We're checking in with Craig Peters for his take on each team's front office draft night performance.
Craig's 2007 Draft Grades
This draft was hyped to be one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, possibly, the deepest ever. There was good value to be had throughout the entire draft. We’ll have to wait a few years to see how they all turn out. Grades were based on the best player available, if the team addressed a need at a good value, and over all strategy of all draft day activity.
First, the Western Conference.
Portland Trailblazers
Portland has succeeded in changing the culture around the team and the city. Their day at the 2007 NBA draft was nothing short of outstanding. The Greg Oden pick was a formality that will propel the already promising course of the team even further ahead. They also acquired a very good player in Rudy Fernandez, and another small forward in James Jones from Phoenix. Plus they got rid of Zach Randolph’s attitude and contract. In return they get a young power forward in Channing Frye, and a potential buy-out situation of Steve Francis’ contract. Portland also chose Josh McRoberts at # 37, traded for very good, young point guard, Petteri Koponen, and drafted PG Taurean Green. All of at good value, and could help the team, either on the court or in trades down the line. Can you say loaded?
Grade: A++
This draft was hyped to be one of the deepest drafts in recent memory, possibly, the deepest ever. There was good value to be had throughout the entire draft. We’ll have to wait a few years to see how they all turn out. Grades were based on the best player available, if the team addressed a need at a good value, and over all strategy of all draft day activity.
First, the Western Conference.
Portland Trailblazers
Portland has succeeded in changing the culture around the team and the city. Their day at the 2007 NBA draft was nothing short of outstanding. The Greg Oden pick was a formality that will propel the already promising course of the team even further ahead. They also acquired a very good player in Rudy Fernandez, and another small forward in James Jones from Phoenix. Plus they got rid of Zach Randolph’s attitude and contract. In return they get a young power forward in Channing Frye, and a potential buy-out situation of Steve Francis’ contract. Portland also chose Josh McRoberts at # 37, traded for very good, young point guard, Petteri Koponen, and drafted PG Taurean Green. All of at good value, and could help the team, either on the court or in trades down the line. Can you say loaded?
Grade: A++
Seattle Supersonics
Sam Presti has made quite a splash in his first NBA draft as GM. The Kevin Durant pick was practically the easiest in the history. He traded Ray Allen and the rights to #35 (Glen Davis) to the desperate Boston Celtics. With that 5th pick, Presti took my third best player in the draft, Jeff Green. They also got a combo guard, Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak in the deal. Their grade would have been higher if he would have kept one of my sleepers in the draft, Carl Landry, at #31.
Grade: A-
Sam Presti has made quite a splash in his first NBA draft as GM. The Kevin Durant pick was practically the easiest in the history. He traded Ray Allen and the rights to #35 (Glen Davis) to the desperate Boston Celtics. With that 5th pick, Presti took my third best player in the draft, Jeff Green. They also got a combo guard, Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak in the deal. Their grade would have been higher if he would have kept one of my sleepers in the draft, Carl Landry, at #31.
Grade: A-
Golden State Warriors
A very solid day for the Warriors. They got a shooter in Marco Belinelli, and the highly regarded Brandan Wright. All while cutting Jason Richardson’s huge contract.
Grade: B
A very solid day for the Warriors. They got a shooter in Marco Belinelli, and the highly regarded Brandan Wright. All while cutting Jason Richardson’s huge contract.
Grade: B
Utah Jazz
Morris Almond gives the Jazz a needed shooter/scorer. They also got a good, yet immature talent in Kyrylo Fesenko from the 76ers for Herbert Hill.
Grade: B
Morris Almond gives the Jazz a needed shooter/scorer. They also got a good, yet immature talent in Kyrylo Fesenko from the 76ers for Herbert Hill.
Grade: B
Sacramento Kings
With their only pick in the draft, Sacramento got their man, Spencer Hawes. Although he may be ready on the offensive end, there are still things he'll need to learn from Brad Miller about the entire NBA game. The Kings still need to address the power forward position.
Grade: B
With their only pick in the draft, Sacramento got their man, Spencer Hawes. Although he may be ready on the offensive end, there are still things he'll need to learn from Brad Miller about the entire NBA game. The Kings still need to address the power forward position.
Grade: B
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs got good value late in the draft with Tiago Splitter and Marcus Williams. The Spurs have had good luck with the international players so there’s no reason to think they wouldn't keep the momentum with a tough, defensive minded Splitter. Marcus Williams has the potential to be very good. He just needs to adjust his attitude in the locker room and his toughness on the court.
Grade: B
The Spurs got good value late in the draft with Tiago Splitter and Marcus Williams. The Spurs have had good luck with the international players so there’s no reason to think they wouldn't keep the momentum with a tough, defensive minded Splitter. Marcus Williams has the potential to be very good. He just needs to adjust his attitude in the locker room and his toughness on the court.
Grade: B
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas got great value in the second round. Nick Fazekas is possibly the best shooter in the draft. It's hard to see him in Dallas’ run-oriented offense, but he's a talent. Reyshawn Terry is one of the more underrated players. He runs hot and cold during the course of a game which may explain his second round status.
Grade: B
Dallas got great value in the second round. Nick Fazekas is possibly the best shooter in the draft. It's hard to see him in Dallas’ run-oriented offense, but he's a talent. Reyshawn Terry is one of the more underrated players. He runs hot and cold during the course of a game which may explain his second round status.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Clippers
With only two picks in the draft, the Clippers took one of my favorite players at #14, Al Thornton. I believe he'll be an all-star in the NBA. This was a no-brainer at #14. They also got Marist’s guard Jared Jordan at #45, which addresses their PG depth, although, a proven winner in Taurean Green was still on the board at the time. Grade: B-
With only two picks in the draft, the Clippers took one of my favorite players at #14, Al Thornton. I believe he'll be an all-star in the NBA. This was a no-brainer at #14. They also got Marist’s guard Jared Jordan at #45, which addresses their PG depth, although, a proven winner in Taurean Green was still on the board at the time. Grade: B-
Memphis Grizzlies
Taking Mike Conley Jr. at #3 was a bit of a reach for me. The fact that they already have Kyle Lowry isn't a problem because they took the best player available approach. I just don’t think he was the best available. They could've done wonders for their team by taking Jeff Green.
Grade: B-
Taking Mike Conley Jr. at #3 was a bit of a reach for me. The fact that they already have Kyle Lowry isn't a problem because they took the best player available approach. I just don’t think he was the best available. They could've done wonders for their team by taking Jeff Green.
Grade: B-
Minnesota Timberwolves
Corey Brewer was a solid pick that addresses multiple needs. He’s a defensive stopper that can get out and run. Chris Richard was an OK pick, but he wasn't the best available. Derrick Byars, Reyshawn Terry, Demetris Nichols were a few names still out there. If they had taken Spencer Hawes, I wouldn't have complained.
Grade B-
Corey Brewer was a solid pick that addresses multiple needs. He’s a defensive stopper that can get out and run. Chris Richard was an OK pick, but he wasn't the best available. Derrick Byars, Reyshawn Terry, Demetris Nichols were a few names still out there. If they had taken Spencer Hawes, I wouldn't have complained.
Grade B-
New Orleans Hornets
Julian Wright is a solid player with great tools and upside. I would've liked to see them go for more offense with this pick. The thinking here could be that they averaged 95 ppg as a team without Peja Stojakovic, and that they would get the scoring when he returns. But taking Nick Young here would not be a reach and would give them another, potentially dangerous, offensive option.
Grade: B-
Phoenix Suns
They had a very good player in Rudy Fernandez, but traded him away. They'll also be sending James Jones to Portland as part of the deal. Not sure why they keep selling their picks. They seem to be settling for what they have, not realizing the rest of the league will catch them sooner rather than later. They added two athletes in D.J. Strawberry and Alando Tucker. Should have been three…
Grade: C-
They had a very good player in Rudy Fernandez, but traded him away. They'll also be sending James Jones to Portland as part of the deal. Not sure why they keep selling their picks. They seem to be settling for what they have, not realizing the rest of the league will catch them sooner rather than later. They added two athletes in D.J. Strawberry and Alando Tucker. Should have been three…
Grade: C-
Houston Rockets
Houston missed out on the player they wanted in Morris Almond. They reached for Aaron Brooks with the 26th pick. He becomes the fourth point guard on the current roster. Arron Afflalo or Tiago Splitter would have been better value here.
Grade: D
Houston missed out on the player they wanted in Morris Almond. They reached for Aaron Brooks with the 26th pick. He becomes the fourth point guard on the current roster. Arron Afflalo or Tiago Splitter would have been better value here.
Grade: D
Los Angeles Lakers
In no form or fashion did the Lakers help themselves. I do think that Javaris Crittenton is good value at #19, but a shooter like Morris Almond would have been better. Marc Gasol, who’s staying overseas this year, may help them next year. Sun Yue may never help them.
Grade: D
In no form or fashion did the Lakers help themselves. I do think that Javaris Crittenton is good value at #19, but a shooter like Morris Almond would have been better. Marc Gasol, who’s staying overseas this year, may help them next year. Sun Yue may never help them.
Grade: D
Denver Nuggets
Had no picks. Grade: N/A
Now, the Eastern Conference. After looking at this summary, you'll gain an appreciation of just how far ahead the Western Conference is, and why - front office decision making.
Washington Wizards
The selection of Nick Young at #16 is a very good one. Still needing front line help, Sean Williams may have been too much of a risk for them. In the second round, the Wizards got very good value with Dominic McGuire at #47. He’s one of my steals of the draft. Grade: B
The selection of Nick Young at #16 is a very good one. Still needing front line help, Sean Williams may have been too much of a risk for them. In the second round, the Wizards got very good value with Dominic McGuire at #47. He’s one of my steals of the draft. Grade: B
Charlotte Bobcats
Selected Brandan Wright at #8. This was a good pick, but he was traded away for Jason Richardson and the rights to #36 (Jermareo Davidson). Richardson is coming off of a 49 game season averaging only 16ppg. Very risky, but Charlotte needs to start filling the seats or the team will be in trouble. Richardson will help in this regard. The draft and desperation could be a bad mix. We’ll see. Their grade gets a boost by selecting Jared Dudley at #22. He'll be a very good pro.
Grade: B
Selected Brandan Wright at #8. This was a good pick, but he was traded away for Jason Richardson and the rights to #36 (Jermareo Davidson). Richardson is coming off of a 49 game season averaging only 16ppg. Very risky, but Charlotte needs to start filling the seats or the team will be in trouble. Richardson will help in this regard. The draft and desperation could be a bad mix. We’ll see. Their grade gets a boost by selecting Jared Dudley at #22. He'll be a very good pro.
Grade: B
Detroit Pistons
Selected combo guard Rodney Stuckey at #15. This is, presumably, insurance if Chauncy Billups bolts in free agency. At #27, Detroit selected a stunned Arron Afflalo. This selection has me thinking future Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton? I don’t think Sammy Mejia (#57) has a shot at making the team. Grade: B
New York Knicks
New York made their fans happy when they acquired Zack Randolph, Dan Dickau, Fred Jones and the rights to #53 (Demetris Nichols) for Steve Francis, Channing Frye and a 2008 2nd round pick. They added a 20-10 guy plus the shooter they needed. It will be up to Isiah Thomas to make all of those small forwards mesh or move on. Grade: B
Milwaukee Bucks
Took a big risk in selecting Yi Jian Lian at #6. Yi’s representatives did all they could to scare off the Bucks to no avail. It 's yet to be seen if Yi will report to Milwaukee. Ramon Sessions was selected at # 56. He could have a shot at making the team since Earl Boykins has decided to opt out of his contract.
Grade: B if Yi stays, D if he doesn't
New Jersey Nets
Took a big risk by selecting one of the most talented and troubled players in this draft, Sean Williams #17. Williams will help this team tremendously with his shot blocking ability and athleticism.
Grade: B if he stays out of trouble, F if he doesn’t
Chicago Bulls
Made a solid pick at #9 with Joakim Noah, but the pick could have been a tad better by taking Spencer Hawes. Hawes is a low post scoring threat. They did get good value by taking Aaron Gray at #49. He’s a banger but not very athletic. There was better value at the point JamesOn Curry was selected (#51). He should have stayed in school, but may have a chance at making the team.
Grade: B-
Made a solid pick at #9 with Joakim Noah, but the pick could have been a tad better by taking Spencer Hawes. Hawes is a low post scoring threat. They did get good value by taking Aaron Gray at #49. He’s a banger but not very athletic. There was better value at the point JamesOn Curry was selected (#51). He should have stayed in school, but may have a chance at making the team.
Grade: B-
Atlanta Hawks
Selected Al Horford at #3. I know I’m in the minority, but Jeff Green would have been my pick. Green was the best available. At #11, the Hawks selected Acie Law IV. This is a reach in my view. He’s more of a combo guard. There were many other players better at that point.
Grade: C
Selected Al Horford at #3. I know I’m in the minority, but Jeff Green would have been my pick. Green was the best available. At #11, the Hawks selected Acie Law IV. This is a reach in my view. He’s more of a combo guard. There were many other players better at that point.
Grade: C
Toronto Raptors
Traded a 2008 2nd round pick to San Antonio for the draft rights of Giorgos Printezis at #58. Printezis is considered a prospect with some upside, but will stay overseas another year.
Grade: C
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia stayed with the best available theme, but may have reached by taking Thaddeus Young at #12. He has great skills and upside, but I think there were better players there ahead of Young. Jason Smith (#20) was acquired from Miami for cash and the rights to Daequan Cook (#21). Not sure Smith will be tough enough to bang with NBA power forwards and centers. Derrick Byars at #42 is great value. He's said to be a poor man’s Jeff Green. Herbert Hill, at #55, is another value pick. He has a shot at making the team. Philly could have had their point guard of the future with Petteri Koponen at #30, but traded him away to Portland for the rights to #42 (Derrick Byars).
Grade: C-
Traded a 2008 2nd round pick to San Antonio for the draft rights of Giorgos Printezis at #58. Printezis is considered a prospect with some upside, but will stay overseas another year.
Grade: C
Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia stayed with the best available theme, but may have reached by taking Thaddeus Young at #12. He has great skills and upside, but I think there were better players there ahead of Young. Jason Smith (#20) was acquired from Miami for cash and the rights to Daequan Cook (#21). Not sure Smith will be tough enough to bang with NBA power forwards and centers. Derrick Byars at #42 is great value. He's said to be a poor man’s Jeff Green. Herbert Hill, at #55, is another value pick. He has a shot at making the team. Philly could have had their point guard of the future with Petteri Koponen at #30, but traded him away to Portland for the rights to #42 (Derrick Byars).
Grade: C-
Miami Heat
Acquired Daequan Cook and some cash from Philly for Jason Smith. Cook is a very good athlete, but his attitude has held him back. He still has potential, though. Miami traded their #39 pick (Stanko Barac) to Indiana for a 2009 2nd round pick.
Grade: C-
Boston Celtics
Not sure what Danny Ainge was thinking trading the #5 pick (Jeff Green), Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak to Seattle for an aging, albeit, top notch shooter in Ray Allen. The only positive in the deal was they got the rights to the #35 pick, Glen Davis, who could be a nice role player if he stays in shape. They took Gabe Pruitt out of USC at #32, presumably to replace West.
Grade: D
Indiana Pacers
Did not have a selection in this draft, but traded with Miami to take Stanko Barac at #39 for a 2nd round pick in 2009; ignoring the point guard they needed. Several options were on the board at that time. To make things worse, Barac is going to stay overseas for at least another year.
Grade: D
Orlando Magic
Orlando traded the draft rights of a legit draft prospect Reyshawn Terry at #44 to Dallas for a player barely considered draft worthy, Milovan Rakovic at #60. There’s just no way Rakovic is even close to the level of Terry.
Grade: D-
Cleveland Cavaliers
No Picks.
Acquired Daequan Cook and some cash from Philly for Jason Smith. Cook is a very good athlete, but his attitude has held him back. He still has potential, though. Miami traded their #39 pick (Stanko Barac) to Indiana for a 2009 2nd round pick.
Grade: C-
Boston Celtics
Not sure what Danny Ainge was thinking trading the #5 pick (Jeff Green), Delonte West, and Wally Szczerbiak to Seattle for an aging, albeit, top notch shooter in Ray Allen. The only positive in the deal was they got the rights to the #35 pick, Glen Davis, who could be a nice role player if he stays in shape. They took Gabe Pruitt out of USC at #32, presumably to replace West.
Grade: D
Indiana Pacers
Did not have a selection in this draft, but traded with Miami to take Stanko Barac at #39 for a 2nd round pick in 2009; ignoring the point guard they needed. Several options were on the board at that time. To make things worse, Barac is going to stay overseas for at least another year.
Grade: D
Orlando Magic
Orlando traded the draft rights of a legit draft prospect Reyshawn Terry at #44 to Dallas for a player barely considered draft worthy, Milovan Rakovic at #60. There’s just no way Rakovic is even close to the level of Terry.
Grade: D-
Cleveland Cavaliers
No Picks.
Grade: N/A