The 2017 NBA Draft took place Thursday night, and it lived up to the hype... well, for most teams, anyways. Minnesota cashed in and got Butler, while other teams like the Nuggets couldn't get a big deal done despite being linked to several big names. Here is how each team did:
Atlanta Hawks: C
Picks: John Collins (19), Tyler Dorsey (41), Alpha Kaba (60)
With Dwight Howard heading to Charlotte and Millsap probably leaving as well, Atlanta took big man John Collins to be their future low-post player. While Collins does have upsides, the Hawks passed on players like Jarrett Allen from Texas that will probably end up better than Collins. They did feel a need, and the draft confirmed that Atlanta is entering rebuild mode.
Boston Celtics: B
Picks: Jayson Tatum (3), Semi Ojeleye (37), Kadeem Allen (53), Jabari Bird (56)
I am still not convinced the trade with Philadelphia was the right thing to do. While Boston does have Thomas manning the point, he is a huge liability on defense and Fultz could have helped carry the load on the defensive end. Boston could also have landed Jimmy Butler, but refused to give up the third pick, which is interesting considering how many picks the Celtics have stockpiled in the future and how Jimmy Butler is worth more than a number three pick. However, the Celtics still get a B because Tatum will be a great fit in their system. He can play in the paint as well as shoot, and his defense should improve as he gets into NBA shape.
Brooklyn Nets: B-
Picks: Jarrett Allen (22), Aleksandar Vezekov (57)
Jarrett Allen is a steal at 22. He is an incredibly athletic center who can stretch the floor. He will replace Brooke Lopez, who they finally traded after years of rumors and speculation. However, Allen is not a player that you can build around, and the Nets are still looking for a player who they can use as the centerpiece of a rebuild. They did take the best player available, but I was expecting them to take more of a playmaker who could make an immediate impact on the court.They could have gotten that player this year if they didn't send the number one pick for three washed-up veterans a few years back.
Charlotte Hornets: A-
Picks: Malik Monk (11), Frank Jackson (31), Dwayne Bacon (40)
Monk may be the best shooter in the draft, and the Hornets need that. A Monk-Walker backcourt will be fun to watch. Let's hope Monk isn't influenced by Dwight Howard in his young career. Frank Jackson may end up being the steal of the draft at 31 if he reaches his ceiling, and it was a great pickup for the Hornets at the beginning of the second round. And who doesn't like bacon?
Chicago Bulls: D-
Pick: Lauri Markkanen (7, via Timberwolves)
Come on Chicago. You gave up Jimmy Butler for two athletic players that can't play defense? I know you wanted to give up Butler, but you got too trigger happy here. You still had all summer to make a deal and you blew it. The only thing saving you from an F? Markkanen is a seven-footer who can shoot the lights out. If he reaches his ceiling, the Bulls will look much less stupid in a few years.
Cleveland Cavaliers: N/A
No Picks
Stay tuned for The Decision: Part II next offseason when LeBron decides between taking his talents to LA or somewhere else after he realizes Lavar Ball is basically the Lakers team dad.
Dallas Mavericks: B-
Pick: Dennis Smith, Jr. (9)
Dallas needed a point guard, and they got one. But Smith concerns me. While he plays like a superstar when he is on his game, he often shows a lack of effort, especially on the defensive end. If Mark Cuban and crew can whip him into shape, this could end up being a good pick. I'll believe it when I see it.
Denver Nuggets: D
Picks: Tyler Lyndon (24, via Jazz), Vlatko Cancar (49), Monte Morris (51)
First, the Nuggets traded back from the thirteen spot for the 24 pick and Trey Lyles. Then, they drafter Tyler Lyndon. Don't get me wrong, the kid can shoot, but the Nuggets need defense. Lyndon has none of that. Name the last player out of Syracuse who became a good defender in the NBA. I'll wait. The Nuggets also took their obligatory international player. While the Cancar pick is odd, he plays on the same team Jokic once played for, and he turned out alright. I do like the Morris pick. He never turns it over, making him basically the anti-Mudiay. Now it's time to trade one of their millions of power forwards.
Detroit Pistons: C
Pick: Luke Kennard (12)
Van Gundy is a defensive minded coach, so Kennard probably won't get many minutes until he improves his defensive game. The Pistons do need offense though, and Kennard definitely provides that. It was a low-key, average draft for the Pistons.
Golden State Warriors: A
Pick: Jordan Bell (38, via Bulls)
Let's be honest, the Warriors don't really need any additions to their roster. Center was their one below average position, but Pachulia and McGee played well enough it didn't matter. But adding Bell is still a great pick-up for Golden State. They can use him at the 5 spot in smaller line-ups, and he can possibly play the 3 in bigger line-ups. It's a low-risk get for Steve Kerr's squad, especially since they only gave up cash considerations for him.
Houston Rockets: B-
Pick: Isaiah Hartenstein (43)
For the Rockets to contend in the West, they're going to need more star power. I was expecting them to try and maybe trade up to grab a more NBA-ready prospect. It could be they have plans for a big free agency, as they have been rumored to be targeting Chris Paul among others. With that being said, Hartenstein has first-round talent. He'll likely stay overseas for a year or two before heading to Houston, but he could make a big impact down low for the Rockets before too long.
Indiana Pacers: C-
Picks: T.J. Leaf (18), Ike Anigbogu (47), Edmund Sumner (52, via Pelicans, via Wizards)
The Pacers are a mess right now. Paul George told them he is going to leave after this season in free agency, and they still haven't been able to trade him. Understandably, teams are likely cautious about trading for a player they know will likely leave after one season (with the exception of the Lakers, of course). But having George on the roster still hurt the Pacer's draft, as they don't have a clear direction of where to go. If George was staying, this would have been a great draft. Anigbogu is a great pick at 47, and he should have a positive impact on the Pacers should he stay healthy.
Los Angeles Clippers: B+
Picks: Jawun Evans (39, via 76ers), Sindarius Thornwell (48, via Bucks)
I am a huge Jawun Evans fan. He led college basketball's most efficient offense in scoring and he can run. He probably would be a lottery pick if it wasn't for his small size. With Paul and Griffin probably on the way out, the Clippers took two possible replacements. There will be a rough stretch before they get back to making the playoffs and losing quickly, but I believe Evans could be a solid NBA point guard.
Los Angeles Lakers: A
Picks: Lonzo Ball (2), Kyle Kuzma (27, via Nets), Josh Hart (30, via Jazz), Thomas Bryant (42, via Jazz)
With the second pick, LA drafted Lavar.... erm, I mean Lonzo... Ball. I am not as high on Lonzo as some other, albiet more knowledgeable, scouts, but there is no question he can play. His passing should translate to the NBA, but I am not so sure his shooting and defense will. But his personality and business-savvy dad are perfect for the Lakers. I love the Josh Hart pick, as he is a proven winner. Thomas Bryant could be a big steal at the 42 spot if he continues to develop an identity.
Memphis Grizzlies: A-
Picks: Ivan Rabb (35, via Magic), Dillon Brooks (45, via Rockets)
Considering the Grizzlies began the night with zero picks, they ended up with two solid players. Rabb would have been a first round pick last draft but decided to return to school, and Brooks is way too good to be drafted in the middle of the second round. Now will Memphis sign some free agents who can play offense? Probably not.
Miami Heat: D
Pick: Bam Adebayo (14)
Of all the players left on the board at 14, the Heat chose to take a player who happens to play the same position as their biggest star, Hassan Whiteside. And it's not like Adebayo can play the 4 either. He is a true center. His defense is a concern as well, making it virtually impossible to challenge Whiteside for a more prominent role.
Milwaukee Bucks: B+
Picks: D.J. Wilson (17), Sterling Brown (46, via 76ers)
Milwaukee didn't have any obvious needs heading into draft night, so they went for a stretch 4 with massive defensive upside. While Wilson was projected to go in the mid to late twenties, he is a great fit for the Bucks. He will thrive on a team built around long, athletic guys who can play multiple positions.
Minnesota Timberwolves: A+
Pick: Justin Patton (16, via Bulls)
Minnesota won the draft before it even began when they gave away two average offensive players for Jimmy Butler. He will make the Timberwolves an immediate threat in the Western Conference, and he will be a good influence on younger players like Karl Anthony-Towns. Justin Patton will be a solid back-up for Towns, and he can probably slide into power forward at times. Things are looking up for the Timberwolves.
New Orleans Pelicans: N/A
Picks: None
Did you know the Pelicans had a better offensive efficiency in the second half last season when Cousins wasn't on the floor? And I am still confused why calling your team the Pelicans is a good idea. Hurricanes? Something to do with jazz? New Orleans has so much culture and history, yet they go with the... Pelicans? Why am I actually sad about this? I should just move on.
New York Knicks: B-
Picks: Frank Ntilikina (8), Damyean Dotson (44), Ognjen Jaramaz (58)
Can we all just agree that Phil Jackson is a worse GM than Shaq was as an actor? I mean, the dude fell asleep during a pre-draft workout. Ntilikina is a solid player, but going at number eight was a little high for him. Let's see how long it takes for Phil Jackson to isolate him to the point where he wants to leave.
Oklahoma City Thunder: B
Pick: Terrance Ferguson (21)
Ferguson is a raw prospect with a lot of potential. I thought the Thunder would take an athletic floor spacer to compliment Westbrook, but instead they went with the high risk, high reward option. This could end up being really good or really bad. But the Thunder could have done much worse in this draft.
Orlando Magic: A
Picks: Jonathan Isaac (6), Wesley Iwundu (33)
I love Jonathan Isaac. He works hard, plays great defense, and has a shot capable of improving. He should be a solid player in the NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers: A+
Picks: Markelle Fultz (1), Anzejs Pasecniks (25, via Magic), Jonah Bolden (36), Mathias Lessort (50)
Fultz? Embiid? Simmons? Sign me up. The 76ers will be an exciting team to watch next year. The only problem is a lack of veteran leadership which will prevent them from making too much noise if they end up reaching the post-season. I also love the Bolden pick at 36, who I personally believe is one of the biggest sleepers in this draft. He hasn't gotten much media attention, but he is a good basketball player.
Phoenix Suns: B+
Picks: Josh Jackson (4), Davon Reed (32), Alec Peters (54)
Josh Jackson is a great pick-up at number four, but I would have taken De'Aaron Fox. I know the Suns have a logjam at the guard position, but it would have been a perfect draft had they managed to trade Bledsoe and take Fox. Jackson is still a great pick, and it will be an even better one if he develops the ability to shoot.
Portland Trail Blazers: B
Picks: Zach Collins (10, via Kings), Caleb Swanigan (26)
Zach Collins is just an average pick. I have no idea how good he'll end up being in the NBA. I do love the Swanigan pick. He is big, strong, and he can score in bunches at times. Him and Nurkic will be a scary, physical big-man combo for years to come.
Sacramento Kings: A+
Picks: De'Aaron Fox (5), Justin Jackson (15, via Blazers), Harry Giles (20, via Blazers), Frank Mason (34)
Mark my words: De'Aaron Fox will end up having the best NBA career from this draft class. He is incredibly fast and plays great defense. He shut down Lonzo Ball in the tournament last year, and his defense should carry over to the NBA. If the Kings had passed on him, I would have lost faith in all things Sacramento. Jackson, Giles, and Mason are all great picks as well. With the exception of maybe Minnesota, the Kings won this draft.
San Antonio Spurs: A-
Picks: Derrick White (29), Jaron Blossomgame (59)
In classic Spurs fashion, San Antonio stayed quiet during the draft. Parker and Ginobli won't last forever, and White is a guy who can make an immediate difference on the court. Blossomgame is a sound pick-up as well. Honestly, anybody drafted by the Spurs will probably turn out alright. I would have pushed harder to trade Aldridge, though.
Toronto Raptors: A
Pick: OG Anunoby (23)
Even with his injury, I am surprised OG fell this far. He may have to miss next season due to his knee problems, but he can flat-out defend. Even if he does end up sitting this year, it will be well worth the wait for Toronto.
Utah Jazz: B
Picks: Donovan Mitchell (13, via Nuggets), Tony Bradley (28, via Lakers), Nigel Williams-Goss (55)
The Jazz get some bonus points for screwing the Nuggets. But Mitchell is a good shooter, which the Jazz badly need. Bradley is a good addition as well. Now that they have more guard help, the Jazz could continue to improve unless Hayward chooses to leave.
Washington Wizards: N/A
Picks: None
Washington didn't use any magical abilities to trade in for a draft pick. John Wall is so awesome though, I'm convinced this whole time Trump has really been pushing to build another one of him.
Well, there you have it. My 2017 NBA Draft grades. Let's be honest though, grading the draft is kind of pointless until we know how all of these players actually turn out. In other words, I just wasted my time and yours. Maybe ESPN will hire me then?