NBA Draft Grades

The NBA Draft has traditionally been a marquee event, and -- despite a lack of star-power and the looming lockout -- the 2011 draft didn't disappoint.

There was, however, one key difference: There were no trades leading up to the draft until the Sacramento deal right before it got underway. General managers and owners were extremely nervous about the new collective bargaining agreement potentially being set at an all-time low, so they didn't want to risk making any deals.

I spoke with one GM this week who told me that "having a pick in the mid 30s may be as good as having one in the mid 20s." Fans apparently got the memo as well. This year's draft drew an average of 3.2 million viewers; the highest total in 15 years.

With that in mind, the real winners were the Lakers, Wizards, Warriors, Bucks Jazz, many of whom made quality second round picks. The Lakers made one of the best picks in the draft at 41, getting incredible value despite poor position. On that note, lets kick off our rankings with the fighting Kobes.

Note: WATCH my all-access draft coverage from the Prudential Center, including one-on-ones with Adam Silver and Marcus Morris.

LISTEN to my podcast with ESPN Radio in Louisville breaking down the draft from every angle.

Email me or ask me questions about anything NBA Draft related at @206Child for my upcoming mailbag.

Plus, check out my brand new HuffPost sports blog, The Schultz Report, for a fresh and daily outlook on all things sports.

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Los Angeles Lakers

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To be fair, they had two second rounders, but getting Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock was a terrific coup by GM Mitch Kupchak. The Lakers' backcourt desperately needed an infusion of talent both on and off the ball, and they got it in these two. Morris is a 6'5" point guard who is still just 20 years old and learning the position, but he has an Andre Miller old-man's game that will blend nicely with Kobe Bryant. He's a terrific talent who thrives as a pure facilitator and dynamic passer. He is an instant upgrade from Derek Fisher and Steve Blake. Goudelock, meanwhile, has unlimited 3-point range, a welcome sign for a team that struggled from the perimeter in the playoffs, especially against Dallas. Grade: A

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To be fair, they had two second rounders, but getting Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock was a terrific coup by GM Mitch Kupchak. The Lakers' backcourt desperately needed an infusion of talent both on and off the ball, and they got it in these two.

Morris is a 6'5" point guard who is still just 20 years old and learning the position, but he has an Andre Miller old-man's game that will blend nicely with Kobe Bryant. He's a terrific talent who thrives as a pure facilitator and dynamic passer. He is an instant upgrade from Derek Fisher and Steve Blake.

Goudelock, meanwhile, has unlimited 3-point range, a welcome sign for a team that struggled from the perimeter in the playoffs, especially against Dallas.

Grade: A

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Comments

[blackgrl71]

11:13 PM on 06/27/2011

I don't get all the hype surrounding Kyrie Irving. I'm sorry but I'd rather have a guy whose PROVEN to be a 'beast' down the stretch than someone who puts up serious numbers when the pressure isn't there. The guy played only 12 collegiate games and for a skilled position like the point, I'd think you'd want more insurance that he can go 'big-time.' Then there's the injury and he doesn't exactly sport an impressive build, you'd think from the Greg Oden-lesson, teams would be more... circumspect.

Finally, as much as I'm an admitted Duke basketball hater; as a true basketball aficionado, Coach K IS one of the finest college coaches, one of the best basketball minds, in the game. Period. He combines talent w/ the not-so-athletic and pulls off an impressive record every year. And more importantly, where most other programs have essentially either given up altogether or coaches like Calipari, simply don't care, Coach K GRADUATES his players. That speaks highly of him and the kind of program he manages.

However, aside from Christian Laetner and Grant Hill, or a couple decent role players, Duke players don't seem to transition well into the NBA. Granted Irving seems a 'different' sort of Duke player, his abilities don't seem to negate all my concerns: season-long injury, small build, only played 11 collegiate games, Duke college player transitioning to the NBA, I simply don't get why he's worth the hype.

[frank day]

07:46 PM on 06/27/2011

There wasn't enough talent in this draft for anyone to rate over a C.

Fredette will be a big time bust.

Jordan is being a homer.

[OutAtFirst]

12:07 PM on 06/27/2011

I hope this draft will help the Jazz turn the corner and start back up. Last year was a train wreck.

[frank day]

12:04 AM on 06/28/2011

The Jazz are toast.

Jerry was all they had going for them.

[MustaphaPayan]

10:58 AM on 06/27/2011

Yeah some grading. Mr. Shultz is so knowledgeable in NBA that he doesn't even know fitting Derrick Williams on the floor with Kevin Love and Beasley won't be Kurt Rambis problem any more.

He got fired.

An A for the LA Lakers, Really? If Morris doesn't find his way onto the court next year, is he still a good pick up in the 2nd round?

Toronto gets an incomplete because they have to wait another year or two to see production from their guy? Doesn't that get an F for a team that needs help right now? They are not exactly the Chicago Bulls are they?

[Balzy26]

11:41 PM on 06/26/2011

great analysis but the grading system was a bit high all around. Excellent info though...I can't believe my T'Wolves are on the rise...although I just heard their 2nd pick is 6 years older than they thought at draft and their Flynn trade didn't pass a physical

[CatfishJohn]

09:51 PM on 06/26/2011

This is just an excellent and very sophisticated analysis mr schultz...thanks for filling in some gaps....will comment here on this tomorrow regarding specific teams