NBA Draft Grades

Portland and Memphis were two of the most active teams on draft night as they wheeled and dealed. However, they were also the big winner on draft night, earning the two highest grades. The following is a look at the NBA draft grades.

Atlanta- Shelden Williams, PF, Duke (# 5), Solomon Jones, C, South Florida (# 33)

The Hawks’ pick was known for months before the draft. Atlanta had promised Shelden Williams that he would be their selection before the NBA draft lottery. Williams is an outstanding rebounder and shotblocker who is a warrior inside. Williams has excellent strength as he bench pressed 185 pounds 25 times, second best in the Orlando pre-draft camp. He is a hard worker who has good low post moves and has worked hard to improve his foot work. Williams is a good low post scorer who needs to expand his range and away from the basket game. He does a good job of drawing fouls and has worked hard to improve his touch from the free throw line. The Hawks did not have a player on their roster who averaged more than eight rebounds, so Williams will be a good fix on the boards. The Hawks could have traded down in the draft and still got Williams, but there was talk that Minnesota or Boston might grab the former Duke standout. Solomon Jones is a thin active big man who made the Portsmouth Invitational All-Tournament team. He needs to continue to add strength to his frame, although he did put on eight pounds since Portsmouth. The Florida native is a good shotblocker who runs the floor well. He is a project who could pay off, but needs added bulk before he is ready to bang with stronger players in the NBA. GRADE C+

Boston- Rajon Rondo, PG, Kentucky (# 21, acquired from Phoenix), Leon Powe, PF, California (# 49, acquired from Denver)

The Celtics dealt Dan Dickau, Raef LaFrentz and the draft rights to Randy Foye to Portland for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and a second-round pick in 2008. Telfair started the 2005-06 season strong, but an injury caused him to lose time behind Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack. With GM John Nash, the one who pushed for Telfair, no longer in charge, the TrailBlazers felt that the time was right to ship Telfair. His arrival will allow Delonte West to move to shooting guard at times. The Cletics added more point guard depth in Rajon Rondo, who they acquired for a future first round pick along with Brian Grant from Phoenix. Rondo is one of the top athletes in this year’s draft. He has excellent quickness who can get to the hoop against most defenders. Rondo has big hands and is a good leaper. He needs to improve his outside shot and touch from the free throw line after shooting just 27.3% from three-point range and 57.1% from the line to keep opposing teams honest. Rondo needs to add strength to his frame. Both Telfair and Rondo are small point guards who struggle with their shooting. Leon Powe was acquired for a future second-round pick from Denver. Powe is a strong physical player who is a bit undersized. However, he has a 7-2 wingspan, which allows him to play bigger than expected. He suffered an ACL injury as a junior in high school and then reinjured it toward the end of his freshman year, causing him to miss the entire 2004-05 season. Powe missed the first month of the 2005-06 season with a stress fracture. He needs to continue to expand his outside game. Teams were concerned about his medical condition, which caused him to slide to the second round. He is a hard worker who is tough inside. GRADE B-

Charlotte- Adam Morrison, SF, Gonzaga (# 3), Ryan Hollins, C, UCLA (# 50)

Adam Morrison gives the Bobcats a needed scoring weapon as they did not have a player on their roster score 16 or more points per game and they finished last in the NBA in scoring. Morrison led the country in scoring and was either co-Player of the Year or runner-up to Duke’s J. J. Redick. Morrison is a scorer in a draft that lacks many pure point producers. Morrison makes and is not afraid to take big shots. He made a big improvement as a three-point shooter this season, making 42.8% from three-point range up from 31.1% as a sophomore. Morrison is a good catch and release shooter with a quick release. He has a variety of offensive moves and is not afraid to go the hoop. Morrison needs to get stronger and be a better rebounder. Ryan Hollins is an athletic big man who runs the floor well and also competed on the UCLA track and field team in the high jump, triple jump and long jump. However, he has never averaged more than seven points and five rebounds per game in a season, although he did score in double figures in five of the six Bruin NCAA Tournament games. Hollins needs to add strength and improve his offensive game. His size and athleticism makes him intriguing, but he needs more seasoning. GRADE B+

Chicago- Tyrus Thomas, PF, LSU (# 4 overall, acquired from Portland), Thabo Sefolosha, SF, Switzerland (# 13, acquired from Philadelphia)

The Bulls acquired the rights to two players that they had targeted in draft day deals. They received the draft rights to Tyrus Thomas and Viktor Khryapa, who started 53 games for Portland and averaged 5.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge. Thomas is one of the top athletes in the draft. Thomas redshirted as a freshman and emerged this year as one of the top players in college basketball after being an unheralded high school recruit. Thomas is an outstanding shotblocker and rebounder. He is an explosive player with good leaping ability. He is still raw on the offensive end, but played guard early in his career before a growth spurt. This means that he could play some small forward. He needs to add strength to handle the stronger power forwards of the NBA. The Bulls were concerned that Utah would draft Thabo Sefolosha as the 14th pick, so they engineered a deal with Philadelphia to deal the draft rights to #16 pick Rodney Carney, a 2007 second-round pick and cash considerations. Sefolosha is considered the top foreign wing prospects. He is considered a good ballhandler and passer who is effective in the open court. Sefolosha is a good athlete who can finish around the basket. He needs to get stronger and his ballhandling. He gives the smallish Bulls’ backcourt some needed size. GRADE A-.

Cleveland- Shannon Brown, SG, Michigan State (# 25), Daniel Gibson, PG, Texas (# 42) Ejike Ugboaja, F, Nigeria (# 55)

The Cavaliers added some much needed athleticism with their top two selections. Shannon Brown is one of the best athletes in the draft with outstanding leaping ability. He is a bit undersized at the shooting guard spot and lacks the playmaking skills to play point guard, but his athleticism should allow to him to play the two spot in the pros. Brown has excellent strength and has improved as an outside threat. He has big hands and is a good defender. Daniel Gibson had been mentioned as a possible Cleveland first round pick. He played both guard spots in college and some scouts questioned his playmaking skills. Gibson needs to cut down on his turnovers at the point guard spot. He is more effective in an open court situation. He is a good, but not great athlete who needs to improve his shooting touch. Ejike Ugboaja is considered a raw athlete who is a good rebounder and defender. He is expected to spend some time overseas to gain seasoning. GRADE A.  

Dallas- Maurice Ager, SG, Michigan State (# 28)

The Mavericks added backcourt depth with the selection of Maurice Ager, who is a good athlete who improved his scoring each season at Michigan State. He is effective in both an open court or half court situation. He has good shooting range and can get to the hoop. Ager is a bit undersized at the shooting guard spot and has not spent significant time at point guard. The Mavericks might deal Marquis Daniels this offseason, so Ager is a good insurance policy. Dallas traded Danilo Pinnock to the Los Angeles Lakers for future second-round pick. GRADE B.

Denver-No picks

The Nuggets trade the draft rights of Leon Powe to Boston for a future second-round pick. GRADE INCOMPLETE.

Detroit- Cheik Samb, C, Senegal (# 51, acquired from Lakers), Will Blalock, PG, Iowa State (# 60)

The Pistons dealt Maurice Evans to the Lakers for the draft rights to Cheick Samb, a 7-foot-1 center from Senegal. He is considered a raw shotblocker who needs to add weight to his 195-pound frame. Samb is expected to spend a season or two overseas to gain more experience. Will Blalock is an athletic point guard with good leaping ability. He finished tenth in the country in assists. Blalock was measured at just 5-11 ¼ without shoes, but has a 6-6 wingspan. He finished 15th among 81 players in physical testing in Orlando. Blalock has good quickness and court vision. He is effective in the open court. Blalock has improved as an outside shooter, but had just an average Orlando camp. He was thought to be a mid second round pick and is a bargain as the last pick in the draft and could make their roster. GRADE B.  

Golden State- Patrick O’Bryant, C, Bradley (# 10), Kosta Perovic, C, Serbia (# 38)

Patrick O’Bryant is an outstanding shotblocker who emerged during the NCAA tournament as he led Bradley to the Sweet 16. He was measured with a 7-5 ¾ wingspan during the Orlando physicals. He has a nice offensive repertoire with a jump hook. O’Bryant is a decent athlete, but he tested just 79th out 81 players during the physical testing. Starting center Adonal Foyle averaged just 4.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, so O’Bryant should be an upgrade. Kosta Perovic has good hands and the ability to score inside. He is a skilled big man who is a good rebounder. Perovic has been bothered by injuries in the past and has not developed into the player that some expected. He is not overly athletic and needs to add strength. GRADE.
 

Houston- Steve Novak, SF, Marquette (# 32), Lior Eliyahu, SF, Israel (# 44, acquired from Orlando)

The Rockets selected Rudy Gay who will be dealt along with Stromile Swift to Memphis for Shane Battier in July. Battier will turn 28 and is a solid defender, but has scored in double figures in just two of his five seasons. Gay does not turn 20 until August and has a bigger upside than Battier, who is more of an immediate fit for the Rockets. Steve Novak is one of the top shooters in the draft. He made the Portsmouth All-Tournament team as he sank a tourney-high ten three pointers, including seven in the final game. Novak needs to add bulk, but creates matchup problems, due to his shooting skills. His 24 ½ inch vertical was third worst among 81 players in Orlando and he finished 66th overall in athletic testing. Houston acquires the draft rights to Lior Eliyahu from Orlando for cash considerations. He has good quickness and has a good midrange shot and is expected to spend some more time overseas. GRADE B.

Indiana- Shawne Williams, SF, Memphis (# 17), James White, SG, Cincinnati (# 31, acquired from Portland)

Shawne Williams is an athletic player who can play several positions. He is a good rebounder and shotblocker. Williams is a strong ballhandler and passer. He played just one collegiate season and has good upside. James White was acquired from Portland for the draft rights to Alexander Johnson and two future second-round picks. White had been mentioned as a possible first round pick by the Lakers and is one of the best athletes in the draft. White is an excellent leaper and good defender. He needs to improve his passing and outside shot, but has good size. The Pacers added two athletes to an already deep team that is hoping to improve its team chemistry in the offseason. GRADE B+.
 
Los Angeles Clippers- Paul Davis, C, Michigan State (# 34), Guillermo Diaz, SG, Miami (# 52)

The Clippers drafted two players in the second round who had received some first round attention. Paul Davis is a skilled big man who can play inside and outside. He has good shooting range and a variety of moves. Davis needs to add strength to his frame to bang with the more physical big men of the NBA. He is considered a good, but not great athlete. His smooth style of play leads some to wonder if he plays hard at all times. Guillermo Diaz , one of the best athletes in this year’s draft, was thought to be a late first round pick. He has excellent quickness and is a terrific leaper. He is a former volleyball standout who is very explosive. Diaz is a bit undersized at shooting guard and lacks point guard mentality. He sometimes plays out of control and needs to work on his shot selection. The Clippers got two players who should have gone earlier. GRADE A-.
 

Los Angeles Lakers- Jordan Farmar, PG, UCLA (# 26), Danilo Pinnock, SG, George Washington (# 58 acquired from Dallas)

Jordan Farmar has the ability to run a team or create his own offense. He was measured with a 42-inch vertical in Orlando, the best in the camp. Farmar needs to add strength and improve his shot selection. He knows how to run the pick and roll and has a good midrange shot. Farmar has excellent court vision, but sometimes tries to do too much with ball, forcing a high number of turnovers. Farmar is a bit small for the triangle offense, but his passing skills should allow him to be successful. Danilo Pinnock was acquired from Dallas for a future second round pick. He finished fourth in scoring in Orlando as he scored in double figures in all three games. Pinnock was listed at 6-5 in college, but was measured at just 6-2 ¾ without shoes in Orlando. He shot just 27.5% from three-point range the past two years, but is a good rebounder for his size. It might be tough for him to stick as a late second round pick on the Lakers’ roster. GRADE B.

Memphis- Rudy Gay, SF, Connecticut (# 8, acquired from Houston), Kyle Lowry, PG, Villanova (# 24), Alexander Johnson, PF, Florida State (# 45, acquired from Indiana via Portland)

The Grizzlies got three players that were expected to go higher in the draft. Rudy Gay, who was acquired from Houston for Shane Battier, had been mentioned as a possible third overall pick. He is an outstanding athlete with a well-rounded game. He was on a Connecticut team that was loaded with NBA draft prospects, but NBA scouts wanted to see him take over more often and not disappear at times. Gay needs to work on his ballhandling and his ability to move without the ball. Kyle Lowry was mentioned as a possible pick for Phoenix and New Jersey. Lowry is a true point guard who handles the ball well. He is a good defender who needs to improve his outside shot. Lowry made just 13 three-pointers in his two collegiate seasons. He is a bit small, but has good strength. Villanova used a four-guard attack, so he was not the primary ballhandler. He is a good athlete with excellent explosiveness. Memphis acquires the draft rights to Alexander Johnson from Portland (via Indiana) for a future second-round pick. Johnson wowed scouts in his private workout in Orlando. He is an athletic forward who dropped 25 pounds since last summer. He demonstrated a sculpted body in Orlando and showed more of an offensive game than many expected. Johnson is a good leaper and athlete. He runs the floor well, but needs to be a more consistent rebounder or shotblocker. The Grizzlies added three athletic players who can provide immediate help and depth. GRADE A+.
 
Miami- No Picks 

The Heat traded their top pick for Shaquille O’Neal who helped them win the 2006 NBA title. GRADE INCOMPLETE

Milwaukee- David Noel, SF, North Carolina (# 39), Damir Markota, SF, Croatia (# 59 acquired from San Antonio)

David Noel is perhaps the top athlete in the draft. He finished #1 in physical testing in Orlando. Noel improved each season at North Carolina, raising his average from just 3.9 points as a junior. He was a standout high school football player who has gotten some NFL interest, if basketball does not work out. Noel made big strides as an outside shooter and passer as a senior and is a possible second rounder, due to athletic ability and upside. Damir Markota is an athletic forward with good leaping ability. Markota is a good rebounder with solid strength. He has had some off-the-court issues and does not have a large wingspan, which means he plays smaller than his listed height. Markota may need more seasoning and might play for another year of two overseas. GRADE B

Minnesota-  Randy Foye, SG, Villanova (# 7, acquired from Boston via Portland). Craig Smith, PF, Boston College (# 36), Loukas Mavrokefalidis, C, Greece (# 57)
The Timberwolves selected Brandon Roy and dealt him to Portland for the rights to Randy Foye. He had a terrific workout for the Wolves and impressed them with his outside shot. However, I think Brandon Roy is the better pro. The word was that the Wolves would send Roy to Houston for the eighth pick (which they would have selected Foye and received either Luther Head or a future first-round pick). However, the Blazers jumped in and drafted Foye, forcing another move. Foye is a combination guard who was named first team All-Associated Press as a senior. He is very athletic, finishing sixth among the 81 players tested in Orlando. He has excellent strength and can get to the hoop. Foye has improved as an outside threat, but shot less than 40% from the field. Villanova used a four-guard attack, so he was not the primary ballhandler. Foye has a good first step and is a standout defender. Craig Smith is an undersized power forward, who missed the Orlando pre-draft camp due to wrist injury. He finished his career as Boston College’s all-time leading rebounder and second in scoring. Smith is a "tweener" at 6-5 ½ without shoes as he is more of a power forward than small forward. He made just 16 three-pointers in four years and needs to improve his outside skills to make move to small forward. Smith is a good low post scorer and rebounder, who tested just 74th out of 81 participants in Chicago. Loukas Mavrokefalidis is considered a good defender with solid quickness. He is a good shotblocker who will likely play overseas for a year. GRADE B.  

New Jersey- Marcus Williams, PG, Connecticut (# 22), Josh Boone, C, Connecticut (# 23), Hassan Adams, SG, Arizona (# 54)

The Nets lucked into Marcus Williams, who had been mentioned as a possible pick by Boston with the seventh selection before the Celtics acquired Sebastian Telfair. Williams is a well-rounded playmaker who can create for his teammates as well as show his own offensive game. He is a playmaker with excellent court vision who knows how to run a team. He is very effective in the open court, but can also play in a halfcourt situation. Williams is an excellent free throw shooter and has made strides as an outside shooter. He needs to continue to work on his explosiveness and athleticism. He finished 73rd among 81 players in the athletic testing in Orlando and his weight at 215 pounds is high for a NBA point guard. Josh Boone had been thought of a potential number one pick, but had an up-and-down year. Boone runs the floor well and is good shotblocker, He is not the rebounder than you would expect. Connecticut was loaded with pro prospects, but he was not as consistent as he should have been. Boone is still raw on the offensive end as he relies on his size and strength for most of his points. Alexander Johnson was thought to go here instead, so time will tell if the Nets made the right pick at power forward. Hassan Adams is a good athlete at shooting guard who was thought to be a late first or early second round pick. Adams will move to shooting guard after playing both forward positions for Arizona. He is an excellent rebounder for his size. Adams needs to work on his outside shot and improve his shot selection. He is a good defender with a pro body. GRADE B+
  

New Orleans- Hilton Armstrong, C, Connecticut (# 12), Cedric Simmons, PF, NC State (# 15), Marcus Vinicius Vieira de Souza, SF, Brazil (# 43)

The Hornets needed some frontcourt size with P.J. Brown getting older and the trade of Jamal Magliore last year and loss of Chris Anderson to drug suspension and went big with their two first round picks. Hilton Armstrong was one of the most improved players in the country as he more than doubled his scoring and rebounding averages from his junior season. He is an athletic big man with good strength. Armstrong has a 7-4 wingspan, which allows him to play bigger than his 6-10 ¼ size. He runs the floor well and is a good leaper. Armstrong needs to improve his offensive moves after never averaging double figures in his career. Cedric Simmons is an athletic forward who is an excellent shotblocker. He has a 7-4 wingspan and is an explosive leaper. Simmons has good low post moves, but is still raw on the offensive end. His scoring jumped from 3.5 points per game as a freshman to 11.8 points this season. Simmons needs to add strength, but has a good upside. Marcus Vinicius Vieira de Souza is a long athletic forward with a good outside shooting touch. He is a good ballhandler who often played point guard. Vinicius has good strength after putting on close to 30 pounds in the past few months. He is a streaky shooter and needs to improve his decision making. The Hornets added some needed size and athleticism. GRADE A-.
 

New York- Renaldo Balkman , SF, South Carolina (# 20), Mardy Collins, PG, Temple (# 29)

Renaldo Balkman was thought to be a second round pick (I had him #40) before his name was announced as the #20 selection. Balkman is a high energy player who played well at the Orlando pre-draft camp. He is an undersized power forward who was measured at just 6-5 ¼ without shoes and he does not have the perimeter skills of a small forward. He made just ten three-pointers the past two seasons. Balkman made strong strides as a shooter this past season, making 60.8% from the field this season compared to just 46.3% as a sophomore. However, he needs to raise free throw shooting, making just 54% from the line. He is a good rebounder and defender. Balkman needs to improve his ballhandling. The Knicks were reportedly concerned that he would not last until the 29th pick, but that is up to debate. Mardy Collins has excellent size at the point guard spot. He is a good ballhandler and has good court vision. Collins takes care of the ball, but needs to improve his shooting from the field and from beyond the arc. He has long arms on the defensive end, which leads to his high number of steals. Due to Temple’s matchup zone, he needs to continue to work on his man-to-man defense. The Knicks already have Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis and Nate Robinson at point guard and Collins does not shoot well enough to play shooting guard. The Knicks would have likely been better going point guard with their first pick and taking Marcus Williams. GRADE D.

Orlando- J.J. Redick, SG, Duke (# 11), James Augustine, PF, Illinois (# 41)

The Magic needed an outside shooter, since starter DeShawn Stevenson made just two three-pointers all season. J. J. Redick is one of the top collegiate shooters in recent history. He finished his career as the ACC’s all-time leading scorer. Redick set the NCAA mark for three-pointers made (457) and is second in all-time free throw shooting (91.2%). He was named Wooden Player of the Year after finishing second in the country in scoring. Redick has shown more athletic ability in individual workouts and has improved his mid range game and ability to take the ball to the hoop in the past few years. He needs to improve his defensive ability to guard the athletic shooting guards of the NBA and his ability to create his own shots. Questions about his back arose before the draft, but Orlando was comfortable about his condition. However, an athletic guard like Ronnie Brewer might have been a better fit. James Augustine has put on close to 15 pounds since the end of the season, but still needs to add bulk to his 227-pound frame. Augustine raised his scoring each season at Illinois and helped lead the Illini to NCAA championship game as a junior. He is an athletic big man who runs the court well. He has good low post moves and can hit the mid range shot. Augustine is not much of a shotblocker, but has chance to be a solid big man off a NBA bench. GRADE B.

Philadelphia- Rodney Carney, SF, Memphis (# 16 pick, acquired from Chicago), Bobby Jones, SF, Washington (# 37, acquired from Minnesota), Edin Bavcic, C, Bosnia (# 56, acquired from Toronto)

Philadelphia was busy on draft night as they acquired three players in deals. They acquired the draft rights to Rodney Carney (the 16th pick), a 2007 second-round pick and cash considerations from Chicago for the draft rights to Thabo Sefolosha. Carney is one of the top athletes in the draft. He measured at bit smaller than expected at 6-4 ½ without shoes. However, he is an excellent leaper and testing fifth out of 81 players in athletic testing in Orlando. Carney improved his offensive numbers each season. He has decent shooting range and is a good defender. Carney needs to continue to improve his ballhandling and passing. The 76ers acquired the draft rights to Bobby Jones from Minnesota for a future second-round pick and cash considerations. Jones is an athletic wing man. He is more of a slasher than pure shooter. Jones was overshadowed throughout his career with the Huskies by Brandon Roy and Nate Robinson, but had strong showings in the pre-draft camps. Philadelphia acquired the draft rights to Edin Bavcic from Toronto for cash considerations. He is a power forward with a good shooting touch. He might elect to spend the season overseas to gain more experience. GRADE B.
 

Phoenix- No Picks

The Suns dealt their two first round picks for cash and a future first rounder. Phoenix received a future first-round pick from Boston for Brian Grant, the draft rights to Rajon Rondo and cash considerations and cash from Portland for the draft rights to Sergio Rodriguez. These moves save them salary cap room to re-sign several other key players and avoid the luxury cap. They could have landed players like Shannon Brown, Marcus Williams and Jordan Farmar among others, so only time will tell. The Suns have traded away their first round picks for three straight drafts. GRADE INCOMPLETE.
 

Portland- LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Texas (# 2, acquired from Chicago), Brandon Roy, SG, Washington (# 6, acquired from Minnesota), Sergio Rodriguez , PG Spain (# 27, acquired from Phoenix), Joel Freeland, PF, England (# 30, acquired from Detroit)

Portland was the busiest team on draft night as they made six trades. They went into the draft, wanting LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy and Joel Freeland and landed all three. They had been though to want local favorite Adam Morrison, but moved with Chicago to land LaMarcus Aldridge for the rights to the fourth pick and Viktor Khryapa. Aldridge is an athletic big man who runs the floor well. He has the ability to face the basket or score in the low post. He needs to continue to add strength to his 234-pound frame, but could be the top player in this draft down the line. The Celtics dealt Dan Dickau, Raef LaFrentz and the draft rights to Randy Foye to Portland for Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff and a second-round pick in 2008. Portland dealt Foye for the rights to Brandon Roy, who is considered the best complete backcourt player in the draft and some observers feel that he might be the overall prospect in this draft. He has a complete offensive game as he can shot, handle the ball and penetrate. Roy has a good basketball IQ and good size at the shooting guard spot. He made strong strides as an outside threat this season, making 39 three-pointers after making just 14 in his first three years. Sergio Rodriguez was acquired from Phoenix for cash. Rodriguez was considered the top foreign point guard in the draft. He is compared to Miami Heat guard Jason Williams and is nicknamed "Spanish Chocolate." He is a top flight ballhandler and passer with good court vision. Rodriguez has excellent quickness. He needs to get stronger and improve his defense to defend the quicker point guard in the NBA. He sometimes is guilty of trying to make the flashy play. Joel Freeland saw his stock rise with a recent strong showing at the Reebok EuroCamp. He is an athletic forward who is a high energy player. Freeland runs the floor well and has good leaping ability. He is a good shotblocker and solid defender. He has a good midrange game and is a solid ballhandler for his size. Freeland needs to add strength and could use some seasoning, but has intriguing upside. GRADE A
 

Sacramento- Quincy Douby, SG, Rutgers (# 19)

The Kings have drafted a shooting guard the past two seasons, but decided that the third time is a charm as they selected Rutgers shooter Quincy Douby. He is an outstanding outside threat who led the Big East in scoring as a junior. He has outstanding shooting range. Douby has a quick release and is not afraid to take big shots. He has the ability to put the ball on the floor and has a good mid range game. Douby is thin and needs to add bulk to his frame. He is a bit undersized at shooting guard and lacks point guard mentality. He also needs to cut down on his turnovers. Douby could be an instant offense type. The Kings could have used point guard help with playmakers like Marcus Williams or Rajon Rondo available. GRADE: C
 

San Antonio- No picks
The Spurs traded out of the draft as they dealt Damir Markota to Milwaukee for future second-round pick. GRADE INCOMPLETE.
 

Seattle- Mouhamed Saer Sene, C, Senegal (# 10), Denham Brown, SG, Connecticut (# 40), Yotam Halperin, PG, Israel (# 53)

 The Sonics drafted centers Robert Swift and Johan Petro the past two drafts and were thought to be looking for perimeter help such as Ronnie Brewer or J. J. Redick. However, they drafted center project Mouhamed Saer Sene. He is an athletic shotblocker who was measured with a 7-8 ½ wingspan. He shined in this year’s Hoops Summit game as he finished with 15 points, six rebounds and nine blocked shots and at last year’s EuroCamp. Sene runs the floor well and plays hard. He needs to get stronger and improve his offensive game, but he has made big strides in the past year. Denham Brown is a Canadian native who led Orlando in scoring with 45 points in three games. He improved his numbers each year at Connecticut, despite being overshadowed by several talented teammates. Some observers feel he will be a better pro than college player. He is a well-rounded player who was thought to be headed to hometown Toronto. Yotam Halperin is considered more of a combo guard than a true point. He is a good passer and playmaker. He is a good outside threat with a strong mid range game. Halperin is not overly athletic, which could be a problem against quicker, smaller point guards. GRADE B-
 

Toronto- Andrea Bargnani, PF, Italy (# 1), P.J. Tucker, SF, Texas (# 35)

The Raptors decided to pick Andrea Bargnani over LaMarcus Aldridge as the top overall selection. He is a skilled big man who has drawn comparison to Dirk Nowitzki. He is a strong perimeter player who has worked hard on his low post moves. Bargnani is a skilled big man who is a good defender and decent defender. He plays for a top European team and shined in an exhibition game against Toronto and has more playing experience than other top European picks like Darko Milic or Nikoloz Tskitishvili, who have not lived up to their high draft status. He needs to continue to work on his strength. His addition allowed the Raptors to deal Charlie Villanueva for point guard T.J. For.
P.J. Tucker is an outstanding rebounder for his size. However, he needs to work on his outside skills as he has made just two three-pointers in his college career. Tucker made good strides as a passer and solid ballhandler. He is undersized, but plays so hard, that several teams had talked about him as a late first round pick. GRADE B .
 
Utah- Ronnie Brewer, SG, Arkansas (# 14), Dee Brown, PG, Illinois (# 46), Paul Millsap, PF, Louisiana Tech (47)

Utah got three solid players in this year’s draft. Ronnie Brewer is an athletic player whose father Ron played in the NBA. He is very athletic, finishing second overall among the 81 players tested in Orlando. He is a standout defender who can also play some minutes at point guard. Brewer has a quick first step and a high basketball IQ. He broke his right arm as a child and can not fully extend it, which affects his shot. He has made strides as an outside threat, but it is still an area of concern. Brewer added some needed athleticism to a Jazz backcourt that was last in scoring last year. Dee Brown has excellent quickness, but scouts wonder about his abilities at point guard. His shooting numbers fell with the loss of backcourt mates Luther Head and Deron Williams this past season as he shot just 35.9% from the field. He is a bit undersized, which works against him. Brown is an explosive athlete and will rejoin his former college teammate and give the Jazz a change of pace off the bench. Paul Millsap led the country in rebounding the past three years to become the first player in NCAA history to accomplish that feat. Millsap was second in that category in the Orlando pre-draft camp with 26 caroms. He needs to get in better shape after he weighed 258 in Orlando after being listed as 245 in college. He is an aggressive rebounder with a nose for the ball. He is a good low post scorer who draws fouls due to his aggressive play around the basket. He is a bit undersized at power forward, but his rebounding ability and nose for the ball could make him a sold bench player. Millsap attended Louisiana Tech, the same school as Jazz star Karl Malone. GRADE A.

Washington- Olexsiy Pecherov, PF, Ukraine (# 18), Vladimir Veremeenko, PF, Russia (# 48)

Oleksiy Pecherov is a skilled big man with a good outside touch. He needs to get stronger, but is not afraid to bang. Pecherov has been compared to Keith Van Horn. He may need more seasoning, but has good potential. Vladimir Veremeenko has good size and scoring ability. He is considered a bit of tweener and could spend a season overseas. The Wizards did not get much immediate help, but this draft could pay dividends down the road. GRADE C.