First-Round Draft Grades For Every NBA Team
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State) is interviewed after being selected as the number six overall pick to the Boston Celtics in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
6. Boston Celtics, Marcus Smart, PG Oklahoma St.
Grade: B
Smart’s a talented player, but how does this affect Rajon Rondo? Will Boston look to move their star guard for the rookie. Smart’s not a great shooter and needs the ball in his hands.
He needs to improve his jump shot, but should be solid on the defensive side, as opponents shot 27 percent when being guarded by Smart.
7. LA Lakers: Julius Randle, PF, Kentucky
Grade: A
Randle entered the college season as one of the best players in the country, and he didn’t disappoint. Kobe’s going to try and give in another go this fall, and the Lakers will need a monster in the paint, which Randle should be.
He needs to be better force defensively. Randle’s not known as a shot blocker, but he’s looks to be a great fit in La-La Land.
8. Sacramento Kings: Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan
Grade: C
Stauskas is more than a catch-and-shoot player. He can beat guys off the dribble, but the Kings already burned a first-round pick on two-guard last year in Ben McLemore.
He needs to get stronger and improve defensively, while playing cohesively with McLemore.
9. Charlotte Hornets: Noah Vonleh, PF, Indiana
Grade: A
There was a lot of talk about Vonleh leading up to the draft, and he showed some serious productivity in his one season with the Hoosiers. Vonleh can catch and shoot, and he can step behind the arc and knock down 3’s. Charlotte might be a good destination for Vonleh, as he can be a threat from 18-feet while Al Jefferson dominates the paint.
He needs to get confidence. According to NBA.com, he took relatively few shots for a team “banking on him to be a second scoring option.”
10. Philadelphia 76ers: Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana-Lafyayette
Grade: D
Philly took a point guard while already possessing one of the most promising floor generals in the NBA in Michael Carter-Williams. Playing both of them on the floor at the same time makes no sense. On a positive note, Payton can defend.
Will MCW be moved? (Update: Nope. Payton moved to Orlando for Saric and a first round pick in ’17)