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The Grades Are In -- 2016 NBA Draft TEAMS Grades: Eastern Conference

Xavier Sanders

Boston Celtics

*Photo via BostonGlobe

(Jaylen Brown SF, California)

(Guerschon Yabusele PF, France)

(Ante Zizic C, Croatia)

(Demetrius Jackson PG, Notre Dame)

(Ben Bentil PF, Providence)

Grade: A

Thoughts: The Celtics had amazing draft night! They were able to add the needed pieces for their roster. Jaylen Brown is arguably one of the best players in the draft, he will be able to fill in at the wing position right away. Guerschon brings that physical force down low. It should be interesting watching the Celtics compete next season.

Brooklyn Nets

*Photo via Getty Images

(Caris Levert SG, Michigan)

(Isaiah Whitehead PG, Seton Hall)

Grade: B-

Thoughts: Decent pick up for the Nets. I’m happy for Levert, he has the size advantage at his position. He can knock down the 3 and also he gets out and run in transition. My only concern is his health. He struggled to stay healthy while in college. Whitehead the hometown kid is skilled as well. Consistency will be the key for him at the NBA level.

New York Knicks-

No picks

Philadelphia 76ers

*Photo via Philly.com

(Ben Simmons SF, LSU)

(Timothe Luwawu SG, Serbia)

(Furkan Korkmaz SG, Turkey)

Grade: A

Thoughts: Amazing draft night for the Sixers. Ben Simmons will be a superstar in this league. They also added athleticism and shooting ability in Korkmaz and Luwawu. I believe the Sixers will win more games this season, however, it will still take some time to really get the ball rolling for them. Simmons is a huge factor, he puts them in the right direction for the future. It will be interesting to see how things will play out for this organization.

Toronto Raptors

*Photo via USA Today

(Jakob Poeltl C, Utah)

(Pascal Siakam PF, New Mexico State)

Grade: B+

Thoughts: Solid pick ups for the Raptors, they added depth to their frontcourt. Poeltl is a skilled big man, who moves his feet well. As well, he can finish at the rim and will provide good minutes next season. Siakam is a true competitor. I believe he will come in, work hard and do what’s needed of him.

Chicago Bulls

*Photo via USA Today

(Denzel Valentine SG, Michigan State)

(Paul Zipser SF, Germany)

Grade: B

Thoughts: With the departure of Rose, it will be interesting to see how things will play out for the Bulls. Denzel Valentine is a great addition, he’s a very skilled player. He can score, defend and he’s the type of guy that’s going to come in and give it everything he has on both ends of the court. Veteran leadership will help bring out the best of Valentine in the years to come. Zipser is more of a stretch four. He’s strong, physical and could help with frontcourt minutes for the Bulls next season.

Cleveland Cavaliers

*Photo via USA Today

(Kay Felder PG, Oakland)

Grade: A+

Thoughts: The Cavs get an “A” for being the 2016 NBA champs! I like Kay Felder’s game a lot. He’s tough, strong and can flat out score. But, I’m not really sure about the pick-up? Felder will bring that underdog mentality and work hard no matter what, but the value of the pick will depend on how things play out for the Cavs this summer.

Detroit Pistons

*Photo via USA Today

(Henry Ellenson PF, Marquette)

(Michael Gbinije SG, Syracuse)

Grade: A

Thoughts: The Pistons added depth with their selections. Ellenson was a steal for the Pistons. He’s skilled, can get up and down the floor and also is a tremendous scorer. He will add frountcourt depth for the Pistons next season. Gbinije brings upside that will help contribute towards the Pistons future success.

Indiana Pacers

*Photo via USA Today

(Georges Niang SF, Iowa State)

Grade: B

Thoughts: Niang can flat out play! Premier scorer, has a quick release on his shot and also not a bad ball handler. He’s a good pick-up for the Pacers. Interesting to see how the rest of the offseason plays out for the Pacers.

Milwaukee Bucks

*Photo via USA Today

(Thon Maker PF, Canada)

(Malcolm Brogdon SG, Virginia)

Grade: C-

Thoughts: Thon has the potential and skill set to play at the NBA level, however, he will need to prove himself in this league. He will be going up against much stronger competition. Brogdon can score, he understands the game and does a pretty good job getting his teammates involved. He will fit in with Jason Kidd’s system.

Atlanta Hawks

*Photo via Campusinder.com

(Taurean Prince SF, Baylor)

(Deandre Bembry SG, St. Josephs)

(Isaia Cordinier SG, France)

Grade: B-

Thoughts: The good news is that all three players drafted are very talented. Plus,Prince and Bembry can help contribute right away. But the Hawks probably reached on the Prince pick.

Charlotte Hornets

No picks

Miami Heat

No picks

Orlando Magic

*Photo via USA Today

(Stephen Zimmerman C, UNLV)

Grade: C

Thoughts: Decent pick up for the Magic’s. Zimmerman is physical and can defend, but needs to add to his game if he wants to remain in the NBA.

Washington Wizards

No picks

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