Media Draft Grades

[Sothron]

11 minutes ago, kg01 said:

Yeah I give him a hard time but he's still my dude.  Don't tell 'im I said that.

I'm still trying not to look too much at that Katy Perry gif. It's all love here broseph.

[pimp]

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/06/nba-draft-2019-winners-losers

 

Winners

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks already had a pretty great young core to build around with Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter, one of the steals of last year’s draft. Then they traded up with the Pelicans to take De’Andre Hunter, who could be a force on both ends of the court. They also took arguably the best player available at No. 10 with Duke’s Cam Reddish.

Yes, they spent this offseason taking on bad contracts in Solomon Hill and Allen Crabbe, but those both expire after next season, right when this team could take its next step. That’s how you do a full rebuild.

 

[kg01]

8 minutes ago, Sothron said:

I'm still trying not to look too much at that Katy Perry gif. It's all love here broseph.

Why's that, soth?

[pimp]

https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/21/nba-draft-2019-winners-losers-zion-williamson-pelicans-ja-morant-grizzlies-rj-barrett-knicks

WINNERS
 

Hawks: The Hawks loved De'Andre Hunter as a three-and-D wing and they got him at four after a deal with the Pelicans. Considering the wealth of young talent Atlanta already has, the cost to jump from No. 8 to No. 4 was low—the 35th pick, the 17th pick, absorbing Solomon Hill's contract, and a heavily protected 2020 first—and in Hunter, Atlanta gets a rookie with one of the highest floors of anyone in the draft. Then, as a bonus, the Hawks grabbed Cam Reddish at No. 10. Reddish had a really disappointing year at Duke, but he's got prototypical size and athleticism for a wing, and he was one of the stars of this draft class in high school. 

 

[pimp]

 

the Sporting news gave the Hunter pick a D
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-draft-tracker-2019-results-grades-pick-analysis-rounds-1-2/1s9kt8vxti6ov1f7n6orhyrmqo

4. Lakers - De'Andre Hunter, Forward, Virginia (proposed trade to the Hawks)

Hunter may have worn a Lakers hat when he shook Adam Silver's hand on stage, but he won't play for them next season, as this pick is part of the agreed upon trade sending Anthony Davis to Los Angeles. Hunter won't end up in a Pelicans jersey either, though.

New Orleans dealt this pick along with No. 57, Solomon Hill and a future second-rounder to the Hawks in exchange for No. 8, No. 17, No. 35 and a protected first-rounder belonging to the Cavaliers next year that will likely become a pair of second-rounders.

On face, Hunter's skill set is a terrific fit for what Travis Schlenk is building in Atlanta. He's a non-ball dominant wing who can create in advantage situations and knock down outside shots. The release is certainly a bit slow and will need to speed up for him to be a true 3-and-D threat, but the base is there. On the other end, Hunter is one of the best on-ball defenders in the class. He uses his strength to body up opposing offensive players and can guard multiple positions. Hunter isn't one to gamble, and he doesn't create the number of events most great defenders do, but he should still be a huge plus as a stopper.

The problem with Hunter - and ultimately the issue with this trade for Atlanta - is that he's not a high-upside play. He's already 21 years old, he hasn't flashed much to suggest he'll be more than a tertiary offensive player and he's not a passer. In short, he's not the Kawhi Leonard comparison he often gets. Hunter is fine, but the Hawks gave up a ton in this transaction.

Atlanta is sacrificing two first-rounders in a draft that, while not great at the top, does have some depth to it. Given how hard it is to find a star, there's value in having more bites at the apple. The Hawks also gave up a high second-round pick - a historically useful selection for occasionally finding a steal. While Hunter is a nice fit in Atlanta, factoring in everything else, it's hard to view this move as a success.

 

10. Hawks - Cam Reddish, Forward, Duke After selecting De'Andre Hunter at No. 4, Atlanta snags another combo forward at No. 10. There was a time when Reddish was thought of as the most talented player in this class, but a tough year at Duke behind RJ Barrett and Zion Williamson saw his draft stock slide. In the late lottery, taking a shot on Reddish is well justified. He probably has one of the highest upsides of players remaining on the board. In his ideal form, Reddish operates as a bit of a point forward using his size to create offense for himself and his teammates. He's flashed the occasional pull-up jumper and should shoot it well off the catch in the NBA. His defense is also a positive. Reddish impressed on that end as a Blue Devil and should be able to guard multiple positions in the NBA. The likelihood he finds his way to his best outcome, though, is low. Basically no NBA stars shot worse than 40.0 percent on 2-pointers in college regardless of shot selection. Reddish's struggles inside the arc are reflective of his overrated athleticism. He shot just 50.0 percent at the rim in non-transition situations, per Hoop-Math. He's 6-9. The good news for Atlanta is Reddish's middling outcome should still be a useful player assuming the jump shot progresses to the point many think it can. Don't be surprised if he turns into the type of 3-and-D player NBA teams need. Grade: B

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/06/21/nba-draft-winners-pelicans-hawks-losers-trade-rules-warriors/?utm_term=.fd22a5385963
Winners: Atlanta Hawks

There’s a healthy debate to be had over whether the Hawks traded up for the right target. They used the fourth pick, acquired from the Pelicans, to draft Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter and then selected Duke’s Cam Reddish at No. 10. While there were other players with higher ceilings than Hunter available at four, Hunter’s 3-and-D game makes him an ideal fit with Trae Young and John Collins. His job will be simple: Balance the floor and stick the open three.

Even better: Atlanta added two wings that operate in separate lanes: If Hunter is the defensive stopper, Reddish could become a high-level complementary scorer. As they grow, Hunter and Reddish should be able to play together and their games shouldn’t overlap in negative ways.

 

[AHF]

Quote

4. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans): De'Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

In a draft like this, it makes sense that the Hawks would consolidate their assets and move up for the player they covet most. While in most drafts, Hunter wouldn’t be a top-five talent, it’s understandable why the Hawks chose to prioritize him. Atlanta felt it had to get ahead of the Cavs at No. 5 to grab Hunter, and while it came at a high price, Hunter should fit nicely with the pieces in place. He’ll provide defensive cover immediately, should be a feasible threat from beyond the three-point line and doesn’t need to be a star to return value here. The hope is that Hunter becomes a strong complementary piece for Trae Young, and it’s a reasonable decision by Atlanta. Grade: B

 

10. Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks): Cam Reddish, G, Duke

At this point in the draft, Reddish is a worthwhile gamble for Atlanta, which was thought to be targeting him with one of its two picks at Nos. 8 and 10, and ultimately get its man. Reddish has as much potential as anyone in this range of the draft, and while there’s certainly a varying degree of confidence in whether he ever gets there, the middle ground could still be a strong fit for Atlanta. The Hawks walk away with Hunter and Reddish in the Top 10, giving them even more young talent that fits nicely around Trae Young. This is a risk, but it’s entirely defensible. Grade: B+

https://www.si.com/nba/2019/06/20/nba-draft-grades-picks-tracker-zion-williamson-ja-morant-rj-barrett

[pimp]

https://deadspin.com/all-nba-draft-grades-are-useless-here-are-my-nba-draft-1835723871

ATLANTA Grade: A+. General manager Travis Schlenk is already a proven risk-taker and hyperactive dealmaker, and we love guys like that … for a while. He moved picks all over the place, trying to reduce and then add to inventory, drafted well for all his needs and even did his former employers in Oakl—er, San Francisco a solid by selling them a second-rounder for money and a second-round pick in 2061. The Hawks are young, intrepid and are an interesting though still plenty flawed, as in lovably weird, team. They need to be rewarded.

[Spud2nique]

41 minutes ago, kg01 said:

Yeah I give him a hard time but he's still my dude.  Don't tell 'im I said that.

No doubt.

[Atlantaholic]

3 hours ago, AHF said:

He sucked last year.  Badly.  If that is who you think he is, then taking him at 10 is a legit mistake.  I personally couldn’t get there given age, pedigree and injury.  It is just a clear declaration that the person grading believes the low floor he showed last year is what will pan out for him.  Unlike Hunter who looks inevitable to be a contributor, Reddish’s range of outcomes includes total failure.

The degree to which Cam Reddish struggled last year can't be overstated... based on production alone he wouldn't even have been in consideration for a second round pick, let alone a top 10 pick. Still, you look at the guy and it's like he was crafted in an NBA All - Star production line. The potential is absolutely there 100%, and by all accounts, his struggles were not attitude related and he was a good teammate. Maybe he doesn't have the mental make-up to be an alpha dog on the court, but with his tools, his willingness to be coached, and the situation he is walking into... I like the chances the kid becomes a legit player in this league. 

[kg01]

8 minutes ago, pimp said:

https://deadspin.com/all-nba-draft-grades-are-useless-here-are-my-nba-draft-1835723871

ATLANTA Grade: A+. General manager Travis Schlenk is already a proven risk-taker and hyperactive dealmaker, and we love guys like that … for a while. He moved picks all over the place, trying to reduce and then add to inventory, drafted well for all his needs and even did his former employers in Oakl—er, San Francisco a solid by selling them a second-rounder for money and a second-round pick in 2061. The Hawks are young, intrepid and are an interesting though still plenty flawed, as in lovably weird, team. They need to be rewarded.

Haha, this is so appropriate:

Quote

PHOENIX Grade: Phoenix. Most people hated them trading down to get Cam Johnson with only Dario Saric as the sweetener. But how else do you get to be the Suns?

Grade? "Phoenix".  Haha.

Is there any doubt that James Jones is over his head in that position?

[AHF]

Quote

No. 4: De'Andre Hunter to Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)

4 OF 60

 

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

The Atlanta Hawks climbed the ladder just ahead of the draft, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting they acquired pick Nos. 4 and 57, along with Solomon Hill and a future second-rounder from New Orleans, for Nos. 8, 17 and 35.

De'Andre Hunter was apparently the apple of Atlanta's eye, and the 21-year-old should nestle into an early rotation spot. While his upside appears limited by a lack of shot-creating skills, he counteracts that with opening-night readiness.

His calling card is defense, as presumed lottery pick Jarrett Culver can attest. The two matched wits in April's national championship, and Hunter pestered Culver into a woeful 5-of-22 shooting night.

Save for elite athleticism, Hunter has everything the Hawks would want in a defensive stopper. He checks all the necessary speed, size, length and strength boxes to guard at least three positions out of the gate, and he may be able to capably switch onto all five. He's also an instinctual off-ball defender who will rarely miss his rotation.

Offense is more of a mixed bag. His career 41.9 three-point percentage hints at significant three-and-D upside, but it's worth noting his outside game lacked volume (0.9 makes per contest). His spot-up shooting needs to hold up because he doesn't have the off-the-dribble verve to create his own offense.

Hunter's seemingly low ceiling makes this appear a bit of a reach, although with Trae Young, John Collins and Kevin Huerter on the roster, Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk may have deduced his roster needed more of a sure thing than a risk-reward prospect.

Grade: B

 

Quote

No. 10: Cam Reddish to Atlanta Hawks (via Mavericks)

10 OF 60

 

Sean Rayford/Associated Press

The Hawks continued fleshing out their wings by spending the No. 10 pick on Duke's Cam Reddish. He's a projectable three-and-D swingman with more playmaking and scoring potential than that designation usually infers.

However, he never quite caught on with the Blue Devils, dropping back from third star to third wheel over the season. Playing off the ball on a poorly spaced offense surely didn't help his comfort level, but only so much of an anemic 35.6/33.3/77.2 shooting slash can be overlooked.

His appeal might start and stop with the eye test, which he aces with ease. He's a fluid athlete with enticing size for the wing (6'8" with a 7'0½" wingspan) and ball skills that enhance the impact of his build.

While some might see the next Nicolas Batum, others could see Paul George 2.0. Either way, he's someone with an enviable blend of length, athleticism, playmaking, perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.

Even if he's still a project, that's not a bad foundation for a 19-year-old to build upon. Besides, it's not like Atlanta's stable of young, potential-rich prospects should be in a rush.

Grade: B+

Quote

No. 34: Bruno Fernando to Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)

34 OF 60

 

Sarah Stier/Getty Images

After fortifying the wing spots with Hunter and Reddish, the Hawks turned their attention to the center spot with Bruno Fernando. The 34th pick belonged to Philly, but Atlanta acquired it for the 57th pick and two future seconds, per Charania.

Fernando's collection of physical tools runneth over, and his sophomore season saw subtle but important growth on the offensive end. Even if rim-running is his NBA calling, he'll benefit from progressing as a passer (2.0 assists, up from 0.7) and rebounder (10.6, 6.5).

His energy gives off Montrezl Harrell-type vibes, though Fernando's lack of polish could limit his early exposure. His defensive awareness, ball control and ability to generate offense are all raw enough that they could keep him tethered to the bench or sent to the G League.

His offense will only make Atlanta harder to handle, but his defense must catch up before he can comfortably slot alongside John Collins.

Grade: C+

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2841918-2019-nba-draft-live-grades-for-every-pick#slide4

[AHF]

Quote

4. Atlanta: De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia: The Hawks targeted Hunter and traded up with New Orleans to get him. Many of the experts love Hunter, but athleticism, shooting and consistency concerns nudge him toward the bottom of my top 10. Grade: C+

10. Atlanta: Cam Reddish, F, Duke: Reddish was a huge disappointment at Duke but still projects as a knockdown shooter with immense potential to live up to his original top-5 pick profile. Grade: A

 

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2019/06/20/2019-nba-draft-grades-zion-ja-get-high-grades-who-failed-1st-round/1509526001/

[AHF]

Quote

4. Atlanta Hawks - De’Andre Hunter, F, Virginia

Grade: C-

Hunter is a solid fit for the Hawks in a vacuum, but giving up picks No. 8, No. 17, No. 35, and a protected 2020 first-rounder to move up four spots is a ton to surrender. This pick gets graded on a curve for that reason.

Hunter is a big, strong defender who excels at the point of attack and can hit an open three on offense. In that regard, he complements Atlanta’s young core of Trae Young, Kevin Huerter, and John Collins well. The problem is that he doesn’t have the raw upside to provide value for this draft slot when it costs this much to get him.

Hunter struggles to create off the dribble. His shot is accurate, but it takes him so long to get it off that he won’t have as much gravity against faster NBA closeouts. While his defensive reputation is excellent, he didn’t force many blocks and steals at Virginia. He’s also one of the oldest prospects in the lottery at 21 years old.

This is certainly a bold move for the Hawks, but they still have another opportunity to add a quality player at No. 10.

10. Atlanta Hawks - Cam Reddish, F, Duke

Grade: B

Reddish was No. 1 overall on our early draft board one year ago to the day. His stock plummeted at Duke while playing alongside Williamson and Barrett. Reddish finished with the lowest effective field goal percentage of any projected first rounder, showing a total inability to score efficiently inside the arc and leading to concerns that he lacks high-level athleticism and feel for the game.

At the same time, getting a long 6’8 wing who can shoot and disrupt sets defensively with his 7’1 wingspan is a good value with the No. 10 pick. Reddish will never deliver on the Paul George comparisons he was getting in high school, but he can still have a long career. Pairing him with De’Andre Hunter gives the Hawks a lot of versatility and length around Trae Young.

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2019/6/20/18693450/nba-draft-grades-2019-first-round-zion-williamson-trades-pelicans-ja-morant

[AHF]

Quote

4. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans, via L.A. Lakers): De’Andre Hunter, Virginia (Grade: C+)
The Hawks went up to get their guy in Hunter and there is something to be said for that. He profiles as a (very) safe choice, with high-end on-ball defense and the ability to space the floor effectively on the offensive end. He doesn’t bring the traditional star power than one would associate with the No. 4 pick, particularly in a trade-up scenario, but Hunter does fit quite well alongside Atlanta’s current piece. The Hawks are docked slightly for what was an overpay in the trade and, on my own board, Jarrett Culver is ahead of Hunter, but Atlanta filled a need with a player they clearly prioritized.

10. Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas): Cam Reddish, Duke (Grade: B)
The Hawks have been linked to Reddish for months and, while much of that attention came through the lens of the No. 8 pick, Atlanta gets one of “their guys” at No. 10 overall. Reddish really struggled at Duke, with some of the worst finishing numbers you’ll ever see for a lottery pick, but he brings real two-way talent and impressive athletic pedigree. There is risk involved here, but Reddish at No. 10 is a good value and he’ll pair nicely with No. 4 pick De’Andre Hunter.

https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-draft-2019-tracker-live-grades-picks-trades-details/

[AHF]

Quote

No. 4 - Atlanta (via New Orleans via Los Angeles Lakers): De’Andre Hunter

Small forward, Virginia

Grade: D

I think DeAndre Hunter will be a good, not great NBA player. So to give up No. 8, No. 17, No. 35, and to take on the contract of Solomon Hill seems like an excessive price for Atlanta to pay, in my opinion.

No. 10 - Atlanta: Cam Reddish

Small forward, Duke

Grade: C+

Cam Reddish was such a highly-recruited prospect, but was such a bust: he shot only 35 percent from the field. He couldn’t score efficiently inside or out. Maybe he’ll figure it out in the NBA, but I’m pessimistic.

https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2019/06/20/andy-larsens-first-round/

[pimp]

4 minutes ago, kg01 said:

Haha, this is so appropriate:

Grade? "Phoenix".  Haha.

Is there any doubt that James Jones is over his head in that position?

This is what I imagined what  it was like in the Suns war-room last night

[lethalweapon3]

The excellence of this Hawksdraft looks all the more astounding, when compared with the Draft Nights (and fan and media reviews) of our Southeast Division brethren. Yikes!

~lw3

[Spud2nique]

Just now, lethalweapon3 said:

The excellence of this Hawksdraft looks all the more astounding, when compared with the Draft Nights (and fan and media reviews) of our Southeast Division brethren. Yikes!

~lw3

Agreed. Wiz..Hornets..Heat oh man.

Lw3,’I know you love the south though and the Grizz really did well imo. 

Ja+Clarke (my 3rd fav prospect) A+ draft.

[AHF]

1 minute ago, Spud2nique said:

Agreed. Wiz..Hornets..Heat oh man.

Lw3,’I know you love the south though and the Grizz really did well imo. 

Ja+Clarke (my 3rd fav prospect) A+ draft.

Memphis has been doing great for sure since last offseason started for sure.

[Spud2nique]

1 minute ago, AHF said:

Memphis has been doing great for sure since last offseason started for sure.

Ja/JJJ/Clarke

Indeed. They are a few pieces away. Would be fun to meet them in the 2022 finals!  

Battle of the South! ATL vs Memphis

https://mobile.twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1141854812008591366?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-4241847469607895722.ampproject.net%2F1906111828200%2Fframe.html