Post by jayborne on Nov 30, 2008 5:17:01 GMT -5
In this edition of Reviewing the Draft, we will look back on the 2022 UOSL Draft. Featuring a very strong top few picks, some steals, and the typical W bust, this draft will go down as memorable.
1. Golden State Warriors
Then: Allonzo Trier SG 6'4'' 205 19 B- B B- B- C- A
Now: Allonzo Trier PG 6'5'' 208 23 B+ A A A C- B
Play hit a home run with this first pick. Trier was immediately effective, earning a spot on the All League 2nd Team and winning Rookie of the Year in his first season. Two years later, he's the league MVP. He now makes up one half of a dynamic backcourt that features fellow superstar Art Kimber. Their talent hasn't turned into a championship, but has made them one of the scariest teams in the league. Trier already looks well on his way to making a case for UOSL's greatest player (even though LeBron will never retire).
2. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Diego Gerbaudo PG 6'6'' 210 20 B- B- C+ C+ C A
Now: Diego Gerbaudo PG 6'6'' 219 24 B A- A- B- C B
Diego had a slow start to his career, but quickly exploded into a dynamic sweet-shooting combo guard. He became the Spurs' biggest assets, excelling whether he started at point guard or shooting guard. His size and strength make him a major mismatch for opponents at point guard, and his passing ability seperates him from similar players such as a Dean Danos.
3. Golden State Warriors
Then: Christian Standhardinger SF 6'9'' 223 20 C+ C+ C- B C+ A
Now: Christian Standhardinger SF 6'9'' 230 24 B B C A B B
Play's 2nd great pick of this draft, Standhardinger brings a tough game to match his long name. He's the prototypical small forward. He's a lock down defender, hits the glass very well, and shoots a high percentage from the field. Christian compares very favorably to Indiana's Isaiah Austin, but younger and better. He will likely never be a superstar, but it's hard to imagine this guy not being the difference on a championship team.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Then: Andrew Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 21 B- C C- B- C+ A
Now: Andrew Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 25 A- C+ C B+ A- C
Harrison was another great pick in the draft, and the first big man taken. He was pretty much under the radar as a player to watch in his first three seasons, until the 2024 playoffs when the world was forced to take notice. Harrison was a big reason the Mavericks pulled off the upset of arguably UOSL's best regular season team ever, the 71-11 Indiana Pacers. Harrison rode that momentum into the next season, becoming a 20/10 big man. He now is a one of the most dynamic big men in the league.
5. Boston Celtics
Then: Christopher Niemann C 6'11'' 315 20 B- D+ D+ B- B- A
Now: Christopher Niemann C 6'11'' 319 24 B- D+ C C+ B- C
The second German taken in the top 5, Niemann also had the honor of being the first bust. A very slow player with concerns over his weight, Niemann never figured out how to put it together. He actually found a way to regress. Christopher can now be found as a starter on the Denver Nuggets, which is the equivalent of being on the IR of a playoff team.
6. Phoenix Suns
Then: Shai Shai Matthews PG 5'11'' 185 19 C+ C+ B- C C- A
Now: Shai Shai Matthews PG 5'11'' 187 23 C+ C+ A C+ D C
His scouting report reads, "scouts question whether he'll ever improve those aspects enough to be a starter. Projected Range = 12-15." What made Phoenix take such a chance on him we don't know, but he certainly did not make good of their faith. Matthews turned into a career back-up who will float around the league because of his ball-handling ability. In hindsight, he never should have been taken this high anyway.
7. Orlando Magic
Then: Dominik Spohr PG 6'3'' 185 20 C C A- C C- A
Now: Dominik Spohr PG 6'3'' 185 24 C- C A B- C- C
Another point guard that went to high to a team with plenty of misfortune, Spohr was doomed from the start. His scouting report reads, "has the potential to be one of the best pass-first PG's in UOSL history" then he's drafted by W. His drafting track record was a major foreshadowing of Spohr's career. Spohr went on to be a guy with really impressive passing ability, who has negative offensive ability.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Then: Daniel Clark C 6'10'' 255 19 C D- D+ C+ B+ A
Now: Daniel Clark C 6'10'' 253 23 C+ D- D A- A- C
After the stretch of busts, the draft got back on track with the 8th pick. Clark came in looking like he could become one of the league's top rebounding specialists, instead he got into the league and began to improve as a defender. Clark is impressive when you analysis his ability, but his production has you wondering if he's being used correctly or just needs a change or scenary. There is no question that he is one of the league's best values, making only about $3 Million a year for the next 2 years. This writer suggests he gets a new agent.
9. Golden State Warriors
Then: Lewis Claybrin SF 6'7'' 210 20 B- C+ B- C C A
Now: Lewis Claybrin SF 6'7'' 210 24 B+ B+ B+ C+ C+ C
And Play strikes again with an amazing pick. Clabrin exploded in training camp and quickly turned into a special scorer. Talent acquisition in Golden State has lessened his role in the offense, and he responded by increasing his offensively efficiency. He is now shooting 51% from the field and over 40% from three. The one glaring defect in his game is his defense, which may prevent him from turning into that household name.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Then: Dimitry McDuffie PF 6'9'' 230 19 B- C+ C- C+ C A
Now: Dimitry McDuffie PF 6'9'' 230 23 B- B- C- B- B- B
Another German, McDuffie has been an interesting player since he entered the league. Not really turning into a dominant force, he instead has worked on every area of his game and shows a strong skill set for a power forward. Scouts believe he has the ability to improve and this writer suggests he should try to play some small forward. He is currently starting for the Chicago Bulls.
In case you haven't noticed, the talent has begun to dwindle.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Then: Aaron Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 21 C C- C+ B B B
Now: Aaron Harrison PF 6'10'' 252 25 C C- C+ B+ B- D
Andrew Harrison's brother, Aaron never experienced much success in the league. Throughout his career he has shown little to no improvement and only has managed to put on pounds. To his credit, his sees a significant amount of time as a key backup for a team always in the hunt in the East, the Atlanta Hawks. Given their owners extreme loyalty, Harrison probably will play there until he retires.
12. Philadelphia 76ers
Then: Austin Colbert C 7'2'' 290 22 B D+ C- C B B
Now: Austin Colbert C 7'2'' 290 26 B D C C+ A- C
Colbert was called by scouts a "safe pick" with "20/10 potential" but he never panned out. He did make slight improvements to his game, and had a solid year in Philly averaging 12.4ppg and 8.8rpg in his sophomore campaign, but hasn't done anything of note since then.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Luc Louves SG 6'2'' 190 18 C+ A- C- C D+ A
Now: Luc Louves SG 6'3'' 198 22 C+ A D+ C C- B
Louves was compared to Maros Zuffa, who never did anything, so it doesn't make much sense as to why he was the last lottery pick. Like Zuffa, Louves has parlayed his shooting ability and slightly promising perceived potential into a UOSL contract. Like Zuffa, Louves will soon fade into obscurity, and go back to France.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
Then: Nathaniel Britt SG 6'5'' 210 21 B- B C- C+ C B
Now: Nathaniel Britt SG 6'5'' 210 25 B+ B+ C B C D
Britt did what you want out of a mid-first rounder, he kept improving. He is currently a starter and the leading scorer for San Antonio, but will likely make his career as the 3rd swingman in the rotation to a team to provide scoring.
15. Denver Nuggets
Then: Fabian Thulig SF 6'6'' 205 21 C+ B- C- C C+ A
Now: Fabian Thulig SG 6'6'' 209 25 C+ B- C C C+ B
MORE GERMANS! Let's re-visit his scouting report. Fabian Thulig was "definitely gonna have a role with a team in the UOSL." He is currently a free agent. You can't be right all the time.
16. Golden State Warriors
Then: Desmond Chawiyah C 6'10'' 235 21 C+ D+ D+ B C A
Now: Desmond Chawiyah C 6'10'' 235 25 C+ D+ D- B- C+ C
Play's luck ran out and this guy managed to get worse. He now is a back-up in Utah playing behind a guy named Dick Peters. Yes, he plays behind Dick.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Rio Adams SF 6'6'' 225 21 B C C+ C+ C B
Now: Rio Adams SF 6'6'' 225 25 B+ C B- B C C
It must be something in that Washington State air. A teammate of #1 pick Alonzo Trier's, Rio slipped to the middle of the draft and had some of Trier's skill rub off on him. Adams was projected as a late lottery pick and fared better than most of them. His unique skill set will keep him around for years as a "vet fa", but for now he logs significant minutes for the destitute Miami Heat.
18. Atlanta Hawks
Then: Mohammed Bukar SF 6'10'' 225 21 C+ C C- B+ C A
Now: Mohammed Bukar SF 6'10'' 229 25 C+ C C- B+ C C
Bukar decided it was best not to ever improve, despite what looked like a promising player. At least in his 5 years as a pro, he has gotten to log 11 minutes. 11 whole minutes. He now plays for the free agents.
19. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Roger Wood C 7'7'' 350 23 C+ D+ D+ C+ C+ B
Now: Roger Wood C 7'7'' 354 27 B C- C- B B- C
Wood is a big man who came into the league and proved he had big game. Despite entering the league at 23, Roger improved in every facet imaginable. His skills aren't mind-blowing, but he is known as a career overachiever going back to his San Antonio days. His imposing size makes it extremely difficult for opposing teams to finish around the rim. He is currently averaging a double-double on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
20. Seattle Sonics
Then: Pasquale Paolisso SG 6'5'' 215 20 C B- C B C A
Now: Pasquale Paolisso SG 6'5'' 219 24 C A- B- A+ C B
The steals came in a pair in this draft, and they both ended up on Cleveland. True to his scouting reports claim, Paolisso made a name for himself given his exceptional defense. He also developed his shooting ability and turned into this generations Dexter Strickland. The writer admits being completely wrong about his talents in previous assessments.
21. Sacramento Kings
Then: Traveon Harvey PF 6'9'' 225 21 B- D+ C- C- B- A
Now: Traveon Harvey PF 6'9'' 235 25 B D+ C- C B+ C
He can rebound a little better now, that's it.
22. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Cameron Payne SG 6'6'' 225 20 B- C C C C+ A
Now: Cameron Payne SF 6'6'' 225 24 C+ C C B- C+ C
He's a free agent, and irrelevant.
23. Golden State Warriors
Then: Derail Green C 20 6'10'' 220 C B- D+ C- C+ A
Now: Out of the League
His career is much like his name. Derial'd.
24. Phoenix Suns
Then: Andre Williams PF 6'10'' 240 22 B C- D+ B C C
Now: Andre Williams PF 6'10'' 240 26 B C- D B+ C+ C
The scouting report reads, "Williams is a solid player who should have a decent career as a backup. He's a solid post player who plays above average defense." That's basically what he is. He plays for the Bucks if anyone cares.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Gavin Stephenson PF 6'10'' 235 19 C- B- C- B- C- A
Now: Gavin Stephenson SF 6'11'' 239 23 C B C- B+ C B
He doesn't suck and he plays for Ducky.
26. Denver Nuggets
Then: Arvell Jones SF 6'8'' 230 22 B- C C- B C C
Now: Arvell Jones SF 6'8'' 234 26 C+ C C B- C+ C
He sucks, and he doesn't play for anyone.
27. Seattle Sonics
Then: Maurice Fleming PG 6'1'' 193 21 C C B B C- C
Now: Maurice Fleming PG 6'1'' 193 25 C C C+ B- C- C
How the hell did he come into the league at 21 and get worse? That's one way to end up a free agent.
28. Houston Rockets
Then: Kareem Robinson PG 5'8'' 165 20 C+ C B- C D+ A
Now: Kareem Robinson PG 5'8'' 165 24 B- C C+ C+ C- C
Free agent.
29. New York Knicks
Then: Jason Boswell PF 6'8'' 240 20 C C- C- B B- C
Now: Jason Boswell PF 6'8'' 243 24 C D+ C- B B- C
He actually is on a team, so he wins.
1. Golden State Warriors
Then: Allonzo Trier SG 6'4'' 205 19 B- B B- B- C- A
Now: Allonzo Trier PG 6'5'' 208 23 B+ A A A C- B
Play hit a home run with this first pick. Trier was immediately effective, earning a spot on the All League 2nd Team and winning Rookie of the Year in his first season. Two years later, he's the league MVP. He now makes up one half of a dynamic backcourt that features fellow superstar Art Kimber. Their talent hasn't turned into a championship, but has made them one of the scariest teams in the league. Trier already looks well on his way to making a case for UOSL's greatest player (even though LeBron will never retire).
2. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Diego Gerbaudo PG 6'6'' 210 20 B- B- C+ C+ C A
Now: Diego Gerbaudo PG 6'6'' 219 24 B A- A- B- C B
Diego had a slow start to his career, but quickly exploded into a dynamic sweet-shooting combo guard. He became the Spurs' biggest assets, excelling whether he started at point guard or shooting guard. His size and strength make him a major mismatch for opponents at point guard, and his passing ability seperates him from similar players such as a Dean Danos.
3. Golden State Warriors
Then: Christian Standhardinger SF 6'9'' 223 20 C+ C+ C- B C+ A
Now: Christian Standhardinger SF 6'9'' 230 24 B B C A B B
Play's 2nd great pick of this draft, Standhardinger brings a tough game to match his long name. He's the prototypical small forward. He's a lock down defender, hits the glass very well, and shoots a high percentage from the field. Christian compares very favorably to Indiana's Isaiah Austin, but younger and better. He will likely never be a superstar, but it's hard to imagine this guy not being the difference on a championship team.
4. Dallas Mavericks
Then: Andrew Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 21 B- C C- B- C+ A
Now: Andrew Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 25 A- C+ C B+ A- C
Harrison was another great pick in the draft, and the first big man taken. He was pretty much under the radar as a player to watch in his first three seasons, until the 2024 playoffs when the world was forced to take notice. Harrison was a big reason the Mavericks pulled off the upset of arguably UOSL's best regular season team ever, the 71-11 Indiana Pacers. Harrison rode that momentum into the next season, becoming a 20/10 big man. He now is a one of the most dynamic big men in the league.
5. Boston Celtics
Then: Christopher Niemann C 6'11'' 315 20 B- D+ D+ B- B- A
Now: Christopher Niemann C 6'11'' 319 24 B- D+ C C+ B- C
The second German taken in the top 5, Niemann also had the honor of being the first bust. A very slow player with concerns over his weight, Niemann never figured out how to put it together. He actually found a way to regress. Christopher can now be found as a starter on the Denver Nuggets, which is the equivalent of being on the IR of a playoff team.
6. Phoenix Suns
Then: Shai Shai Matthews PG 5'11'' 185 19 C+ C+ B- C C- A
Now: Shai Shai Matthews PG 5'11'' 187 23 C+ C+ A C+ D C
His scouting report reads, "scouts question whether he'll ever improve those aspects enough to be a starter. Projected Range = 12-15." What made Phoenix take such a chance on him we don't know, but he certainly did not make good of their faith. Matthews turned into a career back-up who will float around the league because of his ball-handling ability. In hindsight, he never should have been taken this high anyway.
7. Orlando Magic
Then: Dominik Spohr PG 6'3'' 185 20 C C A- C C- A
Now: Dominik Spohr PG 6'3'' 185 24 C- C A B- C- C
Another point guard that went to high to a team with plenty of misfortune, Spohr was doomed from the start. His scouting report reads, "has the potential to be one of the best pass-first PG's in UOSL history" then he's drafted by W. His drafting track record was a major foreshadowing of Spohr's career. Spohr went on to be a guy with really impressive passing ability, who has negative offensive ability.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Then: Daniel Clark C 6'10'' 255 19 C D- D+ C+ B+ A
Now: Daniel Clark C 6'10'' 253 23 C+ D- D A- A- C
After the stretch of busts, the draft got back on track with the 8th pick. Clark came in looking like he could become one of the league's top rebounding specialists, instead he got into the league and began to improve as a defender. Clark is impressive when you analysis his ability, but his production has you wondering if he's being used correctly or just needs a change or scenary. There is no question that he is one of the league's best values, making only about $3 Million a year for the next 2 years. This writer suggests he gets a new agent.
9. Golden State Warriors
Then: Lewis Claybrin SF 6'7'' 210 20 B- C+ B- C C A
Now: Lewis Claybrin SF 6'7'' 210 24 B+ B+ B+ C+ C+ C
And Play strikes again with an amazing pick. Clabrin exploded in training camp and quickly turned into a special scorer. Talent acquisition in Golden State has lessened his role in the offense, and he responded by increasing his offensively efficiency. He is now shooting 51% from the field and over 40% from three. The one glaring defect in his game is his defense, which may prevent him from turning into that household name.
10. Portland Trailblazers
Then: Dimitry McDuffie PF 6'9'' 230 19 B- C+ C- C+ C A
Now: Dimitry McDuffie PF 6'9'' 230 23 B- B- C- B- B- B
Another German, McDuffie has been an interesting player since he entered the league. Not really turning into a dominant force, he instead has worked on every area of his game and shows a strong skill set for a power forward. Scouts believe he has the ability to improve and this writer suggests he should try to play some small forward. He is currently starting for the Chicago Bulls.
In case you haven't noticed, the talent has begun to dwindle.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Then: Aaron Harrison PF 6'10'' 240 21 C C- C+ B B B
Now: Aaron Harrison PF 6'10'' 252 25 C C- C+ B+ B- D
Andrew Harrison's brother, Aaron never experienced much success in the league. Throughout his career he has shown little to no improvement and only has managed to put on pounds. To his credit, his sees a significant amount of time as a key backup for a team always in the hunt in the East, the Atlanta Hawks. Given their owners extreme loyalty, Harrison probably will play there until he retires.
12. Philadelphia 76ers
Then: Austin Colbert C 7'2'' 290 22 B D+ C- C B B
Now: Austin Colbert C 7'2'' 290 26 B D C C+ A- C
Colbert was called by scouts a "safe pick" with "20/10 potential" but he never panned out. He did make slight improvements to his game, and had a solid year in Philly averaging 12.4ppg and 8.8rpg in his sophomore campaign, but hasn't done anything of note since then.
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Luc Louves SG 6'2'' 190 18 C+ A- C- C D+ A
Now: Luc Louves SG 6'3'' 198 22 C+ A D+ C C- B
Louves was compared to Maros Zuffa, who never did anything, so it doesn't make much sense as to why he was the last lottery pick. Like Zuffa, Louves has parlayed his shooting ability and slightly promising perceived potential into a UOSL contract. Like Zuffa, Louves will soon fade into obscurity, and go back to France.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
Then: Nathaniel Britt SG 6'5'' 210 21 B- B C- C+ C B
Now: Nathaniel Britt SG 6'5'' 210 25 B+ B+ C B C D
Britt did what you want out of a mid-first rounder, he kept improving. He is currently a starter and the leading scorer for San Antonio, but will likely make his career as the 3rd swingman in the rotation to a team to provide scoring.
15. Denver Nuggets
Then: Fabian Thulig SF 6'6'' 205 21 C+ B- C- C C+ A
Now: Fabian Thulig SG 6'6'' 209 25 C+ B- C C C+ B
MORE GERMANS! Let's re-visit his scouting report. Fabian Thulig was "definitely gonna have a role with a team in the UOSL." He is currently a free agent. You can't be right all the time.
16. Golden State Warriors
Then: Desmond Chawiyah C 6'10'' 235 21 C+ D+ D+ B C A
Now: Desmond Chawiyah C 6'10'' 235 25 C+ D+ D- B- C+ C
Play's luck ran out and this guy managed to get worse. He now is a back-up in Utah playing behind a guy named Dick Peters. Yes, he plays behind Dick.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Rio Adams SF 6'6'' 225 21 B C C+ C+ C B
Now: Rio Adams SF 6'6'' 225 25 B+ C B- B C C
It must be something in that Washington State air. A teammate of #1 pick Alonzo Trier's, Rio slipped to the middle of the draft and had some of Trier's skill rub off on him. Adams was projected as a late lottery pick and fared better than most of them. His unique skill set will keep him around for years as a "vet fa", but for now he logs significant minutes for the destitute Miami Heat.
18. Atlanta Hawks
Then: Mohammed Bukar SF 6'10'' 225 21 C+ C C- B+ C A
Now: Mohammed Bukar SF 6'10'' 229 25 C+ C C- B+ C C
Bukar decided it was best not to ever improve, despite what looked like a promising player. At least in his 5 years as a pro, he has gotten to log 11 minutes. 11 whole minutes. He now plays for the free agents.
19. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Roger Wood C 7'7'' 350 23 C+ D+ D+ C+ C+ B
Now: Roger Wood C 7'7'' 354 27 B C- C- B B- C
Wood is a big man who came into the league and proved he had big game. Despite entering the league at 23, Roger improved in every facet imaginable. His skills aren't mind-blowing, but he is known as a career overachiever going back to his San Antonio days. His imposing size makes it extremely difficult for opposing teams to finish around the rim. He is currently averaging a double-double on the Cleveland Cavaliers.
20. Seattle Sonics
Then: Pasquale Paolisso SG 6'5'' 215 20 C B- C B C A
Now: Pasquale Paolisso SG 6'5'' 219 24 C A- B- A+ C B
The steals came in a pair in this draft, and they both ended up on Cleveland. True to his scouting reports claim, Paolisso made a name for himself given his exceptional defense. He also developed his shooting ability and turned into this generations Dexter Strickland. The writer admits being completely wrong about his talents in previous assessments.
21. Sacramento Kings
Then: Traveon Harvey PF 6'9'' 225 21 B- D+ C- C- B- A
Now: Traveon Harvey PF 6'9'' 235 25 B D+ C- C B+ C
He can rebound a little better now, that's it.
22. San Antonio Spurs
Then: Cameron Payne SG 6'6'' 225 20 B- C C C C+ A
Now: Cameron Payne SF 6'6'' 225 24 C+ C C B- C+ C
He's a free agent, and irrelevant.
23. Golden State Warriors
Then: Derail Green C 20 6'10'' 220 C B- D+ C- C+ A
Now: Out of the League
His career is much like his name. Derial'd.
24. Phoenix Suns
Then: Andre Williams PF 6'10'' 240 22 B C- D+ B C C
Now: Andre Williams PF 6'10'' 240 26 B C- D B+ C+ C
The scouting report reads, "Williams is a solid player who should have a decent career as a backup. He's a solid post player who plays above average defense." That's basically what he is. He plays for the Bucks if anyone cares.
25. Minnesota Timberwolves
Then: Gavin Stephenson PF 6'10'' 235 19 C- B- C- B- C- A
Now: Gavin Stephenson SF 6'11'' 239 23 C B C- B+ C B
He doesn't suck and he plays for Ducky.
26. Denver Nuggets
Then: Arvell Jones SF 6'8'' 230 22 B- C C- B C C
Now: Arvell Jones SF 6'8'' 234 26 C+ C C B- C+ C
He sucks, and he doesn't play for anyone.
27. Seattle Sonics
Then: Maurice Fleming PG 6'1'' 193 21 C C B B C- C
Now: Maurice Fleming PG 6'1'' 193 25 C C C+ B- C- C
How the hell did he come into the league at 21 and get worse? That's one way to end up a free agent.
28. Houston Rockets
Then: Kareem Robinson PG 5'8'' 165 20 C+ C B- C D+ A
Now: Kareem Robinson PG 5'8'' 165 24 B- C C+ C+ C- C
Free agent.
29. New York Knicks
Then: Jason Boswell PF 6'8'' 240 20 C C- C- B B- C
Now: Jason Boswell PF 6'8'' 243 24 C D+ C- B B- C
He actually is on a team, so he wins.
