NBA Draft composite grades

By Jason Jones (posted by Rick Morris)

Here are the composite NBA Draft grades. Keep in mind, this is a result of "grade equation" and not grade scale. A 65% should not be read as a "D". This was done by grading each prospect as a prospect, not projecting them as NBA players but as a prospect, factoring reach, value, upside, etc. These grades do reflect traded players and also reflect opportunities seized and opportunities passed.

Single Player Grades
PHI 94 Evan Turner
GS 86 Ekpe Udoh
HOU 79 Patrick Patterson
DAL 71 Dominique Jones

Composite Grades
WAS 92.0 John Wall, Kevin Seraphin
NJN 87.5 Derrick Favors, Damion Jones
DET 82.5 Greg Monroe, Terrico White
TOR 81.5 Ed Davis, Solomon Alabi
LAC 80.6 Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe, Willie Warren
SAC 80.0 DeMarcus Cousins, Hassan Whiteside
MEM 78.5 Xavier Henry, Greivis Vazquez
SAS 74.0 James Anderson, Ryan Richards
POR 70.5 Elliot Williams, Armon Johnson
IND 67.6 Paul George, Lance Stephenson, Ryan Reid
OKC 66.5 Cole Aldrich, Magnum Rolle, Tibor Pleiss
MIN 66.4 Wesley Johnson, Paulao Prestes, Hamady D'Diaye, Lazar Hayward, Nemanja Bielica
MIL 66.3 Larry Sanders, Darington Hobson, Jerome Jordan, Tiny Gallon
PHO 65.0 Gani Lawal, Dwayne Collins
ORL 65.0 Daniel Orton, Stanley Robinson
ATL 61.0 Jordan Crawford, Pape Sy
LAL 58.5 Devin Ebanks, Derrick Character
NYK 58.5 Andy Rautins, Landry Fields
NOH 57.5 Craig Brackins, Quincy Pondexter

Some other notes...

^ The Miami Heat did not even register, as I do not feel they acquired a single player that will make the team. However, by drafting that way, they ensure that more than any other team, they will have enough money to resign D. Wade and sign up to 3 or even 4 max deal or elite free agents. Imagine, D. Wade, C. Bosh, A. Stoudamire, and ... J. .Johnson. I'm not saying it will happen, but Miami will be sick within the next three months.

^ Washington getting John Wall and Kevin Seraphin did improve themselves, but they traded away picks that I thought they should have made.

^ San Antonio may not have a high score, but they got the steal of the draft in James Anderson.

^ The LA Clippers (who have a very nice starting five when healthy) have made selections that speak to the kind of quality depth a team needs to compete against teams like the Lakers.

^ New Jersey didn't go crazy trying to get players that might attract an elite free agent, which is smart; finishing with Derrick Favors and Damion Jones gives them a strong and young frontcourt. Favors starts Day One and after the draft, I am certain that they will be targeting SGs and SFs...surprise, surprise.

Sacramento also improved themselves, even though I liked other guys before the trades. DeMarcus Cousins will start and Hassan Whiteside has tremendous upside and, if given time to mature, could be huge. Now if the Kings could get a decent point guard not named Beno Udrih, they might be on to something.

^ Chris Paul's relative ultimatum...loosely translated, "make basketball moves instead of salary moves or I'm gone" apparently was not well received. The free agents in this offseason are significant, but...after the Knicks, Nets, Bulls, Heat, Clippers, etc, I can't imagine that New Orleans is seriously considering themselves as a contender in free agency.