(#1) San Antonio Spurs
Selection: Victor Wembanyama
Grade: A+
Despite the casuals, doubters, and pessimists, Wembanyama showed a ton of elite attributes during Summer League. It's weird how a 7-foot-5 big man shooting the ball poorly in one contest was enough fuel for folks to start (laughably) calling him a bust. Instead, let's focus on the fact that Wembanyama will enter the NBA and immediately be among the top rim-protectors in the League. There hasn't been enough emphasis from the general public on his timing, recovery instincts, and ability to properly utilize his length. Sure, he's skinny, but to think he'll be anything other than a star is shocking. Expect him to be the future of the San Antonio Spurs.
(#2) Charlotte Hornets
Selection: Brandon Miller
Grade: B
While the Hornets' draft choice of Miller has proven to be a polarizing choice amongst their followers, it's easy to find positives. Between the size, shooting, playmaking, and upside as a defender, there's virtually no scenario where he's a bad player. Miller has all the tools to be a useful contributor for a long time. However, it's still unclear if the 'fit' will be any better than if they would've drafted someone else (or if he'll even be better than the guys already on their roster). He'll still be a meaningful piece for Charlotte's long-term future, so it'll be interesting to watch his development alongside LaMelo Ball.
(#3) Portland Trailblazers
Selection: Scoot Henderson
Grade: A
Given the glimpses of greatness during Summer League (and the fact that Portland remains intent on trying to find a deal for Damian Lillard), it's clear the Trailblazers have netted their next star in Henderson. His identity as a polished, hyper-explosive floor general arguably makes him the most dynamic athlete drafted at the point guard position over the last decade. Although his toughness, balance, and array of physical traits have obvious appeal, Henderson's leadership and alpha mentality are a massive part of what separates him from other players. It's also worth noting this grade is not only due to drafting an incredible talent, but the combination of Portland's structure, aging star (Lillard), and luck with him being available at the third slot. All signs point to Henderson being simply awesome.
(#4) Houston Rockets
Selection: Amen Thompson
Grade: C+
Although most fans (especially the younger audience) were extremely fond of this draft choice, only time will tell what to make of Thompson. Believers claim that he's a great teammate with the passing, defense, and general versatility to be a potential star. However, there are legitimate reasons to have concern about his long-term path. The shot-selection, lack of perimeter shooting (and touch), and half-court ability will all need to be addressed before Thompson can take the next step as a player. That being said, the young core and new coaching regime in Houston will have as much likelihood to access Thompson's gifts as any team in the NBA.
(#5) Detroit Pistons
Selection: Ausar Thompson
Grade: B-
While there are a lot of similar questions surrounding both Thompson twins, it feels like the system in Detroit will allow Ausar to emerge fairly quickly. Even with the concerns, Thompson slides into a situation where he won't necessarily need to assert himself right away. He will be afforded the luxury to play alongside guys like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and their myriad of big men'which should allow him to come along at his own pace. He's a better shooter than his brother, so that combined with the passing, defense, and open-floor athleticism should make him a quality building block for the Pistons.
(#6) Orlando Magic
Selection: Anthony Black
Grade: B
It felt like the Magic received a lot of criticism for their lottery selections, but Black feels like a smart, safe pick. We might collectively look back and consider the sixth pick a bit lofty, but he feels really likely to be a quality player for a long time. The other choices in this range simply didn't make sense for a team with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as the franchise cornerstones. Perhaps Cason Wallace, but that would've only further blurred their guard situation. Adding Black gives them a smart, versatile piece with an extremely high floor. Expect him to quickly carve out a meaningful role for this group.
(#7) Washington Wizards
Selection: Bilal Coulibaly
Grade: C+
The lowest grade in the top-ten picks is earned by Washington drafting Coulibaly. It's actually easy to appreciate the Wizards' willingness to swing for the fences and pursue a high-risk/high-reward prospect, but that's exactly what it is. We could look back in five or ten years and question how someone with this high of a ceiling could possibly fall outside the top few picks. However, the opposite is also true and could result in a scenario where his career might not even make it that long. Make no mistake, it's a smart pick for a star-less team in rebuild mode, but only time will tell if the gamble pays dividends.
(#8) Indiana Pacers
Selection: Jarace Walker
Grade: C+
Similar to sixth pick, Indiana receives a mediocre grade by adding another guy to their roster who will only make things more confusing. Walker is a nice player and should be a useful contributor in the League, but Indiana is already loaded with solid pieces. Adding him to a group of Haliburton, Mathurin, Nesmith, Smith, Toppin, Jackson, Turner, Brown, and Nembhard means he'll immediately be fighting for minutes amidst a slew of proven NBA players. That's without even including guys like Nwora, McConnell, and Theis, who will each still warrant minutes despite being at different positions. It's not a bad pick, especially if Walker exceeds expectations, but it just feels like an uphill battle on a veteran-laden team.
(#9) Utah Jazz
Selection: Taylor Hendricks
Grade: B-
Although the grade itself probably could be higher, it's primarily based on the fact that Hendricks will have to find opportunities with guys like Collins, Markkanen, and Horton-Tucker absorbing most of the forward minutes. He's already a useful player with an appealing combination of skill, athleticism, and flashes of versatility. Hendricks' upside is a huge part of what makes him an intriguing pick in the lottery. Additionally, he provides an insurance policy in the event that Collins gets hurt or doesn't work out. It'll likely take a few years to determine the actual value of this selection.
(#10) Oklahoma City Thunder
Selection: Cason Wallace
Grade: B+
It appears we have a theme in the first ten selections, where teams with a ton of talent (and draft capital) are basically being forced to add more quality players into the mix'and Wallace fits that bill. His ability as an adaptable, well-rounded guard should make him a rotation piece for a long time. That being said, it will be a challenge for him to carve out anything bigger than a bench role while the Thunder have Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Giddey, and Dort all slated to earn starter-level minutes. Regardless, Wallace should be a difference-maker from day one.
(#11) Orlando Magic
Selection: Jett Howard
Grade: D
Kudos to Orlando for taking their guy and brushing aside any outside noise. However, drafting Howard remains an incredibly surprising selection with the likes of Jordan Hawkins and Gradey Dick still on the board. They desperately needed shooting coming into the draft and Howard apparently couldn't miss during his workout with the Magic, so it's easy to see their intended direction. It would've been nice to see them go with either of the aforementioned options, but Howard does have the tools to emerge as a useful piece.
(#12) Dallas Mavericks
Selection: Dereck Lively
Grade: C+
Although Lively clearly fills an NBA archetype, he's quite far from reaching his ceiling. It's easy to see his size, timing, mobility, and athleticism, but most of it still lies within pure flashes. He should still be able to find opportunities as a lob-threat and interior defender. This would be a fine choice if this same pick were made by the Spurs, Trailblazers, or any other rebuilding team, but Dallas needs immediate contributors in the worst way. Lively has all the tools to eventually develop into a quality big man, but it’s likely that he’ll be an average to below-average player for a few years.
