2023 NBA Draft Grades: Spurs and Hornets Shine with A’s, While Pelicans Stall

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NBA Draft Grades Review

Draft grades can be a tricky game. Even the pros get it wrong! In the NBA, teams often misjudge players, but reviewing these picks helps us see how well teams planned their futures.

Let’s break down some grades for the recent NBA Draft, highlighting what each team did right or wrong.

A+ Grades

Dallas Mavericks

• Pick: Cooper Flagg (No. 1)

The Mavericks struck gold with Flagg, who I rank as one of the top three prospects in a decade. His fire for competition is palpable, and he’s ready to step in and help immediately. With a solid roster already in place, Flagg could lead them to playoff success almost right away.

Grade: A+

San Antonio Spurs

• Picks: Dylan Harper (No. 2), Carter Bryant (No. 14)

The Spurs made smart choices, grabbing Harper—an All-Star talent—and Bryant, who adds depth. Harper showed great skills at Rutgers, while Bryant brings defensive strength. Their future looks promising, especially as they develop these young talents.

Grade: A+

A Grades

Charlotte Hornets

• Picks: Kon Knueppel (No. 4), Liam McNeeley (No. 29)

Charlotte’s draft signals a fresh start. Knueppel is a phenomenal all-around player, and he, along with McNeeley, could bring competitiveness back to the team. The Hornets are making smart moves to reshape their identity.

Grade: A

Washington Wizards

• Pick: Tre Johnson (No. 6)

Johnson could be a cornerstone player for the Wizards. His skill set fits perfectly with their current needs, allowing the Wizards to build a better team structure. Solid moves elsewhere, like trading for CJ McCollum and Kelly Olynyk, also show that they’re thinking strategically about the future.

Grade: A

B+ Grades

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Pick: Thomas Sorber (No. 15)

The Thunder are known for their careful planning, and Sorber could fit well into their long-term aspirations. He has the skills they value and might help them navigate future financial challenges.

Grade: B+

Memphis Grizzlies

• Pick: Cedric Coward (No. 11)

Grizzlies went all-in on Coward, a player with serious upside despite injury concerns. They also added depth later with Javon Small. Memphis is a team that knows talent when they see it.

Grade: B+

B Grades

Philadelphia 76ers

• Picks: VJ Edgecombe (No. 3)

The Sixers played it safe with Edgecombe, an elite athlete that can make an immediate impact. While I see room for growth, his skills fit well with the team’s needs.

Grade: B

Sacramento Kings

• Pick: Nique Clifford (No. 24)

The Kings made a solid move by selecting Clifford, who can contribute as a rotation player. It’s a smart addition to help round out their roster.

Grade: B

Notable Misses

New Orleans Pelicans

• Pick: Jeremiah Fears (No. 7)

The Pelicans’ draft decisions raised eyebrows. Fears has talent but comes with significant risks. The asset management around this pick wasn’t ideal either, especially as they traded important future picks.

Grade: F

Conclusion

Overall, the NBA Draft always brings surprises. Some teams clearly hit the mark, while others missed opportunities. These picks will shape the future of each franchise, and we will be watching closely!

As we look forward, it’s essential for teams to continue building and making smart decisions. The success of these young prospects will greatly influence the team’s trajectories in the upcoming seasons.

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