First-Round Draft Grades For Every NBA Team
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Doug McDermott (Creighton) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
11. Denver Nuggets (Chicago): Doug McDermott, PF/SF, Creighton
Grade: A
Denver selected McDermott and promptly moved him to Chicago for picks No. 16 and 19. He’s a much better fit because Denver already has a similar player in Danilo Gallinari. The Bulls need an outside shooter, and McDermott can be that guy.
McDermott has NBA range and he can create on his own. About 70 percent of his shots were contested, which shows he can knock it down with someone in his face.
*This pick was a B for Denver, but got changed to an A after the trade.
trade 16 and 19.
12. Orlando Magic: Dario Saric, Croatia
Grade: D
Orlando has lost a lot of games since Dwight Howard departed and Saric won’t help them win in 2014-2015. He is getting moved to Philly in exchange for Payton and Philly gets their 2017 first rounder back.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach Lavine, UCLA
Grade: C+
Levine is an interesting player as he is tall, lanky point guard with great athletic skills but doesn’t have a great shot. The Timberwolves have to start to plan for days without Kevin Love and Levine could slide in next to Ricky Rubio for an up temp backcourt.
14. Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren, N.C. State
Grade: B
Warren is a scorer who will fill a wing need for the Suns. The Morris Twins aren’t high level scorers and PJ Tucker had a breakout season but could of been a contract type year. Warren could long term be a Antawn Jamison type with his unique shot selection.
15. Atlanta Hawks: Adreian Payne, Michigan State
Grade: A-
Payne is an intriguing prospect just outside of the Lottery. Payne can shoot from the outside as a Stretch 4. He does well inside and getting rebounds. With the Hawks, who want to play a lot of 4 out with Al Horford on the inside, Payne is perfect. He is a tough guy, veteran at 23 years of age. The Hawks have a lot of young talent but Payne can come in and play right away.