2013 NBA Draft: Grading All 30 Teams Performance
By Matt Shetler
Portland Trail Blazers: No. 10: C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh; No. 31 (acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers): Allen Crabbe, SG, California; No. 39: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas; No. 45: Marko Todorovic, C, Serbia
Jun 27, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; C.J. McCollum (Lehigh) shakes hands with NBA commissioner David Stern after being selected as the number eleven overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2013 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
The Blazers had the worst bench in the NBA last season and they just got a whole lot deeper. A Damian Lillard-McCollum backcourt could be lethal in the future. I questioned the Crabbe pick initially after already selecting McCollum but the Blazers need scoring off the bench so he helps.
Withey will be a solid rotation player and Todorovich is a project who could be good down the road. Draft Grade: A
Sacramento Kings: No. 7: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas; No. 37: Ray McCallum, PG, Detroit
Somehow the Kings, who don’t have the best draft record, end up with what could be the best player in the draft by nabbing McLemore at No. 7. McCallum is a solid point guard who could have an impact quicker than anyone thinks. Draft Grade: A
San Antonio Spurs: No. 28: Livio Jean-Charles, SF/PF, France; No. 58: Deshaun Thomas, SF, Ohio State
The Spurs have a track record of finding international gems and they may have found one in Jean-Charles, although he likely won’t see the NBA this season. He isn’t very athletic but can play the 3 or the 4 and can score, evident by his 27-point performance in the Nike Hoop Summit.
Thomas is also a great scorer who slipped because he is a lousy defender. That won’t fly under Gregg Popovich. The Spurs draft has a few what-if’s attached to it but has a chance to pan out. Draft Grade: C+
Toronto Raptors: Did not have a draft pick
Utah Jazz: No. 8 (acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves): Trey Burke, PG, Michigan; No. 27 (acquired from the Denver Nuggets): Rudy Gobert, C, France
The Jazz needed a point guard and came away with the best one on the board in Burke. In addition they add frontcourt depth in Gobert who is long and athletic. A very good night for the Jazz. Draft Grade: A
Washington Wizards: No. 3: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown; No. 35 (acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers): Glen Rice Jr., SG/SF, Rio Grande Valley
Along with the Sixers, the Wizards come away with the best draft of any team. I like Porter as much as any player in the draft and he is the perfect fit in Washington playing alongside John Wall and Bradley Beal. He was the most well-rounded player in the draft and a likely early candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Rice was also a great pick. His athleticism and shooting ability make him a potential spark plug off the bench. Draft Grade: A+