2009 NBA Eastern Conference Draft Grades and Analysis

(Above: Can Hansbrough hack it with the big boys?)

There was some exciting action during last Thursday's NBA Draft. Ironically enough, more of the excitement was produced by trades outside of the actual draft.

Several teams created some cap space, unloaded aging/pricey talent, or simply stood pat. Others went for gold, trading up for early picks, or trading down to package a few.

Almost every team did something to get a little bit better for next season, though. See who did, and see who missed out.

Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics

Round 2 (58) Lester Hudson    6'3"    190 lbs.    PG/SG    Tennessee-Martin

The Celtics addressed the Rajon Rondo trade rumors by drafting Hudson, who is an exceptional talent at the point guard position, despite not playing against top competition. Even if Rondo does stick around, Hudson could vie for some serious minutes due to his size and scoring ability.

Boston didn't have a first-round pick, and wasn't able to further address their guard position, and wasn't able to add any depth in the paint, either.

Grade: C

2. New Jersey Nets

Round 1 (11) Terrence Williams    6'6"    213 lbs.    SG/SF    Louisville

The Nets got an explosive and versatile talent in Williams, who could end up being the immediate replacement for the departed Vince Carter.

Williams is an outstanding athlete with good all-around offensive skills, and could instantly become a young, starting cornerstone for the Nets franchise.

Trade: The Nets shipped Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie.

The Nets got rid of some money, brought in some depth at the point behind Devin Harris, while bringing Lee in as competition for Terrence Williams.

Grade: C+

3. New York Knicks

Round 1 (8) Jordan Hill    6'10"    232 lbs.    PF    Arizona

The Knicks got some more depth to shore up their inside game, which could allow Eddy Curry to become more expendable than ever, and could even mean a trade of David Lee. Hill can score well and plays solid defense, while his main knock is maintaining intensity and consistency.

But in a fast-offense like New York's, his defensive liability won't affect the outcome as it might on another team.

Round 1 (29) Toney Douglas    6'2"    183 lbs.    PG/SG    Florida St.

The Knicks paid the Lakers $3 million dollars to make this pick. Douglas has good size and athleticism, and could be someone the Knicks could have running this offense.

Chris Duhon and Nate Robinson aren't long-term answers, and Douglas could give them a good run for their jobs.

The Knicks did a fine job of adding some overall depth, while making other players with big contracts expendable.

Grade: C+

4. Philadelphia 76ers

Round 1 (17)     Jrue Holiday    6'4"    199 lbs.    PG/SG    UCLA

The 76ers can't survive on Andre Miller forever, while young combo guard, Louis Williams hasn't proven he can run the point.

Holiday will add depth at shooting guard to begin his career, but will slowly be molded as Miller's successor.

Philadelphia addressed its guard's youth and talent, but could have stood to land some more inside help.

Grade: C

5. Toronto Raptors

Round 1 (9) DeMar DeRozan    6'7"    211 lbs.    SG    USC

The Raptors went after its biggest hole on Thursday night, and it appears they came out with an answer. DeRozan gives them their first real threat at shooting guard since Vince Carter. DeRozan has a ways to go offensively, but is still athletic enough to produce on a consistent basis.

Improving his shot and knowledge of the game could result in him playing All-Star basketball.

If DeRozan pans out, the Raptors will have an elite player at every position, and could begin to seriously challenge in the playoffs.

Grade: B

6. Chicago Bulls

Round 1 (16)     James Johnson    6'8"    257 lbs.    SF    Wake Forest

The Bulls nabbed another explosive small forward who can score, which could mean they're going for a taller line-up (and letting Ben Gordan go), or they want to give up on Luol Deng's injury issues.

Either way, the Bulls are inheriting a player that can make an immediate impact on both sides of the floor, and should notch around 20 minutes per game in his first year, regardless of any roster changes.

Round 1 (26)     Taj Gibson    6'10"    214 lbs.    PF    USC

Gibson has very effective on both ends of the floor, and potentially brings the Bulls some good scoring and some touch around the basket. Gibson is a rather fluid player, and could change Chicago's entire dynamic by providing even a mediocre offensive game.

The addition of both Johnson and Gibson mean several players could be on their way out.

Grade: B

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

Round 1 (30)     Christian Eyenga    6'6"    210 lbs.    SG/SF    Congo

Eyenga is a long and athletic player with tremendous versatility. He's still transitioning from playing mostly power forward, but his athleticism and ball skills are solid enough for him to run at a wing spot.

He provides good depth, and could be a project to fill the starting shooting guard spot eventually. However, he'll probably be allowed to grow for a few years, overseas.
 
Trade: The Cavaliers got Shaquille O'Neal for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000 and the No. 46 pick

The Cav's addressed two issues: A second scorer that can pick up the slack for LeBron James and an inside presence on both sides of the floor.

O'Neal may be 37, but with James doing most of the work, this Cav's team would be a championship favorite.

Grade: A

8. Detroit Pistons

Round 1 (15)     Austin Daye    6'11"    192 lbs.    SF    Gonzaga

This was a ridiculous reach for Detroit. Daye's stock had plummeted leading up to the draft, and few scouts were raving about his potential anymore.

Daye is a good athlete with excellent length and versatility. However, he's got a small frame and is on the frail side. He also needs to develop a killer instinct, as he has not shown he can lead a team.

It's unlikely he'll ever live up to this pick.

Round 2 (35)     DaJuan Summers    6'8"    243 lbs.    SF    Georgetown

Summers could be a big steal for Detroit, as he was expected to be a first-rounder, and possesses good skills to go with solid athleticism.

He has the ability to grow into an impact player defensively, which could make Tayshaun Prince expendable. Considering Summers has been offensive potential, it's fairly possible.

Round 2 (39) Jonas Jerebko    6'9"    220 lbs.    SF    Sweden

Jerebko has the size and athleticism to do what Detroit wants him to do on both ends of the floor. He may lake fluidity in his movements, but he is very productive around the basket, and always finishes strong.

With the potential loss of Rasheed Wallace, the Pistons could use the depth at small and power forward.

Grade: B

9. Indiana Pacers

Round 1 (13)     Tyler Hansbrough    6'9"    234 lbs.    PF    North Carolina

Tyler Hansbrough may not have the range that Troy Murphy has, but he can equal him in toughness and intensity on the boards.

Hansbrough will get immediate minutes as the top back-up to both Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert.

Round 2 (52)     AJ Price    6'2"    193 lbs.    PG    UConn

Price is a solid point guard with decent athleticism and a good shot. However, there is already a logjam at the point for Indiana, so unless they ship Jarrett Jack or T.J. Ford, Price is unlikely to make the team.

They beefed up their interior offense, while adding a truly unique player when it comes to intensity and dedication to the game. Just by being on the roster, he will make his NBA team better.

Price could offer some long-term potential if he can survive the final cut. It appears Indiana is relying on Mike Dunleavy Jr. to make a healthy recovery from his knee woes, however, addressing the two guard spot would have made their draft better.

Grade: B-

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Round 1 (10)     Brandon Jennings    6'1"    170 lbs.    PG    USA

With its 10th pick, the Bucks showed they were serious about turning the corner, as they attempted to grab an elite point guard.

While it may take him some time to develop, Jennings was definitely the most talented point guard left on the board at the time and was probably the most athletic in the entire draft.

He is a tremendous boom-or-bust pick.

This pick would ease the pain of losing Ramon Sessions, and could also make Luke Ridnour expendable or an immediate "back-up", as Jennings himself put it.

Round 2 (41)     Jodie Meeks    6'4"    211 lbs.    SG    Kentucky

The Bucks nabbed Meeks, an electric shooter and scorer, with perhaps the thoughts of him succeeding like another second-rounder (Michael Redd).

Meeks needs to work on creating his own shots, but should stick with the team and provide as a shooter off the bench.

Trade: Milwaukee was involved in a three-team trade that sent Richard Jefferson to San Antonio, with Milwaukee getting Amir Johnson, Bruce Bowen, and Kurt Thomas.

Bowen is contemplating retirement, Kurt Thomas is washed up, while Johnson is actually an interesting prospect with tangible value.

The trade puts Milwaukee $15 million under the cap for next season, while also freeing up a spot for second-year man Joe Alexander to step up at small forward.

Grade: B+

11. Atlanta Hawks

Round 1 (19)     Jeff Teague    6'2"    175 lbs.    PG    Wake Forest

Considering they already shipped off Acie Law and Speedy Claxton for Jamal Crawford, Teague only has free agent-to-be Mike Bibby to worry about. If Bibby goes elsewhere, Teague could be the starter from day one.

He provides excellent size and athleticism for the position, while providing as a capable passer and a lights-out scorer.

Round 2 (49)     Sergii Gladyr    6'6"    190 lbs.    SG    Ukraine

Gladyr is a very focused shooting guard, with good versatility and a tremendous finishing touch around the rim. However, he doesn't have elite athleticism or quickness, which may lessen his driving ability in his transition to the NBA game.

Trade: Law and Claxton to Golden State for Crawford.

This gives Atlanta excellent depth and talent at both point guard and shooting guard, as Teague or Crawford could man the point, and both have enough skills and athleticism to play the two spot, as well.

The trade and draft send a clear message that Atlanta will bypass attempting to keep Mike Bibby in town. Let the rumors of him signing with Cleveland begin.

Now Atlanta just needs to hold onto Josh Smith and Marvin Williams.

Grade: C+

12. Charlotte Bobcats

Round 1 (12)     Gerald Henderson    6'5"    215 lbs.    SG/SF    Duke

Henderson is a solid guard with good athleticism and a great understanding of the game. He has good experience from playing in the ACC and brings a solid collection of skills to Charlotte, but not one attribute stands out on its own.

Henderson is a good piece to add to the puzzle, but the hope was for Charlotte to land an impact player in the lottery. Unfortunately, Henderson doesn't have a ton of "star" potential.

Round 2 (40)     Derrick Brown    6'8"    225 lbs.    SF    Xavier

Is still putting the finishing touches on transitioning to the wing, but has the perfect body and size for an NBA small forward. Brown has developed a better outside shot and could be a real steal in the second round if he can continue to polish his already solid offensive game.

After giving up on Adam Morrison and sending Matt Carroll packing, it's clear the Bobcats wanted to move in a different direction at their guards and small forward spots. They added some good athleticism and scorers, as well as capable defenders.

They still need some more efficiency from their post game, but at least for now, their team is starting to come together.

Grade: C+

13. Miami Heat

Round 2 (60)     Robert Dozier    6'10"    215 lbs.    SF/PF    Memphis

After trading Marcus Thornton's rights to the Hornets, Miami nabbed Memphis's Robert Dozier with the final selection of the night.

Dozier wouldn't fit for every team, but he's very athletic for a big man and has long arms. He could be used sparingly on defense until his offensive game comes around. Considering the Heat's lackluster inside depth, he at least has a chance.

The problem with this draft is that Miami isn't really thinking about the future. If they do in fact lose Wade to the 2010 free agency wave, then they're crippling themselves.

All they have right now to make a playoff run is Jermaine O'neal and Wade, so unless they swing a big trade or sign a huge free agent, they won't make up and ground on the other Eastern Conference playoff teams.

Grade: F

14. Orlando Magic

Trade: Without any picks in this year's draft, Orlando made their splash via trade.

The Magic felt that it was already a long-shot that they could re-sing Hedo Turkoglu, so they made the next best move, and in a lot of ways, it might be the better one.

They traded Courtney Lee, Tony Battie, and Rafer Alston for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson.

Carter is 32, but still plays young and is an athletic scorer and consistent shooter. He won't make-up for Tukoglu's creativity on offense, nor the size advantage Orlando had with Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard all on the floor at the same time.

Ryan Anderson is a young, long body that can post-up offensively, and also has range on his shot going out to the NBA three-point line. He showed glimpses of being able to start regularly in the league, and could develop into a fine role player for Orlando.

It's clear that Stan Van Gundy feels more comfortable going forward with Jameer Nelson, over Rafer Alston, and he's also confident that J.J. Redick and Mickael Pietrus can "get it done" in place of Courtney Lee.

While this makes a lot of sense, it's still debatable whether or not this move makes Orlando a "better" team.

Grade: C+

15. Washington Wizards

Trade: Washington traded Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, and its #5 pick to Minnesota for Randy Foye and Mike Miller.

It appears they're putting all their faith in Gilbert Arenas and banking on the fact that a healthy Washington team means a trip to the playoffs.

With Foye and Miller integrated into the already (projected) explosive offense, this team could be a lot more dangerous than people think. Miller's addition could make Caron Butler expendable, while Washington continues to try to find ways to land Amare Stoudamire, or another dangerous big man, via trade.

Considering Arenas' injury history and his lack of true point guard skills, it's a surprise Washington passed up on Ricky Rubio. However, they did land Foye, who could easily be the successor at the point.

Grade: B+

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