A small market team such as Milwaukee has more than talent to worry about when making a trade, as they must also worry about the money.  John Salmons’ play with the Bucks significantly increased his value above the $6.5 million contract he played for last season and his $5.8 million option for next season.  Declining the reported 4 year $28 million contract that the Bucks offered shows his desire for a larger contract.  One could imagine that on the open market he could command upwards of $10 million a year for over 4 years.

During the middle of last season Maggette’s contract, totaling roughly $30 million over the next three seasons, seemed gargantuan to Golden State, leading to a bevy of trade rumors.  Attempting to package him with young power forward Anthony Randolph, the Warriors were desperate for potential cap space.  Maggette will make roughly $10 million a year for the next 3 years, which in total should be less than John Salmons’ new free agent contract.  The $10 million Maggette is scheduled to make this season is also less than the $11 million dollars owed to Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric, giving them an extra $1 million that they could potentially spend on luring Luke Ridnour back.  Looking forward to the 2011 class off free agents, the options just aren’t there.  Carmelo Anthony’s desire to remain in Denver and the rumblings of a potential lockout will limit the Bucks ability to lure a top free agent next summer.  Instead of overpaying for free agents when Redd’s and Gadzuric’s contracts expire, they smartly acquired a higher priced player through a trade while not giving up any talent.  Though it is actually a trade, it should also be viewed more as a free agent acquisition

Besides having the fourth best PER (player efficiency rating) among small forwards, Maggette possesses many of the skills that the Bucks desperately crave.  His best attribute is his ability to get to the rim, averaging 5 shot attempts at the rim per game.  The Bucks finished last in the league in field goal percentage at the rim at 56.3%, and finishing at a 66% clip at the rim, Maggette should be an instant and more reliable offensive threat.  The Bucks had a lot of difficulty scoring when going through long jump shooting droughts, and besides Bogut, the Bucks didn’t have anybody else with the ability to create a high percentage shot for themselves.  When Maggette gets to the rim and doesn’t finish (and even times when he does) Maggette is able to draw the foul.  Finishing seventh in the league in free throw attempts, Maggette averaged 7.9 free throw attempts per game last season.  To put that number in perspective the Bucks averaged just over 20 free throws per game, and finished last in free throw rate (free throw attempt per field goal attempt).  Though his reputation as a black hole and poor team player could pose problems, Scott Skiles’ disciplined system will prevent that from occurring.

Skiles’ philosophy is rather simple, play defense and team basketball or sit.  Almost every NBA player is capable of playing good defense, and it is the intensity and focus on the defensive end that separates a poor defender from a good defender.  Maggette’s athleticism is not in question, so in order to receive playing time from Skiles, Maggette will be fully aware of his commitment to the defensive side of the ball.  Recently he has failed to bring much value on the defensive end, only 1.5 defensive win shares during his 2 years as a member of Golden State.  For the Bucks sake, that hopefully is the product of Don Nelson’s system, having Maggette defend power forwards and centers on a regular basis.  Maggette, though during his tenure with the Clippers, twice averaged over 2 defensive win shares something that John Salmons did only once, last year.  Maggette’s career defensive rating of 109 (opponents points per 100 possessions) also matches Salmons’ career average.  While it is difficult to determine how Maggette will play on defense next season and how he will be able to adapt to the new basketball philosophy and culture under Coach Skiles, Maggette has at the very least proven that he is capable of this by his play earlier in his career.

Maggette brings many skills that the Bucks have lacked.  His ability to create high percentage shots for himself is sorely needed for this Bucks team.  The Bucks success last season was their ability to buy into Scott Skiles’ system, and thus it will be the degree to which Maggette meshes into the gritty defensive attitude that will ultimate determine the success of this acquisition.

The team that seemingly had the most riding on this draft failed the most.  With three first round picks and two second round picks, the Timberwolves failed miserably.  The pick of Wesley Johnson was good, however instead of drafting James Anderson or keeping Luke Babbitt with their second first round pick, the trading for Martell Webster and his bloated contract was a step in the wrong direction.  Trading down a few places to pick up an early second round pick was great, however instead of drafting Hassan Whiteside, the perfect shot blocking power forward/ center they desperately needed, the Timberwolves selected an athletically limited swing player, Lazar Hayward) who was a major reach at the end of the first round.  Though not the worst pick determined by the draft score, second round pick Paulo Prestos appeared to be a joke when scrolling on the bottom of ESPN, sadly it wasn’t.  A 6’10 300 lbs center may seem familiar to T-wolves fans, as it is the only type of player the Timberwolves absolutely didn’t need with Al Jefferson, Kevin Love, and Nikola Pekovic (arriving soon) already on the roster.

With the trading of their first rounder aside, the Knicks had the worst draft according to the draft score.  With LeBron looking at the buffet of teams that desire his service, the Knicks’ package seems the least attractive.  While three second rounders won’t do much to incite enthusiasm, the selection of Andy Rautins and Landry Fields did absolutely nothing to help.  If it weren’t for the desperate need to fill roster spots, it would be surprising to see them make the Knicks roster.  They partially fit D’Antoni’s system, but there was a lot more options and better talent available early in the second round.

While some might give the Heat and Chicago incomplete draft grades, I believe the decision to trade their first round picks for cap space, was a big mistake.  With the success of drafting Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and Taj Gibson, the Bulls sacrificed a chance to add another young core player for the chance to sign another maximum contract free agent.  Chicago must feel that the chance of James Anderson developing into Joe Johnson or at least into a starting shooting guard is lower than their chances at signing Joe Johnson along with LeBron James or Chris Bosh.  Also losing, even though over paid, Kirk Heinrich is a huge blow to their depth as Derrick Rose is the only other player they have at either guard spot.  Miami’s decision was worse, as trading away Daqueen Cook and their first round pick rids them of cheap role players that could help to fill their roster if they happen to woo another max contract with Dwayne Wade.  College seniors such as Quincy Pondexter or Damion James could become immediate role players for their respective teams, something that is needed on a team full of stars.  Though it will definitely be worth it if the Bulls or Heat get LeBron James or two max free agents, it is more likely that they won’t and thus will be desperate for players of this caliber to fill their roster.

Though the draft score had Utah’s selection of Gordon Hayward as the worst lottery pick, draftexpress’ ranking of Gordon Hayward was extremely low from my point of view.  Ekpe Udoh, even being one of my favorite prospects in this draft, was a reach for Golden State, and playing the same power forward position as Anthony Randolph and Brendan Wright makes it one of the worst lottery picks this year.  Several late first round selections were poor with several selection receiving scores in the -20’s.  Greivis Vasquez appears worst of all, since he appears to be stuck in a logjam at the combo guard spot.  With O.J. Mayo attempting to play more point guard and 6’4” back up shooting guard Lester Hudson, there seems to be no real place for Vasquez to get any important playing time.  Second round picks tended to skew the bad picks, since most teams are really looking for those true diamonds in the rough and ultimate European Stash picks.  Four of the prospects that were selected weren’t even ranked in the top 100, but late in the second round teams’ draft boards tend to differ quite a bit.

Finishing with the highest draft score, the Orlando Magic definitely had a great draft. Being one of the best teams in the NBA with few holes in which the draft could fill, they were able to just wait and select the players that fell through the cracks.  Though they are stacked at the center position for the foreseeable future with Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat, they couldn’t pass up on a potential talent like Daniel Orton.  He will have plenty of time to play in the D-league this season and learn from Dwight Howard, and it could potentially make Marcin Gortat and his starter’s salary expendable.  Selecting Stanley Robinson with the second to last pick was again another great value.  A potential lottery pick during part of last year’s college season, Stanley Robinson’s elite athleticism should give him a place in the league.  Though a raw offensive game will limit him from being a star, he should at least be able to develop into a defensive stopper.

The Raptors draft score of 22.5 was good enough for second.  With the inevitable departure of Chris Bosh, the selections of Ed Davis and Solomon Alabi were not only great value but filled a huge need.  Davis and Alabi add size and athleticism to the frontcourt, which will allow Andrea Bargnani to his more natural power forward position.  Davis’ rebounding prowess is severely needed and Alabi’s defensive ability will be welcomed to the leagues’ worst defensive team.

While the Thunder’s draft score was among the worst, I believe they had a great draft.  Their poor second round score was to blame, as their selection of Cole Aldrich was excellent.  Not my favorite prospect, Aldrich is now one of my favorites for next year’s rookie of the year award.  With a great young core around him, Aldrich will be able to focus on defense, rebounding, and easy garbage points.  By stockpiling cap space and draft picks they were able to pull off the deal with New Orleans for the draft rights to Cole Aldrich.  Knowing they wouldn’t be able to sign a max free agent, and instead using there cap space on Morris Peterson’s contract to get Cole Aldrich was just one of Sam Presti’s many savvy moves on draft night.

The Wizards also failed to finish in the top half of draft scores, however I was amazed by the amount they accomplished draft night.  Beginning the night with the acquisition of Kirk Heinrich, and more importantly the Bulls first round pick, was a sign of good things to come.  John Wall was the obvious best player in the draft, and while I don’t agree completely with the selection of Kevin Seraphin and where they selected Trevor Booker, the Wizards more importantly realized the need to rebuild through the draft.  The selection of Trevor Booker however was a personal favorite, though it was a huge reach.  With players like Andray Blatche, Al Thorton, and JaVale McGee, who have physically unlimited potential but limited basketball IQ and, Booker brings an intense tenacious blue collar attitude to this team.

Being fired moments before the draft Kevin Pritchard, still pulled off an amazing draft.  Their trade with Minnesota was pure robbery as they were able to rid themselves of Martell Webster’s overpriced contract while acquiring Luke Babbitt, both a great value and a great fit.  Babbitt’s shooting ability will help to spread the court while Nicolas Batum will platoon as the defensive stopper.  Their second first round pick, Elliot Williams again was great value and should be able to mesh with the Blazers current roster of players.  Combo guards appear to be a good fit with Brandon Roy, as Elliot Williams can play off the ball deferring to Roy, yet still being able to initiate the offense.

On a pick by pick basis, the best early lottery selection was Al-Faraq Aminu.  He was both great value for the Clippers, and a perfect fit, as a long defensive minded small forward.  Besides Daniel Orton, the best first round pick was Damion James.   James was an accomplished senior, and should be able to play either the four while opening up the paint for Brook Lopez or a big three with Terrence Williams playing shooting guard.  As the second round goes again Stanley Robinson was the best selection making the Magic two for two.  Willie Warren was a steal for the Clippers apart of their great draft, while the Suns made do with their two second round picks as Gani Lawal should get some minutes with Amare Stoudemire leaving.

The draft scorer wasn’t perfect in my first attempt; however it did uncover many of the great picks that occurred.  Many of the teams that scored well are teams that are headed in the right direction for the future.  While the subjectivity isn’t completely removed and the draft score doesn’t rate actual performance, the hope, is that when reflecting back on this draft the higher draft scores will coincide with the better players.

My draft review formula is crude to say the least, however with my limited resources I wanted to try to quantify the usually qualitative draft grade. When creating the basis for my formula I thought about the constant struggle between drafting the best talent available and drafting for need. I used draftexpress.com overall rankings of draft prospects as my list to determine the best player available. I do not always agree with the rankings, but their scouting goes into depth that I cannot, so I defer to their expertise. Each pick receives a score, and the score comes from two parts. The first part is the pick number subtracted by the ranking according to draftexpress. This statistic represents whether the team reached for a player, a negative score, or a got great value, a positive score. The second portion of the score consists of a 0-5 ranking on how the selection fills a need and fits the team’s system. Adding those two sub scores together and you receive the score for that pick. Second round scores are divided by two, since they are usually less impactful than first rounders. This draft score doesn’t represent whether the pick will do well or not, it is just a score based on the draft selections and their projected success, not actual success. For example I used Chad Ford’s ranking from 2004 to get some sample scores for picks. The score for the Magic’s selection of Dwight Howard according to my draft score would have received -5, however the Raptors selection of Rafael Araujo, would have received a draft score of 8. The draft score again is not fool proof, and does not indicate actual performance, but it allows for the immediate assessment of a team’s draft. Below is a chart of the teams, their first round score, second round score, and total score. An article of analysis will hopefully follow.

While Houston failed to make the playoffs this season, most believe that this team is poised to make a splash next season with or without the acquisition of a new star.  The return of their franchise center, Yao Ming should be enough for them to make the playoffs, but it will be the addition of a key free agent that will allow them to compete for title.  What separates this team from other possible free agent destinations, is the fact that this team is poised for a ball dominant bona fide stars.  Starting with the point guard position, Aaron Brooks’ improved play makes him a versatile player that fits nicely in a number of different schemes.  He has a unique ability to both run the offense and be a facilitator, or work off the ball with his shooting ability and scorer’s mentality.  Kevin Martin’s low usage rate 25.32 seems indicate his ability to be successful even with a ball dominate star.  He is able to score an efficient 20 points the game without taking up a majority of the possessions.  Where Martin and Brooks lack in their ability to defend, both Battier and Ariza provide more than enough stopping power at the wing, both finishing in the top ten of defensive plays (blocks + steals + charges per game).  These en vogue “d &3” (a wing player with the ability to play lock down defense and hit the open three point shot) will allow either a slasher or post player enough room in the paint to maneuver.  Whether it is LeBron James penetrating and kicking it back out, or Chris Bosh passing out of the double team, the variety of shooters as a supporting cast must be tantalizing for any player wanting to be the focal point of an offense.  In the frontcourt, the return of Yao Ming will be a welcome partner to any star who wishes to play in Houston.  While the power forward spot maybe in a state of flux any combination of Luis Scola, Jordan Hill, or Jared Jeffries will at least be good enough to be the weakest link in a championship caliber team.  Houston’s depth is also a point of strength.  Kyle Lowry provides toughness and defense at the point guard spot.  Second year player Chase Budinger provides another capable outside shooter, converting his three pointers at a 36.9% clip, along with athleticism at either the 2 or 3 spot.  Chuck Hayes, who was this past season’s starter, should be a major recruitment point for a player such as LeBron as his willingness to do the dirty work is appreciated, but his prowess as an outlet passing should make any fan salivate at the potential transition highlights next season.

What makes sign and trades feasible is the vast amount of assets the Rockets obtained from the Knicks at the trade deadline this past season.  Whether it is a couple of potential lottery picks or second year players Jordan Hill or Chase Budinger, Houston is a young team that has enough assets to both go after a top free agent, and to continue to build around him.  Daryl Morey’s reputation is impeccable, especially after the success of last season’s team without a current or former all-star playing for them, furthering the notion that this team’s success should be sustained for at least the length of a max contract.

From a fan’s perspective it should be every player’s ultimate goal to win a championship, however most players also desire fame and fortune along with winning.  In Houston, one is afforded a unique opportunity of being able to expand their star power.  After looking at Tracy McGrady’s popularity in China, one can project the commercial success of another star.  McGrady’s popularity can be analyzed through the all-star votes he has received and his jersey sales in China.  The 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 seasons Tracy McGrady’s jersey sales was good enough for third most in China, and in the 2008-2009 season his jersey was the forth most popular.  Each of those seasons he exceeded the jersey sales of Chinese native and teammate Yao Ming.  Nothing however summarizes Tracy McGrady’s popularity in China than this past year’s all star balloting.  Receiving 1,022,492, T-Mac received more votes than Pau Gasol, and was only 200,000 votes from being voted starter, even though he played in only six games before the all-star break.  While LeBron star is already great in China, players such as Chris Bosh could increase his popularity immensely especially internationally.

Whether this year’s free agents desire success on the court or off, Houston’s situation affords them both.  Houston’s up and coming team should be the premier destination for free agents this offseason.  Even playing in the tough Western Conference, the addition of a superstar along with the return of Yao Ming from injury should make them an instant contender with the Lakers, and perhaps favorites for winning the NBA championships in some eyes.

Offensively Andrew Bogut has really put it all together this season and when healthy, he has been the consistent threat amongst all the different hot jump shooters that the Bucks have surrounded him with.  The combination of Jennings and Bogut has given Bucks a new offensive identity after all those years of being carried by Michael Redd.  It takes a good point guard to utilize a big man well, and Jennings’ ability to feed Bogut and make him an elite post scorer increases his value immensely.  Successful point guards, Mo Williams and T.J. Ford weren’t able to do this, helping to prove that assisting a center is not only a skill, but one that is incredibly valuable.  Bogut also needs to be able to have the skill in order to score, something that he has developed over his time thus far in the NBA.  His array of running hooks may not be elegant but they seem to be the one reliable offensive presence the Bucks have needed.  Besides being the focal point of the Bucks offense this season, Bogut has anchored one of the leagues top defensive teams as well.

Andrew Bogut deserved the defensive MVP award this season.  This argument isn’t that Bogut deserved the award, but Dwight Howard had an amazing year, no, Andrew Bogut deserved the defensive player of the year award over Dwight Howard.  This past season Bogut has really increased his defensive numbers across the board.  Averaging 2.54 blocks per game is impressive enough for second this season, (behind Dwight Howard at 2.75 blocks a game).  Not only blocking shots, Bogut altered countless others providing an intimidating force at the rim.  His presence in the paint allowed the Bucks’ wing players to more aggressive defense knowing Bogut was behind them ready to challenge anybody who was able to penetrate past them. While Dwight has the edge in blocked shots, Bogut has the unquestionable advantage in charges drawn, .74 to .04.

I am surprised Howard has even taken a charge all season.  After reading about the value of a block http://nbaplaybook.com/2010/03/06/the-value-of-a-blocked-shot/ a paper written by UChicago professor John Huizinga, I began thinking about the value of a charge.  In the summary of paper, it stated that blocking a layup was more valuable then blocking a jump shot, because a lay up has a higher percentage of going in than a jump shot.  Translating this logic to charges, one can determine that a center drawing a charge is similar to that of blocking a lay up.  Even though I haven’t watched every single one of the charges Bogut has taken (I can’t find it on sports synergy), it can be inferred that a majority of those charges have occurred near the basket with the opposing player in route of taking a lay up.  The second characteristic of a charge that makes it as valuable, if not more valuable than a block, is the fact that no matter what happens, your team gets the ball.  With a block, the shooting team many times gets the ball back and later scores on the very same possession.  Taking a charge however automatically creates a turnover giving the opposing team no chance for a reload.  Drawing a charge also creates a foul for the other team which can get opposing players into foul trouble, creating another indirect advantage for your team.  (Sidenote it should come to no surprise that the league leaders with 3.1 charges a game are the Rockets who are run by Daryl Morey a statistic guru).  At the very least one can add, and many do, blocks and charges together giving Bogut the undeniable advantage of 3.28 to 2.79

The third component to defensive plays is steals where Howard has the advantage .96 to .55.  Adding that to the running total, Bogut still has the advantage 3.83 to 3.75.  Bogut is the better defensive player, the old cliché, numbers don’t lie and in this case the numbers clearly indicate that Bogut is a better defensive player.  The problem is that drawing a charge isn’t sexy, you don’t see Bogut taking a charge on Sportscenter’s top ten highlights, but you will see Howard blocking a shot into the third row.  The charge statistic isn’t even found on most box scores.  In reality even I have to admit that Howard’s winning of the Defensive player of the year award was definitely warranted although Bogut’s lack of consideration was part of the bigger problem, the issue of quantifying defense.

With a record of 15 wins and 67 losses, the T-wolves have plenty of holes to fill.  Looking closer there are a few holes that are deeper than other.  Outside shooting has been a major issue for the T-wolves, finishing seventh to last shooting 34.1% from the three point arc, and third to last shooting only 36.8% from 16-23 feet from the hoop.  The other major issue for Minnesota is their interior defense.  While Al Jefferson and Kevin Love make a good young frontcourt tandem, their strengths lie mainly on the offensive end.  Opponents shot a staggering 66% at the rim, which was good for last in the NBA, and blocking a measly 3.7 blocks per game tying them for last in the league.  To put their horrendous blocking numbers into perspective, Dwight Howard alone averaged 2.8 blocks per game.  While they also lead the leagues in turnovers per game with 16.1 one can expect that number to decrease with the maturity and growth of Johnny Flynn.  The key areas in need of improvement is interior defense and outside shooting, and though drafting for need isn’t the best way to build a team, the position of their draft selections from the current perspective allows them to draft the best talent available and fill the multitude of holes on their team.

With their first pick, the fourth pick overall, Wes Johnson appears to be a perfect match.  Though there exists many reports of their desire to trade up and draft Evan Turner, the athletic swingman from Syracuse solves a variety of issues for the Timberwolves.  Converting his three point attempts at 41.5%, Johnson will be able to stretch the defense and provide instant scoring from the wing position.  Johnson’s athleticism is sorely needed as his rebounding prowess, averaging 8.5 boards per game, will allow him to play the en vogue stretch four at times, possibly being able to run with the ultra quick point guard Johnny Flynn.

Twelve picks later, there exists more of variety of options, however many current mock drafts project a multitude of wing scorers available after the lottery.  Whether it is Xavier Henry, Paul George, or James Anderson, the Timberwolves can definitely use another offensive threat from the wing position, drafting whoever is available, in that order.  Xavier Henry’s ability to knock down the three pointer and NBA ready body (measuring at 6 ft. 5.25 in. and 210 lbs.) gives him a higher floor, ensuring he becomes at the very least a solid role player.  Though Paul George is a little more raw on the offensive end than the others, his ability to score in transition would again allow Johnny Flynn to get back to pushing the ball up the floor.  James Anderson is the most intriguing as he could become a very good complete NBA scorer, as long as his pedestrian athleticism, finishing the agility test slower than Luke Harangody, doesn’t impede his ability to create his own shot, eventually relegating him to a one-dimensional jump shooter.

Late in the first the Timberwolves still must address their lack of an interior defender.  Larry Sanders’ length and athleticism should be a perfect frontcourt mate to either Al Jefferson or Kevin Love.  His ability to either play the 4 or 5 gives the T-wolves more flexibility in the front court allowing their two best players on the floor as much as possible without being a sieve on the defensive end.  With a 9 ft 4 in. reach he averaged 2.6 blocks this season at Virginia Commonwealth.  Even though he is raw on the offense end, his immediate defensive impact should grant him plenty of playing time as a niche player, and hopefully over time allowing him to develop an offensive arsenal.

The success of the Timberwolves relies heavily on David Kahn’s ability to find the correct pieces to build a young solid foundation with the potential of winning an NBA championship.  Hindsight is 20/20, but his track record is less than stellar.  Though the players outlined might not be able to carry a team, except perhaps Wes Johnson, they appear to be great fits to the existing system, being able to enhance and maximize the true stars and building blocks, Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.  It is those two players that the team should truly be built around, as they have shown the most talent, enough to be the focal points of a very good team.  Buyer beware, as the addition of Rudy Gay for a near maximum contract would likely put the T-wolves franchise back many as years a poor draft this year.