SHAQAVELLI
We Are Penn State
SAN ANTONIO SPURS GRADE: B+
Round 1: James Anderson (20)
Round 2: Ryan Richards (49)
Analysis: The Spurs always seem to find a way to grab some bargains. This time, they get one of the most dominant scorers and NBA-ready players in the draft, as a hamstring injury limited Anderson's ability to work out and caused him to fall to San Antonio, where he could get minutes at the 2 immediately.
Richards is more of a project. He wowed everyone in workouts but has limited experience playing at a high level. I expect the Spurs to send him to the D-League for a year just to get some games under his belt.
TORONTO RAPTORS GRADE: B+
Round 1: Ed Davis (13)
Round 2: Solomon Alabi (50, obtained from Dallas)
Analysis: The Raptors were trying like crazy to move up in the draft only to have a consensus top-eight pick fall into their laps at No. 13. With Chris Bosh likely out the door, Davis is a solid replacement. He doesn't have any of the offensive talents of Bosh, but he is a long, athletic big man who will crash the boards and run the floor. He needs to bulk up, but eventually he and Andrea Bargnani should complement each other nicely in the frontcourt.
Alabi appears to be a steal for the Raptors. He slid after teams became concerned about a medical report from the NBA draft combine. But his camp said that teams misunderstood the situation and he'll be fine. If he is, the Raptors stole a 7-foot shot-blocker in the late second round.
UTAH JAZZ GRADE: B
Round 1: Gordon Hayward (9)
Round 2: Jeremy Evans (55)
Analysis: GM Kevin O'Connor agonized over whom to take at No. 9. Utah's target had been Greg Monroe, but the Pistons took him at No. 7, leaving the Jazz to decide between a group of players they felt were pretty even.
In the end, Hayward won out. The Jazz needed a wing since Kyle Korver is hitting the free-agent market, and they believed that of all the players left on the board, Hayward has the most upside. His versatility, basketball IQ and defensive ability convinced O'Connor that he can be a star, though to reach his full potential, Hayward will have to rediscover the shooting stroke he had as a college freshman. If he does, he could be special.
As for Evans, his playing weight in college was 190 pounds, which is very slight for a power forward. He's put on weight in recent weeks while training with Tim Grover, but even this far down in the draft, he seems like a stretch.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS GRADE: A-
Round 1: John Wall (1), Kevin Seraphin (17, obtained from Chicago; pending completion of deal), Trevor Booker (23, obtained from Minnesota)
Round 2: Hamady N'diaye (56, obtained from Minnesota)
Analysis: The Wizards are counting on Wall to save the franchise, and he has the talent to do it. Wall is a special athlete who plays under control even at full speed, a fearless player in clutch situations, and a good floor leader. He needs to improve his jump shot and cut down on his turnovers, but he was made for the NBA.
Seraphin, a big, physical forward who is still learning to play offense, will come to the Wizards as part of the Hinrich trade when the deal is completed in July. Booker is another tough guy who likes to bang in the paint.
Overall, the Wizards added speed and toughness to a roster full of young players (and Gilbert Arenas). Washington won't be great next season, but given time, Wall has the talent to lead the team to a championship.
Round 1: James Anderson (20)
Round 2: Ryan Richards (49)
Analysis: The Spurs always seem to find a way to grab some bargains. This time, they get one of the most dominant scorers and NBA-ready players in the draft, as a hamstring injury limited Anderson's ability to work out and caused him to fall to San Antonio, where he could get minutes at the 2 immediately.
Richards is more of a project. He wowed everyone in workouts but has limited experience playing at a high level. I expect the Spurs to send him to the D-League for a year just to get some games under his belt.
TORONTO RAPTORS GRADE: B+
Round 1: Ed Davis (13)
Round 2: Solomon Alabi (50, obtained from Dallas)
Analysis: The Raptors were trying like crazy to move up in the draft only to have a consensus top-eight pick fall into their laps at No. 13. With Chris Bosh likely out the door, Davis is a solid replacement. He doesn't have any of the offensive talents of Bosh, but he is a long, athletic big man who will crash the boards and run the floor. He needs to bulk up, but eventually he and Andrea Bargnani should complement each other nicely in the frontcourt.
Alabi appears to be a steal for the Raptors. He slid after teams became concerned about a medical report from the NBA draft combine. But his camp said that teams misunderstood the situation and he'll be fine. If he is, the Raptors stole a 7-foot shot-blocker in the late second round.
UTAH JAZZ GRADE: B
Round 1: Gordon Hayward (9)
Round 2: Jeremy Evans (55)
Analysis: GM Kevin O'Connor agonized over whom to take at No. 9. Utah's target had been Greg Monroe, but the Pistons took him at No. 7, leaving the Jazz to decide between a group of players they felt were pretty even.
In the end, Hayward won out. The Jazz needed a wing since Kyle Korver is hitting the free-agent market, and they believed that of all the players left on the board, Hayward has the most upside. His versatility, basketball IQ and defensive ability convinced O'Connor that he can be a star, though to reach his full potential, Hayward will have to rediscover the shooting stroke he had as a college freshman. If he does, he could be special.
As for Evans, his playing weight in college was 190 pounds, which is very slight for a power forward. He's put on weight in recent weeks while training with Tim Grover, but even this far down in the draft, he seems like a stretch.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS GRADE: A-
Round 1: John Wall (1), Kevin Seraphin (17, obtained from Chicago; pending completion of deal), Trevor Booker (23, obtained from Minnesota)
Round 2: Hamady N'diaye (56, obtained from Minnesota)
Analysis: The Wizards are counting on Wall to save the franchise, and he has the talent to do it. Wall is a special athlete who plays under control even at full speed, a fearless player in clutch situations, and a good floor leader. He needs to improve his jump shot and cut down on his turnovers, but he was made for the NBA.
Seraphin, a big, physical forward who is still learning to play offense, will come to the Wizards as part of the Hinrich trade when the deal is completed in July. Booker is another tough guy who likes to bang in the paint.
Overall, the Wizards added speed and toughness to a roster full of young players (and Gilbert Arenas). Washington won't be great next season, but given time, Wall has the talent to lead the team to a championship.
