NBA Draft: Regrading all 30 teams for the 2019 NBA Draft
Regrading all 30 teams for the 2019 NBA Draft: A Grades
Memphis Grizzlies: A+
Ja Morant (2); Brandon Clarke (21); John Konchar (undrafted)
The Memphis Grizzlies leaped up multiple slots into the top 4, ultimately landing with the second pick. While that meant the Grizzlies had no shot at Zion Williamson, their consolation prize is a great one. Ja Morant has been a borderline All-Star as a young point guard, and the Grizzlies made the postseason with him as their leader.
Then they got a second crack at the draft at pick No. 21 and absolutely nailed it, taking Gonzaga big man Brandon Clarke. Although he was an older prospect his analytical translations were off-the-charts, and he has come in as a rotation big and sometime-starter from the beginning. John Konchar went undrafted but was signed shortly after the draft to a two-way contract and has played his way into a multi-year contract with the team as a sniper on the wing.
Golden State Warriors: A-
Jordan Poole (28); Alen Smailagic (39); Eric Paschall (41)
Early on in the 2019-20 NBA season, the Warriors’ return from the 2019 NBA Draft looked questionable. Jordan Poole’s combination of poor shooting and matador defense reflected poorly on the former Michigan guard. Over the past year and change, however, he has developed in leaps and bounds into a two-way versatile guard who leaped all the way to eighth in our redraft.
Eric Paschall likewise moved up, as he showed during his rookie season he has scoring chops and good instincts. His physical limitations and mediocre shooting limit his upside, but he’s been a good return on investment. The knock is Alen Smailagic, whose original selection was the Warriors getting too “clever” and has completely failed to turn tantalizing potential into anything resembling professional basketball.
Charlotte Hornets: A-
P.J. Washington (12); Cody Martin (36); Jalen McDaniels (52); Caleb Martin (undrafted)
The Charlotte Hornets took a late lottery pick and two second-rounders and came away with four players who saw significant minutes this past season. P.J. Washington is a two-way big who can play power forward or slide to small-ball center, and moved up a couple of slots in the 2019 NBA Redraft.
The Martin twins have both proven they can hang around an NBA roster, with Cody a legitimate rotation player with his defense and decision-making. Caleb is a better shooter and has already provided more than most undrafted players. Jalen McDaniels was a flier in the late second round who has flashed some potential and has been worth his roster spot thus far.