Matt Moore grades the spurs' first round pick D-, second round B+

[Juggity]

Damn, doesn't this guy know better than to harshly grade spurs draft picks? :lol

Link (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/22547776)





1
B
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/CLE.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CLE)
Cavaliers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CLE) select: Anthony Bennett (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2019625), PF, UNLVI like a lot of what he provides. Good instincts. Size is gonna be an issue. However, if you put Bennett with a great point guard, he can be elite.


2
A
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/ORL.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ORL)
Magic (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ORL) select: Victor Oladipo (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1780103), SG, IndianaIt's very likely that he's going to be able to contribute. The wingspan isn't great. But I think that he gives Orlando a lot.


3
A+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/WAS.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/WAS)
Wizards (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/WAS) select: Otto Porter (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904365), SF, GeorgetownHe's a leader. He's going to be able to attack for them. This Wizards team is really headed in the right direction.


4
D+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/CHA.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CHA)
Bobcats (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CHA) select: Cody Zeller (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904457), PF, IndianaHe's going to get blocked all the time. His level of aggressiveness near the basket is not where it needs to be. He's going to have problems with guys that are more physical. Does he have the skill to overcome that?


5
F
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/PHO.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/PHO)
Suns (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/PHO) select: Alex Len (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904603), C, MarylandI'm probably being too harsh on him. But I look at his pick and roll, I look at his strength at the basket, and I look at his upside to what he can possibly be, and I don't see a dominant player.


6
A
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/NO.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/NO)
Pelicans (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/NO) select: Nerlens Noel (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2018956), C, KentuckyThe only reason it's not an A+ is the knee issue. I really like his ability to block shots. He's instinctive. When he starts learning some veteran tricks, he can be dangerous. Great job by New Orleans.


7
B
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/SAC.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/SAC)
Kings (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/SAC) select: Ben McLemore (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904504), SG, KansasA good pick for them, but maybe not transcendent. He has the ability to be a game changer or a ghost for the Kings. Nothing in between.


8
B-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/DET.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DET)
Pistons (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DET) select: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904368), SG, GeorgiaI like him a lot. I don't care about what he did in college; that team was bad. A little bit of a reach, absolutely. But when you look at what Detroit needs, it's a great fit.


9
A
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/MIN.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIN)
Timberwolves (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIN) select: Trey Burke (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1904631), PG, MichiganThis trade makes a lot of sense. Utah needs a point guard. This is perfect for them. The exact right move.


10
A+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/POR.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/POR)
Trail Blazers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/POR) select: C.J. McCollum (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1715286), PG, LehighMcCollum is a combo guard. I think he covers up for Damian Lillard's weaknesses. He can create off the dribble, score dynamically and be an outside shooter.


11
B-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/PHI.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/PHI)
76ers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/PHI) select: Michael Carter-Williams (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1905070), PG, SyracuseIt's hard to see who they could have taken that would be better. There are questions about his decision making. Overall, he's athletic and he's got big moves. Philadelphia gets Noel and Williams, a fascinating combo for the Sixers as they try to start over.


12
F
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/OKC.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/OKC)
Thunder (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/OKC) select: Steven Adams (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2019298), C, PittsburghHe's so raw. He has terrible hands. I really don't like his strength. How is he going to be able to produce? I just don't think he's going to be able to contribute for the Thunder.


13
C
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/DAL.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DAL)
Mavericks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DAL) select: Kelly Olynyk (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1715119), C, GonzagaDallas is sending him to Boston. I would rather go with someone with a little more umph. I'm not sold on his muscle. The Celtics needed his position; I'm just not sure he's going to translate very well.


14
C+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/UTA.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/UTA)
Jazz (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/UTA) select: Shabazz Muhammad (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2019605), SF, UCLAUtah has traded this pick to Minnesota. His success is going to depend a lot on whether he can make the NBA three. He's gotta be able to stretch the floor. I like that he's not going to be asked to create. He's going to be a role player.


15
B-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/MIL.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIL)
Bucks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIL) select: Giannis Adetokundo (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2057201), SF, GreeceIt's a position move for Milwaukee and it helps them out considerably in that area. He's 18, but this kid is talked about as being ready right now. With his athleticism, he's got a great chance.


16
C
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/BOS.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/BOS)
Celtics (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/BOS) select: Lucas Nogueira (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2057203), C, BrazilThis pick ends up in Atlanta, via trade from Boston through Dallas. I'm not really sold on Nogueira being anything special. He could be OK, but for Atlanta, it's really a question mark. I don't understand why you trade up to get him.


17
A+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/ATL.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ATL)
Hawks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ATL) select: Dennis Schroeder (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2057204), PG, GermanyI love this pick. Absolutely phenomenal. Schroeder is a guy who can come in and direct that offense. He and Al Horford are going to do damage. They're going to tear guys up.


18
B
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/ATL.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ATL)
Hawks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/ATL) select: Shane Larkin (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1910874), PG, Miami (Fla.)This pick goes to Dallas via trade. I like his aggressiveness. I like his intangibles and his fearlessness. I'm worried about his size. I'm also concerned because Rick Carlisle can be very hard on point guards.


19
A-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/CLE.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CLE)
Cavaliers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CLE) select: Sergey Karasev (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2053368), SF, RussiaI think he has questions, but he can come in and contribute right now at this level. It's also a really good pick for the Cavaliers from a position standpoint.


20
A-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/CHI.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CHI)
Bulls (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/CHI) select: Tony Snell (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1780396), SG, New MexicoDo I think he has the upside of Allen Crabbe? No, I don't. But I think he's going to be able to slide right in and contribute for the Bulls.


21
B+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/UTA.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/UTA)
Jazz (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/UTA) select: Gorgui Dieng (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1780221), C, LouisvilleThis pick ends up in Minnesota via trade. Very solid pick. Maybe shooting guard might've been a better position pick, but I love what he brings. Kevin Love and Dieng together? All of your rebounds now belong to Minnesota.


22
A-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/BKN.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/BKN)
Nets (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/BKN) select: Mason Plumlee (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1715001), C, DukeIt's a bold pick, but I kind of like it for the Nets. A fine compliment for a team that needs help at power forward. A smart player who can also bring muscle.


23
D+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/IND.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/IND)
Pacers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/IND) select: Solomon Hill (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1714722), SF, ArizonaI don't know what they saw in him. It's baffling. What made Solomon Hill the guy they go after?


24
B+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/NY.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/NY)
Knicks (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/NY) select: Tim Hardaway Jr. (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1780297), SG, MichiganNeeds to improve his accuracy at the free throw line. But the Knicks landed a solid guy here in Hardaway that will help them in several ways. But he's not a passer. So the question is when is he going to get the ball?


25
B-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/LAC.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/LAC)
Clippers (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/LAC) select: Reggie Bullock (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1780426), SG, North CarolinaNot a home run but a very solid pick. I have some questions about him. His form in terms of release could be considered excellent. He doesn't have the fastest shot in the world. Good size.


26
B-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/MIN.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIN)
Timberwolves (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/MIN) select: Andre Roberson (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/1779832), PF, ColoradoThis pick heads to Oklahoma City via a trade involving Golden State. I like a lot about what I saw from Roberson this year. A little bit of a reach, but not a phenomenal one.


27
C
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/DEN.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DEN)
Nuggets (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/DEN) select: Rudy Gobert (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2053366), C, FranceIn yet another trade, this pick heads to Utah from Denver. Gobert gives them a very talented guy whom they can develop. I like his footwork a lot. There are questions about his strength, toughness and ability to work hard. Smart pick for Utah, stacking talent and going young.


28
D-
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/SA.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/SA)
Spurs (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/SA) select: Livio Jean-Charles (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2057306), SF, French GuianaI think they could have gotten him later if they traded down.


29
B+
http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/nba/logos/50x50/OKC.png (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/OKC)
Thunder (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/page/OKC) select: Archie Goodwin (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/draft/players/2018955), SG, KentuckyThis pick winds up in Phoenix via trade. I like this pick a lot. It gives the Suns a significant upgrade on the wing.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Tbh not harshly graded on potential, just on draft placement.

[8FOR!3]

So Cody Zeller at #4 is a smarter pick? Get the fuck out of here.

[SpursDynasty21]

I don't agree that Thomas will be in the D-League. I see him on the Spurs bench.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Jordan is the anti-Jordan of the front office. Tbh does anyone have a worse draft history than him?

[K-State Spur]

I mentioned this in another thread, but draft grades are typically based on ONE thing and ONE thing only: where the player was drafted compared to where the writer's mock draft had him going.

[T Park]

Matt Moore is a great writer but, he likes to take his shots at Spurs fans and the Spurs.

Jean-Charles will be here next summer so we shall see.

[ChumpDumper]

Eh, 28 isn't much different from a high second rounder. Even a slight potential advantage to locking a young guy into the rookie scale.

[Stabula]

I don't expect to see Jean-Charles in a Spurs uniform unless he really out-does himself the next two years.

[Tim_5rings]

Gobert is like Thabeet this pick deserve an E

[coyotes_geek]

Moore is probably right in the sense that LJC would still have been there around the mid 2nd had the Spurs not taken him, but in order to trade down you have to have to find someone who wants to trade up. As suspect as this draft class is, I don't see much difference between the guys taken in the late 20s and the ones taken in the early 40s, so what's the incentive for a team to trade themselves up into having to give their pick a guaranteed contract?

[rjv]

reviewer is not looking at the trade in the context of the team's overall strategy for the pick (e.g., saves us 900,000.00, frees a roster spot)

[ducks]

rc said spurs thought he was top 20 pick

[jsandiego]

Do the Spurs' rights to LJC change depending on whether he was drafted in the 1st or 2nd round? If we drafted him in the 2nd round, would our rights be limited to X number of years before he becomes a free agent?

[Keepin' it real]

Who cares what a scrub NFL quarterback thinks of the NBA draft?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51MfID6qC3L._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[dbreiden83080]

They took him to save cap space..

The move was fine..

[dbreiden83080]

Bobcats select: Cody Zeller, PF, IndianaHe's going to get blocked all the time. His level of aggressiveness near the basket is not where it needs to be. He's going to have problems with guys that are more physical. Does he have the skill to overcome that?


This guy is missing the point.. Jordan will be able to beat him 1 on 1..

[Marrow]

Eh, 28 isn't much different from a high second rounder. Even a slight potential advantage to locking a young guy into the rookie scale.

exactly...there's tremendous value if the prospect can outplay his rookie contract

[DPG21920]

Moore is probably right in the sense that LJC would still have been there around the mid 2nd had the Spurs not taken him, but in order to trade down you have to have to find someone who wants to trade up. As suspect as this draft class is, I don't see much difference between the guys taken in the late 20s and the ones taken in the early 40s, so what's the incentive for a team to trade themselves up into having to give their pick a guaranteed contract?

I agree overall, but there was a ton of first round activity last night with regards to moving up.

[Mr. Body]

I thought it was well understood the Spurs appreciate the rookie scale salary of a late 1st round pick. Taking him there rather than in the 2nd (if a trade were even present) gives them a solid, cheap salary if he does ever come over.

[chapnis]

Glad for the low grade, means LJC is gonna be a stud.

[chapnis]

Also, he gave the Grizzlies a D for the 60th pick because "he'll never play". Oh, no fucking shit.

I bet if this guy wrote draft analysis in 1999 the Ginobili pick would've been a bad one too.

[AusSpur]

He seems unaware the New Orleans traded Noel

[hsxvvd]

Who?

[AussieFanKurt]

Who?