Post by blue on Oct 26, 2014 21:12:53 GMT
Only doing the first half of the draft. This was my first draft in the league and haven't written an article in a while so why not. Grades are based on rating differential between draft and current, draft position, and accuracy with draft notes.
1. Seventh Woods
Drafted Team: Nuggets
Current Team: Nuggets
Drafted Ratings:: SG 6'5 202 20 B- C C+ B- C- A
Current Ratings: SG 25 6'6'' 210 B- B+ B A- C C
Draft Notes:
Seventh is one of the top prospects in the draft, explosive player who loves to attack the basket. Very athletic, quick off his feet and burns his opponent off the dribble. Solid man on man defender as well. While he has a decent jump shot he struggles from beyond the arc. Has some turnover issues as well, is a crafty passer but his TO issues makes him more suited as a SG. Scouts have compared his game to a young Dwayne Wade.
Review: Seventh went first (like that word play?) and is showing to be deserving of that spot 6 seasons later. Notes said he struggles outside and his rookie ratings showed as well, but +4 outside makes it look like he’s become quite the shooter. Whatever critics he had he put to rest with his handles going +2 and defense +3.
Grade: B+
2. DeAndre Ayton
Drafted Team: Celts
Current Team: Celts
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'10'' 220 20 B- C C B- B- A
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'11'' 231 B+ C C B B+ D
Draft Notes:
Ayton is a very good player with good upside. Ayton is extrememly athletic, can run the floor like a guard. Good scorer, inside game is raw but will develop and has a solid mid range game for a big. Decent defender who should be a block/steal a game player already. Established rebounder, and is also a very willing passer. Best PF in the class and possible top 3 pick.
Review: I didn’t particularly need a PF, this being my first draft since joining the league I was high on Julius Randle. I was in dire need of a PG at the time and it was a tough choice between DeAndre, Udoka, and Dennis. Was advised to take the best player available as opposed to a “need” so I did. Ayton turned out to be proficient and is now one of my core players I build around. However everyone knows of Dennis’ massive jumps while on his rookie contract so that hurt a bit but Ayton has panned out for me and I don’t regret the decision.
Grade: B
3. Marvin Bagley
Drafted Team: Warriors
Current Team: Jazz
Drafted Ratings: B- B- C+ B- C C
Current Ratings: SF 25 6'9'' 219 C+ B C B C C
Draft Notes:
Marvin is what most Scouts regard as damaged goods, was a superstar in his early years at Arizona State but just prior to his Senior year Marvin was arrested for DWI and was suspended for the first half of his Senior year. During the suspension he continued the off court troubles and feel into drugs and other criminal related activities. By the time his suspension had expired his physical and mental condition was the worst Scouts have seen. He was suspended for the rest of his stint at Arizona State. Apparently drug and alcohol free, Marvin has his fingers crossed a team gives him a lifeline and a 2nd chance
Review: Just from looking at the difference in current versus drafted ratings, I do not like this selection. Bagley show 0 net improvement, and which the 3rd overall you’d expect something to become of that player. The notes said he had a bad off the court record and that likely translated to the NBA level, Warriors likely were not fans of this behavior and were lucky to ship him away.
Grade: D+
4. Udoka Azubuike
Drafted Team: Jazz
Current Team: Pistons
Drafted Ratings: C 6'10'' 267 19 C+ D+ D+ C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: C 25 6'10'' 267 B C- C B+ A- D
Draft Notes:
Last Season it was Thon, this year its Udoka who comes through the draft with a raw skill set but a ton of potential. Its very early in his professional career, but Udoka looks like he will be a future all star in the league. Matured physically at a young age and has been a dominant big ever since. Only 19 but has impressed a lot of scouts with his rapid development and maturity for a young age. Will take time to establish a league ready skill set but should grow to be a very good player.
Review: I was actually high on Udoka myself, and he’s still young and has a physical camp left so I’m not knocking this. Udoka has gone positive in every category and +11 overall. He still appears to have both physical and skill camps left. Huge room for improvement, gotta give probs to the pistons for acquiring him.
Grade: A-
5. Dennis Smith Jr
Drafted Team: Rockets
Current Team: Grizzlies
Drafted Ratings: PG 6'1'' 173 19 C C+ A- C+ D A
Current Ratings: PG 24 6'1'' 173 C B A+ A- D C
Draft Notes:
Best PG in the class, a natural point who runs the floor like a vet and knows how to put the ball in the basket. Lot to learn defensively but will develop with experience. Lotto bound.
Review: I nearly pulled the trigger for Dennis second overall, so I thought this was good value at 5. Dennis was one of the better point guards during his tenure with the Rockets. Everyone remembers that massive jump from TC he got a few seasons ago. Has potential to get better than his career numbers, but only time will tell. Not grading this poorly, however, because of his play with the Rockets. Could have a few down seasons with the tanking Griz and playing out of position next to Big O.
Grade: B
6. BeeJay Anya
Drafted Team: Pacers
Current Team: Cavaliers
Drafted Ratings: C 6'9'' 275 20 C+ D+ C- B B- C
Current Ratings: C 24 6'9'' 275 B- D+ D+ A- C+ D
Draft Notes:
A very strong defender and rebounder. BeeJay can block and steal and is also a decent post defender. Raw offensively but does have a lot of upside. His defensive game and rebounding is what stands out the most. Good prospect.
Review: Anya’s big draft prospects were his defense and rebounding. Rebounding with -1 but defense with +2. He still has a physical camp but I’m not entirely sure he’s worth it. Small for a C but I like the Anya as a solid back up for De’Ron and Javon. Inside +1 but doesn’t appears to have much on the offensive side through this point in his career.
Grade: C
7. Nikola Milutinov
Drafted Team: Raptors
Current Team: Free Agent
Drafted Ratings C 6"11 215 C+ C+ C+ C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: PF 6'11'' 215 25 C+ B C+ C+ C+ D
Draft Notes:
Lot of hype surrounding Milutinov, maybe its from the success of fellow internationals Macvan and Mirotic, but looks like he may possibly develop to be the next big thing from overseas. Well thats what scouts are saying. His all upside atm. His standard big man skills are raw but he has the advantage of being a crafty passer and having range on his jump shot. Very weak but is very athletic. At only 19, he has a very impressive foundation to build on. Boom or bust prospect.
Review: Got some ratings for Nikola, doesn't seem like a bad player from the notes. High risk, high reward type. Has shown positive outside shooting like his international conterparts in Macvan and Mirotic but I don't think anyone was surprised when he didn't live up to that kind of hype. Based off the next few players taken, it seems like he was the one boom-bust type that didn't pan out. Jelan and Isaiah eventually panned out, but they were risky as well. Can't knock the pick for looking high reward in such a weak draft.
Grade: C-
8. J.P. Tokoto
Drafted Team: Pistons
Current Team: Jazz
Drafted Ratings: 6'5'' 200 19 C+ C+ C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'5'' 200 C+ C+ C C+ C+ C
Draft Notes:
Tokoto is a super talented player that can do a little bit of everything. A solid scorer and rebounder with nice upside Tokoto should be a top 10 pick. Is still raw in a lot of areas of his game but he has a lot of potential and should develop into a very good all round player.
Review: Notes suggest J.P. could develop into a “very good all round player” and he is good all around according to his current ratings. However, they are the same exact ratings as his predraft ratings. I’m sure he fluctuated during his career, but basically.. he sucks. Only reason this isn’t an F is because his notes suggested he would be decent plus Pistons didn’t camp him, could me more on them than J.P.
Grade: D
9. Jelan Kendrick
Drafted Team: Spurs
Current Team: Wizards
Drafted Ratings: SG 6'6'' 190 21 B C+ C C C A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'6'' 190 B B C+ B C D
Draft Notes:
Kendrick is a slasher, whether it be with a flashy dunk or a slick finger roll, he has an uncanny ability to get the ball in the basket. He is very athletic, may even participate at an ASW, in the Dunk contest. Unfortunately, he isn't very good at anything else, but scouts feel he on the cusp of taking that next step
Review: Scouts were right, Kendrick did make that jump two seasons ago with the Magic. He has become a starter and definitely worthy of this pick, however he wasn’t prior to the big TC. But based on the fact that the notes were right, gotta give this a good grade.
Grade: B-
10. Cody Riley
Drafted Team: Knicks
Current Team: Celts
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'8'' 242 20 B- C+ C C C+ B
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'8'' 242 B+ C C B- B- C
Draft Notes:
Cody is a good scorer. He is a decent mid range shooter with an established post game. He loves the ball in his hands and has range from beyond the arc. Cody is a good man to man defender, but he doesn't get many blocks or steals. Potential is questionable as well.
Review: I’ve been trying to trade for Riley for the past three seasons. Finally got him and I think I made the right choice. He was fully rookie deal camped and still his both physical and skill camps. The notes hit him on the head, having an overall net of +3 form his rookie ratings. I like the potential thats still there for him and his contract is pretty reasonable.
Grade: C+
11. Bobby Portis
Drafted Team: Thunder
Current Team: Heat
Draft Ratings: N/A
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'9'' 225 B- C- C B- C C
Draft Notes:
None
Review: Not sure what Portis can do, has been a career back up but not much else is remaining from this draft. Thunder might have needed a big man, but drafting someone without notes must have meant this rookie ratings were pretty good. I think it’s probably safer to have drafted someone with notes instead of gambling.
Grade: D+
12. Bol Bol
Drafted Team: Hornets
Current Team: Suns
Drafted Ratings: SF 6'8 200 19 C C- C A- C A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'8'' 200 C C C A C C
Draft Notes:
The son of the late Manute Bol enters the Draft as the best defender in the Class, an excellent man on man defender and like his father his shot blocking skills are very good. Stealing is also a major strength and should be a top blocker/steal stat filler throughout his career. Very athletic as well. Unlikely to really do anything else except defend. Lotto material.
Review: Notes were spot on, did improve defensively and outside, but still is only a defensive player. Huge liability on offense, basically playing 4 on 5, but is one of the better defensive wings around. Everyone knows what they’re getting, can’t knock the pick, but before these next two the pick looks pretty bad.
Grade: C-
13. Isaiah Hicks
Drafted Team: Cavaliers
Current Team: Hornets
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'8'' 210 C+ C- C- B- C+ A
Current Ratings: SF 25 6'8'' 210 B+ C+ C A- C+ B
Draft Notes:
Hicks is a very good man to man defender that can get some steals. Hicks isn't very strong but has a decent post game. Rebounding isn't a strength and he wont get many blocks. Good potential so may be a surprise packet.
Review: Similar to Jelan, Isaiah took a while to pan as as well. I’m sure the notes mean he could be a surprise “package” which I’m sure he is for the Hornets right now. Definitely looks good and the potential still seems high. Giving this a good grade, because still has some camps available, probably a better SF than PF but physical and skill camps would improve inside, defense, and rebounding.
Grade: B+
14. Javon McCrea
Drafted Team: Blazers
Current Team: Cavaliers
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'7'' 250 21 C C- D- C+ B+ B
Current Ratings: PF 26 6'8'' 259 B- C- D- B- A- C
Draft Notes:
McCrea is a very strong player who loves to rebound. Should be one of the best rebounders in the league in the near future. McCrea should also be a steal and block a game player straight up. Offensively he is pretty bad.
Review: Was only gonna do the lottery but Javon is an honorable mention here. Cav’s did well to acquire him to play next to Davis, good pair of bigs. The rating differential of +3 doesn’t show much but he is a double-double machine nightly. A few less points and boards than DeAndre and a friendlier contract, basically a poor man's DeAndre Ayton, however it seems to me that his ceiling has been reached. Not giving a bad grade however because of the value just after lotto.
Grade: B-
1. Seventh Woods
Drafted Team: Nuggets
Current Team: Nuggets
Drafted Ratings:: SG 6'5 202 20 B- C C+ B- C- A
Current Ratings: SG 25 6'6'' 210 B- B+ B A- C C
Draft Notes:
Seventh is one of the top prospects in the draft, explosive player who loves to attack the basket. Very athletic, quick off his feet and burns his opponent off the dribble. Solid man on man defender as well. While he has a decent jump shot he struggles from beyond the arc. Has some turnover issues as well, is a crafty passer but his TO issues makes him more suited as a SG. Scouts have compared his game to a young Dwayne Wade.
Review: Seventh went first (like that word play?) and is showing to be deserving of that spot 6 seasons later. Notes said he struggles outside and his rookie ratings showed as well, but +4 outside makes it look like he’s become quite the shooter. Whatever critics he had he put to rest with his handles going +2 and defense +3.
Grade: B+
2. DeAndre Ayton
Drafted Team: Celts
Current Team: Celts
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'10'' 220 20 B- C C B- B- A
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'11'' 231 B+ C C B B+ D
Draft Notes:
Ayton is a very good player with good upside. Ayton is extrememly athletic, can run the floor like a guard. Good scorer, inside game is raw but will develop and has a solid mid range game for a big. Decent defender who should be a block/steal a game player already. Established rebounder, and is also a very willing passer. Best PF in the class and possible top 3 pick.
Review: I didn’t particularly need a PF, this being my first draft since joining the league I was high on Julius Randle. I was in dire need of a PG at the time and it was a tough choice between DeAndre, Udoka, and Dennis. Was advised to take the best player available as opposed to a “need” so I did. Ayton turned out to be proficient and is now one of my core players I build around. However everyone knows of Dennis’ massive jumps while on his rookie contract so that hurt a bit but Ayton has panned out for me and I don’t regret the decision.
Grade: B
3. Marvin Bagley
Drafted Team: Warriors
Current Team: Jazz
Drafted Ratings: B- B- C+ B- C C
Current Ratings: SF 25 6'9'' 219 C+ B C B C C
Draft Notes:
Marvin is what most Scouts regard as damaged goods, was a superstar in his early years at Arizona State but just prior to his Senior year Marvin was arrested for DWI and was suspended for the first half of his Senior year. During the suspension he continued the off court troubles and feel into drugs and other criminal related activities. By the time his suspension had expired his physical and mental condition was the worst Scouts have seen. He was suspended for the rest of his stint at Arizona State. Apparently drug and alcohol free, Marvin has his fingers crossed a team gives him a lifeline and a 2nd chance
Review: Just from looking at the difference in current versus drafted ratings, I do not like this selection. Bagley show 0 net improvement, and which the 3rd overall you’d expect something to become of that player. The notes said he had a bad off the court record and that likely translated to the NBA level, Warriors likely were not fans of this behavior and were lucky to ship him away.
Grade: D+
4. Udoka Azubuike
Drafted Team: Jazz
Current Team: Pistons
Drafted Ratings: C 6'10'' 267 19 C+ D+ D+ C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: C 25 6'10'' 267 B C- C B+ A- D
Draft Notes:
Last Season it was Thon, this year its Udoka who comes through the draft with a raw skill set but a ton of potential. Its very early in his professional career, but Udoka looks like he will be a future all star in the league. Matured physically at a young age and has been a dominant big ever since. Only 19 but has impressed a lot of scouts with his rapid development and maturity for a young age. Will take time to establish a league ready skill set but should grow to be a very good player.
Review: I was actually high on Udoka myself, and he’s still young and has a physical camp left so I’m not knocking this. Udoka has gone positive in every category and +11 overall. He still appears to have both physical and skill camps left. Huge room for improvement, gotta give probs to the pistons for acquiring him.
Grade: A-
5. Dennis Smith Jr
Drafted Team: Rockets
Current Team: Grizzlies
Drafted Ratings: PG 6'1'' 173 19 C C+ A- C+ D A
Current Ratings: PG 24 6'1'' 173 C B A+ A- D C
Draft Notes:
Best PG in the class, a natural point who runs the floor like a vet and knows how to put the ball in the basket. Lot to learn defensively but will develop with experience. Lotto bound.
Review: I nearly pulled the trigger for Dennis second overall, so I thought this was good value at 5. Dennis was one of the better point guards during his tenure with the Rockets. Everyone remembers that massive jump from TC he got a few seasons ago. Has potential to get better than his career numbers, but only time will tell. Not grading this poorly, however, because of his play with the Rockets. Could have a few down seasons with the tanking Griz and playing out of position next to Big O.
Grade: B
6. BeeJay Anya
Drafted Team: Pacers
Current Team: Cavaliers
Drafted Ratings: C 6'9'' 275 20 C+ D+ C- B B- C
Current Ratings: C 24 6'9'' 275 B- D+ D+ A- C+ D
Draft Notes:
A very strong defender and rebounder. BeeJay can block and steal and is also a decent post defender. Raw offensively but does have a lot of upside. His defensive game and rebounding is what stands out the most. Good prospect.
Review: Anya’s big draft prospects were his defense and rebounding. Rebounding with -1 but defense with +2. He still has a physical camp but I’m not entirely sure he’s worth it. Small for a C but I like the Anya as a solid back up for De’Ron and Javon. Inside +1 but doesn’t appears to have much on the offensive side through this point in his career.
Grade: C
7. Nikola Milutinov
Drafted Team: Raptors
Current Team: Free Agent
Drafted Ratings C 6"11 215 C+ C+ C+ C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: PF 6'11'' 215 25 C+ B C+ C+ C+ D
Draft Notes:
Lot of hype surrounding Milutinov, maybe its from the success of fellow internationals Macvan and Mirotic, but looks like he may possibly develop to be the next big thing from overseas. Well thats what scouts are saying. His all upside atm. His standard big man skills are raw but he has the advantage of being a crafty passer and having range on his jump shot. Very weak but is very athletic. At only 19, he has a very impressive foundation to build on. Boom or bust prospect.
Review: Got some ratings for Nikola, doesn't seem like a bad player from the notes. High risk, high reward type. Has shown positive outside shooting like his international conterparts in Macvan and Mirotic but I don't think anyone was surprised when he didn't live up to that kind of hype. Based off the next few players taken, it seems like he was the one boom-bust type that didn't pan out. Jelan and Isaiah eventually panned out, but they were risky as well. Can't knock the pick for looking high reward in such a weak draft.
Grade: C-
8. J.P. Tokoto
Drafted Team: Pistons
Current Team: Jazz
Drafted Ratings: 6'5'' 200 19 C+ C+ C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'5'' 200 C+ C+ C C+ C+ C
Draft Notes:
Tokoto is a super talented player that can do a little bit of everything. A solid scorer and rebounder with nice upside Tokoto should be a top 10 pick. Is still raw in a lot of areas of his game but he has a lot of potential and should develop into a very good all round player.
Review: Notes suggest J.P. could develop into a “very good all round player” and he is good all around according to his current ratings. However, they are the same exact ratings as his predraft ratings. I’m sure he fluctuated during his career, but basically.. he sucks. Only reason this isn’t an F is because his notes suggested he would be decent plus Pistons didn’t camp him, could me more on them than J.P.
Grade: D
9. Jelan Kendrick
Drafted Team: Spurs
Current Team: Wizards
Drafted Ratings: SG 6'6'' 190 21 B C+ C C C A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'6'' 190 B B C+ B C D
Draft Notes:
Kendrick is a slasher, whether it be with a flashy dunk or a slick finger roll, he has an uncanny ability to get the ball in the basket. He is very athletic, may even participate at an ASW, in the Dunk contest. Unfortunately, he isn't very good at anything else, but scouts feel he on the cusp of taking that next step
Review: Scouts were right, Kendrick did make that jump two seasons ago with the Magic. He has become a starter and definitely worthy of this pick, however he wasn’t prior to the big TC. But based on the fact that the notes were right, gotta give this a good grade.
Grade: B-
10. Cody Riley
Drafted Team: Knicks
Current Team: Celts
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'8'' 242 20 B- C+ C C C+ B
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'8'' 242 B+ C C B- B- C
Draft Notes:
Cody is a good scorer. He is a decent mid range shooter with an established post game. He loves the ball in his hands and has range from beyond the arc. Cody is a good man to man defender, but he doesn't get many blocks or steals. Potential is questionable as well.
Review: I’ve been trying to trade for Riley for the past three seasons. Finally got him and I think I made the right choice. He was fully rookie deal camped and still his both physical and skill camps. The notes hit him on the head, having an overall net of +3 form his rookie ratings. I like the potential thats still there for him and his contract is pretty reasonable.
Grade: C+
11. Bobby Portis
Drafted Team: Thunder
Current Team: Heat
Draft Ratings: N/A
Current Ratings: PF 25 6'9'' 225 B- C- C B- C C
Draft Notes:
None
Review: Not sure what Portis can do, has been a career back up but not much else is remaining from this draft. Thunder might have needed a big man, but drafting someone without notes must have meant this rookie ratings were pretty good. I think it’s probably safer to have drafted someone with notes instead of gambling.
Grade: D+
12. Bol Bol
Drafted Team: Hornets
Current Team: Suns
Drafted Ratings: SF 6'8 200 19 C C- C A- C A
Current Ratings: SF 24 6'8'' 200 C C C A C C
Draft Notes:
The son of the late Manute Bol enters the Draft as the best defender in the Class, an excellent man on man defender and like his father his shot blocking skills are very good. Stealing is also a major strength and should be a top blocker/steal stat filler throughout his career. Very athletic as well. Unlikely to really do anything else except defend. Lotto material.
Review: Notes were spot on, did improve defensively and outside, but still is only a defensive player. Huge liability on offense, basically playing 4 on 5, but is one of the better defensive wings around. Everyone knows what they’re getting, can’t knock the pick, but before these next two the pick looks pretty bad.
Grade: C-
13. Isaiah Hicks
Drafted Team: Cavaliers
Current Team: Hornets
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'8'' 210 C+ C- C- B- C+ A
Current Ratings: SF 25 6'8'' 210 B+ C+ C A- C+ B
Draft Notes:
Hicks is a very good man to man defender that can get some steals. Hicks isn't very strong but has a decent post game. Rebounding isn't a strength and he wont get many blocks. Good potential so may be a surprise packet.
Review: Similar to Jelan, Isaiah took a while to pan as as well. I’m sure the notes mean he could be a surprise “package” which I’m sure he is for the Hornets right now. Definitely looks good and the potential still seems high. Giving this a good grade, because still has some camps available, probably a better SF than PF but physical and skill camps would improve inside, defense, and rebounding.
Grade: B+
14. Javon McCrea
Drafted Team: Blazers
Current Team: Cavaliers
Drafted Ratings: PF 6'7'' 250 21 C C- D- C+ B+ B
Current Ratings: PF 26 6'8'' 259 B- C- D- B- A- C
Draft Notes:
McCrea is a very strong player who loves to rebound. Should be one of the best rebounders in the league in the near future. McCrea should also be a steal and block a game player straight up. Offensively he is pretty bad.
Review: Was only gonna do the lottery but Javon is an honorable mention here. Cav’s did well to acquire him to play next to Davis, good pair of bigs. The rating differential of +3 doesn’t show much but he is a double-double machine nightly. A few less points and boards than DeAndre and a friendlier contract, basically a poor man's DeAndre Ayton, however it seems to me that his ceiling has been reached. Not giving a bad grade however because of the value just after lotto.
Grade: B-
