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Grading every NBA team’s highest draft pick in the last five years

By Ari Schwartz

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (middle) poses with the draftees before the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver (middle) poses with the draftees before the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Central Division

Chicago Bulls: C

#4. Patrick Williams

Coming into the league, Williams was viewed as a three-and-d wing prospect with great size and length; however, nobody expected him to be taken as high as fourth overall. So far, Chicago’s investment hasn’t quite paid off, but it’s hard to blame them, as Williams missed the bulk of his sophomore season due to injury. Williams has been a solid player on the court, putting up nine points per game on good shooting, but he still has much more to prove as a top-five pick.

Cleveland Cavaliers: A

#3. Evan Mobley

In only two years, Evan Mobley has already had a tremendous impact on the Cavs. Many believed Mobley had DPOY potential as a draft prospect, and at 22 years years old, he’s made an all-defense team. His offense is still coming along, but for now, he’s scoring off looks created for him by Darius Garland and Donavan Mitchell. Mobley has established his floor as a borderline all-star. If his offense continues to progress, he’ll be in the best big men in the league conversation.

Detroit Pistons: C

#1. Cade Cunningham

Cunningham’s been in the league for two seasons but was sidelined after eight games in his sophomore year due to injury. Cunningham’s rookie season was very impressive, as he finished with averages of 17 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, showing his capabilities as a playmaker and scorer. Still, we haven’t seen enough of him to give this pick a positive grade, especially considering Cunningham was taken first overall.

Indiana Pacers: A-

#6. Bennedict Mathurin

It didn’t take long for Mathurin to impress people with his elite scoring ability. He began his rookie season incredibly hot, and while his efficiency did decrease throughout the year, Mathurin still maintained a scoring average of 16 points per game. His ability to put the ball in the basket is a good foundation for his development and as his shot selection and decision-making improves, he’ll likely become a key piece for Indiana.

Milwaukee Bucks: B-

#17. Donte DiVincenzo

DiVincenzo came into the league as a proven three-and-d guard from his time at Villanova, and he played a very similar role for Milwaukee. For three years, DiVincenzo gave the Bucks solid minutes, but eventually, injuries affected his play and he was flipped to Sacramento. If Milwaukee had given DiVencenzo more time to recover, maybe he could’ve played a bigger role in their future, but they still got good value out of him when he was there.