Post by Majic on Feb 16, 2021 14:24:49 GMT -5
Its never too early to look back at creation and use the benefit of hindsight. Druce and myself decided to look back over the creation first round and complete a re-draft using what we know now.
We each took a little bit of a different approach, so keep that in mind as you read through. Druce was focused more on this seasons stats while I focused solely on the 3001 season and its stats. We also made sure to take team construction into account and didn't select Best Player Available for each pick.
There are a number of guys that rose up the draft chart while others took a tumble. We even had a select few guys that held their same draft slot.
So, on to the draft....
1. New York Knickerbockers
Actual Pick: Bojan Dubljevic 5 C 6'9'' 254 26 4 B+ B+ D+ C- B- A
Re-Draft Pick: Bojan Dubljevic 5 C 6'9'' 254 26 4 B+ B+ D+ C- B- A
Druce Analysis: Pretty much a no brainer at this spot. He’s young, he scores really well from anywhere, he hits the glass hard, about a block a game. Locked up long term. Really nothing to not like about this pick.
Majic Analysis: Cannot disagree with this pick either. He is scoring at an unbelievable clip and offers strong rebounding. He is locked for quite a long time which helps make it the total package. The potential is just a cherry on top as you can count on his attributes remaining at a high level for a long time. I might personally favor Estes with this pick, but Bojan gets the nod.
2. Charlotte Bobcats
Actual Pick: Wayne Estes 1 SF 6'6'' 215 22 0 B+ C, D+ C- A- A,
Re-Draft Pick: Wayne Estes 1 SF 6'6'' 215 22 0 B+ C, D+ C- A- A,
Majic Analysis: First two picks of the draft and nothing changes. Estes is arguably the best player in the league and still only 23 with B potential. The biggest concern with this pick was the expiring contract, but a smart GM could plan ahead and ensure they had the cap space, as Odin did. Estes scores and does it insanely efficiently, he rebounds like a big and plays strong defense. Again, I would personally have made him my 1.1 so getting him at #2 overall is a steal.
Druce Analysis: You could maybe argue for Wrenn or Gathers here as they’ve got longer deals, but either way you’re not losing. Estes is a difference maker immediately, has A potential and is 22 years old. Stud.
3. Orlando Magic
Actual Pick: Doug Wrenn 3 SF 6'6'' 215 22 0 A- D+ C- C- B, A,
Re-Draft Pick: Hank Gathers 5 SF 6'7'' 230 25 2 A- C, C- C+ C+ B
Druce Analysis: Much like #1 overall, Gathers is a bona fide stud who is young and on a 5 year deal. No real holes in his game, and is SG eligible. A wing you can count on for close to a decade.
Majic Analysis: Wrenn is a great player and I dont expect him to sit on the board very long in our redraft, but Gathers is a better player. He offers great scoring and, as druce mentioned, is locked up long term.
4. Miami Heat
Actual Pick: Antonio Gates 2 SF 6'4'' 255 23 2 B+ C, B, C+ A- A,
Re-Draft Pick: Luke Maye 4 SF 6'8'' 240 22 0 B+ C+ C- C, B- B
Majic Analysis: Again, Gates is a great player and I expect to see his name in the re-draft very soon but I am taking Maye here. Maye is a scoring machine who also gets plenty of boards. His defense could be better but with the current state of the league it's not a concern. He is young with B potential and locked up for 4 years.
Druce Analysis: There are a lot of wings that went in this area of the draft that are very similar. Maye, Gates, and Wrenn are all very comparable. Maye is on a 4 year deal which I like, and the C+ outside indicates he’s got some range.
5. Los Angeles Clippers (traded from Milwaukee Bucks)
Actual Pick: Hank Gathers 5 SF 6'7'' 230 25 2 A- C, C- C+ C+ B
Re-Draft Pick: Joshua Smith 3 C 6'10'' 310 27 4 B- D+ C, C, C, D
Druce Analysis: There are a ton of different ways this pick can go, Gates, Riva, Wrenn, Tautuaa, Sharrar. At the end of the day maybe I’m a homer, but I pick Smith here. He was a hidden gem, he scores among the top scorers in the league, he’s young enough and has bird rights. Sharrar and Tautuaa are better players but their contracts/age came into play.
Majic Analysis: This is probably the first pick that I would really disagree with as I think there are better options. Age and contract are much bigger factors to Druce, and with that in mind I can understand this pick. For me though I would be willing to risk it with an older/shorter contract guy that's a better player.
6. Phoenix Suns
Actual Pick: Luke Maye 4 SF 6'8'' 240 22 0 B+ C+ C- C, B- B,
Re-Draft Pick: Doug Wrenn 3 SF 6'6'' 215 22 0 A- D+ C- C- B, A,
Majic Analysis: Wrenn didn't have to wait much longer to be picked in our redraft. Biggest factors for taking Wrenn with this pick are his age, contract and his insane efficiency. He also gives you double digit rebounds a game and chips in a little on defense. The biggest bonus is the A potential and room for growth.
Druce Analysis: I don’t think I’d call 1.09 p/tsa “insane efficiency” but that's just me. He’s young, A pot, A- inside so I get it, just don’t love the D+ outside. He’s a good solid player but there are a few guys on the board which I would still take over him.
7. Charlotte Hornets
Actual Pick: Shawn Kemp Jr. 2 PF 6'9'' 250 22 2 B, C- C- C, C+ A
Re-Draft Pick: Moala Tautuaa 5 C 6'8'' 249 33 0 B+ C, B, C- B- C
Druce Analysis: Ultimately the goal is to win titles. Yes he’s 33, but he’s also the best player in the league currently and has a ring. He’s a cornerstone piece for at least a few years, and if you have to rebuild then so be it, his value in the current is higher than anyone else.
Majic Analysis: Over the last 2 picks I debated on taking Moala or not, but his age caused me to hold off. I agree with Druce in that winning is what truly matters and through 1 year Moala has shown to be the best at it. He finished #1 in WS last year and took home the title. He is a little older but I expect a couple great/good years out of him.
8. Indiana Pacers
Actual Pick: Juwan Staten 3 PG 5'11'' 186 28 6 C C+ B B- F+ A
Re-Draft Pick: Theodoros Papaloukas 2 PG 27 7 6'7'' 222 C+ C+ B- C C B
Majic Analysis: Ok so this might be a surprising pick but I really love what Theo brings to the table. I am also working under the assumption that Heebs was eager to get a PG, so it's simple to get him the best one from creation. Theo scores well for the PG and does it efficiently. His assist/TO ratio is outstanding and he chips in with solid rebounding numbers. His defense isn't a liability, and considering the level of PG play across the league it's not a concern at all. At 27 years old he isn't the youngest player but with B potential you're not expecting a dropoff anytime soon. Overall I love his weiner and he has already proven to be a title winning PG.
Druce Analysis: Don’t mind the pick at all. Point guards are few and far between in the league and Theo is probably 2nd best. The concerning thing is the 2 year deal he carries, so you’ve either got to maintain cap space to get him back or just roll the dice. He does everything really well so you’re getting a complete player.
9. Vancouver Grizzlies
Actual Pick: Lenny Cooke 3 SG 6'6'' 205 24 3 B- C, D+ C- C+ B
Re-Draft Pick: Sergei Belov 5 PG 6'3'' 180 33 11 B, C+ B- D+ D- D
Druce Analysis: Point guard version of Tautuaa, Belov is easily the #1 point in the league and is completely capable of carrying a team by himself. We also have the benefit of knowing the Grizz have a 2nd first round pick to pair with Belov and are obviously going for it early. Belov greatly helps that cause.
Majic Analysis: Cannot disagree with anything Druce mentioned above. Belov is my personal #2 PG given his age, but still an elite player and an awesome pick for the Grizz. This sets up the Grizz nicely for their later pick and allows them to take BPA.
10. Chicago Stags
Actual Pick: James Blackmon Jr. 5 SG 6'4'' 190 25 3 B, B- B, D+ C- C,
Re-Draft Pick: Antonio Gates 2 SF 6'4'' 255 23 2 B+ C, B, C+ A- A,
Majic Analysis: Blackmon is a good player and a strong first round pick, he was eventually traded to the Bobcats and has helped them be early contenders. However, I just like Gates better as a player for a few reasons. Gates has the positional flexibility to play both SF and SG and I like his overall numbers a bit better. His scoring and rebounding is really strong and he does a solid job defensively. He is another young player and A potential, so there is an expectation he will naturally grow. Biggest concern is the contract and the need for a smart GM to plan accordingly, but for me that's been less of a concern.
Druce Analysis: Gates is really good, and he’s young. His only real flaw is the 2 year contract as Majic referred to. Obviously the Bobcats ultimately made this pick and I see Gates fitting in with their plan quite well.
11. Portland Trailblazers
Actual Pick: Raymond Lewis 2 SG 6'1'' 180 25 3 B, C+ D, C- D, D,
Re-Draft Pick: Lloyd Sharrar C 6'10'' 210 22 B- C- F+ C A- A
Druce Analysis: At this point I think Sharrar is too good to pass up even with his 1 year contract. 22, A pot, stud. He’s a long term building block that you’d have to make sure you have cap to offer a full max, but he’s worth it. With the Blazers having 1.2 in the first draft post creation, you’d hope to find someone to pair with Sharrar to be your studs moving forward. Obviously Sampson and Sharrar would be a fantastic duo down low.
Majic Analysis: Completely agree with Druce on this one. Again, for me personally the shorter contracts aren't really a concern. A smart GM should be able to plan accordingly and resign the player. Sharrar is a stud and should be elite for a long time.
12. Washington Bullets
Actual Pick: Lloyd Sharrar C 6'10'' 210 22 B- C- F+ C A- A West Virginia
Re-Draft Pick: Kennedy Meeks 4 PF 6'9'' 265 25 3 B- C- C- C, C+ B
Majic Analysis: I feel like this is about the point in the draft we see a small drop off from the top tier elite. That is no slight on Meeks who is a great player and awesome value at 1.12. He scores really well and offers nice defense. You would like to see his rebounding a bit higher but its workable given the league right now. You get him locked up for 3 years and will have birds to resign him once he is a FA.
Druce Analysis: Meeks is a really solid player. Young enough and on a long enough contract you can build around him. The TOs need work, but from here on out I imagine we see some guys with obvious flaws. Either way he’s a good focal point for the offense now and in the future.
13. New Orleans Pelicans
Actual Pick: William Buford SG 6'5'' 215 23 0 B- B- C C+ C B Ohio State
Re-Draft Pick: Antonella Riva 2 SF 6'5'' 220 28 8 A- C+ D- C- D+ B
Druce Analysis: Riva is an elite scorer from the get go and maintains SG eligibility so the rebounding won’t hurt as much. When building a team I think you have to find points first and Riva certainly fits the bill. The knocks here are the contract and the lack of a ton else outside of scoring, but I think he’s good enough to justify the pick.
Majic Analysis: Riva falls because he has some flaws in his game. I would really like to see his rebounding higher but at SG that should be less of a concern. The benefit is that he is extremely efficient and that can never be discounted. Contract is short but I think the biggest challenge is determining his value. Is he truly worth a full max or more for the resigning team?
14. Los Angeles Clippers (traded from Golden State Warriors)
Actual Pick: Antonella Riva 2 SF 6'5'' 220 28 8 A- C+ D- C- D+ B
Re-Draft Pick: Chief Kickingstallionsims 1 C 7'1'' 265 26 1 C+ C- D+ C+ C+ B,
Majic Analysis: Finally the big Chief comes off the board, and honestly it's later than I would have guessed. His 1 year contract is the biggest concern so the GM has to take that into account. By selecting Chief this gives the Clipper a nearly unstoppable front court. Obviously Chief can score and get rebounds but it's his defense that sets him apart from others. TO’s are a bit of a problem but I think it's manageable.
Druce Analysis: Not now Chief, I’m in the fuckin zone. That zone being the Clippers front court where they’ve got some grade A usda choice beef. They’re going for it and Chief w/Smith gives them two giants aged similarly to build around moving forward. A good spot to be in.
15. Vancouver Grizzlies (traded from Philadelphia 76ers)
Actual Pick: Jason Capel 5 SF 6'8'' 225 27 5 C+ B- C- C+ B, C,
Re-Draft Pick: Jarvis Lang 4 PF 6'7'' 240 24 0 A- D+ D, C, C+ F
Druce Analysis: With Belov the Grizz are going all in trying to win a ship early. I think at this point Lang teamed with Sergei gives them the best chance. He’s a beast offensively down low and his biggest flaw is his potential, which matters not given the aforementioned pushing for a title sooner than later.
Majic Analysis: Lang is a really good player and something to build with over the short term. As Druce mentioned the biggest concern is the F potential, so you have to plan accordingly as the Grizz are. Lang scores well and offers a little bit of everything.
16. Charlotte Bobcats (traded from Carolina Cougars)
Actual Pick: Demetrius Mitchell 4 PG 5'10'' 185 32 10 A- C, C+ C- D, D
Re-Draft Pick: Kyle Hines 5 PF 6'7'' 245 33 12 C+ C- C, B+ A- C,
Majic Analysis: The Bobcats are set on the wing with 2 dominant players so it's time to focus on the big men. Hines is a bit older and probably the only concern but the Bobcats have a window they are trying to capitalize on. His rebounding is elite and he scores extremely well too. This would create a dominant 1-2-3 for the Bobcats.
Druce Analysis: No one is beating this team on the glass. Hines and Estes will dominate rebounds against any and all comers. Really like this pick for the Bobs at this point given they don’t need earth shattering scoring, they need someone to do the dirty work in the post. There are a lot of pass first point guards available later on for them to fill out the starting five also. Good Place to go with this pick.
17. Sacramento Kings
Actual Pick: Jon Davis 1 PG 6'3'' 195 23 1 A- C, B- F- C, B,
Re-Draft Pick: Lenny Cooke 3 SG 6'6'' 205 24 3 B- C, D+ C- C+ B
Druce Analysis: I think Cooke is a bit underappreciated currently because of all the scoring around him. He’s very efficient, he’s young, and you’ll have birds on him. Can he be the lead dog? Maybe, we don’t know per se. I think this is a safe pick for the Kings for the future as they’re building.
Majic Analysis: Love this pick and Cooke is a bit of a hidden gem. His scoring volume isnt the highest but he is on a team with a bunch of other scorers. His rebounding at the SG level is outstanding and he has plus defense. Young, signed long term and looks to have some room to grow.
18. Toronto Raptors (traded from San Antonio Spurs)
Actual Pick: Sergei Belov 5 PG 6'3'' 180 33 11 B, C+ B- D+ D- D,
Re-Draft Pick: Tyreese Breshers 1, PF, 6'7" 255, 23, 1, C+, C-, D, C-, C, A
Majic Analysis: This is a little bit of a projection pick and possibly a reach, but I really like the value of getting Breshers here. He is on a 1 year deal and that's the biggest concern but the gamble is worth it. I also fully expect Delap to put a little more effort and care into him than he got from his GM. A potential and a ton of room to grow, I fully expect him to blossom into a top tier big.
Druce Analysis: Not in love with this pick, but it all depends on the direction you want to go with your team. He’s a solid player, but this is a lot of stock to put into a guy without a B grade. With the one year deal you may not even see a TC with him, but if you can bring him back then he’s a good building block.
19. Texas Chaparrals
Actual Pick: Kennedy Meeks 4 PF 6'9'' 265 25 3 B- C- C- C, C+ B,
Re-Draft Pick: Demetrius Mitchell 4 PG 5'10'' 185 32 10 A- C, C+ C- D, D
Druce Analysis: I think this is a good spot for Hook Mitchell to fall in. He’s a top tier PG who at 32 has at least a few more years in his legs. He’s going to be a guy you take with intentions to contend early, so pairing him with a nice complimentary piece will be essential, but he’s very talented and at the very least you can trade him and get good value.
Majic Analysis: Not overly in love with this pick as I would prefer to go with a younger player at this point of the draft. Mitchell is a stud and his age is really the only concern. His scoring at the PG position is outstanding and he has a decent ast/TO ratio. He should be good for at least 2-3 years, if not longer.
20. Orlando Magic (traded from Seattle Supersonics)
Actual Pick: Oscar Schmidt 3 SG 6'9'' 230 30 11 B+ B+ D D D D Brazil
Re-Draft Pick: Devin Williams 5 PF 6'9'' 255 26 5 C+ C, D+ C, A- C,
Majic Analysis: Williams jumps up a bit in the redraft and I think he is a great pick here for the Magic. I love his rebounding numbers and he has a good scoring punch as well. He offers solid numbers across the board and doesn't have one major flaw. He is probably a bit underrated across the league and it's a benefit to have him locked up for 5 years.
Druce Analysis: If he can get back to last seasons numbers this is a solid pick. Good age, good contract, no real downside. If the 44% shooting is a sign of things to come then that could be a bit troublesome, but we’ll take the greater sample size and say last season is what he is. Solid all around.
21. Chicago Bulls
Actual Pick: John Calipari 4 PG 6'2'' 180 20 0 C- B, A- D, D, B,
Re-Draft Pick: James Blackmon Jr. 5 SG 6'4'' 190 25 3 B, B- B, D+ C- C,
Druce Analysis: So he’s taken a bit of a tumble in the re-draft, but Blackmon is a pick that will work well for a guy like Mike. Mike notoriously holds onto players and may or may not upgrade them. As he is built Blackmon is a solid player who may not need a ton of upgrade love to still make a difference. He’s young and on a long contract that you don’t have to worry about for a good bit either.
Majic Analysis: Another guy that's possibly a little underrated? He is a “plus” in almost every category for a SG and still relatively young. He is locked up for the full 5 years and offers Mike consistency and all star level play.
22. Dallas Mavericks
Actual Pick: Moala Tautuaa 5 C 6'8'' 249 33 0 B+ C, B, C- B- C
Re-Draft Pick: Josh Peppers 4 SF 6’6” 205 24 B+ C D C C D
Majic Analysis: I like Peppers here for a couple of reasons and know there is a little risk with him. He has strong efficiency and is locked up longer term. He appears to have some 3pt shooting in him and would slide in nicely at SG. His flaws seem a little more manageable than some of the other guys still on the board.
Druce Analysis: Very solid player, elite first name. The low rebounding plays better at SG. To get a guy this young and on a 4 year deal at 22 you can’t really go wrong. He’ll be a good player for a long time.
23. Los Angeles Clippers
Actual Pick: Pee Wee Kirkland 3 PG 6'1'' 200 35 13 B, C, A, C, D+ F
Re-Draft Pick: Oscar Schmidt 3 SG 6'9'' 230 30 11 B+ B+ D D D D Brazil
Druce Analysis: With their front court set, and PG being something they can plug and play later, I like Schmidt for the Clippers here. He can score and that's basically all he’s got to do. His game certainly has holes but the Clippers are going for it, and he’s the best scorer left on the board at this point.
Majic Analysis: Interesting pick here by Druce, and not one I think I would agree with. I had a few other guys left on my board ahead of Schmidt so I am not sure on the value. Schmidt is a fine player and won't get you in trouble, but I think there are better, more versatile, options still out there.
24. Carolina Cougars (traded from Charlotte Bobcats)
Actual Pick: Chief Kickingstallionsims 1 C 7'1'' 265 26 1 C+ C- D+ C+ C+ B,
Re-Draft Pick: Shawn Kemp Jr. 2 PF 6'9'' 250 22 2 B, C- C- C, C+ A
Majic Analysis: This was a big fall for Kemp but he still lands in the first round. The A potential for a 22 year old has to be exciting. He is a strong scorer and does some good things on the defensive end. You would like his rebounding to be higher but I think that can be improved. Biggest risk is the 2 year contract, so the Cougars would have to plan accordingly.
Druce Analysis: Eww...this guy sucks. I love Shawn Kemp, but his son is hot tmbsl trash. He should have fallen out of the first round. That's all I’ve got to say.
25. Pittsburgh Pipers
Actual Pick: Sergio Llull 5, PG, 6'3", 190, 21, 0, C-, B-, A-, C, D, B, Spain
Re-Draft Pick: Sergio Llull 5, PG, 6'3", 190, 21, 0, C-, B-, A-, C, D, B, Spain
Druce Analysis: Rare case of a pick this low remaining the same. My logic here is that ba is a new guy, Llull is a safe-ish pick. He’s young, has B potential, and is locked up long term. Yes the C- inside is concerning, but I imagine he can upgrade his inside scoring. It’s a pick that gives ba a bit of a lotto ticket for the future.
Majic Analysis: I would agree that this is a relatively safe pick. It's not overly exciting but I do think this is a solid place to select him. Invest in his inside and he could really blossom.
26. Los Angeles Clippers (traded from Brooklyn Nets)
Actual Pick: Kyle Hines 5 PF 6'7'' 245 33 12 C+ C- C, B+ A- C,
Re-Draft Pick: Juwan Staten 3 PG 5'11'' 186 28 6 C C+ B B- F+ A
Majic Analysis: This is a perfect spot for the Clippers to get their PG, and I think they end up with a good one. He is a high quality starter and offers you a little bit of everything. He can score, has an OK assist/TO ratio and plays some defense. The Clippers won't need him to do much more than that.
Druce Analysis: He could use some help w/efficiency but he’s certainly the best PG available. The Clipppers come out of this draft easily the favorite and have built a nice solid core to build on.
27. New York Knicks (traded from Los Angeles Lakers traded from Minnesota Timberwolves)
Actual Pick: Kenny George 4 C 7'8'' 370 24 2 C, D+ F+ C- C, B,
Re-Draft Pick: William Buford SG 6'5'' 215 23 0 B- B- C C+ C B
Druce Analysis: Buford fits the age timeline for the Knicks pairing with Bojan to be a nice 1-2 scoring punch. Yes you’ve got to sign him, but you’re not going to get the perfect pick at 1.27. He scores well, rebounds ok for a SG and isn’t going to kill you elsewhere.
Majic Analysis: Like this pick here and think Burford is a little overlooked. There is concern about his TO’s but it looks like he might be starting to get them under control. 1 year contract is a big concern but I think Ank would be able to navigate that. As druce mentioned, pairing him with Bojan is a nice long term combo.
28. Atlanta Hawks
Actual Pick: Devin Williams 5 PF 6'9'' 255 26 5 C+ C, D+ C, A- C,
Re-Draft Pick: Le'Bryan Nash 5 SF 6'7'' 235 28 6 B, C- C- C, C- B
Majic Analysis: I really like Nash and how his game would translate to the SG position. By no means is he a good rebounder but moving him to SG would cover up his biggest flaw. He has great size and is a good scorer. His age might be a slight concern long term but with his positional flexibility I think he will be a good asset for a while.
Druce Analysis: I like this pick for the Hawks, Nash is a very solid player and has at least 5 good years left in him. Locked up long term so you like that as well. A win for the Hawks this late in the first.
29. Toronto Raptors
Actual Pick: Luke Recker 3 SG 6'6'' 210 28 7 C+ B+ D+ C- D+ C
Re-Draft Pick: Kenny George 4 C 7'8'' 370 24 2 C, D+ F+ C- C, B
Druce Analysis: The Raptors build from the front court out getting this literal giant. George needs help scoring, but delap is active enough to easily afford all upgrades George needs, and he’ll pair with Breshers well timeline wise also. I don’t hate keeping Recker at this spot either, but for variety’s sake went with Kenny.
Majic Analysis: First and only defensive specialist taken in the draft. As druce mentioned, his scoring is a little lower than you would like but it's worth it. His steals and blocks are elite and can help shut down the paint area.
