The draft is over. Which teams came away with the best picks?
Cleveland Cavs –
Kyrie Irving was a no-brainer at #1 but the Cavs surprised many people by picking Tristan Thompson #4 overall. I think it’s a great pick. Thompson is an elite rebounder and very good shot blocker. He runs the floor well and will look very good getting up and down the floor next to Irving. Cleveland still has a long way to go to get back to winning basketball games but these two are a good start. Getting a high pick in 2012 would be huge as well.
New Jersey Nets –
The Nets got a great scorer in Marshon Brooks to team with point guard Deron Williams. Their backcourt could be set for years to come. Second round pick Bojan Bogdanovic is another good scorer but he’ll have one more year in Europe before coming over. Jordan Williams is a great rebounder and solid interior defender who should stick around on a team in need of front court help.
Detroit Pistons –
Having point guard Brandon Knight fall to the #8 spot was a blessing for the Pistons. Knight has a higher ceiling than Irving and could be one of the best players in this draft. He has all the skills to run an NBA club and is a great outside shooter as well. Kyle Singler is a very heady and solid player who will surprise you with his athleticism and skill set. He should be a productive player in Detroit. Vernon Macklin is solid, if unspectacular, and could stick in the league thanks to his rebounding and defense.
Houston Rocket –
Marcus Morris could have been a top 10 pick but fell to Houston at #14. He’ll be a solid scorer in the league and could surprise people with his all around game. Bet he plays with a chip on his shoulder after falling a bit on draft day. Later in the first round Houston maneuvered to get Donatas Motiejunas, a 7 footer from Europe. There’s a chance Motiejunas is a bust but if things work out right he could be very, very good. He has a ridiculously high skill level for a 7 footer and reminds me a little of Dirk Nowitzki. I’m not sold on second round pick Chandler Parsons though.
Milwaukee Bucks –
The Bucks traded out of the lottery but still came away with a very good young prospect in Tobias Harris. He is very young but is a hard worker and could be a steal in this draft. Jon Leuer in the second round is a good pick. He could be a solid role player in the league.