2009 NBA Draft Grades, Thoughts, Etc
There are no stars in this draft, except for Griffin. Let's give grades:
San Antonio Spurs: A+
You have to include the Richard Jefferson deal in this. That gives them another scorer to take pressure off of Duncan and Co. But they also made one of the best picks of the night in selecting DaJuan Blair. He may be small, but he's tenacious, and a monster on the boards. Jack McClinton can shoot the lights out. And they have good development player in Nado De Colo from France. This is a team, with the new additions, that can make a run at the Lakers. Tremendous draft.
Philadelphia 76ers: A
They got very lucky when Jrue Holiday fell into their laps. I thought for sure he was a lottery pick. Holiday can start now at point, and contribute. Andre Miller might not be back. He and Elton Brand will make for a fun team to watch. Even though it was their only pick, they made the most out of it.
Memphis Grizzlies: A
I'm not entirely sold on Hasheem Thabeet. I think he can be a big shot blocker, but I don't know if he will score. However, DeMarre Carroll will provide a ton of energy off the bench. And Sam Young was one of the steals of the draft. Young is just solid, and he will the sixth man on this team. If Thabeet becomes what we think he can be, this is a tremendous draft.
LA Clippers: A
They took the best guy in the draft. 'Nuff said.
Denver Nuggets: A
Great job of them getting Ty Lawson, who will provide a new dimension to the offense.
Phoenix Suns: A-
Earl Clark is the next Lamar Odom. Taylor Griffin provides toughness off the bench. And they might be getting Steph Curry. Losing Shaq will hurt offensively, and if they trade Stoudamire, they will be lacking. But Curry and Clark can score. They will be important.
Utah Jazz: A-
I always love the Jazz's drafts. They get Eric Maynor, who will be solid backup for Deron Williams. Goran Suton will play in the league for 10 years as an outside shooting big man. Great pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder: A-
James Harden will be a great 2 guard to go with an impressive nucleus. BJ Mullens is a project, but he has size and talent. Good picks
Cleveland Cavaliers: B+
Shaq was the biggest get of the night. I don't know much about Christian Eyenga. But Danny Green will be solid pro.
Charlotte Bobcats: B+
Gerald Henderson will probably start at some point this year. Derrick Brown provides versatility. Two guys who will contribute. That's what you want from a draft.
Atlanta Hawks: B+
They finally took a Wake Forest point guard. Jeff Teague is not Chris Paul, but he's still really, really good. He could start from day 1. Sergiy Gladyr is a nice project.
Indiana Pacers: B+
Hansbrough might've been taken too high, but he will play for a long time. AJ Price is a solid backup at the point.
New York Knicks: B
Jordan Hill fits perfectly into their high tempo system. You have to think they will try and trade for Rubio. Toney Douglas can score and defend. Darko Milicic is interesting. He obviously talented, and can fit in their system. I'm not sold on it, but their draft picks were good.
Milwaukee Bucks: B
Brandon Jennings can score. He might be cocky, but he can score like Allen Iverson. Jodie Meeks is a scoring machine.
New Jersey Nets: B
I don't necessarily agree with trading Vince Carter, although Courtney Lee was a nice get in that deal. Terrence Williams has a ton of talent. He can play three spots, and will compliment Devin Harris nicely.
Portland Trail Blazers: B
Victor Claver will be stashed overseas. Jeff Pendergraph and Patty Mills will be great off the bench. Dante Cunningham has skills too.
Sacramento Kings: B-
I do like Tyreke Evans, and I think he will be a very good player. Omri Casspi is another player who will be stashed overseas. Jon Brockman provides toughness inside, even if he's a bit undersized.
Toronto Raptors: B-
If DeMar DeRozan becomes a great player, this is great draft. However, he has work to do, and didn't necessarily dominate at USC. A gamble, but a guy with a ton of upside.
Chicago Bulls: B-
James Johnson and Taj Gibson were solid picks. They can provide depth off the bench, and should be able to contribute.
Boston Celtics: B-
Lester Hudson can score. Not bad for a second rounder.
Dallas Mavericks: C+
Nick Calathes is the best pick of their draft, even if he's heading to Greece. Other picks were just okay.
Detroit Pistons: C+
Austin Daye might spell the end for Tayshaun Prince. He's lanky, needs to add weight, but can score. DaJuan Summers was a really good pick. They're botht inconsistent, though.
Golden State Warriors: C+
The only reason this is lower, is because they might trade Steph Curry. Stoudamire can score, but he's one and done. Curry would've fit great with Monta Ellis.
Houston Rockets: C+
I really like them getting Chase Buddinger. Jermaine Taylor will score off the bench. I would've like to seen more front court help with the constant injuries to Yao.
Miami Heat: C
Patrick Beverley has a chance to be solid. Robert Dozier is just okay. Not great, not terrible.
New Orleans Hornets: C-
Darren Collison will be a great backup for Chris Paul. Marcus Thornton can score off the bench. They probably should've gotten front court help.
Minnesota Timberwolves: F
I just don't get it. I like Rubio. And I like Flynn. Just not together. You can't play with two point guards. Unless there is a trade in the works, it doesn't make sense. Then they draft Wayne Ellington, who's a good player, but he'll never see the floor with the two point guard system. It doesn't make sense. There has to be trade in the works. They may see Rubio as a two guard, but I don't. Doesn't make sense. Really don't get. Worst draft of the night by far.
No picks, or otherwise inconsequential: Lakers, Wizards, Magic
Some teams really helped themselves, some teams made it worse.
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