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Draft Grades:
The Draft Grades in this article will be based on how each player has progressed since draft night, stats from CPU Pre-Season, and who my MAPLESCOUTING list would have taken based on my formula. Please note that the algorithm does not factor in potential, it is solely based on their skillset. This means low-pot more skilled players will out rank high pot raw players.
1.) Philadelphia 76ers (from Kings) - Ja Morant - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Zion Williamson, Score: 44.4
Ja Morant on Draft Night: Ja Morant PG 6'3'' 175 20 C+ C+ B C+ C A
Ja Morant Today: Ja Morant PG 20 6'3'' 175 B- B- B+ B- C B
We all understood why Philadelphia selected Ja Morant with the 1st pick of the draft. MAPLESCOUTING would have chosen Zion who had a score of 44.4, but Morant wasn’t too far behind with a score of 42.8 which was good for 2nd best in the draft class. Morant in the CPU Pre-Season averaged 11.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 7.1 apg on 43/85/39% shooting splits. Morant’s early weakness looks to be turnovers averaging 4.1 TOpg during the CPU Pre-Season. The Morant pick warrants a B+ grade due to the potential turnover problem Morant could face throughout his career and the fact that Zion Williamson was availible.
2.) San Antonio Spurs - Zion Williamson - GRADE: A
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ja Morant, Score 42.8
Zion Williamson on Draft Night: Zion Williamson PF 6'7'' 285 19 B+ C C B- C+ A
Zion Williamson Today: Zion Williamson PF 19 6'7'' 285 B+ C C B B A
San Antonio had the best player in the draft fall into their lap at the #2 spot in the draft. Zion had a fantastic training camp going +3 in defense and rebounding already solidifying him as one of the top power forwards in the league. In the CPU Pre Season Zion put up numbers of 21 ppg 10 rpg 4.8 apg 2.1 spg 1.8 bpg on 43/65/36% shooting splits. If those numbers carry over to the regular season Zion has Rookie of the Year on lock. Spurs made the easy pick and earn an easy A for this selection.
3.) Chicago Bulls - R.J. Barrett - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: R.J. Barrett, Score 41.6
R.J. Barrett on Draft Night: R.J. Barrett SG 6'7'' 202 19 B- C+ C+ B- C A
R.J. Barrett Today: R.J. Barrett SG 19 6'7'' 202 B- C+ C+ B- C A
The Chicago Bulls made the right selection going Best-Player-Available by taking R.J. Berrett. Barrett didn’t use his first overall potential in training camp despite having fringes in handling and inside scoring. I would look for Barrett to have a monster training camp next season though. The Bulls have a nice young trio to build around now with R.J. Barrett, Lauri Markkanen, and Zach LaVine.
4.) Los Angeles Clippers - Jarrett Culver - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Tremont Waters, Score 41.2
Jarrett Culver on Draft Night: Jarrett Culver SG 6'5'' 195 20 B- C+ C B- C B
Jarrett Culver Today: Jarrett Culver SF 20 6'5'' 195 C+ C+ C B- C B
Los Angeles selected Jarrett Culver, MAPLESCOUTING would have selected Tremont Waters. I believe Los Angeles got this pick right. Culver had a score of 40.8 putting him two spots behind Waters in those rankings. Culver went -1 in training camp despite inside scoring not being fringe and Culver also having an inside scoring grade in the top 10% for this draft class. With his solid potential and strong foundation I am expecting a bounce back training camp from Culver come next off-season. Culver receives a B grade due to his immediate regression and lack of 3 point shooting (26.3% in CPU Pre).
5.) Detroit Pistons - Coby White - GRADE: D+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Shamorie Ponds, Score: 41
Coby White on Draft Night: Coby White PG 6'5'' 185 19 C B- C+ C D+ A
Coby White Today: Coby White PG 19 6'5'' 185 C B C C C- A
Detroit went with the teen point guard with high potential out of North Carolina with the 5th pick in the draft. Coby With received a MAPLESCOUTING grade of 36.5 which was 37th overall. Coby did improve his outside shooting and rebounding during training camp but regressed in handling despite it not being fringe. Coby White shot poorly from deep (26.9% in CPU Pre) and only dished out 3.8 APG. Coby White has time on his side as a teen prospect with high potential and by playing in Detroit who is not looking to win anytime soon. But at first glance this was not a good selection by the Pistons.
6.) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Heat) - Darius Garland - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Jarrett Culver, Score: 40.8
Darius Garland on Draft Night: Darius Garland PG 6'2'' 175 19 C B- C C C- A
Darius Garland Today: Darius Garland PG 19 6'2'' 175 C+ B C+ C C- B
Darius Garland had a strong training camp going plus three in outside shooting, inside scoring, and handling. Garland has two potential flaws that might hinder his success and they are his volume and his potential. Garland was a teen with one of the highest potentials in the draft and there is a chance it could have had a significant drop in his first training camp. During CPU Pre-Season Garland average 4.9 ppg in 31 minutes. He didn’t shoot that efficiently from the field so that could have played a part in his lack of scoring. The Timberwolves receive a C+ grade for this pick because Garland did have a strong training camp, but could have invested a top pick in a strong draft on a player who had their potential drop, who lacks volume, and lacks efficiency as a scorer.
7.) Cleveland Cavaliers - Jaxson Hayes - GRADE: D
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Dedric Lawson, Score: 39.8
Jaxson Hayes on Draft Night: Jaxson Hayes PF 6'11'' 220 19 C+ C- F C C A
Jaxson Hayes Today: Jaxson Hayes PF 19 6'11'' 220 B- C- F+ C+ C B
Jaxson Hayes, like Garland and White, were teens with high potential on draft night selected in the top 10. Hayes received a MAPLESCOUTING grade of 29.6 which was the 4th worst overall grade in the draft. Hayes did go +3 in training camp which is a good start for him to get where he needs to go. I felt this spot was too early for a guy like Hayes who is 100% reliant on his potential to become the kind of player worthy of taking at 7th overall. I would have gone with Dedric Lawson, Bol Bol, or Brandon Clarke for a post player in this spot, not Jaxson Hayes.
8.) Atlanta Hawks (from Mavericks) - Cam Reddish - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Brandon Clarke, Score: 39.7
Cam Reddish on Draft Night: Cam Reddish SG 6'8'' 218 19 C B- C- B- C- B
Cam Reddish Today: Cam Reddish SF 19 6'8'' 218 C B+ C B+ C B
Cam Reddish has gone a remarkable +6 since draft night. With Reddish’s low volume in CPU Pre Season (4.5 ppg in 31 mpg) Reddish looks like your prototypical “Three and D” player with great outside shooting and defense. MAPLESCOUTING suggested Brandon Clarke, but Reddish wasn’t too far off with a score of 39.2. Hawks receive an A- for selecting a player who has developed so much since draft night and for not reaching for a potential reliant player like previous lottery picks have done.
9.) Miami Heat (from Lakers) - Bol Bol - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Grant Williams, Score: 39.7
Bol Bol on Draft Night: Bol Bol C 7'2'' 220 19 C+ B- D- B- C+ B
Bol Bol Today: Bol Bol C 19 7'2'' 240 C+ B- D- B C+ B
Bol Bol was the right selection in comparison to Grant Williams. Bol looks to be a strong shot blocker averaging close to 3 blocks per game in CPU Pre Season. Bol had a score of 38.6 which was good for 18th overall in MAPLESCOUTING. As a prospect Bol looked to have potential to be a good scoring big with C+/B- scoring attributes on draft night, but his lack of volume in CPU Pre may prove otherwise. I believe this was a good selection by the Heat.
10.) Phoenix Suns - Nassir Little - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ky Bowman, Score: 39.5
Nassir Little on Draft Night: Nassir Little SF 6'6'' 220 19 B C+ D C C B
Nassir Little Today: Nassir Little SF 19 6'6'' 220 B C+ D- C+ C B
Nassir Little was one of eight teens selected in the top 10 of the 2019 draft. Like many of the other teens at first glance Nassir is raw and seems to lack volume. He will need to use his potential to grow into an All-Star caliber player and that will begin with improving his 26.9% shooting percentage from deep. Nassir received a MAPLESCOUTING Grade of 36.7 which was good for 36th overall and one spot above #5 overall pick Coby White. I would have liked to seen more development out of Nassir during his first training camp.
11.) Orlando Magic - Dedric Lawson - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: De'Andre Hunter, Score: 39.3
Dedric Lawson on Draft Night: Dedric Lawson PF 6'9'' 235 21 C+ C+ C- B- C+ B
Dedric Lawson Today: Dedric Lawson PF 21 6'9'' 235 C+ C+ C- B B- B
Dedric Lawson had the 7th best MAPLESCOUTING score and the Magic were lucky enough that he fell down to 11th overall. There were three bigs selected before Lawson and other than Zion Williamson I would have taken Lawson before the other two. Lawson has already improved to B/B- defense and rebounding and with his efficient 73.6% shooting from the free throw line he looks to be able to make an immediate impact in Orlando.
12.) New York Knicks - Luguentz Dort - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Jarrell Brantley, Grade: 39.3
Luguentz Dort on Draft Night: Luguentz Dort PG 6'4'' 215 20 C+ C+ C B- C- B
Luguentz Dort Today: Luguentz Dort PG 20 6'4'' 215 C+ C+ C B+ C C
Dort was selected 12th overall and had a MAPLESCOUTING ranking 19 (38.4). Dort was top ten in the league in steals with 1.9 during the CPU Pre-Season. If Dort can get his handles up over time he can become a premier point guard with balanced scoring, strong defense, solid rebounding. I believe this was a good selection by New York.
13.) Atlanta Hawks - Brandon Clarke - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Cam Reddish, 39.2
Brandon Clarke on Draft Night: Brandon Clarke PF 6'8'' 215 22 B- C D+ B C B
Brandon Clarke Today: Brandon Clarke C 22 6'8'' 215 B C D+ B+ C+ B
If the creator of MAPLESCOUTING would have followed his rankings he would still have ended up with Cam Reddish and Brandon Clarke, they just would have swapped spots in the draft. The Hawks have already seen Clarke improve his defense and inside scoring since draft night. Clarke was the best big available at the time of this pick and the third overall big according to MAPLESCOUTING.
14.) Washington Wizards - De’Andre Hunter - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Talen Horton-Tucker, Score: 39.1
De’Andre Hunter on Draft Night: De'Andre Hunter PF 6'7'' 222 21 C+ B- D+ B C B
De’Andre Hunter Today: De'Andre Hunter SF 21 6'7'' 222 C+ B- D+ B+ C B
Already improving to B+ defense as a small forward, Hunter looks to be in position to make an immediate impact for Washington. Hunter will need to improve his 3 points shooting (33.3% in CPU Pre) to become one of the better “3 and D” players in the league.
15.) Utah Jazz - Rui Hachimura - GRADE: C
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Cody Martin, Score: 38.9
Rui Hachimura on Draft Night: Rui Hachimura PF 6'8'' 230 21 B C+ D- C+ C B
Rui Hachimura Today: Rui Hachimura SF 21 6'8'' 230 B C+ D C+ C B
The wing out of Gonzaga has only gone +1 since being drafted and that was in handling. I was never big on Rui as I don’t think he has the quickness, outside scoring, and perimeter defense to thrive at Small Forward and I don’t think he can rebound well enough to thrive in the post. Rui will have to have some good training camps over the next few seasons or he may just peak as a good back up PF/SF option for a winning team. Rui had a MAPLESCOUTING score 36.5 which was 38th overall.
16.) Boston Celtics (from Warriors) - Kevin Porter Jr. - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Quinndary Weatherspoon, Score: 38.7
Kevin Porter Jr. on Draft Night: Kevin Porter Jr. SF 6'6'' 210 19 B- C+ C- C+ C A
Kevin Porter Jr. Today: Kevin Porter Jr. SF 19 6'6'' 210 B- C+ D+ B C A
Kevin Porter Jr. was another teen with high potential selected on draft night, and like many others he struggled from behind the arc in the CPU Pre Season. By already boosting his defense +2 to a B, Porter Jr. looks to be on par to becoming a strong “3 and D” player like DeAndre Hunter who was selected a few spots above him. This was a great value pick for Boston.
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17.) Los Angeles Clippers (from Hornets) - Yoeli Childs - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Carsen Edwards, Score: 38.6
Yoeli Childs on Draft Night: Yoeli Childs PF 6'8'' 225 21 B- C D+ C+ C+ B
Yoeli Childs Today: Yoeli Childs PF 21 6'8'' 225 B- C C- B- C+ B
Childs had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 37.5 which put him at 23rd overall. Childs put up an impressive 14.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg during the CPU Pre Season. As an efficient free throw shooter who can defend and rebound, Childs looks like your ideal big man for a Cloud led Clippers squad. At 17th overall the Clippers got great value here adding a big man who has a floor of being a sixth man rotational big man for Los Angeles.
18.) Detroit Pistons (from Timberwolves) - Naz Reid - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Bol Bol, Score: 38.6
Naz Reid on Draft Night: Naz Reid C 6'10'' 240 19 C+ C+ D- C C+ B
Naz Reid Today: Naz Reid C 19 6'10'' 240 C+ C+ F+ B- C+ B
Naz Reid gained a much needed +2 defensively since being drafted. Reid was 66th overall in MAPLESCOUTING with a score of 34.6 and has the free throw shooting to be a rotational big in this league as long as he continues to improve defensively and on the glass.
19.) Boston Celtics - Daniel Gafford - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Luguentz Dort, Score: 38.4
Daniel Gafford on Draft Night: Daniel Gafford C 6'11'' 233 20 B D+ D- C+ C+ B
Daniel Gafford Today: Daniel Gafford C 20 6'11'' 233 B+ D+ F+ C+ C+ C
Gafford was a safe selection here for Boston. Not much risk here as Gafford had a nice base with B/C+/C+ and he has already improved to B+/C+/C+. Hopefully Gafford didn’t use all of his potential on boosting that inside scoring as his free throw shooting, defense, and rebounding all need work as all were low fringe. Gafford had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 34.3 which was good for 70th overall.
20.) Washington Wizards (from Nets) - Bruno Fernando - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Kevin Porter Jr., Score: 38.2
Bruno Fernando on Draft Night: Bruno Fernando C 6'10'' 245 21 B- C D- B C+ C
Bruno Fernando Today: Bruno Fernando C 21 6'10'' 245 C+ C D B C+ C
Like the Gafford selection above, Bruno Fernando was a safe selection here at 20th overall. Bruno was one of the top defenders and rebounders in the draft as Washington lands another player who can make immediate contributions for them. Bruno did go -1 inside scoring, but he was not drafted to become a go to scoring post player.
21.) Oklahoma City Thunder - Jarrell Brantley - GRADE: C-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Score: 38.2
Jarrell Brantley on Draft Night: Jarrell Brantley SF 6'7'' 250 23 B- C+ D+ B- C+ B
Jarrell Brantley Today: Jarrell Brantley SF 23 6'7'' 250 B- C+ C- B- C C
Brantley was a lottery caliber player according to MAPLESCOUTING with a score of 39.3. Brantley improved his handling in training camp, but regressed in rebounding which isn’t good considering that was not fringe and a strength of Brantley’s. Brantley looked nice on draft night, but looking back I would have taken any of the four guys selected following Brantley before him here at 21.
22.) Washington Wizards (from Trail Blazers) - Shamorie Ponds - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Myles Powell, Score: 37.7
Shamorie Ponds on Draft Night: Shamorie Ponds SG 6'1'' 175 21 C B- C+ B C- B
Shamorie Ponds Today: Shamorie Ponds PG 21 6'1'' 175 C B- C B+ C- C
With how valuable point guards are in FBB, I was surprised to see Ponds fall all the way to 22. Ponds has already gone +2 since being drafted. Ponds had a top 5 grade in MAPLESCOUTING and Washington got a steal with him falling to 22. Ponds is the third pick by Washington that can make an immediate impact for them.
23.) San Antonio Spurs (from Pacers) - Nickeil Alexander-Walker - GRADE: C
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Yoeli Childs, Score: 37.5
Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Draft Night: Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG 6'5'' 210 20 C+ B- C C+ C- B
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Today: Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG 20 6'5'' 210 C B- C C+ C B
Alexander-Walker had a pretty disappointing training camp going -1 Inside scoring and only boosting +1 in rebounding. Still a raw prospect who needs more time to develop, San Antonio will need to be patient with his development. I still feel there were better options on the board for San Antonio here at 23.
24.) New Orleans Pelicans - Goga Bitadze - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Terence Davis, Score: 37.4
Goga Bitadze on Draft Night: Goga Bitadze C 7'0'' 246 20 B- C+ D- C+ C B
Goga Bitadze Today: Goga Bitadze C 20 7'2'' 246 B- C+ F+ B C+ A
Goga has gone a remarkable +3 in defense and rebounding since draft night. The shot-blocking big man out of Georgia (The Country) will be a nice addition to an already stacked front court in New Orleans. Goga only had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 35.3 which was good for 53rd overall.
25.) Cleveland Cavaliers (from Rockets) - Talen Horton Tucker - GRADE: A
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Bruno Fernando, Score: 37.4
Talen Horton Tucker on Draft Night: Talen Horton-Tucker SF 6'4'' 238 18 C+ C C- B C B
Talen Horton Tucker Today: Talen Horton-Tucker SF 18 6'4'' 238 C+ C+ C B+ C B
The 18 year old Tucker has already gone +3 since draft night and looks to be an absolute steal for Cleveland. MAPLESCOUTING had him at 14th over with a score of 39.1, and I personally had a lottery grade for him, Tucker should have been selected way before pick 25.
26.) Chicago Bulls (from Nets via Nuggets) - Keldon Johnson - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Amir Hinton, Score: 37.4
Keldon Johnson on Draft Night: Keldon Johnson SF 6'6'' 211 19 C+ C+ C- C C A
Keldon Johnson Today: Keldon Johnson SF 19 6'6'' 211 C+ B- C- C C A
Johnson was is a raw teen with high potential who will need some time to develop. At 26th overall I am perfectly fine with a team taking a risk on this kind of project. Johnson had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 36.4 which was good for 40th overall.
27.) Milwaukee Bucks - Tremont Waters - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ty Jerome, Score: 37.3
Tremont Waters on Draft Night: Tremont Waters PG 5'11'' 167 21 C B- B B D+ B
Tremont Waters Today: Tremont Waters PG 21 5'11'' 167 C B- B B D+ C
Waters not moving in training camp is a small blow to Milwaukee. Waters was 4th overall according to MAPLESCOUTING, but fell to 27 due to his low potential. I do believe he should have been taken earlier due to his strong base, but if he doesn’t develop at all he will just fizzle out and become a backup guard at best.
28.) Indiana Pacers (from 76ers) - Skylar Mays - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Darius Garland, Score: 37.2
Skylar Mays on Draft Night: Skylar Mays PG 6'4'' 200 21 C B- C C+ C- B
Skylar Mays Today: Skylar Mays PG 21 6'4'' 200 C B C+ B- C- B
Mays has gone +3 since draft night using his top 15 potential to his advantage. Mays was rated 29th overall with a MAPLESCOUTING score of 37.1. Mays was a good steal here late in late in the first round.
29.) San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors) - Chuma Okeke - GRADE: D
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Skylar Mays, Score: 37.1
Chuma Okeke on Draft Night: Chuma Okeke PF 6'8'' 230 21 C+ C+ D C+ C B
Chuma Okeke Today: Chuma Okeke PF 21 6'8'' 230 C+ C+ D C+ C C
In a normal draft you are usually scraping the bottom of the barrel with the 29th pick. This draft was strong however and San Antonio could have someone better here at 29. Similar to Rui who was selected 15th overall, I don’t believe Chuma has the quickness, outside scoring, and perimeter defense to thrive at Small Forward and I don’t think he can rebound well enough to thrive in the post. Bigs who lack rebounding, but make up for it with outside shooting rarely pan out in FBB.
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The Draft Grades in this article will be based on how each player has progressed since draft night, stats from CPU Pre-Season, and who my MAPLESCOUTING list would have taken based on my formula. Please note that the algorithm does not factor in potential, it is solely based on their skillset. This means low-pot more skilled players will out rank high pot raw players.
1.) Philadelphia 76ers (from Kings) - Ja Morant - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Zion Williamson, Score: 44.4
Ja Morant on Draft Night: Ja Morant PG 6'3'' 175 20 C+ C+ B C+ C A
Ja Morant Today: Ja Morant PG 20 6'3'' 175 B- B- B+ B- C B
We all understood why Philadelphia selected Ja Morant with the 1st pick of the draft. MAPLESCOUTING would have chosen Zion who had a score of 44.4, but Morant wasn’t too far behind with a score of 42.8 which was good for 2nd best in the draft class. Morant in the CPU Pre-Season averaged 11.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 7.1 apg on 43/85/39% shooting splits. Morant’s early weakness looks to be turnovers averaging 4.1 TOpg during the CPU Pre-Season. The Morant pick warrants a B+ grade due to the potential turnover problem Morant could face throughout his career and the fact that Zion Williamson was availible.
2.) San Antonio Spurs - Zion Williamson - GRADE: A
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ja Morant, Score 42.8
Zion Williamson on Draft Night: Zion Williamson PF 6'7'' 285 19 B+ C C B- C+ A
Zion Williamson Today: Zion Williamson PF 19 6'7'' 285 B+ C C B B A
San Antonio had the best player in the draft fall into their lap at the #2 spot in the draft. Zion had a fantastic training camp going +3 in defense and rebounding already solidifying him as one of the top power forwards in the league. In the CPU Pre Season Zion put up numbers of 21 ppg 10 rpg 4.8 apg 2.1 spg 1.8 bpg on 43/65/36% shooting splits. If those numbers carry over to the regular season Zion has Rookie of the Year on lock. Spurs made the easy pick and earn an easy A for this selection.
3.) Chicago Bulls - R.J. Barrett - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: R.J. Barrett, Score 41.6
R.J. Barrett on Draft Night: R.J. Barrett SG 6'7'' 202 19 B- C+ C+ B- C A
R.J. Barrett Today: R.J. Barrett SG 19 6'7'' 202 B- C+ C+ B- C A
The Chicago Bulls made the right selection going Best-Player-Available by taking R.J. Berrett. Barrett didn’t use his first overall potential in training camp despite having fringes in handling and inside scoring. I would look for Barrett to have a monster training camp next season though. The Bulls have a nice young trio to build around now with R.J. Barrett, Lauri Markkanen, and Zach LaVine.
4.) Los Angeles Clippers - Jarrett Culver - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Tremont Waters, Score 41.2
Jarrett Culver on Draft Night: Jarrett Culver SG 6'5'' 195 20 B- C+ C B- C B
Jarrett Culver Today: Jarrett Culver SF 20 6'5'' 195 C+ C+ C B- C B
Los Angeles selected Jarrett Culver, MAPLESCOUTING would have selected Tremont Waters. I believe Los Angeles got this pick right. Culver had a score of 40.8 putting him two spots behind Waters in those rankings. Culver went -1 in training camp despite inside scoring not being fringe and Culver also having an inside scoring grade in the top 10% for this draft class. With his solid potential and strong foundation I am expecting a bounce back training camp from Culver come next off-season. Culver receives a B grade due to his immediate regression and lack of 3 point shooting (26.3% in CPU Pre).
5.) Detroit Pistons - Coby White - GRADE: D+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Shamorie Ponds, Score: 41
Coby White on Draft Night: Coby White PG 6'5'' 185 19 C B- C+ C D+ A
Coby White Today: Coby White PG 19 6'5'' 185 C B C C C- A
Detroit went with the teen point guard with high potential out of North Carolina with the 5th pick in the draft. Coby With received a MAPLESCOUTING grade of 36.5 which was 37th overall. Coby did improve his outside shooting and rebounding during training camp but regressed in handling despite it not being fringe. Coby White shot poorly from deep (26.9% in CPU Pre) and only dished out 3.8 APG. Coby White has time on his side as a teen prospect with high potential and by playing in Detroit who is not looking to win anytime soon. But at first glance this was not a good selection by the Pistons.
6.) Minnesota Timberwolves (from Heat) - Darius Garland - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Jarrett Culver, Score: 40.8
Darius Garland on Draft Night: Darius Garland PG 6'2'' 175 19 C B- C C C- A
Darius Garland Today: Darius Garland PG 19 6'2'' 175 C+ B C+ C C- B
Darius Garland had a strong training camp going plus three in outside shooting, inside scoring, and handling. Garland has two potential flaws that might hinder his success and they are his volume and his potential. Garland was a teen with one of the highest potentials in the draft and there is a chance it could have had a significant drop in his first training camp. During CPU Pre-Season Garland average 4.9 ppg in 31 minutes. He didn’t shoot that efficiently from the field so that could have played a part in his lack of scoring. The Timberwolves receive a C+ grade for this pick because Garland did have a strong training camp, but could have invested a top pick in a strong draft on a player who had their potential drop, who lacks volume, and lacks efficiency as a scorer.
7.) Cleveland Cavaliers - Jaxson Hayes - GRADE: D
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Dedric Lawson, Score: 39.8
Jaxson Hayes on Draft Night: Jaxson Hayes PF 6'11'' 220 19 C+ C- F C C A
Jaxson Hayes Today: Jaxson Hayes PF 19 6'11'' 220 B- C- F+ C+ C B
Jaxson Hayes, like Garland and White, were teens with high potential on draft night selected in the top 10. Hayes received a MAPLESCOUTING grade of 29.6 which was the 4th worst overall grade in the draft. Hayes did go +3 in training camp which is a good start for him to get where he needs to go. I felt this spot was too early for a guy like Hayes who is 100% reliant on his potential to become the kind of player worthy of taking at 7th overall. I would have gone with Dedric Lawson, Bol Bol, or Brandon Clarke for a post player in this spot, not Jaxson Hayes.
8.) Atlanta Hawks (from Mavericks) - Cam Reddish - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Brandon Clarke, Score: 39.7
Cam Reddish on Draft Night: Cam Reddish SG 6'8'' 218 19 C B- C- B- C- B
Cam Reddish Today: Cam Reddish SF 19 6'8'' 218 C B+ C B+ C B
Cam Reddish has gone a remarkable +6 since draft night. With Reddish’s low volume in CPU Pre Season (4.5 ppg in 31 mpg) Reddish looks like your prototypical “Three and D” player with great outside shooting and defense. MAPLESCOUTING suggested Brandon Clarke, but Reddish wasn’t too far off with a score of 39.2. Hawks receive an A- for selecting a player who has developed so much since draft night and for not reaching for a potential reliant player like previous lottery picks have done.
9.) Miami Heat (from Lakers) - Bol Bol - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Grant Williams, Score: 39.7
Bol Bol on Draft Night: Bol Bol C 7'2'' 220 19 C+ B- D- B- C+ B
Bol Bol Today: Bol Bol C 19 7'2'' 240 C+ B- D- B C+ B
Bol Bol was the right selection in comparison to Grant Williams. Bol looks to be a strong shot blocker averaging close to 3 blocks per game in CPU Pre Season. Bol had a score of 38.6 which was good for 18th overall in MAPLESCOUTING. As a prospect Bol looked to have potential to be a good scoring big with C+/B- scoring attributes on draft night, but his lack of volume in CPU Pre may prove otherwise. I believe this was a good selection by the Heat.
10.) Phoenix Suns - Nassir Little - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ky Bowman, Score: 39.5
Nassir Little on Draft Night: Nassir Little SF 6'6'' 220 19 B C+ D C C B
Nassir Little Today: Nassir Little SF 19 6'6'' 220 B C+ D- C+ C B
Nassir Little was one of eight teens selected in the top 10 of the 2019 draft. Like many of the other teens at first glance Nassir is raw and seems to lack volume. He will need to use his potential to grow into an All-Star caliber player and that will begin with improving his 26.9% shooting percentage from deep. Nassir received a MAPLESCOUTING Grade of 36.7 which was good for 36th overall and one spot above #5 overall pick Coby White. I would have liked to seen more development out of Nassir during his first training camp.
11.) Orlando Magic - Dedric Lawson - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: De'Andre Hunter, Score: 39.3
Dedric Lawson on Draft Night: Dedric Lawson PF 6'9'' 235 21 C+ C+ C- B- C+ B
Dedric Lawson Today: Dedric Lawson PF 21 6'9'' 235 C+ C+ C- B B- B
Dedric Lawson had the 7th best MAPLESCOUTING score and the Magic were lucky enough that he fell down to 11th overall. There were three bigs selected before Lawson and other than Zion Williamson I would have taken Lawson before the other two. Lawson has already improved to B/B- defense and rebounding and with his efficient 73.6% shooting from the free throw line he looks to be able to make an immediate impact in Orlando.
12.) New York Knicks - Luguentz Dort - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Jarrell Brantley, Grade: 39.3
Luguentz Dort on Draft Night: Luguentz Dort PG 6'4'' 215 20 C+ C+ C B- C- B
Luguentz Dort Today: Luguentz Dort PG 20 6'4'' 215 C+ C+ C B+ C C
Dort was selected 12th overall and had a MAPLESCOUTING ranking 19 (38.4). Dort was top ten in the league in steals with 1.9 during the CPU Pre-Season. If Dort can get his handles up over time he can become a premier point guard with balanced scoring, strong defense, solid rebounding. I believe this was a good selection by New York.
13.) Atlanta Hawks - Brandon Clarke - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Cam Reddish, 39.2
Brandon Clarke on Draft Night: Brandon Clarke PF 6'8'' 215 22 B- C D+ B C B
Brandon Clarke Today: Brandon Clarke C 22 6'8'' 215 B C D+ B+ C+ B
If the creator of MAPLESCOUTING would have followed his rankings he would still have ended up with Cam Reddish and Brandon Clarke, they just would have swapped spots in the draft. The Hawks have already seen Clarke improve his defense and inside scoring since draft night. Clarke was the best big available at the time of this pick and the third overall big according to MAPLESCOUTING.
14.) Washington Wizards - De’Andre Hunter - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Talen Horton-Tucker, Score: 39.1
De’Andre Hunter on Draft Night: De'Andre Hunter PF 6'7'' 222 21 C+ B- D+ B C B
De’Andre Hunter Today: De'Andre Hunter SF 21 6'7'' 222 C+ B- D+ B+ C B
Already improving to B+ defense as a small forward, Hunter looks to be in position to make an immediate impact for Washington. Hunter will need to improve his 3 points shooting (33.3% in CPU Pre) to become one of the better “3 and D” players in the league.
15.) Utah Jazz - Rui Hachimura - GRADE: C
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Cody Martin, Score: 38.9
Rui Hachimura on Draft Night: Rui Hachimura PF 6'8'' 230 21 B C+ D- C+ C B
Rui Hachimura Today: Rui Hachimura SF 21 6'8'' 230 B C+ D C+ C B
The wing out of Gonzaga has only gone +1 since being drafted and that was in handling. I was never big on Rui as I don’t think he has the quickness, outside scoring, and perimeter defense to thrive at Small Forward and I don’t think he can rebound well enough to thrive in the post. Rui will have to have some good training camps over the next few seasons or he may just peak as a good back up PF/SF option for a winning team. Rui had a MAPLESCOUTING score 36.5 which was 38th overall.
16.) Boston Celtics (from Warriors) - Kevin Porter Jr. - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Quinndary Weatherspoon, Score: 38.7
Kevin Porter Jr. on Draft Night: Kevin Porter Jr. SF 6'6'' 210 19 B- C+ C- C+ C A
Kevin Porter Jr. Today: Kevin Porter Jr. SF 19 6'6'' 210 B- C+ D+ B C A
Kevin Porter Jr. was another teen with high potential selected on draft night, and like many others he struggled from behind the arc in the CPU Pre Season. By already boosting his defense +2 to a B, Porter Jr. looks to be on par to becoming a strong “3 and D” player like DeAndre Hunter who was selected a few spots above him. This was a great value pick for Boston.
17.) Los Angeles Clippers (from Hornets) - Yoeli Childs - GRADE: A-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Carsen Edwards, Score: 38.6
Yoeli Childs on Draft Night: Yoeli Childs PF 6'8'' 225 21 B- C D+ C+ C+ B
Yoeli Childs Today: Yoeli Childs PF 21 6'8'' 225 B- C C- B- C+ B
Childs had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 37.5 which put him at 23rd overall. Childs put up an impressive 14.2 ppg and 7.8 rpg during the CPU Pre Season. As an efficient free throw shooter who can defend and rebound, Childs looks like your ideal big man for a Cloud led Clippers squad. At 17th overall the Clippers got great value here adding a big man who has a floor of being a sixth man rotational big man for Los Angeles.
18.) Detroit Pistons (from Timberwolves) - Naz Reid - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Bol Bol, Score: 38.6
Naz Reid on Draft Night: Naz Reid C 6'10'' 240 19 C+ C+ D- C C+ B
Naz Reid Today: Naz Reid C 19 6'10'' 240 C+ C+ F+ B- C+ B
Naz Reid gained a much needed +2 defensively since being drafted. Reid was 66th overall in MAPLESCOUTING with a score of 34.6 and has the free throw shooting to be a rotational big in this league as long as he continues to improve defensively and on the glass.
19.) Boston Celtics - Daniel Gafford - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Luguentz Dort, Score: 38.4
Daniel Gafford on Draft Night: Daniel Gafford C 6'11'' 233 20 B D+ D- C+ C+ B
Daniel Gafford Today: Daniel Gafford C 20 6'11'' 233 B+ D+ F+ C+ C+ C
Gafford was a safe selection here for Boston. Not much risk here as Gafford had a nice base with B/C+/C+ and he has already improved to B+/C+/C+. Hopefully Gafford didn’t use all of his potential on boosting that inside scoring as his free throw shooting, defense, and rebounding all need work as all were low fringe. Gafford had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 34.3 which was good for 70th overall.
20.) Washington Wizards (from Nets) - Bruno Fernando - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Kevin Porter Jr., Score: 38.2
Bruno Fernando on Draft Night: Bruno Fernando C 6'10'' 245 21 B- C D- B C+ C
Bruno Fernando Today: Bruno Fernando C 21 6'10'' 245 C+ C D B C+ C
Like the Gafford selection above, Bruno Fernando was a safe selection here at 20th overall. Bruno was one of the top defenders and rebounders in the draft as Washington lands another player who can make immediate contributions for them. Bruno did go -1 inside scoring, but he was not drafted to become a go to scoring post player.
21.) Oklahoma City Thunder - Jarrell Brantley - GRADE: C-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Score: 38.2
Jarrell Brantley on Draft Night: Jarrell Brantley SF 6'7'' 250 23 B- C+ D+ B- C+ B
Jarrell Brantley Today: Jarrell Brantley SF 23 6'7'' 250 B- C+ C- B- C C
Brantley was a lottery caliber player according to MAPLESCOUTING with a score of 39.3. Brantley improved his handling in training camp, but regressed in rebounding which isn’t good considering that was not fringe and a strength of Brantley’s. Brantley looked nice on draft night, but looking back I would have taken any of the four guys selected following Brantley before him here at 21.
22.) Washington Wizards (from Trail Blazers) - Shamorie Ponds - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Myles Powell, Score: 37.7
Shamorie Ponds on Draft Night: Shamorie Ponds SG 6'1'' 175 21 C B- C+ B C- B
Shamorie Ponds Today: Shamorie Ponds PG 21 6'1'' 175 C B- C B+ C- C
With how valuable point guards are in FBB, I was surprised to see Ponds fall all the way to 22. Ponds has already gone +2 since being drafted. Ponds had a top 5 grade in MAPLESCOUTING and Washington got a steal with him falling to 22. Ponds is the third pick by Washington that can make an immediate impact for them.
23.) San Antonio Spurs (from Pacers) - Nickeil Alexander-Walker - GRADE: C
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Yoeli Childs, Score: 37.5
Nickeil Alexander-Walker on Draft Night: Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG 6'5'' 210 20 C+ B- C C+ C- B
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Today: Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG 20 6'5'' 210 C B- C C+ C B
Alexander-Walker had a pretty disappointing training camp going -1 Inside scoring and only boosting +1 in rebounding. Still a raw prospect who needs more time to develop, San Antonio will need to be patient with his development. I still feel there were better options on the board for San Antonio here at 23.
24.) New Orleans Pelicans - Goga Bitadze - GRADE: B+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Terence Davis, Score: 37.4
Goga Bitadze on Draft Night: Goga Bitadze C 7'0'' 246 20 B- C+ D- C+ C B
Goga Bitadze Today: Goga Bitadze C 20 7'2'' 246 B- C+ F+ B C+ A
Goga has gone a remarkable +3 in defense and rebounding since draft night. The shot-blocking big man out of Georgia (The Country) will be a nice addition to an already stacked front court in New Orleans. Goga only had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 35.3 which was good for 53rd overall.
25.) Cleveland Cavaliers (from Rockets) - Talen Horton Tucker - GRADE: A
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Bruno Fernando, Score: 37.4
Talen Horton Tucker on Draft Night: Talen Horton-Tucker SF 6'4'' 238 18 C+ C C- B C B
Talen Horton Tucker Today: Talen Horton-Tucker SF 18 6'4'' 238 C+ C+ C B+ C B
The 18 year old Tucker has already gone +3 since draft night and looks to be an absolute steal for Cleveland. MAPLESCOUTING had him at 14th over with a score of 39.1, and I personally had a lottery grade for him, Tucker should have been selected way before pick 25.
26.) Chicago Bulls (from Nets via Nuggets) - Keldon Johnson - GRADE: C+
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Amir Hinton, Score: 37.4
Keldon Johnson on Draft Night: Keldon Johnson SF 6'6'' 211 19 C+ C+ C- C C A
Keldon Johnson Today: Keldon Johnson SF 19 6'6'' 211 C+ B- C- C C A
Johnson was is a raw teen with high potential who will need some time to develop. At 26th overall I am perfectly fine with a team taking a risk on this kind of project. Johnson had a MAPLESCOUTING score of 36.4 which was good for 40th overall.
27.) Milwaukee Bucks - Tremont Waters - GRADE: B-
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Ty Jerome, Score: 37.3
Tremont Waters on Draft Night: Tremont Waters PG 5'11'' 167 21 C B- B B D+ B
Tremont Waters Today: Tremont Waters PG 21 5'11'' 167 C B- B B D+ C
Waters not moving in training camp is a small blow to Milwaukee. Waters was 4th overall according to MAPLESCOUTING, but fell to 27 due to his low potential. I do believe he should have been taken earlier due to his strong base, but if he doesn’t develop at all he will just fizzle out and become a backup guard at best.
28.) Indiana Pacers (from 76ers) - Skylar Mays - GRADE: B
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Darius Garland, Score: 37.2
Skylar Mays on Draft Night: Skylar Mays PG 6'4'' 200 21 C B- C C+ C- B
Skylar Mays Today: Skylar Mays PG 21 6'4'' 200 C B C+ B- C- B
Mays has gone +3 since draft night using his top 15 potential to his advantage. Mays was rated 29th overall with a MAPLESCOUTING score of 37.1. Mays was a good steal here late in late in the first round.
29.) San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors) - Chuma Okeke - GRADE: D
MAPLESCOUTING SELECTION: Skylar Mays, Score: 37.1
Chuma Okeke on Draft Night: Chuma Okeke PF 6'8'' 230 21 C+ C+ D C+ C B
Chuma Okeke Today: Chuma Okeke PF 21 6'8'' 230 C+ C+ D C+ C C
In a normal draft you are usually scraping the bottom of the barrel with the 29th pick. This draft was strong however and San Antonio could have someone better here at 29. Similar to Rui who was selected 15th overall, I don’t believe Chuma has the quickness, outside scoring, and perimeter defense to thrive at Small Forward and I don’t think he can rebound well enough to thrive in the post. Bigs who lack rebounding, but make up for it with outside shooting rarely pan out in FBB.
Notable 2nd Rounders w/ 1st Round MAPLESCOUTING Grades:
31: Ty Jerome (Score: 37.3)
34. Grant Williams (Score: 39.7)
35. Cody Martin (Score: 38.9)
36. Ky Bowman (Score: 39.5)
37: Carson Edwards (Score: 38.6)
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