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*Photo via NBA.com
Dallas Mavericks
Round 1: Justin Anderson (21)
Round 2: Satnam Singh Bhamara (52)
Grade: B-
If Justin Anderson can prove to be the shooter he displayed last season at Virginia, then this is a steal. He’s a solid creator, especially for a wing, allowing him to slide in behind Chandler Parsons or Wesley Matthews quite easily. However, I wasn’t a fan of Dallas essentially throwing away their second round pick, seeing as Bhamara likely won’t ever play in the NBA.
Chicago Bulls
Round 1: Bobby Portis (22)
Round 2: N/A
Grade: B
Although I’m a big believer in Bobby Portis, I just think this is the team with the worst fit for him. He will have to battle Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic for minutes, which is going to be difficult. I’m optimistic that this will give them flexibility to move Gibson and open up minutes for Portis.
Brooklyn Nets
Round 1: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23, via Portland), Chris McCullough (29)
Round 2: N/A
Grade: B+
Hollis-Jefferson is likely the most complete defender in this draft; he can guard four positions extremely well, an important skill. It’s easy to point out his shaky offensive game, but it’s a work in progress, and this Nets team doesn’t necessarily need more guys demanding the ball. He should bring toughness and energy, something Brooklyn needs by the truckload.
As for McCullough, he likely will sit out this season recovering from tearing his ACL but he’ll be a very intriguing prospect once healthy. Stretching the floor and providing rim protection is huge for a team that, again, needs both of those things badly.
Memphis Grizzlies
Round 1: Jarell Martin (25)
Round 2: N/A
Grade: C
I was somewhat underwhelmed by Martin’s game and don’t really see much of a fit with Memphis. He’s a bit of a tweener, which has proved to be a tough transition in the past. If Martin can extend his range then he could prove to be a valuable asset here.
San Antonio Spurs
Round 1: Nikola Milutinov (26)
Round 2: Cady Lalanne (55)
Grade: A
The whole purpose of the Spurs taking Milutinov was to clear cap space, since he will likely stay overseas for a few years, it’ll help. The cap space allowed them to sign LaMarcus Aldridge, putting San Antonio right back in the mix for the title next season.
Golden State Warriors
Round 1: Kevin Looney (30)
Round 2: N/A
Grade: A
Looney has massive upside; UCLA is notorious for mishandling quality prospects but he’s a huge talent. On offense, he has vision, length and a beautiful stroke so there’s no doubt he will fit in with this Warriors team. His numbers at UCLA were pretty underwhelming, but his skill set goes far and wide, we will see where this leads.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Round 1: N/A
Round 2: Cedi Osman (31, via Minnesota), Rakeem Christmas (36, via Minnesota), Sir’Dominic Pointer (53)
Grade: C+
I doubt any of these guys will make the roster barring a major injury, but this was a move for cap space. Cleveland retained Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson* and scooped Mo Williams for the biannual (two-year, 4.6 million deal). Clearly they had their mind made up entering this draft, to cut costs, and it benefitted them.
Los Angeles Clippers
Round 1: N/A
Round 2: Branden Dawson (56, via New Orleans)
Grade: B
Dawson should have tenure in the NBA; he has the body and the skills to make a serviceable player. I see it difficult for him to find serious minutes this season though.
New Orleans Pelicans
Round 1: N/A
Round 2: N/A
Grade: C
Personally, I prefer various players to Omer Asik that New Orleans could’ve selected with the 18th choice. They could’ve paired Bobby Portis or Sam Dekker with Anthony Davis, but instead they overpaid Asik.
Portland Trailblazers
Round 1: N/A
Round 2: Pat Connaughton (41, via Brooklyn)
Grade: A-
Portland’s makeup is completely different now, after losing Aldridge, Batum, Lopez, and Matthews it was a bit shocking they didn’t make any moves into the first round. Pat Connaughton is a real nice player to steal in the second round; he’s a very talented shooter combined with his athletic ability makes for a deadly combination. He will probably make this rotation sooner rather than later.