 23 C C C+ B- A- B
Post-TC: Riley Corbin PF 23 6'10'' 255 C+ C C+ B- A- B
Corbin continues a run of solid looking players late in the first round, increasing his inside scoring. He has a unique set of skills and should develop into a contributor.
Grade: B
26. Washington Wizards - Christian Gola
Pre-TC: Christian Gola PF 6'11'' 289 22 B C+ C- B- C B
Post-TC: Christian Gola PF 22 6'11'' 289 B C+ C- B C+ A
Exciting pick for the Wizards, their fifth of the day. Gola increased his defense, rebounding, and scouted potential to give himself the look of a really nice prospect. This big man with range should fit in well with the outside-oriented Wizards.
Grade: A
27. Cleveland Cavaliers - Gary Maxwell
Pre-TC: Gary Maxwell SG 6'5'' 221 20 C B+ B- B C B
Post-TC: Gary Maxwell SG 20 6'5'' 221 C A- B- B C B
Solid TC and good value, again, at the end of the round.
Grade: B+
28. Washington Wizards - FAIL
Grade: F
29. Philadelphia 76ers - Darius Dooling
Pre-TC: Darius Dooling SG 6'7'' 209 22 B B- C B D C
Post-TC: Darius Dooling SG 22 6'7'' 209 B+ B- C+ B+ D C
This draft was unusually strong in the 20's and Dooling caps that off, increasing his inside, handling, and defense. Good stuff.
Grade: A
Shout-out to the Milwaukee Bucks for grabbing Donovon Beals in the early portions of the second round. Looks like a steal.
---
So, it was certainly an interesting draft. Value was there to be had and many teams took advantage of it, grabbing nice players in the teens and twenties. Hollis looks like the only true franchise player in the draft but, down the road, I think this will be remembered as a deep, talented draft.
