Post by Kruwaukee on Oct 11, 2009 13:25:37 GMT -5
The Eastern Conference is back wearing the crown of the league as the Chicago Bulls are the champs. How did they fare in this year's draft as a conference? Lets take a look at each team and see what they're looking like, grade them, and analyze.
New Jersey Nets- The Nets are coming off their most successful season as a franchise. Let by the promising play of Chauncey Billups. Even though most people in the Garden State think Billups is superhuman, he’s not. He needs a break every now and then and when he did Pepe Sanchez spilled him for 15mpg. Not exactly what you want if you’re looking to be a competitive franchise. So the Nets addressed that need and acquired a pick to select Earl Watson out of UCLA. Watson will be a slight upgrade over Sanchez and should provide a nice tempo change from Billups.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: The Nets select Earl Watson by nearly default. They could have selected Trenton Hassel and converted him into a PG but they went for the more traditional selection.
Philadelphia 76ers- The 76ers are always a constant competitor in the league and this draft offered a lot of talent that could have put them over the top but they didn’t have a pick.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: We love Maniac and we hope he is doing well.
Boston Celtics- The Celtics surprised everyone last year when they brought his airness to the Boston Garden. The Celtics youth has benefited from the tutelage of the future Hall of Famer. The Celtics have always had a knack for acquiring solid talent in the draft. The big problem for the Celtics last season was having a post presence at the 4. They were very happy when Zach Randolph fell right into their laps at 15.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: The Celtics took a high risk high reward approach with Randolph. They love versatility having guys on their roster like Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis, Eddie House who can all play multiple positions. Randolph fits the bill but it might have been a better move if they could have locked up Eddie Griffin to add some defense and someone who could be ready to contribute right now. Randolph could pan out down the road but the time is now in Boston.
Orlando Magic- The Magic made it! Playoffs! So they had to empty out the cupboard a little bit and lost out on this year’s draft. No biggie as they are stockpiled with young talent up and down their roster.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: Shaun is learning his lesson with draft classes, fuck’um and chuck’um before they fuck you in the lotto.
New York Knicks- The Knicks always manage to make their fans boo on draft day. Even if they did everything right the fans would still have some type of gripe and criticism. That’s just New York for you. The Knicks fans were all excited to add Tony Parker to their roster at the beginning of the season as the team was torn down but then the Knicks brought in Marcus Camby and Wang Zhi-Zhi and started winning some ball games. Oops so much for tanking. So instead they fell to #12 and selected Arizona Wildcat Richard Jefferson.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: Knick fans chanted for Shane Battier but the Knicks opted for the high energy and bad shooting Richard Jefferson. Battier could have solidified the shooting guard position for the Knicks. This would have given them a more balanced starting lineup and a very strong defensive team. The Knicks opted for athleticism over talent. Jefferson is a very nice player so Knick fans shouldn’t be too disappointed.
Miami Heat- Finally we’re getting to a juicy team in the draft. The Heat have unloaded their team and are looking to begin the Kobe Bryant solo act era. Last season they added Mehmet Okur as they weren’t afraid to admit, “We’re rebuilding” and they did it right. This season they feel they will be ready to compete making a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for the #7 overall selection dealing the #17 overall pick as well as their first round pick next season. The Heat added two starter ready player in Gerald Wallace and Samuel Dalembert.
Draft Grade: B+
Analysis: It’s a shame that Jason Richardson didn’t fall to them but Gerald Wallace is a nice runner up. The Heat are hopeful Okur will be the scorer in the post they need so they opted against selecting Eddy Curry and went defensive with Samuel Dalembert. The Heat did a great job of going into the draft with a game plan and they executed.
Washington Bullets- Really we should call them the Washington Bullet as they only have one in the gun being Chris Webber. Now they added another one with explosive Jason Richardson out of Michigan St.
Draft Grade: A-
Analysis: The Bullets got exactly what they wanted and what they needed. Richardson should be a nice Robin to Batman Webber.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are the best team of the decade. Even if the Bulls had a draft pick they wouldn’t even need anyone anywhere because they are so stacked.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: The Bulls must be stopped.
Indiana Pacers- The Pacers are coming off a great season which got cut short in most Pacer fans’ opinion. The Pacers were a first round exit despite having championship dreams. The Pacers are one of the most balanced and competitive teams in the league. They were also without a pick this draft.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: Pacers might need to pick up the pace if they want to get a ring. Their players aren’t getting any younger.
Cleveland Cavilers- Whats up with teams in the central not having any draft picks? Well the Cavs let go of their draft selection right before the trade deadline this season as they acquired questionable Joe Smith to their front court. We’ll see how that one pans out next season.
Draft Grade: F
Analysis: Their draft grade stands for FIRE All-Star!
Milwaukee Bucks- The Bucks might not have their own draft pick for a few, ok we mean like not in this decade, drafts but they still managed to come up with another lotto pick. The Bucks are poised to make a title run as they are looking to overtake division foe Chicago Bulls. The Bucks really lacked interior defense last season and with the announcement of Patrick Ewing’s retirement the Bucks were really scrambling to replace him. The Bucks made a trade to move down in the draft and then moved back up to select Eddie Griffin.
Draft Grade: B
Analysis: The Bucks almost walked away with an A+ draft grade but had to give up a future first round draft pick selection to move up 1 slot after they took a first to move down 10 draft slots. So one could argue that really didn’t make too much sense. The Bucks got their man though in Eddie Griffin. Most scouts thought the Bucks would select Samuel Dalembert but the Bucks had Griffin ahead on their draft board. The benefit to the swap in draft picks is they get another 1st round pick next season instead of the 2003 Sonics pick.
Charlotte Hornets- The Hornets stung it to most teams last year as they selected Primoz Brezec who looks to be the prize of last year’s big men. This year they went against the grain again by selecting high risk/high reward player in Kwame Brown who is the most unknown player in the draft.
Draft Grade: C
Analysis: The Hornets keep gambling and who knows it might work out for them but your luck runs out sooner or later. The Hornets could have went in a couple of different directions by either selecting big man Eddy Curry or went with wings Richard Jefferson or Shane Battier but the Hornets didn’t see any of those guys making too much a difference to their current position so they went for the boom or bust pick and why not?
Detroit Pistons: The Detroit have been waiting all season for draft day. The Pistons are in complete rebuild mode and could have went any direction draft day as everything is a need. The Pistons have Ron Artest as their centerpiece and he does a little bit of everything. The Pistons could have been happy with either Carlos Boozer or Tony Parker but I think most would agree they were happy when Boozer was selected #1.
Draft Grade: A
Analysis: The Pistons finally have an engine in their car and Tony Parker has a lot of horse power. It should be fun watching him develop in the Motor City.
Toronto Raptors- The Raptors have rebounded nicely from the Jordan era and have a nice young core in place to add to their lucky move to the #1 spot. Having Steve Francis and Paul Pierce anchoring the backcourt the Raptors were looking to go big and big they got.
Draft Grade: A-
Analysis: Boozer should provide scoring, rebounding, and size the Raptors need but fans will always question the fact they passed on Tony Parker in favor of the fact Steve Francis is currently on the roster. Many people question Francis’ ability to run an efficient offense and some even thought a lineup of Parker, Francis, and Pierce 1 through 3 could have been the beginning of something pretty potent. Boozer is no stranger to proving people wrong though and wants everyone in Toronto to get drunk on the Booze Cruise.
Atlanta Hawks- It’s always fun to follow what the Hawks are doing because they are always up to something. The Hawks who were projected to land the #1 and #2 picks fell to #4 and #5 which definitely is a disappointment but the Hawks definitely soared in terms of overall talent. There was some confusion with the #3 and #4 selections but the Hawks worked out a deal with the Warriors to fix any issues. The Hawks wound up with the unwanted Dajuan Wagner and Joe Johnson.
Draft Grade: A+
Analysis: The Hawks might have benefited from the fact the Warriors didn’t want Dejuan Wagner as he looks like he might be the best talent in the draft. Joe Johnson is the more questionable pick of the 2 as you could have selected Jason Richardson over him but that’s pretty much a coin toss. The Hawks then got a few late 1st round selections for pretty cheap and they acquire some big men in Steven Hunter and Desagana Diop. Looks like the Hawks are back!
New Jersey Nets- The Nets are coming off their most successful season as a franchise. Let by the promising play of Chauncey Billups. Even though most people in the Garden State think Billups is superhuman, he’s not. He needs a break every now and then and when he did Pepe Sanchez spilled him for 15mpg. Not exactly what you want if you’re looking to be a competitive franchise. So the Nets addressed that need and acquired a pick to select Earl Watson out of UCLA. Watson will be a slight upgrade over Sanchez and should provide a nice tempo change from Billups.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: The Nets select Earl Watson by nearly default. They could have selected Trenton Hassel and converted him into a PG but they went for the more traditional selection.
Philadelphia 76ers- The 76ers are always a constant competitor in the league and this draft offered a lot of talent that could have put them over the top but they didn’t have a pick.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: We love Maniac and we hope he is doing well.
Boston Celtics- The Celtics surprised everyone last year when they brought his airness to the Boston Garden. The Celtics youth has benefited from the tutelage of the future Hall of Famer. The Celtics have always had a knack for acquiring solid talent in the draft. The big problem for the Celtics last season was having a post presence at the 4. They were very happy when Zach Randolph fell right into their laps at 15.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: The Celtics took a high risk high reward approach with Randolph. They love versatility having guys on their roster like Larry Hughes, Ricky Davis, Eddie House who can all play multiple positions. Randolph fits the bill but it might have been a better move if they could have locked up Eddie Griffin to add some defense and someone who could be ready to contribute right now. Randolph could pan out down the road but the time is now in Boston.
Orlando Magic- The Magic made it! Playoffs! So they had to empty out the cupboard a little bit and lost out on this year’s draft. No biggie as they are stockpiled with young talent up and down their roster.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: Shaun is learning his lesson with draft classes, fuck’um and chuck’um before they fuck you in the lotto.
New York Knicks- The Knicks always manage to make their fans boo on draft day. Even if they did everything right the fans would still have some type of gripe and criticism. That’s just New York for you. The Knicks fans were all excited to add Tony Parker to their roster at the beginning of the season as the team was torn down but then the Knicks brought in Marcus Camby and Wang Zhi-Zhi and started winning some ball games. Oops so much for tanking. So instead they fell to #12 and selected Arizona Wildcat Richard Jefferson.
Draft Grade: C+
Analysis: Knick fans chanted for Shane Battier but the Knicks opted for the high energy and bad shooting Richard Jefferson. Battier could have solidified the shooting guard position for the Knicks. This would have given them a more balanced starting lineup and a very strong defensive team. The Knicks opted for athleticism over talent. Jefferson is a very nice player so Knick fans shouldn’t be too disappointed.
Miami Heat- Finally we’re getting to a juicy team in the draft. The Heat have unloaded their team and are looking to begin the Kobe Bryant solo act era. Last season they added Mehmet Okur as they weren’t afraid to admit, “We’re rebuilding” and they did it right. This season they feel they will be ready to compete making a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks for the #7 overall selection dealing the #17 overall pick as well as their first round pick next season. The Heat added two starter ready player in Gerald Wallace and Samuel Dalembert.
Draft Grade: B+
Analysis: It’s a shame that Jason Richardson didn’t fall to them but Gerald Wallace is a nice runner up. The Heat are hopeful Okur will be the scorer in the post they need so they opted against selecting Eddy Curry and went defensive with Samuel Dalembert. The Heat did a great job of going into the draft with a game plan and they executed.
Washington Bullets- Really we should call them the Washington Bullet as they only have one in the gun being Chris Webber. Now they added another one with explosive Jason Richardson out of Michigan St.
Draft Grade: A-
Analysis: The Bullets got exactly what they wanted and what they needed. Richardson should be a nice Robin to Batman Webber.
Chicago Bulls: The Bulls are the best team of the decade. Even if the Bulls had a draft pick they wouldn’t even need anyone anywhere because they are so stacked.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: The Bulls must be stopped.
Indiana Pacers- The Pacers are coming off a great season which got cut short in most Pacer fans’ opinion. The Pacers were a first round exit despite having championship dreams. The Pacers are one of the most balanced and competitive teams in the league. They were also without a pick this draft.
Draft Grade: INC
Analysis: Pacers might need to pick up the pace if they want to get a ring. Their players aren’t getting any younger.
Cleveland Cavilers- Whats up with teams in the central not having any draft picks? Well the Cavs let go of their draft selection right before the trade deadline this season as they acquired questionable Joe Smith to their front court. We’ll see how that one pans out next season.
Draft Grade: F
Analysis: Their draft grade stands for FIRE All-Star!
Milwaukee Bucks- The Bucks might not have their own draft pick for a few, ok we mean like not in this decade, drafts but they still managed to come up with another lotto pick. The Bucks are poised to make a title run as they are looking to overtake division foe Chicago Bulls. The Bucks really lacked interior defense last season and with the announcement of Patrick Ewing’s retirement the Bucks were really scrambling to replace him. The Bucks made a trade to move down in the draft and then moved back up to select Eddie Griffin.
Draft Grade: B
Analysis: The Bucks almost walked away with an A+ draft grade but had to give up a future first round draft pick selection to move up 1 slot after they took a first to move down 10 draft slots. So one could argue that really didn’t make too much sense. The Bucks got their man though in Eddie Griffin. Most scouts thought the Bucks would select Samuel Dalembert but the Bucks had Griffin ahead on their draft board. The benefit to the swap in draft picks is they get another 1st round pick next season instead of the 2003 Sonics pick.
Charlotte Hornets- The Hornets stung it to most teams last year as they selected Primoz Brezec who looks to be the prize of last year’s big men. This year they went against the grain again by selecting high risk/high reward player in Kwame Brown who is the most unknown player in the draft.
Draft Grade: C
Analysis: The Hornets keep gambling and who knows it might work out for them but your luck runs out sooner or later. The Hornets could have went in a couple of different directions by either selecting big man Eddy Curry or went with wings Richard Jefferson or Shane Battier but the Hornets didn’t see any of those guys making too much a difference to their current position so they went for the boom or bust pick and why not?
Detroit Pistons: The Detroit have been waiting all season for draft day. The Pistons are in complete rebuild mode and could have went any direction draft day as everything is a need. The Pistons have Ron Artest as their centerpiece and he does a little bit of everything. The Pistons could have been happy with either Carlos Boozer or Tony Parker but I think most would agree they were happy when Boozer was selected #1.
Draft Grade: A
Analysis: The Pistons finally have an engine in their car and Tony Parker has a lot of horse power. It should be fun watching him develop in the Motor City.
Toronto Raptors- The Raptors have rebounded nicely from the Jordan era and have a nice young core in place to add to their lucky move to the #1 spot. Having Steve Francis and Paul Pierce anchoring the backcourt the Raptors were looking to go big and big they got.
Draft Grade: A-
Analysis: Boozer should provide scoring, rebounding, and size the Raptors need but fans will always question the fact they passed on Tony Parker in favor of the fact Steve Francis is currently on the roster. Many people question Francis’ ability to run an efficient offense and some even thought a lineup of Parker, Francis, and Pierce 1 through 3 could have been the beginning of something pretty potent. Boozer is no stranger to proving people wrong though and wants everyone in Toronto to get drunk on the Booze Cruise.
Atlanta Hawks- It’s always fun to follow what the Hawks are doing because they are always up to something. The Hawks who were projected to land the #1 and #2 picks fell to #4 and #5 which definitely is a disappointment but the Hawks definitely soared in terms of overall talent. There was some confusion with the #3 and #4 selections but the Hawks worked out a deal with the Warriors to fix any issues. The Hawks wound up with the unwanted Dajuan Wagner and Joe Johnson.
Draft Grade: A+
Analysis: The Hawks might have benefited from the fact the Warriors didn’t want Dejuan Wagner as he looks like he might be the best talent in the draft. Joe Johnson is the more questionable pick of the 2 as you could have selected Jason Richardson over him but that’s pretty much a coin toss. The Hawks then got a few late 1st round selections for pretty cheap and they acquire some big men in Steven Hunter and Desagana Diop. Looks like the Hawks are back!
