2010 NBA Draft: 1st Round Analysis

Before you read this, take into consideration that my grade is based on the pick, not the player. Also, if the player was traded I graded the pick as if the team he was traded to picked him. Overall a great draft, so not too many bad grades.

1 Washington Wizards- John Wall, PG

A great pick for Washington that everyone saw coming. Wall’s handles and ability to take it to the basket can turn this franchise around. Now the question is: Will the Wizards trade Arenas?

NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose
Grade: A+

2 Philadelphia 76ers- Evan Turner, SG

Another one everyone saw coming, and another great pick. Turner’s handles and shooting ability mixed with Iguodala’s driving ability will be them a deadly combo.

NBA Comparison: Brandon Roy
Grade: A

3 New Jersey Nets- Derrick Favors, PF

Yet again, people saw this coming, but was another good pick. Favors is great in the post and can play on both ends of the court. A good pick to start to turn the franchise around.

NBA Comparison: Al Jefferson
Grade: A

4 Minnesota Timberwolves- Wesley Johnson, SF

The final obvious pick this draft and should be another great piece on the young Minnesota team. He’s a great shooter and has a great outside game. Watch out for the Timberwolves in a few seasons.

NBA Comparison: Vince Carter
Grade: A

5 Sacramento Kings- DeMarcus Cousins, PF

I thought Greg Monroe would be a great fit here, but Cousins is a great rebounder with a good inside game. There has been many questions lately about Cousins, so we will have to wait to see if the pick payed off.

NBA Comparison: Kendrick Perkins
Grade: B+

6 Golden State Warriors- Ekpe Udoh, PF

The Warriors desperately needed a big post presence, and Udoh is a great fit for that need. Udoh is a phenomenal defender and can block many shots. Golden State really improved their defense with this pick.

NBA Comparison: Dikembe Mutombo
Grade: A

7 Detroit Pistons- Greg Monroe, C

Monroe is a great passing big man and should be a great fit for Detroit. Detroit filled their need for a center, and did it well. Monroe is a big threat on the offensive end and is also a great defender. An overall great pick.

NBA Comparison: Chris Webber
Grade: A+

8 LA Clippers- Al-Farouq Aminu, SF

Aminu is a power forward in a small forward’s body. He is great inside, but really needs to improve his outside game. With some work on his jump shot, Aminu can be a huge threat.

NBA Comparison: DeJuan Blair
Grade: B+

9 Utah Jazz- Gordon Hayward, SF

Most people think Hayward is a bust in the making, but I think Hayward has the potential to be a future All-Star. I thought Xavier Henry would be a great fit here, but Hayward handles the ball great and can shoot pretty well. His inside game needs work, but can be a big SG if the Jazz want to use him there.

NBA Comparison: Stephen Jackson
Grade: B+

10 Indiana Pacers- Paul George, SF

Paul George is a great player, but I think the Pacers should have gone elsewhere with this pick. George can shoot and drive to the basket, but the Pacers all ready have Danny Granger at small forward. Good player, bad pick.

NBA Comparison: Kevin Durant
Grade: C

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Golden_State_of_Mind is a Jabberhead and an SJ contributing author

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