2011 NBA Draft Results: 5 Teams That Are Worse Off After Last Night's Draft

The 2011 NBA Draft was the dull malaise before the long lockout. The shallowest draft lead to many spare parts being traded amongst teams. 

There were a few teams that went into the draft with high hopes. It is sad that they left with a team that was worse off then it was going in. 

Whether it be chemistry, fit or talent, the following teams did themselves no favors on Thursday night. In what was the shallowest draft in recent memory, these franchises managed to make it worse.

Here the clubs that took the bull by the horns, and then simply let the bull run all over them. Somebody please take these decisions away from them, they are doing it wrong.   

5. Toronto Raptors

I really hate to do this to the Toronto Raptors as their hand was dealt to them. The Raptors can hardly afford to wait for their talent, but that is what will happen for the next season or two.

The Raptors had one pick, and they chose Jonas Valanciunas. Now for the tricky part, this pick will make the Raptors worse for the next year.

They had no other selections and essentially chose nobody with their lone pick. Valanciunas may be the next Pau Gasol, but for now, he is nothing more than somebody they have the rights to when he decides to come stateside.

Grade: C-

4. Portland Trail Blazers

I will go easy on Portland but not that easy. It is hard to slam a team that will make a run at the playoffs and continue to be one of the best home teams in the NBA next year.

However, you can't forgive a reach. Every fantasy player knows the joy that comes from riding your buddy that took a player a few rounds too early.

The effect is immediate. In a sense, you miss out on a full round of talent for the blunder. Well, the Blazers missed out on a perfect prospect for the frontcourt when they reached far and wide to select Nolan Smith.

Every NBA general manager had a chuckle at that one I am sure. Kenneth Faried would have been perfect for the big man rotation in Portland. You also have to note that Marshon Brooks was on the board if they wanted a guard with upside.

This reach was too much to ignore.

Grade: C-

3. Los Angeles Lakers

I know what you're saying, "But the Lakers drafted a guard in the second round that can't shoot." I know. I will try to take that into account before I deride the proud purple and gold. 

The main reason I have the Lakers downgraded is because of chemistry. The Lakers tried to trade off everyone but the concession stand workers in the last couple of days. 

Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown and Pau Gasol, were all mentioned in trades that were never consummated. They were never even considered it seemed. 

Teams brushed off the Lakers like the lame guy at the party wearing skinny jeans. The fallout has only begun to trickle in. 

On hearing that he might be traded, Odom said he would retire first. This team does drama well. So, you can bet that some very bitter players will sound off through the offseason. The team is worse than where they started. 

Grade: C-

2. Sacramento Kings

This is not going to be a Jimmer Fredette-bashing article. So sit back and take a load off. I will of course need to Kings-bash for a bit. 

Sacramento went into the draft as losing team that couldn't defend. They left as a losing team that couldn't defend and may suffer chemistry issues. All in a day's work for a franchise that may be move in a year. 

The Kings needed a shot in the arm at point guard, Fredette is certainly that. My issue is DeMarcus Cousins pouting that will ensue as he watches the rookie hoist up 25 shots a night to the amazement of the crowd. 

They also never answered the biggest need in the draft, defense. It is going to be a weird year in Sacramento. They will have a dynamo offensive player, but count on them losing a couple more games due to infighting, defense and malaise.

Grade: D  

1. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks do it again. In what was a deja vu from Isiah Thomas' draft of Renaldo Balkman when obvious better talent was available, most notably Rajon Rondo. 

The Knicks were on the board at 17. You could almost hear the fans in the room whisper, "Chris Singleton." The forward was the best defender on the board. He also happened to be the best player, being NBA ready. 

Instead, the Knicks took Iman Shumpert leaving me to ask if anyone had seen Isiah Thomas recently. This horrid pick had his name all over it. 

Shumpert is a defensive player that will take time to mature to NBA standards. So the Knicks, a team needing game-ready talent, drafted a player that mandates limited minutes. 

The Knicks took five bucks when ten was lying on the floor. 

Grade: D