NBA AM: Grading Out The 2015 NBA Draft

The 2015 NBA Draft had some swerves to it, but despite all of the hype, there really were not a lot of zany picks or massive blockbuster trades. Things went about as scripted with a few bumps toward the top, but overall most of the players projected in the first round went in the first round.

Now, it’s time to hand out some draft grades. To be fair, it’s impossible to know what a drafted player is really going to be until years later, so I won’t spend a lot of time talking about what a player may or may not be; I will simply focus on the mechanics of the draft.

Before we get too far into this, here are a few disclaimers:

#1 – The true value of a player plays out over time. Again, there is no way to know what kind of NBA player a guy will be the week after the draft, so we’re not going to try and project that.

#2 – My grades are based on three criteria:

a.) Did the team draft the best possible talent on the board?

b.) Did the team solve an immediate roster need?

c.) Can the selected player contribute right away?

With those criteria in mind, let’s look at how the 2015 NBA Draft grades out.

Atlanta Hawks

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Marcus Eriksson (50), Dimitrios Agravanis (59)

Trade For: Tim Hardaway Jr. (from New York)

The addition of Tim Hardaway Jr. gives the Hawks immediate help, but this grade is not about the trade. Rather, it’s about how they used the picks. Given that both assets are draft-and-stash players and likely won’t see time in the NBA in the foreseeable future, this Hawks didn’t do much to help their roster this year. Equally, given who was on the board at 15, the Hawks could have gotten a really nice roster piece – maybe one with a higher upside than Hardaway Jr. I’m not sure the Hawks did well in the draft; they could have done better with the 15th pick by itself.

For what it is worth cap wise, which was a factor, the 15th pick would have earned $1.6 million while Hardaway is scheduled to earn $1.25 million, saving about $350,000 in cap space.

With the rules of the grade in mind, the Hawks did not draft the best talent on the board. They did solve a roster need, but did so in trade, and none of the players drafted can contribute right away.

Grade: C-

Boston Celtics

Round 1: Terry Rozier (16), R.J. Hunter (28)

Round 2: Jordan Mickey (33), Marcus Thornton (45)

It is hard to grade this draft. I love Terry Rozier, but 16 was a little high for him, especially considering what the Celtics have on the roster now. R.J. Hunter is intriguing, because he could be the boom or bust guy of the draft. Jordan Mickey and Marcus Thornton are nice acquisitions and should help the team in the depth department.

The curious question is what comes next? While that may not have a lot of bearing on who Boston picked, it might change the role someone like Rozier or Hunter gets to play. If Boston is moving off Marcus Smart or even James Young, both rookies get a real chance to play.

In terms of best talent on the board, in the second round Boston did really well. Rozier in the first was a bit of a reach, but there was a sense he might be gone to Chicago at 22, so it’s understandable. He was not going to be there at 28. Hunter at 28 was a solid pick up. All four players should play a role, and given the Celtics’ depth, they did not have many needs to fill. It will remain to be seen if these guys contribute right away; on the surface, the answer seems to be no and that drags their grade down a bit.

Grade: C

Brooklyn Nets

Round 1: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (23, traded from Portland), Chris McCullough (29)

Round 2: Juan Vaulet (39, traded from Charlotte)

There was no doubt that Mason Plumlee and Nets head coach Lionel Hollins didn’t see the world the same way, and while the trade makes some sense, the return wasn’t nearly as good as it should have been.

The fit for Hollis-Jefferson in Brooklyn is actually really good. He could play that Tony Allen role for Hollins defensively. The trade also brings Steve Blake to the Nets. McCullough likely does not play next year as he is still in the middle of an ACL recovery. The extra year in a NBA program should help round out some of the rawness in his game.

The Nets also bought the draft rights to 19-year-old small forward Juan Vaulet.

Grade: A-

Charlotte Hornets

Round 1: Frank Kaminsky (9)

Round 2: N/A

The trend of the Charlotte Hornets taking one of the hot collegiate guys continued. As good as Kaminsky could be as a player, it’s unclear where he really fits. With Al Jefferson locked in at the five and Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo (as well as recently acquired big man Spencer Hawes) trading time at the four and five, where does Kaminsky fit in?

The Hornets were active leading up to the draft, moving off Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh and getting Nic Batum in return, but even in that context this pick – while a solid addition of talent – does not seem to make a lot of roster sense, at least not yet.

The Hornets did get two second-round draft picks in exchange for the draft rights to Juan Vaulet, so they did gain assets in that transaction.

Given the grading criteria, there was better talent on the board at nine. And if the reports are accurate that Boston offered as many as six draft picks (and possibly four first-rounders) to Charlotte for 9, that’s a colossal blunder on Charlotte’s part. This pick does not solve an immediate need. However, Kaminsky should be able to contribute right away, it’s just unclear in what role.

Grade: C

Chicago Bulls

Round 1: Bobby Portis (22)

Round 2: N/A

Talk about a gift falling into your lap. The Bulls came away with Portis, a 6’11 do-everything frontcourt player. The problem in Chicago is they have way too many frontcourt guys for this pick to make sense in the abstract. If the Bulls finally pull the trigger on trading Taj Gibson or worse yet start shopping Joakim Noah, then the net results might be better.

From the criteria of the grade point of view, this was by far the best talent on the board, but Portis does not fill an immediate need. However, he can contribute right away.

Grade: B

Cleveland Cavaliers

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Cedi Osman (31, traded from Minnesota), Rakeem Christmas (36, traded from Minnesota), Sir’Dominic Pointer (53)

Given that the Cavaliers wanted to keep their cap space open and not tie themselves into a guaranteed rookie-scale contract, they did pretty well in what they got back. All three prospects are solid additions. Osman might be a really good role player initially, while Christmas and Pointer could be nice additions to the defensive unit the Cavs stumbled on in the postseason.

From a best talent standpoint, the Cavs did really well. From a filling a need point of view, the Cavs didn’t have many needs to fill that getting healthy won’t solve, but it is a nice youth infusion. Also, all three could contribute right away.

Grade: B+

Dallas Mavericks

Round 1: Justin Anderson (21)

Round 2: Satnam Singh Bhamara (52)

The Mavericks entered the process looking for a solid talent regardless of position. In Anderson, they got exactly that. He is a great athlete, has a big, defined NBA body and he should do well for the Mavericks.

The feel-good story of the draft was Satnam Singh getting drafted as the first Indian born NBA draft pick. It’s highly unlikely Singh sees any time in the NBA for a couple of years. This was one part smart marketing by the Mavericks, and this was also buying a little good will. Singh was represented by the agency that handles DeAndre Jordan, Jimmy Butler, Monta Ellis, Ty Lawson and, of course, Chandler Parsons.

From a best talent point of view, the Mavs knocked it out of the park. From a needs point of view, the Mavericks absolutely needed talent and Anderson can play right away. This was a nice draft, especially if drafting Singh garners them favor in the race to get someone like Jordan or Lawson in free agency.

Grade: B+

Denver Nuggets

Round 1: Emmanuel Mudiay (7)

Round 2: Nikola Radicevic (57)

The Nuggets were considering trades involving Ty Lawson, hoping to nab a draft pick to select one of the high profile point guards, but then one feel to them at 7. Mudiay is an excellent fit for Denver and should flourish under Mike Malone. This pick also makes it a lot easier to trade off Lawson and not work about the return.

Radicevic is a draft and stash player, that’s easily a year or two away, so he is not a factor at 57.

From a best talent point of view, this pick was great. Muiday does solve an immediate need and he can play right away. This was a good draft.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons

Round 1: Stanley Johnson (8)

Round 2: Darrun Hilliard (38)

The Johnson pick was about what you’d expect from a Stan Van Gundy led draft. He is a very good complement to who is in Detroit already and while many thought Justise Winslow was the fit, Johnson isn’t bad.

Hilliard was not as much of a home run. He is a solid shooter, but beyond that, there was better talent that fit needs on the board. This one seemed a little misplaced.

Overall, the Pistons picked solid talent in the first round; both players fill needs, and Johnson should play right away.

Grade: B-

Golden State Warriors

Round 1: Kevon Looney (30)

Round 2: N/A

Watching Looney sit in the green room was tough, but in the end he was drafted in the first round and Golden State got a heck of a talent at 30. There were questions about Looney’s short-term health and conditioning, and Golden State has time to let him work all of that out. Looney likely plays a lot in the D-League next year, but overall this was great talent for the 30th pick.

From a grading point of view, he was clearly the best talent on the board, does not solve a need and likely does not impact the team next year. But in the long term, this was a really good pick. The talent value of the pick outweighs the short-term negatives.

Grade: B+

Houston Rockets

Round 1: Sam Dekker (18)

Round 2: Montrezl Harrell (32)

The Rockets did really well in addressing needs. Dekker is a “play right away” wing who can knock down shots in ways Trevor Ariza cannot. He brings a lot of experience to the table, making him easier to plug into the rotation.

In Harrell, they get another big, strong and physical player that loves to dunk. Given what the Rockets looked like when Dwight Howard was out of the lineup, Harrell brings a lot to the table as a solid power forward addition.

In both cases, this was strong value for the pick in the talent department. Both players solve an immediate need and both should play a role right away. This was a solid draft.

Grade: A

Indiana Pacers

Round 1: Myles Turner (11)

Round 2: Joseph Young (43)

The Pacers came into the process looking for size and a backup point guard, and they got good players at both spots.

Turner should excel in the Pacers’ system, especially as they try to push the tempo. He’s not an overly physical player and will need time to grow into the physical demands of the NBA, but in transition he and Paul George should be fun to watch and his interchangeability on defense should make him more impactful.

Young is a smaller guy, but at 43 this is pretty good value. It’s unclear how good he can be in the NBA, but we’ve seen small guys have a lot of success so Young has a chance. He is a stellar scorer, so this could be a great find for the Pacers.

From a best available talent point of view, the Pacers did well. Both players solve needs and both could play significant roles right away. This was a good draft for the Pacers.

Grade: A-

Los Angeles Clippers

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Branden Dawson (56, traded from New Orleans)

Considering the Clippers had nothing to work with coming into the draft, the fact that they were able to buy the 56 from New Orleans gives them something for nothing (but cash).

Dawson is a big NBA body. It’s unclear what role he’ll play with the Clippers. The 56 pick could go a number of ways, but given the cash that was spent, the Clippers clearly saw something in him.

Given that this was the 56th pick, the talent was good; he fills a need in the frontcourt both offensively and defensively and could play right away given his experience. Overall, for what this is, it was pretty good.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Lakers

Round 1: D’Angelo Russell (2), Larry Nance, Jr. (27)

Round 2: Anthony Brown (34)

Before I get into the positives, I’m not quite sure how the Lakers could pass on Jahlil Okafor, but I understand why they did it. I’m just not sure I would have.

The Lakers plan to swing for the fences in free agency and having a talent like Russell, who could be an elite point guard, will help. Russell is a great passer, has excellent court vision and awareness and is a serious playmaker. He should flourish with Byron Scott.

So if you know you are going after an elite big man in free agency, I get why you pass on one in the draft.

If the Lakers do not get the elite big man they covet in free agency, this pick might haunt them a little, especially if Okafor becomes the star player he could be.

The Nance Jr. and Brown picks were actually really good value for where those picks were. Brown did really well in workouts for the Lakers specifically, and Nance Jr. has a lot of to offer with his versatility.

In terms of best talent, Russell is an elite talent so even though I might not have taken him, his talent is exceptional. I like the Nance Jr. and Brown picks from a talent standpoint. All three fill a need for a Lakers roster with limited talent and all three could play a role next year.

Grade: A-

Memphis Grizzlies

Round 1: Jarell Martin (25)

Round 2: Andrew Harrison (44 traded from Phoenix)

The Grizzlies desperately need outside shooting, but the overall package of Martin seemed too good to pass up. Martin didn’t necessarily wow some teams in workouts. He comes in a little on the small side as a power forward and it’s unclear where he fits in the grand scheme for the Grizzlies.

The addition of Harrison via trade might give the Grizzlies some depth, and he is a decent three-point shooter, but not nearly enough to solve the Grizzlies’ needs.

Overall, Martin is not a bad pick in the talent department, but the fit seems a little awkward. He does not solve an immediate need, but it’s pretty rare that’s the 25th pick does. He could play right away, but it’s more likely that he and Harrison are both in the D-League for much of next season. I am not in love with either pick, mainly because neither really solved a need, but time will tell how this pans out.

Grade: C

Miami HEAT

Round 1: Justise Winslow (10)

Round 2: Josh Richardson (40)

Talk about the steal of the draft. In the run up to the draft, league sources warned that Winslow wasn’t getting nearly the love at the top from teams that many in the media had projected, but falling to the 10th pick was a huge win for the HEAT.

The fit in almost every aspect is perfect for Winslow. He can be that guy they wanted Luol Deng to be, and he can evolve nicely with Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside and Goran Dragic as the future of the team – with or without Dwyane Wade.

The other part about falling to the 10 spot is Winslow likely has to put a little bit of his ego in his pocket, which was a concern from some teams.

I like the Richardson pick. He can play both guard spots and has the ability make plays. He may not have a huge role going in, but he’s a nice addition at 40.

There is no question the HEAT got the best talent on the board at 10 and possibly at 40. Both players solve immediate needs and Winslow for sure can contribute right away. Very nice draft for Miami.

Grade: A+

Milwaukee Bucks

Round 1: Rashad Vaughn (17)

Round 2: N/A

The Bucks identified shooting and length as a need in the draft and in Vaughn, they did address shooting, although this pick doesn’t seem very sexy considering Bobby Portis was still on the board.

Vaughn takes and makes tough shots, so there is something to be said about that. The Bucks don’t have a lot of immediate minutes for Vaughn so they can be patient as he grows. Looking at the long-term, Vaughn might be a really nice future piece, but I’m not sold this was the best talent available or that it solves an immediate need.

The Bucks plan to pursue frontcourt players in free agency, so that might solve the need, hence the Vaughn pick.

Overall, this wasn’t a terrible selection in the talent department. He does fill the need for shooting, but it’s unclear how big of a role he’ll play with so many seasoned guards in front of him. Overall, this wasn’t a bad draft, but not exactly what was expected.

Grade: C

Minnesota Timberwolves

Round 1: Karl-Anthony Towns (1), Tyus Jones (24, traded from Cleveland)

Round 2: N/A

How can taking the best player in the draft be viewed as anything but a home run? Then, to cash in the 31st and 36th picks for Tyus Jones was good consolidating for a team with a crowded roster.

Towns was absolutely the best fit long-term for the Wolves. He’ll get the luxury of developing at his own pace without a ton of pressure (unlike most top picks). He has proven he can play with other high-level players, which is also why this is an excellent match for Minnesota.

Jones, on the other hand, may end up being a really good backup guard, but I am not sold on him long-term yet. Given the Wolves have Ricky Rubio and Zach LaVine, there won’t be a ton of minutes for Jones as a rookie, but it gives the Wolves options if he can showcase his skills in practice and prove that in time he can contribute.

From a talent point of view, the Wolves crushed the top pick and did well with what was the 31st and 36th selections. Both players solved a need and Towns can and will contribute right away. Overall, the Wolves turned in a solid draft.

Grade: A

New Orleans Pelicans

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: N/A

The Pelicans traded their 2015 draft pick for Omer Asik last year, and that pick ultimately became Sam Dekker. If Asik does not re-sign, that decision is going to hurt a little because there were options at the 18 that would have helped long-term in New Orleans. Basketball Insiders’ Alex Kennedy reported that the Pelicans were trying to acquire a late first-rounder, but they were unsuccessful in their attempt.

Selling off the 56th pick to the Clippers for cash was again a questionable move, but the Pelicans were not using the player drafted there, so why not cash it out? There really wasn’t a draft-and-stash guy who made sense and if the player selected at 56 signed the tender offer, the Pelicans would have had to cut him or bring him to camp, so the move has logic behind it.

Overall, the Pelicans didn’t play in the draft, so they get an incomplete.

Grade: INC

New York Knicks

Round 1: Kristaps Porzingis (4), Jerian Grant (19, traded from Washington)

Round 2: Guillermo Hernangomez (35, traded from Philadelphia)

Regardless of what Carmelo Anthony may have to say about the Knicks’ draft, they got two really good players in Porzingis and Grant.

In the triangle offense, what Porzingis does is going to really work for the Knicks and while it may take him time to develop physically into what he’ll ultimately be, he is one of the best talents in this draft class. Not to mention, I think he’ll make an impression right away.

In Grant, the Knicks get as proven a guard as they come and he’s highly cerebral as a player. This is exactly what the Knicks need at the point in their offense.

Hernangomez is likely staying in Spain for another year, so that was more of a deferment to avoid the cap hit and to dump off Tim Hardaway Jr.’s salary.

From a talent perspective, the Knicks did really well; they grabbed two immediate-need players and both should contribute significantly next season. I like the Knicks’ draft a lot.

Grade: A

Oklahoma City Thunder

Round 1: Cameron Payne (14)

Round 2: Dakari Johnson (48)

Considering where the Thunder stand, this draft was a huge win in all phases. Payne brings them an impact scorer who can control the ball, run the point and hit the three in many of the same ways James Harden did when they made their run to the NBA Finals.

In Johnson, they get a tough and bruising big who plays well with others and can be that enforcer in many of the ways Kendrick Perkins was early in his stint with the Thunder.

Overall, this was a really good draft for the Thunder. The landed great talent with each selection, both players fill a much-needed role and both can contribute right away. Not sure the Thunder could have done much better.

Grade: B+

Orlando Magic

Round 1: Mario Hezonja (5)

Round 2: Tyler Harvey (51)

The Magic may have nabbed one of the best talents in the draft with the No. 5 pick. Hezonja could be one of the more impactful rookies and if he can find something of a defensive game under Scott Skiles, he should be a nice addition to the Magic’s blossoming core. Hezonja can shoot it from deep, has a swagger in his game that’s infectious and he loves to attack and dunk. It will be interesting to see how his personality fits in with the Magic, but beyond that this is a stellar selection.

In Harvey, the Magic land a deadly scorer and outside shooter. Harvey led all Division I players in scoring and was one of the more effective three-point shooters in college. At 51, this was great value for the Magic. It will be interesting to see where he fits into the roster.

The Magic did land quality talent at each pick, both players add offensive punch to a team that struggled to score and both should play right away.

Hezonja is reported to have a reached a framework on a buyout and could be with the Magic for Summer League next week.

Grade: A

Philadelphia 76ers

Round 1: Jahlil Okafor (3)

Round 2: Richaun Holmes (37), Arturas Gudaitis (47), J.P. Tokoto (58), Luka Mitrovic (60)

On the surface, it seems like the last thing the 76ers needed was another center, but the truth of the matter is Okafor could be the franchise player that Nerlens Noel may not be and Joel Embiid may never be healthy enough to be. Okafor is a beast on the low block, and he and Noel should make for an imposing front line, with Noel as the anchor defensively and Okafor as the anchor offensively. There was too much talent there for the 76ers to pass on Okafor, despite their stockpile of bigs.

In the second round, the 76ers added two players for this year and two players they are deferring. Holmes and Tokoto will get a chance to play Summer League and make the roster.

While the 76ers still have a glaring need at point guard, this was a good draft for a franchise that’s been searching for great players.

The Sixers got solid talent with most of their selections. They did not fill an immediate need and not all of the picks help right away. While I like what the 76ers did in the draft, they will grade lower mainly because of the criteria.

Grade: C

Phoenix Suns

Round 1: Devin Booker (13)

Round 2: N/A

This one didn’t make a lot of sense, so I chalk it up to best talent on the board. The Suns have a ton at the off-guard spot now, what they really needed was another point guard. With that said, the potential of Booker might be interesting, especially if he blossoms into more than a catch-and-shoot guy. During the draft process, he drew comparisons to a young Klay Thompson, so Booker could have a very high ceiling.

The Suns traded Andrew Harrison, who they selected with the 44th pick, to Memphis for Jon Leuer and a future second-round pick, so that is a quality addition, but does not count in the draft grade.

As for the grade, we’ll have to see what Booker evolves into, but it was solid talent for the pick. He does not solve an immediate need and he should be able to play right away, but he’ll need to beat out other players to crack a big role in the rotation. The Suns could have solved bigger needs and there were point guards on the board, so their grade gets dinged a little as a result.

Grade: C-

Portland Trail Blazers

Round 1: N/A

Round 2: Pat Connaughton (41, traded from Brooklyn), Daniel Diez (54 traded from Utah)

Portland’s draft wasn’t really about who they drafted, because they ended up trading Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who they drafted with the 23rd pick, along with veteran guard Steve Blake for big man Mason Plumlee and the draft rights to Pat Connaughton.

Connaughton is a solid shooter and great athlete, but it remains to be seen where he fits into the re-shuffling Blazers GM Neil Olshey has done, dumping off Nic Batum in exchange for Gerald Henderson and Noah Vonleh.

Diez is a draft-and-stash guy who may not see time for a year or more. He is an interesting prospect and is likely a future trade chip more so than a player, but time will tell.

The net gain for the Blazers was Plumlee, Henderson, Vonleh, Connaughton and Diez so that’s a really good return, but for the purpose of this exercise the Blazers came out of the draft with Connaughton and that’s not an overwhelming asset. In the grand scheme, the Blazers are better, but it was because they flipped assets for more proven young guys. The draft did not make them better, the trading did and they’ll get credit for that in the offseason team grades instead of these draft grades.

Grade: C

Sacramento Kings

Round 1: Willie Cauley-Stein (6)

Round 2: N/A

This one can be viewed one of two ways: The Kings got a named guy who can play the role around the basket DeMarcus Cousins doesn’t like to play or the Kings got another quirky guy, who’s not much of an offensive player.

Cauley-Stein is a great athlete and a solid rim protector. The problem is he might not have the burning desire to be great and that scared some teams away during the draft process. Add in that he may require a clean-up of a previous ankle surgery and this pick has a lot of “ifs” associated with it.

From a grade point of view, it was good talent for the pick. He potentially solves a need and he should be able to play right away. The Kings desperately needed a solid starting point guard and if they end the offseason without obtaining one, passing on Emmanuel Mudiay may come back to haunt them, especially if Cauley-Stein’s ankle becomes a problem or he lets up in the work ethic department.

Grade: C+

San Antonio Spurs

Round 1: Nikola Milutinov (26)

Round 2: Cady Lalanne (55)

The first round for the Spurs was 100 percent about preserving cap space, so drafting Milutinov was a deferment. He is a promising big man who might be part of the plan next year, but more likely in two years.

Lalanne at 55 was a nice pick up. His tape at UMASS is a little deceiving. He is a much better shooter than advertised. He’s a little stiff, but moves well for being so rigid in his hips. Lalanne may not see much time for the Spurs, but in terms of a serviceable project guy, he fits the bill nicely. NBA trainer Cody Toppert listed him as one of his sleepers in our NBA Draft preview podcast. The Spurs may have to round out the roster with low-dollar bodies, so Lalanne has a chance to make the team.

As for their grade, the Spurs did not pick the best talent in the first, they did not solve a need and Milutinov is at least a year away from playing. The goal was preserve cap space, so that was achieved, but the Spurs did nothing significant to help themselves this year.

Grade: C-

Toronto Raptors

Round 1: Delon Wright (20)

Round 2: Norman Powell (46, traded from Milwaukee)

After trading away Greivis Vasquez for cap space, the Raptors needed a backup guard and got a pretty good one in Wright. He should help the Raptors right away, so overall this was a good pick considering the need they created in the trade.

Landing Powell as part of the trade is a bonus. Powell is a little bit of a project, but should be a nice piece in time for the Raptors if they hold onto him.

The bigger story for the Raptors is the idea they may look to make a bold trade in July, so both of these players could be on the move if the right deal comes the Raptors’ way.

As for the grades themselves, there was better talent in Bobby Portis on the board, but the need Wright fills sort of offsets that. Wright and Powell could contribute right away and both were good talent for where they were drafted. Overall, this was a good draft for Toronto; we’ll see if it becomes more in a few weeks.

Grade: B-

Utah Jazz

Round 1: Trey Lyles (12)

Round 2: Olivier Hanlan (42)

The Jazz have labeled Lyles as having “Jazz DNA” and they were in love with him from the start of the process. When he was there at 12, it was too good to pass. For the Jazz, he is going to be more of a backup four and play behind Derrick Favors, but in terms of a good young nucleus the Jazz added a great versatile piece.

In Hanlan, the Jazz get a multi-tool guard who can play both guard spots and is a solid shooter with a decent handle.

Overall, this draft was about adding depth to an already talented young roster and the Jazz achieved that. In trading Daniel Diez, who they drafted with the 54th pick, to Portland the Jazz collected a little cash for a player they likely did not have a roster spot for.

As for the grade, the Jazz got solid value in Lyles and Hanlan, both solve needs mainly on the bench and both have the potential to play a role right away. This was a good draft for the Jazz, who got what they were looking for.

Grade: B+

Washington Wizards

Round 1: Kelly Oubre (15, traded from Atlanta)

Round 2: Aaron White (49)

There was a real sense that the Boston Celtics were looking to take Oubre at 16, so to get him the Wizards had to trade up. It cost them two second-round picks, but the Wizards got their guy. The question is, what kind of player will Oubre be in the NBA?

Oubre could be an electric, impact player. That’s what he was billed to be coming out of high school. However, at Kansas, he struggled in almost every facet of the game. If Oubre can shake his Jayhawk funk and fit in with John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter, all of a sudden the Wizards have a young core that could do some serious damage. Time will tell which player Washington acquired.

In White, the Wizards got a really nice player. He can shoot the three a little and could be a stretch-type player in time. Given what was there at 49, this was good value for the Wizards.

Overall, picking Oubre was a dare-to-be-great move that cost them draft picks, but the value could be solid. Both Oubre and White solve roster needs even if it’s just youth and depth and both could (and likely will) play a role right away.

If Oubre blossoms, he could be one of the steals of the draft. The problem is that’s far from certain and it may take time and patience to find out.

Grade: A-

There you have it – all 30 teams, all 60 picks and all the grades you can handle. If you are curious about how last year’s draft graded out, here are those grades. For more draft analysis, check out the latest episode of our podcast featuring Alex Kennedy and Ben Dowsett.