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The 2016 NBA Draft
- Thread starter Broadway
- Start date
Denzel Valentine at 14 to the Bulls. Good pick at this point, but did the Bulls get themselves yet another injury prone player? If the Bulls swap Butler for Dunn, Valentine and Dunn give them a good young core and they will probably get a lottery pick to further build again next year. If they hold onto Butler, this pick makes less sense to me unless they really believe in Jerian Grant.
Nugz took his brother...lol
Here's Willy's brother Juan working out briefly. We got rights to Willy(via draft day Sixers trade) his brother Juan is a yr younger
Denzel Valentine at 14 to the Bulls. Good pick at this point, but did the Bulls get themselves yet another injury prone player? If the Bulls swap Butler for Dunn, Valentine and Dunn give them a good young core and they will probably get a lottery pick to further build again next year. If they hold onto Butler, this pick makes less sense to me unless they really believe in Jerian Grant.
What if he's like a Draymond, maybe Lite? I like the pick I mentioned him in a previous thread discuss with you and Tig I think.
What if he's like a Draymond, maybe Lite? I like the pick I mentioned him in a previous thread discuss with you and Tig I think.
Bulls certainly are making the best of a bad situation. I like the pick as well overall.
On a different note, when the hell is Boston going to make a move? They're not really going to use all these picks, are they?
Bulls certainly are making the best of a bad situation. I like the pick as well overall.
On a different note, when the hell is Boston going to make a move? They're not really going to use all these picks, are they?
I have to believe they will make a move before this night is over. Maybe go Skal or Brice here...not sure.
I have to believe they will make a move before this night is over. Maybe go Skal or Brice here...not sure.
...Guerschon Yabusele to Celtics...hmm
Nugz took his brother...lol
Wait, just thinking about this. Willy went to us at pick 35 last year. Juan goes to Denver at pick 15? How much better is the younger brother Juan than Willy?
Well, Brooklyn trades away Thaddeus Young for the #20 pick and gets Caris LeVert who has missed over 30 games the last 2 seasons and has had 3 foot surgeries over that time. No doubting LeVert has serious talent, but heck of a risk to take that this pick will give them a 2nd player along with Brook Lopez who is a constant risk to have their foot explode.
The way this draft is going Knicks may buy their way into it
I was expecting the Knicks to buy at least one 2nd round pick.
3rd of Celtics 1st round picks and they take Ante Zizic, C from Croatia. Celtics fans boo and are giving the thumbs down. I know Ainge is a very smart GM, but I think he is ****ting the bed in this draft. Just my opinion.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Ben Simmons, PF, LSU
Grade: A
Analysis: Ben Simmons has as much upside as anyone in the draft, and he could wind up a perennial All-Star, but there were legitimate questions about his leadership at LSU. The last time the 76ers had the No. 1 pick they took Allen Iverson. That worked out pretty well. Trust the process, as they say.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke
Grade: A
Analysis: Standing at 6-10 with a 7-3 wingspan, the athletically gifted 18-year-old has drawn Kevin Durant comparisons since appearing in the national spotlight during his lone season at Duke. He has all of the tools necessary to become an All-NBA talent, and if he adds some muscle to his sub-200 pound frame, he could just be the next franchise player in Los Angeles.
3. Boston Celtics
Pick: Jaylen Brown, SF, California
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Celtics owned arguably the most coveted pick in the draft, and they used it on one of the most athletic frontcourt players available. Despite rumors that the Celtics were shopping the pick to the 76ers and the Bulls, they took Brown, who provides elite athleticism on the wing. He could also fit perfectly with Brad Stevens' defensive schemes.
4. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia
Grade: B+
Analysis: The addition of this year's top international prospect should be a difference-maker in the Suns' frontcourt ... eventually. Despite Bender's 7-1 frame, he's versatile enough to play either forward position or center, but there will surely be an adjustment period for the 18-year-old Croatian. Could he be this year's Porzingis?
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Kris Dunn, guard, Providence
Grade: A+
Analysis: There might not be a better fit than Kris Dunn in Minnesota under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. Dunn is a versatile, powerful combo guard who will mesh perfectly with Andrew Wiggins on the wing. Dunn was a two-time Big East Player of the Year and was also the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. His effort on defense no doubt caught Thibodeau's eye.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Pick: Buddy Hield, guard, Oklahoma
Grade: B
Analysis: Hield was the one of the best players in all of college basketball last season, but now comes a whole new test. Hield is a knock down shooter who can spread the floor for All-Star forward Anthony Davis, and his year-by-year improvements at Oklahoma are encouraging, but is he enough of an all-around talent to make an immediate impact for the lowly Pelicans?
7. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Jamal Murray, guard, Kentucky
Grade: A-
Analysis: The Nuggets were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA last season, and Murray's outside shot immediately improves their perimeter game. He's an NBA-ready offensive player but questions persist about his athleticism and defense. Regardless, the Nuggets took the best talent available.
8. Sacramento Kings (traded to Phoenix Suns)
Pick: Marquese Chriss, forward, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: In the first eight picks, the Suns snagged the two best bigs not named Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. For a team whose top talent lies in the backcourt, the addition of a 6-10, 230 forward with three-point range and elite athleticism is a home run. That said, Chriss is still a significant project who can't be counted to contribute immediately.
9. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Jakob Poeltl, center, Utah
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Raptors, who finished No. 2 in the Eastern Conference, needed a player who could contribute immediately, and not a project. Poeltl is a legitimate back-to-the-basket scorer and excellent rebounder who will provide frontcourt insurance in case Bismack Biyombo leaves in free agency.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Thon Maker, forward, Australia
Grade: B-
Analysis: To go along with the trend of young, lanky talent overflowing in Milwaukee, the Bucks took the 7-1, 215 pound Sudanese-Australian significantly earlier than expected. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in size and athleticism. Maker is a big risk taken this early, but the Bucks (hello, Greek Freak) have shown they're not scared of a project.
11. Orlando Magic
Pick: Domantas Sabonis, forward, Gonzaga (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder)
Grade: B
Analysis: Serge Ibaka was traded to the Magic for Ersan Ilyasova, Victor Oladipo and the rights to Sabonis. The Thunder are getting an NBA-ready big, who comes out after an extremely productive year at Gonzaga. Even better? He dominated against Utah's Jakob Poeltl when the two prospects met in the NCAA tournament.
12. Utah Jazz
Pick: Taurean Prince, forward, Baylor (traded to Atlanta Hawks)
Grade: B
Analysis: If the Hawks had any plans of replacing DeMarre Carroll, Prince is their guy, from the hair, to the 6-8 frame, to the three-and-d capabilities. Prince doesn't necessarily have the making of a star, but he could contribute as a role player from the get-go.
13. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Georgios Papagiannis, center, Greece (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Grade: C
Analysis: Papagiannis likely could've been had later in the draft, but the Kings selected the 7-2, 240-pounder nonetheless. You can't teach size, but Papagiannis could potentially clog the lane with DeMarcus Cousins' interior game. It's the second straight year they've taken a center in the lottery.
14. Chicago Bulls
Pick: Denzel Valentine, forward, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: The AP National Player of the Year is headed to Chicago, which makes all the more sense after the departure of Derrick Rose. With such a high basketball IQ, proven maturity and court vision, the all-around talent is a good fit in Chicago. But is he athletic enough?
15. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Juan Hernangomez, forward, Spain
Grade: A-
Analysis: Hernangomez is a draft-and-stash possibility who has good size, excellent strength and a good motor. As a stretch-4, he's ideal for the current mold of the NBA, and the Nuggets have proven that they're not scared of international talent.
16. Boston Celtics
Pick: Guerschon Yabusele, forward, France
Grade: B+
Analysis: If you hadn't heard of Yabusele before draft night, it's time to start listening. He's a bit undersized at the power forward position at 6-8, but with the small ball revolution sweeping the league combined with Yabusele's three-point shooting ability and strength and physicality, he could be a steal for the Celtics.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Wade Baldwin IV, guard, Vanderbilt
Grade: A
Analysis: Baldwin is a combo guard who could contribute immediately with the Grizzlies espeically with Mike Conley set to his free agency. He's a good shooter with value on the defensive end, but he isn't particularly athletic. Some projected him as a lottery pick, and he's good insurance for the Grizzlies.
18. Detroit Pistons
Pick: Henry Ellenson, forward, Marquette
Grade: A
Analysis: Ellenson had lottery potential, so the Pistons nabbing him with the 18th pick could turn out to be a steal. He's big and he's skilled from the outside - an ideal fit for today's NBA. A nice addition to a frontcourt with Andre Drummond, Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris.
19. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Malik Beasley, guard, Florida State
Grade: B
Analysis: Beasley had an excellent freshman season at FSU with averages of 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He's already got an excellent shooting stroke and is known for his slashing ability. The Nuggets evidently overcame concerns about offseason stress fracture surgery in his right leg.
20. Indiana Pacers
Pick: Caris LeVert, guard, Michigan (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Grade: B
Analysis: LeVert is a highly talented, long, athletic guard with three-point range. The only problem? His health, as he was plagued by injuries in his junior and senior seasons at Michigan. He could be a steal for the Nets if he can remain on the court.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Pick: DeAndre Bembry, forward, St. Joe's
Grade: A-
Analysis: Bembry wasn't as highly touted as some of the other prospects, but he's a versatile, underrated athlete who could fit seamlessly into the Hawks' rotation and pair well with Prince, who the Hawks grabbed earlier in the draft. Bembry's also an elite passer. That Al Horford might hit free agency makes this a logical pick.
22. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Malachi Richardson, guard, Syracuse
Grade: B
Analysis: Richardson shined on the NCAA's biggest stage in this year's tournament, and with his proven ability to either pull up from the perimeter or put the ball on the floor, he has some upside for the Kings.
23. Boston Celtics
Pick: Ante Zizic, center, Croatia
Grade: B-
Analysis: Zizic has good athleticism for his size (6-11, 250 pounds) and couples that with a good motor, but he struggles away from the basket. He could be a prime draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Timothe Luwawu, forward, France
Grade: B+
Analysis: A long, athletic wing who can jump out of the gym? Sure, the Sixers will gladly take that, even if his perimeter shooting isn't where it needs to be yet. He might not have an immediate impact for a team that just spent their first overall pick on Ben Simmons at the same position, but his value is certainly there.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Brice Johnson, forward, North Carolina
Grade: B
Analysis: Johnson has excellent athleticism and significant potential but he was rarely featured in the Tar Heels' offense. He also needs to to bulk up as Blake Griffin's backup, but it's solid value this late in the first.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Furkan Korkmaz, guard, Turkey
Grade: A-
Analysis: Korkmaz is an excellent scorer with outstanding offensive instincts, but his defense is still a work in progress. A good ball-handler with slashing ability, the 76ers can afford to be patient with him given that they're not close to contention.
27. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Pascal Siakam, forward, New Mexico State
Grade: C+
Analyis: The 6-10, 230-pound power forward averaged 20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last year with New Mexico State. He wasn't projected to go in the first round, but he offers depth for a Raptors team who might lose Bismack Biyombo this offseason.
28. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Skal Labissiere, center, Kentucky
Grade: B-
Analysis: The Kings finally ended Labissiere's precipitous fall. Some projected the Kentucky forward as a lottery pick, but he underwhelmed this past season, averaging just 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds. He's a longterm project for Sacramento.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Pick: Dejounte Murray, guard, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: Murray, at 6-foot-5 with a ton of upside, is a great pick at 29 for the San Antonio Spurs, who will be looking for a long-term replacement for the aging Tony Parker. He needs to improve his consistency and take better care of the ball, but the talent is there.
30. Golden State Warriors
Pick: Damian Jones, center, Vanderbilt
Grade: B+
Analysis: With Warriors center Festus Ezeli and Anderson Varejao likely entering free agency, Jones, who some projected to go earlier in first round, provides adequate
nsurance. He's also a good athlete for a big man.
ROUND 2
1. Boston Celtics
Pick: Deyonta Davis, forward, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: Whenever you can land a lottery-projected player in the second round, it's a steal. Davis is one of the best shot blockers in the draft and has shown some signs of a midrange jumper. That said, Memphis' need wasn't at the power forward spot.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Ivica Zubac, center, Croatia
Grade: A-
Analysis: Zubac could be a draft-and-stash candidate, but the Lakers should consider it a steal to get that kind of size (7-1, 240 pounds) in the second round. He's not overly athletic and has had a history of injuries.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (traded to New Orleans Pelicans)
Pick: Cheick Diallo, forward, Kansas
Grade: B
Analysis: Diallo had a disappointing season at Kansas, but as a high motor, athletically gifted guy who can be versatile on both ends of the floor, the upside is there.
4. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Tyler Ulis, guard, Kentucky
Grade: B
Analysis: Ulis, who stands just 5-9 and 160 pounds, fell further than some thought, but he could thrive when paired with fellow Wildcat Devin Booker. There was also a question about a lingering hip issue that may have affected his stock. His floor IQ is outstanding though.
5. Boston Celtics (traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
Pick: Rade Zagorac, forward, Serbia
Grade: C+
Analysis: The Grizzlies needed a wing who can score the ball, and that's exactly what they get with this pick.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Malcolm Brogdon, guard, Virginia
Grade: A
Analysis: Brogdon, the ACC Player of the Year, is a long, versatile defender who fits perfectly into the Bucks' defensive plans.
7. Houston Rockets
Pick: Chinanu Onuaku, center, Louisville
Grade: B
Analysis: With Dwight Howard all but gone in Houston, Onuaku should be a good fit. At 6-10, 245, and with the ability to block shots and control the paint defensively, his lack of offensive skill is worth overlooking.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Golden State Warriors)
Pick: Patrick McCaw, guard, UNLV
Grade: B+
Analysis: McCaw is a long, versatile guard who plays similar to Shaun Livingston. He
should find a spot in the Warriors' rotation given how much they switch on defense.
9. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: David Michineau, guard, France
Grade: C-
Analysis: Don't expect to see much of Michineau -- who averaged just 5.6 points on 43.4% shooting last season in France -- on the floor for the Clippers any time soon.
10. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: Diamond Stone, center, Maryland
Grade: B
Analysis: Stone has a lot of upside after one year in College Park, but his athleticism remains a question when progressing to the next level.
11. Orlando Magic
Pick: Stephen Zimmerman Jr., center, UNLV
Grade: C
Analysis: Zimmerman, despite his 7-0, 240-pound frame, will have to wait to see the floor after the Magic traded for Ibaka earlier on Thursday.
12. Utah Jazz (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Pick: Isaiah Whitehead, guard, Seton Hall
Grade: B
Analysis: Whitehead, who led Seton Hall to a Big East Tournament title, has good size but is inefficient from the field.
13. Houston Rockets
Pick: Zhou Qi, forward, China
Grade: B
Analysis: The 7-foot-2 forward from China will stay overseas this season, but -- with three-point shooting ability and shot-blocking prowess -- he has plenty of upside as draft-and-stash guy. If he adds some strength, he could make an impact sooner rather than later.
Pick: Ben Simmons, PF, LSU
Grade: A
Analysis: Ben Simmons has as much upside as anyone in the draft, and he could wind up a perennial All-Star, but there were legitimate questions about his leadership at LSU. The last time the 76ers had the No. 1 pick they took Allen Iverson. That worked out pretty well. Trust the process, as they say.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke
Grade: A
Analysis: Standing at 6-10 with a 7-3 wingspan, the athletically gifted 18-year-old has drawn Kevin Durant comparisons since appearing in the national spotlight during his lone season at Duke. He has all of the tools necessary to become an All-NBA talent, and if he adds some muscle to his sub-200 pound frame, he could just be the next franchise player in Los Angeles.
3. Boston Celtics
Pick: Jaylen Brown, SF, California
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Celtics owned arguably the most coveted pick in the draft, and they used it on one of the most athletic frontcourt players available. Despite rumors that the Celtics were shopping the pick to the 76ers and the Bulls, they took Brown, who provides elite athleticism on the wing. He could also fit perfectly with Brad Stevens' defensive schemes.
4. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia
Grade: B+
Analysis: The addition of this year's top international prospect should be a difference-maker in the Suns' frontcourt ... eventually. Despite Bender's 7-1 frame, he's versatile enough to play either forward position or center, but there will surely be an adjustment period for the 18-year-old Croatian. Could he be this year's Porzingis?
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: Kris Dunn, guard, Providence
Grade: A+
Analysis: There might not be a better fit than Kris Dunn in Minnesota under first-year coach Tom Thibodeau. Dunn is a versatile, powerful combo guard who will mesh perfectly with Andrew Wiggins on the wing. Dunn was a two-time Big East Player of the Year and was also the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. His effort on defense no doubt caught Thibodeau's eye.
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Pick: Buddy Hield, guard, Oklahoma
Grade: B
Analysis: Hield was the one of the best players in all of college basketball last season, but now comes a whole new test. Hield is a knock down shooter who can spread the floor for All-Star forward Anthony Davis, and his year-by-year improvements at Oklahoma are encouraging, but is he enough of an all-around talent to make an immediate impact for the lowly Pelicans?
7. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Jamal Murray, guard, Kentucky
Grade: A-
Analysis: The Nuggets were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA last season, and Murray's outside shot immediately improves their perimeter game. He's an NBA-ready offensive player but questions persist about his athleticism and defense. Regardless, the Nuggets took the best talent available.
8. Sacramento Kings (traded to Phoenix Suns)
Pick: Marquese Chriss, forward, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: In the first eight picks, the Suns snagged the two best bigs not named Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram. For a team whose top talent lies in the backcourt, the addition of a 6-10, 230 forward with three-point range and elite athleticism is a home run. That said, Chriss is still a significant project who can't be counted to contribute immediately.
9. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Jakob Poeltl, center, Utah
Grade: B+
Analysis: The Raptors, who finished No. 2 in the Eastern Conference, needed a player who could contribute immediately, and not a project. Poeltl is a legitimate back-to-the-basket scorer and excellent rebounder who will provide frontcourt insurance in case Bismack Biyombo leaves in free agency.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Thon Maker, forward, Australia
Grade: B-
Analysis: To go along with the trend of young, lanky talent overflowing in Milwaukee, the Bucks took the 7-1, 215 pound Sudanese-Australian significantly earlier than expected. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in size and athleticism. Maker is a big risk taken this early, but the Bucks (hello, Greek Freak) have shown they're not scared of a project.
11. Orlando Magic
Pick: Domantas Sabonis, forward, Gonzaga (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder)
Grade: B
Analysis: Serge Ibaka was traded to the Magic for Ersan Ilyasova, Victor Oladipo and the rights to Sabonis. The Thunder are getting an NBA-ready big, who comes out after an extremely productive year at Gonzaga. Even better? He dominated against Utah's Jakob Poeltl when the two prospects met in the NCAA tournament.
12. Utah Jazz
Pick: Taurean Prince, forward, Baylor (traded to Atlanta Hawks)
Grade: B
Analysis: If the Hawks had any plans of replacing DeMarre Carroll, Prince is their guy, from the hair, to the 6-8 frame, to the three-and-d capabilities. Prince doesn't necessarily have the making of a star, but he could contribute as a role player from the get-go.
13. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Georgios Papagiannis, center, Greece (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Grade: C
Analysis: Papagiannis likely could've been had later in the draft, but the Kings selected the 7-2, 240-pounder nonetheless. You can't teach size, but Papagiannis could potentially clog the lane with DeMarcus Cousins' interior game. It's the second straight year they've taken a center in the lottery.
14. Chicago Bulls
Pick: Denzel Valentine, forward, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: The AP National Player of the Year is headed to Chicago, which makes all the more sense after the departure of Derrick Rose. With such a high basketball IQ, proven maturity and court vision, the all-around talent is a good fit in Chicago. But is he athletic enough?
15. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Juan Hernangomez, forward, Spain
Grade: A-
Analysis: Hernangomez is a draft-and-stash possibility who has good size, excellent strength and a good motor. As a stretch-4, he's ideal for the current mold of the NBA, and the Nuggets have proven that they're not scared of international talent.
16. Boston Celtics
Pick: Guerschon Yabusele, forward, France
Grade: B+
Analysis: If you hadn't heard of Yabusele before draft night, it's time to start listening. He's a bit undersized at the power forward position at 6-8, but with the small ball revolution sweeping the league combined with Yabusele's three-point shooting ability and strength and physicality, he could be a steal for the Celtics.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
Pick: Wade Baldwin IV, guard, Vanderbilt
Grade: A
Analysis: Baldwin is a combo guard who could contribute immediately with the Grizzlies espeically with Mike Conley set to his free agency. He's a good shooter with value on the defensive end, but he isn't particularly athletic. Some projected him as a lottery pick, and he's good insurance for the Grizzlies.
18. Detroit Pistons
Pick: Henry Ellenson, forward, Marquette
Grade: A
Analysis: Ellenson had lottery potential, so the Pistons nabbing him with the 18th pick could turn out to be a steal. He's big and he's skilled from the outside - an ideal fit for today's NBA. A nice addition to a frontcourt with Andre Drummond, Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris.
19. Denver Nuggets
Pick: Malik Beasley, guard, Florida State
Grade: B
Analysis: Beasley had an excellent freshman season at FSU with averages of 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. He's already got an excellent shooting stroke and is known for his slashing ability. The Nuggets evidently overcame concerns about offseason stress fracture surgery in his right leg.
20. Indiana Pacers
Pick: Caris LeVert, guard, Michigan (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Grade: B
Analysis: LeVert is a highly talented, long, athletic guard with three-point range. The only problem? His health, as he was plagued by injuries in his junior and senior seasons at Michigan. He could be a steal for the Nets if he can remain on the court.
21. Atlanta Hawks
Pick: DeAndre Bembry, forward, St. Joe's
Grade: A-
Analysis: Bembry wasn't as highly touted as some of the other prospects, but he's a versatile, underrated athlete who could fit seamlessly into the Hawks' rotation and pair well with Prince, who the Hawks grabbed earlier in the draft. Bembry's also an elite passer. That Al Horford might hit free agency makes this a logical pick.
22. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Malachi Richardson, guard, Syracuse
Grade: B
Analysis: Richardson shined on the NCAA's biggest stage in this year's tournament, and with his proven ability to either pull up from the perimeter or put the ball on the floor, he has some upside for the Kings.
23. Boston Celtics
Pick: Ante Zizic, center, Croatia
Grade: B-
Analysis: Zizic has good athleticism for his size (6-11, 250 pounds) and couples that with a good motor, but he struggles away from the basket. He could be a prime draft-and-stash candidate for the Celtics.
24. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Timothe Luwawu, forward, France
Grade: B+
Analysis: A long, athletic wing who can jump out of the gym? Sure, the Sixers will gladly take that, even if his perimeter shooting isn't where it needs to be yet. He might not have an immediate impact for a team that just spent their first overall pick on Ben Simmons at the same position, but his value is certainly there.
25. Los Angeles Clippers
Pick: Brice Johnson, forward, North Carolina
Grade: B
Analysis: Johnson has excellent athleticism and significant potential but he was rarely featured in the Tar Heels' offense. He also needs to to bulk up as Blake Griffin's backup, but it's solid value this late in the first.
26. Philadelphia 76ers
Pick: Furkan Korkmaz, guard, Turkey
Grade: A-
Analysis: Korkmaz is an excellent scorer with outstanding offensive instincts, but his defense is still a work in progress. A good ball-handler with slashing ability, the 76ers can afford to be patient with him given that they're not close to contention.
27. Toronto Raptors
Pick: Pascal Siakam, forward, New Mexico State
Grade: C+
Analyis: The 6-10, 230-pound power forward averaged 20.3 points, 11.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks last year with New Mexico State. He wasn't projected to go in the first round, but he offers depth for a Raptors team who might lose Bismack Biyombo this offseason.
28. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings)
Pick: Skal Labissiere, center, Kentucky
Grade: B-
Analysis: The Kings finally ended Labissiere's precipitous fall. Some projected the Kentucky forward as a lottery pick, but he underwhelmed this past season, averaging just 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds. He's a longterm project for Sacramento.
29. San Antonio Spurs
Pick: Dejounte Murray, guard, Washington
Grade: A
Analysis: Murray, at 6-foot-5 with a ton of upside, is a great pick at 29 for the San Antonio Spurs, who will be looking for a long-term replacement for the aging Tony Parker. He needs to improve his consistency and take better care of the ball, but the talent is there.
30. Golden State Warriors
Pick: Damian Jones, center, Vanderbilt
Grade: B+
Analysis: With Warriors center Festus Ezeli and Anderson Varejao likely entering free agency, Jones, who some projected to go earlier in first round, provides adequate
nsurance. He's also a good athlete for a big man.
ROUND 2
1. Boston Celtics
Pick: Deyonta Davis, forward, Michigan State
Grade: B+
Analysis: Whenever you can land a lottery-projected player in the second round, it's a steal. Davis is one of the best shot blockers in the draft and has shown some signs of a midrange jumper. That said, Memphis' need wasn't at the power forward spot.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Pick: Ivica Zubac, center, Croatia
Grade: A-
Analysis: Zubac could be a draft-and-stash candidate, but the Lakers should consider it a steal to get that kind of size (7-1, 240 pounds) in the second round. He's not overly athletic and has had a history of injuries.
3. Los Angeles Clippers (traded to New Orleans Pelicans)
Pick: Cheick Diallo, forward, Kansas
Grade: B
Analysis: Diallo had a disappointing season at Kansas, but as a high motor, athletically gifted guy who can be versatile on both ends of the floor, the upside is there.
4. Phoenix Suns
Pick: Tyler Ulis, guard, Kentucky
Grade: B
Analysis: Ulis, who stands just 5-9 and 160 pounds, fell further than some thought, but he could thrive when paired with fellow Wildcat Devin Booker. There was also a question about a lingering hip issue that may have affected his stock. His floor IQ is outstanding though.
5. Boston Celtics (traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
Pick: Rade Zagorac, forward, Serbia
Grade: C+
Analysis: The Grizzlies needed a wing who can score the ball, and that's exactly what they get with this pick.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
Pick: Malcolm Brogdon, guard, Virginia
Grade: A
Analysis: Brogdon, the ACC Player of the Year, is a long, versatile defender who fits perfectly into the Bucks' defensive plans.
7. Houston Rockets
Pick: Chinanu Onuaku, center, Louisville
Grade: B
Analysis: With Dwight Howard all but gone in Houston, Onuaku should be a good fit. At 6-10, 245, and with the ability to block shots and control the paint defensively, his lack of offensive skill is worth overlooking.
8. Milwaukee Bucks (traded to Golden State Warriors)
Pick: Patrick McCaw, guard, UNLV
Grade: B+
Analysis: McCaw is a long, versatile guard who plays similar to Shaun Livingston. He
should find a spot in the Warriors' rotation given how much they switch on defense.
9. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: David Michineau, guard, France
Grade: C-
Analysis: Don't expect to see much of Michineau -- who averaged just 5.6 points on 43.4% shooting last season in France -- on the floor for the Clippers any time soon.
10. New Orleans Pelicans (traded to Los Angeles Clippers)
Pick: Diamond Stone, center, Maryland
Grade: B
Analysis: Stone has a lot of upside after one year in College Park, but his athleticism remains a question when progressing to the next level.
11. Orlando Magic
Pick: Stephen Zimmerman Jr., center, UNLV
Grade: C
Analysis: Zimmerman, despite his 7-0, 240-pound frame, will have to wait to see the floor after the Magic traded for Ibaka earlier on Thursday.
12. Utah Jazz (traded to Brooklyn Nets)
Pick: Isaiah Whitehead, guard, Seton Hall
Grade: B
Analysis: Whitehead, who led Seton Hall to a Big East Tournament title, has good size but is inefficient from the field.
13. Houston Rockets
Pick: Zhou Qi, forward, China
Grade: B
Analysis: The 7-foot-2 forward from China will stay overseas this season, but -- with three-point shooting ability and shot-blocking prowess -- he has plenty of upside as draft-and-stash guy. If he adds some strength, he could make an impact sooner rather than later.
Only like 2-3 teams bought into the 2nd round and it was kind of expensive. Needless to say Gary Payton II did not get selected. We should invite him to camp for sure.
Well too late Rockets signed Gary Payton II to a 3yr deal...always seems like other teams manage to do wonderful things like this.
Well the draft came and went and PJ didn't do anything. He didn't get any help in the draft and with 5 guys under contract, he's got a ton of work to do building a team. So far I've only heard LT and Galloway as players he would like to bring back.The way this draft is going Knicks may buy their way into it
Right now he's got 3 starters in Rose, Melo and KP and Quinn and Holiday. He needs a starting SG and C and anybody breathing to fill out the roster, 30M in cap space sounds like a lot but PJ has to bring in 2 starters and 3 capable backup rotation players with that money. It's not going to be easy for him to do that not in this new environment when players salaries are going up significantly.
Well the draft came and went and PJ didn't do anything. He didn't get any help in the draft and with 5 guys under contract, he's got a ton of work to do building a team. So far I've only heard LT and Galloway as players he would like to bring back.
Right now he's got 3 starters in Rose, Melo and KP and Quinn and Holiday. He needs a starting SG and C and anybody breathing to fill out the roster, 30M in cap space sounds like a lot but PJ has to bring in 2 starters and 3 capable backup rotation players with that money. It's not going to be easy for him to do that not in this new environment when players salaries are going up significantly.
I've heard the team would like to bring back Williams too. You figure whoever they bring these guys are getting raises and will eat into the cap space. I think the team may have $35mil to spend, haven't looked the numbers over in detail. Tom Penn on ESPN says the cap projection will be $94mil