In the weakest NBA draft in years, sitting out might have been the best thing to do. All the fireworks were done before it even began. The Cavs traded for Shaq. The Magic added Vince Carter. The Wizards snagged Mike Miller instead of the No. 5 pick. Several teams showed little interest in getting involved. Keep reading after the jump for the Eastern Conference rundown.
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics: B
Selection: Lester Hudson (No. 58)
Comments: Celtics want to win a championship this season, and their window of opportunity is closing. They didn't want to waste too much time worrying about where a rookie would fit. This was a bad draft.
New Jersey Nets: BSelections: Terrence Williams (No. 11),
Comments: After trading Vince Carter, the Nets are starting over, determined to get under the salary cap and start a rebuilding process before they move to Brooklyn. They also think they can be a big player in the free agent market in 2010. Williams can be a real good defender but he is up and down offensively.
New York Knicks: C
Selections: Jordan Hill (No. 8), Toney Douglas (No. 29)
Comment: The Knicks wanted Curry, but they were happy to get Hill, who should do well in Mike D'Antoni's system. He can give them some rebounding, especially if they lose David Lee, and he will score in the post. They should have traded up to get Rubio.
Philadelphia 76ers: C
Selections: Jrue Holiday (No. 17)
Comments: Sixers needed help at point guard now because free agent Andre Miller might not be back, but Holiday isn't ready yet. He's talented but only 18 years old, and he'll take time.
Toronto Raptors: B
Selections: Demar DeRozan (No. 9)
Comments: DeRozan needs to get stronger but has the potential to be a real NBA scorer because of his athleticism. Raptors are going head first into free agent market, hoping to make a run at several guys, including Hedo Turkoglu.
Central Division
Cleveland Cavaliers: A
Selections: Christian Eyenga (No. 30), Danny Green (46th),
Comments: The Cavs did their work two days before when they traded for Shaquille O'Neal, believing he can help LeBron James win his first NBA title. Eyenga, who is from the Congo, has potential but won't be part of this drive to the title.
Chicago Bulls: C
Selections: James Johnson (No. 16), Taj Gibson (No. 26)
Comments: The Bulls gave the Celtics all they could handle in the first round of the playoffs. Johnson can help them at both forward spots, providing more consistency than Tyrus Thomas. He fits on a team that will be led by Derrick Rose.
Detroit Pistons: D
Selections: Austin Daye (No. 15), DaJuan Summers (No. 35), Jonas Jerebko (No. 39)
Comments: Daye is a great shooter, but he's too frail to play anywhere near the basket, even if he is 6-11. He's a little like the guy he'll play behind in Tayshaun Prince. Summers is a good pick in the second round because several teams considered him for the first.
Milwaukee Bucks: BSelections: Brandon Jennings (No. 10), Jodie Meeks (No. 41).
Comments: Jennings will be the Bucks point guard in the future, but it might take some time. He is the one who went to Europe to play pro for a year instead of going to college. Meeks, from Kentucky, can score but he isn't athletic enough.
Indiana Pacers: D
Selections: Tyler Hansbrough (No. 13)
Comments: Larry Bird compared him to Dave Cowens, which is a good sign because the Pacers need some toughness. He will outwork a lot of guys on the roster. This is a team, though, that has a tough road ahead of it.
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks: A
Selections: Jeff Teague (No. 19), Sergiy Gladyr (No. 49)
Comments: The Hawks don't expect free agent Mike Bibby to be back. They got Jamal Crawford in a trade, then added Teague in the draft. The kid is quick, able to get into the lane against almost anyone. They should be good enough to continue their improvement.
Charlotte Bobcats: CSelections: Gerald Henderson (No. 12), Derrick Brown (No. 40)
Comments: It was odd to see a team led by a couple UNC guys (Michael Jordan and Larry Brown) take a Dukie with their top pick. It was good for some laughs, but this team isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Brown is a nice second-round combo guy who could play either forward position.
Miami Heat: B
Selections: Robert Dozier (No. 60).
Comments: Dozier is scrappy, but he was the last pick of the draft, which is not a good distinction to have. Heat didn't want anyone taking up salary cap space when they are gearing up for the 2010 free agent market.
Orlando Magic: B
Selections: None
Comments: The Magic did their thing when they traded for Vince Carter earlier in the day, then sat out a terrible draft. They will load up on free agents for their summer league team, then try to fill up their roster with lower-priced guys.
Washington Wizards: B
Selections: None
Comments: Wizards traded the No. 5 pick to Minnesota to get Mike Miller, deciding they needed to make their push now instead of waiting for a rookie to grow. Miller will become a feared shooter again.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
These ratings are idiotic, Boston given a "B" for drafting a player that probably will never see a uniform and the Knicks given a "C" for taking two players that may help them now and one that may very well be a future all-star.
It is easy to say they should of traded up to grab Rubio but what were they to do ? Trade everything for a player that may or may not work out?
After years of seeing the Knicks trade their future away for a hope and a pray we are finally seeing something positive.From where I'm sitting ( it still will take time )I see the Knicks moving in the right direction.
So Detroit gets a D when they take 3 players that will potentially contribute well someday, and Orlando and Washington get Bs when they have NO presence whatsoever at the draft? Awesome article, will read again.
I agree the ratings are rediculous. Like giving Cleveland an "A" because they traded for Shaq. They were going to do that regardless of the draft and this isnt the Shaq of 10 years ago. Seems like all the teams that helped themselves and got good players, the writer gave C's and D's and the ones that didnt do anything in the draft got B's. Makes no sense to me. A real waste of time reading it.
shaq showed everybody he cant play back to back nights...why is it a really good thing cavs got him..he is gonna slow lebron down
This has got to be the worst ratings that I have ever seen. Theses columnists (if you can call them that)need to have their credentials revoked.The guy who did the Western Conf. was a tiny bit better , but not by much.
GET REAL, WAS THIS A SPOOF RATING OF THE DRAFT ???