Draft Report Card

One of the more anticipated NBA drafts in league history was last week. After the dust has settled and there were some trades (but not to my surprise with all the Kobe, KG, Amare, Marion talk, not one of them was moved, the NBA always does this shit), I have decided to give each team a grade.

Note, this does not include what has happened this week in free agency i.e. Rashard Lewis to the Magic (which would hurt the Sonics grade if it did, who is going to be open for the kick out and shoot for them now when Durant is double teamed every play?) Just specifically what was done on draft night.

In order of the draft picks:

Portland: B+. I can't give them an A because the pick was too easy and they didn't have to do anything, because they got very lucky, but Oden will be great and on luck alone they get an A-, plus I don't like any of their other picks, particularly Soft, I mean Josh McRoberts and don't think they got enough for Randolph.

Seattle: A. Landing Durant was obvious, but getting Jeff Green, Delonte West, and Wally's World for Ray Allen was a steal. Still need shooting (Not re-signing Lewis would have hurt this grade, even though he's not worth max money) but their front line will be competitive, and they will need to be being in the same division as the Blazers.

Atlanta: A-. Got Horford so they should be able to ship Chidlress or either Williams, and finally addressed the point guard issue. Would have maybe liked to see them pass on Horford and take Conely, Jr because I'm not sure I think Law IV will be a serviceable NBA PG, hence the A- and not A. Safe picks though.

Memphis: B-. Picked Conely for the PG need, however, still should have dealt Gasol and need to soon. Not much going on with this team right now.

Boston: B-. After the first three players in the draft, you could make a case for drafting any of the next 8 players. Dealing their pick looked pretty bad at first (wanted to give them a C), but made up for it with Big Baby in Round 2.

Milwaukee: D+. Took the one player with the most questions who might not even sign with you.

Minnesota: C-. Deal KG already, Christ. Brewer will be a bust...you heard it hear first.

Charlotte: D-. HATE the Richardson trade. HATE it. Stupid. Not only will Wright be good, but Richardson is overrated and injury prone. Ugh. The only reason they don't have an F is because of the Dudley pick later in the round.

Chicago: A-. Got lucky that Noah dropped to them at 9, he fits perfectly on their team. Need to get rid of Wallace and pick up Gasol.

Kings: F. Spencer Yawns. This team is going nowhere.

Philadelphia: B+: Like Jason Smith and Derrick Byars, would have like to see them take Julian Wright over Thaddues Young though.

New Orleans: A-. Good safe pick with Wright.

L.A. Clippers: B+. Another good safe pick, oldest rookie in the NBA though.

Detroit: A. Good solid draft with Stuckley and Afflalo will keep them a top the Leastern Conference, especially if they can re-sign Billups.

Washington: D+. Nick Young, don't like it.

New Jersey: B. Sean Williams should be good and gives them the rebounding they need, but the off the court stuff makes this pick a little bit of a reach.

Golden State: A+. Did I mention the Jason Richardson trade? Well as much as I hated it for the Bobcats, I love it just the same for Golden State. With Belinelli and Wright, this team will be even more fun to watch than it was last year. Watch out for them in the West.

L.A. Lakers: B. Solid pick with Critterton, I think this guy will be good. But trade Kobe already.

Miami: C-. Don't like Cook at all. This team is sliding and fast.

New York: B+. Like the Wilson Chandler pick, on the fence about the Randolph trade, didn't give much up (Frye and Francis, getting rid of Stevie was a blessing), but don't see how he fits. However, an underlying factor is getting Demetris Nichols. Being a Big East guy, I think this guy is a steal. The Knicks need shooting and this guy can shoot the lights out. Isiah somehow always seems to do a decent job around the draft.

Phoenix: A-. Tucker, a slasher, will fit well with the Suns. Love the DJ Strawberry steal at the end of Round 2. Will give them some very solid perimeter D which they desperately need. Should still try to land KG though.

Utah: B+. Like the Morris Almond pick, will be able to spot up for a penetrating Deron Williams.

Houston: B-. Not sure if I like Aaron Brooks as an NBA player. Could be wrong though, so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and give them a decent grade.

San Antonio: C+. Another boring pick, Tiago Splitter (who will probably be good though) for the most boring team ever. Marcus Williams will be a decent back up for Parker. I hate these guys.

Dallas: C-. Nick Fazekas and Rayshawn Terry are not going to cut it.

Indiana: D+. No moves. Stanko Barac, C from Bosnia. Will keep getting worse.

Toronto: D. Nothing, should have shipped Ford or Calderon. Giorgos Printezis late in the second round.

Orlando: C+. Not much going on. Heard Milovan Rakovic was decent though.

Denver & Cleveland: F. Neither team did anything to make a championship push.

So there you have it. Another NBA draft which ended up mostly predictable, with a couple decent players moved and superstars kept at home. "I love this game!" Is that even still the NBA catchphrase? I hope not.