Post by James on Jun 25, 2010 6:14:20 GMT -5
Pick #1 - Fab Melo C 7'0'' 274 21 B D D B B A
The Verdict: After jumping an astonishing 7 picks, Memphis made the easy decision to select Fab Melo with the number 1 pick in the 2013 UOSLR draft. The Grizzlies already have Greg Oden locked up for just under $50 million over the next four years however Melo's potential far outweighs the financial commitment they made to Oden only a season earlier. Although scouts believe his weight is an issue, his footwork, post moves and ability to score from the block are almost unrivaled.
Final Grade: A
-
Pick #2 - Jonas Valanciunas C 6'11'' 260 20 B C+ C C+ B A
The Verdict: There isn't much that separates Fab Melo and Jonas Valanciunas on the basketball court and there wasn't much that separated them on draft day either as the Dallas Mavericks made him their number two selection in the 2013 UOSLR draft. Valanciunas is your typical unknown European prospect that can shoot the ball from mid/long range and has a 'ton of potential'. The difference here is that Valanciunas also has a killer inside game to boot. He isn't a great defender just yet however over time, he will most definitely improve.
Final Grade: A-
-
Pick #3 - Jordan Price SG 6'6'' 215 18 A- C C B C A
The Verdict: The Lakers were very disappointed when they dropped two places in the UOSLR lottery as they ideally would have loved to have taken Fab or Jonas however they will count themselves lucky that a prospect of Jordan Prices caliber was still available at number three (a type of player who would have probably been the number one selection in last years draft). Price will be sharing the Los Angeles front-court with Corey Joseph and Avery Bradley so it will be very interesting to see what the Lakers do in the off-season. He has the potential to be a superstar so it may be worth holding on to him for a little while yet.
Final Grade: B
-
Pick #4 - Austin Rivers PG 6'4'' 175 20 C+ B C+ B C- A
The Verdict: With Evan Turner testing free agency, the Hornets could have easily went for a replacement at the three spot however opted to take the best player left on the draft board at the time, Austin Rivers. Rivers is a very solid selection at four however scouts have already said that an extra year of college could have done him well. A great mid range shooter and solid perimeter defender, Rivers along with Kemba Walker will be battling it out for the teams starting point guard position in the coming season.
Final Grade: B
-
Pick #5 - Tomas Satoransky SG 6'6'' 190 20 B- B- B- C C A
The Verdict: Tomas Satransky will step right into the starting two spot for the Detroit Pistons this season, taken at number five in this years UOSLR draft. The 6'6" shooting guard is rather raw at the moment, especially defensively, however has potential to burn and could develop into an all-star quality scorer. The Pistons won't be able to give him much support which could be a problem however they have over $10 million in cap space to fill that (and many other) voids in the off-season.
Final Grade: B+
-
Pick #6 - Tobias Harris PF 6'10'' 234 21 B C C C+ B- B
The Verdict: The Spurs were tipped to take Harris before the draft and ended up followed through on that prediction taking him at number six. Harris is a very solid player and should be able to contribute right away for the Spurs. He is rather skinny for a power forward and this hurts him defensively however he is great on the post and is ready to put points on the board right away. A sound pick by the Spurs, Tobias Harris and CJ Leslie should combine to form a very nice and young back-court in San Antonio.
Final Grade: B
-
Pick #7 - Rodney Williams SF 6'7'' 200 21 B- C+ D+ B- C- A
The Verdict: The Bullets opted to take Rodney Williams at seven even though they already have Michael Gilchrist at the same position there which puzzled most who attended the draft, however Williams looks to be more of a long term project which could explain this selection. Williams is a superior athlete and some scouts believe that he has the most potential in the entire 2013 draft class. He is a great positional defender and loves to get up and down the court. At 6'7", he may even move to the two spot in order share the hardwood with Gilchrist in the future.
Final Grade: B
-
Pick #8 - Quinn Cook PG 5'11'' 155 20 C C B+ B+ D+ B
The Verdict: Cook reminds most scouts of a modern day Rajan Rondo. He is lightning quick, a great passer and brilliant defender however really lacks any sort of offensive game (a mid to long range one, especially). Many believed that Cook could have gone higher than eight, however his aforementioned inability to put points on the board may have worried teams who were looking for star status in the future. A very solid selection who could be an excellent contributor on a good team.
Final Grade: B+
-
Pick #9 - Dominic Cheek SG 6'6'' 185 21 C+ B- C- B- C- B
The Verdict: Utah's number nine pick of Dominic Cheek was probably the first 'surprise' selection of the draft. Many saw Cheek being taken at the tail end of the lottery however as stated, Utah snapped him up at number nine. Cheek is a versatile player who can score in a number of ways and scouts believe that he is a great defender. However many have questioned his attitude as well as his ball handling ability, especially for a shooting guard. In terms of team needs, the Jazz made a sound selection which could see the 6'6" scorer start in the upcoming season.
Final Grade: C+
-
Pick #10 - Mouphtaou Yarou PF 6'9" 240 22 B- D D- B+ C+ B
The Verdict: Like Tobias Harris above, scouts hinted that Sacramento would take Mouphtaou Yarou with their number ten pick, and they did. Yarou has an NBA body and will be ready to compete right away for the play-off hopefully Kings, although Yarou's potential has been questioned by multiple scouts and his ability to block shots also comes under some scrutiny. A solid pick by the Kings, Mouphtaou Yarou should look forward to contributing right away.
Final Grade: B-
