Jay Bilas' Best Available - Draft Commentary (Updated through #18)

Welcome to Jay Bilas' Best Available, providing real-time draft commentary straight from the draft room.

Note: all draft commentary is based off of SWISH.

#1. Andrew Wiggins, SF from Kansas (ORL)
GRADE: A
In an unsurprising move, the Orlando Magic took the heavy favorite in Wiggins, finally dispelling any last slimmer of a chance that Alex Len would be taken at this spot instead. Great move for the young team, as they add a cornerstone-type player next to their draft picks from last season in Nerlens Noel and Giannis Adetokunbo. Wiggins and the Greek Freak will combine to create one of the deadliest and most athletic wing combinations in the league for the next decade, at the very least.

With a ton of cap space in the Offseason and a haul of youth, this team is in great position to succeed in the very near future.


#2. Alex Len, C from Maryland (BOS)
GRADE: A
Another unsurprising move followed, as the Boston Celtics took the next favorite in Len. It seems they have already deemed him their franchise player for the future, as moves have been made roster-wise to ensure his smooth transition into the CSL. It'll be interesting to see how he performs given the big expectations, especially given the concerns about whether he has the motor or drive to really become a dominant player.

We all know that he has a ton of talent and all the tools needed to do so, and it's just going to be a matter of whether he can put all that out on the floor or not.


#3. Anthony Bennett, PF from UNLV (PHX)
GRADE: C
Interesting move by the Phoenix Suns, even knowing the GM's heavy infatuation with the multi-talented big man. Bennett is a great prospect for sure, and was easily projected to go in the top 6, but there were at least two prospects clearly rated above him, and I feel like the team will regret passing on Andrew Harrison, who has established himself as the #3 prospect, and is closer to the first two guys taken off the board than the other three.

Either way, Bennett is an interesting prospect for sure, and should bring some valuable scoring to their big men positions, where they lack any semblance of talent.


Best Available at #4 (ATL): Andrew Harrison, SG from Kentucky
It's pretty clear who the pick will be at this point. The Atlanta Hawks GM has expressed his interest in the fiery young guard since he acquired the pick, and it looks like everything has fallen right in place for him to go according to plan. He's picking up great value at the 4th overall pick, now it's just a question of whether Atlanta will keep the pick or not.


#4. Andrew Harrison, SG from Kentucky (ATL via MIL)
GRADE: A
Great move for the Atlanta Hawks, who are reportedly actually the ones making the pick, after trade talks for #4 fell through. Harrison adds a dynamic scoring guard to the team at a position where they really needed some help in SG. Many around here thought that he was the consensus #3 pick, so for the Hawks to swoop in and take him at #4 seems like both great value and fit. Expect the young guard to prove himself in the starting lineup next to Kemba Walker and Harrison Barnes, assuming no more big trades happen.


#5. Julius Randle, PF from Kentucky (MEM)
GRADE: A
Another wildcat is off the board, with the Grizzlies taking the beastly big man who hovered around the #2~4 slots throughout the season. Randle should fit right in, as really any player would've done the same on the talentless Grizzlies. From the start, it was pretty clear they were getting one of the two big men in Randle and Anthony Bennett, and it seems they lucked into getting who is widely considered the better of the two.


#6. Jahii Carson, PG from Arizona State (SAC via BOS via DAL)
GRADE: B
The Sacramento Kings paid a price for Carson, moving their 7th overall pick and 18th overall pick to move up the one spot. While definitely a great-value pick at #6, Shabazz Muhammad wouldn't have been bad either, especially considering the team has Michael Carter-Williams and a great need for scorers. Either way, they got their man, and should be happy to nab who was considered the 6th best prospect in a six-heavy draft.


#7. Shabazz Muhammad, SF from UCLA (BOS via SAC via LAL)
GRADE: A
It was another great move for the Boston Celtics, who picked Carson and moved him for who was probably the best pick for them in Muhammad, while also gaining a good first rounder in the process. Boston could have easily just taken Muhammad sixth overall, but instead got a great asset along with him, and on a slightly cheaper deal.


#8. Willie Cauley, C from Kentucky (MIN)
GRADE: B
The Minnesota Timberwolves got who they wanted, as they address their need at center with this pick. While not a bad one at all, one has to wonder if better prospects were available on the board. Still, this was really the only position that they needed help in or didn't already have a young player at, so it was still good drafting. Cauley is probably the best center left on the board, but not by much.


#9. Garry Harris, SG from UCLA (NOP via SAC)
GRADE: C
The New Orleans Pelicans made their first trade in CSL history, moving their 12th pick and Austin Rivers to the Sacramento Kings for the 9th pick. It looks like the team sees last year's first overall pick Marcus Smart as a PG long-term when his skills and size make him best suited at SG. Not only that, they gave up a good guard prospect who can make the case as being a lottery/fringe-lottery pick. Not seeing the value for the Pelicans, especially considering the guy that they reached for was Harris.


#10. Kendall Williams, PG from New Mexico (PHX)
GRADE: B
This was both an unexpected and hard-to-grade pick. Williams has the makings of a good player, but is fairly limited and doesn't look to really be exceptional at any part of the game. It's surprising that he ended up the second PG off the board, especially with Vasilije Micic still on the board. You might ask if he's worth of a top ten pick, which he isn't, but you might also ask: who else on the board is clearly a better player? Not many.


Best Available at #11 (WAS): Dario Saric, SF from Croatia
The Washington Wizards need help on the wings, and Saric looks like a godsend player for them. While they missed out on Harris, who would've been a nice fit next to John Wall, they can still take the best player and fit left on the board in the 6'10" multi-talented forward. Expect him to be great value at the 11th pick.


#11. Perry Ellis, PF from Kansas (DET via WAS)
GRADE: A
At this point in the draft, Ellis is great value for the pick, especially when you consider what Detroit gave up (clue: nothing much). Ellis has the ability to develop into a pretty decent player overall, and should be a nice complement to the Andre Drummond and Larry Sanders pairing that they have up front. Love the trade that they made to bring Ellis in, and good value for the pick.


#12. Dario Saric, SF from Croatia (SAC via NOP)
GRADE: A
Saric was the guy initially penciled in for the Sacramento Kings at #9, so getting him twelve spots later is good value once again. Saric brings a multi-talented do-it-all SF to the Kings' lineup, and should have plenty of time to develop on that young squad. This feels like a great fit for both sides, and though the Kings missed out on what is believed to be their initial target in Ellis, it's a great selection for them nonetheless.


#13. Vasilije Micic, PG from Serbia (BOS via SAS)
GRADE: A
Another good move for the Celtics, who got rid of some of their productive role players to go all in for youth. They pick up the 13th overall pick, where they select who many believed to be the second-best PG in the draft behind Carson. The only problem seems to be overall fit, as the team already has a pass-first PG in Schroeder, and Micic doesn't fit the scoring combo-guard sixth man that we usually see. Still, they should be able to make some moves in the future at the very least, and let the two battle it out for the starting gig.


#14. Alec Brown, C from Wisconsin Green-Bay (CHI via MIA)
GRADE: A
Great pickup for the Chicago Bulls, as Brown has a very unique skillset offensively, and shows a lot of promise on that end. He's not the incredibly-efficient bruiser in the low post, but he's 7'1" and has the ability to stretch the defense. He's pretty thin and agile, which makes him a great shotblocker combined with his length, though he's not a good rebounder by any means. Still, they add a scoring big man who should add some quality depth to that team, and possibly take over once Carlos Boozer eventually leaves the team.


#15. Rasheed Sulaimon, SG from Duke (TOR)
GRADE: A
This makes it five straight As now, but the Toronto Raptors pick up a very solid all-around SG who got some hype towards the end of the draft. He's exceptional at any one part of the game, but this is a guy that shows the potential to shoot, handle, pass, and defend pretty well. He should be a great fit for the team, especially with Jeff Teague reportedly on his way out.


#16. Andre Roberson, PF from Colorado (ORL)
GRADE: B
Interesting selection by the Orlando Magic. They decide to go with the 6'7" big man who brings exceptional rebounding ability. They needed a big man to pair with Noel, but I'm not sure that Roberson was the best pick available for them. Still, he's an interesting player with a unique skillset, and his rebounding should be helpful to any team.


#17. AJ Hammons, C from Purdue (MIA via GSW)
GRADE: ?
Hammons has been an enigmatic player since the start of the season, with his stock going all over the place. Nevertheless, he's a traditional big man that has legitimate size and the ability to score inside, as well as become a capable shotblocker on the defensive end. The Miami Heat lacked a go-to post scorer, so he could end up fitting very well for that team in the long run. The team also has sophomore center Rudy Gobert though, so managing minutes for development will be key for them.


#18. Glenn Robinson, SF from Michigan (GSW via BOS via SAC)
GRADE: B
Robinson's a fairly simple player who can really stroke the midrange jumper and use his size to score efficiently near the basket. He's not much of a passer or ball-handler, but does have the potential to become a good defensive player. As a role player, he's not a bad value pick at all at #18, but the Golden State Warriors gave up a valuable shotblocker/defender in Dieng. Still, Robinson may be exactly what they were looking for, and should complement that perimeter trio really well with his defense.


Best Available at #19 (TOR via MIL): Ondrej Balvin, C from Czech Republic
Our sources are telling us that the Toronto Raptors will be selecting for the Milwaukee Bucks. While Robinson would've made a good fit for them here with Paul Pierce likely gone, they can beef up their frontline by adding a rebounding and defensive type center next to Al Jefferson, especially with the FA status of Andrew Bogut. At the very least, Balvin should add some size and defense to a team that had Kwame Brown as a backup center.


#19. Archie Goodwin, SG from Kentucky (TOR via MIL)
GRADE: B
Goodwin's a decent pick at this point. At just 18 years of age, he's one of the younger players in the draft, and while his upside isn't great, he has a chance to be a good rotation for a very long time. The only knock on him at this point would be his lack of outside shooting. If I'm moving Jeff Teague, however, I'd probably want more than Goodwin as one of the main two pieces coming back.


#20. Semaj Christon, PG from Xavier (CHI)
GRADE: C
Christon looks like the type of guy that will either be pretty effective, or not really worth playing at all. He exhibits a good scoring game, but with his severe lack of shooting ability will be something that hinders him, especially since combo guards are usually relied on to score off the bench. It'll be interesting to see if he can put together a career in the CSL. He's talented for sure, but there probably were safer options with higher upsides available.


#21. Artem Klimenko, C from Russia (DEN)
GRADE: C
The 7'1" Russian center was mocked around the early teens for most of the season, but saw his stock fall with mediocre combine numbers. He did dominate the Pre-Draft Tournament, however, which probably helped him get selected. Klimenko's an interesting prospect for sure, showing some semblance of range while also being decent all-around. Overall, however, there are questions on whether he'll be much more than the standard jack-of-all-trades.


#22. Alex Abrines, SG from Spain (BOS)
GRADE: B
Another Euro connection here for GM Dennis, as the Boston Celtics take the shooter from Spain. Abrines didn't see his stock rise too much after a year, and has looked more like a role player over the year. Nevertheless, he's one of the best shooters in the draft, so he's definitely not a bad pick at all this late, especially when considering the team's lack of outside shooting.


#23. LaQuinton Ross, SF from Ohio State (SAS via BOS)
GRADE: B
Similarly with Ross, the San Antonio Spurs took the lengthy shooter who has seen pretty much no spotlight the entire year. Ross doesn't look like he'll really amount to much, especially with his struggles on the defensive end. At the very least, he looks like a good who can score efficient and get you some buckets from range.


#24. Fuquan Edwin, SF from Seton Hall (CLE)
GRADE: B
Edwin was another surprising pick. He's a guy that looks like he can become a very good defender and ball-pressurer, and while he won't wow you with scoring, he does possess some range. He reminds of a similar pick made by the team last year in Reggie Bullock.


#25. DeShaun Thomas, PF from Ohio State (MIN)
GRADE: B
At this point, Thomas is a tweener that perhaps looks more like an SF than a PF. He's a great shooter, but his questionable perimeter skills and lack of rebounding will make it tough to see where he'll play. He's got talent and shooting ability, which basically all you can expect from this kind of pick, like the Abrines and Ross picks before.


#26. Ondrej Balvin, C from Czech Republic (HOU)
GRADE: A
This was exactly the type of pick expected for a Playoff team. Balvin will never bring much offensively, but he's a big guy who possesses rebounding and shotblocking skills. He should be an interesting role player and a guy who can just play his game in Houston.


#27. Kaleb Tarczewksi, C from Arizona (BOS via SAS)
GRADE: A
Tarczewksi is pretty much in the same mold as Balvin. The Celtics picked a lot of youth with upside, so picking up a long-term backup center isn't a bad idea at all.


#28. Shabazz Napier, PG from Connecticut (MEM)
GRADE: A
This late into the draft, Napier is a good pick as he shows the potential to be decent on both ends of the floor. He's definitely a combo guard, but with the growing trend of PGs playing the off-guard position in the CSL, Napier looks like a guy that'll fit right into that scheme.


#29. Keith Appling, PG from Michigan State (BOS)
GRADE: A
Another good pick this late, as Appling is a guy who'll be a decent ball-handler and passer. Obviously, he doesn't have much upside anywhere else, but you'll be lucky to get a role player at the end of the draft.


#30. Adreian Payne from Michigan State (MIA)
GRADE: ?
Payne was mocked much earlier, but saw his stock fall as he didn't receive much mention leading up to the draft. Payne shows good touch inside and good upside all-around in terms of rebounding and defense. It's questionable on whether the Heat will keep him though, as the team's already stacked full of bigs as it is.

Great little write up, #3 was really a suprise and Im just thrilled to know whos left at #6... Considered trading down, but depending on what myles is going to pick for Memphis it could happen we keep #6.
Like said in the other thread I was shocked to see shabazz named BPA at #4. so if it wasnt a smokescreen.. A frontcourt Len/Randle? Lets see what Happens ..

Nice writeup.

The Celtics are sitting very pretty with the #6 pick and will likely get Randle (can't remember who has #5) so that should be a sweet Boston core after the draft is said and done. They'll be having a Tea Party for sure up there in Beantown.

Not gonna say who I feel the Suns get at #10 but I have another good hunch about it.

BREAKING NEWS: ATL and LAL reportedly close to a deal for #4... Stay tuned.

Lol Bradley Beal gettin' shipped out again...

taking a look at my workouts again I like Harrison more compared to Beal. Am I the only one?

DennisJ (BOS) wrote:taking a look at my workouts again I like Harrison more compared to Beal. Am I the only one?

Your head coach sees players potentials at a "c" rating

weird rumor though.. I wouldnt trade Beal for Harrison.. Harrison according to scouting is not exactly ideal for me.

LakeshowAK7 (LAL) wrote:

DennisJ (BOS) wrote:taking a look at my workouts again I like Harrison more compared to Beal. Am I the only one?

Your head coach sees players potentials at a "c" rating

weird rumor though.. I wouldnt trade Beal for Harrison.. Harrison according to scouting is not exactly ideal for me.

75 is C level? Could be, dont know. Just compared the potentials Ive seen with Rivers to the potentials I see with my new coach. My new one is better at rating potentials and he rates Beal lower compared to Rivers..

But didnt want to say Beals potentials are bad, just wanted to say I like what I saw during workouts  

BTW, all your players are crap, just to get the rivalry back on track.

Let's just say there was a serious issue I saw with Harrison that eventually threw me off him.

Jestor (PHX) wrote:Let's just say there was a serious issue I saw with Harrison that eventually threw me off him.

Mhhh I believe I know what you are talking about.. In my opinion the "issue" is not such a big problem if Harrison plays the offguard position.

Well, it's already a given that Harrison is limited to the 2, so that wasn't what I was talking about.

Well, I hope BI makes his pick soon. It's been ~16 hours and I'd like to see this thing keep moving, even if the draft doesn't start until 3.

We know LAL wanted Randle. Beal for Randle? Makes more sense.

Great Odin's raven, do I smell a trade?

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:Well, I hope BI makes his pick soon. It's been ~16 hours and I'd like to see this thing keep moving, even if the draft doesn't start until 3.

We'll be waiting another 10 hours after that anyway because DennisJ is away until that. Basically we lost an entire day's worth of picks last night when BI went to bed rather than pick.

Jestor (PHX) wrote:

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:Well, I hope BI makes his pick soon. It's been ~16 hours and I'd like to see this thing keep moving, even if the draft doesn't start until 3.

We'll be waiting another 10 hours after that anyway because DennisJ is away until that.  Basically we lost an entire day's worth of picks last night when BI went to bed rather than pick.

Yeah. That really sucks.

My brothers... Woosah

Jestor (PHX) wrote:

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:Well, I hope BI makes his pick soon. It's been ~16 hours and I'd like to see this thing keep moving, even if the draft doesn't start until 3. 

We'll be waiting another 10 hours after that anyway because DennisJ is away until that.  Basically we lost an entire day's worth of picks last night when BI went to bed rather than pick.

Jake0890 (MIN)
Yeah. That really sucks. 

ATL Trade Block wrote:It's 3 AM here in Toronto, I am gonna hit the sack and then from there I'm busy until roughly 4-5PM EST which is ample time for everyone to see this post. If I can't expand my trade with MKE I'll draft a certain oversized Kentucky PG, start Faried and have Smith backup the 3/4 spots. KCP/Mayo would split backup duties at SG, with KCP getting 5-7 minutes at backup SF and Thomas Robinson becomes an injury reserve.

1. Clock hasn't started

2. Even if I was ready to post, Riot owns the pick. He has to make the selection on my request after we post and confirm the trade. He wasn't online at 3AM EST which is completely legitimate and reasonable.

3.  

"we lost an entire day's worth of picks last night when BI went to bed rather than pick." 

I had to leave my place early for work obligations (I'm in my 1st year so I have to be on call basically 7 days a week). I went to bed rather then pick? 99% of the time I'm around, sorry I had obligations outside of the league. I waited until 3 AM and I hadn't slept the night before due to trade talks (my choice) and putting together a report for someone at work.

Next draft I won't sleep and will tell my boss and any friends I happen to run into that Jestor and Jake are waiting for me to, in conjunction with a GM who lives in another time zone, pick before the clock starts so they are not inconvenienced. How selfish of me, I will strive to do better in the future. 

I rushed back but seeing as "we" lost an entires day's worth of picks I guess there was no rush after all.

Yeah let's remember to be considerate of others' time constraints.

Updated through #10.

Love the commentary, even if it isn't at all positive about my Pelicans. Just know I don't take any offense from what anyone says about my moves, it's all part of the job description.   

I know people disagree, but I think Smart can be the point guard of this team. At the very least, it is an experiment that is well worth trying. If it fails, well then I guess the Pelicans will have to make a 2nd trade. Imagine that!

Just hoping it fails! Send him over!^^

And yeah really great work OP! (as long as Im getting A's, hehe:P)

Love this commentary. Like I said, I really don't feel there was anyone better than Cauley on the board, but I guess I see some comparable prospects.

Hopefully this sticks around the entire first round.

Jake0890 (MIN) wrote:Hopefully this sticks around the entire first round.

What else could OP have to do that would interfere with this?