Post by cliff "woo" harris on Feb 9, 2010 6:00:16 GMT -5
Here's a look back at the 1998 draft with some grading. First round only, because the second round was boring. Enjoy.
FIRST ROUND:
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THE LOTTERY
1. Portland Trailblazers - Kevin Garnett PF 6'11'' 230 22 B C C B+ B A
Current Ratings: B+ C C+ A- A- C
Kevin Garnett has definitely had an eventful career. But for a former #1 pick, he has been a slight disappointment. No championships, no finals appearances, no MVPs isn’t what people were expecting with his starting ratings and hype. He did play in 4 all star games, and was first all team for two years, but I still think Vince Carter overshadows anyone else in this draft. Garnett is only a career 18ppg player, and only averaged 20+ppg in two seasons throughout his career. His defense has always been solid, and is one of the league’s best rebounder’s year in and year out. Garnett was still a great player, but I just expected him to be more. He’ll receive a high grade from me still because this class turned out to be rather dull outside of the two top picks
GRADE: B+
2. Houston Rockets – Vince Carter SG 6'7'' 215 21 B+ C+ C C+ C- A
Current Ratings: A- A C+ B- C B
Vince Carter has had the most productive career out of anyone in this draft. He spent his first 7 seasons in Houston where he averaged 25ppg or more in every season, except his rookie year where he only averaged 23.8ppg. That is the most ppg for any rookie in UOSLR history, and naturally he won the ROY award. After helping lead Houston to 3 final appearences, he was shipped to the Nets. But that didn’t slow him down. Just last season in his second year with New Jersey, he finished the season with a staggering 32.4ppg. Despite his average (at best) defense, this 4 time all star, 2 time slam dunk winner, and 3 point shootout winner will go down as one of the most explosive offensive players in UOSLR history.
GRADE: A
3. Golden State Warriors - Paul Pierce SF 6'6'' 230 20 B- C+ C B C+ A
Current Ratings: B B C+ C+ B- D
You know you’ve had a shitty career, when after your 8th season you are a free agent as the season starts. Paul Pierce is the definition of a bust. Pierce was expected to be a franchise type player. Pierce has bounced around quite a bit throughout his career. His best season was arguably his 3rd year with the Raptors where he averaged 15.5ppg and 6.1rpg. Pierce had a few decent seasons, but in the end, it just didn’t work out for him. The fact that he’ll be happy to get on any roster at this point in his career validates this statement: “I hereby declare Paul Pierce a BUST.”
GRADE: C-
4. Orlando Magic - Antawn Jamison SF 6'8'' 231 22 B- C+ C- B- B- A
Current Ratings: B B- D A- B D
Funny, when I saw Jamison was drafted by the Magic, I thought we’d see him sit on Shaun’s roster for at least a decade. But dealing him in the 3rd season was a good move for the Magic. Jamison’s career stats of 11.7ppg and 7.9rpg don’t really stand out, but he has been a starter almost every season, playing 26mpg or more in every season throughout his career. Jamison has moved around from the Magic, Hawks, Sonics, Timberwolves, and now to the Jazz. This pick is average at best.
GRADE: C+
5. San Antonio Spurs - Michael Olowokandi C 7'0'' 269 23 B- D D+ B+ B- B
Current Ratings: B+ D+ C A- A- C
I think Larry Hughes and Michael Olowokandi (and maybe Nazr Mohammed) are the next best players in this draft behind VC and KG. Kandi man is still very productive after 8 years, which is impressive for any center. He’s sustained a double double throught his career (15.3ppg and 10.3rpg). He’s coming off one of his best seasons with the Hawks averaging over 17ppg and 11rpg. Kandi man’s unability to block shots IMO is his biggest weakness. If he was getting 2-3bpg, he would have made some all star games, but instead he remains under the radar and award-less. This is one of the more underrated picks in this draft. He’s been a very serviceable player.
GRADE: B+
6. Orlando Magic - Stephon Marbury PG 6'2'' 180 21 C+ B B- C+ C- A
Current Ratings: C+ B+ A A- D+ C
Marbs has some sweet ratings, but he was never as productive as advertised. Marbs is a career 12.5ppg scorer and dished out 7.5apg during his career. He was a very serviceable PG, but never really got over the hump. His inconsistent outside shooting and sometimes concerning turnovers were always holding him back. Marbury is now on the Raptors and plays an important role on their squad.
GRADE: B-
7. Los Angeles Lakers - Jason Williams PG 6'1'' 190 22 C B- A- C+ D+ A
Current Ratings: C+ B- A+ C+ D+ C
Outside of two nice seasons (14.6ppg/7.0apg and 12.4ppg/9.6apg), Jason Williams has been a dud. His ratings look slightly different to what they were during draft day. He’s a career 8ppg 4.4apg player. If you factor out his two nice seasons, he’s basically been a career back up. Awful pick considering two much better players in Larry Hughes and Rafer Alston are picked right after Jwill. It’s kind of funny how Jwill has been with the Lakers in 3 different stints. What’s up with that DBW?
GRADE: D+
8. Boston Celtics - Larry Hughes SG 6'5'' 184 19 B- C C+ B C A
Current Ratings: B A- A- A C- C
Like I mentioned above, Hughes probably should have gone #3 overall. Obviously now while evaluating this draft after 8 seasons, it’s pretty clear where each player SHOULD have gone. But I think GMs let Hughes slip because he had some really nice ratings for a 19 year old player. I definitely think people were afraid he would be a bust, but that’s everyone else’s loss. Hughes blossomed into a great SG. His averages of 16ppg 7.8apg, 4.8rpg, and 1.6spg only show how much of dynamic player he was. Offensively, I think Hughes never reached his potential, but he’s smart with the ball in his hand, and he plays tough defense. This is a nice selection for the Celtics.
GRADE: A-
9. Utah Jazz - Rafer Alston PG 6'2'' 171 21 C C+ B B+ D+ B
Current Ratings: C B A- A- D+ C
Rafer has been a very efficient PG since day 1. His ratio of assists to turnovers is very high, and he’s always been a fruitful player on the offensive end as well. Alston’s been a complete package player, and has done exactly what you’d want from a player picked at his position. With career stats of 14ppg, 7 apg and only 1.4topg, Alston gets a high grade from me.
GRADE: B+
10. Boston Celtics - Brad Miller C 6'11'' 244 22 B- C C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: B C C- A- C+ C
Miller was a solid role player for a few years in his career. I’m sure the Celtics weren’t expecting an all star starting center from Miller, but at the same time, they were definitely expecting more than what he turned out. This is a good example of a disappointment pick. He never really caught a stride, but he’ll last in this league for a long time as a bench player. I think if he got more playing time, he would have been better than his stats show. Clearly he still has game, because last season he averaged 15-9 for the Kings.
GRADE: C
11. Boston Celtics - Ricky Davis SF 6'6'' 195 18 B- C C C+ C A
Current Ratings: B+ B+ C- C+ C C
Although Davis hasn’t done a whole lot for his first 8 seasons, he’s a nice TC away from earning a starting role IMO. At 26, and with B+ B+ scoring, he still has a place in this league, and I think he could still have some strong years before his career is over. He had a couple nice 16ppg years about 5 years ago. Right now he’s sitting behind Wagner. However he expires this season, and I think the final verdict on his career rests on where he signs and how well his TC goes. IMO this is still up for grade, but I’m optimistic he can still salvage his career. This grade could definitely be a C or so in a year or two if things don’t pan out.
GRADE: B-
12. Detroit Pistons - Nazr Mohammed PF 6'10'' 220 20 B- C- D+ B C+ B
Current Ratings: A- C- D+ A- A- D
His ratings are pretty awesome right now. 15.6ppg and 9.4 rpg are solid career numbers for Mohammed. What great value for the Pistons at #12. Still after 8 seasons, Nazr is still starting for the Detroit Pistons. He has 273 double doubles over his career. This is definitely the biggest surprise of the entire draft. I’m not a big fan of non-shot blocking centers, but Nazr has proved to be a nice big man in this league, so I can’t hate.
GRADE: A-
13. Seattle Supersonics - Bonzi Wells SG 6'5'' 213 21 B C C C+ B- A
Current Ratings: B+ B- C- A- C+ D
Bonzi had a rather slow start to his career. He didn’t play until his 3rd season of his career. And after a couple years of playing, he had a string of 3 nice years that IMO will be the only thing to define his career. Because otherwise he’s been an extremely uneventful player. His ratings are nice, but really don’t mean much. He will only get worse from here on out, and I think he’ll be happy to play the bench anywhere he can. Bonzi has been a decent player with a few good years, nothing more.
GRADE: C+
THE REST OF THE 1ST ROUND
14. Los Angeles Clippers - Raef LaFrentz PF 7'0'' 240 22 C+ C+ D+ B- B B
Current Ratings: C+ C D B A- C
GRADE: C-
15. Charlotte Hornets - Robert Traylor PF 6'8'' 289 21 C+ C- C- B B C
Current Ratings: C+ C- C B B+ C
GRADE: C
16. Los Angeles Lakers - Keon Clark PF 6'11'' 221 23 C+ C D+ B- B+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
17. Phoenix Suns - Cuttino Mobley SG 6'4'' 190 23 C+ B+ C C+ C- B
Current Ratings: C A- C C+ C- C
GRADE: D
18. Chicago Bulls - Matt Harpring SF 6'7'' 231 22 C C+ C- A- C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
19. Seattle Supersonics - Ruben Patterson SF 6'5'' 224 22 B- C C B+ C+ B
Current Ratings: B- C C- B C+ D
GRADE: D-
20. New Jersey Nets - Michael Dickerson SG 6'5'' 196 23 C+ B C- B- C B
Current Ratings: B- A- C B+ C C
GRADE: B-
21. Cleveland Cavaliers - Tyronn Lue PG 6'0'' 178 21 C B B- C+ C- B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
22. Utah Jazz - Pat Garrity PF 6'9'' 238 21 B- B- C- C C+ C
Current Ratings: B+ B- C- C C+ C
GRADE: B
23. Philadelphia 76ers - Anthony Carter PG 6'1'' 190 23 C C+ B B C- B
Current Ratings: C B A- B+ C- C
GRADE: C+
24. Washington Bullets - Vladimir Stepania C 7'0'' 236 C C D+ B+ C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
25. Golden State Warriors - Mike James PG 6'2'' 188 23 B- B- C C C- B
Current Ratings: B- B+ C+ C+ C- C
GRADE: C
26. Charlotte Hornets - Charles Jones SG 6'3'' 185 22 B B+ C+ C- C- C
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
27. Los Angeles Lakers - Brian Skinner PF 6'9'' 255 22 B- C- D+ B C+ B
Current Ratings: B- D+ D+ B B+ C
GRADE: B+
28. Boston Celtics - Jerome James C 7'0'' 315 22 B- D+ D- C+ B+ B
Current Ratings: B- D+ D B- B+ C
GRADE: B
29. Los Angeles Clippers - Rasho Nesterovic C 7'0'' 240 22 C+ D+ D- B C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
FIRST ROUND:
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THE LOTTERY
1. Portland Trailblazers - Kevin Garnett PF 6'11'' 230 22 B C C B+ B A
Current Ratings: B+ C C+ A- A- C
Kevin Garnett has definitely had an eventful career. But for a former #1 pick, he has been a slight disappointment. No championships, no finals appearances, no MVPs isn’t what people were expecting with his starting ratings and hype. He did play in 4 all star games, and was first all team for two years, but I still think Vince Carter overshadows anyone else in this draft. Garnett is only a career 18ppg player, and only averaged 20+ppg in two seasons throughout his career. His defense has always been solid, and is one of the league’s best rebounder’s year in and year out. Garnett was still a great player, but I just expected him to be more. He’ll receive a high grade from me still because this class turned out to be rather dull outside of the two top picks
GRADE: B+
2. Houston Rockets – Vince Carter SG 6'7'' 215 21 B+ C+ C C+ C- A
Current Ratings: A- A C+ B- C B
Vince Carter has had the most productive career out of anyone in this draft. He spent his first 7 seasons in Houston where he averaged 25ppg or more in every season, except his rookie year where he only averaged 23.8ppg. That is the most ppg for any rookie in UOSLR history, and naturally he won the ROY award. After helping lead Houston to 3 final appearences, he was shipped to the Nets. But that didn’t slow him down. Just last season in his second year with New Jersey, he finished the season with a staggering 32.4ppg. Despite his average (at best) defense, this 4 time all star, 2 time slam dunk winner, and 3 point shootout winner will go down as one of the most explosive offensive players in UOSLR history.
GRADE: A
3. Golden State Warriors - Paul Pierce SF 6'6'' 230 20 B- C+ C B C+ A
Current Ratings: B B C+ C+ B- D
You know you’ve had a shitty career, when after your 8th season you are a free agent as the season starts. Paul Pierce is the definition of a bust. Pierce was expected to be a franchise type player. Pierce has bounced around quite a bit throughout his career. His best season was arguably his 3rd year with the Raptors where he averaged 15.5ppg and 6.1rpg. Pierce had a few decent seasons, but in the end, it just didn’t work out for him. The fact that he’ll be happy to get on any roster at this point in his career validates this statement: “I hereby declare Paul Pierce a BUST.”
GRADE: C-
4. Orlando Magic - Antawn Jamison SF 6'8'' 231 22 B- C+ C- B- B- A
Current Ratings: B B- D A- B D
Funny, when I saw Jamison was drafted by the Magic, I thought we’d see him sit on Shaun’s roster for at least a decade. But dealing him in the 3rd season was a good move for the Magic. Jamison’s career stats of 11.7ppg and 7.9rpg don’t really stand out, but he has been a starter almost every season, playing 26mpg or more in every season throughout his career. Jamison has moved around from the Magic, Hawks, Sonics, Timberwolves, and now to the Jazz. This pick is average at best.
GRADE: C+
5. San Antonio Spurs - Michael Olowokandi C 7'0'' 269 23 B- D D+ B+ B- B
Current Ratings: B+ D+ C A- A- C
I think Larry Hughes and Michael Olowokandi (and maybe Nazr Mohammed) are the next best players in this draft behind VC and KG. Kandi man is still very productive after 8 years, which is impressive for any center. He’s sustained a double double throught his career (15.3ppg and 10.3rpg). He’s coming off one of his best seasons with the Hawks averaging over 17ppg and 11rpg. Kandi man’s unability to block shots IMO is his biggest weakness. If he was getting 2-3bpg, he would have made some all star games, but instead he remains under the radar and award-less. This is one of the more underrated picks in this draft. He’s been a very serviceable player.
GRADE: B+
6. Orlando Magic - Stephon Marbury PG 6'2'' 180 21 C+ B B- C+ C- A
Current Ratings: C+ B+ A A- D+ C
Marbs has some sweet ratings, but he was never as productive as advertised. Marbs is a career 12.5ppg scorer and dished out 7.5apg during his career. He was a very serviceable PG, but never really got over the hump. His inconsistent outside shooting and sometimes concerning turnovers were always holding him back. Marbury is now on the Raptors and plays an important role on their squad.
GRADE: B-
7. Los Angeles Lakers - Jason Williams PG 6'1'' 190 22 C B- A- C+ D+ A
Current Ratings: C+ B- A+ C+ D+ C
Outside of two nice seasons (14.6ppg/7.0apg and 12.4ppg/9.6apg), Jason Williams has been a dud. His ratings look slightly different to what they were during draft day. He’s a career 8ppg 4.4apg player. If you factor out his two nice seasons, he’s basically been a career back up. Awful pick considering two much better players in Larry Hughes and Rafer Alston are picked right after Jwill. It’s kind of funny how Jwill has been with the Lakers in 3 different stints. What’s up with that DBW?
GRADE: D+
8. Boston Celtics - Larry Hughes SG 6'5'' 184 19 B- C C+ B C A
Current Ratings: B A- A- A C- C
Like I mentioned above, Hughes probably should have gone #3 overall. Obviously now while evaluating this draft after 8 seasons, it’s pretty clear where each player SHOULD have gone. But I think GMs let Hughes slip because he had some really nice ratings for a 19 year old player. I definitely think people were afraid he would be a bust, but that’s everyone else’s loss. Hughes blossomed into a great SG. His averages of 16ppg 7.8apg, 4.8rpg, and 1.6spg only show how much of dynamic player he was. Offensively, I think Hughes never reached his potential, but he’s smart with the ball in his hand, and he plays tough defense. This is a nice selection for the Celtics.
GRADE: A-
9. Utah Jazz - Rafer Alston PG 6'2'' 171 21 C C+ B B+ D+ B
Current Ratings: C B A- A- D+ C
Rafer has been a very efficient PG since day 1. His ratio of assists to turnovers is very high, and he’s always been a fruitful player on the offensive end as well. Alston’s been a complete package player, and has done exactly what you’d want from a player picked at his position. With career stats of 14ppg, 7 apg and only 1.4topg, Alston gets a high grade from me.
GRADE: B+
10. Boston Celtics - Brad Miller C 6'11'' 244 22 B- C C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: B C C- A- C+ C
Miller was a solid role player for a few years in his career. I’m sure the Celtics weren’t expecting an all star starting center from Miller, but at the same time, they were definitely expecting more than what he turned out. This is a good example of a disappointment pick. He never really caught a stride, but he’ll last in this league for a long time as a bench player. I think if he got more playing time, he would have been better than his stats show. Clearly he still has game, because last season he averaged 15-9 for the Kings.
GRADE: C
11. Boston Celtics - Ricky Davis SF 6'6'' 195 18 B- C C C+ C A
Current Ratings: B+ B+ C- C+ C C
Although Davis hasn’t done a whole lot for his first 8 seasons, he’s a nice TC away from earning a starting role IMO. At 26, and with B+ B+ scoring, he still has a place in this league, and I think he could still have some strong years before his career is over. He had a couple nice 16ppg years about 5 years ago. Right now he’s sitting behind Wagner. However he expires this season, and I think the final verdict on his career rests on where he signs and how well his TC goes. IMO this is still up for grade, but I’m optimistic he can still salvage his career. This grade could definitely be a C or so in a year or two if things don’t pan out.
GRADE: B-
12. Detroit Pistons - Nazr Mohammed PF 6'10'' 220 20 B- C- D+ B C+ B
Current Ratings: A- C- D+ A- A- D
His ratings are pretty awesome right now. 15.6ppg and 9.4 rpg are solid career numbers for Mohammed. What great value for the Pistons at #12. Still after 8 seasons, Nazr is still starting for the Detroit Pistons. He has 273 double doubles over his career. This is definitely the biggest surprise of the entire draft. I’m not a big fan of non-shot blocking centers, but Nazr has proved to be a nice big man in this league, so I can’t hate.
GRADE: A-
13. Seattle Supersonics - Bonzi Wells SG 6'5'' 213 21 B C C C+ B- A
Current Ratings: B+ B- C- A- C+ D
Bonzi had a rather slow start to his career. He didn’t play until his 3rd season of his career. And after a couple years of playing, he had a string of 3 nice years that IMO will be the only thing to define his career. Because otherwise he’s been an extremely uneventful player. His ratings are nice, but really don’t mean much. He will only get worse from here on out, and I think he’ll be happy to play the bench anywhere he can. Bonzi has been a decent player with a few good years, nothing more.
GRADE: C+
THE REST OF THE 1ST ROUND
14. Los Angeles Clippers - Raef LaFrentz PF 7'0'' 240 22 C+ C+ D+ B- B B
Current Ratings: C+ C D B A- C
GRADE: C-
15. Charlotte Hornets - Robert Traylor PF 6'8'' 289 21 C+ C- C- B B C
Current Ratings: C+ C- C B B+ C
GRADE: C
16. Los Angeles Lakers - Keon Clark PF 6'11'' 221 23 C+ C D+ B- B+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
17. Phoenix Suns - Cuttino Mobley SG 6'4'' 190 23 C+ B+ C C+ C- B
Current Ratings: C A- C C+ C- C
GRADE: D
18. Chicago Bulls - Matt Harpring SF 6'7'' 231 22 C C+ C- A- C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
19. Seattle Supersonics - Ruben Patterson SF 6'5'' 224 22 B- C C B+ C+ B
Current Ratings: B- C C- B C+ D
GRADE: D-
20. New Jersey Nets - Michael Dickerson SG 6'5'' 196 23 C+ B C- B- C B
Current Ratings: B- A- C B+ C C
GRADE: B-
21. Cleveland Cavaliers - Tyronn Lue PG 6'0'' 178 21 C B B- C+ C- B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
22. Utah Jazz - Pat Garrity PF 6'9'' 238 21 B- B- C- C C+ C
Current Ratings: B+ B- C- C C+ C
GRADE: B
23. Philadelphia 76ers - Anthony Carter PG 6'1'' 190 23 C C+ B B C- B
Current Ratings: C B A- B+ C- C
GRADE: C+
24. Washington Bullets - Vladimir Stepania C 7'0'' 236 C C D+ B+ C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
25. Golden State Warriors - Mike James PG 6'2'' 188 23 B- B- C C C- B
Current Ratings: B- B+ C+ C+ C- C
GRADE: C
26. Charlotte Hornets - Charles Jones SG 6'3'' 185 22 B B+ C+ C- C- C
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
27. Los Angeles Lakers - Brian Skinner PF 6'9'' 255 22 B- C- D+ B C+ B
Current Ratings: B- D+ D+ B B+ C
GRADE: B+
28. Boston Celtics - Jerome James C 7'0'' 315 22 B- D+ D- C+ B+ B
Current Ratings: B- D+ D B- B+ C
GRADE: B
29. Los Angeles Clippers - Rasho Nesterovic C 7'0'' 240 22 C+ D+ D- B C+ B
Current Ratings: I don’t believe he’s in the league (correct me if I’m wrong)
GRADE: F
