SPORTS

James Hawkins' NBA Draft Round 1 grades

Go through the gallery to see grades for all 30 first-round picks of the NBA draft by James Hawkins of The Detroit News.
Go through the gallery to see grades for all 30 first-round picks of the NBA draft by James Hawkins of The Detroit News.
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU (6-10, 240) -- The Sixers desperately need elite talent, playmaking and wing scoring, and Simmons helps fill those needs. At 6-10 with point guard skills and an NBA-ready body, Simmons can play anywhere on the court and has the most upside of any player in the draft. He's a talent the Sixers couldn't pass on. GRADE: A
1. Philadelphia 76ers: Ben Simmons, SF/PF, LSU (6-10, 240) -- The Sixers desperately need elite talent, playmaking and wing scoring, and Simmons helps fill those needs. At 6-10 with point guard skills and an NBA-ready body, Simmons can play anywhere on the court and has the most upside of any player in the draft. He's a talent the Sixers couldn't pass on. GRADE: A
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke (6-9, 195) -- With Ben Simmons off the board, Lakers get a rather talented consolation prize. Ingram is skinny but has plenty of length (7-3 wingspan), skills and should be able to fit in right away. He gives the Lakers perimeter scoring and has the potential to be one of the team's primary scorers. Several analysts had Ingram ranked ahead of Simmons as the draft's top prospect. GRADE: A
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke (6-9, 195) -- With Ben Simmons off the board, Lakers get a rather talented consolation prize. Ingram is skinny but has plenty of length (7-3 wingspan), skills and should be able to fit in right away. He gives the Lakers perimeter scoring and has the potential to be one of the team's primary scorers. Several analysts had Ingram ranked ahead of Simmons as the draft's top prospect. GRADE: A
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
3. Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, SG, California (6-7, 225) -- After missing out on the Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram sweepstakes, there was plenty of speculation the Celtics would try to unload this pick. But they held onto it and opted to add Brown, who adds athleticism and versatility to the team's frontcourt but isn't a great outside shooter, which Boston could use. GRADE: B
3. Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown, SG, California (6-7, 225) -- After missing out on the Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram sweepstakes, there was plenty of speculation the Celtics would try to unload this pick. But they held onto it and opted to add Brown, who adds athleticism and versatility to the team's frontcourt but isn't a great outside shooter, which Boston could use. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
4. Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia (7-1, 220) -- The Suns desperately needed a power forward to pair with Alex Len and Bender fills that glaring void. At the four spot, Bender is a pick-and-pop type of player who will be able to space the floor, but it'll time until he's a major contributor. GRADE: A-
4. Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender, PF, Croatia (7-1, 220) -- The Suns desperately needed a power forward to pair with Alex Len and Bender fills that glaring void. At the four spot, Bender is a pick-and-pop type of player who will be able to space the floor, but it'll time until he's a major contributor. GRADE: A-
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence (6-4, 220) -- The Timberwolves needed to add defensive-minded personnel and backcourt depth, and Dunn fits the bill for both. He's also regarded as the most dynamic and best point guard in the draft. Dunn is another piece Minnesota can add to its young core of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. GRADE: A-
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence (6-4, 220) -- The Timberwolves needed to add defensive-minded personnel and backcourt depth, and Dunn fits the bill for both. He's also regarded as the most dynamic and best point guard in the draft. Dunn is another piece Minnesota can add to its young core of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. GRADE: A-
Frank Franklin II, AP
6. New Orleans Pelicans: -- Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma (6-5, 212) -- The Pelicans could've looked for an interior player to partner with Anthony Davis but elected to pick Hield, a playmaker who has proven he can score in bunches. Hield should benefit from playing with Davis and also provides the Pelicans with some protection at the guard position with Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans a year away from free agency. GRADE: A-
6. New Orleans Pelicans: -- Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma (6-5, 212) -- The Pelicans could've looked for an interior player to partner with Anthony Davis but elected to pick Hield, a playmaker who has proven he can score in bunches. Hield should benefit from playing with Davis and also provides the Pelicans with some protection at the guard position with Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans a year away from free agency. GRADE: A-
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
7. Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky (6-4, 205) -- The Nuggets needed shooting and someone who could help space the floor for Emmanuel Mudiay, and Murray does just that as one of the best scorers in the draft. Murray can stroke it from 3-point range and also provides versatility. Murray and Mudiay could be the Nuggets' backcourt for the future. GRADE: A
7. Denver Nuggets: Jamal Murray, SG, Kentucky (6-4, 205) -- The Nuggets needed shooting and someone who could help space the floor for Emmanuel Mudiay, and Murray does just that as one of the best scorers in the draft. Murray can stroke it from 3-point range and also provides versatility. Murray and Mudiay could be the Nuggets' backcourt for the future. GRADE: A
Mike Stobe, Getty Images
8. Sacramento Kings (traded to Phoenix Suns): Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington (6-10, 233) -- Chriss was projected to go higher, but slipped a little bit. Still, he gives the Suns a player with size, athleticism and shot-blocking ability but struggled to stay out of foul trouble. GRADE: B
8. Sacramento Kings (traded to Phoenix Suns): Marquese Chriss, PF, Washington (6-10, 233) -- Chriss was projected to go higher, but slipped a little bit. Still, he gives the Suns a player with size, athleticism and shot-blocking ability but struggled to stay out of foul trouble. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
9. Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah (7-1, 239) -- There was several ways the Raptors could've went with this pick considering the uncertainty surrounding DeMar DeRozan, but they elected to go big. Poeltl is skilled around the rim and is a defensive-minded center who will be able to step in and replace Bismack Biyombo. GRADE: B+
9. Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah (7-1, 239) -- There was several ways the Raptors could've went with this pick considering the uncertainty surrounding DeMar DeRozan, but they elected to go big. Poeltl is skilled around the rim and is a defensive-minded center who will be able to step in and replace Bismack Biyombo. GRADE: B+
Frank Franklin II, AP
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Thon Maker, PF, Australia (7-1, 216) -- Not many mock drafts had Maker going this high. He's a gamble as the youngest player and biggest mystery in the draft. A big question is how long it will take him to develop, but he could play center, which is a need for the Bucks. Maker will join a team that has several young pieces with Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo. GRADE: C+
10. Milwaukee Bucks: Thon Maker, PF, Australia (7-1, 216) -- Not many mock drafts had Maker going this high. He's a gamble as the youngest player and biggest mystery in the draft. A big question is how long it will take him to develop, but he could play center, which is a need for the Bucks. Maker will join a team that has several young pieces with Khris Middleton, Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo. GRADE: C+
Frank Franklin II, AP
11. Orlando Magic (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder): Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonazaga (6-10, 240) -- Sabonis is undersized and underrated but has a high motor and high IQ. If he can develop a consistent jumper, he'll give the Thunder a scoring threat alongside fellow big man Steven Adams. GRADE: B
11. Orlando Magic (traded to Oklahoma City Thunder): Domantas Sabonis, PF, Gonazaga (6-10, 240) -- Sabonis is undersized and underrated but has a high motor and high IQ. If he can develop a consistent jumper, he'll give the Thunder a scoring threat alongside fellow big man Steven Adams. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
12. Utah Jazz (traded to Atlanta Hawks): Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor (6-8, 220) -- After acquiring this pick in a three-way trade with the Pacers and Jazz, the Hawks need scoring and wing depth. Prince can knock is down from 3-point range and play either forward spot. GRADE: B
12. Utah Jazz (traded to Atlanta Hawks): Taurean Prince, SF, Baylor (6-8, 220) -- After acquiring this pick in a three-way trade with the Pacers and Jazz, the Hawks need scoring and wing depth. Prince can knock is down from 3-point range and play either forward spot. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
13. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings): Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece (7-2, 275) -- With uncertainty at the point guard position and in need of 3-point shooting, the Kings made a trade for Papagiannis, who gives them a big man they hope can develop alongside DeMarcus Cousins. GRADE: C
13. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings): Georgios Papagiannis, C, Greece (7-2, 275) -- With uncertainty at the point guard position and in need of 3-point shooting, the Kings made a trade for Papagiannis, who gives them a big man they hope can develop alongside DeMarcus Cousins. GRADE: C
Frank Franklin II, AP
14. Chicago Bulls: Denzel Valentine, SF, Michigan State (6-5, 210) -- There's been plenty of questions about his knees but one certainty is Valentine gives the Bulls a combo guard who can knock down shots and also distribute the ball. He adds depth to Chicago's backcourt and will be able to contribute right away. GRADE: B+
14. Chicago Bulls: Denzel Valentine, SF, Michigan State (6-5, 210) -- There's been plenty of questions about his knees but one certainty is Valentine gives the Bulls a combo guard who can knock down shots and also distribute the ball. He adds depth to Chicago's backcourt and will be able to contribute right away. GRADE: B+
Frank Franklin II, AP
15. Denver Nuggets: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain (6-9, 225) -- The Nuggets seem to gravitate toward European players and didn't buck the trend with Hernangomez. He gives the Nuggets a future stretch four who can drain outside shots and open up the paint. GRADE: B-
15. Denver Nuggets: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain (6-9, 225) -- The Nuggets seem to gravitate toward European players and didn't buck the trend with Hernangomez. He gives the Nuggets a future stretch four who can drain outside shots and open up the paint. GRADE: B-
Frank Franklin II, AP
16. Boston Celtics: Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France (6-8, 240) -- Yabusele is a load in the paint and shoots 43 percent from behind the arc. He moves well for his size and resembles a Draymond Green type of player. GRADE: B-
16. Boston Celtics: Guerschon Yabusele, PF, France (6-8, 240) -- Yabusele is a load in the paint and shoots 43 percent from behind the arc. He moves well for his size and resembles a Draymond Green type of player. GRADE: B-
Frank Franklin II, AP
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin IV, PG, Vanderbilt (6-3, 195) -- Baldwin has a 6-11 wingspan, is an efficient outside shooter and has plenty of defensive potential. He gives the Grizzlies a viable backup point guard. GRADE: B
17. Memphis Grizzlies: Wade Baldwin IV, PG, Vanderbilt (6-3, 195) -- Baldwin has a 6-11 wingspan, is an efficient outside shooter and has plenty of defensive potential. He gives the Grizzlies a viable backup point guard. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
18. Detroit Pistons: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette (6-10, 245) -- Ellenson gives coach Stan Van Gundy frontcourt depth and a stretch four who can knock down outside shots. He has the potential to give the Pistons more of an offensive boost off the bench than Aron Baynes. GRADE: B
18. Detroit Pistons: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette (6-10, 245) -- Ellenson gives coach Stan Van Gundy frontcourt depth and a stretch four who can knock down outside shots. He has the potential to give the Pistons more of an offensive boost off the bench than Aron Baynes. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
19. Denver Nuggets: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State (6-5, 190) -- Beasley wasn't able to work out for teams due to a right leg injury, but when he plays, he's an explosive, undersized 2-guard who can shoot the ball. He has potential to be a solid defender. GRADE: C+
19. Denver Nuggets: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State (6-5, 190) -- Beasley wasn't able to work out for teams due to a right leg injury, but when he plays, he's an explosive, undersized 2-guard who can shoot the ball. He has potential to be a solid defender. GRADE: C+
Frank Franklin II, AP
20. Indiana Pacers (traded to Brooklyn Nets): Caris LeVert, SG, Michigan (6-7, 191) -- LeVert was viewed as a lottery pick before foot injuries kept him out most of his senior year. When healthy, LeVert can score from all over the floor and finish at the rim, and could provide a scoring punch off the bench. Much of his success will hinge on whether he's able to stay healthy. GRADE: B
20. Indiana Pacers (traded to Brooklyn Nets): Caris LeVert, SG, Michigan (6-7, 191) -- LeVert was viewed as a lottery pick before foot injuries kept him out most of his senior year. When healthy, LeVert can score from all over the floor and finish at the rim, and could provide a scoring punch off the bench. Much of his success will hinge on whether he's able to stay healthy. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
21. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's (6-5, 205) -- He's not a great jump shooter, but he can play point, is a solid defender and passer, and can post up smaller guards. GRADE: B-
21. Atlanta Hawks: DeAndre Bembry, SF, Saint Joseph's (6-5, 205) -- He's not a great jump shooter, but he can play point, is a solid defender and passer, and can post up smaller guards. GRADE: B-
Chris Szagola, AP
22. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Sacramento Kings): Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse (6-6, 200) -- Richardson is a streaky shooter, but is one of the few players who can create his own shot off the dribble and knock it down from deep. GRADE: C+
22. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Sacramento Kings): Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse (6-6, 200) -- Richardson is a streaky shooter, but is one of the few players who can create his own shot off the dribble and knock it down from deep. GRADE: C+
Frank Franklin II, AP
23. Boston Celtics: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia (6-11, 230) -- Zizic is one of the draft's sleeper picks and could pan out down the road. He's a low-post threat who can pick-and-pop and excels at rebounding. He also helps improve the Celtics' frontcourt depth but could be stashed overseas. GRADE: C
23. Boston Celtics: Ante Zizic, C, Croatia (6-11, 230) -- Zizic is one of the draft's sleeper picks and could pan out down the road. He's a low-post threat who can pick-and-pop and excels at rebounding. He also helps improve the Celtics' frontcourt depth but could be stashed overseas. GRADE: C
Frank Franklin II, AP
24. Philadelphia 76ers: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, SF, France (6-7, 205) -- With their horde of first-round picks, the 76ers made a draft-and-stash pick with Luwawu-Cabarrot. He's known for his defensive ability and has developed a long-range shot, but likely won't crack the NBA roster anytime soon. GRADE: D
24. Philadelphia 76ers: Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, SF, France (6-7, 205) -- With their horde of first-round picks, the 76ers made a draft-and-stash pick with Luwawu-Cabarrot. He's known for his defensive ability and has developed a long-range shot, but likely won't crack the NBA roster anytime soon. GRADE: D
Frank Franklin II, AP
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina (6-10, 210) -- Johnson is a versatile big man who can get out and run and knock down mid-range shots. His athleticism and size is much needed for a Clippers team that has little interior depth. GRADE: B-
25. Los Angeles Clippers: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina (6-10, 210) -- Johnson is a versatile big man who can get out and run and knock down mid-range shots. His athleticism and size is much needed for a Clippers team that has little interior depth. GRADE: B-
Frank Franklin II, AP
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey (6-7, 185) -- Yet another draft-and-stash pick, Korkmaz is a prototypical 2-guard who can shoot it from long range and is an above average ball handler and passer. GRADE: C-
26. Philadelphia 76ers: Furkan Korkmaz, SG, Turkey (6-7, 185) -- Yet another draft-and-stash pick, Korkmaz is a prototypical 2-guard who can shoot it from long range and is an above average ball handler and passer. GRADE: C-
FIBA
27. Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam, PF, New Mexico St. (6-10, 227) -- Not a well-known name, Siakam is long, physical and an elite rebounder. He gives the Raptors another option at the forward position, which has been a revolving door in recent years. GRADE: C-
27. Toronto Raptors: Pascal Siakam, PF, New Mexico St. (6-10, 227) -- Not a well-known name, Siakam is long, physical and an elite rebounder. He gives the Raptors another option at the forward position, which has been a revolving door in recent years. GRADE: C-
Ben Margot, AP
28. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings): Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky (7-0, 216) -- Labissiere's fall worked in the Kings' favor as they continued to beef up on the interior. He's long and can block shots, but didn't rebound at a high rate. GRADE: B
28. Phoenix Suns (traded to Sacramento Kings): Skal Labissiere, PF, Kentucky (7-0, 216) -- Labissiere's fall worked in the Kings' favor as they continued to beef up on the interior. He's long and can block shots, but didn't rebound at a high rate. GRADE: B
Frank Franklin II, AP
29. San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington (6-5, 170) -- Murray's not a great finisher around the rim and lacks a consistent jumper, but has good hands on defense and is a solid rebounder. He'll have the luxury of getting to learn behind Tony Parker. GRADE: C
29. San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington (6-5, 170) -- Murray's not a great finisher around the rim and lacks a consistent jumper, but has good hands on defense and is a solid rebounder. He'll have the luxury of getting to learn behind Tony Parker. GRADE: C
Frank Franklin II, AP
30. Golden State Warriors, Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt (6-11, 245) -- The Warriors could use a better defensive center to replace Andrew Bogut and Jones could be that guy. He has size and athleticism, but isn't much of an offensive threat. GRADE: C-
30. Golden State Warriors, Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt (6-11, 245) -- The Warriors could use a better defensive center to replace Andrew Bogut and Jones could be that guy. He has size and athleticism, but isn't much of an offensive threat. GRADE: C-
Mark Humphrey, AP