Post by 2 years left on May 18, 2020 11:25:14 GMT -8
While a mock draft value does have value, nothing beats an old fashioned list you can make your own decisions based off of. Or you can just ignore it completely! When drafting any player I like to go off a tier system. Every team has different needs but I am not a fan of drafting for need in most situations. Drafting off need when the players are similar is a good idea of course! Anybody not mentioned here does not have a first round grade. How do the players in this class rank? Let us take a look shall we!
Will Yao be sentenced to another wasted career in Houston?
Tier 1: FRANCHISE PLAYER
Just draft him if he is there. If there are multiple you can't go wrong!
Yao Ming C 7'6'' 310 22 B C D+ C+ C+ A
It is no secret that the prize of this draft is Yao. Height is not everything, but the advantage he has there will allow him to be an even more efficient scorer compared to someone much shorter. His rebound is close to a jump and likely only a RC from B-. We can assume his jumping is likely low so do not worry about only B inside! He may never look like a franchise player but he should have all the right ratings under the hood to be one. Don't try to be cute, just pick the man!
Tier 2: POTENTIAL STAR
Draft for need if there is more than one left if you want.
Amar'e Stoudemire PF 6'10'' 245 20 B+ D+ D+ C C A
Some may question why I have Amar'e as a potential star. Low C defense, yikes! He should have some ability to block the shot though and his rebounding is close to C+. Obviously he will need a lot of improvement in both categories but we are talking about potential here. Do not trust the B+ inside scoring, he was a man who could jump quite high. Still, he can be a 20/10 guy who may even block two shots a game. I wish his outside was higher for a potential move to SF but I'm not sure he would be good enough there. Just draft him and pray for good gains.
Tier 3: GOOD STARTER
More flawed players so harder to say who is the best. Do what makes you happy.
Carlos Boozer PF 6'9'' 258 21 B C- D+ C B B
Hate this guy but I will try to be fair to him! Boozer intrigues me much like ZBo did last year as a potential SF. While his outside is middle of the pack when it comes to players with a C-, I doubt he has much if any 3pt shot. It should be ok. With the second highest inside and rebounding in this class he will provide value even without any ability to block the shot. Can you turn him into a A- C scorer at SF with A- rebound? That would be pretty nice! Not sure I see a future as a starter at PF or C though unless he can block the shot at all.
Caron Butler SF 6'7'' 228 22 B- C+ C+ C C A
Caron is destined for a move to SG. He is on the lower end of B- inside but is close to B- outside. Meh. I do like that he was usually careful with the ball so his handling should be solid. Not a good defender but he did have a few seasons around two steals per game so maybe he will be fine there stats wise at least. He needs some love and all his camps to become the third option he has the potential to be.
Dimitris Diamantidis SG 6'5'' 195 22 B- B C+ C C B
A late addition but a good one! I actually recognize his name from previous leagues. Here he enters as a SG with high B- inside and solid B outside. I question his athletic ability so he should be a solid volume scorer from the start. Not sure he will have much potential which limits his ceiling a bit but with camps and a decent TC he can reach third option caliber. Also like the solid rebounding for a guard.
Jay Williams PG 6'2'' 195 21 C+ C+ C+ C+ C- A
May be a stretch to call him a potential good starter but look at how Tony Parker did in TC! Jay is much more raw though. Low C+ C+ scoring is not great. There is not a bigger boom or bust player in this class. If you are scared off by his floor I do not blame you for picking someone safer that can be found below. I just do not love any of them and would prefer taking the chance that Jay BOOMS.
Who is this mystery man?
Tier 4: ROLE PLAYER
Starting to run out of options at this point. Need is probably the move here.
Nene Hilario C 6'11'' 250 20 B- C- D C+ C+ B
Now watch me whip. Now watch me Nene! Haha! Not a big fan of Nene as a player. Should be a solid bench scorer but not sure he can ever develop enough as a shot blocker and rebounder to be a starter. A good third big has value though and he may end up being one of the best in the league.
Chris Wilcox C 6'10'' 221 20 B- D+ C- C+ C+ B
Miss out on Nene? Well no need to worry, Chris Wilcox is your man! He is a better rebounder than Nene but likely worse at everything else. Not a big fan of him either but he has potential to be a good third big. All depends on just how low his shot blocking is.
Dan Gadzuric C 6'11'' 240 24 C+ D D B- B- C
I am not saying to draft this man in the lotto! But he enters with high B- defense and low B- rebound. With camps and a little bit of movement in TC he should have a long career as a backup big man. Not sure how high his shot blocking is but he should be able to block at least two in starter minutes. For a team closer to winning now he will be a solid value pick somewhere in the teens.
Luis Scola PF 6'9'' 240 22 B- B- D+ C C+ B
Yet another big man who will be best at SF! Scola is close to B B scoring already and with his likely lower jumping that is pretty nice! His rebounding is flawed but it is fine on the wing. Obviously he will provide you with nothing on defense but I see some value here as a great sixth man if his scoring develops enough.
Drew Gooden PF 6'10'' 250 21 B- C D C C+ B
Another big man worthy of a move to SF. Still not a big fan of him there but not sure he has any future as a big man. He can at least be a second or third string SF and SG in a balanced or inside offense. Has one of the higher B- inside in this class. Maybe more if you camp him! But probably not.
Udonis Haslem PF 6'8'' 235 22 C+ C C- B- B B
Udonis is an interesting prospect. If he has the ability to block at least one shot, I actually like him as a potential starter. Sadly, he averaged 0.3 bpg for his career so I have doubts his shot blocking can be saved. A big man with decent scoring ability and A- rebound is very useful as a third big though. Not a flashy player but he should have a long career.
Mike Dunleavy SF 6'9'' 230 22 C+ B C C+ C A
A scouted potential for Mike Dunleavy? Huh. Oh he was a Warrior. Still not sure he projects as a starter long-term. Will he ever have enough volume to be an option player? I feel safe betting on NO. Not a great stats defender but he is close to a jump there to B-. He can be a good third wing I'm sure and on the right team maybe he can slot in as a low teens scoring SG. Or maybe Spencer gave him 100 potential and he is the steal!
Tayshaun Prince SF 6'9'' 212 22 C B C- B+ C B
I expect Tayshaun to go higher in this draft than he probably should. He enters with B+ defense but barely averaged one combined steal and block per game during his career. His handling is likely very good, but he does not really provide anything special outside of that. I just do not like draft C inside wings who were never scorers in real life in the lotto. I would draft him there probably in this class but I am just not high on him. Should have a long career as a fifth starter or backup wing but nothing more.
John Salmons SF 6'7'' 210 23 B- B- C+ C C B
Salmons has some pretty scoring ratings. Sadly, they are both the lowest B- in this class. -2 inside and jump shot and he is C+ C+ scoring. Meh. He does have that extra +4 though and with camps he could end up being a very solid scorer. He will best at SG and should be moved there right away. Not sure he will ever be option caliber but he should provide value as a backup PG and SG if his handling is solid enough.
Arvydas Macijauskas SG 6'4'' 215 22 B- B C C D+ B
Another late addition to the draft, Arvydas slots in more as a good third wing than a third option caliber player. His B- B scoring is closer to C+ B- and the D+ rebounding is never a good thing. I still have him as the second best SG in this class but I am just not sure he is as close to Dimitris as he looks on paper.
Ronald Murray SG 6'4'' 190 23 B- C+ B- C D+ B
Another 23 year old combo guard! Flip is similar to Salmons but obviously is worse at boxing out. His B- inside is also on the low end but he is likely just RCs away from B- outside. I also struggle to see a path forward for him as a starter but he should also be a good third guard.
Milos Vujanic PG 6'3'' 187 22 C+ B+ C C D+ C
Not really sure who this guy is but he is at least tied for the highest outside rating in this class. He also has a strong C+ inside. Does not look like he has much potential but he is a PG who is entering with C+ B+ scoring and low passing. If I knew more about him I'd slot him in to the possible good starter category but he may be a trap pick. Will be interesting to see where he does go.
Look away from his eyes. Do not trust this man.
Tier 5: DECENT DEPTH
Just draft someone who looks like they might provide some bench minutes at some point. Or roll the dice on a teenager.
Nikoloz Tskitishvili PF 7'0'' 225 19 C+ C+ D+ C C A
If you draft him, move him to SF as soon as possible please. Thanks. Super raw player who will need some TC luck. Just do not see that happening as a big man.
Reggie Evans PF 6'8'' 245 22 C+ D+ D C B+ B
Boxing out is good. Unfortunately, Reggie can not do anything else. Should stick around as a fourth or fifth big but nothing more than that unless his shot blocking is much higher than I expect it to be.
Qyntel Woods SF 6'8'' 221 21 C+ C+ C- C+ C A
He has A scouted potential. His C+ inside and defense are close to jumps. If he can pull them off, he should have a solid career as a leftover FA. Maybe even a MLE or LLE player if his outside develops.
Matt Barnes SF 6'7'' 226 22 C+ C+ C- B C B
Need to include the Warrior boost here for sure. Highest C+ outside in this class. Will he ever have enough volume to be a starter? I doubt it. But with potential Spencer love he is likely the best scrub wing to take a chance on here.
Dajuan Wagner SG 6'2'' 200 19 C C+ C+ C D+ A
Sad that he is trapped at PG. A jump to B handling for the PG move is possible but I'm not sure his handling would survive it to be worth it. As is, he is just a 19 year old you take a chance on and hope they blow up in TC. You'll know pretty soon if he is worth camping or not.
Devin Brown SG 6'5'' 220 24 C B C B- C B
Should be a good player for future trade frenzies. He is old and has C inside. Never was good in real life. What else needs to be said?
Kareem Rush SG 6'6'' 215 22 C B+ D+ C D+ B
Not really sure what to think of Kareem. With the right TC he could end up being a solid combo guard off the bench and move up a tier. Just depends on where his volume is. I have doubts so I am leaving him here for now.
Jiri Welsch SG 6'7'' 208 22 C B C+ C D+ B
I remember when the Cavs traded for him. Some dark days indeed. Another guy who has a chance at a long career as a combo guard off the bench. More likely he is just a leftover FA.
Juan Carlos Navarro SG 6'3'' 170 22 C+ B C C- D C
Wish he was listed at PG. With that D rebound and C scouted I do not have high hopes for him. The C+ B scoring makes him worth a look though! Should be a solid backup PG.
Tier 1: FRANCHISE PLAYER
Just draft him if he is there. If there are multiple you can't go wrong!
Yao Ming C 7'6'' 310 22 B C D+ C+ C+ A
It is no secret that the prize of this draft is Yao. Height is not everything, but the advantage he has there will allow him to be an even more efficient scorer compared to someone much shorter. His rebound is close to a jump and likely only a RC from B-. We can assume his jumping is likely low so do not worry about only B inside! He may never look like a franchise player but he should have all the right ratings under the hood to be one. Don't try to be cute, just pick the man!
Tier 2: POTENTIAL STAR
Draft for need if there is more than one left if you want.
Amar'e Stoudemire PF 6'10'' 245 20 B+ D+ D+ C C A
Some may question why I have Amar'e as a potential star. Low C defense, yikes! He should have some ability to block the shot though and his rebounding is close to C+. Obviously he will need a lot of improvement in both categories but we are talking about potential here. Do not trust the B+ inside scoring, he was a man who could jump quite high. Still, he can be a 20/10 guy who may even block two shots a game. I wish his outside was higher for a potential move to SF but I'm not sure he would be good enough there. Just draft him and pray for good gains.
Tier 3: GOOD STARTER
More flawed players so harder to say who is the best. Do what makes you happy.
Carlos Boozer PF 6'9'' 258 21 B C- D+ C B B
Hate this guy but I will try to be fair to him! Boozer intrigues me much like ZBo did last year as a potential SF. While his outside is middle of the pack when it comes to players with a C-, I doubt he has much if any 3pt shot. It should be ok. With the second highest inside and rebounding in this class he will provide value even without any ability to block the shot. Can you turn him into a A- C scorer at SF with A- rebound? That would be pretty nice! Not sure I see a future as a starter at PF or C though unless he can block the shot at all.
Caron Butler SF 6'7'' 228 22 B- C+ C+ C C A
Caron is destined for a move to SG. He is on the lower end of B- inside but is close to B- outside. Meh. I do like that he was usually careful with the ball so his handling should be solid. Not a good defender but he did have a few seasons around two steals per game so maybe he will be fine there stats wise at least. He needs some love and all his camps to become the third option he has the potential to be.
Dimitris Diamantidis SG 6'5'' 195 22 B- B C+ C C B
A late addition but a good one! I actually recognize his name from previous leagues. Here he enters as a SG with high B- inside and solid B outside. I question his athletic ability so he should be a solid volume scorer from the start. Not sure he will have much potential which limits his ceiling a bit but with camps and a decent TC he can reach third option caliber. Also like the solid rebounding for a guard.
Jay Williams PG 6'2'' 195 21 C+ C+ C+ C+ C- A
May be a stretch to call him a potential good starter but look at how Tony Parker did in TC! Jay is much more raw though. Low C+ C+ scoring is not great. There is not a bigger boom or bust player in this class. If you are scared off by his floor I do not blame you for picking someone safer that can be found below. I just do not love any of them and would prefer taking the chance that Jay BOOMS.
Who is this mystery man?
Tier 4: ROLE PLAYER
Starting to run out of options at this point. Need is probably the move here.
Nene Hilario C 6'11'' 250 20 B- C- D C+ C+ B
Now watch me whip. Now watch me Nene! Haha! Not a big fan of Nene as a player. Should be a solid bench scorer but not sure he can ever develop enough as a shot blocker and rebounder to be a starter. A good third big has value though and he may end up being one of the best in the league.
Chris Wilcox C 6'10'' 221 20 B- D+ C- C+ C+ B
Miss out on Nene? Well no need to worry, Chris Wilcox is your man! He is a better rebounder than Nene but likely worse at everything else. Not a big fan of him either but he has potential to be a good third big. All depends on just how low his shot blocking is.
Dan Gadzuric C 6'11'' 240 24 C+ D D B- B- C
I am not saying to draft this man in the lotto! But he enters with high B- defense and low B- rebound. With camps and a little bit of movement in TC he should have a long career as a backup big man. Not sure how high his shot blocking is but he should be able to block at least two in starter minutes. For a team closer to winning now he will be a solid value pick somewhere in the teens.
Luis Scola PF 6'9'' 240 22 B- B- D+ C C+ B
Yet another big man who will be best at SF! Scola is close to B B scoring already and with his likely lower jumping that is pretty nice! His rebounding is flawed but it is fine on the wing. Obviously he will provide you with nothing on defense but I see some value here as a great sixth man if his scoring develops enough.
Drew Gooden PF 6'10'' 250 21 B- C D C C+ B
Another big man worthy of a move to SF. Still not a big fan of him there but not sure he has any future as a big man. He can at least be a second or third string SF and SG in a balanced or inside offense. Has one of the higher B- inside in this class. Maybe more if you camp him! But probably not.
Udonis Haslem PF 6'8'' 235 22 C+ C C- B- B B
Udonis is an interesting prospect. If he has the ability to block at least one shot, I actually like him as a potential starter. Sadly, he averaged 0.3 bpg for his career so I have doubts his shot blocking can be saved. A big man with decent scoring ability and A- rebound is very useful as a third big though. Not a flashy player but he should have a long career.
Mike Dunleavy SF 6'9'' 230 22 C+ B C C+ C A
A scouted potential for Mike Dunleavy? Huh. Oh he was a Warrior. Still not sure he projects as a starter long-term. Will he ever have enough volume to be an option player? I feel safe betting on NO. Not a great stats defender but he is close to a jump there to B-. He can be a good third wing I'm sure and on the right team maybe he can slot in as a low teens scoring SG. Or maybe Spencer gave him 100 potential and he is the steal!
Tayshaun Prince SF 6'9'' 212 22 C B C- B+ C B
I expect Tayshaun to go higher in this draft than he probably should. He enters with B+ defense but barely averaged one combined steal and block per game during his career. His handling is likely very good, but he does not really provide anything special outside of that. I just do not like draft C inside wings who were never scorers in real life in the lotto. I would draft him there probably in this class but I am just not high on him. Should have a long career as a fifth starter or backup wing but nothing more.
John Salmons SF 6'7'' 210 23 B- B- C+ C C B
Salmons has some pretty scoring ratings. Sadly, they are both the lowest B- in this class. -2 inside and jump shot and he is C+ C+ scoring. Meh. He does have that extra +4 though and with camps he could end up being a very solid scorer. He will best at SG and should be moved there right away. Not sure he will ever be option caliber but he should provide value as a backup PG and SG if his handling is solid enough.
Arvydas Macijauskas SG 6'4'' 215 22 B- B C C D+ B
Another late addition to the draft, Arvydas slots in more as a good third wing than a third option caliber player. His B- B scoring is closer to C+ B- and the D+ rebounding is never a good thing. I still have him as the second best SG in this class but I am just not sure he is as close to Dimitris as he looks on paper.
Ronald Murray SG 6'4'' 190 23 B- C+ B- C D+ B
Another 23 year old combo guard! Flip is similar to Salmons but obviously is worse at boxing out. His B- inside is also on the low end but he is likely just RCs away from B- outside. I also struggle to see a path forward for him as a starter but he should also be a good third guard.
Milos Vujanic PG 6'3'' 187 22 C+ B+ C C D+ C
Not really sure who this guy is but he is at least tied for the highest outside rating in this class. He also has a strong C+ inside. Does not look like he has much potential but he is a PG who is entering with C+ B+ scoring and low passing. If I knew more about him I'd slot him in to the possible good starter category but he may be a trap pick. Will be interesting to see where he does go.
Look away from his eyes. Do not trust this man.
Tier 5: DECENT DEPTH
Just draft someone who looks like they might provide some bench minutes at some point. Or roll the dice on a teenager.
Nikoloz Tskitishvili PF 7'0'' 225 19 C+ C+ D+ C C A
If you draft him, move him to SF as soon as possible please. Thanks. Super raw player who will need some TC luck. Just do not see that happening as a big man.
Reggie Evans PF 6'8'' 245 22 C+ D+ D C B+ B
Boxing out is good. Unfortunately, Reggie can not do anything else. Should stick around as a fourth or fifth big but nothing more than that unless his shot blocking is much higher than I expect it to be.
Qyntel Woods SF 6'8'' 221 21 C+ C+ C- C+ C A
He has A scouted potential. His C+ inside and defense are close to jumps. If he can pull them off, he should have a solid career as a leftover FA. Maybe even a MLE or LLE player if his outside develops.
Matt Barnes SF 6'7'' 226 22 C+ C+ C- B C B
Need to include the Warrior boost here for sure. Highest C+ outside in this class. Will he ever have enough volume to be a starter? I doubt it. But with potential Spencer love he is likely the best scrub wing to take a chance on here.
Dajuan Wagner SG 6'2'' 200 19 C C+ C+ C D+ A
Sad that he is trapped at PG. A jump to B handling for the PG move is possible but I'm not sure his handling would survive it to be worth it. As is, he is just a 19 year old you take a chance on and hope they blow up in TC. You'll know pretty soon if he is worth camping or not.
Devin Brown SG 6'5'' 220 24 C B C B- C B
Should be a good player for future trade frenzies. He is old and has C inside. Never was good in real life. What else needs to be said?
Kareem Rush SG 6'6'' 215 22 C B+ D+ C D+ B
Not really sure what to think of Kareem. With the right TC he could end up being a solid combo guard off the bench and move up a tier. Just depends on where his volume is. I have doubts so I am leaving him here for now.
Jiri Welsch SG 6'7'' 208 22 C B C+ C D+ B
I remember when the Cavs traded for him. Some dark days indeed. Another guy who has a chance at a long career as a combo guard off the bench. More likely he is just a leftover FA.
Juan Carlos Navarro SG 6'3'' 170 22 C+ B C C- D C
Wish he was listed at PG. With that D rebound and C scouted I do not have high hopes for him. The C+ B scoring makes him worth a look though! Should be a solid backup PG.
