NBA Draft Report Cards: Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

Overall Grade: C-

• Traded their 2014 second round pick and cash to Minnesota for the 26^th pick and Malcolm Lee
• Traded the 26^th pick to Oklahoma City for the 29^th pick and cash
• Traded Malcolm Lee and the 29^th pick to Phoenix for the 20^th pick

Pick #30: Nemanja Nedovic, PG, Serbia

A name I would have never expected to hear in the first round; Nedovic is a great athlete who remains raw. For a PG he has great size (6’4”, 200) which makes him a solid defender. He needs to work on creating his own shot, but with his athleticism and skillfulness he’s shown signs he is capable of improving that aspect of his game. Last year Nedovic had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio which is frightening. He’s elite speed allows him to be very good in transition and at attacking the basket. If Jarrett Jack doesn’t return Golden State could be calling on Nedovic sooner rather than later, but if he does Golden State could stash him overseas and let his game continue to develop.

Los Angeles Clippers

Overall Grade: A

Pick #25: Reggie Bullock, SG/SF, UNC

Grade: A

Having watched a ton of Bullock over the past few seasons and I absolutely love this pick. Bullock is a hard-working, high-motor guy who continues to improve as a three point shooter. He can stretch the floor as a lethal spot-up shooter and is also an underrated offensive rebounder. Bullock has potential to be one of the best role players from this draft and he’ll fit in perfectly with the Clippers especially if they resign Chris Paul. Bullock is also a very solid defender and excellent in transition. I could see him starting eventually for the Clippers in a similar role to Danny Green’s for the Spurs.

Los Angeles Lakers

Overall Grade: B+

Pick #48: Ryan Kelly, PF, Duke

Grade: B+

Big fan of this pick. I’ve watched Kelly play a lot over his four years at Duke and have always admired his game. At 6’11” he has great size for a PF and he’s actually a decent athlete, he’s very mobile and versatile. He possesses the ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting abilities and he’s a solid rebounder. He’s added almost 30 pounds to his frame since playing for Duke, and should continue adding more. Adding strength will also be key. He can score from anywhere on the floor and gets fouled a lot; he’s a great free throw shooter.  He’ll never be a starter for the Lakers, but he can be a solid player to bring in off the bench with his versatile scoring abilities. He’s also a good passer and plays smart.

Phoenix Suns

Overall Grade: B+

Pick #5: Alex Len, C, Maryland

Grade: A

The Suns are starting over; the only player on their roster who has a legitimate future with the team is PG Goran Dragic. I was expecting Alex Len to go first overall Thursday Night, or at the very worst go fourth overall to the Charlotte Bobcats.  Getting him fifth could be a huge steal. Len has potential to be one of the best two-way centers in the NBA a few years down the road. Dragic and Len could form a dangerous pick & roll combination. Len has the ability to stretch out and hit jump shots from 12+feet as well as finish around the rim. He’s only going to improve on the defensive end; he has the tools to become a monster defensively. This pick Phoenix center Marcin Gortat could become good trade bait, a lot of teams would welcome his services.

Pick #29: Archie Goodwin, SG, Kentucky

Grade: B-

This isn’t necessarily a reach, but there were better shooting guards here such as Jamaal Franklin and Allen Crabbe.  Goodwin’s lone season at Kentucky didn’t exactly go as planned. He was forced to play out of position as a PG some just because Kentucky was so weak at the position. Goodwin has a lot of upside though; he has elite athleticism and quickness that allows him to blow by defenders and get to the rim where he’s a solid finisher. Goodwin’s jump shot still has a lot of improving to do as he only shot 26.6% from behind the arch in his lone season at Kentucky.

Pick #57: Alex Oriakhi, PF/C, Missouri

Grade: C

It’s not like the 57^th selection is highly coveted and will enter with a world of expectations, but I’m still not a fan of this pick. I saw no reason for Alex Oriakhi to be drafted, and if Phoenix wanted another player for its frontcourt there were guys I liked better such as Kenny Kadji and Trevow Mbakwe. As a senior for Missouri Oriakhi averaged 11.2 PPG and 8.4 RPG, maybe he can become a decent role player off the bench in the future. That’s all you can really hope for with the 57^th pick anyways.

Sacramento Kings

Overall Grade: A

Pick #7: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

Grade: A+

The Kings had to be ecstatic when McLemore fell into their laps seventh overall.  There were reports earlier Thursday that said the Kings were looking to move up higher into the draft to get McLemore, but in the end they just stayed put and got their man. I’m a huge McLemore fan; he’s extremely athletic and a deadly spot-up shooter. He’s also a better defender than he gets credit for, I don’t think he’s that far behind Victor Oladipo in this category. He’ll be Sacramento’s starting SG from day 1.  Not much more to say about this pick, they couldn’t have done in any better. He may have more upside than any other player in this draft; Bill Self himself said McLemore is the most talented player he’s ever coached.

Pick #36: Ray McCallum, PG, Detroit

Grade: B+

Tyreke Evans is on his way out of Sacramento, so they needed to add another PG.  McCallum is a good second round prospect who possesses great athleticism.  He can score and distribute, he also has good strength for a PG. His biggest downfalls are probably his length and three point shooting, he only shot 32% last season at Detroit. He’s also a natural floor general and great ball handler.  He’ll be a great backup right off the bat to Isiah Thomas, and I wouldn’t be shocked if challenged for the starting job sooner or later.