2008 Rookie Draft Peak Grades

Name Pos INS OUT HAN DEF REB
Aaron Brooks PG C B+ C+ C D+
Aaron Gray C C D+ D C B-
Acie Law PG C C C C D+
Andrew Bogut C B- D+ C- B B
Anthony Randolph PF C+ C D+ C+ C+
Brandon Rush SG C+ B D+ C C-
Christian Eyenga SF C C D C C-
Damir Markota PF C C+ D D+ C
Daniel Gibson SG C B+ C C D+
Darrell Arthur PF C B- D+ C+ C
Davis Bertans PF C A- C- C C-
Demetris Nichols SF C C D+ C- D+
Derrick Brown SF C C- D C C-
Dionte Christmas SG C C+ D+ C- D+
Eric Maynor PG C C+ C+ C D+
Gabe Pruitt PG C C+ C- C D+
Garret Siler C C- D- D C C+
Garrett Temple SG C B C C+ D+
Henry Walker SF C B C- C C-
J.R. Giddens SF C C D+ C C
JamesOn Curry SG C- C C- C- D-
Javaris Crittenton PG C C C C C-
Jeff Foote C C- D+ F+ C- C
Jeremy Tyler C C D+ D- C C+
Joe Alexander SF C C+ D+ C C
Joe Ingles SF C A- C+ C+ C-
Joel Anthony C C D+ D- B+ C
John Wall PG B+ B- A+ B- C-
Josh Akognon PG C- C+ C- C- D
Khris Middleton SF B- A- C+ B- C
Kris Joseph SF C C D C- D+
Larry Sanders C C+ D+ D B- B-
Leon Powe PF C C- D C B-
Marcus Cousin C C C- F+ C- C
Marcus Landry SF C C D- C- C
Marcus Williams (2) SF C C- D C- C-
Mario West SG C D+ D+ C C-
Michael Beasley SF B- B- C- C C
Mike Taylor PG C C C C D+
Mustafa Shakur PG C- C- C C- D+
Mychel Thompson SG C B- D+ C- D-
Oliver Lafayette SG C- C C D+ D+
Othello Hunter PF C D+ D- C- C+
Paul George SF B+ A- C+ A- C
Paul Millsap PF B B- C B- B-
Quincy Douby PG C C+ C- C D+
Raymond Felton PG C+ B B+ C+ C-
Robin Lopez C C+ C- D C+ C+
Rodney Stuckey SG C+ C C+ C C-
Ronnie Brewer SF C+ C C B C-
Salah Mejri C C C- D- C+ C+
Semih Erden C C D+ D- C C
Sergio Rodriguez PG C C+ C+ C D+
Spencer Hawes C C+ B- C- C+ C+
Stephane Lasme PF C D+ D- C C
Steve Novak PF C A- D D+ D+
Sundiata Gaines PG C C C C C-
Taurean Green PG C C C C D
Thabo Sefolosha SF C B- C- B C
Tiago Splitter C C C- D+ C+ C+
Timofey Mozgov C C+ C- D C+ B-
Ty Lawson PG C+ B A- C C-
Tyler Hansbrough PF C C- D C C+
Vitor Faverani C C C D C- C
Wesley Johnson SF C+ B C- C+ C
Will Blalock PG C- C C C D+

Here's the 2008 Rookie Draft class, in full. Just as before, these are the estimated peak ratings for these prospects, not how they will come into the league. The ratings are here to be griped; not providing input won't make the league move on any faster.

Change Log:
Aaron Brooks INS: C -> C+
Brandon Rush HAN: D+ -> C-
Brandon Rush DEF: C -> C+
Damir Markota HAN: D -> D+
Davis Bertans HAN: C- -> D+
Garret Siler HAN: D -> D-
Garrett Temple DEF: C+ -> B-
Jeremy Tyler HAN: D- -> D
Joel Anthony DEF: B+ -> B
Marcus Cousin HAN: F+ -> D-
Mario West DEF: C -> C+
Mustafa Shakur DEF: C- -> C
Paul Millsap DEF: B- -> B
Robin Lopez DEF: C+ -> B-
Robin Lopez REB: C+ -> B-
Rodney Stuckey INS: C+ -> B-
Rodney Stuckey OUT: C -> C+
Rodney Stuckey DEF: C -> C+
Steve Novak DEF: D+ -> C-
Thabo Sefolosha OUT: B- -> C+
Thabo Sefolosha DEF: B -> B+
Tiago Splitter INS: C -> C+
Tiago Splitter DEF: C+ -> B-
Timofey Mozgov INS: C+ -> C
Ty Lawson DEF: C -> C+
Tyler Hansbrough INS: C -> C+
Vitor Faverani DEF: C- -> C
Wesley Johnson OUT: B -> B-
Wesley Johnson DEF: C+ -> B-
Willie Warren DEF: C- -> C

My biggest gripe is we have 2 projected #1 options
#RatifyTheManifesto

Paul George’s handle is too high. He’s been a 3-4 TPG guy on numerous occasions in his career. I think it should peak out at a C.

Mozgov’s rebound might be too high too. He was a big man that couldn’t even rebound efficiently. At his best he was an 8 rebound guy and that was once. I’m not mad about B- but C+ could be argued as well.

Thabo's peak at a B defense seems a bit low. I feel like defense in general was always the strength of his game, I don't think a B+ is too far fetched for him at his best.

Rodney Stuckey I'd say warrants a higher inside scoring that C+ (Probably B-) at his best he was getting 15-16 consistently.

Mario West Dunk rating didn't alone didn't put him at a C+? lol

Millsap, I feel could be a B+ Inside at his peak. I don't think he ever really took a ton of shots (14 FGA was the max) but it was more predicated on the personnel around him than his game I'd say.

Aug 15, 2023 10:18:59 GMT -5 shellystrick4l said:

Paul George’s handle is too high. He’s been a 3-4 TPG guy on numerous occasions in his career. I think it should peak out at a C.

Strong disagree here, He's been below 3 TPG in 9 out of his 13 seasons (career average at. 2.7).


The one time he averaged 4 TPG was a season in which he played 31 games total so I doubt that would've held up with a bigger sample size. All other ratings considered I think C+ is a fine peak for him. 

Aug 15, 2023 10:06:52 GMT -5 raidernation said:

My biggest gripe is we have 2 projected #1 options
#RatifyTheManifesto

I don't see how this is relevant. We know the draft classes wax and wane in terms of quality, and this is a down one -- I'm not going to change the Manifesto just because of that. Plus, any player can develop into a #1 option in theory.

Aug 15, 2023 10:18:59 GMT -5 shellystrick4l said:

Paul George’s handle is too high. He’s been a 3-4 TPG guy on numerous occasions in his career. I think it should peak out at a C.

Aug 15, 2023 11:51:23 GMT -5 stunna said:

Aug 15, 2023 10:18:59 GMT -5 shellystrick4l said:

Paul George’s handle is too high. He’s been a 3-4 TPG guy on numerous occasions in his career. I think it should peak out at a C.

Strong disagree here, He's been below 3 TPG in 9 out of his 13 seasons (career average at. 2.7).


The one time he averaged 4 TPG was a season in which he played 31 games total so I doubt that would've held up with a bigger sample size. All other ratings considered I think C+ is a fine peak for him. 

I'm going to side with stunna here. He's been a 5+ APG guy for three seasons now in real life. I know that turnovers have increased with that, but I think C+ is a fair grade.

I think C+ handles is fair for George. He’s an elite playmaker for his size and yes, some turnovers come with that. In the modern NBA he’s far less turnover prone than someone like Luka or Harden who certainly would have a higher handle grade.

I think George looks fair. Thabo’s defense should be higher in my mind too. More to come later

Aug 15, 2023 10:35:24 GMT -5 shellystrick4l said:

Mozgov’s rebound might be too high too. He was a big man that couldn’t even rebound efficiently. At his best he was an 8 rebound guy and that was once. I’m not mad about B- but C+ could be argued as well.

For his career, he averaged 9.8 rebounds per 36 minutes. In his prime, that was even slightly higher. I'm fine with a B- REB grade for him. Thank you for your gripes.

Aug 15, 2023 10:53:28 GMT -5 stunna said:

Thabo's peak at a B defense seems a bit low. I feel like defense in general was always the strength of his game, I don't think a B+ is too far fetched for him at his best.

Rodney Stuckey I'd say warrants a higher inside scoring that C+ (Probably B-) at his best he was getting 15-16 consistently.

Mario West Dunk rating didn't alone didn't put him at a C+? lol

Millsap, I feel could be a B+ Inside at his peak. I don't think he ever really took a ton of shots (14 FGA was the max) but it was more predicated on the personnel around him than his game I'd say.

- Thabo Sefolosha: I'm fine with upping him to a B+ DEF grade.
- Rodney Stuckey: His INS grade is right on the fringe.. I'm good with giving him the slight bump to get him to B- INS but I'll also actually bump him to C+ OUT as I think that is the one that needed more attention.
- Mario West: Very low Inside Scoring rating counteracts the Jumping rating.
- Paul Millsap: This is a guy who never scored more than 18.1 points per game, and he's also being given a very good OUT grade here. I'm very fine with his scoring ratings.

Thank you for your gripes.

Joe ingles deserves a higher DEF imo, C+ for a guy who was one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and an elite pick and roll defender is too low, he deserves a B-/B imo

Aug 15, 2023 23:10:55 GMT -5 licensedbullshark said:

Joe ingles deserves a higher DEF imo, C+ for a guy who was one of the better perimeter defenders in the league and an elite pick and roll defender is too low, he deserves a B-/B imo

I do think you're overestimating how good of a defender Ingles was; he was passable and had a good series against Paul George years ago, but you also have to remember that he played with one of the best rim protectors in NBA history to funnel drives into. I'll give him a modest boost but I don't know if I agree with upping the letter grade.

I’m not sure if Michael Beasley’s outside needs a boost or if Wesley Johnson’s needs to be lowered (or both) but based on percentages Beasley was the better shooter between the two. Maybe even lower Beasley’s defense more to counteract that boost since he clearly only focused on one side of the ball for the entirety of his career

Aaron Brooks - C+ Inside / C Handle

19PPG scorer in the lone season he was the starter (on a winning team) and was always a microwave on Offense.. I’d sacrifice the handle to balance it out.


Mike Beasley - B Inside

Career 13ppg/22mpg .. if given the green light at anytime on his career he would have been 18+ppg anywhere, just wasn’t give that opportunity .. that shouldn’t reflect in his ratings here. I’d agree with the C- handle if he has a B INS peak but with it at B- seems like a inefficient shooter build that won’t really reflect his true build (career 46%FG 35%3PT)


Rodney Stuckey - B- inside

Hard build no doubt, career 12.6ppg scorer but never was an outside threat .. but at C+/C can’t see how he’ll ever sniff those numbers, but I agree doesn’t deserve a C+ outside .. so maybe a high B- INS peak? I’m sure his 3pt is low but should have a real solid jumper rating imo

I would up Paul George's REB grade to a C+ or maybe even a B-, he has pretty consistently averaged 6-7 boards per game in the past 5 or so years and even averaged 8 per game one year. Def should be better than a straight C.

Aug 20, 2023 16:36:25 GMT -5 kdogg said:

I’m not sure if Michael Beasley’s outside needs a boost or if Wesley Johnson’s needs to be lowered (or both) but based on percentages Beasley was the better shooter between the two. Maybe even lower Beasley’s defense more to counteract that boost since he clearly only focused on one side of the ball for the entirety of his career

You can't just look at percentages when Wesley Johnson has more than double the volume of three-point shots as Beasley. Johnson was right on the fringe and I don't mind lowering him slightly, but in no way was Beasley a better three-point shooter.

Aug 21, 2023 17:30:54 GMT -5 dez said:

Aaron Brooks - C+ Inside / C Handle

19PPG scorer in the lone season he was the starter (on a winning team) and was always a microwave on Offense.. I’d sacrifice the handle to balance it out.


Mike Beasley - B Inside

Career 13ppg/22mpg .. if given the green light at anytime on his career he would have been 18+ppg anywhere, just wasn’t give that opportunity .. that shouldn’t reflect in his ratings here. I’d agree with the C- handle if he has a B INS peak but with it at B- seems like a inefficient shooter build that won’t really reflect his true build (career 46%FG 35%3PT)


Rodney Stuckey - B- inside

Hard build no doubt, career 12.6ppg scorer but never was an outside threat .. but at C+/C can’t see how he’ll ever sniff those numbers, but I agree doesn’t deserve a C+ outside .. so maybe a high B- INS peak? I’m sure his 3pt is low but should have a real solid jumper rating imo

- Aaron Brooks: I think you have to know by now that I'm not just basing these players' peaks off of one (I don't want to call it a fluke, but trying to think of a better word) career season. His C INS is right on the fringe so I don't have a problem with a very modest boost, but I'm not trying to build him into a 19 PPG point guard just because he did it in one season and then never backed it up again.
- Michael Beasley: The thing you're missing here is that he was never given said green light because he WAS inefficient in that role. I'm fine with a modest Inside Scoring uptick, but I believe B- INS grade is fair.
- Rodney Stuckey: Already addressed above.

Thanks for the gripes.

Aug 22, 2023 12:23:47 GMT -5 redauerbachsghost said:

I would up Paul George's REB grade to a C+ or maybe even a B-, he has pretty consistently averaged 6-7 boards per game in the past 5 or so years and even averaged 8 per game one year. Def should be better than a straight C.

He's a good defensive rebounder for a wing, but his offensive rebounding stats do not warrant a grade bump.

Aug 23, 2023 9:16:30 GMT -5 CC06 said:

Aug 20, 2023 16:36:25 GMT -5 kdogg said:

I’m not sure if Michael Beasley’s outside needs a boost or if Wesley Johnson’s needs to be lowered (or both) but based on percentages Beasley was the better shooter between the two. Maybe even lower Beasley’s defense more to counteract that boost since he clearly only focused on one side of the ball for the entirety of his career

You can't just look at percentages when Wesley Johnson has more than double the volume of three-point shots as Beasley. Johnson was right on the fringe and I don't mind lowering him slightly, but in no way was Beasley a better three-point shooter.

I’m fine with just lowering Johnson’s outside. But just to clarify I meant Beasley was better in ALL percentages, not just threes (FG%, FT%, 2PT%, TS% & eFG%). Despite Johnson shooting (and missing) fairly open corner threes for most of his career, Beasley still had higher percentages in every area on the court while shooting nearly twice as many shots overall (including FTs).

Aug 23, 2023 9:25:42 GMT -5 CC06 said:

Aug 21, 2023 17:30:54 GMT -5 dez said:

Aaron Brooks - C+ Inside / C Handle

19PPG scorer in the lone season he was the starter (on a winning team) and was always a microwave on Offense.. I’d sacrifice the handle to balance it out.


Mike Beasley - B Inside

Career 13ppg/22mpg .. if given the green light at anytime on his career he would have been 18+ppg anywhere, just wasn’t give that opportunity .. that shouldn’t reflect in his ratings here. I’d agree with the C- handle if he has a B INS peak but with it at B- seems like a inefficient shooter build that won’t really reflect his true build (career 46%FG 35%3PT)


Rodney Stuckey - B- inside

Hard build no doubt, career 12.6ppg scorer but never was an outside threat .. but at C+/C can’t see how he’ll ever sniff those numbers, but I agree doesn’t deserve a C+ outside .. so maybe a high B- INS peak? I’m sure his 3pt is low but should have a real solid jumper rating imo

- Aaron Brooks: I think you have to know by now that I'm not just basing these players' peaks off of one (I don't want to call it a fluke, but trying to think of a better word) career season. His C INS is right on the fringe so I don't have a problem with a very modest boost, but I'm not trying to build him into a 19 PPG point guard just because he did it in one season and then never backed it up again.
- Michael Beasley: The thing you're missing here is that he was never given said green light because he WAS inefficient in that role. I'm fine with a modest Inside Scoring uptick, but I believe B- INS grade is fair.
- Rodney Stuckey: Already addressed above.

Thanks for the gripes.

Since when is 46/35 inefficient?

Could Bogut be considered a B+ rebounder? Great number of boards in low minutes.

I felt like Temple in his prime was a B- level defender.

Something about Beas just feels off. I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe something like B inside C+ outside is what I was expecting? There were flashes of him being a great inside scorer a few seasons, and then some putrid ones, but I feel that's more due to his mental state and coaching more than talent. I don't know how to put it but it just feels off. Maybe it's his shot chart compared his ratings?

Millsap - would you consider B defense? stocks look ok and should have good positional defense ratings

Sergio - B- handle? advanced metrics look good and euro stats would suggest he probably is a b- guy

Tiago - C+ inside? Percentages suggest maybe higher than C, good volume in limited minutes

Gray
Lopez
Hansborough

All should have better INS Scoring and the last two should have better rebounding as well.

Aaron Gray's per 36 rebounding numbers are lowkey pretty nice. Dare I say "B" rebounding worthy??

Larry Sanders peaking at B- feels a bit low too, he was an elite rim protector at his best. That feels more B than B-

Robin Lopez peaking at a C+ rebounding feels low too. B- feels a bit more fitting

Aug 24, 2023 15:29:44 GMT -5 leflop said:

Could Bogut be considered a B+ rebounder? Great number of boards in low minutes.

I felt like Temple in his prime was a B- level defender.

Something about Beas just feels off. I can't really put my finger on it. Maybe something like B inside C+ outside is what I was expecting? There were flashes of him being a great inside scorer a few seasons, and then some putrid ones, but I feel that's more due to his mental state and coaching more than talent. I don't know how to put it but it just feels off. Maybe it's his shot chart compared his ratings?

Millsap - would you consider B defense? stocks look ok and should have good positional defense ratings

Sergio - B- handle? advanced metrics look good and euro stats would suggest he probably is a b- guy

Tiago - C+ inside? Percentages suggest maybe higher than C, good volume in limited minutes

- Andrew Bogut: I'm good with Bogut at B REB grade. He did up his numbers later on in his career with the Warriors, but that was at the expense of his scoring. I made an effort to build prime (Bucks) Bogut.
- Garrett Temple: Fine with upping him to B- DEF grade.
- Michael Beasley: Both of the B- grades are right on the fringe of what you were expecting. I guess I'll have to think about if the trade-off of B INS / C+ OUT is worth it for Beasley, but I can tell you that they're both literally one point away from what you thought.
- Paul Millsap: Agree with upping to B DEF grade.
- Sergio Rodriguez: I can't really consider his Euro stats here. I agree he was a good passer but I do think I've accruately reflected his NBA career here.
- Tiago Splitter: Fine with upping to C+ INS grade. Might up his DEF grade as well.

Thanks for the gripes.

Aug 26, 2023 7:21:07 GMT -5 mzylinski said:

Gray
Lopez
Hansborough

All should have better INS Scoring and the last two should have better rebounding as well.

Lopez is already a C+ INS grade, I can up Hansbrough to C+ but I do not agree with upping Gray to C+ INS.

Aug 26, 2023 9:14:30 GMT -5 stunna said:

Aaron Gray's per 36 rebounding numbers are lowkey pretty nice. Dare I say "B" rebounding worthy??

Larry Sanders peaking at B- feels a bit low too, he was an elite rim protector at his best. That feels more B than B-

Robin Lopez peaking at a C+ rebounding feels low too. B- feels a bit more fitting

- Aaron Gray: He's right on that fringe, but I think his ratings are accurate.
- Larry Sanders: Kind of like Whiteside last year, he has an elite Blocking rating. I'm very wary of giving a guy with a six-year career a B DEF grade, but he's right on the fringe as is.
- Robin Lopez: He's got an elite Offensive Rebounding rating but he was never a great defensive rebounder and it hurts his grade. I'm fine giving him the boost to B- REB but his Defensive Rebounding rating is still going to be low for such a grade.

Thanks for the gripes.

Would raise Rush’s defense to a B - and lower his handle even more. Would probably slightly raise Maynor’s handle. Would raise Ingles handle to a B -. He could’ve been like a secondary handler depending on the team as he flashed nice vision. Would lower Wall’s handle to an A. A - feels very high for Khris Middleton..I would feel more comfortable with him being a B + outside. Larry Sanders should be a B defensively. Maybe could argue for Beas being an inside B but other than that solid job. PG should peak out as an A defender.

Stuckey feels really underwhelming no offense. Good job on Thabo and Brewer. Would switch Wesley Johnson’s defense and outside grading.

Would definitely bump Tiago Splitter's DEF up to a B-, his per 36 steals + blocks are pretty good and the steals especially are great for a big man.