MidStateHoops.com 2005 NBA Draft Grades
Written by Brett McGee
July 3, 2005

Atlanta Hawks
Pick #2-Marvin Williams-6’8-228-SF-North Carolina-Freshman
Pick #31-Salim Stoudamire-6’1-186-PG/SG-Arizona-Senior
Pick #59-Cenk Akyol-6’5 180-PG/SG-Efes Pilsen

Grade: A

Analysis: The Hawks possibly had the best draft of any other team. Yes they already have Josh Smith, Josh Childress, and Al Harrington on the wing, but none of them are difference-makers. Marvin Williams is. Chris Paul would have been a better fit, but Williams was still a great choice. He has a combination of size, strength, athleticism, talent, and a strong work ethic, that none of their players currently have. He’s a pale-lunch type of player. He’ll keep his mouth shut, listen to the coaches, and won’t complain, which is the perfect type of attitude to have going into a losing situation such as the Hawks. He should be the first true franchise talent they’ve had there since Dominique Wilkens left. The Salim Stoudamire selection in the second round was outstanding, and could ultimately end up being one of the steals of the draft. Although he’s not a pure point guard, he’s one of the better decision-makers in the draft, and should be able to be converted to the point guard position. He’s also the best shooter in the draft, and will automatically be one of the 3-5 most feared shooters in the league the second he takes an NBA floor. Like Williams, he has superstar potential. The Hawks hit a home run in this draft.

Boston Celtics
Pick #18-Gerald Green-6’7-192-SG/SF-High School (Gulf Shores Academy) Pick #50-Ryan Gomes-6’7-248-SF-Providence-Senior Pick #53-Orien Greene-6’4-208-PG-Lousiana Lafayette-Senior

Grade: A

Analysis: The Celtics might have gotten the steal of the draft in getting Gerald Green with the 18th pick. Considering his talent level and potential, he probably should have gone somewhere in the top-5, but it’ll be the loss of the team’s that passed on him, and the Celtics’ gain. Green is one of the top athletes in the draft, and has good size, and great talent to go along with that athleticism. Doc Rivers got a chance to coach Tracy McGrady in Orlando, and will be able to coach his clone in Boston. The Ryan Gomes and Orien Greene picks were also solid. Although the Celtics have a deep roster both of them, especially Gomes will have a good shot to make the team. The Celtics have had two consecutive successful drafts.

Charlotte Bobcats
Pick #5-Raymond Felton-6’1-200-PG-North Carolina-Junior Pick #13-Sean May-6’8-260-PF-North Carolina-Junior

Grade B-

Analysis: The Bobcats desperately wanted Chris Paul, but when he didn’t fall to them at #5 they took Raymond Felton. Felton is no Paul, but he’s still a great consolation prize. No guard in the draft runs the fastbreak better than Raymond Felton, and he may be the fastest player in the draft from end to end. Like Tony Parker and T.J. Ford, his speed changes the look of an entire team. Some felt #5 was a little too high for him, but it wasn’t. He should be a good one. Getting Sean May with the 13th pick was solid, but they could have done much better. May plays Emeka Okafor’s position, and while they should probably be able to play together, the Bobcats didn’t fill a need with this pick. They already have Primoz Brezec and Okafor who both played well for them last year. They should have gotten a wing player to complement Felton, such as the local Rashad McCants, Antoine Wright, Joey Graham, or Gerald Green. All have more potential and would have been better picks than May. Their first pick was solid, but they could come to regret the second one a few years down the road.

Denver Nuggets
Pick #20-Julius Hodge-6’7-202-SG-NC State-Senior Pick #22-Jarrett Jack-6’3-198-PG-Georgia Tech-Junior (Rights traded to Portland) Pick #52-Axel Hervelle-6’9-230-PF-Real Madrid

Grade C-

Analysis: Julius Hodge was a solid pick for the Nuggets with the 20th pick, but he doesn’t fill their need of getting an outside shooter. He does upgrade their shooting guard situation, but C.J. Miles, Salim Stoudamire, Francisco Garcia, and Kennedy Winston would have all been better fits. Jarrett Jack wasn’t a bad pick, but they already have Andre Miller and Earl Boykins, so keeping him wouldn’t make much sense. So they traded him for the rights to Linas Kleiza and Ricky Sanchez. On paper that trade favors the Blazers substantially.

Detroit Pistons
Pick #26-Jason Maxiell-6’7-240-PF-Cincinnati-Senior Pick #56-Amir Johnson-6’9-220-SF/PF-High School (Westchester) Pick #60-Alex Acker-6’4-182-SG-Pepperdine-Junior

Grade D

Analysis: Jason Maxiell was a pretty good college player, but there’s no way the Pistons should have used a first round pick on him. They probably could have gotten him with one of their second round picks. With Antonio McDyess and the little used Darko Milicic on the roster, it’s baffling that they could select another big-man when they have so many other needs depth-wise. This team desperately is in need of some outside shooting from the perimeter so a guy like Salim Stoudamire would have been a much better pick. It’s hard picking Their two second round picks aren’t likely to make the team.

Golden State Warriors
Pick #9-Ike Diogu-6’8-255-PF-Arizona St.-Junior Pick #40-Monta Ellis-6’3-177-PG-High School (Lanier) Pick #42-Chris Taft-6’10-261-PF-Pittsburgh-Sophomore

Grade A-

Analysis: The Warriors are a team on the rise, and they helped solidify that with their draft. It might have been a little bit too high to use the 9th pick on Ike Diogu, but Channing Frye the player they wanted was off the board, and they desperately needed to add some scoring and rebounding to their front-line. Diogu should be able to do that. The Elton Brand comparisons are a reach, but he should be able to average 10-15 points, and 7-9 rebounds per game in the NBA. He has a huge wingspan and is more athletic than people give him credit for. He has the talent necessary to justify this pick. The Monta Ellis, Chris Taft selections in the second round were excellent. Both players have lottery-type talent, and probably should’ve gone somewhere in the first round. Taft made a mistake coming out of Pittsburgh after his sophomore season, but he has prototype big-man size and athleticism for the NBA. He has the talent and motivation necessary to become a very good pro. If he does, he’ll be one of the steals of the draft.

Houston Rockets
Pick #24-Luther Head-6’3-179-PG/SG-Illinois-Senior

Grade A

Analysis: This was a great pick for the Rockets nabbing one of the draft’s true sleepers in Luther Head. He’s an incredible athlete, with great size and skills for the point guard position. Jeff Van Gundy should fall in love with his competitiveness and ability to play top-notch defense. Head has better point guard skills, shooting ability, scoring ability, and athleticism, not to mention talent, than any of the other pseudo point guards the Rockets played with last season. He’s a perfect fit with T-Mac because he doesn’t dominate the ball and is an unselfish player. He can do a lot of the same things on the floor that former Rocket Steve Francis could do, except Head is a better perimeter shooter. This was a great pick for the Rockets, and should pay instant dividends for them next season.

Indiana Pacers
Pick #17-Danny Granger-6’8-225-SF-New Mexico-Senior Pick #46-Erazem Lorbek-6’10-240-PF-Climamio Bologna

Grade B

Analysis: The Pacers are probably thrilled that a player as versatile and skilled as Granger fell into their laps with the 17th pick. Gerald Green would have been an excellent selection, but the Granger pick is justified because they’re a playoff team looking to take the next step and compete for a championship, and Granger is more capable of contributing right away. He also is a quality insurance policy should they decide to move Ron Artest or should Artest self-destruct. Granger has been compared to Joe Johnson and Scottie Pippen, and while he’s probably not half as talented as either of them, he should still make a good pro. Lorbek is a big-man with size and decent skill, but he’ll have a hard time making this deep roster.

Los Angeles Clippers
Pick #12-Yaroslav Korolev-6’9-220-SF-CSKA Moscow Pick #32-Daniel Ewing-6’3-180-PG-Duke-Senior

Grade D+

Analysis: The rumored promise that the Clippers had with Korolev turned out to be true. He appears to have pretty good talent, but with players such as Rashad McCants, Gerald Green, and Antoine Wright on the board, this pick was inexplicable. Even if he reaches his full potential, he’ll likely never be as good as the three afore-mentioned players. Daniel Ewing was a solid pick in the second round. He should become a quality backup combo guard on the next level.

Los Angeles Lakers
Pick #10-Andrew Bynum-7’0-280-C-High School (St. Joseph’s) Pick #37-Ronny Turiaf-6’9-238-PF-Gonzaga-Senior Pick #39-Von Wafer-6’5-210-SG-Florida St.-Sophomore

Grade D+

Analysis: The Lakers selecting Bynum with the 10th pick overall was one of the surprises of the draft. With Phil Jackson coming back, most people felt they would select an experienced college player instead of a project. Bynum has potential, but skipping college will greatly hurt his development. The Lakers had better hope that he develops into a quality center, because they used a high pick on him. Ronny Turiaf was an excellent selection in the second round. He’ll bring rebounding and athleticism to the front-line, and is a better offensive player than people give him credit for. Von Wafer is a talented player, but didn’t meet expectations in college. It’ll likely be hard for him to stick on this roster.

Memphis Grizzlies
Pick #19-Hakim Warrick-6’8-215-SF/PF-Syracuse-Senior Grade C-

Analysis: With Stromile Swift and Lorenzen Wright likely gone selecting a player to help their front-line was a smart move, but its questionable whether or not Warrick is the right pick. He doesn’t fit in particularly well with this team, and he lacks a true NBA position. Wayne Simien here would have made a better pick. With Jason Williams possibly leaving, it might have also been a good move to select a point guard such as Jarrett Jack, Luther Head, or Salim Stoudamire. Trading for Lawrence Roberts in the second round was a solid, albeit unspectacular move.

Miami Heat
Pick #29-Wayne Simien-6’9-256-PF-Kansas-Senior

Grade A

Analysis: This was a very solid pick for the Heat getting a player of Simien’s ability with the 29th pick. He’s really a late lottery to mid-first round talent, but he slipped in this draft because of his past injury problems. If Simien could find a way to stay healthy he could be a gem for the Heat. He’s one of the best rebounders and mid-range shooters in this draft, and he has underrated athleticism. If Udonis Haslem leaves in free agency Simien would be an excellent insurance policy.

Milwaukee Bucks
Pick #1-Andrew Bogut-7’0-251-C-Utah-Senior Pick #36-Ersan Ilyasova-6’9-209-SF-Ulker Istanbul

Grade A

Analysis: Although Marvin Williams has tremendous upside, the Bucks made the right decision selecting Andrew Bogut with the 1st overall pick. 7’0-footers with his skills are very rare, and he’s the type of big-man that they’ll be able to build their team around. He should be able to average a double-double in his rookie season, the same way Dwight Howard and Emeka Okafor did as rookies. Scouts are high on Ilyasova as a prospect, but he’s likely still a few years away. If the Bucks can resign Michael Redd and get T.J. Ford back healthy, they could be a very dangerous team in the Eastern Conference next season.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick #14-Rashad McCants-6’4-201-SG-North Carolina-Junior Pick #47-Bracey Wright-6’2-187-PG/SG-Indiana-Junior

Grade A

Analysis: The T-Wolves made an excellent selection with the 14th pick nabbing the ultra-talented McCants. He’s one of the top athletes, shooters, and scorers in this draft, and has superstar potential on the next level. If he can put to rest questions about his attitude and the intestinal disorder he developed his junior season, he could turn out to be a real steal, even at pick #14. Bracey Wright is a talented player and a decent pick in the second round, but he probably should’ve gone back to Indiana for his senior season. Still, he’ll have an outside chance to make this team.

New Jersey Nets
Pick #15-Antoine Wright-6’6-203-SG-Texas A&M-Junior Pick #43-Mile Ilic-7’1-230-C-KK Reflex (Partizan Belgrade)

Grade A-

Analysis: The Nets got a really good player with the 15th pick overall. Wright is one of the top shooters and scorers in this draft and will come into the league very polished. They do need a big-man, but they didn’t make a bad choice taking the best player available. They do already have Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson at the positions Wright plays, but he’ll still give the Nets good depth on the wing. If they can find a place for Wright, he’s another player that could turn out to be a steal. Ilic was a low risk pick in the second round, so it won’t hurt them if he doesn’t pan out.

New Orleans Hornets
Pick #4-Chris Paul-6’1-178-PG-Wake Forest-Sophomore Pick #33-Brandon Bass-6’7-252-PF-LSU-Sophomore

Grade A

Analysis: The Hornets were able to land a great talent with the 4th overall pick in Chris Paul. Although Deron Williams went ahead of him, Paul is the superior talent and has the best chance of becoming the best point guard to come from this draft. Paul is slightly reminiscent of T.J. Ford, with his ability to run a team and make his teammates around him better, but he’s a much better perimeter shooter than T.J. He should take over as the leader of this team from day one, and will become a star. Brandon Bass was a solid local pick in the second round. He has first round talent, but is undersized for the pro power forward position. He should still become a quality NBA player.
br> New York Knicks
Pick #8-Channing Frye-6’11-244-C-Arizona-Senior Pick #30-David Lee-6’9-230-PF-Florida-Senior Pick #54-Dijon Thompson-6’8-209-SF-UCLA-Senior (rights traded to Suns)

Grade A-

Analysis: The Knicks had a very solid, albeit unspectacular draft. It’s still questionable whether or not the Quentin Richardson for Kurt Thomas swap was a good trade for them, but they helped themselves in the draft. Channing Frye won’t make anyone forget Patrick Ewing, but he’s a very skilled big-man who should be able to come in and play center right away. He gives the Knicks a much-needed infusion of height and athleticism on the front-line. Frye should eventually become a top-10 NBA center. David Lee was a solid pick with the 30th overall selection. Like Frye he adds length and athleticism up-front, and should become a valuable energy player. Adding Nate Robinson in the Thomas for Richardson deal was also a good move. Robinson is undersized, but his talent, 42 inch vertical leap, and toughness will allow him to become a very good pro.

Orlando Magic
Pick #11-Fran Vazquez-6’10-230-PF-Malaga (Spain) Pick #38-Travis Diener-6’1-165-PG-Marquette-Senior Pick #44-Martynas Andriuskevicius-7’3-240-C-Zalgiris Kaunas (rights traded to Cleveland)

Grade D

Analysis: The Magic went the international route going with Spaniard Fran Vazquez with their first pick. He’s considered by most scouts to be the top European prospect, so it might be a good pick down the line, but they could have done better. With no size at the shooting guard position, and no future replacement for Grant Hill currently on the roster, players such as Antoine Wright, Rashad McCants, or Gerald Green would have made more sense. All three players previously mentioned have the potential to become stars, while Vazquez will likely never be anything more than a role player. Travis Diener should become a solid backup point guard, but selecting him didn’t make a lot of sense considering the fact that they already have Steve Francis and Jameer Nelson on the roster. If they opt to play Francis and Nelson together, the Diener pick makes more sense. Andriuskevicius misfired big-time by pulling out of last year’s draft as he would have likely been a first rounder instead of ending up in the second round like he did this year.

Philadelphia 76ers
Pick #45-Louis Williams-6’2-175-SG-High School (South Gwinnett)

Grade C-

Analysis: Taking Williams in the second round was a roll of the dice, but not much of a gamble for the Sixers considering the fact that he won’t have a guaranteed contract. He has a lot of talent, but no true position on the next level as he lacks point guard skills, but is too small to play shooting guard. Even if he does make the team, he won’t contribute much next season.

Phoenix Suns
Pick #21-Nate Robinson-5’9-181-PG-Washington-Junior Pick #57-Marcin Gortat-7’0-240-C-Rhein Engine (Germany)

Grade B

Analysis: The Nate Robinson pick would’ve been perfect for him and the Suns if they would’ve been able to keep him. Unfortunately they had to give him up as part of the Kurt Thomas for Quentin Richardson trade. Still, it was worth it to free themselves of Richardson’s contract, and now they have a great shot to resign star guard Joe Johnson. Gortat will likely spend a few years overseas before they decide what to do with him. Trading for second rounder Dijon Thompson was a very good move. He’s a skilled wing who should be able to contribute to the team next season.

Portland Trail Blazers
Pick #6-Martell Webster-6’7-230-SG/SF-High School (Seattle Prep) Pick #27-Linas Kleiza-6’8-245-SF/PF-Missouri-Sophomore (rights traded to Denver) Pick #35-Ricky Sanchez-6’11-190-SF-High School (IMG Academy) (rights traded to Denver)

Grade B+

Analysis: The Blazers traded out of the third spot, because they knew that they could get Martell Webster with the 6th overall pick if they traded with Utah. It panned out well for them as they were able to get Webster. He likely won’t turn out to be better than Gerald Green, but he may be the second best shooter in this draft behind Salim Stoudamire. He also has a nice package of skills to go along with his shooting ability. Trading Kleiza and Sanchez for Jarrett Jack was a nice coup. They do already have Sebastian Telfair, but Jack will be able to push him, and will serve as a serviceable backup. If Telfair doesn’t pan out, he’ll have the talent to replace him as the team’s point guard of the future.

Sacramento Kings
Pick #23-Francisco Garcia-6’7-190-SG/SF-Lousiville-Junior

Grade B

Analysis: Nabbing Garcia with the 23rd pick was a very shrewd move by the Kings. He fits into their system very well because of his versatility and passing skills. He’ll also give them more size at the shooting guard position, which is where they used Cuttino Mobley and Maurice Evans last year. He’ll never be a star in the NBA, but he should become one of the better role players in the league.

San Antonio Spurs
Pick #28-Ian Mahinmi-6’9-230-PF-STB Le Havre

Grade C

Analysis: The defending champion Spurs once again went overseas for their annual end of the first round pick. Mahinmi appears to be very raw, but they’ve had so much success with their past international picks that it’s hard to criticize them. They’re also one of the deepest teams in the league, so they don’t need a player to come in right away. They’ll likely allow him to develop overseas for a few seasons.

Seatle Supersonics
Pick #25-Johan Petro-7’0-260-C-Pau Orthez Pick #48 Mickael Gelabale-6’7-190-SF-Real Madrid Pick #55-Lawrence Roberts-6’9-233-PF-Mississippi St-Senior (rights traded to Memphis)

Grade C

Analysis: The Sonics opted for two foreign projects with their picks, and time will tell whether or not they made the right move. Scouts feel Petro has a great deal of talent, but there are concerns about his attitude. Gelabale is considered to be a very good athlete, but likely won’t contribute much to the Sonics next season. The Sonics have more pressing concerns than the draft right now, such as resigning head Coach Nate McMillan, and star guard Ray Allen.

Toronto Raptors
Pick #7-Charlie Villanueva-6’10-240-PF-Connecticut-Sophomore Pick #16-Joey Graham-6’6-217-SF-Oklahoma St-Senior Pick #41-Roko Ukic-6’5-185-PG-KK Split (Croatia) Pick #58-Uros Slokar-6’11-230-PF-Snaidero Udine

Grade C+

Analysis: The Raptors pulled the first shocker of the draft selecting Charlie Villanueva 7th overall. He’s talented enough to go that high, but the production he had in college didn’t warrant that high of a selection. Worst of all, he plays the same position as Chris Bosh, and is a very similar player. Yes, he was able to play with a player similar to him in size and athleticism in college (Josh Boone), but this is the NBA. Villanueva will be a good pro in the Rasheed Wallace, Lamar Odom mold, but the Raptors could have chosen better players with 7th pick. The Joey Graham selection with the 16th pick was solid, and he’s a better athlete and defender than Jalen Rose and Morris Peterson, but his upside potential isn’t much greater than theirs. Gerald Green would have been a better pick at that stage of the draft. Roko Ukic was a very solid pick in the second round. He was considered by most to be a first round talent. They can mold him into their point guard of the future. They’ll likely stash Slokar overseas for a few seasons.

Utah Jazz
Pick #3-Deron Williams-6’3-202-PG-Illinois-Junior Pick #34-C.J. Miles-6’6-210-SG-High School (Skyline) Pick #51-Robert Whaley-6’9-230-PF-Walsh-Senior

Grade A-

Analysis: The Jazz got their man when they traded up to the third overall pick to select Deron Williams. He’s the prototype style point guard to run this team, and should finally stabilize their point guard situation after John Stockton’s retirement. He doesn’t have as much upside as some of the other players in this year’s field, but he could still end up being one of the top-5 players to come out of this draft. C.J. Miles was a great selection in the second round, and could be one of the steals of the draft if he does stay with Utah, but he’ll likely go to Texas since he fell out of the first round. Robert Whaley is considered to be a troubled, but talented prospect. He doesn’t have a good shot to stick on this roster.

Washington Wizards
Pick #49-Andray Blatche-6’11-230-PF-High School (South Kent Prep)

Grade C

Analysis: Blatche probably should have gone the college route instead of straight to the NBA, but he has some talent, and might have a shot to make this roster if he works hard enough. There were better players on the board that the Wizards could have selected, but they’re rolling the dice with Blatche, hoping he’ll reach his potential someday.