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

NBA Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks: A

#3. Luka Doncic

While the infamous Luka-for-Trae swap got the Hawks a young all-star, Dallas landed a generational talent with Doncic. In five years with the Mavericks, Doncic has averaged 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists per game, and he’s only 24 years old. However, to truly maximize such a talented player, Dallas has to build a contender around Luka, a task they’ve repeatedly failed at. If that doesn’t change, the international superstar could start looking for a new franchise.

Houston Rockets: C

#2. Jalen Green

Green is clearly a talented player but hasn’t made much growth since entering the league two seasons ago. From year one to year two, Green’s shot-chucking and lazy defensive habits haven’t improved much, and neither has the Rockets’ success. With the addition of defense-first coach Ime Udoka and veterans like Fred Vanvleet and Dillion Brooks, expect Green’s effort to get better next season. For now, though, we haven’t seen enough to give this pick a positive grade.

Memphis Grizzlies: A

2. Ja Morant

While Ja Morant certainly hasn’t made things easy for Memphis as of late, his positive impact on the team cannot be overstated. After being selected 2nd overall in the 2019 draft, Morant immediately helped the Grizzlies make a playoff push, and In the following years, he led Memphis to multiple postseason appearances. Aside from the off-court trouble he’s facing, Morant was a great pick for the Grizzlies helping them to build a winning culture.

New Orleans Pelicans: C-

1. Zion Williamson

Despite injury issues that have kept Williamson off the court for the majority of his four seasons with the Pelicans, he remains one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. It’s no coincidence that New Orleans ranked at the top of the Western Conference at the beginning of 2023 when Williamson was still healthy. Still, it’s hard to give this pick a positive grade as it’s hard for Zion to contribute at an all-star level when he’s mostly watching from the sidelines.

San Antonio Spurs: B+

9. Jeremy Sochan

The Spurs are known for drafting unproven but high-upside, hard-working players and fleshing out their skillsets later on, so it was no surprise to see them select Jeremy Sochan in 2022. Already, Sochan has shown massive growth as an offensive player, becoming a much better free-throw shooter and scorer off the dribble. The defensive tandem of him and Victor Wembenyana should be an intimidating one for opponents for years to come.