First-Round Draft Grades For Every NBA Team
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (second from right) poses with draft prospects from left Doug McDermott , Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker before the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight’s NBA Draft was one of the most anticipated in a few years thanks to a crop of talent that’s been judged to possess to superstar talent. So how did your team stack up? Keep checking back for grades and trades from every NBA team.
Grades are based on how they fit with their new teams.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Andrew Wiggins, SF, Kansas
Grade: A
What’s left to say about Wiggins that hasn’t been said already. The Kansas phenom can play NBA defense right now, and is explosive. Plus, he doesn’t need to possess the ball, which makes him a fit on the Cavs, who already have two ball dominant guards in Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters. What he’s got to do: Wiggins needs to get stronger, while also improving his offensive game. That means improving his shot, and working on driving with his left hand.He’s still really raw. The sky truly is the limit for the 19-year-old Canadian.
2. Milwaukee Bucks: Jabari Parker, SF, Duke
Grade: A
The most stale franchise in the NBA finally got a breathe of fresh air. He’s the best offensive player in this year’s draft and can score it inside, and out. Parker shoots 56 percent around the rim, and can also step out and knock down 3-pointers. He needs to improve on the other end of the floor, as defense is seemingly a rumor to Parker.
3. Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid, C Kansas
Grade: B
When healthy, he’s the No. 1 prospect in the draft. It’s not even an argument. He can protect the rim and he can be dominant in the post. Embiid is what you need from a big man in today’s NBA. He can run the floor and is athletic.
He needs to stay healthy. The 76ers have taken a flyer on two injured players the past two years. They must start getting production from the Cameroon native, as well as Nerlens Noel. If Embiid can end his first season on a productive note, this grade gets bumped to an A.
4. Orlando Magic: Aaron Gordon, PF Arizona
Grade: B
Jay Bilas described Gordon as a “world-class athlete” that did most of his offensive damage on cuts to the basket and offensive put backs. He’s an athletic marvel, but he comes with question marks.
He needs to find a position. He probably won’t play power forward in the NBA, and he needs to polish his offensive skills. Orlando needs a scorer it can count on, and it probably won’t be Gordon, at least not next season.
5. Utah Jazz: Dante Exum, PG Australia
Grade A:
At 6-6, he’s a combo guard who can make plays. Exum isn’t even 19 yet, but should be fun to watch playing in the same backcourt as Trey Burke.
He needs to improve his perimeter shooting, but he has a lot of upside. Bill Simmons said “He looks like an 18-year-old Kobe Bryant.”