NBA Draft Grades. Who passed, who failed?

        With the draft all but wrapped up,I decided to give you my post-draft grades. The grading system goes as followed: A+ to B+ is very solid, it filled their needs and/or the talent they selected at that pick was too good to pass up. B to C+ is a solid pick, maybe they made good out of what opportunity presented itself. C to D+ is a pick that maybe did not fit their need, or the talent at that position could have been better. D to D- is a bad pick, but not franchise threatening. Lastly, F. If you received an "F" you made an awful pick and could cost your team or franchise.

Atlanta Hawks Overall Grade: D-
No. 50 Overall: Marcus Erikkson, 6'7", SF, 1993.
No. 59 Overall: Dimitrios Agravanis, Greece, 6'10", PF, 1994.

Boston Celtics Overall Grade: C-
No. 16 Overall: Terry Rozier, Louisville, 6'1", PG/SG, Sophomore.
No. 28 Overall: R.J. Hunter, Georgia State, 6'6", SG, Junior.
No. 33 Overall: Jordan Mickey, LSU, 6'8", PF, Sophomore.
No. 45 Overall: Marcus Thornton, William & Mary, 6'4", SG, Senior.


Charlotte Hornets Overall Grade: C
No. 9 Overall: Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin, 7'1", PF/C, Senior.

Chicago Bulls Overall Grade: A
No. 22 Overall: Bobby Portis, Arkansas, 6'11", PF, Sophomore.


Cleveland Cavaliers Overall Grade: B
No. 31 Overall (Via Trade): Cedi Osman, Macedonia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995.
No. 36 Overall (Via Trade): Rakeem Christmas, Syracuse, 6'10", C, Senior.
No. 53 Overall: Sir'Dominic Pointer, St. John's, 6'6", SF, Senior
.
Dallas Mavericks Overall Grade: C
No. 21 overall: Justin Anderson, Virginia, 6'6", SF, Junior.
No. 52 Overall: Satnam Singh, India, 7'2", C, 1995.

Denver Nuggets Overall Grade: A-
No. 7 Overall: Emmanuel Mudiay, China, 6'5", PG, 1995.
No. 57 Overall: Nikola Radicevic, Serbia, 6'5", PG, 1994.

Detroit Pistons Overall Grade: D
No. 8 Overall: Stanley Johnson, Arizona, 6'6", SF, Freshman.
No. 38 Overall: Darrun Hilliard, Villanova, 6'6", SF, Senior.

Golden State Warriors Overall Grade: B
No. 30 Overall: Kevon Looney, UCLA, 6'9", PF, Freshman.


Houston Rockets Overall Grade: A
No. 18 Overall: Sam Dekker, Wisconsin, 6'9", SF, Junior.
No. 32 Overall: Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 6'8", PF, Junior.


Indiana Pacers Overall Grade: B-
No. 11 Overall: Myles Turner, Texas, 6'11", C, Freshman.
No. 43 Overall: Joseph Young, Oregon, 6'2", SG, Senior.


LA Clippers INCOMPLETE

LA Lakers Overall Grade: A
No. 2 Overall: D'Angelo Russell, Ohio State, 6'5", PG/SG, Freshman.
No. 27 Overall: Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming, 6'8", PF, Senior.
No. 34 Overall: Anthony Brown, Stanford, 6'6", SF, Senior


Memphis Grizzlies Overall Grade: F
No. 25 Overall: Jarell Martin, LSU, 6'10", PF, Sophomore.
No. 44 Overall (Via Trade): Andrew Harrison, Kentucky, 6'6", PG, Sophomore.


Miami Heat Overall Grade: A
No. 10 Overall: Justise Winslow, Duke, 6'6", SF, Freshman.
No. 40 Overall: Josh Richardson, Tennessee, 6'6", SG, Junior.


Milwaukee Bucks Overall Grade: B+
No. 17 Overall: Rashad Vaughn, UNLV, 6'6", SG, Freshman.


Minnesota Timberwolves Overall Grade: A+
No. 1 Overall Karl Anthony-Towns, Kentucky, 6'11" C Freshman.
No. 24 Overall Tyus Jones (Via Trade), Duke, 6'2", PG, Freshman

Portland Trail Blazers Overall Grade: D-
No. 41 Overall (Via Trade): Pat Connaughton, Notre Dame, 6'5", SG, Senior.
No. 54 Overall (Via Trade): Daniel Diez, Spain, 6'8", SF, 1993.

New Orleans Pelicans Overall Grade: C
No. 56 Overall: Branden Dawson, Michigan State, 6'7", SF/PF, Senior.

New York Knicks Overall Grade : B+
No. 4 Overall: Kristaps Porzingis, Latvia, 7'1", PF, 1995.
No. 19 Overall (Via Trade): Jerian Grant, Notre Dame, 6'5", PG, Senior.
No. 35 Overall (Via Trade): Guillermo Hernangomez, Spain, 6'11", C, 1994.


Oklahoma City Thunder Overall Grade: B+
No. 14 Overall: Cameron Payne, Murray State, 6'2", PG, Sophomore.
No. 48 Overall: Dakari Johnson, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Sophomore.


Orlando Magic Overall Grade: B
No. 5 Overall: Mario Hezonja, Croatia, 6'8", SG/SF, 1995.
No. 51 Overall: Tyler Harvey, Eastern Washington, 6'4", Junior, Sophomore.


Philadelphia Sixers Overall Grade : D+
No. 3 Overall: Jahlil Okafor, Duke, 6'11", C, Freshman.
No. 37 Overall: Richaun Holmes, Bowling Green, 6'8", PF, Senior.
No. 47 Overall: Arturuas Gudaitis, Lithuania, 6'10", C, 1993.
No. 58 Overall: J.P. Tokoto, North Carolina, 6'6", SG, Junior.
No. 60 Overall: Luka Mitrovic, Serbia, 6'8", PF, 1993.


Phoenix Suns Overall Grade: A-
No. 13: Devin Booker, Kentucky, 6'6", SG, Freshman.


Brooklyn Nets Overall Grade: B+
No. 23 Overall: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona, 6'7", SF, Sophomore.
No. 29 Overall: Chris McCullough, Syracuse, 6'10", PF, Freshman.
No. 39 overall: Juan Vaulet, Argentina, 6'6", SF, 1996 (trade).


Sacramento Kings Overall Grade: F
No. 6 Overall: Willie Cauley-Stein, Kentucky, 7'0", C, Junior.


San Antonio Spurs Overall Grade: C-
No. 26 Overall: Nikola Milutinov, Serbia, 7'0", C, 1994.
No. 55 Overall: Cady Lalanne, Massachusetts, 6'10", PF/C, Senior.


Toronto Raptors Overall Grade: B+
No. 20 Overall: Delon Wright, Utah, 6'5", PG, Senior.
No. 46 Overall (Via Trade): Norman Powell, UCLA, 6'4", SG, Senior.


Utah Jazz Overall Grade: B+
No. 12 Overall: Trey Lyles, Kentucky, 6'10", PF, Freshman.
No. 42 Overall: Olivier Hanlan, Boston College, 6'4", PG/SG, Junior.


Washington Wizards Overall Grade: A-
No. 15 Overall (Via Trade): Kelly Oubre, Kansas, 6'7", SF, Freshman.
No. 49 Overall: Aaron White, Iowa, 6'9", PF, Senior.

Winners and Losers of the NBA Draft

Atlanta Hawks: Losers

The Hawks had the 15th overall selection and chose Kelly Oubre. Then, they decided to trade him to the Washington Wizards, for Tim Hardaway. I feel they could've gotten more for the 15th selection. There should be more value in that pick, more than just a role player. And, Oubre could have fit well for the Hawks especially the risk of Demarre Carroll and Paul Millsap leaving in Free agency. Oubre could have played the 3 or 4 position for the Hawks.

Boston Celtics: Losers

The Celtics owned the 16, 28, 33 and 45 pick.  They tried to move their picks in multiple ways, either trying to move up to get a shot blocking center or moving down to get more assets which is a loss in itself. Then, to make matters worse, they went with Terry Rozier with their 16th pick. Rozier could have been on the board with their 28th pick. If it wasn't for picking R.J Hunter with the 28th pick and Jordan Mickey with their 33rd, it could have been a catastrophic night for the C's.

Chicago Bulls: Winners

Even though Bobby Portis gives the Bulls a log jam at the 4 spot, they found great value in their pick. Selecting 22 overall. They got a player who has a tremendous motor and drive. He can rebound at a high clip with a developing jumper. With Taj Gibson and Pau Gasol ageing, Portis can eventually come in and replace those two. They also find a player, who if they want, can contribute day one.

Denver Nuggets: Winners

Could Denver finally find their golden nugget? Get it, not funny? Okay. But, the Nuggets drafted Emmanuel Mudiay with the 7th overall pick. He should, replace the immature Ty Lawson from Denver's starting backcourt. Mudiay has a great body who will be able to drive to the basket with efficiency. From a personnel standpoint, the Nuggets are moving in the right direction by drafting high character guys.

Detroit Pistons: Losers

With two solid wings on the board at the 8th pick the Pistons decided to take Stanley Johnson from the University of Arizona. With the talented Justise Winslow on the board still, they took Johnson. The Pistons, if they wanted Johnson, should have flipped spots with Miami to gain more assets in their rebuilding mode. It just simply wasn't a good pick for their only pick.

LA Lakers: Winners

With the Lakers showing dim lights for the future, they started showing some glimmer of light. The second overall pick, the Lakers nabbed the smart, skilled, and playmaker point guard D'Angelo Russell. A good fit and the point guard of the future of the Lakers. Now, with a young rising core in Randle, Clarkson, and Russell, all is going up for the Lakers. Then, they selected an athletic forward in Larry Nance Jr. Lastly, they drafted the sharpshooter in Anthony Brown. Overall, a very good draft for the Lakers.

Memphis Grizzlies: Losers

When you think of the Memphis Grizzlies, you think big men and grit, and they got even more of that. They needed shooting and they didn't get it. Jarell Martin was their selection. He is a power forward from LSU who is tough and a faceup four. I find this a head scratcher because they have Randolph, Stokes, and Koufos. R.J Hunter was still on the board, who is a great shooter and scorer which is what the Grizz need. Then, they selected a D-League bound player in Andrew Harrison. Not a very good draft for Memphis.

Miami Heat: Winners

If I could put this as simple as I could it would be; Justise Winslow fell right into their lap. It was the steal of the draft. I could not believe my eyes when I kept watching Winslow fall. Not only did Winslow fall to the Heat, he fits perfectly for the Miami's needs and talent. Heat need a better wing than Luol Deng, not saying Deng is bad, but he is getting up there in age. Winslow will be able to provide them with plenty of talent and durability. Good all around selection by the Heat.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Winners

Nobody had a better draft than the Timberwolves. Period. With the first overall selection they did not miss. Karl Anthony-Towns is a monster, KAT can play in the paint, out on the perimeter and can block shots. This man is a franchise changer, same with Andrew Wiggins and both are on the same team. Also, the T-Wolves drafted Tyus Jones with the 24th pick. He can be a nice backup to Rubio. Overall, the T-Wolves look like they're in the best position possible in the rebuild process.

New York Knicks: Winners

Many people say that they are big losers, but I see this as a win for the New York Knickerbockers. Kristaps Porzingis is a special talent, Knick fans will eat their hat when they booed him. Standing at 7'1 and a shooting stroke like J.J Redick, he will be a great player in the NBA. The Knicks also picked Jerian Grant from Notre Dame. A big athletic guard who is able to do lots of things on the court. With these selections and Carmelo Anthony coming back, you should see a huge improvement from the Knicks.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Winners

Not only did the Thunder get two solid backup point guards in Luke Ridnour and Cameron Payne, but they're getting everyone healthy for next year. Cameron Payne is a nice point guard who is small in stature but long in length. Payne can play. He reminds me of a very poor mans Steph Curry, he will complement Westbrook very well in Billy Donovan's system. Not only did they get Payne, their season is looking up due to all of their main pieces coming back.

Philadelphia Sixers: Losers

I get the "best player available" concept, but the 76ers are taking that concept too far. With the selection of Jahlil Okafor it brings low post scoring. Hopefully, Embiid gets healthy so the 76ers have a good problem. But, with all the other picks being more big men, that brings up major question marks. This management shows us how rebuilding can go terribly wrong. The best selection I saw from the 76ers on draft night was the selection of J.P Tokoto from North Carolina. Overall, I thought this was a terrible draft by them.

Sacramento Kings: Losers

The only draft pick the Kings had was the 6th pick overall. And did they fail. Willie Cauley-Stein is a tremendous athlete who can guard all five positions. He is also very good defender but nothing else, and i'm not sure that's a good value especially at number 6. The Kings had lots of options to choose, like Winslow and Mudiay. Overall, I thought they could have done a lot better.

Washington Wizards: Winners

Washington picked with the 15th and the 49th pick. They traded up from their 19th15th via trade with the Atlanta Hawks. They selected Kelly Oubre, a big versatile wing from Kansas. He has a chance to be a very good player in the league if he develops how he is supposed to. They were also able to only trade two second round picks to move up in the draft without trading away big assets, such as current players or first round picks. For me, that's a win.

My NBA mock draft review and preview for the NBA draft.

On this podcast I discuss the possible trades, picks, and scenarios that could happen draft night. I will review and explain my mock draft and selections. https://m.soundcloud.com/josh-patterson-34/nba-draft-preview-and

2015 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 Lottery Edition

The 2015 NBA Draft is coming up in a matter of days and all NBA teams are excited to get going. Most teams are still arguing and debating on who they should select, but I believe I know what teams are doing. Mock Drafts are like guessing a number 1-4 in my belief, you usually have about a 25% chance of getting your selection on each pick. So, here is my first and only Mock Draft of the 2015 NBA draft.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns

The big, athletic, and imposing 6’11” Center from Kentucky is everything you want out of today’s NBA. He has flawless physical tools and an Inside-out offensive game. He also possesses the highest ceiling in the 2015 Draft class. He is my favorite player in this draft due to his remarkable game that he already has, and also the potential he already brings. He fits perfectly with the Wolves because he can replace the offensive minded Center in Nikola Pekovic and bring much needed shot blocking and rim protection.

  2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor

   

            Same with KAT, the imposing, 6’11” Center from Duke University is an offensive low post beast. He has some areas where he struggles, like; Free Throw shooting,  just shooting jumpers in general, and his mediocre defense are all areas of concern. I don’t like Okafor for those reasons. according to many analytics, his game is very inefficient. But, positive things about Okafor are; low post skills, big physical body, and upside. Also, his comparison player is Al Jefferson. Okafor is not my favorite player, because he is lacking on pick and roll defense and rim protection. I still think the Lakers pick him.

3. Philadelphia 76ers: Kristaps Porzingis

   

Porzingis is an interesting prospect. He stands at 7’1” as a stretch-shooting four. He is tough prospect to evaluate, he is a great prospect and talent. During workouts he wowed the scouts with his shooting touch and physical measurables. I feel he is the second best player in the draft, and quite frankly, I have a man crush on him.. My NBA comparison is Kevin Durant. Long, lanky with a shooting touch. And If he is like Kevin Durant, watch out! He fits with the 76ers varly well. put him besides Embiid and/or Noel and it's a perfect match.

4. New York Knicks: D'angelo Russell

Low and behold, the point guard who fits the Triangle System perfectly. The 6’5” point guard from Ohio State is just that. He has great physical tools including his length. Some of his strengths include; Scoring ability, Passing, and he has a certain swagger about him. He will be able to be the Knicks perimeter scorer and an outside shooting threat which fits perfectly in the Triangle. His passing ability will be a great asset as well.

5. Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja

The confident maybe cocky 6’8 guard/forward has tremendous game and will fill the Magic’s need for a wing. With his physical tools such as his height and weight, he will be able to adapt to the NBA quite well. He is a good shooter and scorer with potential to become a solid scorer in the NBA. His downfall is his attitude and over confidence. But, he will be able to grow under an already young developing team.

6.  Sacramento Kings: Emmanuel Mudiay

If you told me that Mudiay would be drafted at number 6 this time last year, I would have said “man that dude really would have to slip!” and I was right. Mudiay has fell quite a bit. But, the 6’5” 200 pound point guard is a physical specimen who can drive the lane and finish in contact. being in China helped me understand what kind of person he is. He literally was thrown into a wolf cage. And he survived it. Some downfalls to Mudiay’s game is his poor shot and his below average passing IQ. He will be fine on the Defensive end due to his body, just like Exum was this year.

7. Denver Nuggets: Justise Winslow

Honestly, I have no idea what the Nuggets are doing, and I’m sure no one else knows either. But, with the players who have been selected, Justise Winslow is the best player available and also a pretty good fit for the Nugget’s needs. Winslow his a big body standing at 6’7” and 222 pounds. He will be a viable perimeter defender and also a decent shooter. My player comparison is Demarre Carroll. Winslow has great intangibles and is versatile. If he is able to live up to that, then I expect him to be a good player down the road.

8. Detroit Pistons: Sam Dekker

    Who’s the best defender on Sam Dekker? Bo Ryan. With Kyle Singler and Greg Monroe in free agency, I expect the wing/forward to be taken. Dekker has a very versatile game on both ends. He will be able to knock down a 3 and slash in the lane. And on the defensive end he can guard a 3 and the 4. With that, he will be able to complement Dummond with stretching the floor if he plays the power forward spot. I expect them to reach a little bit to get Dekker.

9. Charlotte Hornets: Devin Booker

Charlotte needs shooting, and the best shooter in this draft is Booker. With his 6’6” frame and 206 pound body he can adjust to the NBA pretty well. With a sweet shooting stroke he will be in the NBA for a long time. He isn’t very good with coming off screens and spot ups, which is where he needs to get better. Booker has a good feel for the game knowing when he should take shots and when he shouldn’t. Being 18 he has a long time to get better.

10. Miami Heat: Stanley Johnson

The big, physical and tall forward out of Arizona stands at 6’7” and weighs in at 242 pounds. Johnson’s physical tools are untouchable. He will be perfect for the small ball style of play that is taking over the league. His scoring ability will be his second best asset behind his physical ability. Unlike what most people say, he isn’t that athletic, he does not have above-the-rim athleticism. But, with going to the Heat, we will know if Johnson can make it in the NBA or not.

11. Indiana Pacers: Willie Cauley-Stein

Cauley-Stein has crazy physical tools. He is a superb athlete who can switch out and guard a point guard, or he stay home rim protect and block shots with his 7’1” 242 pound frame. He is a ravenous offensive rebounder who gets most of his points doing just that. His offensive game needs work, A LOT of work. He struggles at the free throw line and anywhere besides the restricted area. He fits Indiana because he can back up Hibbert and gives the Pacers a second rim protector off the bench.

12. Utah Jazz: Myles Turner

With a huge 7’0” 239 pound frame, Turner is a perfect match for the Jazz. Turner needs development time, which the Jazz are willing to give. Turner has the ability to stretch the floor and will be a hand and glove fit with either Gobert or Favors. He has a 9’4” standing reach so he can block shots for being a forward or center. Some downsides to Turner is his running. Yes, that may sound weird but the kid can not run right he looks awkward when doing it and almost looks unathletic when running. The Jazz should be willing to take that chance.

13. Phoenix Suns: Frank Kaminsky

Frank the Tank is finally taken off the board. Kaminsky scares me as a viewer because the whole offense is built around him, and that’s not what he will do in the NBA. He is slow on his feet and is mediocre at best on the defensive end. Kaminsky does bring you a lot of other things though, he can hit the 3 ball and has a good feel for the game. He will be able to fit with Phoenix with him being a 4/5 and gives them depth in the frontcourt. If Morris comes out, he can come in, if Plumlee or Len come out, he can come in.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder: Cameron Payne

The small in stature point guard Cameron Payne stands at 6’2 and weighs 183 pounds . He can do it on both ends. He is a high volume scorer who can shoot outside and can slash the lane. Payne also has a tremendous feel for the game like none other. He finds the right spaces on the floor and exploits them. For how small he is, he has tremendous defensive instincts, he can anticipate the ball and where it will go. He can back up Westbrook very nicely in OKC and fills a void in their roster.

    I hope you enjoyed the deep dig of the lottery.Now, I will just give a regular mock draft, no description.

15. Atlanta Hawks:Trey Lyles PF 6’10” Kentucky

16. Boston Celtics: Bobby Portis PF 6’11 Arkansas

17 Milwaukee Bucks: Kelly Oubre SF 6’7” Kansas

18. Houston Rockets: Delon Wright PG 6’6” Utah

19: Washington Wizards: R.J Hunter SG 6’6” Georgia State

20. Toronto Raptors: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson SF 6’7” Arizona

21: Dallas Mavericks: Tyus Jones PG 6’2” Duke

22. Chicago Bulls: Jerian Grant PG 6’4” Notre Dame

23. Portland Trail Blazers: Kevon Looney PF 6’9” UCLA

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Rashad Vaughn SG 6’5” UNLV

25. Memphis Grizzlies:  Jarell Martin PF 6’9” LSU

26. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Anderson SF 6’6 Virginia

27.  LA Lakers: Jonathan Holmes PF 6’9” Texas

28. Boston Celtics: Montrezl Harrell PF 6’8” Louisville

29. Brooklyn Nets: Chris McCullough PF 6’9” Syracuse

30. Golden State Warriors: Terry Rozier PG 6’2” Louisville

 

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