Future Busts
1. Luke Babbitt (16th Overall, Trailblazers)
Babbitt is a guy who's college numbers tell you that he is in line to be an NBA flex four guy. What does he lack the most? Length. Luke stands at 6'9'', but only has a wing span of 6'11'', one of the smallest of guys his size in this draft. Luke, who shot 42 percent from three last season, did so at Nevada, a mid-major school in a mid major conference where the defense is weak, and perimeter shots are rarely contested. Up against someone his size, who is stronger and longer, that pretty jump shot won't look so good.
2. Paul George (10th Overall, Pacers)
George has the same height and wingspan as Babbitt, but that is not what concerns me. What concerns me is his immaturity. George averaged 3 fouls a game at Fresno State, and in a professional game where players tend to me much more sneaky as well as crafty that foul count can easily be upped, making it hard for him to play successful D at the next level. George, who is only 214 pounds will need to put on some extra muscle to contend as a small forward in a league that produces more players who look more like Mac Trucks than corvettes every season.
3. Gordon Hayward (9th Overall, Jazz)
Mid major star turned NBA lottery pick. This kid knows pressure, and showed that he could handle it when he carried a Butler team all the way to the finals of the NCAA Tournament. However, Hayward's game revolves around his ability to play in space, hold the ball, and get to the rim (created by his jump shooting ability). In Utah, Hayward will not be given the opportunity to play in space, nor create penetration with his jump shot because it will be much harder to get it off. Hayward was a backyard pick for Utah which won't pan out well for them in the future.
Future Stars-
1. Greg Monroe (7th Overall, Pistons)
At Georgetown, Monroe showed that he was a mature big man, that can not only defend and rebound but consistently put the ball in the net in the low post. With a good big man skill set and a clear NBA body, Greg Monroe's college success will most definitely translate into more success at the next level.
2. Xavier Henry (14th Overall, Grizzlies)
As a freshman at Kansas, Xavier Henry showed that he could score often and in the clutch. With a jump shot, good dribbling skills, and a quick first step, Henry's ability to put the ball in the net will not be hindered at the NBA level, but rather helped. The slow downed pace of the NBA game will give Henry the opportunity to stretch the floor with his J and use his speed to get to the rack. Kevin Durant will keep this guy at an arm's length from the scoring title, but expect him to be close.
3. Kevin Seraphin (17th Overall, Bulls)
David Stern walked up the podium, grin on his face, muttered "listen to this" to someone in the front row, and proceeded to chuckle while introducing the Bulls 1st rounder from France. Seraphin's a long stretch as a future NBA star, but let's just say there's a little thing called karma that may just creep up and bite the NBA's commish in the ass one day.
Worst Team Drafts
1. New York Knicks
The Knicks got Andy Rautins and Landry Fields; Lebron isn't in New York yet.
2. Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh is a free agent, and the only way for the Raptors to save their franchise and fan base would be to sign him. Furthermore, with the second to last lottery pick Toronto chose Bosh's replacement Ed Davis from UNC. If Bosh was in the door way, let's just say he has one foot out.
3. Portland Trailblazers
The search for Brandon Roy's wing man did not end this year. Luke Babbitt, Elliott Williams, and Armon Johnson will not be able to provide the spark that Portland needs out of someone besides their superstar. I would of tried a pure scorer, or a big man.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Wesley Johnson can score, but I wasn't crazy about him as the fourth overall pick. Otherwise everything else Minnesota did was not questionably awful but downright awful. The Wolves traded Ryan Gomes and the 16th pick for Martell Webster. For Martell Webster. Later the Wolves obtained Lazar Hayward and have to give him a guaranteed contract. Why Minnesota? Why?
5. Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats had zero draft picks, but hey, neither did the Cavs. The difference? The Bobcats need a lot more help.
Best Team Drafts
1. Washington Wizards
The Wizards had the best draft this year and not only because of John Wall; although in this case, it does help to have the first overall pick. The Wizards also grabbed Trevor Booker from Clemson, who's strength and athleticism made him my favorite big man in this class, with all of his NBA potential. Here's to filling major roster voids.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder were not in the lottery for the first time since moving to OKC, but didn't disappoint in 2010. The Thunder are deep and young at all positions besides center, a major missing component imperative for Western Conference success. The Thunder traded two picks for AP 1st team All-American center Cole Aldrich from Kansas, and later got 7'1'' center Tibor Pleiss from Germany. Rebuilding? Not anymore. The Thunder just inserted the final piece in a four year puzzle.
3. Miami Heat
The Heat avoided first round picks, and guaranteed contracts, which is what they set out to do. However, what they picked up in the second round was nothing to overlook. Dexter Pittman, Jarvis Varnardo, and Da'sean Butler are all players that can make a run at the Heat roster and have a positive impact next season. More importantly, the Heat can now use their money as they so choose.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
The hometown Sixers got the draft's most complete player in Evan Turner second overall. With no other picks in the entire draft, they were given no opportunity to later screw up.
5. Kentucky Wildcats
Not a pro team, but Kentucky made history Thursday night. Daniel Orton, Eric Bledsoe, Patrick Patterson, Demarcus Cousins, and John Wall all made history Thursday night, when five players from the same school were drafted in the first round for the first time in draft history. Congrats to Jon Calipari, John Wall and Co., and the University of Kentucky.
Lastly, I have a burning question for anyone who can answer. Why was Sharon Collins not drafted? First team All-American point guard, with a good size and skill set, and not even the second round? If there is a catch, please alert me. This an impressive, exciting draft, but pondering the status of Collins made it all a little less enjoyable.
JD
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