Grading Every Team's First Round Draft Pick

This year's draft, also considered the Anthony Davis sweepstakes, features depth that can only be recently paralleled by the 2003 draft class.

While the first choice in the draft was all but decided when the ping pong balls fell in New Orleans' favor, the rest of the lottery was full of speculation. After Davis, there was no clear cut runner-up, and mock drafts everywhere varied widely in their predictions of picks 2-13.

With the 2012 NBA draft officially in the books, let's take a look at where all of the pieces fell, and how well each team made out in the draft.  

"And with the First Pick in the NBA Draft, New Orleans Selects..."

Anthony Davis. Was there ever really any doubt?

The 6'10" power forward out of Kentucky was the prized possession of the draft, with all other competitors a distant second. Davis, expected to be a franchise cornerstone for the Hornets, is a phenomenal defensive talent with a vast array of weapons at his disposal.

He led the Wildcats' charge to last year's NCAA title, solidifying his spot as the number one prospect in college basketball. Davis is a lanky, shot-blocking terror with the potential to grow leaps and bounds on the offensive end.

New Orleans draft grade: A+ 

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

After Anthony Davis' selection, it became a guessing game between Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

The Bobcats, owners of the worst record in NBA history (7-59, .106%), are in desperate need of a starting-caliber player at nearly every position. After trading for Ben Gordon, they gained a bit of traction at shooting guard, allowing them to select Kentucky Wildcat Michael Kidd-Gilchrist with the second pick.

This marked the first time in NBA history that teammates were taken with the first two picks, and appears to be the first time in NBA history that Michael Jordan can say he made a successful pick.

Kidd-Gilchrist has an unstoppable motor, and is renowned for being one of the hardest workers of his class. He will be an instant contributor, and should provide the spark that Charlotte desperately needs.

Charlotte Bobcats draft grade: A+ (Because Kidd-Gilchrist is no Adam Morrison) 

Bradley Beal

John Wall, the first pick in the 2010 draft, may finally get a bit of help as Washington selected Florida's Bradley Beal with the third pick.

Beal, considered the best shooting guard in the draft, is a phenomenal scorer and a complete player. Despite being a bit undersized for shooting guard, he's a tenacious rebounder, and has excellent court vision.

But, true to position, his most valuable asset is his shooting ability, as he can score from seemingly anywhere on the floor.

Beal will combine with John Wall to make up one of the most athletic back courts in the NBA, and should help provide a reliable scoring punch.

Washington Wizards draft grade: A 

Dion Waiters

The Cleveland Cavaliers surprised everyone with the fourth pick in the draft, selecting Syracuse's Dion Waiters.

Waiters did not start a single game for the Orange, but the Cavs apparently had the combo guard in mind to play along side reigning Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving.

The pick is a bit of a head-scratcher, as Waiters was picked several slots ahead of where most had him in mock drafts, while Thomas Robinson was left on the board. 

Cleveland Cavaliers draft grade: C+

Thomas Robinson

Projected as high as second, Thomas Robinson fell a few spots to the perpetually lottery bound Sacramento Kings.

Billed as one of the best rebounders in the draft, Robinson lives up to the hype. He's a bullish power forward with good scoring ability, and could turn out similar to Davis West.

A Thomas Robinson/DeMarcus Cousins front court will inevitably terrorize opponents on the boards, and Robinson will force whoever he plays against to work their hardest for the duration of the game.

Sacramento Kings draft grade: B+ 

Damian Lillard

A two-time Big Sky Conference Player of the Year, Damian Lillard seems to be Portland's point guard of the future. Coming out of Weber State, Lillard averaged nearly 25 points per game, and will provide LaMarcus Aldridge with an excellent pick-and-roll partner. 

Lillard's biggest knock is his competition, as he was playing in a relatively weak conference. That aside, Lillard's scoring and ball-handling ability should translate well, and provide Portland with another scoring asset.

Portland Trail Blazers draft graft: A-

Harrison Barnes

UNC product Harrison Barnes earned the seventh selection in the draft, going to the Golden State Warriors.

Barnes has a phenomenal array of offense, and has proven an ability to score from a variety of spots.

Despite being passive at times, the 2010-2011 ACC Rookie of the Year should immediately assume the starting small forward position, as the two-headed combo of Dorell Wright and Richard Jefferson is a nightmare (for Golden State fans.)

Golden State Warriors draft grade: B+

Terrence Ross

For the first big surprise in the lottery, Toronto selects Terrence Ross with the eighth pick.

Despite the assumption that he would go in the mid-teens, Toronto saw fit to select him earlier, and this should provide them with immediate scoring help.

With Jonas Valanciunas possibly expected to come over this year, and Toronto's sights set on hometown hero Steve Nash at point guard, their next move was addressing the wing position.

Although Ross may have been picked a bit high, he fits a need for Toronto, and should ease his way in to the starting lineup after playing behind James Johnson.

Toronto Raptors draft grade: B 

Andre Drummond

This may be a case of Detroit picking the best player available, as they already have an All-Star caliber center in the form of Greg Monroe.

Drummond is an athletic freak with great size, coming in at nearly 7'0" tall and 279 pounds. He might be seen as a player with Dwight Howard-like potential, but has been considered one of the scariest picks in the draft due to his questionable motor.

That aside, he has proven to be a great shot-blocker and rebounder at the collegiate level, and most of his scoring was off of putbacks and dunks.

Detroit Pistons draft grade: B-

Austin Rivers

With their second first-round pick, New Orleans selected Duke product Austin Rivers.

Rivers displayed tremendous quickness, great slashing, and the valuable ability to create his own shot. His ball-handling ability is questionable, as are New Orleans' intentions with Rivers.

At 6'5", he would typically fill the shooting guard role, but that appears to be occupied by scoring machine Eric Gordon. The Rivers pick may seem to be a bit redundant, unless they choose to play him at the point.

While Rivers is a phenomenal talent, he may have been selected a bit high, and may not address one of New Orleans' direct needs, as they're without a true center on their roster. Unless they manage to re-sign Chris Kaman, the Hornets will be left without a big man to pair with Anthony Davis.

New Orleans Hornets draft grade: C+

Meyers Leonard

Portland used the eleventh pick in the 2012 draft to select Meyers Leonard out of Illinois.

A surprisingly athletic 7-footer, Leonard mixes both strength and quickness to provide solid low post scoring. Leonard fills Portland's need for a competent center, and should alleviate some of the pressure from LaMarcus Aldridge in the middle.

He is incredibly well-rounded, and cleans up the glass well. Portland was smart with this pick and addressed their biggest need with a quality player, giving them the highly-sought after size in the middle.

Portland Trail Blazers draft grade: A

Jeremy Lamb

The Houston Rockets used the first of their three picks to take Jeremy Lamb of UConn with the 12th pick in the draft.

Lamb is an athletic player with a solid mid-range, shooting 60 percent from inside the three point line. He will undoubtedly come off the bench behind Kevin Martin unless they move him to small forward.

Backing up one of the best shooting guards in the game could prove valuable to Lamb's development, and he will look to provide their second unit with a scoring boost.

Although Houston could still use players at the center and point guard positions (assuming Kyle Lowry is shipped out), Lamb was the best player available at this point in the draft.

Houston Rockets draft grade: B

Kendall Marshall

Winner of the 2012 Bob Cousy Award, Marshall proved to be a very unselfish point guard, and consistently looks to get his teammates involved.

That being said, he also might be the winner of the starting point guard role, depending on what Steve Nash does. Whether Marshall receives expert tutelage by backing up Steve Nash, or starts in his place, expect him to bolster their offense by using his top-notch passing ability to set up open shooters.

With this pick, the third oldest team in the league gets a bit younger, and provides them with a solution in case Nash leaves for greener pastures.

Phoenix Suns draft grade: B+

John Henson

Following teammate Kendall Marshall, the Milwaukee Bucks selected power forward John Henson.

Despite lacking an NBA body, Henson is still an excellent shot blocker, and has displayed an improved offensive skill set. Milwaukee recently traded for Samuel Dalembert, giving them a much needed presence inside.

Henson could provide them with additional interior defense as a starter, or he could come off the bench behind Ersan Ilyasova. The power forward spot is flush in Milwaukee, already occupied by Ilyasova, Gooden and Udoh.

This seems like a waste of a pick, provided they keep it, as the area they most need to address is the wing spot. The Bucks lack a consistent small forward, as well as a potent back up shooting guard. Milwaukee definitely went with the best available, but certainly not the best fit.

Milwaukee Bucks draft grade: C-

Moe Harkless

At 15, Philadelphia selects Moe Harkless.

A very athletic small forward, Harkless moves well off the ball and relies on his quickness to get shots. His three point shot is lacking, as he drilled just 24 percent of his treys. His speed is beneficial in transition, and he fights for boards and loose balls.

Philadelphia may be grooming him to back up Thaddeus Young for their impending jettison of Andre Iguodala.

Philadelphia 76ers draft grade: B- 

Royce White

It's somewhat hard to gauge Houston's first-round selections, as they're seemingly gearing up to package all of their assets as trade bait for Dwight Howard.

That being said, it's uncertain as to whether or not they're selecting for themselves or someone else. With that out of the way, Houston used the 16th pick in the draft to select Iowa State enigma Royce White.

White uses his body well, and is also a very effective passer for a big man. He was utilized in a point forward role, and will prove to be one of the more versatile players from this year's draft.

His open admission of his social anxiety disorder, as well as his apprehension to fly, gave many teams pause. White was projected to go in the early 20s, but Houston picked him a bit earlier. A somewhat surprising pick given that Perry Jones III and Jared Sullinger were both left on the board. 

Houston Rockets draft grade: B-

Tyler Zeller

The Dallas Mavericks made Tyler Zeller the fourth North Carolina player to be selected, and proceeded to trade him to Cleveland for the 24th, 33rd and 34th picks.

Zeller is a good fit at center for them, and could spend time next to Varejao in spurts. Zeller proved to be a solid defender, has a great motor, and runs the floor well.

He also displayed a very effective jump hook, and shot nearly 81 percent from the free throw line—a very promising number for a big man.

His energy and size will be valuable to the Cavs, as it gives them another 7-footer to man the paint.

Cleveland Cavaliers draft grade: B 

Terrence Jones

Houston traded Chase Budinger for the 18th pick in the draft, and used it to select Terrence Jones from Kentucky.

Jones can play either forward position, has major leaping ability, and has the defensive skill set to defend multiple positions. He has a decent outside shot, but his biggest asset is his ability to finish around the rim.

Questions have been raised about his focus, as there were times during last season where he looked despondent and uninterested. Still, he should prove to be a productive power forward, even if he may be a tad bit undersized for the position.

Houston Rockets draft grade: B

Andrew Nicholson

The Orlando Magic used the 19th pick in the draft to select Andrew Nicholson.

Nicholson shot well from the field, was a 40-percent shooter from downtown, and got to the rim with frequency. His ability to score with his back to the basket is alluring to any team, and he has the skills to create off the dribble, as well.

Nicholson played for St. Bonaventure, and similar to Damian Lillard, faces scrutiny for his level of competition. He is also an average rebounder at best, turnover prone (averaging nearly 4 a game per 40 minutes), and could afford to add some size to his frame.

He is presumed to fill the starting small forward spot, as Orlando are likely to amnesty Hedo Turkoglu's hideous deal unless they find a suitor willing to take it.  

Orlando Magic draft grade: C+

Evan Fournier

Denver goes with 6'7" shooting guard Evan Fournier out of France with the 20th pick in the draft.

Fournier took a leap by improving in nearly every statistical category this past season, and was picked higher than many expected. Fournier gets in to the paint with ease, has gotten better at creating contact, and can create his own shot.

One hitch in Fournier's game is his weak three point shooting, which could be a result of poor shot selection. Often times Fournier looks rushed when pressed by the defender, and is forced in to making bad decisions.

He could get lost amid the surplus of wings on Denver's roster, and a big man might've been a better pick for them.

Denver Nuggets draft grade: C 

Jared Sullinger

A fantastic pick for Boston after missing out on Royce White, Jared Sullinger falls to the Celtics with the 21st pick.

Despite being red-flagged for back issues and sliding out of the lottery, Sullinger could prove to be a phenomenal steal for Boston near the tail end of the draft.

While he's one of the least athletic big men in the draft, Sullinger uses his big frame to push opponents around in the paint. He utilizes a solid post game, and despite a lack of hops, his excellent footwork and positioning allows him to score and rebound efficiently.

If he stays healthy, Sullinger could prove to be the steal of the draft, as well as an incredibly valuable asset to the Boston Celtics franchise. 

Boston Celtics draft grade: A-

Fab Melo

With consecutive picks late in the first round, Boston opted to get bigger. After picking Sullinger, Boston took Brazilian big man Fab Melo with the 22nd pick.

The 7-foot Syracuse big is seen as a bit of a project, he could prove to be a solid contributor for Boston. Although Garnett played lights out at the 5 spot in the postseason, he was far from receptive in regards to playing it for an entire season.

Fab Melo will split minutes with Greg Stiemsma at the center spot, but has more offensive upside than his counterpart. He is a talented offensive rebounder and shot blocker, and will fit will with the culture that Doc Rivers has created in Boston.

Boston Celtics draft grade: B

John Jenkins

The Atlanta Hawks selected John Jenkins with the 23rd pick.

He is pegged as the best shooter and pure scorer in the draft, and his unlimited range makes him especially dangerous. Jenkins has a quick release and maneuvers inside well, but questions remain about his size (6'4") and athletic ability.

He'll see some minutes off the bench backing up Joe Johnson, and gives them another quality scorer.

Atlanta Hawks draft grade: B

Jared Cunningham

With the 24th pick in the draft, Dallas secures Jared Cunningham, a shooting guard out of Oregon State.

While he has a polished outside game, Cunningham's greatest asset was his slashing ability and proclivity to draw contact at the hoop. This was initially Cleveland's pick, but Dallas received it as part of the Tyler Zeller trade.

Dallas may be taking Cunningham with the intent on replacing aging veterans Vince Carter and Jason Terry. At 21 years old and projected to be a mid-second rounder, this may have been a bit of a reach for Dallas, especially considering their lack of a prolific center.

Mavs fans will not be pleased to know that Brendan Haywood is resuming his role as a starter. 

Dallas Mavericks draft grade: D+

Tony Wroten Jr.

A somewhat surprising selection for the Grizzlies, Tony Wroten Jr. will pick up minutes behind Mike Conley.

Standing at 6'6", Wroten will be the tallest point guard in the league, but has great ball-handling skills for his size. He can also create his own shot, and has the tenacity to get to the rim, as is evidenced by his 7.8 free throw attempts per game.

One troubling aspect of Tony Wroten's game is his shooting, or lack thereof. He shot a paltry 18% from downtown, 58% from the free throw line, and has a broken jump shot.

Wroten could see time next to Mike Conley at the shooting guard position, and should be a decent upgrade over Jeremy Pargo. 

Memphis Grizzles draft grade: B-

Miles Plumlee

The Indiana Pacers picked Miles Plumlee, a power forward out of Duke, with their first rounder.

With a surplus of wings already on their roster, Indy went with the smart play by picking a backup center to lighten the load for Roy Hibbert. Plumlee played a very limited offensive role for Duke, although he did manage to convert 61 percent of his attempts.

Plumlee was a solid offensive rebounder, and should do a proficient job of cleaning up the glass for the Pacers. However, he turns 24 this fall, and hasn't shown great progression throughout his Duke tenure.

Indiana Pacers draft grade: C+

Arnett Moultrie

Originally drafted by the Miami Heat, Arnett Moultrie was sent to the Philadelphia 76ers for future draft picks.

Standing at nearly 6'11", Moultrie has excellent height and length for a power forward, although he could stand to pack on some more muscle.

That being said, his slight frame allows him to speed up and down the court and get up over opponents for alley oops and throw downs.

His rebounding should translate well at the NBA level, and he also excelled at the free throw line, shooting 87 percent from the charity stripe during his junior year, a phenomenal number for a player of his size.

Philadelphia 76ers draft grade: B+

Perry Jones III

Jared Sullinger pick aside, Oklahoma City might have garnered the biggest first-round steal by snatching up Perry Jones III.

Initially slated as a lottery pick, Jones' stock plummeted once rumors of a meniscus problem surfaced. Without the risk of injury hanging over his head, Jones was highly looked upon for his explosive finishing around the basket, solid three point range for a big man and a long frame that propels him to the hoop in just a few quick strides.

His ability to play hard for an entire game, as well as lapses of ineffectiveness, left many scouts wondering if he could end up like Tyrus Thomas—incredibly talented and physically gifted, but unable to channel it.

However, taking him with the 28th pick was a slick move on OKC's part. Jones was a low risk, high reward selection, and could make the Thunder look very, very smart two or three years down the road.

Oklahoma City Thunder draft grade: A-

Marquis Teague

Depending on whether they choose to exercise the option on CJ Watson's $3.2 million  contract, Chicago may have found themselves a new backup for Derrick Rose. Marquis Teague, a freshman point guard out of Kentucky, was the best option available for Chicago with the loss of their star point guard.

He is a very capable ball-handler, especially in fast break scenarios, and exhibits great control of the ball while pressing in an uptempo offense. He also showed a knack for working in the pick-and-roll, which could work well with someone like Carlos Boozer.

His shooting could use some work, but his ability to get in to the lane with precision could cause defenses to collapse, opening up shots for a sharpshooter like Kyle Korver. 

Chicago Bulls draft grade: B+

Festus Ezeli

Golden State's selection of Festus Ezeli at number 30 brings the first round of the NBA draft to a close.

Ezeli gives new center Andrew Bogut some backup, and will provide a big body to eat up minutes. At 6'11" and 255 pounds, Ezeli is an average rebounder and scorer, but blocks two shots a game and not much else.

He has proven to be rather foul-prone, although his post defense is decent. Overall, he is expected to defend, clean up the glass and play limited minutes to give Bogut a breather—not much else is expected of him. 

Golden State Warriors draft grade: C