Post by Warriors GM (Ethan) on May 15, 2012 21:34:51 GMT -5
Landon (Blazers) and I decided to do a comprehensive analysis of the first round in our draft with draft grades. It took a long time but was really fun and we'd be honored to continue doing it in the future.
**As a precursor, we don't mean to offend anyone with the grading of your pick as this is our opinion and often times, the best analysts are wrong.
1) Bulls: Kevin Durant, OKC
Ethan: A+, Durant has the youth over LeBron which is a solid reason to pick him. This gives the Bulls a guy with multi-category contributions.
Landon: A+, You can't go wrong with a superstar who can only get better at the age of 23. He has a great contract as well and is a great piece to build around.
2) Hornets: LeBron James, Mia
Ethan: A+, Again, another multi-category producer that you love in this league. If KD goes first, Lebron is the clear 2nd
Landon: A+, Best all around fantasy player in the game today. Long contract as well so obvious pick at number 2
3) Mavericks: Kevin Love, Min
Ethan: A+, Many could make the case that Love deserves to go first overall even before the two decorated players simply due to his sheer rebounding and out of position skills in 3s and passing
Landon: A+, Kevin Love is the #3 fantasy player without a doubt. 26 and 13 is a godly stat line and you can't go wrong with 82% at the line. He is one of those rare big men who can make the triple as well.
4) Thunder: Russell Westbrook, OKC
Ethan: A+, Westbrook's contract extension makes him a surefire pick here, and while he is a notch below the previous guys with certain problems as a PG, I think this had to be the pick here
Landon: A, I love Westbrook and I love how much potential he has. If he can drive up that assist total as well as that 3P% he will be a fantasy beast for years to come.
5) Lakers: Chris Paul, LAC
Ethan: B+, I think CP3 is the best fantasy PG in the game right now with huge amounts of the points, assists, and steals you look for in a guard. Unfortunately at a 1 year deal, I think the Lakers don't get the full package here, which is why ESPN often doesn't give the best grade for best available.
Landon: A+, I love Paul and I love everything he brings to the table. While some may argue that his contract should drive owners away from him, owners who pick him in the first round surely will have enough cap space to resign him to any deal he may command on the market.
6) Nuggets: Blake Griffin, LAC
Ethan: A-, Griffin is the top PF behind Smith and Love in my books. With a rookie contract, he locks him up long term which is a great way to compete now and for the future.
Landon: B-, Blake Griffin is one of the more overrated players in fantasy basketball. Sure he almost averages 20 points 10 rebounds a night, but that FT% will stink it up night in night out and his defense leaves something to be desired. The only reason I gave such a low grade was because Blake Griffin was picked with guys like Josh Smith and LaMarcus Aldridge on the board.
7) Clippers: Marc Gasol, Mem
Ethan: C+, Rey knows I have the utmost respect for him. And he also knows I really like Gasol as well because of contract and production. But what I dislike about this pick is the fact he traded up to get Gasol. There are many other centers available and he decides to give up some to reach him here.
Landon: A, great pick in my opinion. Gasol is an underrated passer and can put up almost 2 block a game while averaging almost 10 rebounds to go along with 14 points. Zach Randolph may make his stats dip a bit next year but I see no glaring weakness in his game. This pick is an A+ if he gets that FT% to 80%
8) Hawks: Andrew Bynum, LAL
Ethan: A-, There has been no doubt that Bynum has always had that elite talent. In fact this past season, he really put together a healthy, good season. The thing is, he's checking out in too many games still and that worries me when there are still other centers available. But a good pick for a rare position.
Landon: A-, Bynum put up great stats night in night out this year. He had some hiccups with his maturity this year but I believe that the Black Mamba and Pau Gasol can get that out of him. The only thing I am worried about are his knees after such a great season. When healthy, this man is unstoppable and is arguably better than Dwight Howard.
9) 76ers: Dwight Howard, Orl
Ethan: A-, I will give the same grade for Bynum because obviously Dwight is elite with his defensive and scoring output. But the Achilles foot for Dwight is the new back injury he has as well as his continuing free throw woes.
Landon: A-, Superman lets his game do the talking. He is a fantasy beast, but letting trade talks get to him this year bothers me. He also had a back problem, something that is never good for a man his size. Also, his contract isn't great. That being said, he is still one of the most dominant big men in the game and improving his FT% will make him even more valuable.
10) Pacers: Derrick Rose, Chi
Ethan: D, Poor Pacers. At the start of the draft, the report was the standard 6 months for the ACL injury. New reports have the injury at 8-12 months. The 1st round is meant to give you a chance to win now. This doesn't do it and the only reason I give a D is because of the long contract. But this also saps Rose of the explosiveness as well, which he uses.
Landon: B, I know what you guys are thinking...B for arguably the best PG in the game?! Sorry but Rose showed me this year that his style of play does his body no good in a shortened season. His Achilles injury will keep him out almost all of next year which damages his value. BUT, I believe Rose can come back and become the player he was before because of his hard work ethic and attitude towards the game. No value next year but from then on out this pick will pay its share of dividends
11) Wolves: Carmelo Anthony, NYK
Ethan: A, The Melo pick will get an A from me. Obviously during mid-season things weren't pretty. But all indications have Woodson returning as the coach. That was a huge boon for Melo's fantasy value. If he continues getting the points, boards, and the increasing tick in steals, this is a good pick here where much talent has been taken.
Landon: B+, the value of this pick all depends on how the Knicks play it this offseason. Keeping Amare, in my opinion, will damage Melo's value while keeping Jeremy Lin will give Melo a serviceable PG to work with. Melo needs all the space on the floor he can get and getting Amare out of that lane will help immensely. Also, PF-eligibility gives Wolves some extra flexibility.
12) Raptors: Pau Gasol, LAL (Autopick)
Ethan: A-, This pick was based on ESPN's Player Rater. All the same, it's not a bad pick at all if the Raptors decide to show up. Gasol has been dominant with center qualifications and still has 2 years left, which has certain value here at pick 1
Landon: B+, Gasol is good but I don't like his massive contract. He shoots a respectable FT% for a big man and averages a double double per game. All in all, his age (31) and contract are what kept this pick out of the A range
13) Knicks: Dwyane Wade, Mia
Ethan: A, Wade is a value pick here. He should've been picked earlier and is a top ranked fantasy guy. I suppose the reason he fell was injury problems that appeared this season.
Landon: A, I love every part of Flash's game other than his age and injury problems. He gives great block production out of a guard and does almost everything on both sides of the ball. Great pick at 13.
14) Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, Sac
Ethan: [NO GRADE], I made this pick initially and felt like he was the guy to go with. Traded to Kings.
Landon: A+, DMC took a HUGE step forward this season and showed that when he's focused he can be one of the most dominant big men in the league. He is only going to get better from here on out and a big man with a steal + a block a game is rare. One of the better picks so far.
15) Rockets: Rajon Rondo, Bos
Ethan: A-, I like the Rondo pick going here because Rondo's assists will almost mean you win that category week in and week out. Combined with his rebounds and steals, he is a stud in fantasy. Only problem is the FG% and FT%.
Landon: A, Rondo is an assist machine, one of the harder categories to win consistently. He put up triple doubles faster than LeBron did this season and I've seen SOME "J" in his game. His defense only adds to his value as one of the best PGs you can have on your team in fantasy.
16) Warriors: Kyrie Irving, Cle
Ethan: [SELF-PICK]
Landon: A+, Kyrie is a future SUPERSTAR. He showed this year that he can handle the pressure of being the best player in the Post-LeBron era that the Cavs have had. He has the skill set to become a great point guard and will give Warriors a corner stone for his franchise.
17) Cavaliers: Greg Monroe, Det
Ethan: A-, Great pick for the young center. Outside Aldridge, not a lot of centers left with long contract, plus has rookie deal. Monroe will put up the high points and boards but not the steals as Cousins.
Landon: A-, the only concern I have about this pick is Monroe's decline towards the end of the year and the lack of solid players around him. That being said, big men like him are few and far between and this is a good value pick for the Cavs and they get their big man of the future.
18) Magic: John Wall, Was
Ethan: A, I thought about taking Wall over Kyrie briefly. Wall definitely has the scoring and assists down. The thing that intrigues me is that he and coaches say he is still improving, trying to get better defensively (steals) with speed.
Landon: A, I love what John Wall brings to the table but this pick value will depend solely on the players Wizard's Brass puts around Wall. He deserves to play with quality players, and getting rid of Mr. Javale McGee was a great start. This is a very good value pick for one of the most talented PGs in the game with UNLIMITED upside.
19) Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge, Por
Ethan: A+, It's insane that Aldridge fell this late. This is a guy who has been ranked as high as top 10 before last season and honestly not done anything to dispel that, only better. I'm not giving this the A+ here just because it's Landon but because after falling this late, this is the clear-cut pick. The injury does not seem like a lingering problem. As a side-note, even though we are just reviewing 1st round, the 2nd round pick, Lowry, gives him the best 1-2 punch of the draft so far in my mind.
Landon: [SELF-PICK]
20) Bucks: Monta Ellis, Mil
Ethan: C+, I'm not a fan of the Ellis pick here. To me, Ellis is good for the scoring output on the Bucks only. And even that fell in Milwauki. In the past, he had use for steals and assists as well, but Jennings broke out and they are really at ends with each other there. Just a lot of other picks I think would've been better, such as Gay at SF if he wanted to go there.
Landon: A-, at first I was hesitant to give this pick a good grade because of Ellis's obvious struggles in Milwakee. I will give Bucks an A- for this pick though because Monta contributes in MULTIPLE categories making him very valuable. His ability to play PG and SG also ups his value in my mind.
21) Utah Jazz: Rudy Gay, Mem
Ethan: A, Gay is a great pick here. From here on out, it's really a matter of who you like a lot of the times, but for Gay it's different. He is a multi-stat producer at the SF position who is still scoring a lot but has the ultimate 1-1-1 in blocks, steals, 3s.
Landon: A-, While I am not a fan of taking a SF here so early not named LeBron or Durant because of the depth at this position, Gay is clearly the right way to go. He is in a great situation in Memphis and is his team's go-to guy down the stretch. Good pick by the Jazz to pick up their franchise player.
22) Grizzlies: Josh Smith, Atl
Ethan: A, Smith is a value pick here as well. Those rebounds, blocks, and points are any fantasy GM's dream. The problem of course is the 1 year deal, but at this point, it's tough to let Smith pass. Grizzlies can compete with Smith at 22 and a high pick in round 2
Landon: A+, this is clearly a steal. While people tend to shy away from those one year contracts (me being one of them), I have to applaud the value that Grizzlies is getting with this pick. He may be one of many teams with a shot at Josh Smith after this year, but he'll be one of the teams with the most cap space to sign him.
23) Suns: David Lee, GS
Ethan: A-, Lee is the last 20/10 guy left. He also gets 1 steal a game so clearly he is a category producer well worth the 1st. The only problem may be Bogut coming in next season. We haven't seen them play together, but it can't be a boon for him.
Landon: A-, I love David Lee's 20 10 production this year but I worry about what Bogut will do to his production if Bogut stays healthy. I don't like the fact that Lee plays absolutely no defense whatsoever but this is still a good value pick for a big man this late in the first round.
24) Spurs: Ricky Rubio, Min
Ethan: B, Rubio is very useful in fantasy indicated by the high rankings he got when he was at the peak this year. Those assists and steals are just about as good as you can get. The problem for me is the FG%. That will be a killer because he's a PG but also the new injuries worry me. Lawson or DWill would've been better to me.
Landon: A-, Rubio had a great rookie campaign this season. There are a few warning signs though. His FG% will hinder the Spurs all season in that category and his recent injury is the same injury that took out Rose for almost a year. This is a good pick due to the fact that Rubio gets assists and plays with a big man as good as Kevin love.
25) Nets: Brandon Jennings, Mil
Ethan: B, Although I referenced Jennings' breakout season in the Ellis comments, it is also for Ellis that Jennings takes a bump in the overall picture in my eyes. The assists did indeed go down with Ellis in the picture. Hopefully they can work it out but Lawson needed to be the pick here because he's just more proficient in each category.
Landon: A-, Brandon Jennings is one of the better point guards out there, but I worry about the recent arrival of Monta Ellis does nothing to help his value. I think Ellis does big things to hurt Jennings' value from here on out.
26) Heat: Deron Williams, BKN
Ethan: A+, Really great pick at the end of round 1. The one year contract is absolutely a blemish, but that can't be helped if he ends up at 26! Williams is a top 5 rated fantasy player in many peoples' minds and to fall here, this is a true A+ pick for the Heat
Landon: A+, The fact that Deron might be going to DFW to play with the BIG GERMAN does great things for his value. He will stop hoisting up shots that kill his FG% like he did in New Jersey/Brooklyn and will now add even more assists to his game. The Heat will also be among the teams with the most cap space to resign this stud.
27) 76ers: Ty Lawson, Den
Ethan: A, Lawson dropped a lot to be here in my opinion. I think he's a great PG and should benefit with the Andre Miller likely out. That would absolutely help this guy who is averaging 16 points, 7 assists, and over a steal and three a game. He'll pair Lawson with Dwight.
Landon: A, Ty Lawson's value is hurt by the fact that he plays on a very very deep team, but his stats are good enough to earn him a spot among the top 5 PGs in my opinion. He also has multi-positional value and contributes to many categories making him a fantasy beast. The 76ers grabbed a PG to get a great 1-2 punch with Dwight Howard.
28) Celtics: Tony Parker, SA
Ethan: A-, Tony Parker put together a career performance in this shortened season. He was allowed to shine while other teammates a took a backseat. The reason there is a slight blemish is because of the rise of those guards like Danny Green, Anderson, etc. that may give Popovich more inclination to rest Parker at age 29
Landon: A, While Parker's value will always be hindered by the fact that Popp will rest him from time to time especially near playoff time, he is a great PG with a very good supporting cast. This was a pure value pick at this point in the draft
29) Wizards: Mike Conley, Mem
Ethan: B, Conley isn't the greatest pick here in my mind. I completely support that he is one of the better PG left on the board. But the run on PG gets a bit extreme here. Guys like Ibaka and Harden are still available late here and Conley seems like the one to go in the 2nd. But I forgive him because he still got Harden in the 2nd
Landon: A+, Mike Conley is one of the better fantasy PGs and a great pick at 29. His 2+ steals per game is almost comparable to Ibaka's contributions in the blocks category. He is also able to drain the 3 and has shown great improvement in court vision and finding his teammates on assists this year. He plays on a team that is only getting better and will be a fantasy force for years to come.
30) Pistons: Kobe Bryant, LAL
Ethan: A, We all know the reason Kobe fell was because of age and salary. But with the final pick of the 1st round, I will commend the Pistons on the pick even though I might not even have done it! Here's why: I've learned you can't doubt the Black Mamba even though I do every year. This year's performance included 4-4 production in assists and boards yet again and he has no indication of slowing down for the next 2 years
Landon: A+, lots of people are bashing this pick because of Kobe's salary, but I love this pick. Kobe has shown this season that he can still fill it up as much as the #1 overalll pick in the draft Kevin Durant could. After further comparison, Kobe still averages one more assist than Durant and while he does average only 5 rebounds compared to Durant's 8, he was picked 29 picks later and plays at a position with less depth than Durant's position. GREAT pick.
As an end-note, I'd also like to say that we did these draft grades individually before putting them together to have transparency.
Also, if you happen to notice Landon and I having A+'s for each of our pick, we did do them separately but we found that we think very similarly and so like each others' picks.
Enjoy, and feel free to comment with what we did wrong!
**As a precursor, we don't mean to offend anyone with the grading of your pick as this is our opinion and often times, the best analysts are wrong.
1) Bulls: Kevin Durant, OKC
Ethan: A+, Durant has the youth over LeBron which is a solid reason to pick him. This gives the Bulls a guy with multi-category contributions.
Landon: A+, You can't go wrong with a superstar who can only get better at the age of 23. He has a great contract as well and is a great piece to build around.
2) Hornets: LeBron James, Mia
Ethan: A+, Again, another multi-category producer that you love in this league. If KD goes first, Lebron is the clear 2nd
Landon: A+, Best all around fantasy player in the game today. Long contract as well so obvious pick at number 2
3) Mavericks: Kevin Love, Min
Ethan: A+, Many could make the case that Love deserves to go first overall even before the two decorated players simply due to his sheer rebounding and out of position skills in 3s and passing
Landon: A+, Kevin Love is the #3 fantasy player without a doubt. 26 and 13 is a godly stat line and you can't go wrong with 82% at the line. He is one of those rare big men who can make the triple as well.
4) Thunder: Russell Westbrook, OKC
Ethan: A+, Westbrook's contract extension makes him a surefire pick here, and while he is a notch below the previous guys with certain problems as a PG, I think this had to be the pick here
Landon: A, I love Westbrook and I love how much potential he has. If he can drive up that assist total as well as that 3P% he will be a fantasy beast for years to come.
5) Lakers: Chris Paul, LAC
Ethan: B+, I think CP3 is the best fantasy PG in the game right now with huge amounts of the points, assists, and steals you look for in a guard. Unfortunately at a 1 year deal, I think the Lakers don't get the full package here, which is why ESPN often doesn't give the best grade for best available.
Landon: A+, I love Paul and I love everything he brings to the table. While some may argue that his contract should drive owners away from him, owners who pick him in the first round surely will have enough cap space to resign him to any deal he may command on the market.
6) Nuggets: Blake Griffin, LAC
Ethan: A-, Griffin is the top PF behind Smith and Love in my books. With a rookie contract, he locks him up long term which is a great way to compete now and for the future.
Landon: B-, Blake Griffin is one of the more overrated players in fantasy basketball. Sure he almost averages 20 points 10 rebounds a night, but that FT% will stink it up night in night out and his defense leaves something to be desired. The only reason I gave such a low grade was because Blake Griffin was picked with guys like Josh Smith and LaMarcus Aldridge on the board.
7) Clippers: Marc Gasol, Mem
Ethan: C+, Rey knows I have the utmost respect for him. And he also knows I really like Gasol as well because of contract and production. But what I dislike about this pick is the fact he traded up to get Gasol. There are many other centers available and he decides to give up some to reach him here.
Landon: A, great pick in my opinion. Gasol is an underrated passer and can put up almost 2 block a game while averaging almost 10 rebounds to go along with 14 points. Zach Randolph may make his stats dip a bit next year but I see no glaring weakness in his game. This pick is an A+ if he gets that FT% to 80%
8) Hawks: Andrew Bynum, LAL
Ethan: A-, There has been no doubt that Bynum has always had that elite talent. In fact this past season, he really put together a healthy, good season. The thing is, he's checking out in too many games still and that worries me when there are still other centers available. But a good pick for a rare position.
Landon: A-, Bynum put up great stats night in night out this year. He had some hiccups with his maturity this year but I believe that the Black Mamba and Pau Gasol can get that out of him. The only thing I am worried about are his knees after such a great season. When healthy, this man is unstoppable and is arguably better than Dwight Howard.
9) 76ers: Dwight Howard, Orl
Ethan: A-, I will give the same grade for Bynum because obviously Dwight is elite with his defensive and scoring output. But the Achilles foot for Dwight is the new back injury he has as well as his continuing free throw woes.
Landon: A-, Superman lets his game do the talking. He is a fantasy beast, but letting trade talks get to him this year bothers me. He also had a back problem, something that is never good for a man his size. Also, his contract isn't great. That being said, he is still one of the most dominant big men in the game and improving his FT% will make him even more valuable.
10) Pacers: Derrick Rose, Chi
Ethan: D, Poor Pacers. At the start of the draft, the report was the standard 6 months for the ACL injury. New reports have the injury at 8-12 months. The 1st round is meant to give you a chance to win now. This doesn't do it and the only reason I give a D is because of the long contract. But this also saps Rose of the explosiveness as well, which he uses.
Landon: B, I know what you guys are thinking...B for arguably the best PG in the game?! Sorry but Rose showed me this year that his style of play does his body no good in a shortened season. His Achilles injury will keep him out almost all of next year which damages his value. BUT, I believe Rose can come back and become the player he was before because of his hard work ethic and attitude towards the game. No value next year but from then on out this pick will pay its share of dividends
11) Wolves: Carmelo Anthony, NYK
Ethan: A, The Melo pick will get an A from me. Obviously during mid-season things weren't pretty. But all indications have Woodson returning as the coach. That was a huge boon for Melo's fantasy value. If he continues getting the points, boards, and the increasing tick in steals, this is a good pick here where much talent has been taken.
Landon: B+, the value of this pick all depends on how the Knicks play it this offseason. Keeping Amare, in my opinion, will damage Melo's value while keeping Jeremy Lin will give Melo a serviceable PG to work with. Melo needs all the space on the floor he can get and getting Amare out of that lane will help immensely. Also, PF-eligibility gives Wolves some extra flexibility.
12) Raptors: Pau Gasol, LAL (Autopick)
Ethan: A-, This pick was based on ESPN's Player Rater. All the same, it's not a bad pick at all if the Raptors decide to show up. Gasol has been dominant with center qualifications and still has 2 years left, which has certain value here at pick 1
Landon: B+, Gasol is good but I don't like his massive contract. He shoots a respectable FT% for a big man and averages a double double per game. All in all, his age (31) and contract are what kept this pick out of the A range
13) Knicks: Dwyane Wade, Mia
Ethan: A, Wade is a value pick here. He should've been picked earlier and is a top ranked fantasy guy. I suppose the reason he fell was injury problems that appeared this season.
Landon: A, I love every part of Flash's game other than his age and injury problems. He gives great block production out of a guard and does almost everything on both sides of the ball. Great pick at 13.
14) Kings: DeMarcus Cousins, Sac
Ethan: [NO GRADE], I made this pick initially and felt like he was the guy to go with. Traded to Kings.
Landon: A+, DMC took a HUGE step forward this season and showed that when he's focused he can be one of the most dominant big men in the league. He is only going to get better from here on out and a big man with a steal + a block a game is rare. One of the better picks so far.
15) Rockets: Rajon Rondo, Bos
Ethan: A-, I like the Rondo pick going here because Rondo's assists will almost mean you win that category week in and week out. Combined with his rebounds and steals, he is a stud in fantasy. Only problem is the FG% and FT%.
Landon: A, Rondo is an assist machine, one of the harder categories to win consistently. He put up triple doubles faster than LeBron did this season and I've seen SOME "J" in his game. His defense only adds to his value as one of the best PGs you can have on your team in fantasy.
16) Warriors: Kyrie Irving, Cle
Ethan: [SELF-PICK]
Landon: A+, Kyrie is a future SUPERSTAR. He showed this year that he can handle the pressure of being the best player in the Post-LeBron era that the Cavs have had. He has the skill set to become a great point guard and will give Warriors a corner stone for his franchise.
17) Cavaliers: Greg Monroe, Det
Ethan: A-, Great pick for the young center. Outside Aldridge, not a lot of centers left with long contract, plus has rookie deal. Monroe will put up the high points and boards but not the steals as Cousins.
Landon: A-, the only concern I have about this pick is Monroe's decline towards the end of the year and the lack of solid players around him. That being said, big men like him are few and far between and this is a good value pick for the Cavs and they get their big man of the future.
18) Magic: John Wall, Was
Ethan: A, I thought about taking Wall over Kyrie briefly. Wall definitely has the scoring and assists down. The thing that intrigues me is that he and coaches say he is still improving, trying to get better defensively (steals) with speed.
Landon: A, I love what John Wall brings to the table but this pick value will depend solely on the players Wizard's Brass puts around Wall. He deserves to play with quality players, and getting rid of Mr. Javale McGee was a great start. This is a very good value pick for one of the most talented PGs in the game with UNLIMITED upside.
19) Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge, Por
Ethan: A+, It's insane that Aldridge fell this late. This is a guy who has been ranked as high as top 10 before last season and honestly not done anything to dispel that, only better. I'm not giving this the A+ here just because it's Landon but because after falling this late, this is the clear-cut pick. The injury does not seem like a lingering problem. As a side-note, even though we are just reviewing 1st round, the 2nd round pick, Lowry, gives him the best 1-2 punch of the draft so far in my mind.
Landon: [SELF-PICK]
20) Bucks: Monta Ellis, Mil
Ethan: C+, I'm not a fan of the Ellis pick here. To me, Ellis is good for the scoring output on the Bucks only. And even that fell in Milwauki. In the past, he had use for steals and assists as well, but Jennings broke out and they are really at ends with each other there. Just a lot of other picks I think would've been better, such as Gay at SF if he wanted to go there.
Landon: A-, at first I was hesitant to give this pick a good grade because of Ellis's obvious struggles in Milwakee. I will give Bucks an A- for this pick though because Monta contributes in MULTIPLE categories making him very valuable. His ability to play PG and SG also ups his value in my mind.
21) Utah Jazz: Rudy Gay, Mem
Ethan: A, Gay is a great pick here. From here on out, it's really a matter of who you like a lot of the times, but for Gay it's different. He is a multi-stat producer at the SF position who is still scoring a lot but has the ultimate 1-1-1 in blocks, steals, 3s.
Landon: A-, While I am not a fan of taking a SF here so early not named LeBron or Durant because of the depth at this position, Gay is clearly the right way to go. He is in a great situation in Memphis and is his team's go-to guy down the stretch. Good pick by the Jazz to pick up their franchise player.
22) Grizzlies: Josh Smith, Atl
Ethan: A, Smith is a value pick here as well. Those rebounds, blocks, and points are any fantasy GM's dream. The problem of course is the 1 year deal, but at this point, it's tough to let Smith pass. Grizzlies can compete with Smith at 22 and a high pick in round 2
Landon: A+, this is clearly a steal. While people tend to shy away from those one year contracts (me being one of them), I have to applaud the value that Grizzlies is getting with this pick. He may be one of many teams with a shot at Josh Smith after this year, but he'll be one of the teams with the most cap space to sign him.
23) Suns: David Lee, GS
Ethan: A-, Lee is the last 20/10 guy left. He also gets 1 steal a game so clearly he is a category producer well worth the 1st. The only problem may be Bogut coming in next season. We haven't seen them play together, but it can't be a boon for him.
Landon: A-, I love David Lee's 20 10 production this year but I worry about what Bogut will do to his production if Bogut stays healthy. I don't like the fact that Lee plays absolutely no defense whatsoever but this is still a good value pick for a big man this late in the first round.
24) Spurs: Ricky Rubio, Min
Ethan: B, Rubio is very useful in fantasy indicated by the high rankings he got when he was at the peak this year. Those assists and steals are just about as good as you can get. The problem for me is the FG%. That will be a killer because he's a PG but also the new injuries worry me. Lawson or DWill would've been better to me.
Landon: A-, Rubio had a great rookie campaign this season. There are a few warning signs though. His FG% will hinder the Spurs all season in that category and his recent injury is the same injury that took out Rose for almost a year. This is a good pick due to the fact that Rubio gets assists and plays with a big man as good as Kevin love.
25) Nets: Brandon Jennings, Mil
Ethan: B, Although I referenced Jennings' breakout season in the Ellis comments, it is also for Ellis that Jennings takes a bump in the overall picture in my eyes. The assists did indeed go down with Ellis in the picture. Hopefully they can work it out but Lawson needed to be the pick here because he's just more proficient in each category.
Landon: A-, Brandon Jennings is one of the better point guards out there, but I worry about the recent arrival of Monta Ellis does nothing to help his value. I think Ellis does big things to hurt Jennings' value from here on out.
26) Heat: Deron Williams, BKN
Ethan: A+, Really great pick at the end of round 1. The one year contract is absolutely a blemish, but that can't be helped if he ends up at 26! Williams is a top 5 rated fantasy player in many peoples' minds and to fall here, this is a true A+ pick for the Heat
Landon: A+, The fact that Deron might be going to DFW to play with the BIG GERMAN does great things for his value. He will stop hoisting up shots that kill his FG% like he did in New Jersey/Brooklyn and will now add even more assists to his game. The Heat will also be among the teams with the most cap space to resign this stud.
27) 76ers: Ty Lawson, Den
Ethan: A, Lawson dropped a lot to be here in my opinion. I think he's a great PG and should benefit with the Andre Miller likely out. That would absolutely help this guy who is averaging 16 points, 7 assists, and over a steal and three a game. He'll pair Lawson with Dwight.
Landon: A, Ty Lawson's value is hurt by the fact that he plays on a very very deep team, but his stats are good enough to earn him a spot among the top 5 PGs in my opinion. He also has multi-positional value and contributes to many categories making him a fantasy beast. The 76ers grabbed a PG to get a great 1-2 punch with Dwight Howard.
28) Celtics: Tony Parker, SA
Ethan: A-, Tony Parker put together a career performance in this shortened season. He was allowed to shine while other teammates a took a backseat. The reason there is a slight blemish is because of the rise of those guards like Danny Green, Anderson, etc. that may give Popovich more inclination to rest Parker at age 29
Landon: A, While Parker's value will always be hindered by the fact that Popp will rest him from time to time especially near playoff time, he is a great PG with a very good supporting cast. This was a pure value pick at this point in the draft
29) Wizards: Mike Conley, Mem
Ethan: B, Conley isn't the greatest pick here in my mind. I completely support that he is one of the better PG left on the board. But the run on PG gets a bit extreme here. Guys like Ibaka and Harden are still available late here and Conley seems like the one to go in the 2nd. But I forgive him because he still got Harden in the 2nd
Landon: A+, Mike Conley is one of the better fantasy PGs and a great pick at 29. His 2+ steals per game is almost comparable to Ibaka's contributions in the blocks category. He is also able to drain the 3 and has shown great improvement in court vision and finding his teammates on assists this year. He plays on a team that is only getting better and will be a fantasy force for years to come.
30) Pistons: Kobe Bryant, LAL
Ethan: A, We all know the reason Kobe fell was because of age and salary. But with the final pick of the 1st round, I will commend the Pistons on the pick even though I might not even have done it! Here's why: I've learned you can't doubt the Black Mamba even though I do every year. This year's performance included 4-4 production in assists and boards yet again and he has no indication of slowing down for the next 2 years
Landon: A+, lots of people are bashing this pick because of Kobe's salary, but I love this pick. Kobe has shown this season that he can still fill it up as much as the #1 overalll pick in the draft Kevin Durant could. After further comparison, Kobe still averages one more assist than Durant and while he does average only 5 rebounds compared to Durant's 8, he was picked 29 picks later and plays at a position with less depth than Durant's position. GREAT pick.
As an end-note, I'd also like to say that we did these draft grades individually before putting them together to have transparency.
Also, if you happen to notice Landon and I having A+'s for each of our pick, we did do them separately but we found that we think very similarly and so like each others' picks.
Enjoy, and feel free to comment with what we did wrong!