Grading the NBA draft By Yahoo's Kelly Dwyer

[greenway84]

Indiana Pacers: Paul George(notes), Lance Stephenson(notes), Magnum Rolle(notes)

Here's my issue with the Tracy McGrady(notes) comparisons for George. Paul is 20 right now, and at that age T-Mac was averaging more than 15 points and six rebounds for a Raptors team that made the playoffs -- with two blocks per game. This was the year before McGrady averaged 27 a game for Orlando. Paul averaged 17 and seven for Fresno State last season, and while his shooting numbers look smoother than a waxed yacht deck, you have to wonder about his motor and his placement on a Pacers team already featuring Danny Granger(notes).

To get Stephenson and Rolle in the second round? And the cojones to go after George in spite of Granger's permanence? I dig it. It might not work out, but I appreciate the moves.

Grade: A

Full list of grades here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Grading-the-NBA-Draft;_ylt=ApdfT_R_dIX4bFEdqJ2dnQ68vLYF?urn=nba,251378

Among those who got an F: Timberwolves, Warriors, Bobcats, Knicks. As for the Indiana grade I feel its about on par with what we all think.

[greenway84]

238 views and no one found this interesting enough to reply too.

Anyways I have read many more "grades" on our draft and most grade average to poor. I dont get it even Chad Ford wasnt impressed and he normally gives the Pacers credit. Due or not. Im happy with what we did. I think we have plenty of pieces to get a PG and if not theres always FA next year. Only time will tell I guess.

[grewich]

i read a lot of the grades too. it does seem like a head scratcher at first. we draft two wing men when we're in need of PF and PG. i wonder if we look back on the Larry Bird years as the years he drafted a PF in a PG heavy draft and when he drafted a SF/SG in a PF heavy draft.


wowsers.

dont get me wrong. im positive pete and hoping for the best. im hoping george and t-hans both develope into quality starters. but it does look like some head scratchers at first.

[Moooose]

Most draft reviews gave us a decent grade, i believe, but they all seem to wonder why Larry settled for George. I guess nobody really knows George that much, and all the "experts" could see is his potential to be personally good, but not to succeed with this team and with Granger. They liked the risk Larry took, maybe that's the thing. Larry set aside his conventional drafting preferences to snag talented guys like George and surprisingly, Stephenson. But i really think we did good in drafting a fast developing wing player, if we could somehow mold him to somehow fit into being a natural 2, i think this could be one of the best draft for the Pacers.

[basketballwacko2]

I'd give us a B which might become better based on seeing these guys play. George looks good but I haven't seen he play at all, so I'll with hold judgement. My only question, is where does he play and what are we gonna do about our over loaded SG/SF rotation, and finally is George gonna be good enough to warrent turning down and OKC offer of Maynor and 2 #1 picks.