The NBA Draft has come and again, but how did your team fare?
An in-depth analysis of the top 10 prospects and the organisations they joined.
Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa, 6'9, Forward, BYU Freshman
Grade: A+
After over a decade of waiting, the Wizards finally have their new franchise player. Dybantsa is the best all-around player in the draft who possesses the athleticism that compliments his 6'9 frame in all the best ways.
He's the kind of three-level scorer you want as a first option and has the scoring volume to back it up after leading the nation in points with 25.5 per game. Point forward potential also beams out of him with his speed and ability to explode with the ball, especially with how his passing improved across this year.
Utah Jazz: Darryn Peterson, 6'5, Guard, Kansas Freshman
Grade: B+
Probably the pick with the highest ceiling and lowest floor in the draft, there is no doubt Darryn Peterson is a talented prospect, but is that talent worth the risk knowing the controversy that comes with the player?
Playstyle-wise, Peterson will fit nicely alongside point guard Keyonte George at the preferable 2 spot with a loaded Jazz frontcourt taking up the rest of the team. Peterson undoubtedly the best shot-creator in the draft, so having pass-first guards like George and Isaiah Collier will be beneficial to unlock his best features.
Memphis Grizzlies: Cameron Boozer, 6'8, Forward, Duke Freshman
Grade: A
Offering a frightening blend of basketball smarts and physical strength, Boozer is a tough matchup for any position on the floor. Being 253 pounds, he can score at ease in the post while still stretching the floor out with his 40% 3-point shooting on high volume.
The Grizzlies themselves are a great fit for the Blue Devil, with Zach Edey filling the centre spot so Boozer can be at his best defensively at the four and have a young core of Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells to build on.
Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson, 6'9, Forward, North Carolina Freshman
Grade: A+
The Bulls might have finally done it by not completely missing on their lottery draft pick like they have for most of the last several years. Wilson is easily the best defensive player in the draft and is the most gifted athlete at the same time.
Finishing through contact, gliding to the rim and chasing down shots, Wilson comes in as a prospect who brings a lot of heart to the game but still needs to develop a jump shot and ball handling to reach his offensive upside.
Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers)- Keaton Wagler, 6'5, Guard, Illinois Freshman
Grade: C+
It's a bit of an awkward fit with Darius Garland who still has two years on his contract, but the Clippers are obviously hoping that Wagler can play a combo guard role with his unselfish play.
Playmaking is Wagler's strength that combines with shooting ability to make him a great facilitator for his teammates. His game against Purdue where he dropped a 46-point, nine 3-pointers turned some heads, but his athleticism and defence still has major concerns.
Brooklyn Nets- Mikel Brown Jr., 6'4, Guard, Louisville Freshman
Grade: B
For the Nets it's yet another guard they are rolling the dice on after having drafted four the previous year but to be fair they did just acquire Julius Randle, so a forward isn't really needed. Regardless, Brown Jr. Is one of the best perimeter shooters in the draft and will transition seamlessly into an NBA-style offence. Attacking the paint, taking advantage of switches and physicality are some parts of his game he could improve though.
Sacramento Kings- Darius Acuff Jr., 6'2, Guard, Arkansas Freshman
Grade: A
Sacramento is usually terrible at drafting, with most of the time picking need over skill when all they need is skill, this year however is a lot different by selecting Acuff. The Arkansas Guard has some of the biggest upside offensively in the draft through drawing comparisons to the likes of Damian Lillard after a big March Madness showcase.
His defence is of course limited, but he makes up for it with his ability to also get his teammates involved on the offensive end while being dynamic with the ball in his hands.
Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) - Kingston Flemings, 6'3, Guard, Houston Freshman
Grade: A-
In a top-heavy guard draft, Flemings is probably the best all-around between all of them. He's a great playmaker, can attack the rim at force and commits defence. His speed is his biggest strength, allowing him to get pass the defence despite his small frame.
Though his jump shooting still needs improving for his position and his ability to finish through contact knowing the NBA's physicality. Atlanta has needed a floor general since Tre Young's departure, and Flemings may be the solution.
Dallas Mavericks- Morez Johnson, 6'9, Forward, Sophomore Michigan
Grade: A
Newly appointed Dallas coach Dusty May is reunited with one of his former Michigan players, and the fit looks to be seamless. Johnson is undersized for a centre but still ticks all the boxes in what you want from a big man in how he sets his screens to how he rim runs for the lob.
His offensive game is limited to the paint with a lack of a jump shot, but the defensive prowess is there to help compliment Cooper Flagg's game nicely.
Milwaukee Bucks – Brayden Burries, 6'4, Guard, Arizona Freshman
Grade: B+
The Post Giannis-Era kicks off with a pick for one of the more plug and play, NBA-ready players in the draft. His ceiling is low, but Burries is an all-around combo guard who can play on both ends of the floor and is a decent perimeter threat.
Burries does have some concerns regarding his efficiency, but his winning mentality and versatile scoring could be exactly what the Bucks need in their search for a new identity.
