1991 Draft 3+ Years Later

[Brophdog88]

4 years into the leagues history, we are coming up on the contract year for the first set of Rookies. This time is as good as any to look back at how these players have developed, and to see which players are busts and which players were steals. So without further adu,


1. Charlotte Hornets -

Larry Johnson SF 6'7'' 250 22 B C+ C B- B A
Larry Johnson SF 25 6'7'' 264 A- A- C B B B
Career Highs Points: 49 Rebounds: 21 Assists: 9 Steals: 5 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-League Third Team
1991 - All-Rookie Team
1992 - All-Star Game Participant
1993 - All-Star Game Participant
1993 - All-League Second Team
The obvious choice for Best player to come out of this draft, and the only player to appear on an all-league team from the first round of this draft, Johnson has developed into a monster scorer, the only disappointing thing about his development is his defense. Still he is an Elite player in the league currently averaging 24.7 points and 9.5 rebounds in 37.1 minutes a game.
Pick Grade-A+


2. Atlanta Hawks -

Dikembe Mutombo C 7'2'' 245 24 C+ D+ C- A- B+ B
Dikembe Mutombo C 7'2'' 249 27 B- C- C- A A- B
Career Highs: Points 25 Rebounds: 26 Assists: 6 Steals: 5 Blocks: 13
Awards:
1992 - All-Defensive Second Team
1993 - All-Defensive Second Team
Definitely the best Defensive player in this draft, he never really developed a strong offensive game. Not a player who you can count on to get you points, as he averages more rebounds than points. He does struggle with handling the ball, but is dominant at the defensive end, averaging 4.4 blocks this year, and has a good chance at Defensive Player of the Year. Worth a number two pick due to his elite defensive and rebounding capabilities, and could still develop an offensive game. His position and Blocking alone definitely make him valuable enough for a number two pick.
Pick Grade B+

3. Minnesota Timberwolves -

Steve Smith SG 6'7'' 200 22 B- B- C+ C+ C- A
Steve Smith SF 6'7'' 212 25 B A B- B C- C
Career Highs Points: 32 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 9 Steals: 6 Blocks: 3
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Team
Definitely worth the Number three pick, so still solid picks to this point. Definitely seems like he should be scoring more than his current 19.3 points per game, with those ratings, but He does have nice talent around him. Leaves something to be desired on the defensive end, but he is not a slouch by any means.If made the number one option on his team, he very well could average 28 points, or more, as his ratings are very similar to those of Glen Rice, who Is a monster scorer, and his height gives him an advantage at the position.
Pick Grade-A



4. Denver Nuggets -

Jimmy Jackson SG 6'6'' 220 20 C+ B+ C C+ C A
Jimmy Jackson SG 23 6'6'' 230 B- A- C B+ C B
Career Highs Points: 41 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 7 Steals: 7 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - Rookie Game MVP
1991 - All-Rookie Second Team

Averaging a cool 21.3 points with a nice 5.7 rebounds out of the SG position makes Jim Jackson a very nice pick by the Nuggets. He has developed a very solid defensive game to go along with his scoring, and still shows signs that he may develop more. Jackson’s biggest weakness is his turnovers, at 2.5 a game. He was Rookie game MVP in 1991, and is a very nice piece for the Nuggets to build around.
Pick Grade-A


5. Cleveland Cavaliers -

Kenny Anderson PG 6'1'' 170 20 C+ B- B- C+ C- A
Kenny Anderson PG 23 6'1'' 170 C+ A- B+ A- C B
Career Highs Points: 32 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 19 Steals: 6 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1993 - All-Star Game Participant
Definitely the best of the PG prospects in the draft has developed into the best PG to come out of this draft. Very nice scorer, at 17.1 ppg, with 8.3 assists per game, he is a very good PG. His rebounding is nice at 5.4 rebounds per game, but his biggest plus is the lack of turnovers out of the PG spot, at only 1.8 per game as the teams primary ball handler. His biggest weakness is his Free Throw shooting which at 76.9% is underwhelming for a point guard. He has made an all-star game, the 1993 All-star game, but missed out on the All-league team. He has remained on the Cavs.
Pick Grade-A


6. Orlando Magic -

Billy Owens SF 6'8'' 220 22 B C C B B- A
Billy Owens SF 25 6'8'' 223 B C+ C B+ B- B
Career Highs Points: 36 Rebounds: 18 Assists: 7 Steals: 5 Blocks: 3
Awards:
1991 - All-Rookie Second Team
Billy Owens looked like an elite player coming out of Syracuse, with the size and scoring ability with nice defense and rebounding, especially for a SF. That A potential looked great, but he has not developed as the Magic would of hoped I am sure. Still he is a nice scorer, at 14 points per game, and gets a very nice 8.1 rebounds a game. A solid but not spectacular pick.
Pick Grade-C+


7. Phoenix Suns -

Stacey Augmon SG 6'6'' 205 22 B C C A- C A
Stacey Augmon SG 25 6'6'' 205 B- C C A C B
Career Highs Points: 18 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 5 Steals: 8 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Definitely the first bust in the draft, Phoenix was hoping for more out of Augmon I am sure, but they got A great defender, but minimal scorer. Although he was a starter the first 2 years of his career, Augmon has not developed, and has been relegated to a bench role, averaging 17 minutes a game, and only getting 4.4 points a game. He never developed an outside game, especially lacking a 3 point game, with a career number of 9-59 on three pointers. And has a disappointing career high of only 18 points. He can defend most anyone, but other teams really don’t have to defend him. Maybe he could still develop some, but it doesn’t appear so, he has gotten worse on offense, and slightly better on defense.
Grade-D

8. Houston Rockets -

Dale Davis PF 6'11'' 230 22 C+ D+ D- B B A
Dale Davis C 25 6'11'' 230 B- D+ F+ A- B+ B
Career Highs Points: 24 Rebounds: 20 Assists: 8 Steals: 4 Blocks: 9
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Team
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1992 - All-Defensive Team
Probably runner up to Dikembe Mutumbo for best Defensive player in this draft relative to position. He made the all defensive tam his second year in the league, but is currently playing Center. He has developed into a very good defender/rebounded, and is scoring a serviceable 11.0 points for the Rockets with 10 rebounds. He is not shooting a particularly high percentage from the field, but is a superb player when it comes to taking care of the Basketball, with only 1 turnover per game, even with the F+ handling. Solid pick by the original Houston GM, but if he was looking for a Center, there was a few better picks later.
Pick Grade- B+

9. Los Angeles Lakers -

Greg Anthony PG 6'1'' 175 23 C C B- A- D+ B
Greg Anthony PG 26 6'1'' 181 C C B B+ C- C
Career Highs Points: 27 Rebounds: 9 Assists: 15 Steals: 6 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Another player to fall in the bust category, Anthony cannot score, and has only slightly improved his handling, while his defense declined. A pure point by all means, but that doesn’t fit without the ability to find teammates at a high rate. He is only averaging 5.2 assists in 30.0 minutes a game. The Lakers struck out on this pick.
Grade-D-

10. Dallas Mavericks -

Rick Fox SF 6'7'' 230 21 C+ B- C B C B
Rick Fox SF 24 6'7'' 240 B- B- C+ A- C+ C
Career Highs Points: 34 Rebounds: 17 Assists: 10 Steals: 4 Blocks: 3
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Second Team
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Rick fox is a nice Bench player for a team loaded at the SF and SG positions. He would start for numerous teams in the league, with his high defense and serviceable offensive capabilities. If there is one thing he lacking it is his ability to take care of the basketball, with 1.9 turnovers per game in only 21 minutes a game. He is a good rebounded with 5 a game. It is a solid pick for the Mavericks.
Grade-B

11. Detroit Pistons -

Luc Longley C 7'2'' 265 22 C+ C- D B+ B- B
Luc Longley C 25 7'2'' 271 B- C- D A- A- C
Career Highs Points: 37 Rebounds: 23 Assists: 7 Steals: 5 Blocks: 7
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Second Team
The Detroit Pistons took the tallest player on the board in Longley. He is currently averaging 18.1 points and 10.4 rebounds, with nice steal and block numbers. He is very good at taking care of the ball, and developed exactly how he appeared he would when the Pistons drafted him. He is the 3rd best Center to be drafted which relegates some of the quality of this pick, since the 2nd best center, and a possible challenger to the throne of the best Center in this draft was taken later. He takes care of the ball extremely well, with only 1.7 turnovers per game.
Grade-A-

12. Miami Heat -

Eric Murdock PG 6'1'' 190 23 C B+ B C+ C- B
Eric Murdock PG 26 6'1'' 194 C B+ B- C+ C- D
Career Highs Points: 33 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 14 Steals: 8 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Second Team
Another player to fall into the bust category, he has only declined, and is only playing 12 minutes a game for the Miami. He was a nice player for a few years, but has not panned out the way Miami was Hoping. At least he had two good years though.
Grade-D+

13. Milwaukee Bucks -

Predrag Danilovic SG 6'5'' 200 21 C A- C C C A
Predrag Danilovic SG 24 6'5'' 200 C+ A- B- C+ C C
Career Highs Points: 45 Rebounds: 13 Assists: 9 Steals: 5 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
A scorer in every way, he has developed decent handles, and improved some on defense. He is scoring only 8.8 points a game for the Timberwolves, but they have all kinds of other options, meaning he really doesn’t need to score, although that renders his role useless. Still not a bad value pick, although there were still better players to be had.
Grade-C

14. Seattle Supersonics -
Brian Williams C 6'9'' 235 22 B C D+ C+ C+ B
Brian Williams C 25 6'9'' 235 B C D+ B- B C
Career Highs Points: 30 Rebounds: 17 Assists: 6 Steals: 4 Blocks: 5
Awards:
None
A very nice pick for Seattle, he has been a solid starter for the last few years, but declined on defense this past year, relegating him to the bench, where he still gets 8.3 points and 6 rebounds in only 18 minutes a game. There was a better Center out there for Seattle to pick though, but still a solid pick.
Grade- B-

15. Charlotte Hornets -
Darrell Armstrong PG 6'0'' 170 22 C+ B B- C+ C-
Darrell Armstrong PG 25 6'0'' 179 C+ B A- B C- C
Career Highs Points: 28 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 16 Steals: 5 Blocks: 2
Awards:
1991 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
1991 - All-Rookie Team
Armstrong was a very nice pick by Charlotte, one of many (although most were obvious) Armstrong was a very good starter for Charlotte the first two years of his career, but has been relegated to the bench on the strong Charlotte team.
Grade-B+

16. Utah Jazz -
Rodney Monroe SG 6'3'' 185 23 C B+ C+ C C- B
Rodney Monroe PG 26 6'3'' 189 C B B- C+ C- C
Career Highs Points: 16 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 8 Steals: 4 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Monroe didn’t develop as the Jazz had hoped decreasing in his outside shooting while making a small gain in his handling and defense. He is not playing for the Jazz anymore, after playing off the bench for the first three years of his career.
Grade-D+

17. Charlotte Hornets -
Chris Gatling PF 6'10'' 220 23 C+ C D+ B- C+ B
Chris Gatling SF 26 6'10'' 220 B- C D+ B C+ B
Career Highs Points: 20 Rebounds: 18 Assists: 5 Steals: 4 Blocks: 3
Awards:
None
He has developed pretty well, for a pick this late, and is a starter for New Jersey, although that is probably due to a lack of quality at the position rather than talent. He is averaging 8.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, in 25.5 minutes a game, although he was just recently moved into the starting lineup.
Grade-B-

18. Minnesota Timberwolves -
Richard Dumas SF 6'7'' 200 21 B C+ C B- C C
Richard Dumas SF 6'7'' 200 24 B- C+ C- C+ C F
Career Highs Points: 27 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 5 Steals: 4 Blocks: 1
Awards:
None
He is not even on a team anymore, having been released to FA earlier this year, ironically in his statistically best year, although that has a lot to do with the sharp increase in playing time he received on a poor team. Talent wise he has declined heavily, and it doesn’t appear it will get any better. He only played 1 season in which he was in most of the games.
Grade-D

19. Utah Jazz -
Bobby Phills SF 6'5'' 210 21 C+ B C C- C B
Bobby Phills SF 24 6'5'' 214 C+ B C C C+ C
Career Highs Points: 17 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 7 Steals: 3 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Phills has not declined but is by no means a great pick. He is a decent scorer, and rebounded, but is not a good defender at all, and is not playing at all for the Jazz this year.
Grade-C-

20. San Antonio Spurs -
Anthony Avent PF 6'9'' 235 21 B- C- C- B C+ C
Anthony Avent SF 24 6'9'' 242 C+ C- C- B- C+ D
Career Highs Points: 22 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 5 Steals: 4 Blocks: 4
Awards:
None
Anthony has been moved to SF for the 76er’s, and has played minimally in 3 games this season. He lost most value he had as he declined, or stayed the same everywhere, but he isn’t a bad rebounded for the position he is currently at at least.
Grade-D

21. Indiana Pacers -
Stanley Roberts C 7'0'' 285 21 B- D C B- C+ C
Stanley Roberts C 24 7'0'' 281 B D C- A- B C
Career Highs Points: 33 Rebounds: 21 Assists: 6 Steals: 5 Blocks: 7
Awards:
None
The obvious choice for Biggest steal in this Draft. To get this quality of player at this late in the draft was an amazing pick for the Pacers. Roberts is the clear number 2 Center in this Draft and could challenge Mutumbo in some peoples minds for number one. Fat Stanley decided to put forth an effort to become a better player, and it has worked. Although he has not made any award lists, expect Stanley to get one soon enough.
Grade-A++

22. Los Angeles Clippers -
David Benoit SF 6'8'' 220 23 B C C C+ C B
David Benoit SF 26 6'8'' 226 B C+ C B B- C
Career Highs Points: 25 Rebounds: 16 Assists: 8 Steals: 4 Blocks: 3
Awards:
1991 - Slam-Dunk Contest Champion
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Another steal at this point of the draft, Benoit is an excellent Rebounder for the position with serviceable defense and scoring. He is an all around solid player playing 32 minutes a game for the Bulls.
Grade-A

23. Utah Jazz -
Isaac Austin C 6'10'' 255 21 C+ C- C- C+ C C
Isaac Austin C 24 6'10'' 261 C+ C- C- C+ C D
Career Highs Points: 11 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 6 Steals: 3 Blocks: 1
Awards:
None
The scary part is he is averaging 21 minutes per game for the Kings. At least he hasn’t declined in skill.
Grades-D

24. Washington Bullets -
Alberto Angulo SG 6'4'' 195 21 C B- C B+ C- B
Alberto Angulo SG 24 6'4'' 201 C B C B+ C- D
Career Highs Points: 16 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 8 Steals: 4 Blocks: 1
Awards:
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
A fine player for the pick. He is a good defender still, and is an okay outside scorer. Still good value for the Bullets at this point in the draft.
Grade-B+

25. Boston Celtics -
Robert Pack PG 6'2'' 180 22 B- C C+ C+ C- C
Robert Pack PG 25 6'2'' 180 C+ C B+ B- C D
Career Highs Points: 28 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 11 Steals: 5 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
He has developed into a very nice Pure point guard, with slightly better defense, and slightly worse offense. He actually isn’t a bad scorer with those ratings, at 6.3 points a game in 14 minutes a game for the Celtics
Grade-A-

26. Philadelphia 76ers -
LaBradford Smith SG 6'3'' 200 22 C+ B C C+ C- C
LaBradford Smith SG 25 6'3'' 200 C+ B C+ C C- D
Career Highs Points: 15 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 10 Steals: 7 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Flipped his defense and Handling, but has not played for the 76ers this year. Bad pick with Perry still on the board though.
Grade-D+

27. Minnesota Timberwolves -
Elliot Perry PG 6'0'' 150 22 C C+ B- B- D+ B
Elliot Perry PG 25 6'0'' 158 C C+ B B D+ C
Career Highs Points: 30 Rebounds: 9 Assists: 13 Steals: 6 Blocks: 3
Awards:
1992 - All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Made the Rookie all star game his rookie year, scoring a nice 13 points a game, with 6.4 assists. He has lost his role as starter over time though, as the Timberwolves drafted Nick van Exel, and other players better at the position, making him replaceable. Still a good pick at that point in the first.
Grade-B

28. Minnesota Timberwolves -
Mark Macon SG 6'4'' 185 22 C+ C+ C B+ C C
Mark Macon SG 25 6'4'' 185 C+ C+ C A- C B
Career Highs Points: 23 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 5 Steals: 5 Blocks: 2
Awards:
None
Very Good Defender, who could get better still, and develop some scoring. Very nice pick for this late in the draft and is playing 17.6 minutes a game for the Grizzlies.
Grade-A

29. Houston Rockets -
Randy Brown PG 6'3'' 190 23 C+ C B C D+ B
Randy Brown PG 26 6'3'' 190 C+ C B C D C
Career Highs Points: 7 Rebounds: 4 Assists: 4 Steals: 1 Blocks: 1
Awards:
None
Who really cares…honestly……look at his career highs, and that says it all.
Grade-F

[ashes]

Excellent article.

I love articles like this. It's cool to look back at the guys and see who busted and which were steals. Great job.

[idle]

oh wow good job

you stole my article idea though! i was coming out with this after tc and fa

[csdude07]

Once again, sweet article.

[Brophdog88]

Apr 25, 2009 11:04:39 GMT -5 idle said:

oh wow good job

you stole my article idea though! i was coming out with this after tc and fa

I assume you mean next year? after FA this wouldn't be fun, I could figure out where many of these guys are if they weren't on their drafted teams just based on memory, but figuring it out after FA, when some of the little guys don't resign, etc.... it would not be fun...and heck, you could always do a redrafting of players......I figured my first article had better be a big one, then I realized that the first year rookies were coming off contracts so it would be a good time to do this.

[Andrew]

Awesome read, and I get the best grade

+5

[tmaczdaddy]

5

[cliff "woo" harris]

in uosl2, I made lots of articles like these. They are fun, because you get to look back at all the draft shit to see who made the right/wrong ipcks.

+5

[Brophdog88]

vote please!

[sagapolutele50]

Very good read indeed!! I was looking at doin an article like this, now I dont have to

[Brophdog88]

bump, vote please...

[CC]

great job. 5.

[W]

5. But I didn't pick Predrag.

[jusstaddwatrr]

good shit. hornets had a hell of a draft.

[Brophdog88]

Apr 25, 2009 23:27:16 GMT -5 W said:

5. But I didn't pick Predrag.

Yeah you did, by not being there for your pick, you chose whoever the CPU said you would.....