The wheeling and dealing started early Wednesday afternoon with the Pacers swapping Jermaine O' Neal for the Raptors point guard T.J. Ford and contuned until 2am eastern time Friday with Kevin Love being traded from Memphis to Minnesota for the rights to O.J. Mayo (or as i like to call him Ovinton J' Anthony Mayo).
That trade ended the draft but the debate rages on, Big vs. Small.
The Chicago Bulls had that choice with the first pick and chose Memphis PG Derrick Rose over a seemingly sure 20 and 10 guy Michael Beasley. The league is being taken over by great point guards with the stellar play of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Tony Parker, and Steve Nash.
The thing I don't understand is that none of those great players were in the Finals. Instead the two point guards were Derek Fisher and Rajon Rondo. Fisher is a rock on defense and one of the smarter guards in the league. Rondo is extremely athletic and fast but neither are even mentioned in the same breathe as those other guards.
If you truly want to get technical a team with a great point guard as there go to man has not won a championship since 1990 when Zeke sliced the Trailblazers up in 5 games (Tony Parker has Tim Duncan). Point guards are changing the game these days and signal a faster turnaround to a team than most other players.
Just look how successful the Hornets and Jazz have been lately.
Point guards are the new hot thing in the league and I love it but I am still under the old adage that big's put banners in your arena. Just two years ago the experts were telling us that the run and gun was taking over basketball and i haven't seen the Warriors or Suns put any gold on their fingers (Stephen Jackson's brass knuckles don't count). So we will see how these deals and decisions workout for the big and the little of the draft. So I realize that grades are pointless if these guys haven't even stepped on the floor yet but i will put my talent evaluating skills to the test and tell you what these players will in the league.
So now i will attempt to be a professor at the school of basketball and hand out my 2008 NBA Draft Grades.
Atlanta Hawks Grade: B+ No Picks
The Hawks had no picks in this draft because they traded there first rounder this year for Joe Johnson in 2005 and their second rounder for Mike Bibby this year. I gave them their grade because they finally made the playoffs after a miserable drought. The trades were worth it and the future looks good in Atlanta.
Boston Celtics Grade: B- 1.30 J.R. Giddens 2.47 Bill Walker 2.60 Semih Erden
Coming off of the abomination of the Lakers the Celtics wouldn't appear to need much. They really don't but they missed out on a great opportunity to get Mario Chalmers who would of been a great upgrade on defense for Sam Cassell and a change of pace for Rondo.
23 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Steven Griffel about 1 year ago
Scott: Your assessment of Knick draft choice Gallinari is off base. By saying "Bargnani and Millicic have been very disappointing" you are IMPLYING that a draft of another foreign player was unwise. This line of thinking is simply ridiculous. Gallinari must be judged on hs own merits.
As for your assessment: " . . . but i just dont think he is that good," who cares what YOU THINK. The Knicks have been scouting this kid for YEARS. And Walsh and D'Antoni personally conducted his tryouts. Like many another shortsighted draft reviewer, you seem to be confusing prior Knick management with the new regime. Have Walsh and D'Antoni been successful or not?
As for another of your superficial assessments: "A pick of Bayless or Alexander would have been a better choice." Of course, time will tell, but both of these players have significant flaws in their games at this point. Gallinari has as much--or more--upside than either of them.
Knut
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
Steven,
i didn't say he was going to be a terrible player. I just don't think he will get you 22 a night. i think he will be a very serviceable 3rd or 4th option. I didn't like how slow he was and with the speed of the NBA today he will have trouble getting to the basket. I know he has a solid jumper and that should help. I am also not knocking all future Europeans because of past ones but if three geese crap on your head you might think about moving on the fourth. Picking at 6 i just don't know if he was worth it. There were still a couple of guys out there that were better options. I would of loved to seen Alexander in D'Antoni's system. I love Donnie Walsh and think he will turn the Knicks around in 3 years. Let me also throw this at you. How many championships have D'Antoni and Walsh won. For the Knicks sake i hope the kid is great. I just don't see that.
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Michael McGowan about 1 year ago
This article is Draft Grades, and they are given out by "scott" so yes, its about what he thinks.
Who cares what he thinks is correct, but obviously you do. Or you would not be the first one on this article dropping a brick from your corn hole. The guy takes the time to go over every team and break down every pick, and the first thing you do is complain... Thats terrible
By the way, this is an incredible article, well spent time it looks like...
And its pretty obvious that this Steve guy is just so upset that the Knicks have been unable to put an NBA product on the field in the last, what 6 years, that he has to throw tantrums.
Just breathe Stevie, its going to be ok, Salary Relief is on the way, and maybe even a real NBA team in that stadium in NYC. Maybe
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Kyle Kessler about 1 year ago
While you call the Kings out on a somewhat iffy draft rightfully so, you choose the wrong reasons for doing so. Most of this verdict results from the surprising pick of Jason Thompson at 12, however you go further to say that the Singletary pick was bad as well, and that he will be a career D-Leaguer. I see him as being at least a solid deep rotation player for years to come. And as for Ewing...Where do you get off saying that HE will be the one with any shot of sticking around? Of the three picks, he is the one I see as most likely to never play an NBA minute, and 95% of the coherent world will agree.
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
Kyle,
Singletary is very small and was very turnover prone at Virginia. Back up point guards in the NBA should not turn the ball over. Now i agree with you i was a little harsh on him with the D league comment but with his history of injuries and turnovers he better turn into Janero Pargo or he will be looking like Colby Karl on the bench. As for Ewing, I love his athleticism. He is 6'8" and can jump. If he sets his mind to defense he can stick in this league. As the Celtics proved, defense is very important.
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Jay King about 1 year ago
I reviewed your analysis and it failed to show how you graded the Memphis Grizzlies. Since you failed to grade Memphis, let me just say a word or two about Memphis' draft night. Memphis drafted a slow and unathletic guy at number 5, Kevin Love. Many who follow the Grizzlies wanted a potential allstar and for years people has said that O.J. Mayo fit that bill. Why not trade the slow unatheletic guy and the inconsistent Mike Miller to Minnesota for O.J. Mayo. Memphis made out like thefts in the night with this deal. Kevin McKale should be fired for making such a trade. Mayo has Jordon potential and that can't be said of Love. Indeed, Mayo may be the best player taken in the 2008 draft. In addition, by adding Darrell Arthur, Memphis should get better undeneath the basket. MEMPHIS GRADE A.
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
My bad. The memphis grade just put up
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
Loved Memphis draft. Once they move some guards it will pay dividends. Don't agree about Mayo and Jordan but definitely can put a great career together. Check the review that was just posted.
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Don from Oregon about 1 year ago
I agree with quite a bit of your assessment of the Trail Blazers. I disagree with you on two points. First, the Blazers will not take 5 years to win an NBA Championship. After going .500 in the West last year without two of their most fundamental pieces on the active roster (Oden and Fernandez), they go out and steal Bayless in the draft while holding the 13th pick. Amazing! Assuming that Bayless becomes the starter at some point next year, they will have 3 starters/key players in their lineup who didn't play last season. There are still a few question marks (will Oden remain healthy...can Webster continue to improve and become more consistent...how soon can Bayless contribute to a top level squad) but in each case there is a strong contingency plan. For example, if Webster simply stalled out, insert Fernandez and go with a 3G offense - with two of the three guards being 6-6". What a lineup that would be! (Bayless, Roy, Fernandez, Aldridge and Oden)
Next year the Blazers will have a ton of $ to spend (and an owner who doesn't mind spending it) on another player at the same time a number of quality players are testing the waters. They could pick up a top level free agent.
The second point I disagree with you on is your singular use of "championship". It's not going to be a matter of winning a championship. They're fully loaded and are gaining experience. The question is how many will they win? I'm not trying to brag - really. I didn't have anything to do with putting this team together other than my consultation time with Kevin and Nate (HEH HEH). But as a fan, it's exciting to see what's just over the horizon.
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
Loved what Portland has put together over these last 3 years Don. What i meant by five years was within five years they should have a championship. On your second point, yes they do have the talent to win multiple championships but with injuries and player movement you just never know. I never like to just give out championships when making predictions. In the West you have Los Angeles, Utah, New Orleans and San Antonio to contend with for the next 3 years. Also Seattle will be very respectable in 4 or 5 years. Or should i say Oklahoma City. I love the Blazers and they are gradually becoming one of my favorite teams but you just never know. Bill Walton was suppose to win multiple championships in Portland.
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Aron Glatzer about 1 year ago
By just looking at height, weight and being left-handed, it is easy to mislabel Anthony Randolph as a clone of Brandan Wright. However, they are very different players. Randolph is a future small forward with great handles for a guy his size and the potential to become a pretty decent shooter as well as penetrating passer. Some compare to Chris Bosh, but I think that is not that accurate. I liken him to Lamar Odom with more explosiveness and athleticism, but not there yet in passing ability and years away from being able to hold up physically. For reference, the Warriors 3-4-5 will consist of Randolph, Wright and Biedrins starting in 2010-11.
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Dave Hackson about 1 year ago
Warriors 3-4-5 consisting or Randolph, Wright, and Biedrins - 6'10", 6'10", 7'0". Three big men starters? This is uncharted territory for Don Nelson! He might actually have learned something from all his years coaching small Run-TMC teams.
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
Although the three does seem like it is going to be Randolph's position in the end i don't think he has any of Lamar Odom in him. Lamar Odom is one of the most talented players in the league. He just doesn't have the mind frame to put it together. If Randolph turns into a player like Tyrus Thomas, an in betweener i would be very happy for the Warriors. I just don't see his handles translating into the three position. I also don't think he will be able to guard 3's in the league. I love watching the Warriors and you make some valid points so i hope in 10-11 that line up is beastin and puttin the Warriors in the playoffs.
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Aron Glatzer about 1 year ago
Agree to disagree, Scott. We'll know in about 3 years. Randolph could just as easily become a star as being out of the league by then. I think Thomas is a bad comparison, as Thomas doesn't really have handles or any kind of shot, he's just a leaper with a huge wingspan who can dunk and block shots like no tomorrow, without much other all-around game. Just because they are both high upside guys from LSU doesn't mean their games are similar. I'd be curious what LSU fans think of their comparison of one to another, as they both left early and weren't huge recruits before building plenty of NBA hype. I'm going to stick with Randolph at the 3, and if he learns a jumper and stays lean, a Tashaun Prince upside. If he puts on weight, I could see some Odom there down the line. If he does neither, he could be out of the league. We'll see. Worth the risk at #14 IMHO.
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Austin Drake about 1 year ago
for the pistons...who is alexander johnson? maybe amir johnson? that would be his name
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Scott Tully about 1 year ago
You got me. I got confused with Alexander Johnson from the Heat. Thank you for the correction.
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Hudson Belinsky about 1 year ago
On your assessment of the Jazz..I think the Jazz did great. Assuming they hold on to Carlos Boozer, this draft night makes them a much deeper team. The difference between good and great teams in this league is depth. What made the Celtics unstoppable this season was they're depth. When Garnett needed a breather, out came a decent NBA player to keep the lead the same for four or five minutes. The Jazz now have this with Boozer and Okur. Ante Tomic has potential to be a very good player under Jerry Sloan. Koufos would be a good player under any coach. Both have potential to be legit starters in this league. Now, when Boozer and Okur need a breather, the Jazz throw in an excellent duo with Millsap and Koufos. I would have given the Jazz an A- because they made their team significantly better, but they didn't get a superstar in this draft.
On one person saying that Mayo has Jordon potentia--ridiculous. The kid's been worked out by everyoneate and if that connection was made, Mayo would have gone higher. The connection I see for Mayo, is Gilbert Arenas. In three or four seasons, O.J. could be averaging 23, 6, and 6. I don't question whether or not Mayo will be huge. I'm just saying that its going to be a while before another MJ comes around.
I think that the biggest winner of this draft is New Jersey. They may finally have a couple of decent bigs. The potential starting lineup:
Devin Harris
Vince Carter
Bobby Simmons
Yi Jianlian
Brook Lopez
OFF THE BENCH:
Ryan Anderson
Josh Boone
Darrell Armstrong
Chris Douglas-Roberts
This team will likely miss the playoff again next season, but they now have young talen.ts. In 2010, the Nets will make a play for Lebron James. By dumping RJ's off the court issues and big salary, the Nets got a young, talented 7'0'' asian man, to attract asian fans. When they eventually move to Brooklyn, they will be able to sell season tickets to their asian audience and televise YES in Asia. They also pick up a decent player in Simmons, who by the way has an expiring contract of 10.6 million dollars in 2009. The Nets should have enough cap space to offer Lebron, whatever they choose. I like the Nets a lot after draft night.
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Kevin Luchansky about 1 year ago
The Sixers get a B? I think Speights will be nothing more than a lesser role player in the NBA. In my honest opinion, it was an awful pick at 16.
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sean wong about 1 year ago
The Kings will be solid next year with Thomson adding depth to a rotation that includes Spencer Hawes, Brad Miller and Mickey Moore. Thomson was second in rebounding to Beasley and also second in double doubles. Thomson has a high Basketball IQ, which is a must for a King. Plus, the signings of Artest and Beno Udrih makes this pick more sensible. Along with Robin Lopez, he was the best center on the board and the Kings need another two or three like the Lakers or Heat need another two. Is Brandon Rush better than John Salmons? Not hardly. Chicago gets a C from me. Everyone's assessment of Derrick Rose deserving of No. 1 is crazy. We all know the history of great point guards in the NCAA that were drafted way too high in the draft. It is not even certain he will do better than O. J. Mayo. Can anyone say Mike Bibby, Jay Williams or Bobby Hurley? I love Mike Bibby, but at No. 2, can you honestly say he was a better pick than Paul Pierce and Dirk Nowitski later in the draft. Look back at some of the draft comments about Jay Williams and you will see the striking similarities. And Derrick Rose was a shadow of Jay Williams in college. In the NCAAs, Westbrook shut Rose down in the second half. If Howland benched Collison and went with the bigger lineup, UCLA would have won and Derrick Rose would be like the seventh or eighth pick in the draft. You watch, two of these three draft picks will play quality minutes this year and the Kings draft should rate a solid B.
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ryan pravato about 1 year ago
wizards make a huge mistake, they have zero good big men, still.
http://www.collegefastbreak.com/
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John Gray about 1 year ago
Thansk for your article.
Too many of your grades were just based on position in the draft.
A Grades should go to the teams that did the most with their positioning.
Be too tough for Chicago, Miami and Minnosota to screw up their picks.
Chicago did little to impress. Miami snatched up Chalmers gets extra credit.
NJ, Indiana and Minnosota were A+ for how they worked the draft to the most with their picks.
Liked Boston stealing Bill Walker from Washington.
Charlotte deserves an D for their stupidity. Nets pciked behind them in 3 picks and did better in each selection. See my article to read more on it.
Sincerely,
John Gray
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John Lewis about 1 year ago
Good article...it's hard to give a grade to every team and not hear some criticism. Anyway, I liked what the Celtics did in getting Walker from Washington.
I did an article about who could be the best player drafted in second round. Douglas-Roberts, Walker just to name a few.
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Evan Petty about 1 year ago
I only read the portion about my C's and totally agree with you. I was looking for Walker so I was happy to scoop him up but that all but salvaged a dissapointing night. Giddens has big upside but why draft another tweener guard with attitude problems when you could draft a safe backup PG like Chalmers. The whole draft I was getting more and more excited as CDR and Chalmers dropped, hoping to get atleast 1 of them, just to be dissapointed.
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