Welcome back to LWOS NBA Draft Coverage, the daily column that brings you the next crop of professional basketball players. Each day The LWOS Basketball department will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2015 NBA Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for everything “NBA Draft”! For a Complete Listing of all our 2015 NBA Draft Articles Click here.
Now that the Draft is over, we at LWOS bring you our NBA Draft Grades. While some might say that a draft can’t be assessed this early, we will use our crystal basketball and attempt to do so, based on how we scouted the players.
2015 NBA Draft Grades
Minnesota Timberwolves
Overall Grade: A+
As expected, the Wolves drafted Karl-Anthony Towns with the first overall pick. Towns is by far the best two way player in this draft, and Flip Saunders just couldn’t pass up on drafting a player with so much upside. Along with Andrew Wiggins, the Wolves are going to be one of the more exciting teams to watch in the league, especially on the defensive side. Trading with Cleveland to acquire Tyus Jones also looks like a smart decision considering how oft-injured Ricky Rubio is. Jones is a natural born leader who won’t be afraid to drive into the lane. Expect the Timberwolves to reach the playoffs in the next three years to break the longest current drought in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers
Overall Grade: A
The first shocker of the night was hearing Adam Silver announce that the Lakers selected Ohio State product D’Angelo Russell. Although passing up on Jahlil Okafor must have been a strenuous decision for general manager Mitch Kupchak, he made the right call. Russell is head and shoulders above the rest of this draft class in terms of his passing ability and vision. The Lakers also believe they can land Kevin Love, DeMarcus Cousins, or LaMarcus Aldridge, so drafting a playmaker makes too much sense. Russell should be the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, and thrive under pressure in Laker Nation. Larry Nance might have been taken a tad too early at number 27, but the draft is a crapshoot for skilled and diverse big men by the end of the first round. Anthony Brown, a sniper from Stanford, was a nice grab at number 34 because of his ability to knock down the corner 3.
Philadelphia 76’ers
Overall Grade: B+
As he always does, Sam Hinkie drafted for best value instead of need when he took Jahlil Okafor 3rd overall. The Sixers will have a clogged frontcourt with Noel and Embiid already on the roster, but who knows if Embiid will ever play an actual game with his foot problems. Okafor’s best attribute is his ability to command a double team and pass out to the open man on the perimeter. He’ll be a solid 20-point, 10-rebound guy for the Sixers this year. It will be interesting to see how he handles playing for a tanking team, since his drive has been questioned. The Sixers took four players in the second round, but there’s a good chance we won’t see two of them play for the Sixers this year. J.P Tokoto is an interesting pick, but he needs to develop his three-point stroke. Expect to see him start out in the D-League.
New York Knicks
Overall Grade: C-
The Knicks would have earned an F here, if not for sending Tim Hardaway to the Hawks in exchange for the rights to Jerian Grant. Kristaps Porzingis is at least two years away from making any significant difference on an NBA court. I would be shocked if he turns into anything more than a better version of Andrea Bargnani. The Knicks need to win now. The city needed hope, and instead, Phil Jackson went for the home run. Justise Winslow would’ve been a nice fit, as the Knicks were one of the worst defensive teams last year. It seems as if Jackson doesn’t care that he is wasting Carmelo Anthony’s prime by not trying to win this year. Don’t be surprised if the skinny Latvian goes down as one of the worst draft choices in the history of the league. Bust. Bust. Bust. Trading for Grant was a smart move, because he’s not a ball dominant guard and can run the triangle. He has good NBA genes, as his uncle, Horace, played for Phil Jackson when he was with the Bulls.
Orlando Magic
Overall Grade: B-
It had been reported for a while that the Magic were giving Mario Hezonja a hard look a number 5. The Magic must see something in Hezonja that will separate him from past international busts. Hezonja won’t be asked to do much besides sub in for 20 minutes a night and hit some threes. I would’ve liked to see the team trade down and either try to grab Hezonja later or the best available player. I just don’t think Hezonja is worthy of being the fifth overall pick in this draft. With the 51st overall pick, the Magic drafted Tyler Harvey, a 6’4” shooting guard who led college basketball in threes and scoring. He might have a hard time creating his own space in the NBA, but today’s NBA is all about pace and space.
Sacramento Kings
Overall Grade: C+
With all the uncertainty surrounding the Kings organization with George Karl and DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein is a safe pick. However, Cauley-Stein was not the right selection for this team so early on. Emmanuel Mudiay would’ve been an awesome selection at #6. Andre Miller could have served as his mentor and he could run Karl’s offense (if Karl isn’t fired). Cauley-Stein offers rim protection, and his absolute ceiling is Tyson Chandler. The Kings need a lot more than Tyson Chandler right now.
Denver Nuggets
Overall Grade: A-
Drafting 7th, the Nuggets selected the best available player in Mudiay who also happens to be an excellent fit for a rebuilding Nuggets team. Mudiay’s stock dropped tremendously over the past year, and for no good reason. He’s a big, strong point guard that will instantly give Denver some flare as long as they trade away Ty Lawson. New head coach Mike Malone must be thrilled to know Mudiay will be a force on both ends of the floor.
Detroit Pistons
Overall Grade: B
On the surface, Stanley Johnson looks like a great snag for Stan Van Gundy to fill a hole at the small forward position. But I believe Johnson, who is not a good shooter, will have a hard time adjusting to the NBA offensively. His defense will be there, as he can chase guys around the perimeter and let Andre Drummond cover him in the paint. Johnson has been a winner throughout high school and college, so maybe he can add the necessary pedigree to a hungry Detroit team. At #38, Darrun Hilliard offers decent value as a knock down shooter. However, he will need to develop his playmaking ability and probably won’t see too much time on the court this season.
Charlotte Hornets
Overall Grade: B+
The Charlotte Hornets have been one of the busier teams so far in the offseason, as they just acquired Nic Batum from Portland. Kaminsky is a nice fit for this team as he can spread the floor and knock down some threes playing as a stretch 4. Michael Jordan clearly sees a winner and extreme competitor in Frank the Tank. Defensively, he might struggle playing along side Al Jefferson, as neither one of them offers rim protection.
Miami Heat
Overall Grade: A
It seems fitting that Justise Winslow would fall right into Pat Riley’s lap just as Dwyane Wade contemplates leaving Miami. Winslow fits Miami’s roster too well. He’ll be able to guard any wing player in the league, while developing his offensive game as a slasher and cutter. This pick was definitely the best value pick of the draft. Winslow is the type of player that was probably going to be good anywhere he went, but could turn into Kawhi Leonard with the right team. Miami is the absolute righg team. Expect big things from him this year.
Indiana Pacers
Overall Grade: B
Myles Turner could turn into a Rudy Gobert clone, a huge bust, or an average NBA player. Nobody knows what he is capable of doing and not doing at the NBA level. The Pacers drafted him knowing that Roy Hibbert is not a long-term solution at the center position. However, Hibbert just opted into his contract so it will be interesting to see the impact that Turner has on the dark-horse Pacers this year.
Utah Jazz
Overall Grade: A-
The Jazz took the best available player with the 12th pick. Trey Lyles offers a unique style of play at the power forward position, and the Jazz need some help in that spot to come off the bench. Lyles will join Gobert and Favors to form one of the most formidable big man frontcourts in the league. Expect to see some nice contribution throughout the season from Lyles. Drafting Olivier Hanlan out of Boston College is a sneaky-good pick, and could definitely offer Utah some of the best value out of any second round pick. Expect to see the Jazz vying for a playoff spot this season.
Phoenix Suns
Overall Grade: A
Devin Booker, the youngest player in this draft class, was a great pick for the Suns at #13. He offers unknown potential, but is already a knock down shooter with an excellent basketball IQ. He has so much room to improve, but the Suns needed a young gun to come off the bench and hit threes to run Jeff Hornacek’s offense.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Overall Grade: B+
With Sam Presti and the Thunder drafting Cameron Payne, Dion Waiters could expect to spend a lot of time on the bench this season. Payne, a Murray State product, is a better version of Reggie Jackson. He can knock down shots from the arc or even drive and kick, something Kevin Durant has to be thrilled about. Payne will step in and immediately help Bill Donovan’s transition to the NBA be a smooth one. Drafting Kentucky Center Dakari Johnson might seem like a safe pick at #48, but don’t expect Johnson to get any minutes anytime soon.
Atlanta Hawks
Overall Grade: B
I am starting to look at the Hawks like the Spurs in terms of drafts, considering they drafted two international players whose names I have never heard of. I don’t doubt anything they do, because they think they know more than anybody else. And they probably do, since they just won the Eastern Conference. Tim Hardaway is a guy who got exactly what he needed in a fresh start for a good team that will compete every night. Mike Budenholzer now has another guy who can come off the bench and become a microwave like Ken Bazemore.
Boston Celtics
Overall Grade: B-
Terry Rozier was a bit of a reach for the Celtics here. He’s a decent playmaker and scorer, but he’s undersized. Sam Dekker would have been a good fit in this spot, as he could have offered Brad Stevens some Gordon Hayward potential. R.J Hunter offers solid value at #28, but he’s more likely than not going to struggle creating room for himself. However, the Celtics best pick of the night was LSU product Jordan Micky at #33. Micky has some Draymond Green potential in him, and as long as he’s healthy, the Celtics could expect him to take away some of Jared Sullinger’s minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks
Overall Grade: C+
The Bucks drafted Rashad Vaughn with the 17th pick, but most analysts agreed that Bobby Portis would have made much more sense. Vaughn could be a microwave off the bench for he feisty Bucks, and should look good in their new uniforms. The Bucks also traded a future first rounder and the #46 pick for Greivis Vasquez, which comes off as a bit of a head scratcher. The Bucks, with a healthy Jabari Parker and the Greek Freak, should be one of the more exciting League Pass teams this upcoming season.
Houston Rockets
Overall Grade: A-
Daryl Morey absolutely nailed this draft, as Sam Dekker fell into his lap at 18. Dekker will fit into the Rockets roster naturally, as he loves to chuck up threes at will. He’s a versatile piece and Morey, like me, doesn’t see any down side to the Wisconsin product. Morey also stole Montrezl Harrell at #32. Harrell is an instant energy guy who is more than willing to crash the boards and grab as many offensive rebounds as possible. He would fit nicely next to Dwight Howard should the Rockets decide to trade Terrance Jones.
Washington Wizards
Overall Grade: C
Kelly Oubre is a classic case of a guy from a big name school who will not know how to play in the NBA. Oubre wasn’t even good at Kansas, so it’s hard to see what the Wizards see in him besides an NBA body. With Bradley Beal locked in as the future shooting guard for years to come, the Wizards should have gone after a Rondae Hollis-Jefferson type player who can play defense on the perimeter.
Toronto Raptors
Overall Grade: B+
Delon Wright, brother of reigning NBA champion Dorell Wright, is a decent value pick for the Raptors at 20. He can contribute off the bench when Kyle Lowery is tired or in foul trouble. He can play defense and pass, but he needs some shooting lessons from his older brother. The Raptors made a smart pick because at the end of the first round, the most important thing for a GM is to draft a guy that can help the team immediately.
Dallas Mavericks
Overall Grade: B
Justin Anderson will be a role player throughout his NBA career. The Mavericks know exactly what they’re getting with the Virgnian forward. Under Rick Carlisle’s guidance and coaching, Anderson could have his moments this year. With aging players like Dirk and Tyson Chandler, this might be the last year the Mavericks might be able to compete in the West before they have to rebuild.
Chicago Bulls
Overall Grade: A-
The Bulls were smart by drafting the best available player and not reaching for need. Portis is an extremely hard working player who will have some big games playing for rookie head coach Fred Hoiberg. The Bulls have a lot of depth in the frontcourt, but Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson are all injury prone.
Portland Trail Blazers
Overall Grade: A-
Portland pulled off one of the larger trades of the draft when they acquired Mason Plumlee and Pat Connughton from the Brooklyn Nets. Portland realizes that they are going to need as many solid players as possible to make up for LaMarcus Aldridge’s departure. Connaughton is an absolute wild card, as he is a top 5 athlete in this draft. Heck, the kid could throw a 95 mile an hour fastball. However, don’t be surprised if he hits a couple of big shots under pressure in some close games this year if Wes Matthews is not present
Cleveland Cavaliers
Overall Grade: B+
If the Cavs learned anything from losing to the Warriors in six games, it is that they need more active bodies. Drafting Rakeem Christmas 36th overall does just that, as Christmas was one of the more experienced players in the draft. He is versatile for a guy his size and should excite LeBron James this upcoming season.
Memphis Grizzlies
Overall Grade: C+
Memphis drafted one of the riskier players in the draft in Jarell Martin at number 25. He’s a boom or bust prospect, but he needs time to work out some of the quirks in his game. Memphis is ready to win now, and this pick doesn’t help their cause. Andrew Harrison is a big name prospect that probably will never achieve much at the NBA level. He’ll spend a lot of time in the D-league this season, where he can hopefully develop into more of a playmaker.
San Antonio Spurs
Overall Grade: N/A
Of course the Spurs drafted a guy from Serbia named Nikola Milutinov with their first round pick. Somehow, he’ll find his way into the NBA in a couple of years and we’ll all be saying, “How could my team have passed up on Milutinov?” That’s just the way R.C Buford and Gregg Popovich operate.
Brooklyn Nets
Overall Grade: A-
The Nets managed to draft two guys that could help their team immediately in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Chris McCullough. Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, and Brook Lopez are all offensive minded guys, so Hollis-Jefferson makes too much sense on this roster. However, he has zero offensive game and will definitely be on some not top 10 plays shooting or handling the ball. McCullough looked like an early first round pick before tearing his ACL while playing at Syracuse. He’s young, but he has nice touch around the rim and his extremely long arms can cause chaos on the defensive end.
Golden State Warriors
Overall Grade: B+
The reigning champions took a bit of a gamble on UCLA power forward Kevon Loony at #30. However, he offers some nice upside for a guy who was supposed to go in the mid-first round. He likely will not touch the court this season with the Warriors, but if he develops his game in the D-League, he can be a crucial future contributor.
