Atlanta Hawks   D+

1. NONE

2. Keith Benson (48)

The Hawks traded their 1st rd. pick to the Wizards (who turned it into Chris Singleton) in exchange for Kirk Hinrich. While getting Kirk to sure up the PG since Mike Bibby looks more like Henry Bibby these days makes sense, I still would have rather seen them hang onto this pick. For one thing after Teague’s playoff performance it looks like they had their PG all along they just weren’t playing him enough.

As for the second round pick of Keith Benson, I understand their desire for size but I don’t think he’s the answer.  He’s very frail, plays smaller than he is, played against lesser competition at Oakland and still wasn’t eye popping. Very bad start to the off-season for the Hawks in my opinion.

Boston Celtics  B-

1. JuJuan Johnson (27)

2. E’twaun Moore (55)

The Celtics originally drafted Providence guard Marshon Brooks, which I saw as a very good acquisition, thought he could be instant offense of the bench and eventually supplant Ray Allen. But Danny Ainge must have felt different because he immediately shipped Brooks to NJ.  The Celtics would then draft Johnson with the #27, I like him a lot, very skilled and long, but I just don’t understand the fit.  The Celts already have a very similar player in Jeff Green and they also have Big Baby Davis at PF so there is a bit of a logjam.

As for their 2nd rd pick Moore, I really like this pick and where they got him. I think Moore has all the skills to be a very serviceable player in the league and can really help the Celts off the bench.

Charlotte Bobcats  B

1. Bismack Biyombo (7)  Kemba Walker (9)

2. NONE

Would it be a MJ draft without him taking some major risks? I liked the trade to acquire the 7th pick, moving Jackson who isn’t a long term answer, but the pick at 7 scares me.  Don’t get me wrong I think he is a very good player with extraordinary defensive skills; I just have a problem taking someone at 7 whom as ZERO offensive skills. It is so hard to win in the NBA playing offense 4 on 5 even if he is an elite defender/rebounder.

With the 9th pick they selected Kemba Walker the one man show of the NCAA/Big East Tournaments.  I like the pick, I think Kemba can be a very good player in the league I’m just not certain as to what type of role he’s going to have.  Some speculate that he’s going to run the point but with Augustin already there that doesn’t make much sense.  I see him as more of a scorer off the bench a lot like Jason Terry.

Chicago Bulls   C

1. Nikola Mirotic (23) Jimmy Butler (30)

2. NONE

Chicago came into the draft needing to address their issues at SG and well I’m not sold that they did that.  First they select F Nikola Mirotic, who many consider a top 10 level talent, but there is one huge caveat, it may take 4 years for them to actually see him and that is if he even decides he wants to come over here.  I would like to have seen the Bulls target Brooks or even Jordan Hamilton.

With their second pick in the 1st round the Bulls decided they were going to address their need for a SG, I just don’t like the player.  He’s a pure defensive player much like Ronnie Brewer; they need a scoring/shooter.

Maybe they will address it in Free Agency with someone like Rip Hamilton if he gets traded or bought out but for now they are still in desperate need of a SG.

Cleveland Cavs  A-

1. Kyrie Irving (1) Tristan Thompson (4)

2. Milan Macvan (54)

It’s pretty hard to fumble away the draft when you have two of the top 4 picks.  Irving was the consensus #1 and the Cavs were smart to take him. (Although I think a Williams/Knight combo would have been very compelling)

Their 4th overall selection was one that really turned some heads; many felt Thompson would go in the 7-14 range.  Many also felt that Valanciunas was who they were after, but I think Thompson just makes more sense.

He’s got the NBA body; he’s athletic, tough, and a smart player.  I would much rather take a shot on him than Jonas, even though Jonas’ ceiling may be a tad higher.  The Cavs are getting a guy that is going to be here from the start and will help accelerate chemistry with Irving and everyone else.

We won’t even get into their 2nd round pick, don’t want to rain on the parade but I doubt he ever steps foot in a Cavs practice.

Dallas Mavericks  Incomplete

Zero picks for the World Champs, but they did make a trade for Rudy Fernandez who I think can really help.

Denver Nuggets  B

1. Kenneth Faried (22) Jordan Hamilton (26)

2. Chukwudiebere Maduabum (56)

Kenneth Faried, two words DENNIS RODMAN, this guy REALLY rebound. Great length and shot blocking ability combined with a high motor, really like this guy at this range. The major drawback is that he has almost zero offensive ability. (Very similar to Bismack, but 15 picks later, much better value I feel)

As many know I’ve been very high on Texas SG/SF Jordan Hamilton I think he is a guy who has ideal size and athleticism for the NBA and is capable of being a 18-20 ppg scorer in this league.  He has issues with shot selection at times but that is something that can be corrected.  The only drawback I have for this pick is where he is going, Denver is loaded with 2/3 guys i.e. Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari, JR Smith, Afflalo.

As for Chukwudiebere, he’s never going to make it over here so let’s just pretend it didn’t happen.

Detroit Pistons  B+

1. Brandon Knight (8)

2. Kyle Singler (33) Vernon Maclin (52)

One of the steals of the draft in my mind, no way Detroit thought Knight would slip into their laps but they will graciously take him.  I really like Knight; in fact I don’t see much difference in him in Irving. Really like this pick other than the fact that they are saying they will move Stuckey to SG rather than ship him, which I don’t see working.

Their second round picks were not eye popping but I think both players will make the team and be valuable role players.

Golden State Warriors  A-

1. Klay Thompson (11)

2. Jeremy Tyler (39) Charles Jenkins (44)

Really like what the Warriors did in this draft, love the Thompson pick. His dad was a longtime NBA vet, so he’s got the genes and the guidance, and the kid can flat out stroke it.  Pairing him with Curry is going to forge a sharpshooting back court that will be tough to handle.

The second rounders Tyler and Jenkins were also very good picks for where they got them.  Tyler is a big body, strong, decent athlete but raw and I really like Jenkins, thought he would go in the low 30s.  He should be a very good back-up for Curry.

Houston Rockets  C

1. Marcus Morris (14) Donatas Montiejunas (20)

2. Chandler Parsons (38)

Most people would have said Marcus would have been the 1st Morris twin drafted, after all he was the Big 12 player of the year, had better stats, and more skilled.  As we all know the NBA scouts look at the players in a totally different light, it’s not so much what you have done its more about what you have the potential to do for their team.  Most GMs feel that he is a bit of a “tweener” (a word I’m really sick of by the way, if you can play you can play). This acquisition along with their other 1st rounder Montiejunas creates quite the jam at forward for the Rockets (already having Hill and Scola) so I’m not real sure what they plan on doing with them all.

Their second round pick was seen by many as a boom or bust, I personally think he will never make it but we will wait and see.  He has a lot of skill; he just doesn’t do anything really well to make me think he will be able to stay on a team.  He’s got good vision and passing, pretty good shooter, but lack of athleticism, inability to create for himself, and defense will be his problems.

Indiana Pacers  C-

Picked Kawahi Leonard then traded him to the Spurs in return they received PG George Hill.  Rumors of Indiana’s interest in Hill goes all the way back to last year but after trading for Darren Collison I really don’t understand the logic, I would have liked to see them keep Leonard.

Los Angeles Clippers  F

1. NONE

2. Trey Thompkins (37) Travis Leslie (47)

Some may say an “F?, they got two pretty good players in the second ” but they are getting an F for the shear fact that they could have held the #1 pick.  Instead they received Mo Williams and shipped Baron Davis.  I get it, nobody thought it was going to be the first pick but even if it was 7 or 8 I still don’t like this trade.  The Clips could be sitting with an Irving/Gordon/Griffin/Jordan core which would be one of the best young teams in the league. Typical Clippers, sorry Blake but you are in an organization that just doesn’t know what it’s doing.

Los Angeles Lakers  C+

1. NONE

2. Darius Morris (41) Andrew Goudelock (46) Ater Majok (58)

There were a slew of rumors surrounding the Lakers; Odom, Pau, and Bynum have all been speculation of trade rumors for numerous players (AI, K Love, Monta Ellis) and even the #2 pick.  The Lakers instead were very quiet on draft night; not holding a 1st round pick their first chance to pick came at 41.  They decide to go after a PG (like most anticipated), they drafted Darius Morris PG out of Michigan.  He’s an intriguing player, very good passer with good size and athletic ability. He does need to work on his shot, but he could turn out to be a very quality player.

The second selection in the 2nd round was another guard, Andrew Goudelock, who is an elite shooter. (Something that LA really needed vs. the Mavs)  He has unlimited range and many feel the best shooter in the draft. (Yes ahead of Jimmer) Obviously he has limitations but for this late I like the pick.

Their third selection in round 2 was Ater Majok. That is all that needs to be said, he’s never coming over.

Memphis Grizzlies  B-

1. NONE

2. Josh Selby (49)

Without a first round pick Memphis decided to go with the “boom or bust” pick, Josh Selby.  Coming out of high school Selby was considered a top 5 recruit and a lottery pick by almost everyone, but a suspension, injury, and lackluster play almost cost him from getting drafted at all.  This late it’s not a big gamble, so this COULD turn out to be a very good pick.

Miami Heat  B+

1. Norris Cole (28)

Norris Cole and his high top fade will be taking his talents to South Beach.  Like the player a lot, a little small, but overall a very talented passer and scorer.  Although PG is a need, I would have liked to see the Heat go after some height. LeBron and Wade control the ball so much anyway, so how much will Cole really get to play PG?

Milwaukee Bucks  B+

1. Tobias Harris (19)

2. Jon Leuer (40)

Really like the Harris pick, he’s young (18), very skilled and has the size to play down low in the NBA.  I think he can be one of the top 10 players from this draft when we look back in a couple years.

Also liked their 2nd round pick Leuer, very skilled big man who can step out and knock down 3s with regularity. (Think more post oriented Matt Bonner)

Minnesota Timberwolves  A-

1. Derrick Williams (2)

2. Malcolm Lee (43) Targuy Ngombo (57)

You never know what you are going to get when David Khan is involved (usually it’s a run on 3-4 players from the same position) but last night it seemed if Khan might have actually pulled off a good draft. That being said it’s not easy to bomb a draft when you have a top 2 pick.  Khan tried to send up a smokescreen during the days leading up to the draft saying that they were interested in Enes Kanter instead of Williams. (Most feel in an attempt to entice trade offers) He instead went with the consensus #2 rated player in Williams. Once again I love the player, just not the situation.  They now have a LA-esque traffic jam at the SF/PF position. What does this mean for last year’s pick Wes Johnson, or Beasley, or Randolph or Webster???

I also liked the Malcolm lee pick (Khan of course had to draft a PG); he’s long and athletic and can play some SG

NJ Nets  B+

1. Marshon Brooks (25)

2. Bojan Bogdanovic (31) Jordan Williams (36)

Nets got the best scorer in this draft (52 vs. Notre Dame) and a player that I really like. He has everything you could ask for in a SG, size, length, athleticism, and is extremely aggressive. (Many say he has some Kobe in him)  Pairing him with Derron creates a very good back court for New Jersey for years to come. (That is if Derron re-ups with them after this year)

They also picked up Bogdanovic who can also really score, but it’s up in the air as to when he will arrive.  Their second pick in the 2nd round was Jordan Williams another player that is a little undersized but brings toughness and rebounding.

New Orleans Hornets  Incomplete

No picks for the Hornets since they traded away their 1st rounder to the Blazers in the Jerrad Bayless deal.

New York Knicks  D+

1. Iman Shumpert (17)

2. Josh Harrellson (45)

Have to admit this was a little bit of a shocker, not that he’s a bad player, I just think a player like Marshon Brooks would have been a better pick.  Shumpert is very long and athletic but lacks NBA level offensive skills.  He’s an excellent defender and came close to a quadruple double this season so I can see the upside but he’s still raw.

I really dislike the Harrellson pick, I know he played lights out in the NCAA but I don’t think there is any way he makes a team.  He lacks any offensive skills, height, and athleticism to play at this level.

Oklahoma City Thunder  B

1. Reggie Jackson (24)

A little bit interesting of a pick due to the fact the already have Westbrook and Manor but I do like the player.  I know the Heat had a lot of interest in him.  Rumblings of moving Westbrook to SG but that doesn’t make much sense either because of Harden.

Orlando Magic  C+

1. NONE

2. Justin Harper (32) DeAndre Liggins (53)

Harper was one of the better shooters in this draft, very similar to Ryan Anderson and Rashard Lewis (guys I really don’t care for) but at this late in the draft it’s a decent pick.

Liggins has good size and is a very tough perimeter defender so he has a chance, but without any offensive skills it’s going to be tough.

Philadelphia 76ers  C-

1. Nikola Vucevic (16)

2. Lavoy Allen (50)

Philly was looking to get some size and they did that, only problem is I think they reached to do so.  While Nikola is a decent player and a legit 7 footer, he’s never going to be a star.

Allen is…. let’s just say not very good.

Phoenix Suns  C

1. Markieff Morris (13)

I think both Morris brothers have a shot to be decent players, Markieff is often described as the less talented Morris but he may be the most pro ready.  He is more of a traditional post player that rebounds and plays D, whereas Marcus is the flashy scorer.  Overall I don’t really like how high the Suns took Markieff but I think he can be a good contributor.

Portland Trailblazers  D

1. Nolan Smith (21)

2. Jon Diebler (51)

The Nolan Smith pick really caught be off guard, (Btw this screams Brandon Roy is done) this was a total reach in my eyes. Nolan was a very good college player but what position is he going to play in the NBA ??? He’s not a PG and he’s not big enough to play SG ,  really didn’t like this pick.

The Diebler pick also baffled me, he does one thing and only one thing, SHOOT 3s. He’s nothing more than a crutch time free throw shooter or a “down 3 pts with 3 seconds ” kind of guy in the NBA and that IF he makes it. (Side note: He was one of the best if not the best high school players I’ve ever seen, avg 40 + ppg as a senior and is the all-time leading scorer in Ohio High School history, yes ahead of LeBron)

Sacramento Kings  A

1. Jimmer Fredette (10)

2. Tyler Honeycutt (35) Isaiah Thomas (60)

Jimmer brings everything the Kings need, shooting and most of all ticket sales.  I’m higher on Jimmer than a lot of people. I think he has all the skills to be a very good player in this league.  All of the Reddick comparisons need to stop, Jimmer can handle the ball and create his shot better than Reddick ever dreamed.

Also liked the additions of Honeycutt and Thomas, both should make the team and be able to contribute.

San Antonio Spurs  B+

1. Kawhi Leonard (15) Corey Joesph (29)

2. Davis Bertans (42) Adam Hanga (59)

They traded George Hill to the Pacers and received the rights to Leonard and Bertans two players that are very talented.  Getting Leonard at 15 is one of the steals of the draft, he will fit a need and their system perfect.  Bertans is a shooter who could possibly develop into a complete player after a couple seasons overseas.

I thought the pick of Corey Joseph was a reach but he has talent and he’s young. ( And the spurs usually know what they are doing) I doubt Hanga ever makes it over but we will see.

Toronto Raptors  C-

1. Jonas Valanciunas (5)

My personal opinion on Jonas isn’t very good but I know a lot of people that are very high on him. I just don’t see it on the tape.   Sure he has the size and he moves well but he lacks post moves, strength, shot blocking, any outside game, and he’s frail.  Add in the fact that it could be a little while before he comes over its just too risky for me at #5.

Utah Jazz  A+

1. Enes Kanter (3)

2. Alec Burks (12)

The Jazz in my opinion had the best draft from last night. Getting two players that I feel can develop into elite level players.  First with Kanter, love his game, true throwback post player. He rebounds, has multiple post moves, and isn’t scared to mix it up. (Ask Jared Sullinger about the 37 pts and 15 reb he had on him in the Nike Hoops Summit)

Absolutely love Burks also, has everything you need in a SG.  Has been in a little trouble and have heard he’s a little bit of a head case but he’s the most complete SG in the draft.

Washington Wizards  A

1. Jan Vesely (6) Chris Singleton (18)

2. Shelvin Mack (34)

This draft was crucial for the development of John Wall, he needed some toys and I think the Wizards did a good job of that. Vesely is a super athlete and will be fun to watch flying down the court catching lobs from Wall. Singleton is a lockdown defender and a good glue guy that would have helped just about anyone.

In the second round I think they got another very solid player, Mack will be a good backup to Wall and could even play beside him at times.