BeatsHaveADream
Los Angeles Lakers GM
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Every draft changes after TC. On draft night, teams are betting on ratings, scouts, need, and upside. After TC, you start to see what was real and what was just hope. For this redraft, we’re going pick by pick through the 2021 first round and comparing pre-draft ratings to post-TC ratings. We’re only looking at actual ratings: inside, outside, handle, defense, and rebounding. This is about who gained value, who lost value, who nailed the pick, and who probably wants a do-over.
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1. New Jersey Nets — Cade Cunningham
Pick Grade: A
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / C / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / A- / C / C+ / C (+2)
This is still the cleanest pick in the draft. Cade came in as one of the safest high-end prospects, and post-TC he now has A- outside at 6’7”. Even with only C handle and C+ defense, the scoring/size combo makes him one of the best current assets in the class.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Only Chet has a real argument.
Redraft pick: Cade Cunningham
Verdict: New Jersey didn’t overthink it. Cade was the safe 1.01, and TC made him even safer.
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2. Boston Celtics — Deni Avdija
Pick Grade: B-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C+ / C- / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B / C- / C / C (+2)
Deni is much better post-TC than he looked pre-draft. The big change is outside shooting jumping from C+ to B, which matters a ton at 6’9”. That alone keeps this from being a disaster.
But at pick 2, this is still rich. Deni’s current line is useful, but not elite: B- inside, B outside, C- handle, C defense, C rebounding. That’s a good jumbo wing, not necessarily a top-two player in the class. His pot will decide his fate.
Was it correct? Not really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes. Chet or Jalen Green.
Redraft pick: Chet Holmgren
Verdict: The pick aged better than it looked, but Boston still passed on multiple better centerpieces.
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3. Seattle SuperSonics — Chet Holmgren
Pick Grade: A+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C- / B- / C
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B- / C / B+ / C+ (+5)
Chet might be the best pick in the draft now. His post-TC profile is extremely valuable: B- outside, C handle, B+ defense, and C+ rebounding at 7’1”. That is a rare big-man build.
He improved in almost every important area except inside scoring, and he already had the size to make those jumps matter more. The defensive jump to B+ is what makes him a real 1.01 candidate.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Chet Holmgren
Verdict: Seattle may have landed the best player in the draft at 3.
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4. Atlanta Hawks — Jalen Johnson
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / C+ / D / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B / C+ / D+ / C / C+ (+2)
Jalen Johnson is still solid, but this pick looks more ordinary once potential is removed. He has B inside, C+ outside, D+ handle, C defense, and C+ rebounding.
That’s a playable forward, but at pick 4 you want more. He can score inside and rebound some, but he does not have the guard/wing skill growth that Green, Mathurin, Tre, or Ivey showed.
Was it correct? Defensible, but not ideal.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Jalen Green
Verdict: Atlanta took a good player, but not the best player available.
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5. Dallas Mavericks — Walker Kessler
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C / D- / B- / C+ (+2)
Walker is a safe, good-value big. Post-TC he moved to B- inside and B- defense, with C+ rebounding. That gives Dallas a useful defensive center profile.
The limitation is obvious: C outside and D- handle. He is not a modern offensive hub. But at 7’0” with real defense and rebounding, this is still a quality pick.
Was it correct? Mostly yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Mathurin or Tre, depending on roster needs.
Redraft pick: Walker Kessler / Jalen Green
Verdict: Not sexy, but Dallas got a legitimate big.
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6. Chicago Bulls — Jalen Green
Pick Grade: A
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / A- / C / C / C- (+2)
This pick aged beautifully. Jalen Green’s main selling point was scoring, and post-TC he jumped from B outside to A- outside. That immediately makes him one of the premium offensive players in the class.
The rest of the profile is not perfect: C handle, C defense, C- rebounding. But elite shooting/scoring is harder to find than a lot of the big-man profiles in this draft.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Jalen Green
Verdict: The Bulls bet on bucket-getting, and TC validated the bet.
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7. Phoenix Suns — Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B / B / C- / C / C- (+2)
NAW is one of the more quietly solid picks. After TC, he sits at B inside and B outside, which gives him a very usable two-level scoring profile.
The reason this is not a B is that the handle and defense are still average-to-below-average, along with him already being 23. C- handle limits how much he can create, and C defense keeps him from being a complete wing. But at pick 7, getting a B/B scorer is still acceptable.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Mathurin or Tre.
Redraft pick: NAW / Udoka
Verdict: Not flashy, but Phoenix got real two-level scoring.
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8. Philadelphia 76ers — Neemias Queta
Pick Grade: D+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+ (0)
Pre-draft, Queta looked like one of the best values in the class. Post-TC, he did not improve, but he also did not really lose anything. His profile stayed the same: B- inside, C- outside, C- handle, C+ defense, C+ rebounding. The lack of growth while many other big men grew moves him down quite far on the draft board.
Was it correct? Not Really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes
Redraft pick: Udoka / Mathurin / Tre Jones
Verdict: The pick looks better if you ignore TC results.
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9. Sacramento Kings — Udoka Azubuike
Pick Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / D / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B+ / D / D- / C+ / B- (+2)
Udoka was one of the top players on the pre-draft board, and he still has a very real role after TC. He improved to B+ inside and B- rebounding while keeping C+ defense. That is a strong traditional center package.
The D- handle is almost irrelevant for his role. Udoka is not supposed to be a dribble creator. He is supposed to punish teams inside, rebound, and hold up defensively. When you grade him as a true big, this pick looks much better.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe, depending on the team build.
Redraft pick: Udoka
Verdict: Sacramento got one of the best pure bigs in the draft at 9.
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10. Washington Wizards — Bennedict Mathurin
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / B / D+ / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: C / B+ / C- / C+ / C (+2)
Mathurin now has B+ outside and improved handle from D+ to C-. Add C+ defense, and that’s a pretty strong wing scoring profile.
At pick 10, getting one of the better shooters/scorers in the class that also has solid defensive ratings is excellent value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Bennedict Mathurin
Verdict: Washington got lottery scoring value at the back of the top ten.
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11. Minnesota Timberwolves — Onyeka Okongwu
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C- / F+ / B- / C+ (+1)
Onyeka improved in important areas: C+ to B- inside and C+ to B- defense. That gives him a clear defensive big role.
At 11, it’s not a bad pick, but Tari, Tre, Ivey, Bradley, Simons, and Dort all have arguments as better value now.
Was it correct? Mixed.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Tari Eason
Verdict: The defense plays, but the offensive limitations cap the value.
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12. Detroit Pistons via Indiana Pacers — Naz Reid
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / C+ / D- / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D- / C+ / C (-1)
Naz is one of the few players who clearly looks worse post-TC. He dropped from B inside to B- inside, and the rest of the profile stayed the same: C+ outside, D- handle, C+ defense, C rebounding.
That’s not awful, but at pick 12 it is bad value when multiple guards/wings popped after TC. He was more attractive on the original board than he is after development.
Was it correct? No.
Would I pick someone else? Definitely.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones / Jaden Ivey / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: This looked better on draft night than it does now.
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13. Los Angeles Lakers — Dalton Knecht
Pick Grade: C-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C / C (0)
Dalton is not really a loser. He also is not a riser. His current profile is exactly what it was: B- inside, B outside, D+ handle, C defense, C rebounding.
The problem is the handle. A B outside wing has value, but at pick 13 you probably want more creation or defense. He’s useful, just not a home run.
Was it correct? Fine, but not great.
Would I pick someone else? Probably.
Redraft pick: Matt Bradley / Dort / Obadiah
Verdict: Good shooter, limited overall package.
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14. Indiana Pacers via Cleveland Cavaliers — Armando Bacot
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+ (0)
Bacot is a stable big: C+ inside, C- outside, D- handle, C+ defense, C+ rebounding. That’s playable, but not exciting.
At 14, this feels like a need/role pick more than best player available. The issue is that better post-TC value was still sitting there, and Bacot did not gain anything during TC.
Was it correct? Not really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones or Jaden Ivey
Verdict: Safe big, but too many higher-impact players were still available.
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15. Los Angeles Lakers via Los Angeles Clippers — Tre Jones
Pick Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C+ / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C+ / B- / C- (+3)
This is a great pick now. Tre’s post-TC profile is very strong for a PG: B outside, C+ handle, B- defense. That combination is extremely useful.
He may not be a star scorer, but a guard who can shoot, handle, and defend has real lineup value. At 15, that’s a win.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones
Verdict: The Lakers got one of the cleanest post-TC risers in the middle of the first.
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16. Los Angeles Lakers via Golden State Warriors — Tari Eason
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C / D- / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C / D- / B+ / C (+3)
Tari at 16 is excellent value. The big jump is defense: C+ to B+. That alone changes how you view him.
His offense is limited by D- handle, but he still has B- inside and C outside. As a defensive forward, this is a very good pick.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Tari Eason
Verdict: Defense popped, and the Lakers stole a real wing/forward stopper.
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17. Houston Rockets — Jaden Ivey
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / C+ / C / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C / B / C / B- / C- (+3)
This pick looked like a reach pre-TC, but it looks good now. Ivey jumped to B outside and B- defense while keeping C handle.
That is a huge development swing. A PG with shooting and defense at 17 is strong value, even if the handle is not elite.
Was it correct? Yes now.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Jaden Ivey
Verdict: Houston’s reach turned into a win after TC.
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18. New Orleans Hornets — Matt Bradley
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C- / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B+ / C- / C- / C (+2)
Bradley has a real scoring profile: B- inside, B+ outside, C- handle, C- defense, C rebounding.
The defense keeps the grade from being an A. But at 18, getting a B+ outside shooter with some inside scoring is good value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Dort if defense is needed.
Redraft pick: Matt Bradley / Luguentz Dort
Verdict: New Orleans got a bucket, even if he needs defensive cover.
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19. Utah Jazz via Orlando Magic — Anfernee Simons
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C- / C- / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B+ / C- / C / C- (+2)
Simons is similar to Bradley: a scoring pick that makes sense. His post-TC profile is B+ outside, C+ inside, C defense, and C- handle/rebounding.
At 19, that’s good value. The handle being only C- hurts a little for a smaller guard, but the shooting carries the pick.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Dort or Obadiah.
Redraft pick: Simons is fine
Verdict: Utah got shooting value at the right part of the draft.
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20. Los Angeles Lakers via Miami Heat — Patrick Gardner
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D- / B- / C+ (+2)
Gardner is better post-TC than he was pre-draft in actual skill areas: B- inside and B- defense, with C+ outside and C+ rebounding.
The handle is bad at D-, but for a 6’11” big, that’s not fatal. At pick 20, this is a useful frontcourt piece.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Xavier Tillman has an argument.
Redraft pick: Gardner / Tillman
Verdict: Ignore the fake potential drop — the real ratings got better.
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21. Memphis Grizzlies via Denver Nuggets — Luguentz Dort
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / C+ / C / B / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C / C+ / C / B+ / C (+2)
This pick aged really well. Dort is now B+ defense, with C+ outside, C handle, and C rebounding. That defensive grade is elite value at 21.
He is not a top offensive player, but at this part of the draft, a defensive monster with passable offense is a win.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Luguentz Dort
Verdict: Memphis drafted a role star, and that is exactly what you want at 21.
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22. Portland Trail Blazers — Collin Gillespie
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C / C- / D+
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C / C- / C- (+1)
Collin is okay: B outside, C handle, C- defense, C- rebounding. The shooting gives him value, but the defense and lack of standout creation make him feel replaceable.
At 22, it is not a disaster, but I’d rather have Obadiah, Xavier, Ziaire, or even Saddiq after TC.
Was it correct? Mixed.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Obadiah Noel
Verdict: A fine shooter, but not enough total value.
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23. Utah Jazz — Ochai Agbaji
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C+ / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B / C+ / D+ / C / C- (0)
Ochai is weird. He improved to B inside, but his handle dipped to D+. He has C+ outside, C defense, and C- rebounding.
That’s not bad at 23, but the skill mix is odd. He’s not quite a shooter, not quite a defender, not quite a creator. The inside bump is nice, but the handle drop cancels some of it out.
Was it correct? Defensible, but meh.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Ziaire Williams / Xavier Tillman / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: Useful, but hard to define.
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24. New York Knicks via Detroit Pistons — Luka Garza
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / D / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B- / D / C / C (0)
Garza is a good late-first value. He has B- inside and B- outside, which is a nice offensive center profile. The downside is D handle, C defense, and C rebounding.
At 24, though, you can live with that. He gives you frontcourt offense. However, the lack of improvement in a class where there is lots of it is not super encouraging.
Was it correct? Maybe.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe, but this is fine.
Redraft pick: Luka Garza / Xavier Tillman
Verdict: Not a star, but a useful offensive big this late is solid.
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25. New York Knicks — Ziaire Williams
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B- / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C- / C / C- (+1)
Ziaire quietly became a good pick. He now has B outside at 6’9”, with C+ inside, C defense, and C- handle/rebounding.
That’s not complete, but wing size plus B shooting at 25 is good value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Not necessarily.
Redraft pick: Ziaire Williams
Verdict: The Knicks got a big shooter at the right time.
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26. Detroit Pistons via Toronto Raptors — Killian Hayes
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / C / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B- / C / C+ / C- (0)
Killian did not improve, but his baseline profile is still really useful at 26: B- inside, B- outside, C handle, C+ defense at 6’5”.
That’s one of the more balanced guard profiles left on the board. However, it is well known by now that he was a trap pick with his outrageously low handles.
Was it correct? No.
Would I pick someone else? ANYONE ELSE.
Redraft pick: Not Killian
Verdict: He did not pop, but he did not need to. Tank Commander on deck.
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27. Atlanta Hawks via Memphis Grizzlies — Saddiq Bey
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / B- / D+ / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B / B / C- / C- / C (+1)
Saddiq is a solid late-first pick. He now has B inside and B outside, which is a strong scoring forward base.
The issue is defense: he dropped to C- defense, with C- handle. Still, at pick 27, B/B scoring is enough to call this a good value.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Obadiah or Xavier.
Redraft pick: Saddiq Bey / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: The defense is rough, but the scoring value is real.
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28. Utah Jazz via San Antonio Spurs — Obadiah Noel
Pick Grade: A+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B- / C / C+ / C (+2)
This is a really nice late-first pick. Obadiah improved to B- outside and C+ defense while keeping C handle. That is a solid guard/wing package.
At 28, you are looking for playable traits. He has shooting, passable handling, and above-average defense. We are also aware that his scouts may be elite, which would have pushed him much further up this board.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Obadiah Noel
Verdict: Utah may have found one of the better late-first values.
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29. Dallas Mavericks via Milwaukee Bucks — Xavier Tillman Sr.
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / D / C / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D / C+ / C+ (+2)
Great value at the end of the first. Tillman now has B- inside, C+ outside, C+ defense, and C+ rebounding. The handle is only D, but that is manageable for his role.
Compared to a lot of the bigs taken earlier, Tillman looks like one of the better value plays.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Xavier Tillman Sr.
Verdict: Dallas closed the first round with one of the safest value picks.
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1. New Jersey Nets — Cade Cunningham
Pick Grade: A
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / C / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / A- / C / C+ / C (+2)
This is still the cleanest pick in the draft. Cade came in as one of the safest high-end prospects, and post-TC he now has A- outside at 6’7”. Even with only C handle and C+ defense, the scoring/size combo makes him one of the best current assets in the class.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Only Chet has a real argument.
Redraft pick: Cade Cunningham
Verdict: New Jersey didn’t overthink it. Cade was the safe 1.01, and TC made him even safer.
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2. Boston Celtics — Deni Avdija
Pick Grade: B-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C+ / C- / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B / C- / C / C (+2)
Deni is much better post-TC than he looked pre-draft. The big change is outside shooting jumping from C+ to B, which matters a ton at 6’9”. That alone keeps this from being a disaster.
But at pick 2, this is still rich. Deni’s current line is useful, but not elite: B- inside, B outside, C- handle, C defense, C rebounding. That’s a good jumbo wing, not necessarily a top-two player in the class. His pot will decide his fate.
Was it correct? Not really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes. Chet or Jalen Green.
Redraft pick: Chet Holmgren
Verdict: The pick aged better than it looked, but Boston still passed on multiple better centerpieces.
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3. Seattle SuperSonics — Chet Holmgren
Pick Grade: A+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C- / B- / C
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B- / C / B+ / C+ (+5)
Chet might be the best pick in the draft now. His post-TC profile is extremely valuable: B- outside, C handle, B+ defense, and C+ rebounding at 7’1”. That is a rare big-man build.
He improved in almost every important area except inside scoring, and he already had the size to make those jumps matter more. The defensive jump to B+ is what makes him a real 1.01 candidate.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Chet Holmgren
Verdict: Seattle may have landed the best player in the draft at 3.
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4. Atlanta Hawks — Jalen Johnson
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / C+ / D / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B / C+ / D+ / C / C+ (+2)
Jalen Johnson is still solid, but this pick looks more ordinary once potential is removed. He has B inside, C+ outside, D+ handle, C defense, and C+ rebounding.
That’s a playable forward, but at pick 4 you want more. He can score inside and rebound some, but he does not have the guard/wing skill growth that Green, Mathurin, Tre, or Ivey showed.
Was it correct? Defensible, but not ideal.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Jalen Green
Verdict: Atlanta took a good player, but not the best player available.
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5. Dallas Mavericks — Walker Kessler
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C / D- / B- / C+ (+2)
Walker is a safe, good-value big. Post-TC he moved to B- inside and B- defense, with C+ rebounding. That gives Dallas a useful defensive center profile.
The limitation is obvious: C outside and D- handle. He is not a modern offensive hub. But at 7’0” with real defense and rebounding, this is still a quality pick.
Was it correct? Mostly yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Mathurin or Tre, depending on roster needs.
Redraft pick: Walker Kessler / Jalen Green
Verdict: Not sexy, but Dallas got a legitimate big.
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6. Chicago Bulls — Jalen Green
Pick Grade: A
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / A- / C / C / C- (+2)
This pick aged beautifully. Jalen Green’s main selling point was scoring, and post-TC he jumped from B outside to A- outside. That immediately makes him one of the premium offensive players in the class.
The rest of the profile is not perfect: C handle, C defense, C- rebounding. But elite shooting/scoring is harder to find than a lot of the big-man profiles in this draft.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Jalen Green
Verdict: The Bulls bet on bucket-getting, and TC validated the bet.
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7. Phoenix Suns — Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B / B / C- / C / C- (+2)
NAW is one of the more quietly solid picks. After TC, he sits at B inside and B outside, which gives him a very usable two-level scoring profile.
The reason this is not a B is that the handle and defense are still average-to-below-average, along with him already being 23. C- handle limits how much he can create, and C defense keeps him from being a complete wing. But at pick 7, getting a B/B scorer is still acceptable.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Mathurin or Tre.
Redraft pick: NAW / Udoka
Verdict: Not flashy, but Phoenix got real two-level scoring.
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8. Philadelphia 76ers — Neemias Queta
Pick Grade: D+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+ (0)
Pre-draft, Queta looked like one of the best values in the class. Post-TC, he did not improve, but he also did not really lose anything. His profile stayed the same: B- inside, C- outside, C- handle, C+ defense, C+ rebounding. The lack of growth while many other big men grew moves him down quite far on the draft board.
Was it correct? Not Really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes
Redraft pick: Udoka / Mathurin / Tre Jones
Verdict: The pick looks better if you ignore TC results.
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9. Sacramento Kings — Udoka Azubuike
Pick Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / D / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B+ / D / D- / C+ / B- (+2)
Udoka was one of the top players on the pre-draft board, and he still has a very real role after TC. He improved to B+ inside and B- rebounding while keeping C+ defense. That is a strong traditional center package.
The D- handle is almost irrelevant for his role. Udoka is not supposed to be a dribble creator. He is supposed to punish teams inside, rebound, and hold up defensively. When you grade him as a true big, this pick looks much better.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe, depending on the team build.
Redraft pick: Udoka
Verdict: Sacramento got one of the best pure bigs in the draft at 9.
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10. Washington Wizards — Bennedict Mathurin
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / B / D+ / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: C / B+ / C- / C+ / C (+2)
Mathurin now has B+ outside and improved handle from D+ to C-. Add C+ defense, and that’s a pretty strong wing scoring profile.
At pick 10, getting one of the better shooters/scorers in the class that also has solid defensive ratings is excellent value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Bennedict Mathurin
Verdict: Washington got lottery scoring value at the back of the top ten.
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11. Minnesota Timberwolves — Onyeka Okongwu
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C- / F+ / B- / C+ (+1)
Onyeka improved in important areas: C+ to B- inside and C+ to B- defense. That gives him a clear defensive big role.
At 11, it’s not a bad pick, but Tari, Tre, Ivey, Bradley, Simons, and Dort all have arguments as better value now.
Was it correct? Mixed.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Tari Eason
Verdict: The defense plays, but the offensive limitations cap the value.
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12. Detroit Pistons via Indiana Pacers — Naz Reid
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / C+ / D- / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D- / C+ / C (-1)
Naz is one of the few players who clearly looks worse post-TC. He dropped from B inside to B- inside, and the rest of the profile stayed the same: C+ outside, D- handle, C+ defense, C rebounding.
That’s not awful, but at pick 12 it is bad value when multiple guards/wings popped after TC. He was more attractive on the original board than he is after development.
Was it correct? No.
Would I pick someone else? Definitely.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones / Jaden Ivey / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: This looked better on draft night than it does now.
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13. Los Angeles Lakers — Dalton Knecht
Pick Grade: C-
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C / C (0)
Dalton is not really a loser. He also is not a riser. His current profile is exactly what it was: B- inside, B outside, D+ handle, C defense, C rebounding.
The problem is the handle. A B outside wing has value, but at pick 13 you probably want more creation or defense. He’s useful, just not a home run.
Was it correct? Fine, but not great.
Would I pick someone else? Probably.
Redraft pick: Matt Bradley / Dort / Obadiah
Verdict: Good shooter, limited overall package.
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14. Indiana Pacers via Cleveland Cavaliers — Armando Bacot
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+ (0)
Bacot is a stable big: C+ inside, C- outside, D- handle, C+ defense, C+ rebounding. That’s playable, but not exciting.
At 14, this feels like a need/role pick more than best player available. The issue is that better post-TC value was still sitting there, and Bacot did not gain anything during TC.
Was it correct? Not really.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones or Jaden Ivey
Verdict: Safe big, but too many higher-impact players were still available.
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15. Los Angeles Lakers via Los Angeles Clippers — Tre Jones
Pick Grade: A-
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C+ / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C+ / B- / C- (+3)
This is a great pick now. Tre’s post-TC profile is very strong for a PG: B outside, C+ handle, B- defense. That combination is extremely useful.
He may not be a star scorer, but a guard who can shoot, handle, and defend has real lineup value. At 15, that’s a win.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Tre Jones
Verdict: The Lakers got one of the cleanest post-TC risers in the middle of the first.
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16. Los Angeles Lakers via Golden State Warriors — Tari Eason
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C / D- / C+ / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C / D- / B+ / C (+3)
Tari at 16 is excellent value. The big jump is defense: C+ to B+. That alone changes how you view him.
His offense is limited by D- handle, but he still has B- inside and C outside. As a defensive forward, this is a very good pick.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Tari Eason
Verdict: Defense popped, and the Lakers stole a real wing/forward stopper.
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17. Houston Rockets — Jaden Ivey
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / C+ / C / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C / B / C / B- / C- (+3)
This pick looked like a reach pre-TC, but it looks good now. Ivey jumped to B outside and B- defense while keeping C handle.
That is a huge development swing. A PG with shooting and defense at 17 is strong value, even if the handle is not elite.
Was it correct? Yes now.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Jaden Ivey
Verdict: Houston’s reach turned into a win after TC.
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18. New Orleans Hornets — Matt Bradley
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B / D+ / C- / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B+ / C- / C- / C (+2)
Bradley has a real scoring profile: B- inside, B+ outside, C- handle, C- defense, C rebounding.
The defense keeps the grade from being an A. But at 18, getting a B+ outside shooter with some inside scoring is good value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Dort if defense is needed.
Redraft pick: Matt Bradley / Luguentz Dort
Verdict: New Orleans got a bucket, even if he needs defensive cover.
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19. Utah Jazz via Orlando Magic — Anfernee Simons
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C- / C- / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B+ / C- / C / C- (+2)
Simons is similar to Bradley: a scoring pick that makes sense. His post-TC profile is B+ outside, C+ inside, C defense, and C- handle/rebounding.
At 19, that’s good value. The handle being only C- hurts a little for a smaller guard, but the shooting carries the pick.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Dort or Obadiah.
Redraft pick: Simons is fine
Verdict: Utah got shooting value at the right part of the draft.
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20. Los Angeles Lakers via Miami Heat — Patrick Gardner
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / D- / C+ / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D- / B- / C+ (+2)
Gardner is better post-TC than he was pre-draft in actual skill areas: B- inside and B- defense, with C+ outside and C+ rebounding.
The handle is bad at D-, but for a 6’11” big, that’s not fatal. At pick 20, this is a useful frontcourt piece.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Xavier Tillman has an argument.
Redraft pick: Gardner / Tillman
Verdict: Ignore the fake potential drop — the real ratings got better.
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21. Memphis Grizzlies via Denver Nuggets — Luguentz Dort
Pick Grade: B
Pre-Draft Ratings: C / C+ / C / B / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C / C+ / C / B+ / C (+2)
This pick aged really well. Dort is now B+ defense, with C+ outside, C handle, and C rebounding. That defensive grade is elite value at 21.
He is not a top offensive player, but at this part of the draft, a defensive monster with passable offense is a win.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Luguentz Dort
Verdict: Memphis drafted a role star, and that is exactly what you want at 21.
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22. Portland Trail Blazers — Collin Gillespie
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B / C / C- / D+
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C / C- / C- (+1)
Collin is okay: B outside, C handle, C- defense, C- rebounding. The shooting gives him value, but the defense and lack of standout creation make him feel replaceable.
At 22, it is not a disaster, but I’d rather have Obadiah, Xavier, Ziaire, or even Saddiq after TC.
Was it correct? Mixed.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Obadiah Noel
Verdict: A fine shooter, but not enough total value.
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23. Utah Jazz — Ochai Agbaji
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / C+ / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B / C+ / D+ / C / C- (0)
Ochai is weird. He improved to B inside, but his handle dipped to D+. He has C+ outside, C defense, and C- rebounding.
That’s not bad at 23, but the skill mix is odd. He’s not quite a shooter, not quite a defender, not quite a creator. The inside bump is nice, but the handle drop cancels some of it out.
Was it correct? Defensible, but meh.
Would I pick someone else? Yes.
Redraft pick: Ziaire Williams / Xavier Tillman / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: Useful, but hard to define.
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24. New York Knicks via Detroit Pistons — Luka Garza
Pick Grade: C
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / D / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B- / D / C / C (0)
Garza is a good late-first value. He has B- inside and B- outside, which is a nice offensive center profile. The downside is D handle, C defense, and C rebounding.
At 24, though, you can live with that. He gives you frontcourt offense. However, the lack of improvement in a class where there is lots of it is not super encouraging.
Was it correct? Maybe.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe, but this is fine.
Redraft pick: Luka Garza / Xavier Tillman
Verdict: Not a star, but a useful offensive big this late is solid.
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25. New York Knicks — Ziaire Williams
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / B- / C- / C / C-
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B / C- / C / C- (+1)
Ziaire quietly became a good pick. He now has B outside at 6’9”, with C+ inside, C defense, and C- handle/rebounding.
That’s not complete, but wing size plus B shooting at 25 is good value.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? Not necessarily.
Redraft pick: Ziaire Williams
Verdict: The Knicks got a big shooter at the right time.
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26. Detroit Pistons via Toronto Raptors — Killian Hayes
Pick Grade: D
Pre-Draft Ratings: B- / B- / C / C+ / C-
Post-TC Ratings: B- / B- / C / C+ / C- (0)
Killian did not improve, but his baseline profile is still really useful at 26: B- inside, B- outside, C handle, C+ defense at 6’5”.
That’s one of the more balanced guard profiles left on the board. However, it is well known by now that he was a trap pick with his outrageously low handles.
Was it correct? No.
Would I pick someone else? ANYONE ELSE.
Redraft pick: Not Killian
Verdict: He did not pop, but he did not need to. Tank Commander on deck.
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27. Atlanta Hawks via Memphis Grizzlies — Saddiq Bey
Pick Grade: C+
Pre-Draft Ratings: B / B- / D+ / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: B / B / C- / C- / C (+1)
Saddiq is a solid late-first pick. He now has B inside and B outside, which is a strong scoring forward base.
The issue is defense: he dropped to C- defense, with C- handle. Still, at pick 27, B/B scoring is enough to call this a good value.
Was it correct? Yes-ish.
Would I pick someone else? Maybe Obadiah or Xavier.
Redraft pick: Saddiq Bey / Obadiah Noel
Verdict: The defense is rough, but the scoring value is real.
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28. Utah Jazz via San Antonio Spurs — Obadiah Noel
Pick Grade: A+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / C / C / C
Post-TC Ratings: C+ / B- / C / C+ / C (+2)
This is a really nice late-first pick. Obadiah improved to B- outside and C+ defense while keeping C handle. That is a solid guard/wing package.
At 28, you are looking for playable traits. He has shooting, passable handling, and above-average defense. We are also aware that his scouts may be elite, which would have pushed him much further up this board.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Obadiah Noel
Verdict: Utah may have found one of the better late-first values.
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29. Dallas Mavericks via Milwaukee Bucks — Xavier Tillman Sr.
Pick Grade: B+
Pre-Draft Ratings: C+ / C+ / D / C / C+
Post-TC Ratings: B- / C+ / D / C+ / C+ (+2)
Great value at the end of the first. Tillman now has B- inside, C+ outside, C+ defense, and C+ rebounding. The handle is only D, but that is manageable for his role.
Compared to a lot of the bigs taken earlier, Tillman looks like one of the better value plays.
Was it correct? Yes.
Would I pick someone else? No.
Redraft pick: Xavier Tillman Sr.
Verdict: Dallas closed the first round with one of the safest value picks.
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Redraft | Original | +/- | Drafted By | Player | Pos | Ht | Wt | Age | Pre-Draft Ratings | Post-TC Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | New Jersey Nets | Cade Cunningham | SG | 6'7'' | 220 | 20 | B- / B / C / C+ / C | B- / A- / C / C+ / C |
2 | 3 | +1 | Seattle SuperSonics | Chet Holmgren | C | 7'1'' | 195 | 19 | C+ / C+ / C- / B- / C | C+ / B- / C / B+ / C+ |
3 | 6 | +3 | Chicago Bulls | Jalen Green | SG | 6'4'' | 186 | 19 | C+ / B / C / C / C- | C+ / A- / C / C / C- |
4 | 2 | -2 | Boston Celtics | Deni Avdija | SG | 6'9'' | 210 | 20 | B- / C+ / C- / C / C | B- / B / C- / C / C |
5 | 5 | 0 | Dallas Mavericks | Walker Kessler | C | 7'0'' | 245 | 20 | C+ / C / D- / C+ / C+ | B- / C / D- / B- / C+ |
6 | 4 | -2 | Atlanta Hawks | Jalen Johnson | PF | 6'8'' | 219 | 19 | B / C+ / D / C / C | B / C+ / D+ / C / C+ |
7 | 9 | +2 | Sacramento Kings | Udoka Azubuike | C | 6'10'' | 280 | 22 | B / D / D- / C+ / C+ | B+ / D / D- / C+ / B- |
8 | 10 | +2 | Washington Wizards | Bennedict Mathurin | SG | 6'5'' | 210 | 19 | C / B / D+ / C+ / C | C / B+ / C- / C+ / C |
9 | 28 | +19 | Utah Jazz via San Antonio Spurs | Obadiah Noel | SG | 6'4'' | 185 | 22 | C+ / C+ / C / C / C | C+ / B- / C / C+ / C |
10 | 7 | -3 | Phoenix Suns | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | SG | 6'5'' | 205 | 23 | B- / B- / C- / C / C- | B / B / C- / C / C- |
11 | 15 | +4 | Los Angeles Lakers via Los Angeles Clippers | Tre Jones | PG | 6'1'' | 185 | 21 | C+ / C+ / C+ / C+ / C- | C+ / B / C+ / B- / C- |
12 | 16 | +4 | Los Angeles Lakers via Golden State Warriors | Tari Eason | PF | 6'8'' | 215 | 20 | B- / C / D- / C+ / C | B- / C / D- / B+ / C |
13 | 18 | +5 | New Orleans Hornets | Matt Bradley | SG | 6'4'' | 220 | 22 | B- / B / D+ / C- / C | B- / B+ / C- / C- / C |
14 | 19 | +5 | Utah Jazz via Orlando Magic | Anfernee Simons | SG | 6'3'' | 181 | 22 | C+ / B / C- / C- / C- | C+ / B+ / C- / C / C- |
15 | 17 | +2 | Houston Rockets | Jaden Ivey | PG | 6'4'' | 195 | 19 | C / C+ / C / C+ / C- | C / B / C / B- / C- |
16 | 11 | -5 | Minnesota Timberwolves | Onyeka Okongwu | PF | 6'9'' | 240 | 20 | C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+ | B- / C- / F+ / B- / C+ |
17 | 20 | +3 | Los Angeles Lakers via Miami Heat | Patrick Gardner | C | 6'11'' | 250 | 22 | C+ / C+ / D- / C+ / C+ | B- / C+ / D- / B- / C+ |
18 | 8 | -10 | Philadelphia 76ers | Neemias Queta | C | 7'0'' | 248 | 22 | B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+ | B- / C- / C- / C+ / C+ |
19 | 21 | +2 | Memphis Grizzlies via Denver Nuggets | Luguentz Dort | SG | 6'4'' | 220 | 22 | C / C+ / C / B / C- | C / C+ / C / B+ / C |
20 | 13 | -7 | Los Angeles Lakers | Dalton Knecht | SF | 6'6'' | 204 | 20 | B- / B / D+ / C / C | B- / B / D+ / C / C |
21 | 29 | +8 | Dallas Mavericks via Milwaukee Bucks | Xavier Tillman Sr. | PF | 6'8'' | 245 | 22 | C+ / C+ / D / C / C+ | B- / C+ / D / C+ / C+ |
22 | 27 | +5 | Atlanta Hawks via Memphis Grizzlies | Saddiq Bey | PF | 6'7'' | 215 | 22 | B / B- / D+ / C / C | B / B / C- / C- / C |
23 | 25 | +2 | New York Knicks | Ziaire Williams | SF | 6'9'' | 185 | 20 | C+ / B- / C- / C / C- | C+ / B / C- / C / C- |
24 | 23 | -1 | Utah Jazz | Ochai Agbaji | SF | 6'5'' | 215 | 21 | B- / C+ / C- / C / C- | B / C+ / D+ / C / C- |
25 | 12 | -13 | Detroit Pistons via Indiana Pacers | Naz Reid | C | 6'9'' | 250 | 22 | B / C+ / D- / C+ / C | B- / C+ / D- / C+ / C |
26 | 24 | -2 | New York Knicks via Detroit Pistons | Luka Garza | C | 6'10'' | 243 | 22 | B- / B- / D / C / C | B- / B- / D / C / C |
27 | 14 | -13 | Indiana Pacers via Cleveland Cavaliers | Armando Bacot | PF | 6'11'' | 240 | 21 | C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+ | C+ / C- / D- / C+ / C+ |
28 | 26 | -2 | Detroit Pistons via Toronto Raptors | Killian Hayes | PG | 6'5'' | 195 | 20 | B- / B- / C / C+ / C- | B- / B- / C / C+ / C- |
29 | 22 | -7 | Portland Trail Blazers | Collin Gillespie | PG | 6'1'' | 195 | 22 | C+ / B / C / C- / D+ | C+ / B / C / C- / C- |
