Click here for link to Portland Trail Blazers' Trade Grades
Kings get: No. 15 pick (Justin Jackson), No. 20 pick (Harry Giles)
Blazers get: No. 10 pick (Zach Collins)
Kings get: No. 15 pick (Justin Jackson), No. 20 pick (Harry Giles)
Blazers get: No. 10 pick (Zach Collins)
After confirming the backcourt of their future with the nice De'Aaron Fox selection -- to pair him with Buddy Hield -- at number five with their own pick, Sacramento made excellent use of New Orleans' pick -- acquired, like Hield, via the less-than-smart DeMarcus Cosuins trade -- to receive a package of two quality prospects here. I get that this is a star-driven league, and the draft is where you find 'em, but it honestly baffles me why Portland would be willing to part with an extra mid-first rounder just to move up five spots, and I have to give props to the Kings for nabbing an extra first-rounder like this. Justin Jackson will be ready to contribute from day one, as the shooting guard is an excellent all-around player whose only flaws in his game are minor and fixable, such as subpar rebounding, lack of explosiveness off the dribble, and occasional streaky shooting. But as said, the quirks in Jackson's game will be sorted out, and his playmaking, scoring, defensive, and intangibles in the junior's game more than compensate. It's always great to have a sure thing on your team -- and a proven champion, no less. Love the pick.
And then to contrast with infinitesimal-risk, limited-reward UNC product, Sacramento opted to go for the kid's crosstown rival at number twenty with a higher-risk, high-reward Harry Giles. Before the season, Giles was actually projected to be a top-three pick easily, but multiple knee injuries caused scouts to re-evaluate, questioning his durability. Other scouts pointed out other flaws in his game such as his lack of strength, free-throw shooting, and polish overall. But the Blue Devil poses sky-high upside should he be able to stay on the court and work out these issues, as his ability to score from the low-post -- mid-range or around the rim -- is perhaps unmatched in this entire rookie class, which is really saying something. As well, the freshman is an exceptionally talented defender and rebounder and always plays with a high-motor.
Sure, Zach Collins is talented, but it wasn't like the Kings were coughing up a sure-thing franchise-changer like Markelle Fultz, which would have been an entirely different story. In this case, give me two prospects -- one with tremendous upside and one with the ability to contribute from day one -- any day of the week.
Grade: A
And then to contrast with infinitesimal-risk, limited-reward UNC product, Sacramento opted to go for the kid's crosstown rival at number twenty with a higher-risk, high-reward Harry Giles. Before the season, Giles was actually projected to be a top-three pick easily, but multiple knee injuries caused scouts to re-evaluate, questioning his durability. Other scouts pointed out other flaws in his game such as his lack of strength, free-throw shooting, and polish overall. But the Blue Devil poses sky-high upside should he be able to stay on the court and work out these issues, as his ability to score from the low-post -- mid-range or around the rim -- is perhaps unmatched in this entire rookie class, which is really saying something. As well, the freshman is an exceptionally talented defender and rebounder and always plays with a high-motor.
Sure, Zach Collins is talented, but it wasn't like the Kings were coughing up a sure-thing franchise-changer like Markelle Fultz, which would have been an entirely different story. In this case, give me two prospects -- one with tremendous upside and one with the ability to contribute from day one -- any day of the week.
Grade: A
