Earlier today, Eddie Scarito of Hoops Rumors handed out his draft grades to each team in the Central Division. The Pacers earned the highest grade with their selections of Myles Turner and Joseph Young. Turner is a defensive presence and he has the potential to be the team’s anchor down low for years to come. The Texas product is extremely raw and is likely to struggle early, but Scarito believes he could end up being one of the best players in the entire draft.
The Pistons and Bucks both earned high marks for their selections of wing players. Rashad Vaughn gives Milwaukee a high upside project in its backcourt. The guard will certainly take some time to develop, but based on the team’s current roster, he won’t feel the pressure to produce immediately. Vaughn could end up one of the best players in this year’s draft based on potential and he’s in a good spot to expand his game.
Detroit’s selection of Stanley Johnson has been criticized, not because of Johnson’s talent, but rather because the Pistons took him over Justise Winslow, as Scarito points out in the column. Johnson’s poor outside shooting will be something the rookie has to overcome, but the Arizona product should be able to slip into the Pistons’ rotation immediately. He’s already a solid defender, but he’ll need some work on the offensive side of his game in order to reach his ceiling.
Bobby Portis was a surprising pick by the Bulls with the No.22 overall pick as the team already has Taj Gibson, Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic at the four spot. The Arkansas product likely won’t see significant playing time this season unless the team’s frontcourt suffers an injury or two. However, Portis is an offensive threat with decent range. If he develops into a reliable low post defender over the next few seasons, it wouldn’t be out of the question for him to become the team’s starter at four and eventually earn a few All-Star appearances.
So here’s the topic of the day: Which Central Division rookie will have the best career?
Which player will become the cream of the crop in the division? Will it be Turner, Johnson, Vaughn or Portis? Or will a second rounder turn into the steal of the draft and dominate for years to come?
Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
This one’s interesting because there are a couple of controversial selections at the top here. It’s been Johnson and Turner in my mind, but Turner has the better upside, so I’ll go with him.
Stanley Johnson showed a lot of versatility in the summer league. The fact that his peers considered him the second-most likely player to win the Rookie of the Year award shows how much respect he’s already earned. He looks like the real deal.
I really think vaughn could be the best player taken in this draft. If he can really solidify his outside shooting then he could easily be the best offensive player and with giannis mcw henson and middleton playing defense behind him he only really needs to be average at defense
Vaughn certainly has that potential. Everyone assume Parker is going to be the driving force offensively in the coming years, perhaps Vaughn assumes that role by the end of his rookie contract.
Not sure about Johnson’s outside shooting being poor. Also disagree with evaluating a team’s draft based on needs. BPA, every time. Use free agency and trades for needs.
I think each team did a great job. I like Winslow over Johnson because of athleticism, but Johnson is the more skilled player at the moment.
Had my worries about Myles Turner. Should’ve trusted Larry Bird’s judgment on that one. Joe Young is a player. Indiana improved the most from the draft.
Love Cedi Osman. Cavs couldnt take on a first round contract. Best alternative is a first round talent stashed on an up and coming European team. Osman, Furkan Korkmaz and Dario Saric on the same squad.
Milwaukee trading up for Rashad Vaughn is risky. But I agree with the Bucks and the Raptors gettting players who want to be there. Not easy getting free agents to a small market, cold weather city. Vaughn and Jabari Parker are likely to re-sign there if they have success.
The comment about BPA was towards the Bulls taking Bobby Portis. Dude plays ball. They definitely need guard help. But Portis > Terry Rozier, Jerian Grant, Delon Wright, Rashad Vaughn, etc….