Grading Every Pick & Trade of the 2021 NBA Draft
It’s the NBA draft baby, where some teams can get their franchise star while others will look back and say, what went wrong? This day decides to futures of teams and teams who draft well usually find success not too long after. So today, I will be grading every first-round pick. This is purely based on what we know about them as prospects. We haven’t seen them play at the NBA level, so all of these could be completely wrong (a likely outcome).
So without further ado, here are my grades for the first round of the NBA draft.
#1 – Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham
No brainer. Cunningham is elite and likely to be a generational talent that should lead Detroit to some sort of success they haven’t had since the mid-2000s.
Grade: A+
#2 – Houston Rockets
Jalen Green
I think Jalen Green has the potential to be a great player, the potential to be such a great scorer in the NBA. But I think Mobley was the best player available at this spot. The fit with guys like Wood/KPJ is interesting. Maybe I’m wrong, but I would have liked to see Mobley go here.
Grade: C+
#3 – Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley
YESSSSSS! The Cavs didn’t mess this up. They got handed a generational center, who is an elite defender next to Jarrett Allen down low. Allen and Mobley down low is lethal, good luck against that interior. With Okoro on the wing, the small backcourt of Garland and Sexton certainly doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb like it used to. Love this pick for Cleveland.
Grade: A+
#4 – Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes
I like Barnes at #4, but Suggs is on the board!!! WHYYYYY! Suggs would have been perfect but Barnes is still a good player. Versatile player defensively with offensive upside if he develops a jumper. The fit with Siakam/Anunoby is very interesting. I would love this pick, but Suggs was still here, sooooooo….
Grade: C+
#5 – Orlando Magic
Jalen Suggs
Steal of the draft. I know they have Cole Anthony and Fultz already, but I think Suggs is better than both of those guys. Good defensively and is a jumpshot away from becoming a complete offensive player. I love, love, love, love this pick for the Magic, they got a steal by not doing anything.
Grade: A++++++++++++
#6 – OKC Thunder
Josh Giddey
The NBA Draft stays wild. I kind of like this move, I don’t like Kuminga or Bouknight this high, so why not go with Giddey? Very young, very raw, a great passer and rebounder, has real upside and he fits well with SGA. All that’s left is a consistent jump shot and he could be really good. OKC gets the guy they want, regardless of consensus draft boards.
Grade: A-
#7 – Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga
Keep this pick in mind with a grain of salt, the Warriors might still want to make a move with this pick or the #14 overall pick. If they keep this pick, they’re getting a boom or bust player in Kuminga. A very lengthy scorer with a lot of defensive upside if he puts the effort there on that end. He doesn’t give you much offensively other than scoring, but he could be a decent secondary creator/scorer.
But the Warriors are trying to contend. Kuminga is very raw and only 18 years old. This might be another James Wiseman situation, where he just falls behind and the Warriors are better without him. They still might trade the pick, but this is kind of baffling.
Grade: C+
#8 – Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner
OMG, since when are the Magic good at drafting? They got a steal in Jalen Suggs and then they are getting the incredibly versatile Wagner from Michigan. Very good passer, but his defense stands out. Really good intangibles, smart defender, versatile, good on or off-ball, really good defender. If he adds a consistent jump shot, he could be a very complete forward. I really like this pick.
Also, he gets to play with his brother in Orlando. What’s not to love?
Grade: A+
#9 – Sacramento Kings
Davion Mitchell
Another good pickup for the Kings, who swoop in and get a solid player. They want Buddy Hield gone (right move) and now they’re getting somebody who helps them a lot more. Mitchell is an elite on-ball defender and he’s also a great shooter and passer. The Kings need his defense and I didn’t expect him to fall here, similar to Tyrese Haliburton last year. Another steal for the Kings who just got a lot better in their never-ending quest for the playoffs.
The fit is the only thing that holds this back. They already have Fox and Haliburton, so where does Mitchell fit? His defense is valuable, but he’s a smaller player than Haliburton. If his shooting translates, that’s great, but that balancing act with 3 extremely talented young guards will be interesting.
Grade: B
#10 – Memphis Grizzlies (via Pelicans)
Ziaire Williams
The Grizzlies are getting weird and this could be great or terrible for them. What I like is they are addressing a need in wing scoring, but they’re taking a big gamble. Williams struggled in college with physicality but he could be great. Showed shot-making potential, pretty good shooter, good ball-handler, the upside if there for the 6-8 forward, on both ends.
But he has to bulk up from 185 pounds and with Memphis’s excellent player development, this could bring a lot of riches to a Grizzlies team on the rise. Still incredibly risky though.
Grade: B-
#11 – Charlotte Hornets
James Bouknight
More offense=better defense? I know Wagner and Mitchell were off the board, but getting another scorer is risky when you have 3-4 guys who already do that. I think Bouknight will be good when he’s more of a 6th man than a primary scorer. Not much of a playmaker, not some sort of great defender, but he sure can score, which I suppose is why the Hornets got him.
Risky move MJ, risky, risky, risky.
Grade: C+
#12 – San Antonio Spurs
Joshua Primo
Ok, San Antonio. You’re supposed to be conservative, stop doing risky stuff. Primo is only 18 years old but he has incredible upside. Great catch-and-shoot shooter at Bama, shows flashes off the dribble as well. With a 6-9 wingspan, he has great defensive upside.
But this is a big gamble. I like it, but I mean, it’s not a sure thing that an 18-year old lives up to the potential that we all think he has. I had him at the back end of the first round but he seems so much more like a 2nd round flyer. This better work out for the Spurs, who desperately need to rebuild.
Grade: C-
#13 – Indiana Pacers
Chris Duarte
I like this pick too. Duarte is an excellent shooter out of Oregon, who can shoot off the catch and off the dribble well. Very efficient player who is also a solid passer and has the potential to be a great two-way player.
The Pacers need depth and I like Duarte a lot, he should help the Pacers a lot off the bench this upcoming season, as they try and not get swept in the first round of the playoffs this year.
Grade: B-
#14 – Golden State Warriors
Moses Moody
I like this pick a lot more than Kuminga. Moody has somehow fell to the back end of the lottery, but there is a lot to like with Moody. Good size for the guard position, a very good scorer in the half-court. Good shooter overall, good at drawing fouls. Also has nice defensive upside, could be a nice two-way player. Good pick here from the Warriors.
Grade: A-
#15 – Washington Wizards
Corey Kispert
This pick is a meh from me. They already traded Westbrook and they should trade Beal, although that looks unlikely as of right now. Kispert is a very good shooter, but I would have liked for the Wizards to draft a player with more upside for a rebuild that they should have already started. Nothing wrong with Kispert, more the Wizard’s decision-making.
Grade: C+
#16 – Houston Rockets (via Thunder)
Alperen Sengun
The Rockets getting their center, a little bit later than I would have wanted, but Sengun is still good. Very dominant player in Europe despite his age, very good post player who could develop a jumper. Good rebounder and a decent interior defender.
The fit with Christian Wood is even more interesting than what it would have potentially been with Mobley, but at least they got a center.
Grade: B
#17 – New Orleans Pelicans (via Grizzlies)
Trey Murphy III
The Pelicans are getting a really nice player in Murphy. Very good physical profile at 6-9, with a 7-0 wingspan. Good athlete who is a great shooter off the catch, ranked in the 89th percentile during his final year at Virginia. Very efficient and smart player. When he fills out his frame, that long wingspan should lead to versatility on the defensive end.
I like Murphy a lot. He’s got some shooting prowess, something that New Orleans needs. He has also defensive upside, again, something the Pelicans need. He can’t really create off the dribble and his fit with other forwards like Zion and Ingram are interesting, but the Pelicans need what he brings to the table desperately.
Grade: B-
#18 – OKC Thunder
Tre Mann
I love Sam Presti so much, another really good pick here with Florida’s Tre Mann. A taller point guard at 6-5, Mann is a solid all around player. Good ball-handler, great footwork, shot 40% from 3 as a sophomore last year, and he has deep range. Good in the pick and roll as a 3 level scorer and passer. Defense isn’t even terrible.
The fit with SGA is going to be interesting because Mann isn’t a floor general, but he’s a decent playmaker. Clearly a talent pick for OKC, similar to the Giddey one. Who cares about fit anyway? Not OKC.
Grade: B-
#19 – Charlotte Hornets (via Knicks)
Kai Jones
There we go Charlotte, that’s how you do it. Being aggressive and trading for this pick and getting the extremely raw Kai Jones down low. I love it.
Jones is a blank canvas, but he could be really good. Good at running the floor, a lob threat in the pick and roll, very agile on defense, not a pick and roll liability. Very energetic player, showed glimpses of a 3-PT shot.
And the best thing? He’s getting to play with a rising superstar in Lamelo, which should only make him better. I didn’t like the #11 pick, but MJ, you have won me back over.
Grade: A+
#20 – Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson
Johnson was a projected lottery pick who fell to pick 20. Likely due to his sub-par season at Duke, Johnson is still really talented. Very good size at 6-9, a great, powerful athlete. Versatile defender who can guard 1-5, good rebounder as well. Not much offensively, but you can see why the Hawks got him.
No Okungwu for 6 months, so they’re getting another young body down low. Obviously a backup PG would have helped Trae Young, but to stop Giannis and Embiid, you need lengthy defenders and Johnson is exactly that. Great pick from the Hawks.
Grade: A
#21 – LA Clippers (via Knicks)
Keon Johnson
I like this pick a lot. Kawhi is going to be out for next season with that ACL tear, so why not get another great, versatile, wing defender? Johnson doesn’t give you too much offensively with his lack of a jumpshot, but this is an absolute steal at pick #21, after I had Johnson firmly in the lottery.
Grade: A
#22 – Indiana Pacers (via Wizards and Lakers)
Isaiah Jackson
There we go, adding a big guy down low. The Pacers desperately needed help down low and Jackson helps them a lot. The 6-11 athletic big can run the floor well, is an elite rim protector, and a good rebounder. Showed potential as a passer, ball-handler, and shooter. Vertical threat in the pick and roll, good pairing with Brogdon.
But solid pickup, addressing a need down low. The Pacers were terrible down low, especially when Myles Turner was off the floor/hurt. This helps them a lot.
Grade: A
#23 – Houston Rockets
Usman Garuba
You know, taking Mobley at #2 would have solved all of this. Another big guy for the Rockets, although Garuba is more of a power forward. Young, but played in Spain, so he has experience. Incredibly energetic guy, knows his role and plays it to a T. Very good defender with his 7-3 wingspan, good in the pick and roll, sturdy enough in the post.
Even showed flashes of an outside shot. Decent pick, but now you’re getting so much down low, might overlap. Could have just taken Mobley at #2, you know.
Grade: B-
#24 – Houston Rockets
Josh Christopher
Christopher was a lottery pick before the college season started. But he was very inconsistent at Arizona State, but he showed flashes, enough to grant the Rockets taking him here at #24. Good physical gifts, a fluid and explosive player. Jumpshot is better than advertised, still has to work on shot-selection, decision making, and his defense.
But he has upside as a scorer on the wing and with some development, he could be a really solid player.
Grade: B-
#25 – New York Knicks (via LA Clippers)
Quintin Grimes
Grimes has good size at 6-5 to be a combo guard. Very good shooter in college, shot 43% on catch-and-shoot 3’s, has deep range. Very good offensive and defensive rebounder, really hustles. Very good on-ball defender, pressures opposing ball-handlers into mistakes. Very active defender, fits in for the Knicks.
Grimes isn’t a great ball-handler and is more of an off-guard. Guys like Sharife Cooper or Jaden Springer might have been better picks. Not much of a play-maker, don’t know how much better he can get from what he is right now. Decent pick, I guess.
Grade: C+
#26 – Denver Nuggets
Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland
First of all, Denver gets some points for the name, got to give them credit there. But Bones Hyland is a really good player out of VCU.
Hyland is a very intriguing player. Parking lot range, a really good, off the dribble shot-creator at the guard position. He shot 40% from 3 over two years at VCU. While he’s skinny and only 6-3, he has a 6-9 wingspan, so he can definitely guard multiple positions in the NBA. Good at getting into the passing lanes and forcing turnovers. That length also helps him offensively.
But the Nuggets are getting a scorer for their bench, trying to fill in for Jamal Murray as he recovers from that ACL tear. Hyland has good upside and this should fit in well with guys like Monte Morris and Will Barton, assuming Barton returns this offseason.
Grade: B+
#27 – Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Thomas
Like the Hornets at pick #11 – more offense=defense? Cam Thomas is a very good scorer out of LSU. Gets to the free throw line a lot, efficient player all-around. Good shot-maker with range, can score in isolation, out of the pick and roll, a very deep scoring arsenal.
But he has never really been asked to do anything other than score, which might be a problem for Brooklyn. But with Shamet on the move and some free agents this summer not guaranteed to comeback, Thomas will be getting some playing time. Not in love with this pick, just because the Nets don’t need more scoring, they need defense and length down low. Cam Thomas isn’t helping you slow down Giannis.
Grade: C-
#28 – Philadelphia 76ers
Jaden Springer
Springer was another guy to fall from where I and most people had him, in the early 20’s. But the 76ers are getting a good player. Springer has good size at guard and like Joshua Primo, he’s only 18 years old. Lots of room to develop. Not much of an offensive player outside of scoring at the rim, so he certainly doesn’t help them space the floor.
But he’s good off-ball offensively and he’s a solid playmaker. Good on-ball defender, with his length he can guard 1-3 in the NBA. Highly effective defender in pick and rolls and isolations, should fit well with Thybulle and Embiid.
Grade: A
#29 – Brooklyn Nets (via Phoenix Suns)
Day’Ron Sharpe
There we go, a center. Sharpe rose because of the NBA Draft combine, where he lose some weight and showed some potential as a shooter, a lot more potential than his underwhelming season with the Tarheels in college. A good low post scorer and rebounder, Sharpe is solid offensively.
Good defensive rebounder and is a good shot-blocker, so he’s some size down low next to Claxton. The Nets desperately needed size and they really need this pick to hit. Otherwise, the Big 3 better be ready to outduel Giannis.
Grade: B
#30 – Memphis Grizzlies (via Utah Jazz)
Santi Aldama
Apologies, I haven’t heard much about this guy. Santi is a 6-11 forward who can shoot. Averaged 21 points per game in the Patriot League as a sophomore. Maybe that was due to sub-par competition, but Memphis likes him.
Despite his size, he was a shot-creator for Loyola. Great inside-out game, able to run coast to coast after a rebound. He was used as the ball-handler in pick and rolls, pretty good ball handler and passer. Good at changing speeds, looks comfortable with the ball in his hands.
I don’t know what to think about this pick, I really want to see how Santi turns out in the NBA.
Grade: B
Notable 2nd Round Picks
You know what? I’m in a giving mood tonight. So I am going to give my grades for some of the notable 2nd round selections in this year’s draft. Enjoy.
#31 – Washington Wizards (from Indiana and Milwaukee)
Isaiah Todd
Todd was pretty impressive in the G-League this past season. Showed glimpses of his shot-making ability, both inside and outside the arc at 6-10. Mobile big guy, very aggressive on both ends. Still only 19, defense is sometimes a struggle, but the Wizards have a promising stretch big on their hands.
Grade: B+
#33 – LA Clippers (from Orlando Magic)
Jason Preston
One of the best passers in the college game, Jason Preston is a bit of an unknown. Didn’t play much in high school but made his way to Ohio and this past season, they upset Virginia in the first round of the tournament in March Madness. Now he’s getting drafted, a very cool story.
Good size and length at guard, covers his skinny frame and lack of explosiveness. Defense and shooting is a problem, but he’s a smart player, very good passer in the pick and roll. Really a consistent jumper away from being a solid backup player. Clippers get some more playmaking, something that they need.
Grade: B-
#35 – New Orleans Pelicans
Herb Jones
Another good pick for New Orleans. Jones was underwhelming at Bama for 3 years but as a senior, he was great. He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the Player of the Year. Very good two-way wing at 6-7 with over a 7-foot wingspan, he can guard anybody on the perimeter, just what the Pelicans needs.
Not a offensive player, can’t shoot or score that much. Played a little bit of PG, good passer with a great feel for the game. Another key for Jones is being aggressive. But his defense alone helps the Pelicans defense that was bottom-3 last season.
Grade: A++
#36 – New York Knicks (from OKC Thunder)
Miles McBride
There we go. I love McBride, had him as a late first rounder but the Knicks are getting a steal here, because they traded back. McBride is such a good, aggressive, on-ball defender. So smart on that end, fits very well with the Knicks. He can shot-create off the dribble, good catch-and-shoot shooter, he really, really helps the Knicks out a lot.
Grade: A+
#38 – Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu
Dosunmu fell in the draft as of late, but he’s still very good. Had an amazing season with Illinois last year, was awarded with the Bob Cousy award, given to the best point guard in the NCAA. Averaged 20-6-5 while shooting 39% from 3 and nearly 80% from the free throw line. Bigger guard with a 6-9 wingspan, a smart player in the pick and roll. Effective off the dribble, really good offensively. Decent defender.
Likes the mid-range more, lacks explosiveness, jack of all trades and a master of none. The Bulls are trying to get some sort of playmaking, but I think they should still go after Lonzo. I think Dosunmu is good as a backup, getting like 8-15 minutes per game, but Lonzo should definitely still be who the Bulls target.
Ayo also gets to stay in Illinois.
Grade: B-
#40 – Utah Jazz (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Jared Butler
Finally, somebody got Butler. All-American last year at Baylor, NCAA Most Outstanding Player last year. Versatile and efficient offensive player, good at creating for others. Good facilitator, can play on or off ball. Shot 42% from from 3 last year. Good defender as well who puts his best effort forth on that end.
Don’t know how he slid down here this far, but the Jazz are getting a really good player.
Grade: A+++
#43 – Portland Trail Blazers (via New Orleans Pelicans)
Greg Brown
Greg Brown is very raw. Expected to be a first round pick before his past season at Texas, Brown slipped due to struggles scoring the ball. Decision making looked poor and his slim, 206 pound frame eventually led him to fall out of the Texas rotation entirely.
But he’s an explosive athlete at 6-9, very aggressive, and only 19, so plenty of room to grow. With time, his feel for the game will become better and if he develops a jumpshot, he could be a solid player. I’m really hoping that happens and also, Dame, there’s the reason you stay.
Grade: Dame Please Don’t Leave
#48 – Atlanta Hawks
Sharife Cooper
FINALLY!!!! Cooper should have been a first-round pick, maybe even the Hawks’ #20 overall selection. But he’s going to be one of the steals of the draft. One of the best passers in the draft despite being 6-1, 180 pounds. Elite at drawing fouls at getting to the rim, very aggressive. Incredibly talented in the pick and roll as a dual-threat.
Obviously, he’s small and can’t really shoot, but the Hawks have a thing for tiny point guards who like to handle the ball, what can I say. The perfect backup for Trae Young, excellent pick.
Grade: A++++++++++++++++++++
#53 – Philadelphia 76ers
Charles Bassey
I like Bassey as a backup big guy. He’s athletic and can run the floor. Good scorer down low and a vertical threat in the pick and roll. Outside shot is developing. Really good shot-blocker and rebounder. Could prove to be solid, getting mentored by Dwight Howard and Joel Embiid.
Grade: B
NBA Trade Grades
There have been some trades tonight and I don’t feel like making an entire new post for them, because I am lazy. Here are my grades for the trades that have happened tonight.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jevon Carter, Pick #29 (Day’Ron Sharpe)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Landry Shamet
For the Nets, I get why you’re doing this trade. You probably couldn’t afford to keep Shamet long term as he was a potential RFA next summer. While Shamet is a really good player, you were able to get another first round pick to bolster your talent pool. Jevon Carter is also a solid player, a decent shooter who may or may not get minutes. But now the Nets have two first round picks in this draft, which is a win. They got center Day’Ron Sharpe at pick 29, which should help them down low
Nets Grade: B+
On the flip side, I also get why the Suns did this. They weren’t using Jevon Carter and with how their 2020 Draft went? I think they’re better off trading picks. Shamet is young, but he’s played on a lot of playoffs teams. The 76ers, Clippers, Nets, and now a team that just went to the Finals. Even better, Monty Williams was an assistant in Philly with Shamet, so they also know each other pretty well. Shamet offers shooting, some defense, and off the dribble capabilities. Added depth for a Suns team trying to get back to the NBA Finals.
Suns Grade: A
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: Ricky Rubio, 2022 Washington 2nd Round Pick, Cash Considerations
Minnesota T-Wolves Receive: Taurean Prince
For the Cavs, they’re getting a veteran guard. Rubio actually was pretty good in Minnesota and maybe he could be a mentor of sorts to Garland/and or Sexton, if Sexton is still on the team. The Cavs had expressed previously they wanted Prince gone, and they did it. I just don’t really think this affects much for them long-term.
Also, taking on nearly $18 million for Rubio is an L. Now they have to trade Love and Rubio this offseason. Not the best outcome for the Cavs.
Cavs Grade: C
For the T-Wolves, I guess you’re going all in on your young core. A healthy D’Angelo Russell came off the bench to end the year, with Rubio starting. Safe to say that won’t be happening. It looks like they’re going all in with Russell-Edwards-McDaniels-Towns and Malik Beasley as a 6th man. I like this move and Taurean Prince offers shooting and scoring from the wing. They also clear Ricky Rubio’s remaining contract off the books. He’s getting paid $17.8 million next season. The T-Wolves are going all-in on their youth movement.
Grade: A-
Detroit Pistons Receive: #57 Pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Mason Plumlee, #37 Pick
For the Hornets, you’re getting a really good center, certainly an upgrade over Zeller/Biyombo. He can pass and he has experience. Plumlee is getting paid around $8 million per year, so that’s a little expensive, but he’s a solid player. The Hornets also get a pretty high 2nd rounder, so this was a pretty good trade.
Hornets Grade: A
For the Pistons, I really guess they’re trading what’s left of his contract. He has about 2yrs/$16 million left and I guess the Pistons want to make room for Isiah Stewart down low. Plumlee was good for them, but I don’t get why they also had to give up the 37th pick. Maybe the Hornets wanted something else for that contract? I don’t really know, but trading down 20 spots and losing a decent player is kind of an L.
Grade: D
Wizards Receive: Kyle Kuzma, KCP, Montrezl Harrell, Pick #22 (Isaiah Jackson)
LA Lakers Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2024 2nd RP, 2028 2nd RP
Wow, this is wild. For the Wizards, it’s good that you finally might decide to rebuild, but this package doesn’t exactly help you. Kuzma is a decent scorer but he’s kind of a diva, attitude problems. Caldwell-Pope doesn’t fit their timeline and he’s getting paid $13 million this season, but it’s only partially guaranteed next season, so I guess it’s fine. Montrezl Harrell sucks, don’t play him. The 22nd pick is nice, the Wizards got Isaiah Jackson to fortify themselves down low. But this doesn’t do much for the rebuild Washington should be having.
Grade: C
For the Lakers, I get this but I also don’t get this. Lebron is getting older and AD is fragile, so you want more insurance. I guess that means no more Schroder and you’re losing some important depth pieces, especially KCP, who was so good for them in the Bubble. Westbrook is good, but he always starts off seasons slow and you have more of a shooting/spacing problem. I guess this makes the Lakers better? They lose their FRP, so they’re likely not going to be deep and they have worse shooting. I’m not liking this trade for either sides, really.
Grade: C-
Indiana Pacers Receive: Pick #31 (Traded Again To Wizards)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: #54, #60, Future 2nd RP
Bucks didn’t want the pick and Indiana turned this pick into Isaiah Jackson while also packaging Aaron Holiday. Decent move for Indiana, not much to say about the Bucks.
Pacers Grade: B
Houston Rockets Receive: #16 Pick (Alperen Sengun)
OKC Thunder Receive: Two Future FRP, via Washington and Detroit
The Rockets traded up for Sengun, finally addressing their needs at center. They’re being aggressive in their rebuild and they get a player of need. Good move.
Grade: A
For the Thunder, the more picks the merrier? Sam Presti continues to hoard things, more future picks for the Thunder’s rebuild.
Grade: A
New York Knicks Receive: Future FRP
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Pick #19 (Kai Jones)
The Knicks probably wanted Tre Mann at #19, but watched him go to the Thunder. They still had options, but they didn’t force the pick and get a future pick from Charlotte. Decent move.
Grade: B
Absolutely love this move for the Hornets. They already got Plumlee and now they get the incredibly raw and athletic Kai Jones from Texas. Complete overhaul down low, this makes the Hornets a lot better.
Grade: A
LA Clippers Receive: #21 Pick (Keon Johnson)
New York Knicks Receive: Pick #25 (Quintin Grimes), Future 2nd Round Pick (via Detroit)
Wow, did not expect that from LA. Johnson should inject some youth as LA tries to recover on the wing without Kawhi, with Keon Johnson providing some defense.
Clippers Grade: A
Surprising that the Knicks traded down from this spot, they could have used Johnson. But with the 25th pick, they got Grimes, which is a good pickup. Maybe the Knicks just didn’t like Johnson, I don’t know. But they still got a decent player at pick #25, as Grimes can play defense and shoot, something that the Knicks need.
Knicks Grade: B+
Indiana Pacers Receive: Pick #22 (Isaiah Jackson)
Washington Wizards Receive: Aaron Holiday and #31 overall pick
Indiana gets a center down. Giving up Aaron Holiday and essentially a first round pick hurts, but this helps them.
Pacers Grade: B-
The Wizards needed Jackson badly and Aaron Holiday has potential, but hasn’t really blossomed these past couple of seasons like you’d want him to. You also get essentially a first round pick, decent trade.
Wizards Grade: B+
Utah Jazz Receive: Pick #40 (Jared Butler), Two Future 2nd Round Picks
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: #30 Pick (Santi Aldama)
I would have liked for the Jazz to take Miles McBride here, but they traded down and they still got Jared Butler. Worked out in the end.
Jazz Grade: A+
The Grizzlies are taking a pretty unknown prospect (at least to me) with Santi. He was a good player at Loyola Maryland this past season, but I don’t know too much about him. Another risky pick by Memphis, first Ziaire Williams and now this.
Grizzlies Grade: Risky
OKC Thunder Receive: Pick #32 (Jeremiah Robinson-Earl)
New York Knicks Receive: Picks #34 and #36 (R. Jokubaitis & Miles McBride)
The Thunder get somebody they wanted in Earl at the top of the 2nd round and the Knicks do another trade down.
Orlando Magic Receive: Future 2nd Round Pick & Cash Consideration
LA Clippers Receive: Pick #33 (Jason Preston)
Clippers get a talented point guard and the Magic get some more picks down the line.
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Pick #43 (Greg Brown)
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Future 2nd RP
Maybe Dame will stay now with the addition of Greg Brown? Still unlikely. At least my Blazers did something in the draft, for once.
What Are Your Thoughts From The NBA Draft? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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