2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
I thought to myself, man, that’s a lot of draft picks I better churn some RP. Then I realized Jeremy Woo circa 2016 can join me for the lulz. We can now enjoy 2016 super scout Jeremy Woo’s SLNified draft grades as well as mine:
Orlando Magic
Picks: 1 (Jaylen Brown), 12 (Alex Caruso), 18 (Dorian Finney-Smith), 19 (Ivica Zubac)
Merv’s Grade: A+ [Editor’s Note: F for being a douche per Nick]
Basically got exactly who I wanted this year. Did a lot of maneuvering to pull it off. Caruso and Zubac were in my group of 5 or so for the 7th pick so to land them later was pretty awesome. I thought Zu was basically as interesting as Poeltl. DFS was an emotional choice but fortunately he looks pretty sick and is already up to B+ defense at SF
Woo’s Takes in 2016:
But the MAGIC are going with Brown, whose size and athletic profile on the wing are high-level. There are holes in his game, his year at Cal was imperfect, and he will take some time to adjust to a much faster SLN game. Instead, they roll the dice on a guy who could become one [a star]
2 undrafted players and a 2nd round pick weren’t written up. So I assume I get an F from 2016 Jeremy
Charlotte Hornets
Pick: 2 (Jamal Murray)
Merv’s Grade: A
I was down to Murray or Brown for 1. Think he’s got a chance to be something like Jamal Crawford or Lou Williams at PG. Great guy for Charlotte to begin their rebuild around.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Murray can really shoot, and was a no-brainer as a pure scorer with room to grow. He had a case in the top five, and makes for a great value and personnel fit. The questions with him come defensively, and that’s an area where CHARLOTTE will almost certainly struggle as currently constituted.
Golden State Warriors
Picks: 3 (Domantas Sabonis), 28 (Tyler Ulis)
Merv’s Grade: A
From a player perspective, probably closer to an A- as I had Ingram above Domas but Clint made up for it by making a serious of trades to raise RP capital for his significant player development program in Santa Cruz.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Sabonis is a skilled energy big who will really benefit from stepping into a good situation and playing with experienced talent right away.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Picks: 4 (Brandon Ingram), 15 (Kris Dunn), 26 (Malik Beasley)
Merv’s Grade: A+
The definition of letting the board fall to you. Felt like Josh took the BPA at every spot. Got my #3 guy at 4, a profile guy at 15, and an okay NDL flier in Beasley. The young Grizzlies have a glut of PGs but that’s tomorrow’s problem
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Pro-ready point guard Kris Dunn had been rumored as a coveted player in this spot.
Ingram, with his size, smooth jumper and ability to score, has All-Star caliber upside. His skills will be a nice fit with the GRIZZ’ young pieces. Ingram needs to gain weight and is a year or two from consistently contributing, but long-term his upside is tantalizing. When it’s all said and done, he may score more points than anyone in the class.
Beasley was one of the best shooters still on the board, and the GRIZZLIES keep loading up on guards
Seattle Supersonics
Picks: 5 (Ben Simmons), 7 (TLC)
Merv’s Take: C+
Pretty biased here because I traded out of 7 for 2 guys I loved and wasn’t a huge TLC guy. Simmons is the ultimate high risk-high reward. He’ll have a chance to make a regrade an A+ by himself. Can’t wait to see how Nick deploys him
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Best-case scenario, his passing ability elevates the parts around him, his jumper develops and the SONICS are back to being a real SLN team.
This is an awesome coup for the SONICS, as Luwawu could have gone 10 picks earlier [Editor’s Note: he literally couldn’t]. Scouts I spoke with were high on him, praising his playmaking, defense and athleticism. He was one of the better two-way wing players in the class.
LA Lakers
Picks: 6 (Jakob Poeltl), 13 (Henry Ellenson), 25 (Georgios Papagiannis)
Merv’s Grade: A-
Big, Exciting whites are rolling deep in Los Angeles. The pastyness of these guys combined with the yellow jerseys
. Poeltl was the best player at 6 I think, that’s where the top tier really ended for me. Ellenson had the highest scouted pot and fell to him at 13. Not a guy I particularly wanted, but he could be a heckuva offensive player. A small grade deduction for taking Georgios since GX didn’t run a tight disinformation campaign and this info leaked before the draft.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI sucks and there’s no writing for Poeltl.
After the draft got topsy–turvy, the LAKERS landed a terrific value pick. Able to score on the block, put it on the deck and hit an open jumper, Ellenson was No. 6 on my Big Board and is one of the most offensively skilled bigs in the class.
SI sucks and doesn’t have anything anymore for Georgios, but this was a batshit crazy pick IRL and I’m sure Snarky Woo would’ve obliterated it
Phoenix Suns
Picks: 8 (Marquese Chriss), 16 (Buddy Hield)
Merv’s Grade: C (probably harsh but hey, hard grades are fun)
These players are fine, but I really don’t know how Tyler didn’t walk away a PG in this class after trading Lin. The lack of PG sent the Suns on a speed run back into the tank. Chriss will be a guy you pray for in TC and Hield is a situational backup scorer.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI really sucks guys, Chriss is missing too
Hield’s shooting will translate…he’ll be able to play a role for the SUNS next season. He’s the best pure shooter in the class
Washington Bullets
Pick: 9 (Pascal Siakam)
Merv’s Grade: B+
I think there were guys I’d rather have had here but Weston takes the swing on the name brand with an All NBA 3rd team to his name. He jumped to B+ defense at SF. Should be fine. There’s literally nothing in Washington.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Siakam was extremely productive at New Mexico State last season, but was projected as a second-rounder. He’s also already 22…his physical tools and competitiveness suggest he will eventually give them something. Still, it feels like somewhat of a reach here.
New York Knicks
Pick: 10 (Dragan Bender)
Merv’s Grade: B
Don’t love the fit with Turner and Embiid. Think there were other guys on the board who would be more useful or have higher trade value. It’s all up to the TC gods to give Bender a +30 like everyone else in NY and make me look dumb.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Nothing from SI. It’s literally a scourge upon the media industry. Woo liked Bender I think, so he probably was like omg next Dirk/unicorn
Indiana Pacers
Pick: 11 (Dejounte Murray)
Merv’s Grade: A
I knew Tong really wanted a PG. Figured it was Dunn but apparently Dejounte. Solid pick and a potential future replacement for Deron or allows him to slide to SG in his old age.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Murray’s a gifted ball handler with great size and scoring instincts, with the only question being his jump shot. His potential is through the roof for where he was drafted, and this might be the perfect fit. As the PACERS start looking toward the future, this is a player that can totally be a piece. He might be the successor in DERON’S role down the line
New Jersey Nets
Pick: 14 (Fred VanVleet)
Merv’s Grade: A
This part of the draft was amazing. It felt like dudes just kept slipping. Nets landed a guy with pretty exceptional notes who can develop into an elite backup behind Kemba or be a nice trade chip in the future.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
He had none. FVV went undrafted. He’d have hated this
Toronto Raptors
Pick: 17 (Malcolm Brogdon)
Merv’s Grade: A
I was a lot higher on Malcolm than most I think. The C pot didn’t bother me when Ashes still didn’t want him in the NDL. Woo gets a nice backup and potential heir to Livingston if things go great. Malcolm was really solid out of the box IRL and could see something similar here.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
2nd rounder, no take for Jeremy. But Malcolm had medical red flags so he’d probably have crushed it
Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick: 20 (Thon Maker)
Merv’s Grade: B
I’m not a Thon guy what can I say. But he’s 19 and the notes aren’t awful. Draft went off a cliff after Zubac for me.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
WHOA! Here’s the first curveball of the draft. Bucks GM John Hammond reportedly coveted Maker throughout the evaluation process. That said, this feels like a reach. Maker has size, length and a developing jumper, but has never faced high-level competition on a consistent basis and isn’t ready to bang inside in the NBA. The Bucks have a glut of forwards on board already, and though Maker won’t have to be conscripted into action, they aren’t addressing a clear need here. He’s conceivably a stretch four down the line if he bulks up, but right now, he’s just a stretch. [Editor’s Note: Snarky Woo in all his glory. Had to leave this one untouched because this pick was HORRIBLE]
Chicago Bulls
Pick: 21 (Caris LeVert)
Merv’s Grade: B
I just can’t wrap my head around SLN Caris. Feel like he’s gonna end up high turnover and not great at shooting. Kinda like Caris LeVert.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
LeVert’s long injury history makes him a major gamble…He’s a lottery–type talent in a vacuum, and the BULLS have to try and extract value from a difficult position. It’s the type of risk they can afford to take
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: 22 (Denzel Valentine)
Merv’s Grade: B+
Should be solid. Fits the Wolves. Pretty simple.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
here they make a classic MINNESOTA move and take a solid, accomplished college player. Valentine’s well–rounded offensive game should allow him to play early. He’s one of those players who just knows how to play. His defense is the weak point.
Utah Jazz
Pick: 23 (Derrick Jones Jr)
Merv’s Grade: C
Have a hard time seeing him be anything in SLN. Probably not strong enough to play PF or C. Not good enough offensively to play in the backcourt. Tough guy to peg but probably has stocks
Woo’s Take in 2016:
N/A
Boston Celtics
Pick: 24 (Taurean Prince)
Merv’s Grade: B
Feels like a very Joe pick. Gonna need some TC help to make it but I see the concept
Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI really really really blows
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 27 (Gary Payton Jr), 29 (Skal Labissiere)
Merv’s Grade: C+
Think there were some potentially better guys on the board here for the Hawks (cough Damian Jones). The Mitten might never have the offense to play but he’ll guard. Skal is a dart throw and I don’t have high expectations
Woo’s Take in 2016:
No Mitten Take
He’s a lottery-level talent, but is so far off at an advanced age that many teams were left wholly unconvinced. If he becomes a passable shooter and rim protector, he has a chance to really help—it’ll just be awhile.
Bonus Woo Bad Take for the Homies
Memphis probably just got the grittiest, grindiest player in the draft. This is a terrific fit. Whether Mike Conley returns or not, Baldwin’s ability to play both guard spots will be a help. His impressive physical tools make him a pretty good bet to be a great NBA defender. Offensively, he will have some development to do, but he makes for a nice value pick here for the Grizzlies. He can learn from Tony Allen. Can we be the first to dub him the Grind-son?
Orlando Magic
Picks: 1 (Jaylen Brown), 12 (Alex Caruso), 18 (Dorian Finney-Smith), 19 (Ivica Zubac)
Merv’s Grade: A+ [Editor’s Note: F for being a douche per Nick]
Basically got exactly who I wanted this year. Did a lot of maneuvering to pull it off. Caruso and Zubac were in my group of 5 or so for the 7th pick so to land them later was pretty awesome. I thought Zu was basically as interesting as Poeltl. DFS was an emotional choice but fortunately he looks pretty sick and is already up to B+ defense at SF
Woo’s Takes in 2016:
But the MAGIC are going with Brown, whose size and athletic profile on the wing are high-level. There are holes in his game, his year at Cal was imperfect, and he will take some time to adjust to a much faster SLN game. Instead, they roll the dice on a guy who could become one [a star]
2 undrafted players and a 2nd round pick weren’t written up. So I assume I get an F from 2016 Jeremy
Charlotte Hornets
Pick: 2 (Jamal Murray)
Merv’s Grade: A
I was down to Murray or Brown for 1. Think he’s got a chance to be something like Jamal Crawford or Lou Williams at PG. Great guy for Charlotte to begin their rebuild around.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Murray can really shoot, and was a no-brainer as a pure scorer with room to grow. He had a case in the top five, and makes for a great value and personnel fit. The questions with him come defensively, and that’s an area where CHARLOTTE will almost certainly struggle as currently constituted.
Golden State Warriors
Picks: 3 (Domantas Sabonis), 28 (Tyler Ulis)
Merv’s Grade: A
From a player perspective, probably closer to an A- as I had Ingram above Domas but Clint made up for it by making a serious of trades to raise RP capital for his significant player development program in Santa Cruz.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Sabonis is a skilled energy big who will really benefit from stepping into a good situation and playing with experienced talent right away.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Picks: 4 (Brandon Ingram), 15 (Kris Dunn), 26 (Malik Beasley)
Merv’s Grade: A+
The definition of letting the board fall to you. Felt like Josh took the BPA at every spot. Got my #3 guy at 4, a profile guy at 15, and an okay NDL flier in Beasley. The young Grizzlies have a glut of PGs but that’s tomorrow’s problem
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Pro-ready point guard Kris Dunn had been rumored as a coveted player in this spot.
Ingram, with his size, smooth jumper and ability to score, has All-Star caliber upside. His skills will be a nice fit with the GRIZZ’ young pieces. Ingram needs to gain weight and is a year or two from consistently contributing, but long-term his upside is tantalizing. When it’s all said and done, he may score more points than anyone in the class.
Beasley was one of the best shooters still on the board, and the GRIZZLIES keep loading up on guards
Seattle Supersonics
Picks: 5 (Ben Simmons), 7 (TLC)
Merv’s Take: C+
Pretty biased here because I traded out of 7 for 2 guys I loved and wasn’t a huge TLC guy. Simmons is the ultimate high risk-high reward. He’ll have a chance to make a regrade an A+ by himself. Can’t wait to see how Nick deploys him
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Best-case scenario, his passing ability elevates the parts around him, his jumper develops and the SONICS are back to being a real SLN team.
This is an awesome coup for the SONICS, as Luwawu could have gone 10 picks earlier [Editor’s Note: he literally couldn’t]. Scouts I spoke with were high on him, praising his playmaking, defense and athleticism. He was one of the better two-way wing players in the class.
LA Lakers
Picks: 6 (Jakob Poeltl), 13 (Henry Ellenson), 25 (Georgios Papagiannis)
Merv’s Grade: A-
Big, Exciting whites are rolling deep in Los Angeles. The pastyness of these guys combined with the yellow jerseys
. Poeltl was the best player at 6 I think, that’s where the top tier really ended for me. Ellenson had the highest scouted pot and fell to him at 13. Not a guy I particularly wanted, but he could be a heckuva offensive player. A small grade deduction for taking Georgios since GX didn’t run a tight disinformation campaign and this info leaked before the draft. Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI sucks and there’s no writing for Poeltl.
After the draft got topsy–turvy, the LAKERS landed a terrific value pick. Able to score on the block, put it on the deck and hit an open jumper, Ellenson was No. 6 on my Big Board and is one of the most offensively skilled bigs in the class.
SI sucks and doesn’t have anything anymore for Georgios, but this was a batshit crazy pick IRL and I’m sure Snarky Woo would’ve obliterated it
Phoenix Suns
Picks: 8 (Marquese Chriss), 16 (Buddy Hield)
Merv’s Grade: C (probably harsh but hey, hard grades are fun)
These players are fine, but I really don’t know how Tyler didn’t walk away a PG in this class after trading Lin. The lack of PG sent the Suns on a speed run back into the tank. Chriss will be a guy you pray for in TC and Hield is a situational backup scorer.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI really sucks guys, Chriss is missing too
Hield’s shooting will translate…he’ll be able to play a role for the SUNS next season. He’s the best pure shooter in the class
Washington Bullets
Pick: 9 (Pascal Siakam)
Merv’s Grade: B+
I think there were guys I’d rather have had here but Weston takes the swing on the name brand with an All NBA 3rd team to his name. He jumped to B+ defense at SF. Should be fine. There’s literally nothing in Washington.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Siakam was extremely productive at New Mexico State last season, but was projected as a second-rounder. He’s also already 22…his physical tools and competitiveness suggest he will eventually give them something. Still, it feels like somewhat of a reach here.
New York Knicks
Pick: 10 (Dragan Bender)
Merv’s Grade: B
Don’t love the fit with Turner and Embiid. Think there were other guys on the board who would be more useful or have higher trade value. It’s all up to the TC gods to give Bender a +30 like everyone else in NY and make me look dumb.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Nothing from SI. It’s literally a scourge upon the media industry. Woo liked Bender I think, so he probably was like omg next Dirk/unicorn
Indiana Pacers
Pick: 11 (Dejounte Murray)
Merv’s Grade: A
I knew Tong really wanted a PG. Figured it was Dunn but apparently Dejounte. Solid pick and a potential future replacement for Deron or allows him to slide to SG in his old age.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
Murray’s a gifted ball handler with great size and scoring instincts, with the only question being his jump shot. His potential is through the roof for where he was drafted, and this might be the perfect fit. As the PACERS start looking toward the future, this is a player that can totally be a piece. He might be the successor in DERON’S role down the line
New Jersey Nets
Pick: 14 (Fred VanVleet)
Merv’s Grade: A
This part of the draft was amazing. It felt like dudes just kept slipping. Nets landed a guy with pretty exceptional notes who can develop into an elite backup behind Kemba or be a nice trade chip in the future.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
He had none. FVV went undrafted. He’d have hated this
Toronto Raptors
Pick: 17 (Malcolm Brogdon)
Merv’s Grade: A
I was a lot higher on Malcolm than most I think. The C pot didn’t bother me when Ashes still didn’t want him in the NDL. Woo gets a nice backup and potential heir to Livingston if things go great. Malcolm was really solid out of the box IRL and could see something similar here.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
2nd rounder, no take for Jeremy. But Malcolm had medical red flags so he’d probably have crushed it
Cleveland Cavaliers
Pick: 20 (Thon Maker)
Merv’s Grade: B
I’m not a Thon guy what can I say. But he’s 19 and the notes aren’t awful. Draft went off a cliff after Zubac for me.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
WHOA! Here’s the first curveball of the draft. Bucks GM John Hammond reportedly coveted Maker throughout the evaluation process. That said, this feels like a reach. Maker has size, length and a developing jumper, but has never faced high-level competition on a consistent basis and isn’t ready to bang inside in the NBA. The Bucks have a glut of forwards on board already, and though Maker won’t have to be conscripted into action, they aren’t addressing a clear need here. He’s conceivably a stretch four down the line if he bulks up, but right now, he’s just a stretch. [Editor’s Note: Snarky Woo in all his glory. Had to leave this one untouched because this pick was HORRIBLE]
Chicago Bulls
Pick: 21 (Caris LeVert)
Merv’s Grade: B
I just can’t wrap my head around SLN Caris. Feel like he’s gonna end up high turnover and not great at shooting. Kinda like Caris LeVert.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
LeVert’s long injury history makes him a major gamble…He’s a lottery–type talent in a vacuum, and the BULLS have to try and extract value from a difficult position. It’s the type of risk they can afford to take
Minnesota Timberwolves
Pick: 22 (Denzel Valentine)
Merv’s Grade: B+
Should be solid. Fits the Wolves. Pretty simple.
Woo’s Take in 2016:
here they make a classic MINNESOTA move and take a solid, accomplished college player. Valentine’s well–rounded offensive game should allow him to play early. He’s one of those players who just knows how to play. His defense is the weak point.
Utah Jazz
Pick: 23 (Derrick Jones Jr)
Merv’s Grade: C
Have a hard time seeing him be anything in SLN. Probably not strong enough to play PF or C. Not good enough offensively to play in the backcourt. Tough guy to peg but probably has stocks
Woo’s Take in 2016:
N/A
Boston Celtics
Pick: 24 (Taurean Prince)
Merv’s Grade: B
Feels like a very Joe pick. Gonna need some TC help to make it but I see the concept
Woo’s Take in 2016:
SI really really really blows
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 27 (Gary Payton Jr), 29 (Skal Labissiere)
Merv’s Grade: C+
Think there were some potentially better guys on the board here for the Hawks (cough Damian Jones). The Mitten might never have the offense to play but he’ll guard. Skal is a dart throw and I don’t have high expectations
Woo’s Take in 2016:
No Mitten Take
He’s a lottery-level talent, but is so far off at an advanced age that many teams were left wholly unconvinced. If he becomes a passable shooter and rim protector, he has a chance to really help—it’ll just be awhile.
Bonus Woo Bad Take for the Homies
Memphis probably just got the grittiest, grindiest player in the draft. This is a terrific fit. Whether Mike Conley returns or not, Baldwin’s ability to play both guard spots will be a help. His impressive physical tools make him a pretty good bet to be a great NBA defender. Offensively, he will have some development to do, but he makes for a nice value pick here for the Grizzlies. He can learn from Tony Allen. Can we be the first to dub him the Grind-son?
Last edited by Merv on July 6th, 2024, 4:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
Super lame you chose to jerk yourself off in public. Poor showing Merv
2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
I like incorporating JWoos old scouting takes! Very fun haha.
Think ashes will rip some of woos scouting takes
Think ashes will rip some of woos scouting takes
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GrundleSauce
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2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
Derrick Jones Jr. about to peg you and your dad after making you eat your words.
Pokemon Master Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Yes.
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SWAMP STEVEN
- General Manager
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2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
Yes if the Suns picked 14th and selected Fred VanVleet
*DJ DRAMA VOICE* OH YOU HEARD THE RUMORS [GANGSTA GRIZZILLZ] IT’S A MOTHERFUCKIN SWAMPSTORY!
*lighter flick* Never talk to the cops I don’t speak piglatin / I turned the Nets into the motherfuckin Swamp Dragons
*lighter flick* Never talk to the cops I don’t speak piglatin / I turned the Nets into the motherfuckin Swamp Dragons
2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
Tree propaganda! At least tip em some RP swampy
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jwoo
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2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
I think a lot of those grades got scrubbed off the Internet when SI went downhill
Honestly, that’s probably a good thing for me
Honestly, that’s probably a good thing for me
free healthcare has never been more important
2016 SLN Draft Grades w/ an Old Friend
Poor draft grades from the Magic GM is a great sign for this class’ future! Should help these youngsters draft stock so I appreciate it
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