2009 NBA Draft Grades

Posted on 27. Jun, 2009 by Nolan Shulman in nba-draft

The Draft is officially in the books and it’s time to grade each team’s evening. Who picked up stars and who picked up duds?

ATLANTA HAWKS: C

Round 1 (19): Jeff Teague, PG
Round 2 (49): Sergiy Gladyr, SG

Teague has enormous talent and tremendous upside but isn’t a true lead guard. How many years in a row can the Hawks draft a player who doesn’t fill their need for a floor general? With Bibby hitting free agency, the Hawks still don’t have anyone who can orchestrate offensive sets. Teague has excellent speed, can take defenders off the bounce, and projects as a poor man’s Monte Ellis. Sergiy Gladyr is a player they can stash away in Europe. He can shot it, has decent athleticims, and had an excellent showing at the Reebok Euro Camp. Something tells me we’ll never hear his name again.

BOSTON CELTICS: D+

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2 (58): Lestor Hudson, SG

It’s tough to grade the Celtics for their draft considering they only had the 58th selection. Hudson put up prolific numbers at Tennessee Martin, but what does that really tell us? He can score 28 a game at the YMCA !!! He’s also a turnover machine and nearly 25 years old. Did they draft him as a developmental guy? He’ll struggle to make the opening day roster.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: B+

Round 1 (12): Gerald Henderson, SG
Round 2 (40): Derrick Brown, PF

Considering MJ’s reputation as an awful judge of talent (he picked both Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison), I really like the direction the Bobcats went in 2009. Gerald Henderson is a hard working, high character, Dukie, who should help fill the void left behind since trading Jason Richardson. Henderson can contribute immediately and will be thrown to the fire with Raja Bell aging quickly. Derrick Brown in my mind was a first round talent. Getting him this late is an absolute steal for Larry and Michael. He’s versatile and will not only make the team, but find his way into the rotation.

CHICAGO BULLS: D+

Round 1 (16): James Johnson, (26) Taj Gibson
Round 2: No Pick

The Bulls came into this draft looking to draft big bodies to shore up their front line and that’s exactly what they did. Unfortunately they drafted two guys I’m really not high on. James Johnson is a tough kid who’s pretty versatile, but he’s over weight and isn’t an upgrade over Ty Thomas. Taj Gibson can play, but is a complete tweener at the NBA level. He isn’t skilled enough to be a three, and he’s going to get manhandled as a 4. Looks like the Bulls shored up their mediocre front line by bringing in more mediocre talent. Makes sense to me !!! Blair was on the board at 26 and would have filled a need in the toughness and rebounding department.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: D

Round 1 (30): Christian Eyenga, SF
Round 2 (46): Danny Green, SG – (57) Emir Preldzic, SF

Eyenga was a second round talent and was a total reach for Danny Ferry. I understand wanting to stash a guy in Europe and avoid paying his guarenteed salary, but there was a lot of better prospects on the board here. Nick Calathes, Jonas Jerebko, and Sergio Llull were all better prospects who could have been stashed overseas. Danny Green is actually a pretty nice pickup here. He’s a team guy who understands how to be a role player. He’s got pretty good athleticism and should find a way to make the club. Emir Preldzic is another stash away. He lacks athleticism and wasn’t a sure thing to be drafted. He’s smart and will have a few years to get better before the Cavs even consider bringing him over. Really a pretty weak draft which didn’t really address the depth of a team trying to win a Championship.

DALLAS MAVERICKS: B-

Round 1 (25): Rodrigue Beaubois, PG
Round 2 (45): Nick Calathes, PG – (56) Ahmad Nivins, PF

The Mavs picked up two players who will be playing in Europe for the next few years. Beaubois is a PG with excellent upside. He’s got size, athleticism, and an excellent skill set. He’s not yet a good decision maker, but he’ll have a couple years to improve on his IQ before coming over to play for Dallas. Calathes is a very bright young man with tremendous basketball IQ and a silky smooth stroke. His athleticism is better than it’s given credit for (though not even close to elite) and if he hadn’t committed to playing next season in Greece, would have likely been in contention to be a first round pick. Nivins, the last of the Mavs picks will be the only one with a chance to done a Dallas uniform next season. He’s an interesting prospect, who gives non stop energy, and can put the ball in the hole. He’s likely got an uphill battle this summer to stick, but there is a chance.

DENVER NUGGETS: B+

Round 1 (18): Ty Lawson, PG
Round 2: No Pick

The Nuggets traded a future first rounder for the draft rights to Lawson. They have been high on him for years and were crushed when he pulled out of the draft last season. They are going to bring him in to be Chauncey’s backup which should benefit the young man greatly. He’ll also help push the tempo in Denver, something he is very capable of. A great pickup here for a championship caliber team. He will certainly make their bench a lot more potent and should keep Billups fresh for a deep post season run.

DETROIT PISTONS: A-

Round 1 (15) Austin Daye, PF
Round 2 (35) Dajuan Summers, SF – (39) Jonas Jerebko, SF

The Pistons picked up 3 first round talents in this draft. Austin Daye isn’t my favorite pick in round 1. He is an excellent workout player who possesses extraordinary skills for a man his size. He’s also a very very average 5 on 5 player. He’s rail thin, shows no toughness, and often takes plays and even minutes off. He’s got a long, long way to go before he makes an impact in the league. Dajuan Summers is an NBA ready player. He’s got a terrific body, and is a pretty smart player. He was sort of under utilized by JT3 in Georgetown and could surprise some people at the next level. Jonas Jerebko is my favorite European prospect not named Rubio. He plays in a very good Italian league and should develope nicely there in the next two to three years. He is athletic, great in transition, and has excellent size for a wing prospect. A great draft by Joe Dumars.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: B

Round 1 (7) : Stephen Curry, PG
Round 2: No Pick

I love Steph Curry, let me start there. I don’t think he’s a great fit in Golden State though with Monte Ellis already there. Neither of them are true point guards and both of them are volume shooters. They’re both undersized and thus will struggle to guard opposing two guards. That’s the bad. Here’s the good. I’m one of the people who think Curry is going to be a star. He is the best shooter in the draft, can create his own shot, and has a terrific head on his shoulders. There have been rumors that the Warriors will move Curry as part of a trade with Phoenix for Amare. We’ll have to wait to find out.

HOUSTON ROCKETS: B+

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2 (32) Jermaine Taylor, SG – (34) Sergio Llull, PG – (44) Chase Budinger

Although the Rockets had no picks in the first round this year, they got terrific value in the second round. Jermaine Taylor is a bit of an unknown as he played his college ball at UCF. But he’s a great scorer, has excellent size and should earn a roster spot. Sergio Llull is a Spanish point guard who will continue improving in the Spanish league. He’s pretty raw right now and could use some time to develop. Chase Budinger is a great pickup this low in the draft. He thought he was going to go in the first round and must be devasted to have fallen so far. He’ll find a way to stick with the Rockets as he’s an excellent shooter with awesome athletic abilities. He should be an asset when teams try to double down in Yao in the block.

INDIANA PACERS: A

Round 1 (13): Tyler Hansbrough, PF
Round 2 (52): A.J. Price, PG

The Pacers continue to play it safe in the draft. They landed two players who are sure to make an impact for the Pacers. Tyler Hansbrough is going to prove a lot of people wrong in Indiana. He’s a blue colar, tough, hard working kid with more athleticism than people give him credit for. This guy is one of the greatest collegians of all-time. His motor and work ethic are second to none, and this young man will find a way to get it done. I suspect he’ll steal Troy Murphy’s job by midseason. A.J. Price is a shoot first PG with excellent instincts and a flare for the dramatics. He loved taking the big shot at UConn. He is sure handed, and could become the backup next season, depending on what happens with T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack.

L.A. CLIPPERS: A+

Round 1 (1): Blake Griffin, PF
Round 2: No Picks

Even the Clippers couldn’t screw this draft up. They had no second rounders and a no-brainer with the first overall selection. Blake Griffin will immediately become the starting Power Forward for the L.A. Clippers. Pairing his ability to score with Marcus Camby and Chirs Kaman shold give the Clipps a pretty formidable front court next season. They should have rebounding, scoring, shot blocking, and toughness all covered. Griffin’s impact could give the Clippers a playoff birth next season.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS: D

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2 (59): Chinemelu Elonu, PF

Elonu averaged 9 and 7 last season for Texas A&M and there is no reason to think that’s going to translate into making the defending champs. He can rebound, but there’s not much else to suggest he’s going to contribute down the line.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: B+

Round 1 (2): Hasheem Thabeet, C – (27) DeMarre Carroll, PF
Round 2 (36): Sam Young, SF

Hasheem gives the Grizz the rim protector that they covet and need. He’s a rare prospect on the defensive side. He may not contribute much offensively for now, but he doesn’t really need to in Memphis. Carroll was someone I had projected to be a second rounder. I thought adding Blair here would have been a terrific get. Thabeet to protect the rim and Blair to clean the glass would have filled two holes on Memphis roster. Carroll is an athletic big man who provides a consistant motor. He will be nothing more than a role player. Sam Young to me was the best pick in the entire second round. He is 24 years old which scared teams away, but he knows how to play basketball and is a very hard worker.

MIAMI HEAT: C

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2 (42) Patrick Beverly, PG – (60) Robert Dozier

Beverly played 2 years at the University of Arkansas, than moved to the Ukraine to play professionally. He’s an interesting prospect who scores more than he distributes. He’s not an outstanding scorer, but does shoot the ball well from deep and plays great defense. Dozier was the last player selected in the draft. He’s an athletic kid with a small frame. He’s got talent, but doesn’t have a clue how to use it. Likely won’t make the roster.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS: B-

Round 1 (10): Brandon Jennings, PG
Round 2 (41): Jodie Meeks, SG

Jennings could turn out to be the best Point Guard in this draft when it’s all said and done. He’s got raw talent oozing out of him and if he can find a way to limit his mistakes, he could turn into a special player. The sky is the limit for this kid, but right now he’s a lot closer to the floor than he is the sky. Jodie Meks is an excellent scorer with tremendous instincts. He doesn’t have great speed, or quickness, but he is a crafty player.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: B-

Round 1 (5): Ricky Rubio, PG – (6) Jonny Flynn, PG – (28) Wayne Ellington, SG
Round 2 (47) Henk Norel, PF

The TWolves had a real head scratcher. They got Rubio to fall to them which was tremendous value, but than took Jonny Flynn right after. They are both lead guards who like to have the ball in their hands and control the offense. Will one be traded? We’re waiting to find out still. My money is on Rubio if that is the case. Flynn gives them the type of leadership they need and can create offense out of the pick and roll or in transition. Ellington was also a great pick late in the draft. He’s got the sweetest stroke in the draft and will become a tremendous asset when Al Jefferson gets double teamed or Jonny Flynn creates in the paint.

NEW JERSEY NETS: B

Round 1 (11): Terrance Wiliams, SG
Round 2: No Pick

T Will was a sensational acquisition for the Nets especially in lew of trading Vince Carter to the Magic. He’s not a prolific scorer yet, but he does everything extremely well, has good size for the position, and should be an excellent defender at the next level.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: B

Round 1 (21): Darren Collison, PG
Round 2 (43) Marcus Thorton, SG

New Orleans did a solid job adding depth to their roster. Collison is a winner, having gone to 3 final fours in 4 years. He’s steady, makes jump shots, can push the tempo, he’s everything you want in a Point Guard to back up Chris Paul. He’s undersized, but possesses every other quality you’d look for in a point guard prospect. Marcus Thorton is a terrific scorer who should provide offense off the bench in New Orleans. Both great picks who should become solid role players and contributors for the Hornets.

NEW YORK KNICKS: B

Round 1 (8): Jordan Hill, PF – (29) Tony Douglas, SG
Round 2: No Picks

The Knicks didn’t get Curry who they so desperately wanted, but Hill does fit the mold of a Mike D’Antoni power forward. He’s long, runs the floor well, and can finish on the break. If David Lee is in a different uniform next season, Hill could have an immediate impact on the roster. Douglas is a scorer who can stroke it from deep. He fits the bill for a D’Antoni player. He can score, he can push it, and he can guard. He should be a Barbosa type player for D’Anotini and the Knicks.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: B-

Round 1 (3): James Harden, SG – (24) BJ Mullens, C
Round 2 (54) Robert Vaden, SG

They passed on Rubio to allow Westbrook to remain at the point, and brought in Harden to be his running mate int he backcourt. Harden is savy and can score in bunches. He is crafty like Manu, but has better size and should be more durable. Mullens is a stiff who they hope will learn to play the game. He’s a project who could reap huge rewards down the line. Vaden is a specialist. He shoots the ball fantastic. That’s it. That’s all he does.

ORLANDO MAGIC: INC

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2: No Pick

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: D

Round 1 (17): Jrue Holiday, PG
Round 2: No Pick

The Sixers got a kid who was expected to go between 7-12. That’s obviously tremendous value. He’s got loads of upside but may take time to develop. With Andre Miller hitting free agency, I’m not sure he’s going to be given the time he needs. If thrown to the Wolves, I’m nervous he’s going to get chewed right up. He’s still got a lot to learn about the nuances of the game.

PHOENIX SUNS: A-

Round 1 (14): Earl Clark, SF
Round 2 (48): Taylor Griffin, PF

Earl Clark has been linked to the Suns for months. He provides many of the same tangibles Shawn Marion used to deliver. He’s versatile and is effective without having to run plays for. He should fit in exceptionally well with the Suns. Unlike Blake, Taylor had to wait a while before hearing his name called. He wasn’t sure if he was going to get picked at all, so this must feel like a blessing. He will have a chance to make the team, but he’s a bit undersized and doesn’t have great athleticism to make up for it.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS B+

Round 1 (22): Victor Claver, SF
Round 2 (31) Jeff Pendengraph, PF – (33) Dante Cunningham, PF – (55) Patrick Mills

The Blazers took the player they coveted the entire draft process in Claver. They are going to keep him in Europe a few years to develop, which will also mean they don’t have to take on a guarenteed salary. In the second round, the Blazers may have had the best drat of any team. They got Pendengraph to provide toughness and rebounding, Cunningham to provide a hard working, rapidly improving, versatile big man, and Patrick Mills to provide depth in the backcourt. All these players are quality players who are ready to contribute immediately if given a spot in the rotation.

SACREMENTO KINGS: A-

Round 1 (4): Tyreke Evans, SG – (23) Omri Casspi, SF
Round 2 (38): Jon Brockman, PF

The Kings did very well in this draft. Evans is the most veratile guard in the draft. He can play point, move off the ball and play the two, as well as guard both positions. They still need a true lead guard, but Evans was an excellent pickup. Casspi is the first ever Israeli to play in the NBA. He’s tough, can get to the tin, and should give them quality minutes down the line. Brockman is a kid who’s dependable and tough as nails. He can face up, is excellent on the glass and has a tremendous basketball IQ.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS: A+

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2 (37) Dejuan Blair, PF – (51) Jack McClinton, SG – (53) Nano De Colo

In Dejaun Blair, the Spurs aquired a first round pick and are only going to have to pay him second round money. There were a lot of questions about his knees, but he never missed a game at Pitt due to knee problems. He’s the best rebounder in the draft and should provide quality minutes behind Duncan immediately. McClinton was rumored to be headed to the Knicks in the first round. He’s a combo guard who can flat out score. Coach Pop will use him similar to the way he used Nick Van Excel years ago. In De Colo, the Spurs got another Euro who can really play. He’s a combo guard who is ready to provide minutes to an NBA roster right now. Whether they decide to use him or not is yet to be known.

TORONTO RAPTORS: B+

Round 1 (9): DeMar DeRozen, SF
Round 2: No Pick

The Raps needed a wing and they got the most talented wing int he draft. He’s far from polished, but possesses a very rare talent level, which if properly developed has superstardom written all over it. It’s a big if, but worth the gamble. Worst case scenario he’s an athletic freak similar to Igoudala. With any luck, he turns into Vince Carter (before he became Wince).

UTAH JAZZ

Round 1 (20): Eric Maynor, PG
Round 2 (50): Goran Suton, PF

Maynor will be an excellent backup for Deron Williams. I felt like he would have been a great fit in Phlidelphia, but they elected to go with Holiday instead. Maynor is a leader, doesn’t turn it over and rarely makes a bad play. He should be an excellent backup for years to come. Suton is a player who Jerry Sloan likes. He’s hard nosed, learned under coach Izzo, and should stick with the Jazz next season.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS: INC

Round 1: No Pick
Round 2: No Pick

Be sure to check back in this week as we will be unveiling our first version of the 2010 NBA Mock Draft.

Nolan Shulman
nolan@flagrantfouls.com

Tags: draft grades, mock draft