Post by rv12 on Oct 20, 2010 15:30:22 GMT -5
Well, here we are, three seasons following one of the most anticipated drafts in TMBSL history. With the big three of Lebron, Bosh, and Wade came a ton of expectations and it's safe to say that this draft class definitely produced. Wade and James are arguably two of the top 5 players in the league and there are a number of other future All-Star selections in this draft. These are just my personal opinions and if you disagree, I'd love to hear it and be able to discuss it. Thanks for taking the time to look and if I gave you a disappointing grade, its not because I don't like you (unless you are Bankz of course).
Full credit goes to Jayrish for his awesome icons
1. Lebron James
Original Ratings: B B- B- B- C+ A
Current Ratings: A- A- A- A- B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
36.9 24.8 6.8 4.4 1.4 0.6 2.2 0.473
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All- Rookie Team, 1x All-Star, 1x All-League Third Team
Grade: A+
I don’t think there is any question about this grade. Lebron has turned into an absolute monster and seems primed to take over the league. It’s only a matter of time before King James brings his first MVP to New York and it is not farfetched to think that he could also be bringing an NBA title with it. He’s currently leading the league in scoring with 34.2 points per game at only 21 years of age. Crazy to think that the worst part of this guys game is rebounding and this year he is averaging 8 a game. While he may not have the accolades of Wade right now, I have a strong feeling he’ll pass him in the future on personal awards. We better get ready because Lebron is going to be on top for quite a while. Even with all of this, he’s still the second best player in the draft…but we’ll get to that.
2. Chris Bosh
Original Ratings: B C+ C B- C+ A
Current Ratings: A- B- C A- A- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
32.1 17.1 9.5 2.4 0.8 1.3 2.1 0.440
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
While he has not put up the same type of numbers as Lebron during his first three years in the league, Bosh has something that Lebron doesn’t…a championship. Bosh teamed up with Jermaine O’Neal to form the most formidable frontcourt in the West and the Kings rode them to the title in his second year in the league. Now with the Kings deciding to change their entire team, it is time to see if Bosh can carry on their winning ways himself. He has certainly performed thus far as the man in Sacramento, averaging 26.8 and 11.8. If he hits the open market, Bosh will be a very coveted man. We’ll see what the Kings decide to do as they already have two max guys on the roster and Bosh will be a guaranteed max.
3. Dwayne Wade
Original Ratings: B- B- B- C+ C A
Current Ratings: A- B+ A- A- C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
37.9 25.9 6.5 9.6 1.9 0.4 2.1 0.484
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, Rookie Game MVP, All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, 3x All-Star, 2x Playoff MVP, 2x All-Defensive Team, 2x All-League First Team, 2x MVP
Grade: A++
Is it possible that the number 3 pick can be considered the steal of the draft? While many thought that he would be playing second fiddle to Lebron, D-Wade has turned into the best player in the league in just 3 seasons. He has led the Celtics to 2 NBA titles already and is not going to stop anytime soon. I don’t think there is a person that will argue he is the cornerstone of a dynasty that will last a long time….unless he decides not to resign of course. He’s averaging 33 points per game with 11 assists while only turning the ball over 1.4 times a game. It’s truly a scary thought to think of what could happen if this guy keeps on improving. He’s a top 3 offensive player in the league and a 2 time All-Defensive team member. The Celtics dynasty rests on the shoulders of Wade and shows no signs of slowing down.
4. Darko Milicic
Original Ratings: B- B- C C+ B- A
Current Ratings: A- B- C B+ A- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
32.9 17 10.8 3.1 0.9 1.5 2.6 0.431
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, Rookie Game MVP, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
***WAS STASHED FOR 2 YEARS***
The Heat took Darko with the 4th pick hoping to get a lucky roll after being stashed for two years. They didn’t even wait long enough to see it through, however, and the Bucks got lucky on Roll Night. The first of the high-profile stashes, Darko has become a stud at 21 years of age and still has 3 years remaining on his rookie contract while the other draftees have only 1. He’s currently 5th in the league in rebounding, with 12.4 a game. Combine that with 24.4 points a game and you can see why the Bucks are so high on this second year player.
5. Carlos Boozer
Original Ratings: B B- C B- B B
Current Ratings: B B- C B+ A- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
28.5 10 8.8 2.3 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.448
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B-
After hitting with Amare in the 2002 draft, the Suns did not have as good of a selection here with the 5 spot. Boozer has been a major disappointment since entering the league and it does not look like it is ever going to improve for him. He’s the first of the picks to be moved down from the starting role on his team and I don’t see him regaining that. His only saving grace has been his rebounding as he is still grabbing 8.5 boards in only 21 minutes a game right now. While he hasn’t lived up to his ratings coming into the league, it’s impossible to call him a bust since many teams thought he was completely maxed out once he entered. That appears to be the case as he has only improved in the areas of defense and rebounding (+2 each) in 3 training camps and his potential has dropped to a C. The Suns took a risk on Boozer and it did not pay off for them.
6. Chris Kaman
Original Ratings: B- C- C B- B- B
Current Ratings: B C- C A- B+ A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
29.6 10.2 8.9 2 0.6 1.3 1 0.447
Awards:
Grade: B+
Kaman is an interesting player thus far in his career. He has been traded twice since being selected by the Nuggets and is now residing in Memphis. He is the first of the draftees to have an increase in his potential and unlike the others selected before him, has actually maintained that A potential. Some may call his 9.3 points per game disappointing but that view is immediately recalled when they realize he is getting 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a game this year. I see a rise coming in Kaman’s stats this year and it’ll be interesting to see what type of money he demands on the market if he elects to not resign with the Grizz. I predict it is quite a bit.
7. Kendrick Perkins
Original Ratings: C D C- B B A
Current Ratings: B D C- A- A- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
30 8.7 9.7 1.55 0.8 2.3 1.4 0.457
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
You can see how the Celtics have kept up this dynasty of theirs, as they keep hitting the jackpot with the lottery selections they get from other teams. After grabbing their superstar in Wade, the Celtics decided to take a risk on a 17-year old Kendrick Perkins and it sure paid off. Perkins has improved in every important facet of his game for a center and has maintained that coveted “A” potential. He’s averaging a double-double in his 4th year with 14.1 and 10.3 a game. While he is not a guy who will pump points into the basket, he only has a career high of 26, he makes life hell on opposing big men down low. He is the second of the Celtics that will deserve a Max contract and we’ll see how they handle it. They might be better off trading Perkins before the deadline to see what they can get for him.
8. Boris Diaw
Original Ratings: C+ C B- B- C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ C+ B+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
22.2 4.4 4.4 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.411
Awards:
Grade: D+
Diaw has been a major disappointment from the draft. In just four years, the kid is now on his 4th team and things aren’t looking up for him. He was heralded coming out of high school as a guy who compared to Magic Johnson in that he could play several positions but has obviously never panned out. While he never did reach the elite status that some predicted, he is still a decent role player coming off the bench. Diaw is only 23 and could develop that B+ defense into something more and then would be able to be a team’s defensive stopper. It’ll be interesting to see if anybody is willing to take a long-term chance on a guy who is averaging just 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career but I’m sure there will some role for Diaw in the league in the future.
9. Mike Dunleavy
Original Ratings: B- B C B- C+ B
Current Ratings: B B C B B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
31.1 13.6 6.2 2.2 0.9 0.3 1.4 0.446
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B-
After spending a few years as an average player, Dunleavy appears to have finally found his stride for the Spurs. In his contract year, he is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 20.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a game on 45.8% shooting. The reason for the low grade then you ask? Take a look at his grades..in three years of training camp, he has only a +3 from his rookie grades. He has kept his scouted potential of “B” though so that may show that he is not done improving quite yet. I don’t expect Dunleavy to get a lot of money this offseason but teams may jump on the hopes that he continues on the hot streak he has this year so far. I, for one, will not be buying the hype as every team needs someone to score and he may just be another product of “Kenny Thomas Syndrome.”
10. TJ Ford
Original Ratings: C C B C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ A A- C- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
29.7 9.9 3.9 6.3 1.6 0.1 2.6 0.418
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B
TJ Ford is a tough guy to grade right now. Memphis gave him the opportunity to start for three years and he never really produced, hence them bringing in Steve Nash to take over the role. His grades say that he should be producing but the numbers just aren’t there. I love Ford’s potential though and would really like to see him get another chance. I don’t think the Grizz resign Ford and he’ll be available on the free agent market. He’s shown flashes in his career, with two triple doubles to his name, and he could develop into a lockdown defensive PG that is so valuable in this league with the influx of scoring guards.
11. David West
Original Ratings: C+ C C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: B C C B B+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
23.4 6.5 7.1 1.3 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.466
Awards:
Grade: B
Since coming out of Xavier, West has developed a nice little grade set befitting of a solid 6th man in the league. He doesn’t do anything exceptional but is a solid rebounder, pulling down 10.1 a game this season. I don’t see him as a guy that will be the starting power forward on a championship caliber squad but rather as a guy that can come off the bench providing a spark when his team needs it. Unfortunately, Seattle needs him to produce right now as a starter in front of rookie Shelden Williams and it just isn’t happening. I think it’s only a matter of time until Williams takes over the starting role and moves West to the 6th man position he’d fit in great at. His greed rating of 82 says he may not like that move too much and could be on the outs in Seattle.
12. Nick Collison
Original Ratings: C+ C C B- C+ A
Current Ratings: C+ C C B+ C+ C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.8 3.6 4.7 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.404
Awards:
Grade: BUST
Sorry, but Collison doesn’t even deserve a grade. He is the biggest bust of the 2003 draft bar-none. While he was great in college, he has not even come close to performing at the professional level. Now on his third team, he has only played in 4 games this year for the Wizards while only averaging 5 minutes per in those matchups. Luckily for the Wizards, they have a guy by the name of Greg Oden to control the center position for years to come. Collison may be fighting for a chance to even stay in the league this year and it would not be surprising to see him end up on the free agency list for years to come. I don’t see any way someone spends money to keep this guy on a roster unless it is for a minimum contract.
13. Travis Outlaw
Original Ratings: C C+ C C+ C A
Current Ratings: B- B C B+ B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
21.2 7.8 4.4 1.4 0.8 0.5 1 0.433
Awards:
Grade: B+
Outlaw has been quite a surprising player in this league. He wasn’t given too much of an opportunity his first two years in the league, averaging just 11 and 19 minutes a game during those years, but he is now averaging 18.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per as a starter. Another one of the guys that came out of high school, Outlaw still has plenty of time to grow and could be a solid starter in the league. However, there is the thought that he could be another of the dreaded “Kenny Thomas Syndrome” like Dunleavy but he has still progressed every offseason and should continue to do so.
14. Josh Howard
Original Ratings: B- B- C B- C+ C
Current Ratings: B- B- C B B- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
20.6 7.1 4.4 1.2 0.8 0.1 1.2 0.424
Awards:
Grade: C
15. Mickael Pietrus
Original Ratings: C B- C C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ A- C B+ C A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
22.9 7.1 4.2 1.4 1.2 0.2 1.1 0.434
Awards:
Grade: A-
16. Ndubi Ebi
Original Ratings: C C- C C C A
Current Ratings: C C C B- C+ A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
15.3 2.3 2.9 0.6 0.6 0.1 0.8 0.354
Awards:
Grade: C
17. Kirk Hinrich
Original Ratings: C C+ C+ B- C A
Current Ratings: C B- C+ B- C C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18 6.6 2.4 3 0.6 0.1 1.4 0.406
Awards:
Grade: C
18. Reece Gaines
Original Ratings: C+ C+ B- C C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ B C C C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
14.8 4.5 2.2 1.7 0.3 0.1 0.7 0.403
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: D
19. Maurice Williams
Original Ratings: C B- C C+ C- A
Current Ratings: C+ B+ A- B+ C- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
24.4 7.8 3 4.9 0.8 0.1 2 0.412
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Grade: B
20. Michael Sweetney
Original Ratings: B- C- C B- C+ B
Current Ratings: B C- C B+ B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
11.2 3.3 3 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.491
Awards:
Grade: B
21. James Lang
Original Ratings: C+ C- D+ C+ A- C
Current Ratings: B- D+ D- C+ A- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
17.7 4.8 5.6 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.427
Awards:
Grade: C+
22. Luke Ridnour
Original Ratings: C- B- B- D+ C- A
Current Ratings: C A- A- C- C- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
10 3.3 1.2 2.3 0.6 0.1 0.8 0.475
Awards:
Grade:B+
23. Carlos Delfino
Original Ratings: B- C+ B- B- C C
Current Ratings: B- C B- B- C D
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
20.1 5.7 3.5 1.6 0.6 0.2 1.3 0.420
Awards:
Grade: C
24. Leandro Barbosa
Original Ratings: C C+ C+ C C- A
Current Ratings: C B A- B C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.5 5.3 2.5 2.6 0.7 0.1 1.1 0.411
Awards:
Grade: A
25. Kyle Korver
Original Ratings: C A- C C+ C B
Current Ratings: C+ A- C C+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
17.4 4.6 2.7 1 0.5 0.1 0.9 0.423
Awards:
Grade: B
26. Jason Kapono
Original Ratings: C A C C C B
Current Ratings: C A B- C+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
14.6 4.4 2.4 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.8 0.462
Awards:
Grade: B-
27. Zarko Cabarkapa
Original Ratings: C+ C C- C C+ A
Current Ratings: C+ C C- A- C+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.8 4.8 5.5 .8 .5 0.7 1.0 0.414
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Grade: C-
28. Sofoklis Schortsanitis
Original Ratings: C+ D C C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ D C B C+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
28.4 6.8 7.3 1.6 0.7 1.4 1.1 0.457
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: D-
29. Brian Cook
Original Ratings: C+ C+ C C+ C+ B
Current Ratings: C+ C+ C- C+ C+ C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
12.9 2.5 3.5 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.388
Awards:
Grade:D-
Full credit goes to Jayrish for his awesome icons
1. Lebron James Original Ratings: B B- B- B- C+ A
Current Ratings: A- A- A- A- B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
36.9 24.8 6.8 4.4 1.4 0.6 2.2 0.473
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All- Rookie Team, 1x All-Star, 1x All-League Third Team
Grade: A+
I don’t think there is any question about this grade. Lebron has turned into an absolute monster and seems primed to take over the league. It’s only a matter of time before King James brings his first MVP to New York and it is not farfetched to think that he could also be bringing an NBA title with it. He’s currently leading the league in scoring with 34.2 points per game at only 21 years of age. Crazy to think that the worst part of this guys game is rebounding and this year he is averaging 8 a game. While he may not have the accolades of Wade right now, I have a strong feeling he’ll pass him in the future on personal awards. We better get ready because Lebron is going to be on top for quite a while. Even with all of this, he’s still the second best player in the draft…but we’ll get to that.
2. Chris BoshOriginal Ratings: B C+ C B- C+ A
Current Ratings: A- B- C A- A- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
32.1 17.1 9.5 2.4 0.8 1.3 2.1 0.440
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
While he has not put up the same type of numbers as Lebron during his first three years in the league, Bosh has something that Lebron doesn’t…a championship. Bosh teamed up with Jermaine O’Neal to form the most formidable frontcourt in the West and the Kings rode them to the title in his second year in the league. Now with the Kings deciding to change their entire team, it is time to see if Bosh can carry on their winning ways himself. He has certainly performed thus far as the man in Sacramento, averaging 26.8 and 11.8. If he hits the open market, Bosh will be a very coveted man. We’ll see what the Kings decide to do as they already have two max guys on the roster and Bosh will be a guaranteed max.
3. Dwayne WadeOriginal Ratings: B- B- B- C+ C A
Current Ratings: A- B+ A- A- C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
37.9 25.9 6.5 9.6 1.9 0.4 2.1 0.484
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, Rookie Game MVP, All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, 3x All-Star, 2x Playoff MVP, 2x All-Defensive Team, 2x All-League First Team, 2x MVP
Grade: A++
Is it possible that the number 3 pick can be considered the steal of the draft? While many thought that he would be playing second fiddle to Lebron, D-Wade has turned into the best player in the league in just 3 seasons. He has led the Celtics to 2 NBA titles already and is not going to stop anytime soon. I don’t think there is a person that will argue he is the cornerstone of a dynasty that will last a long time….unless he decides not to resign of course. He’s averaging 33 points per game with 11 assists while only turning the ball over 1.4 times a game. It’s truly a scary thought to think of what could happen if this guy keeps on improving. He’s a top 3 offensive player in the league and a 2 time All-Defensive team member. The Celtics dynasty rests on the shoulders of Wade and shows no signs of slowing down.
4. Darko MilicicOriginal Ratings: B- B- C C+ B- A
Current Ratings: A- B- C B+ A- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
32.9 17 10.8 3.1 0.9 1.5 2.6 0.431
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, Rookie Game MVP, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
***WAS STASHED FOR 2 YEARS***
The Heat took Darko with the 4th pick hoping to get a lucky roll after being stashed for two years. They didn’t even wait long enough to see it through, however, and the Bucks got lucky on Roll Night. The first of the high-profile stashes, Darko has become a stud at 21 years of age and still has 3 years remaining on his rookie contract while the other draftees have only 1. He’s currently 5th in the league in rebounding, with 12.4 a game. Combine that with 24.4 points a game and you can see why the Bucks are so high on this second year player.
5. Carlos BoozerOriginal Ratings: B B- C B- B B
Current Ratings: B B- C B+ A- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
28.5 10 8.8 2.3 0.7 0.7 1.5 0.448
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B-
After hitting with Amare in the 2002 draft, the Suns did not have as good of a selection here with the 5 spot. Boozer has been a major disappointment since entering the league and it does not look like it is ever going to improve for him. He’s the first of the picks to be moved down from the starting role on his team and I don’t see him regaining that. His only saving grace has been his rebounding as he is still grabbing 8.5 boards in only 21 minutes a game right now. While he hasn’t lived up to his ratings coming into the league, it’s impossible to call him a bust since many teams thought he was completely maxed out once he entered. That appears to be the case as he has only improved in the areas of defense and rebounding (+2 each) in 3 training camps and his potential has dropped to a C. The Suns took a risk on Boozer and it did not pay off for them.
6. Chris KamanOriginal Ratings: B- C- C B- B- B
Current Ratings: B C- C A- B+ A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
29.6 10.2 8.9 2 0.6 1.3 1 0.447
Awards:
Grade: B+
Kaman is an interesting player thus far in his career. He has been traded twice since being selected by the Nuggets and is now residing in Memphis. He is the first of the draftees to have an increase in his potential and unlike the others selected before him, has actually maintained that A potential. Some may call his 9.3 points per game disappointing but that view is immediately recalled when they realize he is getting 11.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a game this year. I see a rise coming in Kaman’s stats this year and it’ll be interesting to see what type of money he demands on the market if he elects to not resign with the Grizz. I predict it is quite a bit.
7. Kendrick PerkinsOriginal Ratings: C D C- B B A
Current Ratings: B D C- A- A- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
30 8.7 9.7 1.55 0.8 2.3 1.4 0.457
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: A
You can see how the Celtics have kept up this dynasty of theirs, as they keep hitting the jackpot with the lottery selections they get from other teams. After grabbing their superstar in Wade, the Celtics decided to take a risk on a 17-year old Kendrick Perkins and it sure paid off. Perkins has improved in every important facet of his game for a center and has maintained that coveted “A” potential. He’s averaging a double-double in his 4th year with 14.1 and 10.3 a game. While he is not a guy who will pump points into the basket, he only has a career high of 26, he makes life hell on opposing big men down low. He is the second of the Celtics that will deserve a Max contract and we’ll see how they handle it. They might be better off trading Perkins before the deadline to see what they can get for him.
8. Boris DiawOriginal Ratings: C+ C B- B- C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ C+ B+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
22.2 4.4 4.4 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.411
Awards:
Grade: D+
Diaw has been a major disappointment from the draft. In just four years, the kid is now on his 4th team and things aren’t looking up for him. He was heralded coming out of high school as a guy who compared to Magic Johnson in that he could play several positions but has obviously never panned out. While he never did reach the elite status that some predicted, he is still a decent role player coming off the bench. Diaw is only 23 and could develop that B+ defense into something more and then would be able to be a team’s defensive stopper. It’ll be interesting to see if anybody is willing to take a long-term chance on a guy who is averaging just 4.4 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career but I’m sure there will some role for Diaw in the league in the future.
9. Mike DunleavyOriginal Ratings: B- B C B- C+ B
Current Ratings: B B C B B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
31.1 13.6 6.2 2.2 0.9 0.3 1.4 0.446
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B-
After spending a few years as an average player, Dunleavy appears to have finally found his stride for the Spurs. In his contract year, he is easily having the best season of his career, averaging 20.7 points and 6.9 rebounds a game on 45.8% shooting. The reason for the low grade then you ask? Take a look at his grades..in three years of training camp, he has only a +3 from his rookie grades. He has kept his scouted potential of “B” though so that may show that he is not done improving quite yet. I don’t expect Dunleavy to get a lot of money this offseason but teams may jump on the hopes that he continues on the hot streak he has this year so far. I, for one, will not be buying the hype as every team needs someone to score and he may just be another product of “Kenny Thomas Syndrome.”
10. TJ FordOriginal Ratings: C C B C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ A A- C- A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
29.7 9.9 3.9 6.3 1.6 0.1 2.6 0.418
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: B
TJ Ford is a tough guy to grade right now. Memphis gave him the opportunity to start for three years and he never really produced, hence them bringing in Steve Nash to take over the role. His grades say that he should be producing but the numbers just aren’t there. I love Ford’s potential though and would really like to see him get another chance. I don’t think the Grizz resign Ford and he’ll be available on the free agent market. He’s shown flashes in his career, with two triple doubles to his name, and he could develop into a lockdown defensive PG that is so valuable in this league with the influx of scoring guards.
11. David WestOriginal Ratings: C+ C C C+ C+ A
Current Ratings: B C C B B+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
23.4 6.5 7.1 1.3 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.466
Awards:
Grade: B
Since coming out of Xavier, West has developed a nice little grade set befitting of a solid 6th man in the league. He doesn’t do anything exceptional but is a solid rebounder, pulling down 10.1 a game this season. I don’t see him as a guy that will be the starting power forward on a championship caliber squad but rather as a guy that can come off the bench providing a spark when his team needs it. Unfortunately, Seattle needs him to produce right now as a starter in front of rookie Shelden Williams and it just isn’t happening. I think it’s only a matter of time until Williams takes over the starting role and moves West to the 6th man position he’d fit in great at. His greed rating of 82 says he may not like that move too much and could be on the outs in Seattle.
12. Nick CollisonOriginal Ratings: C+ C C B- C+ A
Current Ratings: C+ C C B+ C+ C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.8 3.6 4.7 1.1 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.404
Awards:
Grade: BUST
Sorry, but Collison doesn’t even deserve a grade. He is the biggest bust of the 2003 draft bar-none. While he was great in college, he has not even come close to performing at the professional level. Now on his third team, he has only played in 4 games this year for the Wizards while only averaging 5 minutes per in those matchups. Luckily for the Wizards, they have a guy by the name of Greg Oden to control the center position for years to come. Collison may be fighting for a chance to even stay in the league this year and it would not be surprising to see him end up on the free agency list for years to come. I don’t see any way someone spends money to keep this guy on a roster unless it is for a minimum contract.
13. Travis OutlawOriginal Ratings: C C+ C C+ C A
Current Ratings: B- B C B+ B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
21.2 7.8 4.4 1.4 0.8 0.5 1 0.433
Awards:
Grade: B+
Outlaw has been quite a surprising player in this league. He wasn’t given too much of an opportunity his first two years in the league, averaging just 11 and 19 minutes a game during those years, but he is now averaging 18.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per as a starter. Another one of the guys that came out of high school, Outlaw still has plenty of time to grow and could be a solid starter in the league. However, there is the thought that he could be another of the dreaded “Kenny Thomas Syndrome” like Dunleavy but he has still progressed every offseason and should continue to do so.
14. Josh HowardOriginal Ratings: B- B- C B- C+ C
Current Ratings: B- B- C B B- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
20.6 7.1 4.4 1.2 0.8 0.1 1.2 0.424
Awards:
Grade: C
15. Mickael PietrusOriginal Ratings: C B- C C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ A- C B+ C A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
22.9 7.1 4.2 1.4 1.2 0.2 1.1 0.434
Awards:
Grade: A-
16. Ndubi EbiOriginal Ratings: C C- C C C A
Current Ratings: C C C B- C+ A
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
15.3 2.3 2.9 0.6 0.6 0.1 0.8 0.354
Awards:
Grade: C
17. Kirk HinrichOriginal Ratings: C C+ C+ B- C A
Current Ratings: C B- C+ B- C C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18 6.6 2.4 3 0.6 0.1 1.4 0.406
Awards:
Grade: C
18. Reece GainesOriginal Ratings: C+ C+ B- C C A
Current Ratings: C+ C+ B C C C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
14.8 4.5 2.2 1.7 0.3 0.1 0.7 0.403
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Team
Grade: D
19. Maurice WilliamsOriginal Ratings: C B- C C+ C- A
Current Ratings: C+ B+ A- B+ C- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
24.4 7.8 3 4.9 0.8 0.1 2 0.412
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Grade: B
20. Michael SweetneyOriginal Ratings: B- C- C B- C+ B
Current Ratings: B C- C B+ B- B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
11.2 3.3 3 0.4 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.491
Awards:
Grade: B
21. James LangOriginal Ratings: C+ C- D+ C+ A- C
Current Ratings: B- D+ D- C+ A- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
17.7 4.8 5.6 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.427
Awards:
Grade: C+
22. Luke RidnourOriginal Ratings: C- B- B- D+ C- A
Current Ratings: C A- A- C- C- C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
10 3.3 1.2 2.3 0.6 0.1 0.8 0.475
Awards:
Grade:B+
23. Carlos DelfinoOriginal Ratings: B- C+ B- B- C C
Current Ratings: B- C B- B- C D
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
20.1 5.7 3.5 1.6 0.6 0.2 1.3 0.420
Awards:
Grade: C
24. Leandro Barbosa Original Ratings: C C+ C+ C C- A
Current Ratings: C B A- B C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.5 5.3 2.5 2.6 0.7 0.1 1.1 0.411
Awards:
Grade: A
25. Kyle KorverOriginal Ratings: C A- C C+ C B
Current Ratings: C+ A- C C+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
17.4 4.6 2.7 1 0.5 0.1 0.9 0.423
Awards:
Grade: B
26. Jason Kapono Original Ratings: C A C C C B
Current Ratings: C A B- C+ C B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
14.6 4.4 2.4 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.8 0.462
Awards:
Grade: B-
27. Zarko Cabarkapa Original Ratings: C+ C C- C C+ A
Current Ratings: C+ C C- A- C+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
18.8 4.8 5.5 .8 .5 0.7 1.0 0.414
Awards: 1x All-Star Rookie Game Participant
Grade: C-
28. Sofoklis Schortsanitis Original Ratings: C+ D C C+ C A
Current Ratings: C+ D C B C+ B
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
28.4 6.8 7.3 1.6 0.7 1.4 1.1 0.457
Awards: 2x All-Star Rookie Game Participant, All-Rookie Second Team
Grade: D-
29. Brian CookOriginal Ratings: C+ C+ C C+ C+ B
Current Ratings: C+ C+ C- C+ C+ C
Career Stats: MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG TOPG FG %
12.9 2.5 3.5 0.7 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.388
Awards:
Grade:D-
