![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/080626/HDR_NBA_Draft.jpg\")
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spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009.sTitle = "NBA draft report card";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009.appDeck = "NBCSports.com contributor Ira Winderman breaks down the winners and losers";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009.appFooter = "Ira Winderman covers the Heat and the NBA for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009.rowSpacer = "Nothing to see here folks, with the Celtics not drafting until selecting Tennessee Martin guard Lester Hudson at No. 58. But that doesn't mean there will be nothing to see this summer. There well could be fire where there was smoke, with those pre-draft rumors involving Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen. Danny Ainge waited until late July for Kevin Garnett, so this story seemingly has yet to be written.
Grade: Incomplete
Click here to see Boston's draft picks.
Click here for more Celtics coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Bulls (C\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Wake Forest's James Johnson had a chance to go earlier than No. 16, which essentially gave the Bulls reasonable value with the pick. On one hand, Johnson is an athletic wing who can shift between the three and four, and can handle and score from the wing. On the other hand, Johnson tends to float through games and does not necessarily have a defined position. His role likely will be determined by the rest of the Bulls' offseason moves. The Bulls followed up with yet another rangy forward in USC's Taj Gibson, who continues to develop his offensive game.
Grade: C-plus
Click here to see Chicago's draft picks.
Click here for more Bulls coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Hawks (B)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The biggest move for the Hawks was not selecting Wake Forest point guard Jeff Teague at No. 19, but acquiring Jamal Crawford from the Warriors for little more than afterthought point guards Speedy Claxton and Acie Law. Factor in Teague's speed and ability to create for himself and others at the point, and time appears to be growing short in Atlanta for both Mike Bibby and Flip Murray. With Joe Johnson, Atlanta has created quite the backcourt.
Grade: B
Click here for more Hawks coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","New Jersey Nets (C)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The white flag went up before the draft, with the selloff of Vince Carter to the Magic. By now, it is clear that all bets are off until the team moves to Brooklyn. In a way, Courtney Lee arrives as a bonus draft pick, a ready-made guard to move into Carter's starting role. If not Lee, then perhaps No. 11 selection Terrence Williams, the senior guard from Louisville. Considering Williams is not known for his shooting, he might fit right in with the Nets.
Grade: C
Click here to see New Jersey's draft picks.
Click here for more Nets coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Cavaliers (A)"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Once again, Shaquille O'Neal steals the thunder. This time, arriving on the eve of the draft and making virtually everything else moot in Cleveland. A win-now team made a win-now move on draft day. While we won't know about how it all fits together, there was little downside about the move. As a bonus, Cleveland kept its first-round pick, selecting at No. 30 Christian Eyenga, a forward from Congo who has been playing in Spain in the same system that produced Ricky Rubio. An athlete, he clearly will be stashed for a while.
Grade: A
Click here to see Cleveland's draft picks.
Click here for more Cavs coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Charlotte Bobcats (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Larry Brown went for the Larry Brown-type player. Although he might not excel at a particular facet, Duke guard Gerald Henderson carries the complete type of skill set demanded by Brown. At No. 12, the Bobcats landed a player who should be an instant contributor. He shoots, he can score in the paint, he rebounds, he contains his man. He should fit right in and might actually earn the occasional bit of praise from Brown. Possibly.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see Charlotte's draft picks.
Click here for more Bobcats coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","New York Knicks (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
With Stephen Curry no longer there, the Knicks went to Plan B, with the somewhat surprising selection of Arizona power forward Jordan Hill. On one hand, No. 8 probably was later than some expected for Hill. On the other, does this mean the Knicks are about to part with David Lee when free agency opens? Hill certainly is an active type, which certainly fits the D'Antoni mold, and upgrades the Knicks' talent level. The fact that he rebounds definitely helps. Landing Florida State guard Toney Douglas with the No. 29 pick purchased from the Lakers was an inspired choice. He can score and D'Antoni will make sure he will.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see New York's draft picks.
Click here for more Knicks coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Pistons (B-)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Why was Gonzaga forward Austin Daye a good pick at No. 15? Because Joe Dumars made the pick and Dumars' track record, which includes Rodney Stuckey at No. 15 two years ago, speaks for itself. Still, Daye looks a lot like Tayshaun Prince, which makes one wonder what's next for the Pistons. Now comes the real work, spending the salary-cap space that opens up with the expiring contracts of Rasheed Wallace and Allen Iverson. Draft night was an appetizer to this offseason. Daye should be able to fill out and grow with the program. Georgetown forward DaJuan Summers, who fell to No. 35, has a chance of making it, with his solid small-forward build.
Grade: B-minus
Click here to see Detroit's draft picks.
Click here for more Pistons coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Miami Heat (C-)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
This was not about the Heat landing LSU guard Marcus Thornton at No. 43 and then trading him to New Orleans or trading for Lakers second-round pick Patrick Beverley or closing the draft with the inspired selection of Memphis forward Robert Dozier at No. 60. No, this was about how the Heat relinquished its first-round draft choice, the No. 18 selection the Timberwolves used on Ty Lawson -- by trading it in 2007 for Ricky Davis. There are many ways to mortgage a future in the NBA, Ricky Davis should never be one of them. Ty Lawson or Ricky Davis? You make the call.
Grade: C-
Click here to see Miami's draft picks.
Click here for more Heat coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia 76ers (D)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The 76ers clearly drafted on potential with the selection of UCLA freshman point guard Jrue Holiday. We are, after all, talking about a player who averaged only 8.5 points in his lone college season. His defense figures to come around quicker than his NBA offense. The top prep prospect a year ago, Holiday would be better served to brought along slowly, a possibility that could come down to the 76ers' plans with Andre Miller in free agency.
Grade: D
Click here to see Philadelphia's draft picks.
Click here for more 76ers coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Indiana Pacers (B)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
It makes all the sense that a Larry Bird would appreciate the possibilities of a Tyler Hansbrough. On such a questionable roster, Hansbrough, the North Carolina forward taken at No. 13, either will challenge for immediate playing time, or wind up as just another middling Pacers forward. The opportunity is there, although Jim O'Brien's up-tempo approach might make for a somewhat difficult transition.
Grade: B
Click here to see Indiana's draft picks.
Click here for more Pacers coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Orlando Magic (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The Magic was without a draft choice, but not without a mission on draft day. The acquisition of Vince Carter offers insurance in the eventuality that Hedo Turkoglu cannot be retained in free agency. While the Carter acquisition would appear a slam dunk, and an A-plus move, the Magic actually would take a step back if the addition of Vince is paired with the loss of both Courtney Lee, who was included in the trade with the Nets, and Turkoglu.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see Orlando's draft picks.
Click here for more Magic coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Toronto Raptors (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
One of the least-athletic teams in the league got a much-needed infusion of athleticism with the selection of USC's DeMar DeRozan at No. 9. While he might not necessarily compensate for the potential loss of Shawn Marion in free agency, DeRozan should provide far more athletically on the wing than the Raptors have seen since, well, the Vince Carter days. For once, it was nice to see Bryan Colangelo not take the European approach.
Grade: B-plus
Click here for more Raptors coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Milwaukee Bucks (B)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Well, so much for the Luke Ridnour era. At least that's what the Bucks are hoping, with the non-conformist selection of Brandon Jennings at No. 10. The former prep star who arrives via a limited one-year stint in Italy offers athletic, speedy potential at the point. Now the question is whether Andrew Bogut and the rest of the Bucks will be able to keep up with Jennings. That part could prove fascinating.
Grade: B
Click here to see Milwaukee's draft picks.
Click here for more Bucks' coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Washington Wizards (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
And with their first-round selection, the Washington Wizards select: Mike Miller and Randy Foye. Going into the draft, the goal was a veteran upgrade. That mission was accomplished with the trade of No. 5 to Minnesota. Miller and Foye provide more of an upgrade on DeShawn Stevenson that any pick outside of the top three would have supplied in a draft mostly devoid at shooting guard. Finally, there is legitimate 3-point shooting in place.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see Washington's draft picks.
Click here for more Wizards coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Southwest","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Northwest","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Pacific","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Dallas Mavericks (C)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Donnie Nelson long has been a fan of non-domestic prospects and chose that path again, trading for Oklahoma City No. 25 selection Rodrigue Beaubois, a 6-foot point guard out of Guadeloupe who has played the past three seasons in France. A replacement for Jason Kidd? Not likely. But there now is depth at the position. Beaubois is long, athletic and quick, while still developing his offensive game. He should fit in well in the Western Conference.
Grade: C
Click here to see Dallas' draft picks.
Click here for more Mavericks coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Denver Nuggets (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Point guards have been very, very good to the Nuggets. First there was last season's acquisition of Chauncey Billups, which completely changed the course of the franchise and drove Denver all the way to the Western Conference finals. Then there was the trade in the middle of the first round that sent No. 18 pick Ty Lawson to the Nuggets for a future pick. Lawson is the perfect contrast to Billups off the bench, as a speed guard. And with George Karl in charge, figure favorable treatment for the former Heel.
Grade: B-plus
Click here for more Nuggets coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Golden State Warriors (B\+)"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Well, Nellie certainly loves his shooters. Stephen Curry certainly can do that, as well as pass. What Curry is not is a creative scorer or much of a defender. But this is Nellie ball, which makes this as good a fit as anything this side of Mike D'Antoni. If anyone can hide Curry's weaknesses and play to Curry's strengths, it is Nellie. Of course, Don Nelson has not exactly been easy on his rookies in recent years.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see Golden State's draft picks.
Click here for more Warriors coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Houston Rockets (A-)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Like the Magic, the Rockets sat idly by at the draft, having dealt each of its two picks. Considering the picks were spent on Ron Artest and Luis Scola, there could be little arguing the losses of those Nos. 23 and 53 selections. Artest essentially saved this past season, while Scola has proven nothing short of a revelation with his contributions the past two seasons. The draft might not have been a total loss. Jermaine Taylor, the guard taken out of Central Florida with the No. 32 overall pick by Washington and dealt to the Rockets, has NBA scoring skills.
Grade: A-minus
Click here to see Houston's draft picks.
Click here for more Rockets coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Timberwolves (A\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Patience paid off for the Timberwolves, with Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio falling to No. 5. While there are issues about a buyout and youth, this is the perfect landing spot for the accomplished passer, a place where he can grow, either now or in coming seasons (and may not even arrive right away). The Wolves then made it back-to-back point guards, taking Syracuse point guard Jonny Flynn at No. 6. It could come down to Flynn now, Rubio later. The Wolves followed up with North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson at No. 18, before moving him to Denver for a future pick. The Wolves stayed in Heels mode from there, taking guard Wayne Ellington, whose polish and shooting could help ease the growing pains of Minnesota's other picks. Drop the grade, though, if it takes more than a year for Rubio to report. For now, the Wolves can wait.
Grade: A-plus
Click here to see Minnesota's draft picks.
Click here for more Timberwolves coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Clippers (A\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
For a moment there, when the Clippers dared actually add photos of Ricky Rubio to their website in May, there was concern. Then, in a very un-Clipper-like moment, sanity prevailed. This is not Michael Olowokandi at the top of the draft. This is not even Danny Manning. Oklahoma's Blake Griffin is an elite NBA-level talent who finally creates a focal point for the organization. Now the goal is to keep Baron Davis and Zach Randolph from polluting that potential.
Grade: A-plus
Click here to see the L.A. Clippers' draft picks.
Click here for more Clippers coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Memphis Grizzlies (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Perhaps the Grizzlies' first selection, as much as any, defined the 2009 NBA draft, with the No. 2 overall pick a center who may never become an NBA scorer. That said, UConn center Hasheem Thabeet will definitely be an NBA-level shot-blocker. The rebounding remains to be seen, with such a slight build. If nothing else, the Grizzlies have a goaltender, as well as a center more active than Marc Gasol. It might have been a safe pick, but it is one that comes with tangible NBA skills. The Grizzlies followed that up with the selection of Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll, who, if he truly is beyond his health concerns, can be a contributor with his aggressive interior play. Even Pitt forward Sam Young, who was taken at No. 36 after falling from his first-round projection, has a chance.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see Memphis draft picks.
Click here for more Grizzlies coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Oklahoma City Thunder (B)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Apparently, the Thunder are not going to allow anyone to get in the way of Russell Westbrook's opportunity at point guard. So Oklahoma City went somewhat off the draft script with the selection of Arizona State's James Harden at No. 3. Yes, the Thunder arguably got the draft's top pure shooting guard, but this hardly was a draft rich in twos. Harden certainly did not finish the season well, but is about as polished as it got in this draft at his position. The Thunder then addressed their inside concerns by trading for Ohio State freshman B.J. Mullens, the raw center who initially was taken by the Mavericks at No. 24. No, Mullens is not in any way ready.
Grade: B
Click here to see Seattle's draft picks.
Click here for more Sonics coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Lakers (D)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Uh, the Lakers don't care about draft grades or even draft picks. They have a championship and you don't. With enough youth already in place and with dollars limited in advance of the free agency of Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom, the Lakers sold off their No. 29 selection to the Knicks for $3 million. And the rich get richer. It's not as if Toney Douglas, the Knicks' choice at No. 29, was going to crack the Lakers' rotation.
Grade: D
Click here to see the L.A. Lakers' draft picks.
Click here for more Lakers coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","New Orleans Hornets (B\+)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
A team with limited finances and an even more limited bench got exactly what it needed in a ready-made prospect in UCLA senior point guard Darren Collison at No. 21. While the upside might be limited, Collison can get into the lane and create for himself and his teammates. It could wind up being a seamless transition when Chris Paul steps aside during games. A smart, win-now pick.
Grade: B-plus
Click here to see New Orleans' draft picks.
Click here for more Hornets coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Portland Trail Blazers (C)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The Blazers traded up to the No. 22 pick to select Spanish power forward Victor Claver, the second overseas prospect to be taken. Claver is expected to remain with his team in Valencia, which helps a team that already carries a loaded roster. Claver is long and athletic and runs the floor well. Like many European players, he moves well without the ball and sees the floor. Based on the Blazers' draft resume, there is little reason to doubt their overseas selections. Even No. 31 pick, Arizona State forward Jeff Pendergraph could contribute, as could No. 33 pick Dante Cunningham, the inside-scoring forward from Villanova.
Grade: C
Click here to see Portland's draft picks.
Click here for more Blazers coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Phoenix Suns (C)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
The draft proved secondary to the unloading of Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers, in little more than a fiscal move. Whether Amare Stoudemire is next or not, this is a team in a rebuilding mode, which made the selection of Louisville forward Earl Clark at No. 14 significant. Clark can shoot from range, rebound and defend. He just might prove to be a significant part of the start of a revival, especially if Stoudemire truly is on the way out.
Grade: C
Click here to see Phoenix's draft picks.
Click here for more Suns coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","San Antonio Spurs (A)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
This isn't about the Spurs' second-round picks, it is the way R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich maximized the possibilities during draft week. Instead of rebuilding, the Spurs reloaded with the gamble on Richard Jefferson's oversized contract. Considering the move came at the cost of the expiring contracts of Bruce Brown, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas, it's hard to find a downside. Duncan, Ginobili and Parker now have solid support at the three. In fact, the Spurs might have found an immediate replacement for Thomas with the selection at No. 37 of Pitt power forward DeJuan Blair, who fell sharply because of concerns about previous knee surgeries.
Grade: A
Click here to see San Antonio's draft picks.
Click here for more Spurs coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Utah Jazz (C)","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
Perhaps the Jazz's pick at No. 20 summed up this draft, making no pretense about selecting a backup at that stage, with the pick of Virginia Commonwealth point guard Eric Maynor. Like Jazz starting point guard Deron Williams, Maynor is particularly effective in the pick-and-roll game, as well as getting into the lane. As a true point guard, it is not as if Maynor sets up as a backcourt partner for Williams.
Grade: C
Click here to see Utah's draft picks.
Click here for more Jazz coverage.";
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i++] = new Array("","Sacramento Kings (A-)"," ","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_NBA_draft_reportcard2009[i-1].body = "
So much for the infatuation with Ricky Rubio. A team that needs a ready-made contributor seemingly got that with the selection of Memphis' Tyreke Evans at No. 4. On a roster lacking much in the way of star appeal or even athleticism, Evans could wind up providing both. A combo guard who could work well in tandem with Kevin Martin, Evans plays fast, plays athletically and plays strong. To their credit, the Kings did not give in to the Rubio hype. Instead, they got a tangible NBA-level rookie starter. They followed up with the smart pick at No. 23 of Israeli forward Omri Casspi, who, with the Kings' limited roster, could become the first player from his country to make the league. From there, they dealt the top pick in the second round to Portland for Sergio Rodriguez, who also will help at point guard.
Grade: A-minus
Click here to see Sacramento's draft picks.
Click here for more Kings coverage.";
// END editorial data