Pacific Division Team Draft Grades

Los Angeles Lakers:
Selections:

Darius Morris could end up the steal
of the draft, because of his passing skills.

#41: Darius Morris PG, Michigan

#46: Andrew Goudelock PG, Charleston

#56: Chukwudiebere Maduabum SF, NBADL (traded to Nuggets for future 2nd)

#58: Ater Majok PF, Australia

Draft Grade: B+

The two names here of most importance are Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock. First off is Morris one of my favorite players in the draft who fell to 41 for concerns over his shooting. He is a tall PG (6'4) who can drive to the whole and is also a terrific passer. Let him learn the game behind Derek Fisher and he can be a starter in this league. Andrew Goudelock out of Charleston is a two guard scorer. At 6'2 he doesn't have ideal size to be a SG, but he has the shot to do it. He shot over 40% last year from beyond the 3PT line, and he showed he will have no problems making the transition to the NBA. Two very solid picks followed by a trade that will likely end up as nothing and a Australian PF who projects as a backup at best in 4 years.



Los Angeles Clippers



Leslie will give the Clippers another
high flying, energy guy off the bench



Selections:

#37: Trey Thompkins PF, Georgia

#47: Travis Leslie SG, Georgia

Draft Grade: B -

Even while trading away the 1st overall pick to rid themselves of Baron Davis, the Clippers still manged to make some nice picks. Trey Thompkins the big man out of Georgia is very talented offensively and also shows he has the size and shot blocking ability to get even better in the NBA. Later in the draft they got great value with the addition of Travis Leslie. Leslie is a high flying dunker who is extremely athletic and can play multiple positions. He will provide a spark off the bench for the Clippers

Golden State Warriors:

Selections:

#11: Klay Thompson PG, Washington State

#39: Jeremy Tyler C, Japan (via trade from Bobcats)
#44: Charles Jenkins SG, Hofstra

Draft Grade: C+

Thompson will give the Warriors another
deadly shooter

The Warriors finished off a good draft with new Head Coach Mark Jackson. At 11 they took Klay Thompson a prolific scorer from Washington State who reminds scouts alot of Kevin Martin because of his deep range and ability to draw fouls. Then they traded 2 million in cash to the Bobcats for the rights to Jeremy Tyler. Tyler a former 5 star basketball recruit who skipped college and went overseas to play basketball is a very raw bu high ceiling player. The Warriors finished it off with Charles Jenkins a combo guard out of Hofstra who is another skilled scorer who can pass the ball well. The real problem with this draft is that the Warriors failed to address their immediate need for rebounding and defense, and it leaves Mark Jackson with the same type of players he had before.

Phoenix Suns:

Selections:                                                                           

#13: Markieff Morris PF, Kansas

Morris will give the Suns a great
presence in the low post

Draft Grade: B

The Suns addressed one of their biggest needs in the draft and that was size and toughness up front. For the past year they have showed little strength or inside presence after Amare left, but now Morris can bring that to him. He wasn't as productive as his brother (Marcus) last year, but his size and strength make him a valuable asset for the Suns. He will spend most of his time down low, but he can come outside to shoot the 3. For having one pick in the draft the Suns did a good job even if Morris will never be a star, he will help them out immediately.

Sacramento Kings:

Fredette will put more fans in
the seats, and score alot of points

Selections:

#10: Jimmer Fredette PG, BYU (via trade with MIL)

#35: Tyler Honeycutt SF, UCLA

#60: Isaiah Thomas PG, Washington

Draft Grade: A-
The Kings made one of the worst trades in recent memory when they moved 3 spots back in the draft, and swapped PG Beno Udrih for SF John Salmons. Salmons a former King is known for being a ball hog, and his selfish ways are a concern for a young team. As for the draft the Kings once again did a great job. Even after trading back 3 spots they picked up fan favorite Jimmer Fredette who will bring more fans to the games, and provide another source for offense. Then in the 2nd round they took Tyler Honeycutt a smart SF , who is a gym rat and is skilled as a 3 point shooter and shot blocker. They ended the draft by taking Isaiah Thomas who fell because of his size (5'8), but once he develops his shooting and decision making more could end up starting for the Kings down the road. An excellent draft for the Kings, but loses some of it's lsuter because of the horrific trade they amde earlier in the day.