Post by Akomplice on Oct 27, 2011 16:55:10 GMT -5
It's really a hard draft to really project because of so many similar players and the steep decline after Reed. After him it really becomes about personal preference so don't kill me on this one.
Golden State Warriors
Willis Reed C 6'9'' 235 22 B C D B+ B+ A
The clear number one pick in this draft is Willis Reed. Unlike most players of the past few years he is ready to contribute from day one and actually make an impact. Willis is such a strong player that his inside scoring and defense are already good, something you love to see from these raw but high potential centers we have seen. He has the ability to shoot from 10-15 feet and could probably play power forward if need be. He has the ability to block some shots and if any team works on his athleticism he can probably be in the upper echelon in this league. Reed is what all these teams are tanking for, whoever wins him truly wins the lottery.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Gail Goodrich SG 6'1'' 170 21 B B C+ C C- A
When starting the rebuilding process you want to be able to land a great scorer, because someone needs to do it. He already comes with a great shot from inside and beyond the arc, really has unlimited range. He is very quick for his position and uses that speed well because he can take his man off the dribble and take it to the rim. Looking at this draft there really isn't any shooting guard that plays much defense so you want to land the most dynamic offensive player and Goodrich appears to be that man. It comes down to personal preference with some of these SG's, but I think Goodrich is the best of em.
Orlando Magic
David Lee PF 6'7'' 225 22 B B D+ B B C
After years of contending in the Eastern Conference the Orlando Magic are finally rebuilding and they start it off with David Lee. Lee comes with an offensive game that can really make a good transition. Lee has the ability to score from inside and has a shot that reaches out to the three point line. He brings the ability to play good defense, he is very strong and plays good man to man defense. I really think that Lee would probably make the transition to small forward quite good and with his ratings they might actually do better there. The knock on Lee is that will he get better on his own, or will he take AC's and RC's to improve? Either way his game looks complete already for a prospect.
Detroit Pistons
Wali Jones SG 6'2'' 180 22 C+ B+ B- C+ C A
Wali Jones has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Wali looks to be one of the better shooting guards offensively in this draft, using his quickness effectively to keep his man off balance and create a good shot for himself. Wali also has the ability to create for others thanks to his quickness, but will need to improve his handling because he can be careless with the ball at times. The Pistons already have Caldwell who they will evaluate at the shooting guard spot in the second half, but we suspect that this pick might be available for trade.
Memphis Grizzlies
Jeff Mullins SG 6'4'' 190 22 B- B+ B C C A
Continuing the run on non defense shooting guards, the Grizzlies select Mullins. Happy could also go here, but with Nelson already on the team I think they would opt for a scorer from the perimeter. Mullins already has a good outside shot and the ability to score inside. He also has pretty good handles for a shooting guard with the B rating, with his athleticism he can probably develop into a good play maker. However the knock on him again is the defense and when a SG doesn't give you steals nor take a particular interest in defense it will make him slide.
Washington Wizards
Happy Hairston PF 6'7'' 225 22 B+ C- D+ C+ B A
The Wizards really don't have that many young pieces on the team besides Sloan the the MO is to just stack talent. Happy Hairston is a very strong player who can score inside with the best of then. He has already drawn comparisons to Gus Johnson, rookie from the Spurs. Due to the fact that he is such a good scorer you have to overlook the fact that he don't play much defense and probably consider moving him to small forward so he isn't a liability in the post. Hairston could be a good rebounder down the road because of his strength and athleticism.
Phoenix Suns
Paul Silas PF 6'7'' 225 21 C+ C- C A- B+ A
The Suns have a few pieces on the team, though some of the important pieces could test the market. I believe that the Suns will do everything they can to bring back York Larese, thus passing on shooting guards. The Suns can use someone who can play small forward, but have two candidates on the team already in Moreland and Gene. I think the pick can end up being Silas, while maybe a reach but someone who can fill a role here. He is an excellent man to man defender, really plays the post well. He is also strong enough to really make an impact on the boards as well. He won't block a bunch of shots, but Buckner is doing a good job at that.
Portland Trail Blazers
Levern Tart SG 6'2'' 195 22 B+ C+ B- C C A
Another team that is completely blowing it up, the Blazers will need someone who can score the ball. Tart comes into the league with amazing quickness and explosive athleticism that allows him to be a high flyer. Tart really never met a shot he didn't like, for this team moving forward they will need someone who can carry them. However what it comes down to it, he really can't defend at all and his handles need to be worked on. Tart however for his flaws can score with the best of them.
Charlotte Bobcats
Jim Davis C 6'9'' 225 22 B+ C C- B- B+ C
The Bobcats have a lot of young talent across the board in Barnett, Kojis, Boozer, Comley, Miles. This team will probably look to trade this pick for a big time player with some of their young talent in order to become playoff contenders. However with that aside lets take a look at who they might select, Jim Davis. With no center to speak of on this roster, Davis can provide some low post scoring and rebounding pretty well. While not flashy, he should be a double double player from day one and if a team works on him, his defense can be brought alone.
Miami Heat
Maurice McHartley SG 6'3'' 185 22 B- B- B- B+ C B
Looking at the Miami Heat roster the first thing that pops out is Bellamy and Thurmond patrolling the middle. These two guys can control the middle and need players that complement their games, therefore surround them with scorers. McHartley isn't the scorer that some of the other shooting guards in this class are, however he is the jack of all trades type of shooting guard who can make an impact. He can score in a myriad of ways, has the ability to move the ball a bit and can actually play defense. While they have Loughery on the team, there isn't a small forward worthy of a selection in a long time.
Los Angeles Lakers
Jim Barnes PF 6'8'' 210 23 C+ C D+ B+ B A
In Los Angeles the dynamic back court that they roll every night is impressive, both players can light up the scoreboard. However if you look at this team right now you can clearly see that they need some help defensively down low. This is where I think Barnes can really make an impact for this team. Barnes has the ability to create some steals, can swat away shots who is very strong. Barnes uses that strength to grab boards and play defense. His offense leaves something to be desired, but with West and Greer that's the last thing that they really need.
Dallas Mavericks
Luke Jackson C 6'9'' 240 23 B C C B B B
Luke Jackson has the ability to score from inside and has a solid shot for a center. He probably won't be all that impressive, but he is a damn solid player already. He is pretty strong, allowing him to play solid man to man defense but will never be a shot blocker, for some teams that's a big deal but he does his job solid. He is a solid rebounder, solid offensive player everything about Jackson is solid. Right now the Mavericks need players who can play within their role, something Jackson can do.
Detroit Pistons via Philadelphia 76ers
Em Bryant PG 6'1'' 175 25 B C B B C+ C
With no point guard for the future it might be time for the Pistons to take a point guard and start developing him. With the Pistons having some pieces already in place, they need someone who can just play their role. Bryant is a solid shooter, he is able to knock down his free throws with confidence. On defense he really has a penchant for coming up with steals and really harassing the opposing point guard. He has good strength for a point guard which allows him to play that defense.
Golden State Warriors
Willis Reed C 6'9'' 235 22 B C D B+ B+ A
The clear number one pick in this draft is Willis Reed. Unlike most players of the past few years he is ready to contribute from day one and actually make an impact. Willis is such a strong player that his inside scoring and defense are already good, something you love to see from these raw but high potential centers we have seen. He has the ability to shoot from 10-15 feet and could probably play power forward if need be. He has the ability to block some shots and if any team works on his athleticism he can probably be in the upper echelon in this league. Reed is what all these teams are tanking for, whoever wins him truly wins the lottery.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Gail Goodrich SG 6'1'' 170 21 B B C+ C C- A
When starting the rebuilding process you want to be able to land a great scorer, because someone needs to do it. He already comes with a great shot from inside and beyond the arc, really has unlimited range. He is very quick for his position and uses that speed well because he can take his man off the dribble and take it to the rim. Looking at this draft there really isn't any shooting guard that plays much defense so you want to land the most dynamic offensive player and Goodrich appears to be that man. It comes down to personal preference with some of these SG's, but I think Goodrich is the best of em.
Orlando Magic
David Lee PF 6'7'' 225 22 B B D+ B B C
After years of contending in the Eastern Conference the Orlando Magic are finally rebuilding and they start it off with David Lee. Lee comes with an offensive game that can really make a good transition. Lee has the ability to score from inside and has a shot that reaches out to the three point line. He brings the ability to play good defense, he is very strong and plays good man to man defense. I really think that Lee would probably make the transition to small forward quite good and with his ratings they might actually do better there. The knock on Lee is that will he get better on his own, or will he take AC's and RC's to improve? Either way his game looks complete already for a prospect.
Detroit Pistons
Wali Jones SG 6'2'' 180 22 C+ B+ B- C+ C A
Wali Jones has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Wali looks to be one of the better shooting guards offensively in this draft, using his quickness effectively to keep his man off balance and create a good shot for himself. Wali also has the ability to create for others thanks to his quickness, but will need to improve his handling because he can be careless with the ball at times. The Pistons already have Caldwell who they will evaluate at the shooting guard spot in the second half, but we suspect that this pick might be available for trade.
Memphis Grizzlies
Jeff Mullins SG 6'4'' 190 22 B- B+ B C C A
Continuing the run on non defense shooting guards, the Grizzlies select Mullins. Happy could also go here, but with Nelson already on the team I think they would opt for a scorer from the perimeter. Mullins already has a good outside shot and the ability to score inside. He also has pretty good handles for a shooting guard with the B rating, with his athleticism he can probably develop into a good play maker. However the knock on him again is the defense and when a SG doesn't give you steals nor take a particular interest in defense it will make him slide.
Washington Wizards
Happy Hairston PF 6'7'' 225 22 B+ C- D+ C+ B A
The Wizards really don't have that many young pieces on the team besides Sloan the the MO is to just stack talent. Happy Hairston is a very strong player who can score inside with the best of then. He has already drawn comparisons to Gus Johnson, rookie from the Spurs. Due to the fact that he is such a good scorer you have to overlook the fact that he don't play much defense and probably consider moving him to small forward so he isn't a liability in the post. Hairston could be a good rebounder down the road because of his strength and athleticism.
Phoenix Suns
Paul Silas PF 6'7'' 225 21 C+ C- C A- B+ A
The Suns have a few pieces on the team, though some of the important pieces could test the market. I believe that the Suns will do everything they can to bring back York Larese, thus passing on shooting guards. The Suns can use someone who can play small forward, but have two candidates on the team already in Moreland and Gene. I think the pick can end up being Silas, while maybe a reach but someone who can fill a role here. He is an excellent man to man defender, really plays the post well. He is also strong enough to really make an impact on the boards as well. He won't block a bunch of shots, but Buckner is doing a good job at that.
Portland Trail Blazers
Levern Tart SG 6'2'' 195 22 B+ C+ B- C C A
Another team that is completely blowing it up, the Blazers will need someone who can score the ball. Tart comes into the league with amazing quickness and explosive athleticism that allows him to be a high flyer. Tart really never met a shot he didn't like, for this team moving forward they will need someone who can carry them. However what it comes down to it, he really can't defend at all and his handles need to be worked on. Tart however for his flaws can score with the best of them.
Charlotte Bobcats
Jim Davis C 6'9'' 225 22 B+ C C- B- B+ C
The Bobcats have a lot of young talent across the board in Barnett, Kojis, Boozer, Comley, Miles. This team will probably look to trade this pick for a big time player with some of their young talent in order to become playoff contenders. However with that aside lets take a look at who they might select, Jim Davis. With no center to speak of on this roster, Davis can provide some low post scoring and rebounding pretty well. While not flashy, he should be a double double player from day one and if a team works on him, his defense can be brought alone.
Miami Heat
Maurice McHartley SG 6'3'' 185 22 B- B- B- B+ C B
Looking at the Miami Heat roster the first thing that pops out is Bellamy and Thurmond patrolling the middle. These two guys can control the middle and need players that complement their games, therefore surround them with scorers. McHartley isn't the scorer that some of the other shooting guards in this class are, however he is the jack of all trades type of shooting guard who can make an impact. He can score in a myriad of ways, has the ability to move the ball a bit and can actually play defense. While they have Loughery on the team, there isn't a small forward worthy of a selection in a long time.
Los Angeles Lakers
Jim Barnes PF 6'8'' 210 23 C+ C D+ B+ B A
In Los Angeles the dynamic back court that they roll every night is impressive, both players can light up the scoreboard. However if you look at this team right now you can clearly see that they need some help defensively down low. This is where I think Barnes can really make an impact for this team. Barnes has the ability to create some steals, can swat away shots who is very strong. Barnes uses that strength to grab boards and play defense. His offense leaves something to be desired, but with West and Greer that's the last thing that they really need.
Dallas Mavericks
Luke Jackson C 6'9'' 240 23 B C C B B B
Luke Jackson has the ability to score from inside and has a solid shot for a center. He probably won't be all that impressive, but he is a damn solid player already. He is pretty strong, allowing him to play solid man to man defense but will never be a shot blocker, for some teams that's a big deal but he does his job solid. He is a solid rebounder, solid offensive player everything about Jackson is solid. Right now the Mavericks need players who can play within their role, something Jackson can do.
Detroit Pistons via Philadelphia 76ers
Em Bryant PG 6'1'' 175 25 B C B B C+ C
With no point guard for the future it might be time for the Pistons to take a point guard and start developing him. With the Pistons having some pieces already in place, they need someone who can just play their role. Bryant is a solid shooter, he is able to knock down his free throws with confidence. On defense he really has a penchant for coming up with steals and really harassing the opposing point guard. He has good strength for a point guard which allows him to play that defense.
