Written by Jason Radowtiz (NYMetsKnicksFan)

Edited by Ari Gilberg (BigBlue)

 

 

 

The 2011 NBA Draft was filled with so many trades, and many unproven prospects.

Here are my grades on all the teams' drafts:

Atlanta Hawks: C-

Round 2, 18(48) Keith Benson (C).

Hawks need size, and a legitimate center, in which they now believe they have. Benson is tall at 6’11 and very athletic. The Hawks got a possible steal in the draft, but because they only had one pick, they get a C- because they are still not contenders in the playoffs with only this move.

Boston Celtics: B-

Round 1, 27(27) JaJuan Johnson (PF)

Round 2, 25(25) E'Twaun Moore (SG)

Both of the Celtic draftees are out of Purdue, if they can build on their chemistry they had on Purude, that may translate into even more success for the NBA powerhouse that is the Celitcs. Johnson, for his size at 6’10 has great shooting ability and seems to have very nice upside, which was intriguing to the Celtics. Moore also fits well for the Celtics, with his great shooting ability as a 3 point shooter and in the post. There are many that say he isn't and never will be an elite athlete. We will see, but the Celtics receive a B- because both the players they drafted will start out coming off the bench allowing them to have time to further develop their skills and learn from the veterans on the Celtics.

Charlotte Bobcats: A-

Round 1, 7(7) Bismack Biyombo (C)

Round 1, 9(9) Kemba Walker (G)

The Bobcats were one of the biggest winners in this draft. Though 7th pick Biyombo doesn't have all the tools offensively, he can really help on the defensive end. He has great athletic ability, and should be scary to guard in the paint or at least intimidating. The Charlotte Bobcats’ other draft choice, Kemba Walker has heart and he is a proven winner, winning the NCAA championship last year at the University of Connecticut. Many say that Kemba Walker is undersized, but look at Jason Terry, he's undersized, and helped the Dallas Mavericks win the NBA championship this year. The Bobcats receive an A- because they have added two huge pieces to their puzzle to build a contending team.

Chicago Bulls: C+

Round 1, 23(23) Nikola Mirotic (SF)

Round 1, 30(30) Jimmy Butler (SF)

Mirotic who is not only a monster in the post, but is also a very talented 3 point shooter and simply has great shooting ability all around. Mirotic however, won't be eligible to play for the Bulls until his contract with Real Madrid is over, which is due to be completed after the 2015-2016 season. The Bulls will have to wait on him, so that won't help them any time soon. Chicago Bulls’ other draft choice of the night, Jimmy Butler can help them very much in the near future. The Bulls have been looking for that wing player that can shoot. But that is not the only reason they got Butler, the Bulls like Butler's defense ability, where they are hoping he might be able to guard guys like James. Overall, Bulls deserve a C+ because Butler although very talented, won't be a game-changer for the Bulls to be contenders this year. Mirotic certainly won't be helping them next season, as he is still under contract with Real Madrid, but they do get value later in the years..

Cleveland Cavilers: A

Round 1, 1(1) Kyrie Irving (PG)

Round 1, 4(4) Tristan Thompson (PF)

Round 2, 24(54) Milan Macvan (PF)

Kyrie Irving is a fantastic player who has great potential to be an all-star. They could have taken Derrick Williams, but they wanted a point guard and then a forward. Drafting Thompson overall was a very questionable call. Thompson is a great rebounder and all, but the Cavs instead could have gotten a very good center in Jonas Valanciunas, and it remains very strange why they took Thompson over him. On the upside in the second round the Cavs got a steal with Macvan. Macvan doesn't have great size, but he is a leader, and has a great basketball IQ. Although the Thompson pick remains a very questionable call, the Cavs get an A with 2 very outstanding players, and a steal at 54.

Dallas Mavericks: B

No Picks

The Mavericks drafted Jordan Hamilton at 26 in the draft. In a three way trade with the Blazers and Nuggets, the Mavericks traded Hamilton for Rudy Fernandez. I am not high on two year pro Fernandez, but many believe he is better then the raw, but talented Hamitlon. The Mavericks got the better of that deal so they come out of the draft with a B.

Denver Nuggets: C

Round 1, 22(22) Kenneth Faried

Round 1, 26(26) Jordan Hamilton

Round 2, 26(56) Chukwudiebere Maduabum

Kenneth Faried has no offensive game, but has tremendous defensive skills. He has a great vertical, and knows how to rebound, even at 6’6. Faried dropped to 22 because of his poor offensive skills, and was overlooked, but the Nuggets got a good steal there. Hamilton is a great scorer, but where on the Nuggets does he fit in? The Nuggets have Wilson Chandler and Danillo Gallinari at small forward. The Nuggets’ last pick at 26 in the 2nd round was Maduabum, who has great defense ability, but not much offense. Because the Nuggets drafted two guys who can't score on offense and got rid of Raymond Felton for Jordan Hamilton they deserve a C.

Detriot Pistons: A-

Round 1, 8(8) Brandon Knight (PG)

Round 2, 3(33) Kyle Singler (SF)

Round 2, 22(52) Vernon Macklin (PF)

First, Brandon Knight was supposed to be a top five pick, so for him to drop to the Pistons at 8 overall, was a huge steal for the Pistons. Knight has all the tools to succeed in the NBA, as he can shoot, play defense, and run the floor. Kyle Singler was an NCAA fan favorite. Singler is very tough, and a great outside shooter, who can be a very big threat when on the floor. Lastly, Vernon Macklin is a finisher, especially around the basket and inside the paint.  The Pistons, during the draft, picked the best available player each time around, which turned out to be a great draft for them. I give them an A-.

Golden State Warriors: B

Round 1, 11(11) Klay Thompson (SG)

Round 1, 9(39) Jeremy Tyler (PF)

Round 2, 14(44) Charles Jenkins (PG)

Klay Thompson is a major threat with his shooting ability, but don't the Warriors have enough shooters (Dorrel Wright, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis)? I would have thought they would have instead taken Kawhi Leonard, but Klay Thompson is a very good player, and should still do well with the Warriors. Jeremy Tyler is a huge question mark. He skipped high school and college and lacks maturity on and off the court. Tyler can play well in the post, which is Mark Jackson's style of coaching. Charles Jenkins was another great pick in the second round. Although Jenkins is undersized, he can penetrate, shoot the ball, and is very well built. The Warriors now have a very good guard off the bench who can score. I liked what the Warriors did here, as they got needs that can help the struggling team grow to being contenders this upcoming season, so I give them a B.

Houston Rockets:B-

Round 1, 14(14) Marcus Morris (PF)

Round 1, 20(20) Dontas Motiejunas (PF)

Round 2, 8(38) Chandler Parsons (SF)

The Rockets didn't select needs, or best player available during their draft. Marcus Morris, a power forward, is most likely going to be used to play small forward. Kawhi Leonard was still available and would have been a better pick for the Rockets there. Dontas Motiejunas was a solid pick, he has the potential to be a decent threat to other teams, as he can hit mid range jumpers consistently. The reason why I do like this pick is because the Timberwolves traded Johnny Flynn and Motiejunas to the Rockets for very high priced Brad Miller and Nikola Mirotic. With getting rid of Miller, Motiejunas was a good fit for the Rockets. This was also the reason the Rockets didn't draft a point guard, because they were able to get Flynn. Chandler Parsons, the last pick for the Rockets has potential, but no one has seen it in Florida, so what makes you think he will do well in the NBA? Rockets get a B- because I liked the trade, but they could have done better for their first and second round selections.

Indiana Pacers: D+

No Picks

The Pacers drafted Kawhi Leonard for the 15th pick of the draft. He was then traded right away for George Hill. I still don't understand this one by the Pacers. In some mock drafts, people had Leonard going seventh overall. He fell to 15, and the Pacers trade him? Not a smart decision there, and not a good draft for the Pacers, so they receive a D+.

Los Angeles Clippers: C

Round 2, 7(37) Trey Thompkins (PF)

Round 2, 17(47) Travis Leslie (SG)

Looking back at the Baron Davis/Mo Williams trade, the Clippers gave up their first round pick to the Cavilers, in what turned out to be the first pick overall. The Clippers could have had Kyrie Irving instead of Mo Williams. The Clippers’ first selection Thompkins, has all the tools to be a very good NBA player, but he hasn't used all his tools properly. He can shoot, dribble, score around the rim, and block shots. But at times he doesn’t use those tools to the best of his ability. Travis Leslie is very athletic for a shooting guard. He is a great penetrator, who can really finish around the hoop. Looking back at the Cavilers trade, the Clippers can only receive a C with what they got out of this draft. They drafted 2 solid second round picks, but that won't help them much, as they missed out on Irving.

Los Angeles Lakers: C-

Round 2, 11(41) Darius Morris (PG)

Round 2, 16(46) Andrew Goudelock (SG)

Round 2, 28(58) Ater Majok (PF)

Darius Morris is a very good shooter, with decent defense, but he always seems inconsistent and turns the ball over many times. Andrew Goudelock is undersized, but has great range shooting from behind the arc. The Lakers last pick Ater Majok, is just a giant question mark. Who is he? I am pretty sure there were better players left over Ater Majok. Overall, the Lakers get a C- because they didn't do much in this draft. None of these players will be of much help off the bench.

Memphis Grizzles: B+

Round 2, 19(49) Josh Selby (PG)

Without a 1st round pick, the Grizzles were able to get lottery talent in Josh Selby. Although he didn't play his best in his last season with Kansas, watching some of his highlights can sometimes give you goose bumps. He has great defense, and knows how to penetrate and create plays. Selby can be a factor for the Grizzlies in the playoffs next season, when they also get back Rudy Gay. Drafting possibly the steal of the draft, Memphis gets a B+ for drafting Selby at the 49.

Miami Heat: B+

Round 1 28(28) Norris Cole (PG)

The Miami Heat had one need in the draft. They had only one pick in the draft, and they used it to draft point guard Norris Cole. Cole has a high basketball IQ, and will need it if he wants to properly control the floor filled with all stars. You can't go wrong with this pick, so the Heat deserve a B+.

Milwaukee Bucks: A-

Round 1, 19(19) Tobias Harris (PF)

Round 2, 10(40) Jon Leuer (PF)

Before the draft, the Bucks made a trade getting rid of Corey Magette, John Salmons, and the 10th overall pick of the draft (Jimmer Fredette). They added Stephen Jackson, Beno Udrih, Shaun Livingston, and the 19th overall pick (Tobias Harris). With that, the Bucks got much better as they added what most say, the best player in the trade, Stephen Jackson. Yes Jimmer Mania, Jackson right now is better then Jimmer. Jimmer may have been a great college player, but there are serious questions whether that will translate into NBA success. Tobias Harris is a great team player with a great IQ. He can shoot mid range jumpers consistently, and falls really well in the Bucks system. Another decent pick, Jon Leuer, Leuer was a fan favorite in the NCAA, who is 7 feet tall, can shoot from long range, creates plays off his dribble, and has a great IQ. He reminds me of Dirk Nowitzki. With that, the Bucks deserve a lot of credit in this draft, changing up their whole team for the better, so they get an A-.

Minnesota Timberwolves: B+

Round 1, 2(2) Derrick Williams (F)

Round 2, 13(43) Malcolm Lee (PG)

Round 2, 27(57) Targuy Ngambo (SF)

The Timberwolves got arguably the best player in the draft in Derrick Williams. Williams was outstanding during Arizona's March Madness run. He can do anything you want him to do, end of story. Many believe he will be an all-star two years into the league. Malcolm Lee is a great defender, especially around the perimeter. He is big for point guard, but he can also play the shooting guard position. After getting rid of Johnny Flynn, and adding Rubio to their team, Malcolm Lee will most likely be coming off the bench. Brad Miller was traded to T-Wolves in the trade with the Rockets. Targuy Ngombo was selected at the 57th selection. Who is he, how do you pronounce his name, where is he from, and how did he get into the draft? Pretty sure there were better players then Ngombo. Anyway, T-Wolves got two NBA ready players, Brad Miller, and a no name, so they get a B+.

New Jersey Nets: B+

Round 1, 25(25) Marshon Brooks (PG)

Round 2, 1(31) Bojan Bogdanovic (SF)

Round 2, 6(36) Jordan Williams (C)

First, Marshon Brooks has great talent, and can possibly be another steal in the draft.  He is a great rebounder, with a very impressive wingspan, who can be a huge spark off the bench for the Nets. Bogdanovic is a great shooter in mid range, and from what has been reported, he has had a great year in Europe. Jordan Williams was a must need for the Nets. He is very strong and physical around the basket, and can bring some light to the Nets. Nets drafted solid players to help them rebuild their team, getting them a B+.

New Orleans Hornets: C-

No Picks

Last year, the Hornets made a trade with the Blazers and received Jerryd Bayless. They then gave him up to the Raptors for Jarrett Jack. The Hornets lost their 19th pick, which was Tobias Harris. Who would you rather, Jarret Jack or Tobias Harris? Hornets made a mistake there, so they get a C-, for making no picks, and losing out on a good player, Tobias Harris.

New York Knicks: C

Round 1, 17(17) Iman Shumpert (PG)

Round 2, 15(45) Josh Harrelson (C)

The Knicks went for defense in this draft. Shumpert was arguably the best perimeter defender in the draft, who is very strong and athletic, and can get to the rim and finish. He hasn't proved he can shoot the ball, but does have the ability, and if he does finally prove it, Shumpert can be the steal of the draft. Josh Harrelson is the Knicks big man, in which they needed more then anything. He has gotten compared to David Lee with his rebounding skills and hard work. The Knicks get a C in the draft because they took unproven players. Hopefully in a few years that can change.

Oklahoma City Thunder: B

Round 1, 24(24) Reggie Jackson (PG)

Jackson has improved over the last few years at Boston College, now hitting his jump shots. He sees the floor well, and has a very big wingspan, and can leap very high. But where does Jackson fit in? The Thunder have Russell Westbrook and Eric Maynor as their two guards. Oklahoma took the best player on the board at 24, we'll see how that plays out. For now they receive a B with drafting Jackson, whom will be an explosive player coming off the bench.

Orlando Magic: B-

Round 2, 2(32) Justin Harper (PF)

Round 2, 23(53) DeAnde Liggins (SG)

Justin Harper is a great shooter, who can really stretch the floor and has quick speed for a forward. He could come off the bench and be a big spark with some three balls. DeAndre Liggins is a solid shooter, but most of all, a very good defender who can guard arguably anyone. I don't think these picks will have a major impact on convincing Dwight Howard to stay, but they are solid picks in the second round, so they get a B-.

Philadelphia 76ers: C

Round 1, 16(16) Nikola Vucivic (C)

Round 2, 20(50) Lavoy Allen (PF)

The 76ers went for needs in this draft going for height. Vucivic is 6’11 and has a great IQ for the game and had the best size in the draft. He has range from beyond the perimeter, but he is consistent with his mid range game. Lavoy Allen, 6’9, on the other hand was a question mark with the 50th pick of the draft. He is very inconsistent, and all he really has to his repertoire is rebounding.  The 76ers drafted needs, but didn't really improve their team for next season. We will have to see what the 76ers do with Andre Iguodala, but for now, the 76ers get a C for this draft.

Phoenix Suns: B-

Round 1, 13(13) Markieff Morris (PF)

Markieff Morris is a great defender, and knows how to finish around the rim. Many people say Marcus (his twin brother) is better then Markieff. Markieff however has as stronger defensive game, and fits the Suns system because of his defense abilities. Marcus is a better scorer, and would help teams more on offense. I do think the Suns are a family first team maybe, as they now have Taylor Griffin (brother of Blake), Robin Lopez (brother of Brook), and now Markieff Morris (brother of Marcus). Anyway, Markieff can really help the Suns on defense, and is a good fit for their system, so the Suns receive a B-.

Portland Trail Balzers: B

Round 1, 21(21) Nolan Smith (SG)

Round 2, 21(51) Jon Diebler (SG)

The Blazers had a lot of action last night including a trade to get Raymond Felton by giving up Rudy Fernandez. Felton is a good fit for the Blazers, and Fernandez seemed to never work up to his potential. Felton also wanted to start, which he should be doing in Portland. The Blazers took fan favorites for their two picks. Nolan Smith is a very good sixth man, who also has excellent defensive skills. Reggie Jackson or Marshon Brooks however, would have been a better selection over Nolan Smith. Jon Diebler can really help the Blazers, as they have a great shooting team already like Wesley Matthews. Diebler shot 50% from down town, and could also be a steal of the draft. Blazers get a B for acquiring Felton and getting players that can help off the bench who are already mature and winners.

Sacremento Kings: A-

Round 1, 10(10) Jimmer Fredette (PG)

Round 2, 5(35) Tyler Honeycutt (SF)

Round 2 30(60) Isiah Thomas (PG)

Jimmer is a big help and great fit for the Kings with his shooting ability and raw talent. The Kings don't have a consistent guy who can score from beyond the perimeter. Beno Udrih was traded to get Jimmer, so he will have to try and replace Udrih, which many believe he can. Tyler Honeycutt dropped all the way to the 35th pick in the draft, and was a very good pickup in the second round. He has a great IQ, and is an unselfish player. Isiah Thomas the second point guard drafted by the Kings, is very tough for his size and knows how to get to the basket strong. He can be very good off the bench as well. The Kings added pieces to help their team, but they aren't there yet. I give them an A- for at least improving from the poor team they were last year.

San Antonio Spurs: A-

Round 1, 15(15) Kawhi Leonard (SF)

Round 1 29(29) Cory Joseph (PG)

Round 2, 12(42) Davis Bertans (SF)

Round 2, 29(59) Adam Hanga (SG)

The Spurs had to give up George Hill for Kawhi Leonard, which was a very good move for the Spurs. Leonard was projected to be a top 10 player, but fell to the Spurs at 15. Cory Joseph was taken a little bit early, but for a point guard, he is very good at driving to the basket and penetrating the defense to get there. Davis Bertans is a very good shooter, but you won't be seeing him around Sacramento just yet, as he still is playing in Europe to develop. Adam Hanga was another pick where you thought there were much better players out there. I really liked the trade to get Leonard and Bertans, so I give the Spurs A- for getting Leonard so late, for literally nothing (George Hill).

Toronto Raptors: A-

Round 1, 5(5) Jonas Valanciunas (C)

With the Raptors only selection, they took Jonas Valanciunas, a guy who everyone thought would be going to the Cavilers with the 4th pick. Raptors needed size, and were able to add it with Valanciunas at 6’11, who can really run the floor for a big man. He also has a great IQ, is a great rebounder, and is a good shot blocker. Raptors got a guy who they thought wouldn't be there at pick 5, and took him. They get an A- for snatching up big man Jonas Valanciunas.

Utah Jazz: A

Round 1, 3(3) Enes Kanter (C)

Round 1, 12(12) Alec Burks (SG)

Everything Enes Kanter does is impressive, he has all the tools to be the best center in the league, over Dwight Howard. He is an amazing rebounder, but the most impressive thing is that he can shoot from down town. Dwight Howard cannot. Alec Burks was also a very good pick, going 12th overall. He knows how to get to the hoop strong and he can finish. The only problem with Burks is that he needs to polish his shooting skills. If he could do that, his future and the Jazz future looks bright with Derrick Favors and Gordon Heyward who was just drafted last year. Overall, Jazz have a bright future ahead of them, and they deserve credit for taking Kantor over Knight at this point, so they get an A.

Washington Wizards: A+

Round 1, 6(6) Jan Vesley (SF)

Round 1, 12(12) Chris Singleton (F)

Round 2, 14(34) Shelvin Mack (PG)

The Washington Wizards had the best draft of the night. Jan Vesley, if he played in the NCAA, would have been the first pick in the draft. He can shoot, run the floor, and finish at the rim. He will surprise many people with his game next season. Chris Singleton was the best defender in the entire draft. He is a fairly decent shooter, and knows how to finish, especially in transition. Shelvin Mack lead Butler to the finals in the March Madness Tournament last year. He is a winner with strong leadership qualities. He can shoot very well, and also penetrate while looking to make plays. With the Wizards selecting John Wall 1st overall last season, this young Washington Wizards team is going to be very scary in years to come, watch out, Wizards get an A+ in this draft.

 

The Wizards aced the draft, and the Pacers almost failed the draft.

Who do you think won the draft? Top steals? Most one-sided trade?