Alan's Music and Stuff

Thursday, January 21, 2021

Re-Visiting the 2017 NBA Group Mock Draft that I Helped Partake In

It's been over 3 years since I helped participate in my first group NBA mock draft, as it was held by NBA Thursday, and jointly by NBA Scouting Live and the Ridin' the Pine podcast back on June 20th, 2017. It was a very fun event that was held at the now defunct-Kickin' Boot Whiskey Kitchen, and we had a great time taking part in this. 12 people participated in the group mock draft, with others also having watched the event live.

My friend, Ashwin had the first overall pick (after he and I agreed to make a trade that helped him get that pick), and 60 picks were made on that night in total. The group NBA mock draft was a fun way to get a group of friends to participate together, and this was also an homage to the Usenet mock drafts that were done years ago that I had grown fond of reading.

Reviewing a group mock draft years later was an interesting exercise to do, and I tried to be as impartial as I could, as I rated them along with my brother. All of these moves were what we had done all the way from before the mock draft started until it ended. All statistics are dated as of January 11th, 2021.

Here were the teams that each of us had.

Ashwin: Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat
Kim: Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets
Andrew: Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors
Alan (myself): Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers
Ian: Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors
Richard: Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers
Danny: Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks
Peter: Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets
Aaron G: Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers
Aaron A: Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards
Eric: Philadelphia 76eres, Detroit Pistons
Kyle: Oklahoma Ciy Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, San Antonio Spurs

Examining each of our moves:

Ashwin's 2017 Phoenix Suns

Here are who the Suns drafted in this mock draft:

Here is the first trade that the Suns made:

Trade Grade for Phoenix: A-

They certainly raised eyebrows at the poker table, but they came away with arguably the best all-around player in Jaylen Brown, and the best draft pick in this deal in Thomas Bryant. They did give up Booker to get them, but still a sizeable haul for them.

Here is the 2nd trade they made:

Received from ATL:
Taurean Prince

Since: 212 GP, 13.0 PPG, 11.4 PER, 4.4 WS, .035 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Dealt to ATL:
The rights to Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), and the 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris)

Cam Oliver
DNP

Monte Morris
168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Trade Grade for Phoenix: B-

They couldn’t have foreseen Atlanta hitting it big with Morris, but the value of acquiring Taurean Prince for two second round picks certainly sounds like and is – a reasonable price. Prince hasn’t developed into more than a 3 and D role player that is best used off the bench, but he’s still getting regular playing time in the NBA.

Here is the 3rd trade they made:

Phoenix Suns' 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Phoenix Suns sure made a lot of moves on draft night, and they were willing to tear down and rebuild their entire team from the ground up. They made a lot of bold moves, and they were willing to re-structure their team around the number one overall pick, whom they selected to be Markelle Fultz, and Jaylen Brown, whom they received in a trade.

At first, they raised eyebrows in trading away then-burgeoning star guard, Devin Booker, who had scored 70 points in an NBA season recently, but they managed to take back an equally solid, rising star in acquiring all-purpose forward, Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.

The real big winner was actually the 56th pick Phoenix made in selecting Indiana Hoosiers’ center, Thomas Bryant. He had a slow start to his NBA career, as he barely played for the Lakers in real life, but he’s really hit his stride with the Wizards, and was a solid, offensive minded big man before getting hurt this season in real life.

As for Boston, they started out fast by getting Booker, but their draft picks they made in the mock draft (Josh Jackson and Sindarius Thornwell) both fizzed out rather quickly, and the GM immediately had buyer’s remorse, wishing he had selected Jayson Tatum instead, as Josh Jackson had canceled the team workout mid-flight close to draft day in real life.

The trade that hurt Phoenix the most actually was trading Eric Bledsoe away to Milwaukee, and they didn’t quite make an impact with the draft picks they received back. Leaf and Kobi Simmons barely made a dent in the NBA, and Semi Ojeleye is a back end of the rotation player in real life. Phoenix’s GM raved about Ojeleye prior to the draft, and while Ojeleye may be a somewhat useful NBA role player, the other two have not panned out in the league so far.

Phoenix ultimately drafted well, with their best pick being selecting Thomas Bryant at 56. They quietly made a good trade with Boston, but in turn made a not so good one with Milwaukee. Acquiring Jaylen Brown and Thomas Bryant on draft night were good moves they made, even though they had to part with Devin Booker, but trading Eric Bledsoe for a back end rotation player and two others that didn’t make much of a splash in the NBA did not turn out so well in hindsight. If anything, Phoenix was willing to take big swings, and they managed to land some of theirs. They showed that, you win some, and you lose some.

Ashwin's 2017 Miami Heat:

The Miami Heat’s 2017 Moves (GM: Ashwin Kamath)

Drafted

14. Donovan Mitchell

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

_____

The trade that was unmade:

MIA would have received:

Victor Oladipo

Since: 138 GP, 20.6 PPG, 2-time All-Star, 19.9 PER, 11.2 WS, .120 WS48, 6.4 VORP

Would have dealt to OKC:

Wayne Ellington

(Likely would’ve been waived, would’ve been cap filler)

171 GP, 9.6 PPG

14th OVR Pick (Donovan Mitchell)

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

Reason it was rejected: Victor Oladipo’s poison pill provision actually made it fail in ESPN’s trade machine, even though it looked and sounded like a perfectly reasonable deal at the time.

Technically, it was made in a gentlemen’s agreement, but the trade fell through even after the pick was made due to the unforeseen compications of Oladipo’s contract (specifically, the poison pill provision).

Would have been trade grade for MIA: A-

______

Miami's 2017 Draft Night Grade: A

Since the proposed trade actually fell through, Miami ended up keeping Donovan Mitchell, and it ended up being their pick. That really paid off, as Mitchell is now one of the best players to come out of the 2017 draft class, and is currently a franchise, cornerstone player for the Utah Jazz in real life.

Ashwin’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: A-

He hit big on the Donovan Mitchell pick (that Hondo made for him), and the Thomas Bryant pick that he made at 56. Time has come around to help reveal that Phoenix actually made out far better in the Phoenix-Boston trade than it initially looked, but they also made a bad trade in trading Eric Bledsoe for a role player, and two others that haven’t done much in the NBA. Still, Phoenix made out better than anticipated, and Miami certainly hit the jackpot in selecting Donovan Mitchell, with the trade deal not going through.

Kim's 2017 Los Angeles Lakers:

Drafted

2. Lonzo Ball

171 GP, 10.8 PPG, 12.4 PER, 6.1 WS, .053 WS48, 3.2 VORP

Grade for LAL: C+

Trade #3:

Acquired from Portland:

Shabazz Napier

Since 2017: 186 GP, 9.4 PPG, 14.3 PER, 6.9 WS, .086 WS48, 2.2 WS

Festus Ezeli

DNP

The 26th overall pick (Justin Patton) - would later be traded

Dealt to Portland:

D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance, and the rights to Jordan Bell (28th OVR Pick)

De’Angelo Russell

Since: 1-time All-Star, 184 GP, 20.1 PPG, 18.1 PER, 7.3 WS, .064 WS48, 5.1 VORP

Larry Nance

Since: 199 GP, 9.4 PPG, 18.4 PER, 15.7 WS, .150 WS48, 5.5 VORP

Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Trade grade for the Lakers: C-

In wanting to trade D’Angelo Russell so badly, this ended up costing the Lakers much more than they anticipated. They traded a future All-Star, and gave away a solid role player, and in turn received a solid backup point guard and a late first round pick, which was probably not the return the Lakers had in mind. It could’ve been worse for them, but trading away both Russell and Nance while only getting back Napier and the 26th overall pick didn’t quite seem to be a great return for them.

Trade #6:

So the backstory was that there was another mock draft GM that was supposed to be in charge of the Los Angeles Clippers, but he dropped out, so a substitute GM stepped in. Unfortunately for the Clippers, and a futile bid to trade back into the draft, they essentially took a big, steaming dump (metaphorically) by making an absurd trade, as they traded away a solid starting center, and traded Jordan away for two albatross contracts, and a future failed first round pick in project center, Justin Patton.

Acquired from LAC:

DeAndre Jordan

213 GP, 10.3 PPG, 19.5 PER, 22.1 WS, .180 WS48, 5.7 VORP

2020 2nd round pick (the rights to the 32nd overall pick)

Dealt to LAL:

Justin Patton (26th OVR Pick)

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Corey Brewer – albatross contract with multiple years

Since: 108 GP, 5.0 PPG, 11.3 PER, 3.3 WS, .091 WS48, 0.3 VORP

Timofey Mosgov – albatross contract with multiple years

31 GP, 4.2 PPG, 12.3 PER, 0.4 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Trade Grade for the Lakers: A

This was a great trade for the Lakers. They managed to get two bad contracts off their hands, were able to receive a solid rim protector, and only gave up a late first round pick while adding back a 2020 second round pick in return. That’s a tremendous haul out of basically giving up the 26th overall pick, and two roster filler players.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B

The Lakers made the safe pick in taking Lonzo Ball, whom plenty of people would argue to have been a better selection than Fultz at number one if given only those two options to take in retrospect.

While they made one not so good trade in dealing Russell and Nance away to essentially get Napier and the 26th pick, they then made a terrific trade afterwards. Their best trade was sending the 26th overall pick and some dead weight, albatross contracts to pick up DeAndre Jordan, and that turned out to be a terrific haul for them, especially since they didn’t have to give up very much to get him.

Kim's Charlotte Hornets:

11. Luke Kennard

175 GP, 9.7 PPG, 12.4 PER, 7.1 WS, .084 WS48, 1.0 VORP

41. Chris Boucher

100 GP, 6.3 PPG, 22.1 PER, 5.6 WS, .227WS48, 1.4 VORP

The Charlotte Hornets made a sensible pick by selecting wing player, Luke Kennard to provide some sharpshooting and scoring prowess for them, and that turned out to be a fairly solid, safe pick for them.

They also drafted well in the second round, as they used the 41st overall pick to take the very athletic, Chris Boucher, who showed intriguing floor spacing and shot blocking capabilities, and he is now a solid rotation player on the Toronto Raptors this season.

The Charlotte Hornets’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

Kim’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: B

Kim generally made solid, if not spectacular picks for both teams, and they were sensible choices for the teams he ran. He made one not so good trade with the Lakers, and then made out with a terrific trade that helped him land DeAndre Jordan, which was especially impressive, as he unloaded bad contracts, was able to get another draft pick, and only gave up a late first round pick to get him.

Andrew's 2017 Sacramento Kings:

Trade #8:

Sacramento gets the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

De’Aaron Fox

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Golden State gets the rights to Malik Monk (5th overall pick)

Malik Monk

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: A

The Kings made out by getting a budding superstar in De”Aaron Fox. They got the best player in this deal, and they didn’t even have to give up anything more than the rights to Malik Monk to get him. This was a terrific trade made on Sacramento’s end.

Trade #9:

Sacramento receives:

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick) – to be traded away later

Spencer Hawes

DNP

Sacramento traded away to Milwaukee:

Willie Cauley-Stein, Malachi Richardson, and a 2020-top 55 protected pick (the rights to the 60th pick)

Willie Cauley-Stein

217 GP, 10.8 PPG, 17.6 PER, 14.1 WS. .123 WS48, 3.5 VORP

Malachi Richardson

48 GP, 2.5 PPG, 4.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.5 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: D

The Sacramento Kings were definitely angling for something big, as they were able to land the 17th overall pick by trading away Willie Cauley-Stein, another player, and a future pick. They maybe had hoped to add Spencer Hawes to their team, but he didn’t play in the NBA after the 2016-17 season.

The Kings later packaged the 17th overall pick in a package deal to get Ivan Rabb at 22 in an odd effort to trade down, but the best player in this deal was the one they gave away, Willie Cauley-Stein, who has been a solid backup center in the NBA.

Trade #12:

Sacramento receives:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick)

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

SAC dealt away to PHO:

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR Pick)

139 GP, 3.3 PPG, 13.8 PER, 2.7 WS, .107 WS48, 0.1 VORP

The rights to Kobi Simmons (34th OVR Pick)

33 GP, 5.9 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.8 VORP

Trade grade for Sacramento: C

Drafted:

3. De’Aaron Fox

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

10. Lauri Markkanen

174 GP, 16.2 PPG, 15.8 PER, 9 WS, .081 WS48, 2.3 VORP

Draft grade: B-

22. Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

The Sacramento Kings’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Sacramento Kings traded up to get a very good player in De’Aaron Fox, and they also drafted another solid player in Lauri Markkanen, whose offensive skills could fit well around Fox. However, they also made a couple of less than stellar trades, as they traded away Willie Cauley-Stein and didn’t get much back, and in a second trade, parted ways with the 17th pick to get Ivan Rabb, who is now currently out of the league.

Andrew's Toronto Raptors

23. Frank Mason

99 GP, 6.8 PPG, 13.1 PER, 1.2 WS, .038 WS48, -0.1 VORP

The Toronto Raptors’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C-

The Raptors made an interesting choice, as they used their one draft pick to select Kansas’ senior point guard, Frank Mason III. He turned in a decent rookie season, but he struggled to get playing time in the following years, and despite having been the 2020 G-League MVP, he is currently not in the NBA right now.

Andrew’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

He was able to make one good trade in acquiring De’Aaron Fox, and he also made two less than stellar trades, as he also parted ways with Willie Cauley-Stein. He drafted fairly well for Sacramento, as he also helped get them Lauri Markkanen at 10. However, his choice to take Frank Mason at 23 for Toronto, while bold and inspiring, didn’t quite turn out as well as hoped, as Mason is currently not in the NBA. Andrew had his fair share of hits and misses, but at least it seemed like he had a lot of fun making moves on draft night.

Alan's 2017 Boston Celtics:

Drafted:

4. Josh Jackson

32. Sindarius Thornwell

Trade #2:

Received from PHO in the mock draft trade:

Devin Booker, Leandro Barbosa, the rights to Josh Jackson (4th overall pick), and Sindarius Thornwell (32nd overall pick)

Devin Booker:

Since: 1-time All-Star, 25.9 PPG in 198 more games, est. PER (17-21): 19.5, 13.9 WS, , .096 WS48, 5.8 VORP

Josh Jackson:

186 GP, 11.9 PPG, 11.6 PER, -1.8 WS, -.019 WS48, -2.2 VORP

Sindarius Thornwell:

141 GP, 2.6 PPG, 7.8 PER, 1.1 WS, .036 WS48, -0.3 VORP

Leandro Barbosa:

(Celtics were rumored to have considered waiving Barbosa after this mock draft trade deal)

DNP

Traded to PHO in the mock draft trade:
Jaylen Brown, Tyler Zeller, the rights to Markelle Fultz (1st overall), Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris), and the 56th overall pick (Thomas Bryant)

Jaylen Brown:

Since: 211 GP, 16.1 PPG, 15.2 PER, 13.7 WS, .104 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Markelle Fultz

113 GP, 10.9 PPG, 13.5 PER, 3.3 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Thomas Bryant

143 GP, 10.7 PPG, 20.6 PER, 10.4 WS, .168 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Tyler Zeller:

(Phoenix was rumored to have wanted waive him after trade deal)

Since: 74 GP, 6.6 PPG, 16.1 PER, 3.2 WS, .127 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Trade Grade for Boston: C

Boston Celtics’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

In this mock draft trade, the Celtics got the superstar headliner in Devin Booker, but they also traded away Jaylen Brown, and they also whiffed on their picks, and the best draft pick ended up being the one they gave away to Phoenix in this deal (at 56). Boston gets penalized heavily for completely whiffing on the 4th pick of the mock draft, which could’ve swung the trade for them in a big way early on, and at least would have evened out the trade had they succeeded with that pick.

Alan's 2017 Atlanta Hawks:

Drafted:

25. Caleb Swanigan

75 GP, 2.3 PPG, 6.8 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.015 WS48, -0.7 VORP

31. Derrick White

153 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.6 PER, 8.2 WS, .111 WS48, 2.8 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

37. Cameron Oliver

DNP

53. Monte Morris

168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Trade #1:

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Atlanta Gets:

Elfrid Payton

Since: 160 GP, 11.5 PPG, 15.5 PER, 6.3 WS, .066 WS48, 1.6 VORP

Terrence Ross

Since: 183 GP, 14.3 PPG, 14.3 PER, 8.3 WS, .082 WS48, 2.4 VORP

Mario Hezonja

Since: 186 GP, 6 PPG, 11.8 PER, 3 WS, .039 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Stephen Zimmerman

DNP

Caleb Swanigan

75 GP, 2.3 PPG, 6.8 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.015 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade Grade for Atlanta: C+

There is a lot to unpack here with this trade. Atlanta dealt away Dennis Schroder, who was on a complicated Poison Pill Provision, but somehow were able to get the deal done without red tape getting in the way, as it went through in the ESPN trade machine. They didn’t have to trade much else though, as the main piece they gave up was Schroder.

They hauled in Elfrid Payton and Terrence Ross, both of whom are solid role players, and Mario Hezonja has been a project player that has served as sort of a reclamation project for various NBA teams. Zimmerman and Swanigan didn’t pan out, as the move to get both of them were swings and misses. But Ross was subtly a solid pick up here, as the Hawks manage to get a solid, steady 3 and D role player for their team.

Trade #5:

Received from PHO:
The rights to Cam Oliver (37th overall pick), and the 53rd overall pick (Monte Morris)

Cam Oliver

DNP

Monte Morris

168 GP, 9.7 PPG, 15.8 PER, 11.1 WS, .136 WS48, 2.7 VORP

Dealt to PHO: Taurean Prince

Since: 212 GP, 13.0 PPG, 11.4 PER, 4.4 WS, .035 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Atlanta actually hit the jackpot in drafting Monte Morris at 53. This trade was quite the gamble, as they were dealing a future starter in Taurean Prince, and the Hawks completely struck out and whiffed by selecting Cam Oliver initially, but Morris has been a steady, reliable backup point guard in the NBA, and advanced metrics certainly seem to love him.

Trade Grade for Atlanta: A-

It was risky to deal Prince for two second round picks, as analysts elsewhere likely would’ve denigrated it a dump move on draft day, but they made out by selecting Monte Morris with their second second-round pick.

Side note: The Atlanta Hawks were actively trying to shop Dwight Howard in this mock draft, but they did not receive much interest from around the mock draft league. They wanted to get a lottery pick back from him, but they were not even offered a first round pick back in return, so they ended up keeping him.

The Atlanta Hawks’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

The Hawks did a lot of maneuvering, but they managed to trade for manageable contracts, a group of solid role players, and they also made out with two very good second round picks in Derrick White and Monte Morris. Sure, they are both point guards, but both players have succeeded in the NBA, and I’m sure the Hawks in this timeline would have found a way to make it work.

They parted ways with Schroder and Taurean Prince, but were able to get back Elfrid Payton on a very manageable contract and Terrence Ross, and they also drafted better than expected. They missed on their first round pick and at 37, but their picks at 31 and 53 combined with having traded for a group of solid role players helped make this a better night than expected for the Hawks.

Alan's Los Angeles Clippers:

Drafted:

26. Justin Patton

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Trade #6:

This is the classic case of, sometimes the best move is no move, and well, the Clippers’ desperately trying to make a move really burned them in this 2017 NBA Mock Draft. Sometimes, trading to get back into the draft can go horribly wrong, especially if a team doesn’t have the resources or the trade angle to do so.

Received from the Lakers:

Timofey Mosgov – albatross contract with multiple years

31 GP, 4.2 PPG, 12.3 PER, 0.4 WS, .055 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Corey Brewer – albatross contract with multiple years

Since: 108 GP, 5.0 PPG, 11.3 PER, 3.3 WS, .091 WS48, 0.3 VORP

Justin Patton (26th OVR Pick)

9 GP, 1.8 PPG, 8.4 PER, 0.0 WS, 0.015 WS48, 0 VORP

Dealt away to the Lakers:

DeAndre Jordan

213 GP, 10.3 PPG, 19.5 PER, 22.1 WS, .180 WS48, 5.7 VORP

2020 2nd round pick (the rights to the 32nd overall pick)

Trade grade for the Clippers: F+

Unfortunately, this was a laughably bad trade in what would look like a failing bid to turn this into a rebuilding project. This trade is wear-a-dunce cap and sit-in-time-out, bad, and clearly the Clippers didn’t make out very well at all with this trade. In fact, can we order more thumbs down for the Clippers’ end of the trade? In any case, some people are much better at making trades than others, and well, it doesn’t look good for the Clippers in any way you look at this.

(So it seems that the grand plan was to draft….Justin Patton? Huh?)

The only first round pick the Clippers received in return was a late first round pick out of DeAndre Jordan, and they took on two massive, albatross contracts, traded a future pick of their own, and then promptly struck out by selecting Justin Patton over the likes of Bam Adebayo, Derrick White, and Josh Hart. At the very least, maybe this trade would have helped them get a lottery pick in 2018. Oh well, hopefully, the Clippers’ mock draft GM will come in with a more sound plan the next time.

The Los Angeles Clippers’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: F+

Alan’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C

He made solid low-key, quality moves as Atlanta’s mock draft GM in 2017, as he helped them get some solid role players, as well as Derrick White and Monte Morris in the second round.

With Boston, he went all in for Devin Booker and 4, but parted ways with Jaylen Brown, and he also dealt the 56th pick, in which Phoenix used it to select Thomas Bryant, which turned out to be the best pick amongst either Boston or Phoenix in this mock draft. Boston started out hot by trading to get Booker, but that they had to trade away Jaylen Brown to get the deal done, and their whiff on picking Josh Jackson instead of Jayson Tatum at 4 doesn’t make that trade look nearly as good on their own in retrospect.

In how he managed the Clippers…oh, boy. Saying he did a bad job may be kind to the word, bad. With only a day to figure out what they had as the substitute GM, it seems that he tanked this one for them pretty hard.

He was desperate to trade back into the draft, as the Clippers started off with zero picks, and he deemed them a mid-tier playoff team with no real chance to win the title, as Golden State Warriors-mania had reached a fever pitch, especially since they had won the title in 2017, this time with Kevin Durant having joined Steph, Klay, Draymond, Iguodala, and head coach Steve Kerr to form a super team.

Sometimes though, the best move is no move. He totally whiffed on trading away DeAndre Jordan, and it now looks laughable in hindsight, as he ended up with the 26th overall pick, and he selected Justin Patton, who turned out to be a real dud, and played in just 9 NBA games before ending up out of the league.

Ian's 2017 Golden State Warriors:

Drafted:

5. Malik Monk

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Trade #7:

Golden State receives:

Ben Simmons, Gerald Henderson, and the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

Ben Simmons

226 GP, 2-time All-Star, 16.3 PPG, 20 PER, 25.1 WS, .155 WS48, 11.4 VORP

Gerald Henderson

(was on an expiring, was likely to be waived)

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick)

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Warriors trade away to PHI:

Klay Thompson

Since: 151 GP, 2-time All-Star, 20.8 PPH, 16.3 PER, 10.2 WS, .095 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Trade grade for Golden State: B

The numbers seem to really love and favor Golden State’s end of this deal, as they would’ve been able to get Ben Simmons, but this would’ve meant breaking up the stellar backcourt tandem of Steph and Klay, as Klay Thompson would’ve been sent to Philadelphia. This dichotomy between advanced metrics, and Klay’s chemistry and fit with Golden State may serve as cognitive dissonance, as numbers would favor Golden State, but basketball minds would probably condemn this trade because it would mean parting ways with one half of the duo that made up for arguably the best backcourt shooting duo in recent modern history.

Trade #8:

GSW receives:

The rights to Malik Monk (5th OVR Pick)

192 GP, 8.5 PPG, 11.7 PER, 1.0 WS, .014 WS48, -0.7 VORP

They dealt away to SAC:

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick)

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Trade grade for the Golden State Warriors: F

For the Warriors’ end, this was another case of what exactly were they thinking? They initially selected a good player in Fox, only to later trade him to be able to select Malik Monk two spots down at 5, and they didn’t even add any extra draft picks or players on top of that. They initially had taken Fox, and then decided that they wanted Monk instead. This was the classic indecision that made for a bad trade, and this might not even have been definitively the worst trade of the night. It just shows how wacky trades can be. In this case, for the Warriors, this trade was rather...perplexing, if anything. The Warriors were also not trying to be bad even, as they were still contending for a title, so this makes this trade, befuddling.

Golden State Warriors’ 2017 Draft Night Grade: C-

They did manage to get a tremendously talented player in a trade in Ben Simmons here, but at the expense of fit and team chemistry, as they parted ways with Klay Thompson to get him, and then they drafted and traded away De’Aaron Fox to get Malik Monk in a baffling 3 for 5 deal with no other picks involved. They initially made a good pick in selecting Fox, and then they out thought themselves by deciding to trade him for Monk instead, which may have been the epitome of Golden State’s weird draft night in the 2017 mock draft.

Ian's 2017 Milwaukee Bucks:

Drafted:

48. Youssoupha Fall

DNP

Draft grade: D

Trade #9:

Sacramento traded away to MIL:

Willie Cauley-Stein, Malachi Richardson, and a 2020-top 55 protected pick (the rights to the 60th pick)

Willie Cauley-Stein

217 GP, 10.8 PPG, 17.6 PER, 14.1 WS. .123 WS48, 3.5 VORP

Malachi Richardson

48 GP, 2.5 PPG, 4.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.5 VORP

Sacramento receives:

Spencer Hawes

DNP

The rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick) – to be traded away later

Trade grade for Milwaukee: B

For Milwaukee, they made out pretty well by getting Willie Cauley-Stein, who has been a solid backup center, and he’s been the best player in this deal. They parted ways with the 17th overall pick, but the player that would get selected at that spot (T.J. Leaf) hasn’t actually done very much in the NBA, as Leaf is currently not in the NBA at the moment.

Trade #11:

Bucks receive:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick), and Semi Ojeleye (27th OVR Pick)

Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Dealt away to Brooklyn:

Malcolm Brogdon

Since: 175 GP, 15.6 PPG, 17.2 PER, 14.7 WS, .134 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Trade grade for Milwaukee: B-

Initially, this looked to be an intriguing trade, as the Bucks traded away their 2017 Rookie of the Year award winner to net two first round draft picks, so this trade was quite intriguing in its nature. However, the two draft picks ended up being a fringe rotation player in Ojeleye, and another player that played well in limited minutes but is now out of the NBA (Rabb), which is hardly the return that the Bucks had in mind.

Fortunately for him, though he would then later flip the rights to Rabb and Ojeleye to other teams in a separate trade to later acquire Eric Bledsoe. Therefore, the value of the draft picks turned out to be better than the players that they ended up becoming.

Trade #12:

Milwaukee Received: Eric Bledsoe

Eric Bledsoe

Since: 222 GP, 16.1 PPG, 18.8 PER, 19.7 WS, .145 WS48, 7.2 VORP

SAC also received from MIL:

22. Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

PHO Received from MIL and SAC: John Henson, the draft rights to T.J. Leaf (17th OVR pick), 27th and 34th OVR picks (Semi Ojeleye and Kobi Simmons)

John Henson

(Unsure if he would’ve played or gotten waived, seen as cap filler)

Treated as cap filler, probably would’ve been waived

T.J. Leaf

139 GP, 3.3 PPG, 13.8 PER, 2.7 WS, .107 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Kobi Simmons

33 GP, 5.9 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.2 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.8 VORP

Trade Grade for Milwaukee: A

Milwaukee traded away several picks in this draft, but they landed by far, the best player in this deal. Eric Bledsoe was a solid regular season starter for them, and even though he had his shortcomings in the playoffs, he’s helped the Bucks in real life be contenders out in the East, and to many regular season wins.

Milwaukee Bucks’ 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B-

The Bucks made some good trades to make up for a second round pick that has yet to reap any dividends. They were able to trade to get Eric Bledsoe, and they also acquired Willie Cauley-Stein in a separate deal, but they also traded Malcolm Brogdon in part of an effort to acquire Bledsoe. They drafted Youssoupha Fall in the second round, who has not yet played in the NBA. They did trade away Brogdon, but their acquisitions of Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein helped make this a pretty good, if not a spectacular night for Milwaukee.

Ian's 2017 Minnesota Timberwolves:

Drafted:

7. Jonathan Isaac

136 GP, 9.3 PPG, 13.7 PER, 6.7 WS, .091 WS48, 2 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

20. Jarrett Allen

233 GP, 10.1 PPG, 19.2 PER, 21.6 WS, .183 WS48, 4.7 VORP

Draft Grade: A

Trade #4 between Minnesota and Portland:

MIN receives:

Meyers Leonard and the rights to Jarrett Allen (20th OVR Pick)

Meyers Leonard

148 GP, 5.3 PPG, 13.5 PER, .136 WS48, 1.4 VORP

MIN dealt away to Portland:

Cole Aldrich

21 GP, 0.6 PPG, 6 PER, 0 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Trade grade for Minnesota: A

This was a tremendous trade for Minnesota, as they managed to get the best player in this deal in Jarrett Allen, and Meyers Leonard also was a serviceable role player for the Miami Heat in 2020. They managed to get two quality big men, one that may have All-Star potential, and all they had to give up was Cole Aldrich in the process.

Minnesota’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: A

They made a terrific trade that helped them net Jarrett Allen at 20, and nabbing Jon Isaac at 7 was also a good pick up for them as well. The Wolves made smart moves, and they really made out by having one of the best nights of this mock draft.

Ian Barrett’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

He raised some eyebrows with his moves as Golden State’s GM, but he made some solid trades as Milwaukee’s GM, as he was able to acquire Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein, despite parting ways with Brogdon, and his moves were absolutely terrific as Minnesota’s GM. He really made out with the trade with Portland, as that helped him be able to select Jarrett Allen at 20 for Minnesota, and his strong drafting and trading as the Wolves’ GM more than made up for some of the curious moves he made as Golden State’s GM.

Richard Lu’s Draft Night:

Teams: Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers

Richard's 2017 Indiana Pacers:

Drafted:

18. Terrance Ferguson

195 GP, 4.7 PPG, 5.7 PER, 4.6 WS, .055 WS48, -2 VORP

Draft Grade: B-

47. Dillon Brooks

182 GP, 13 PPG, 10.4 PER, 2.4 WS, .022 WS48, -2.8 VORP

Draft Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers’ Draft Night Grade: B

They selected a very athletic, project player in Terrance Ferguson, who has been a fringe rotation player in the NBA, as he still projects into a 3 and D role in the NBA. The Pacers also made a solid pick by selecting Brooks at 47, and he is a starter that can score the basketball.

Richard's 2017 Orlando Magic:

6. Jayson Tatum

235 GP, 17.7 PPG, 17.1 PER, 20.1 WS, .128 WS 48, 7.1 VORP

Grade: A

12. OG Anunoby

219 GP, 8 PPG, 11.3 PER, 11.2 WS, .103 WS48, 2 VORP

Grade: A-

33. Josh Hart

204 GP, 8.6 PPG, 11.1 PER, 9.3 WS, .086 WS48, 1.7 VORP

Grade: A-

60. Marcus Keene

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #1 (Complicated trade that successfully utilized Dennis Schroeder's Poison Pill Provision):

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Orlando Gets:

Reggie Jackson

Since: 168 GP, 13.9 PPG, 15.1 PER, 8.4 WS, .092 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Boban Marjanovic

Since: 147 GP, 6.6 PPG, 25 PER, 6.5 WS, .210 WS48, 1.6 VORP

DeAndre Bembry

Since: 156 GP, 6.9 PPG, 10 PER, 0.6 WS, .009 WS48, -0.6 VORP

Mike Dunleavy – to be waived

Malcolm Delaney

54 GP, 6.3 PPG, 10.6 PER, 1.0 WS, .047 WS48, -0.1 VORP

OG Anunoby

219 GP, 8 PPG, 11.3 PER, 11.2 WS, .103 WS48, 2 VORP

Trade Grades for Orlando: C

The Magic made bold moves, as they traded away burgeoning star center, Nikola Vucevic, and they also dealt away Elfrid Payton on a cheap contract, as well as Terrence Ross, who has been solid as a role player in the NBA.

They managed to get the best draft pick out of this group, as they were able to get the 12th overall pick, in which they used to select OG Anunoby, who has also been a solid 3 and D role player in the NBA. Reggie Jackson has been able to provide scoring punches to various NBA teams, though he’s been inconsistent. Boban Marjanovic has thrived as a productive, limited use, backup center, but he’s certainly no Nikola Vucevic, as his lack of mobility and conditioning prevents him from getting extended playing time on a regular basis.

Orlando Magic’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

Even though they parted ways with Nikola Vucevic, they did an excellent job of drafting players, as they landed on Tatum at 6, Anunoby at 12, and Josh Hart at 33. The Magic acquired a treasure chest of picks and used them wisely, and they managed to get arguably the best player in the entire draft.

Richard Lu’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B+

He drafted very well throughout this draft, as he managed to get Dillon Brooks at 47 for Indiana, and he also drafted Jayson Tatum, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart for Orlando. The only hiccup was that he had to part ways with Nikola Vucevic to get the 12th overall pick that he used to select Anunoby. Overall though, he did a fine job with both of the teams, and he had a memorable draft night that will go down as one of the best in this mock draft.

Danny Sear's Draft Night:

Teams: Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks

Danny's 2017 Chicago Bulls:

Drafted:

16. Justin Jackson

216 GP, 6.5 PPG, 10 PER, 5 WS, .057 WS48, -0.9 VORP

Grade: C

38. Kennedy Meeks

DNP

Grade: D

The Chicago Bulls’ Draft Night Grade: C-

The Bulls made the safe pick in selecting Justin Jackson, as he played well in the 2017 NCAA Tournament to lead North Carolina to win the championship, and it was thought that he would project well into a 3 and D role in the NBA. He has at times, but he started off slowly, and has been inconsistent as a player in this league.

They also took Kennedy Meeks, Jackson’s collegiate teammate that also helped him win the title in college, but Meeks has not yet played in the NBA yet. In selecting a fringe rotation player and a player who hasn’t made it to the NBA yet, the Bulls received a fairly average return on their investment, but it doesn’t seem like the moves reaped the dividends that they were expecting.

Danny's 2017 New York Knicks:

Drafted:

8. Dennis Smith Jr.

158 GP, 12.4 PPG, 11.9 PER, -1.5 WS, -.018 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Grade: D+

44. Antonius Cleveland

28 GP, 1.2 PPG, 4 PER, -0.1 WS, -.025 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Grade: C-

58. Rolands Smits

DNP

Grade: D

The New York Knicks’ Draft Night Grade: D+

The Knicks made the conventional pick in selecting athletic, scoring point guard, Dennis Smith Jr., whose playing style and upside seem to make him an intriguing selection then. However, he has not played well in the NBA, and he has not played well for the Knicks in real life, either. As for Antonius Cleveland, having fawned over the name alone, that seemed to be a reason enough for the Knicks to take Cleveland with them. Cleveland has played in the NBA, but the athletic swingman has not been able to play much in any single season in this league yet. Smits has not played in the NBA yet. The Knicks didn’t make much noise in their draft moves here, and they ended up taking a fringe rotation player and a fringe roster player with their first two picks, which was hardly what they were imagining they would end up getting in this draft.

Danny's 2017 Brooklyn Nets:

57. Kenan Sipahi

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #11:

Nets Receive:

Malcolm Brogdon

Since: 175 GP, 15.6 PPG, 17.2 PER, 14.7 WS, .134 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Dealt to Milwaukee:

The rights to Ivan Rabb (22nd OVR Pick), and Semi Ojeleye (27th OVR Pick)

Ivan Rabb

85 GP, 5.7 PPG, 16.3 PER, 3.2 WS, .125 WS48, 0.1 WS

Semi Ojeleye

207 GP, 3.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, 3.9 WS, .064 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Trade grade for Brooklyn: A

The Nets received the best player in this trade, and Brogdon is a solid starter that is playing at or close to an All-Star level right now. He’s definitely shown that he’s a keeper in the NBA, and his versatility and wide range of skills makes him a very good player in the NBA.

Brooklyn Nets’ Draft Night Grade: A-

They really made a terrific trade, as they were able to swing a trade to land Malcolm Brogdon, an All-Star caliber playmaking guard, and all they had to give up were two late first round picks. When he drafted Sipahi at 57, that raised a lot of eyebrows, as he hadn't played much or very well during the 2016-17 season in Turkey's top professional league that year. Sipahi hasn’t played in the NBA yet, but Brogdon was a tremendous get for Brooklyn.

Danny Sear’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: C

His draft moves were consistently bad, with his best 2017 draft pick having been selecting Justin Jackson, but the saving grace of his draft night was that he swung a trade with Milwaukee to land rising star guard, Malcolm Brogdon. He helped the Nets land a cornerstone player, which helps make him for an otherwise lackluster draft night for him.

Peter Wong's Draft Night:

Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets

Peter's 2017 Dallas Mavericks:

Drafted:

9. Frank Ntilikina

182 GP, 6 PPG, 7.7 PER, -0.8 WS, -.009 WS48, -2.5 VORP

Grade: C

Draft Night Grade: C

Peter's 2017 Memphis Grizzlies:

Drafted:

No picks

Grizzlies’ draft grade: Incomplete

Peter's 2017 Houston Rockets:

Drafted:

43. Wesley Iwundu

187 GP, 4.7 PPG, 8.9 PER, 4.3 WS, .063 WS48, -1.1 VORP

Grade: C

45. Tyler Dorsey

104 GP, 6.7 PPG, 10.5 PER, 1 WS, .030 WS48, -0.5 VORP

Grade: C-

Draft Night Grade: C

Peter Wong’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C

None of his draft picks were that bad, but unfortunately, they weren’t amazing, either. Ntilkina is a pass-first, backup point guard that doesn’t accumulate gaudy stats, and Wes Iwundu is a fringe rotation player on Dallas right now. Tyler Dorsey had a promising rookie season, but after two seasons in the NBA, he’s out of the league. Among his three draft picks, he drafted two fairly average rotation-level players, and a player that is currently thriving in Euroleague.

Aaron Graham's 2017 Draft Night:

Teams: Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers – No Picks

Draft Grade: Incomplete

Denver Nuggets:

Drafted:

13. Zach Collins

154 GP, 5.7 PPG, 10.8 PER, 3.9 WS, .069 WS48, -0.4 VORP

Grade: C

49. Derrick Walton Jr.

42 GP, 2 PPG, 9.7 PER, 1 WS, .118 WS48, 0.2 VORP

Grade: C

51. Nigel Williams-Goss

10 GP, 1.4 PPG, 8.1 PER, 0 WS, .017 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C-

Aaron Graham’s Draft Night Grade: C

Zach Collins was seen as a sensible pick back then, and he’s been a capable backup big man that has shown flashes of brilliance, if nothing more. However, he’s also tended to be injury prone recently. Walton has bounced around a few NBA teams, but hasn’t been able to stick onto an NBA roster. Williams-Goss had a terrific 2017 NCAA Tournament with Gonzaga that helped his draft stock rise, but after playing overseas, he played one season in the NBA before getting released early into the next season. Denver ended up with one rotational big man, and two fringe roster players in this draft.

Aaron Anderson's Draft Night:

Teams:

Portland, Utah, Washington

Washington Wizards:

Drafted:

52. D.J. Wilson

113 GP, 4.1 PPG, 9.8 PER, 2.3 WS, .078 WS48, -0.2 VORP

Grade: C+

Washington’s Draft Night Grade: C+

Drafting Wilson was good for the value, as he is an athletic big man that is capable of stretching the floor. He hasn’t yet developed into a regular rotation player, as he is on a very good, Milwaukee Bucks’ team, but there’s hope that Wilson could one day.

Utah Jazz:

Drafted:

24. Isaiah Hartenstein

59 GP, 3.4 PPG, 15.4 PER, 1.7 WS, .144 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C

30. Bam Adebayo

231 GP, 10.8 PPG, 18.5 PER, 20.5 WS, .166 WS48, 6.1 VORP

Grade: A

42. Ike Anigbogu

14 GP, 0.9 PPG, 17 PER, 0 WS, .057 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: D+

55. Frank Jackson

122 GP, 7.1 PPG, 9.2 PER, 0.5 WS, .013 WS48, -1.5 VORP

Grade: C

Utah Jazz’s Draft Night Grade: B

Drafting Bam Adebayo more than makes up for drafting a couple of middle-of-the-road role players, and a project player that flamed out after two seasons, as Adebayo is now an All-Star center on one of the best teams in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers:

Drafted:

15. John Collins

185 GP, 16.2 PPG, 21 PER, 17.5 WS, .160 WS48, 4.2 VORP

Grade: A

28. Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Grade: C

Trade #3:

Acquired from POR:

Festus Ezeli

DNP

Shabazz Napier

Since: 186 GP, 9.4 PPG, 14.3 PER, 6.9 WS, .086 WS48, 2.2 WS

The 26th overall pick (Justin Patton)

Dealt to POR:

D’Angelo Russell, Larry Nance, and the rights to Jordan Bell (28th OVR Pick)

De’Angelo Russell

Since: 1-time All-Star, 184 GP, 20.1 PPG, 18.1 PER, 7.3 WS, .064 WS48, 5.1 VORP

Larry Nance

Since: 199 GP, 9.4 PPG, 18.4 PER, 15.7 WS, .150 WS48, 5.5 VORP

Jordan Bell

154 GP, 3.8 PPG, 15.3 PER, 4.9 WS, .126 WS48, 1.2 VORP

Trade Grade for Portland: A

It was a very good deal on Portland’s end, as they managed to get a future All-Star in D’Angelo Russell, and a solid role player in Larry Nance. They didn’t have to give up very much, as Ezeli didn’t play another minute in the NBA, the future 26th overall pick of this mock draft would not amount to much, but Shabazz Napier has been a decent backup for various NBA teams.

Trade #4:

MIN dealt away to Portland:

Cole Aldrich

21 GP, 0.6 PPG, 6 PER, 0 WS, -0.013 WS48, -0.1 VORP

MIN receives:

Meyers Leonard and the rights to Jarrett Allen (20th OVR Pick)

Meyers Leonard

148 GP, 5.3 PPG, 13.5 PER, .136 WS48, 1.4 VORP

Trade grade for Portland: D

This was largely seen as a salary dump move, as it seemed that they were desperate to rid themselves of Meyers Leonard, and they took on the expiring contract of Cole Aldrich. However, they also parted ways with the 20th overall pick, which became Jarrett Allen, whom has played very well in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers’ Night Grade: B+

They drafted well, as they selected John Collins at 15, and they also managed to acquire D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr., but they also gave away the 20th pick in a bid to sell off Meyers Leonard, as they only acquired Cole Aldrich in a separate trade. Still, the Blazers made out well, as they managed to get several solid pieces for their team.

Aaron Anderson’s 2017 Mock Draft Night Grade: B

He was thinking big with every selection he had, and he certainly landed on some of his picks. He drafted Bam Adebayo for Utah, and he also drafted John Collins for Portland. He swung a trade to help the Blazers land both D’Angelo Russell and Larry Nance Jr. However, he also traded away the 20th overall pick that became Jarrett Allen along with Meyers Leonard in a salary dump move for just Cole Aldrich. Still, he had a good draft night all things considered.

Eric Bette's Draft Night:

Teams:

Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers

Detroit Pistons:

Drafted:

19. Harry Giles

110 GP, 6.7 PPG, 15.1 PER, 2.5 WS, .079 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Grade: C

35. Melo Trimble

DNP

Grade: D

Trade #1:

Detroit Receives:

Dennis Schroder, Nikola Vucevic, the rights to Harry Giles (19th OVR Pick), the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR Pick), and a 2019 2nd round pick from Portland via ORL (56th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR pick)

Atlanta Receives:

Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, and the rights to Caleb Swanigan (25th overall pick)

Dealt away:

Dennis Schroder, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Orlando Receives:

Reggie Jackson, Boban Marjanovic, DeAndre Bembry, Mike Dunleavy, Malcolm Delaney, the rights to OG Anunoby (12th OVR Pick), the rights to Marcus Keene (60th OVR Pick)

Dealt away:

Nikola Vucevic, Elfrid Payton, Terrence Ross, Mario Hezonja, Stephen Zimmerman, rights to Caleb Swanigan, the rights to Melo Trimble (35th OVR pick), 56th OVR pick of the 2019 draft

Detroit Gets:

Nikola Vucevic

Since: 209 GP, 1-time All-Star, 19.3 PPG, 23 PER, 21.6 WS, .159 WS48, 11.5 VORP

Dennis Schroder

Since: 222 GP, 17.6 PPG, 15.2 PER, 9.5 WS, .068 WS48, 1.5 VORP

Harry Giles

110 GP, 6.7 PPG, 15.1 PER, 2.5 WS, .079 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Melo Trimble

DNP

56th OVR Pick of 2019 Draft

Trade Grades for Detroit: A

Detroit made out with two of the best players in this deal in future All-Star center, Nikola Vucevic, and scoring point guard, Dennis Schroder, who can start or be a stellar sixth man off the bench. Harry Giles has showed that he can be a backup center in this league, though he’s been injury-prone, and has struggled at times to crack the rotation.

Detroit’s Draft Night Grade: A

Eric's 2017 Philadelphia 76ers:

Drafted:

36. Jonah Bolden

51 GP, 4.3 PPG, 12.2 PER, 1.4 WS, .098 WS48, 0.1 VORP

Grade: C

39. Dwayne Bacon

145 GP, 5.6 PPG, 8 PER, 0.4 WS, .009 WS48, -1.8 VORP

Grade: C

46. Kyle Kuzma

219 GP, 15.8 PPG, 13.5 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 0.8 VORP

Grade: A

50. Anzejs Pasecniks

28 GP, 5.6 PPG, 10.6 PER, 0.4 WS, .038 WS48, -0.5 VORP

Grade: C

Trade #7:

Warriors trade away to Philadelphia:

Klay Thompson

Since: 151 GP, 2-time All-Star, 20.8 PPH, 16.3 PER, 10.2 WS, .095 WS48, 2.2 VORP

Golden State receives:

Ben Simmons, Gerald Henderson, and the rights to De’Aaron Fox (3rd overall pick)

Ben Simmons

226 GP, 2-time All-Star, 16.3 PPG, 20 PER, 25.1 WS, .155 WS48, 11.4 VORP

Gerald Henderson

(was on an expiring, was likely to be waived)

De’Aaron Fox (3rd OVR Pick) - would later be flipped to Sacramento for Malik Monk in this mock draft

215 GP, 16.3 PPG, 16.6 PER, 9.2 WS, .068 WS48, 2.9 VORP

Trade grade for Philadelphia: B

Numbers would really not favor Philly’s end, but basketball minds might like their end of this deal, because Klay Thompson is one of the league’s best shooters, and they would’ve loved his fit with Joel Embiid. It’s also a weird trade because these teams were on different timelines, as Golden State was in win now, and Philly was a team on the rise, and were still building. This trade, while possible, would not have made much sense at the time or in real life.

Philadelphia Draft Night Grade: B

They really made a nice pick in selecting Kyle Kuzma at 46, and they also drafted a current starter in Dwayne Bacon at 39, even though the stats don’t really seem to favor him that much right now. The trade with Golden State was…intriguing. They dealt away Ben Simmons and the third overall pick, but fans could certainly get behind the fit and idea of Klay Thompson meshing with Joel Embiid.

Eric Bette’s Draft Night Grade: A-

He consistently made very good moves for both of the teams he ran, Detroit and Philadelphia. He helped the Pistons get Nikola Vucevic and Dennis Schroeder, and he also helped the 76ers land Kyle Kuzma. Trading away Ben Simmons and the third overall pick was a bit of a risky choice, but doing so to get Klay Thompson makes it an intriguing trade for Philly, as Thompson might fit Embiid’s skills much more than Ben Simmons. Overall, Eric had a very good draft night in 2017.

Kyle Henderson's 2017 Draft Night:

Teams:

New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs

Kyle's 2017 New Orleans Pelicans:

Drafted:

40. Sterling Brown

172 GP, 5.3 PPG, 10.2 PER, 4.5 WS, .079 WS48, 0 VORP

Grade: C+

Pelicans’ Draft Night Grade: C+

They made out decently, and they ended up with a 3 and D role player in Sterling Brown, as he has shown that he can capably fill a bench role in the NBA, and has earned rotation minutes in this league.

Kyle's 2017 San Antonio Spurs:

29. Tyler Lydon

26 GP, 0.9 PPG, 9.1 PER, 0.2 WS, .084 WS48, -0.1 VORP

Grade: D

59. Davon Reed

31 GP, 2.4 PPG, 5.3 PER, -0.2 WS, -.039 WS48, -0.3 VORP

Grade: C-

Spurs’ Draft Night Grade: D+

They didn’t have a great night in hindsight, but at the time it seemed as if they made sensible moves. Lydon of course, didn’t pan out, as he barely got off the bench in the NBA. Reed was picked much higher in real life, but he too, had trouble contributing much in this league. They ended up with two fringe roster players, which was not what they were hoping for.

Kyle's 2017 Oklahoma City Thunder:

Drafted:

21. Jawun Evans

56 GP, 4.2 PPG, 6.7 PER, -0.4 WS, -0.022 WS48, -0.7 VORP

Grade: D

Thunder's Mock Draft Night Grade: D+

Like the Spurs' draft night, the Thunder's mock draft night was another night that seemed pretty solid back then, but in hindsight did not turn out so well.

Jawun Evans had trouble getting settled into the NBA, as he had to battle for playing time constantly with the Clippers, and he suddenly found himself out of the NBA after a full season. He never quite reached anywhere close to his potential, which was a shame, because he was a speedy playmaker that showed some serious skills in college. They almost landed Donovan Mitchell, but it was nixed because of Oladipo’s poison pill provision.

The trade that was unmade:

OKC would have received:

Wayne Ellington

(Likely would’ve been waived, would’ve been cap filler)

171 GP, 9.6 PPG

14th OVR Pick (Donovan Mitchell)

235 GP, 22.7 PPG, 1 time All-Star, 17.4 PER, 16.1 WS, .097 WS48, 6.7 VORP

MIA would have received:

Victor Oladipo

Since: 138 GP, 20.6 PPG, 2-time All-Star, 19.9 PER, 11.2 WS, .120 WS48, 6.4 VORP

Would've been trade grade for OKC: A

Reason it was rejected: Victor Oladipo’s poison pill provision actually made it fail in ESPN’s trade machine, even though it looked and sounded like a perfectly reasonable deal at the time.

Technically, it was Hondo that had made the 14th overall pick in a gentlemen’s agreement, but the trade fell through even after the pick was made due to the unforeseen compications of Oladipo’s contract (specifically, the poison pill provision).

Kyle Henderson’s 2017 NBA Mock Draft Night Grade: C-

He almost made a big move, but it was nixed due to Oladipo’s complicated Poison Pill Provision that was in his contract. His best draft move was selecting Sterling Brown at 40 with the Pelicans, but his picks for the Spurs and the Thunder didn’t quite pan out, even if they were quite sensible at the time. To be fair, he was kind of saddled with the lowest start position at 21 amongst all of the participants, so he did what he could with the picks and players he had, but unfortunately, sometimes not all of the players that get drafted pan out, which seemed to be the case this year.

2017 NBA Mock Draft Review, graded as of 1/12/21:

Here were my grades as of January 12th, 2021. There were four standout contenders for the top spot. As of right now, here is my review of how we did in making those moves. Half of the people in our group did very well, and the other half (me included), probably wish things turned out better.

1. Eric Bette – A-

2. Ashwin Kamath – A-

3. Richard Lu – B+

4. Aaron Anderson - B

5. Kim Dao – B

6. Ian Barrett - B

Overall, he did well as a first-time mock draft GM on this web site. He did raise some eyebrows with his moves as Golden State’s GM, but he made some solid trades as Milwaukee’s GM, as he was able to acquire Bledsoe and Cauley-Stein, despite parting ways with Brogdon, and his moves were absolutely terrific as Minnesota’s GM. He really made out with the trade with Portland, as that helped him be able to select Jarrett Allen at 20 for Minnesota, and his strong drafting and trading as the Wolves’ GM more than made up for some of the curious moves he made as Golden State’s GM.

7. Alan Lu – C

He made solid low-key, quality moves as Atlanta’s mock draft GM in 2017, as he helped them get some solid role players, as well s Derrick White and Monte Morris in the second round.

However, his moves with the Clippers were bad, and he didn’t seem to be prepared at all to work with them. He really wanted a draft pick, and they started with none, but sometimes the best move is no move.

8. Danny Sear – C

His draft moves were consistently bad, but the saving grace of his draft night was that he swung a trade with Milwaukee to land rising star guard, Malcolm Brogdon. He helped the Nets land a cornerstone player, which helps make him for an otherwise lackluster draft night for him.

9. Peter Wong – C

He made sensible moves, though they weren’t splashy. He didn’t make a trade, and perhaps there wasn’t one to make. None of his draft picks were bad, but unfortunately, they weren’t great, either. Ntilkina is a pass-first, backup point guard that doesn’t accumulate gaudy stats, and Wes Iwundu is a fringe rotation player on Dallas right now. Tyler Dorsey had a promising rookie season, but after two seasons in the NBA, he’s out of the league. Among his three draft picks, he drafted two fairly average rotation-level players, and a player that is currently thriving in Euroleague.

10. Andrew Bart – C

11. Aaron Graham - C

12. Kyle Henderson – C-

He almost made a big move in a bid to land Donovan Mitchell in the draft, but it was nixed due to Oladipo’s complicated Poison Pill Provision that was in his contract. His best draft move was selecting Sterling Brown at 40 with the Pelicans, but his picks for the Spurs and the Thunder didn’t quite pan out, even if they were quite sensible at the time.

Anyways, I had a lot of fun taking part in this event, and it felt like a historic night, even if it were really just a fun night amongst friends. I will plan on reviewing the 2018 NBA Mock Draft night next season, as that one was one of the more hectic group mock drafts.

Thank you for reading. Also, congrats to Joe Biden for being the 46th president of the United States! I would like to thank Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their newly elected positions, and yesterday was inauguraton day.

Friday, January 1, 2021

Hits, Misses, and Last Thoughts from The Last Dance

While we had been sitting and waiting for basketball games to return due to the coronavirus, it was a blessing from ESPN that we were able to watch The Last Dance, which chronicled the 1998 Chicago Bulls’ season in which they were able to win their sixth NBA championship. It was a star-studded, 10-episode miniseries, as it featured Chicago Bulls’ legendary players, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, and other very good teammates such as Dennis Rodman, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, and others that played with Jordan. We also had the opportunity to hear former Bulls head coach Phil Jackson and owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s perspectives, as well as other celebrities such as Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, John Stockton, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird.

The 1998 Chicago Bulls at their championship parade in the summer of 1998.
(Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Best Moments:

Listening to the tune of L.L. Cool J’s “I’m Bad” while seeing Michael Jordan score 63 points in Game 2 of the 1986 NBA playoffs was perfection at work. It was truly remarkable that he had come back from having broken his foot early in the season as he willed his way back, and he showed off a tremendous mid-range game and scoring skills. His superb performance wasn’t quite enough to defeat the 1986 Boston Celtics, but this was before Jordan was able to team up with other very good players such as Pippen, Grant, Kukoc, B.J. Armstrong, and others.

Seeing Michael Jordan’s competitiveness on full display was a breath of fresh air. All too often throughout the 1990s, we were being force fed a clean-cut, corporate image of Jordan, but it’s great to see that competitive fire and spirit finally being stoked and shown in all of its glory. Having read the Jordan Rules many years ago, I always knew he was a fiery player and leader on the court, and it’s about time the public gets to hear how truly difficult it is for teams to win championships. Jordan’s competitive spirit really takes the cake, whether if it’s in basketball, on the golf course, or in gambling, he’ll make sure that he will get the victory.

It was also really good to see Kobe Bryant give his perspective in Episode 5, as Jordan and Kobe had crossed paths in the 1998 All-Star game. You could tell it was the beginning of a beautiful relationship, with Jordan as the mentor, and Kobe as the protégé, and Kobe was there to soak the knowledge from MJ so that he can win numerous titles of his own someday. From one great of his era to another, it was really good to see their evolving friendship shown.

Listening to stories of Dennis Rodman’s wild stories were truly something else. He took time off practices to go wrestle, to hang out with Carmen Electra in Las Vegas, and to take time off partying all night was truly wild to hear, as well as the time when Jordan went to visit Rodman to bring him back to practice. Rodman was one of the original Bad Boys, and he was one of the best players of his time. Rodman was pound for pound the best rebounder there was, but head coach Phil Jackson truly showed extraordinary patience to help get the best out of both Rodman and his team to get the second three-peat.

It was really nice to see how underrated a team that the 1994 Chicago Bulls were, even if they fell short in the NBA playoffs because it was in the time period where Jordan was retired. Scottie Pippen had a terrific season that year, as he also was the All-Star game’s MVP, and Toni Kukoc had a really good rookie season. There were sequences where the 1994 Bulls showed off great passing skills and ball movement, and it was really good to see that they ran the Triangle Offense to perfection.

Re-visiting how truly hard the road was for the 1998 Chicago Bulls to win the title made this documentary really riveting to watch. The Bulls squared off against a tough Indiana Pacers team in the Eastern Conference Finals and barely managed to win in 7 games, and they faced a very competitive Utah Jazz squad and defeated them in 6 on Michael Jordan’s famous jumper over Bryon Russell.

It was good to re-visit the Flu Game. That was one of the greatest games of NBA playoff history, and people were wondering what the cause was. The most likely culprit, was probably bad pizza, even if the makers refuse to admit it. But whatever the case, Jordan was ill, but managed to score 38 points and get his team a much needed win in Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, as they would go on to win the series over the Utah Jazz.

Seeing Game 5 of the first round of the 1989 playoffs between the Chicago Bulls and the Cleveland Cavliers were truly interesting to watch. I loved watching how it unfolded and led up to “The Shot,” in which Jordan made the shot on Ehlo, as it was good, and the game was over, and the rest was history, as the Bulls went on to win that series.

It was breathtaking to watch how close Michael Jordan was to his father and to his security guards, most namely Gus Lett, as they shared such a close bond with each other. It was heart breaking when his father was murdered in late July in 1993, and Jordan needed time away from basketball as he had a very stressful, trying year. It was also good to see the documentary visit his experiences with baseball and in the movie Space Jam, as that helped get his competitive juices flowing back into basketball.

Michael Jordan hanging out made for some of the best bits of this documentary. It was also fun to see Michael Jordan rock out to some groovy tunes, as he was listening to Kenny Lattimore’s then upcoming album, From The Soul Of Man. This even helped inspire a Twitter user to dedicate a whole page to Jordan jamming to the music. It also was fun to see him and Jerry Seinfeld talk in the locker room, and we get to learn that Bill Wennington and trainer, Chip Schaeffer were the pop culture experts on the team and fans of Seinfeld.

The most compelling player perspectives amongst other players from other teams were Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, and Gary Payton. They truly believed that their teams would win, and they were able to get awfully close. Hearing their side of the story really made for a unique experience that really had me on the edge of my seat, even though I knew that the Bulls would go on to win.

NBA reporter David Aldridge gave some great interviews, and it was quite interesting to re-watch those old Chicago Bulls-New York Knicks playoff series. Those were some intense times.

It was very interesting to see Jordan rag on Scott Burrell. Before the documentary, Burrell was probably known as a mere rotation player on the 1998 Chicago Bulls, and as a former first round pick that excelled at Connecticut in college, but we were really able to see how hard it was for a young player to break into a veteran team during a championship run. It's also good to see that the vibes were all seemingly in good spirit and fun.

It was also good to hear other former players speak in this documentary. We were able to hear perspectives from not just the well-known former players such as Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Steve Kerr, but also the less well-known ones such as Bill Wennington, Will Perdue, and B.J. Armstrong. It was really interesting to see Steve Kerr speak about his upbringing, as he went from a virtual unknown to winding up at Arizona and then the NBA, but it was really tragic and sad to hear about his father’s passing in Lebanon.

Not So Good Moments:

I’ve always known that Scottie Pippen was underpaid, but it seems to get in the way of the Chicago Bulls’ success stories. It’s not fun to hear people gripe, no matter how just it is, but I understand the reason of why it may be necessary. Pippen was one of the best players, but was being vastly underpaid, but he signed a long-term contract that the Chicago Bulls refused to allow him to get out of. Pippen probably should’ve signed a shorter-term contract, or at least include opt-outs in case of he were to outperform his deals.

Former Bulls’ executive Jerry Krause didn’t do himself any favors during the 1997-98 season, as his comments about not wanting to bring Phil back or to bring the Bulls back after 1998 really casted him in a bad light. The great moves he’s made for the Bulls in the past really get overshadowed by his untimely comments and unyielding desire to go for a rebuild.

Unfortunately, Scottie Pippen doesn’t really come off super well in this documentary, and in the 1994 playoffs, he chose to sit out in the final remaining seconds of Game 3 against the Knicks because the play was not being drawn up for him and he was asked to be the inbounder, so it took away from what should have been a glamorous moment in which Toni Kukoc made the game-winning shot.

Pippen was a very unselfish player that could do everything on the court, which made him one of the all-time great second bananas in NBA history, but choosing to sit out was a very selfish move on his part, and doubling down by saying that he would do it again did not make him look any better in retrospect. This doesn’t take away the overall value of what Pippen contributed to his team though, as his strong all-around skills that included terrific playmaking and defensive skills really helped Jordan and the Bulls win 6 titles.

The coverage of Michael Jordan’s alleged gambling issues really seemed to take the focus off the basketball, and while it may have been necessary to cover that during the 1993 season, it just seemed like people were trying to poke holes at Jordan’s legacy.

That Michael Jordan comes across as rather apolitical is not a good look for him, and not publicly endorsing Harvey Gantt leaves a pretty bad taste in the mouth. Jordan could’ve used his influence to bring about more social change, but it’s clear that his primary focus is on basketball, so perhaps that can’t be held against him too much.

There’s been quite the fallout stemming from this documentary, as there have been reported rifts from numerous former Chicago Bulls’ players, as Michael Jordan’s boldness from his interviews seemed to rub other former players the wrong way, namely Horace Grant. You could argue that maybe he could’ve been a little more diplomatic in his interviews, but when you tell the truth, well, you can’t please everybody.

Missed Opportunities:

We didn’t get in-person perspectives from former players such as Luc Longley, who started on the '96-98 Chicago Bulls, or enough perspectives from Ron Harper on the 1998 Chicago Bulls’ season, as this documentary was quite Jordan-centric. Of course, Jordan is what makes you tune in, but seeing other points of view would’ve been a welcoming addition to the process, too.

While they were giving us a tour into the past by looking into the Bulls from 1990 to 1998, what was missing was a more detailed look at former 3-time Three-Point contest champion Craig Hodges, who was also the only member of the early ‘90s Bulls’ teams to both write a letter to the White House and also wear a dashiki there. He was on the 1991 and 1992 Chicago Bulls’ championship teams, but did not play in the NBA after that. Hodges was very politically active, and it would’ve been good to hear his perspective on matters.

Also a missed opportunity was the possibility of taking a longer look at Cliff Levingston, who was a role player on the 1991 and 1992 Chicago Bulls’ teams, and provided the main voice of the huddle during those years. His energy and locker room influence could’ve been talking points to explore further in those years, and it would’ve been nice to follow up on his career afterwards.

Because former Chicago Bulls’ executive Jerry Krause is now deceased, we really don’t get to see his point of view on how he ran things in the front office, and he isn’t alive to tell his perspective on why he was so eager to start a rebuild after the Chicago Bulls had won many championships. Perhaps he would’ve stated his belief that great things don’t last forever, but to some (or many), he’ll be known as the man who helped break up a dynasty.

That would be unfortunate in his case, as he also helped make a lot of really good moves to help the Bulls win 6 titles (such as trading for Pippen, drafting Horace Grant and Toni Kukoc, and trading for Dennis Rodman), but there will always be a what if in terms of what might have happened if the Chicago Bulls had decided to try to go for a seventh championship.

What If?

If the documentary had decided to give a more detailed epilogue, and include Washington Wizards’ players’ point of views of Michael Jordan, would that take away from his legacy?

If Phil Jackson had decided to come back to coach the 1999 Chicago Bulls and if everyone had come back, would the Bulls have won a seventh title? Would Jordan still have cut his hand on a cigar-cutter? Because if he still would have gotten injured, he would have missed most of the 1998-99 season.

Could other teams have tried to get Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, and Scottie Pippen, to lure them away if the Bulls were hell-bent on breaking up the team? Also, if the price were steep, would that have been worth it?

Could the filmmakers have just placed a zoom call to Ron Harper and Luc Longley to get some quick interviews with them? They were starters on the 1998 Chicago Bulls’ teams!

Overall Grade for the Last Dance:

✰✰✰✰

4 out of 5 stars

Director Jason Hehir did a great job of piecing together such a vivid and satisfying retelling of the Chicago Bulls’ years. It may not be perfect, as this documentary is quite Jordan-centric. If you’re a fan of Michael Jordan, you’ll love this documentary. If you didn’t really know who he was, you’ll find the episodes to be quite entertaining. If you rooted for other teams during the 1990s though, you might come away disappointed, as the other teams mostly serve as mere background fodder. In any case, Michael Jordan was truly the greatest player of his time, and his competitive fire was unmatched, and the 1990s Chicago Bulls were one of the best and most exciting teams in sports history.

5-Star Rubric in grading films, documentaries, or TV shows:

5 stars – Amazing, great the first time, and has amazing re-watch value, a timeless classic

4.5 stars – Great, great the first time, and has definite re-watch value

4 stars – Great, great the first time, solid re-watch value

3.5 stars – Very good, holds up well each time

3 stars – Good, very good the first time, but less so in subsequent viewings

2.5 stars – Okay, worth watching on cable, but not much re-watch value

2 stars – Average, may have some entertaining moments, but otherwise mediocre, and has little to no re-watch value

1.5 stars – Not good, only worth watching on cable if you’re interested in the subject

1 star – Bad, not worth seeing

0.5 stars – Skip!

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Evaluating the 2020 St. Louis Cardinals' Season, Part II: The Hitting, The Management, and the Projected 2021 Outlook

The St. Louis Cardinals were able to make it to the playoffs this year in 2020, but they ended up losing in 3 games of the NLWC against the San Diego Padres. They did battle through the coronavirus to get to the postseason, but it’s pretty tough to expect your favorite baseball team to win a title when they batted just .234 as a team overall. This team was not too shabby, but it didn’t do amazing, either. Here are my thoughts on how their hitters fared this year. In case if you want to know my thoughts on how the Cardinals' pitchers and pitching coach did, here is my review on their performance this season.

Yadier Molina recorded his 2000th hit in his career this year, and the 9-time All-Star has been one of the best catchers in the game for over a decade.
(Photo: Christian Gooden/Associated Press, via St. Louis Post Dispatch)

C Yadier Molina – B-

2020 (MLB): .262 AVG, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .303 OBP, .359 SLG, .662 OPS, 13.5 K%, 0.5 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .462 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .500 OBP, .615 SLG, 1.115 OPS

Yadi Molina had a fairly decent season, as he was able to hit for average, and he played satisfactory defense this year. Though his offensive production continued to decline this year, Molina also hit the ball well in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Cards’ pitching was not very good in the postseason, and so he along with the managerial team may have to bear some responsibility for their pitching woes in the playoffs. Regardless, he did alright, and in all likelihood, Molina will be the starting catcher in St. Louis for as long as he wants to continue playing.

2021 Expectations: Starting Catcher
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

C Matt Wieters – C-

2020 (MLB): .200 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .300 OBP, .229 SLG, .529 OPS, 24.4 K%, 0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0 for 2, .000, .000 OPS, 1 K

After hitting 11 homers as Yadi’s backup in 2019, Matt Wieters experienced a power outage in 2020, but that didn’t stop advanced metrics from rating him as a replacement level, average level backup catcher, at least by way of the Fangraphs’ WAR metric. Wieters did not hit the ball very well at all, but numbers suggest he played above average defense, and played competently enough to be on a major-league roster, but not much more than that.

2021 Expectations: Backup catcher
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

C Andrew Knizner – D+

2020 (MLB): .250 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .235 OBP, .313 SLG, .548 OPS, 29.4 K%, -0.1 WAR

Andrew Knizner was once seen as the Cardinals’ prized catching prospect, but in two seasons in the majors, he has struggled to get on base, and his defense hasn’t been quite as good as anticipated. On the plus side, he’s shown an improved ability to make contact, but his lack of on-base skills or power in the majors may be rather alarming. He might not be a lock to be in the majors full-time in 2021, but he’ll certainly compete for a spot as a backup catcher next year.

2021 Expectations: Backup catcher
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

St. Louis Cardinals' star first baseman, Paul Goldschmidt had a terrific year in 2020, and he was the team's best hitter, and arguably the best all-around player for them this season.

(Photo: Norm Hall/Getty Images, via Arizona Sports 98.7 FM)

1B Paul Goldschmidt - A

2020 (MLB): .304 AVG, 6 HR, 21 RBI, .417 OBP, .466 SLG, .883 OPS, 18.6 K%, 2.1 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .231 AVG, 2 HR, 3 RBI, .286 OBP, .769 SLG, 1.055 OPS

Paul Goldschmidt had a very good season in 2020. He hit for a very high batting average, was very patient, and he played excellent defense. His power numbers were a bit down (with the exception that he launched two homers in the playoffs), but he was very impactful, as he was probably the Cards’ most valuable player this year.

That’s an encouraging sign, as he looks to be the team’s franchise player heading into 2021. On the other hand, he has only reached the NLCS one time in 2019, but he went 1 for 16 as the Cards got swept by the Washington Nationals. In judging his lack of production in big playoff games, that could be a bit concerning moving forward.

2021 Expectations: Starting First Baseman/Cornerstone, franchise player, probably will make the All-Star team
2021 Player Rating: 4 stars

Kolten Wong continued to excel in the field, as he was marvelous defensively, but he didn't hit the ball nearly as well as he did in 2019.
(Photo: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images, via Redbird Rants)

2B Kolten Wong - B

2020 (MLB): .265 AVG, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB, .350 OBP, .326 SLG, .675 OPS, 14.4 K%, 1.3 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .214 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .200 OBP, .500 SLG, .700 OPS

Kolten Wong hit the ball well in the regular season and showed a good approach to the plate for most of the year, and he also combined that by playing excellent defense as usual. He had a power outage this year, as he hit only 1 home run in the regular season. In the playoffs, he regained his power, but lost his approach to the plate. Regardless, Wong is a solid player who remains being one of the best at his position in the National League.

2021 Expectations: Starting Second Baseman
2021 Player Rating: 3 stars

SS Paul DeJong - C

2020 (MLB): .250 AVG, 3 HR, 25 RBI, .322 OBP, .349 SLG, .671 OPS, 28.7 K%, 0.6 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .200 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .429 OBP, .300 SLG, .729 OPS

After having made the All-Star team in 2019, DeJong has seemed to stall as a player. DeJong hit just .233 last year in the regular season despite hitting 30 home runs, and while he hit for a better average this year, it was still just at .250, and he hit only 3 home runs this season. DeJong had a power outage this year, though he played satisfactory defense. He struck out almost 30% of the time in the regular season this year though. He is a talented player that is a upside player, but his alarmingly, futile approach to the plate could be enough to cast doubt on if he will play well next season.

2021 Expectations: Starting Shortstop
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

3B/UT Tommy Edman – C+

2020 (MLB): .250 AVG, 5 HR, 26 RBI, .317 OBP, .368 SLG, .685 OPS, 21.1 K%, 0.8 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .214 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .214 OBP, .214 SLG, .429 OPS

After having a tremendous rookie season, Edman crashed back down to Earth, as he didn’t hit the ball nearly as well, but he did play solid defense, and showed versatility as a fielder in games. He struggled in the postseason, though, but Edman could be a key contributor for the Cardinals for years to come.

2021 Expectations: Utility infielder/starting infielder
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

UT/DH Brad Miller – B

2020 (MLB): .232 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, .357 OBP, .451 SLG, .807 OPS, 26.9 K%, 0.8 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0 for 1, .000 AVG, .000 OPS

Brad Miller had a fairly good season for the Cards, and he showed that he can definitely hit for power and hit the long ball on offense. His batting average was a bit low and he didn’t defend well, but his ability to provide extra base hits definitely helped the Cards pick up some wins in the regular season.

2021 Expectations: Starting DH/Utility Infielder
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

3B Matt Carpenter – C-

2020 (MLB): .186 AVG, 4 HR, 24 RBI, .325 OBP, .314 SLG, .640 OPS, 28.4 K%, 0.3 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .222 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .429 OBP, .333 SLG, .762 OPS

His magical, 2018 season in which he had a tremendous second half, and had his own secret salsa seems to be an all-too distant memory. Two years have passed since then, but for the Cardinals’ fans and Carpenter, that seems like ages ago.

After the 2018 season, Carpenter has failed to regain the once magical touch at the plate, as he has had trouble cobbling together hits on a consistent basis, and he is striking out at an alarming rate. He was once of the most patient, underrated, versatile infielders in the game, but now it seems that those days are permanently behind him. That’s a shame, because he used to be a very good baseball player, and now he is a bench bat that can only give a glimmer of hope that the old Carpenter can re-emerge before returning to having the offensive woes he’s had recently.

2021 Expectations: Backup utility man
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars

UT Rangel Ravelo - D

2020 (MLB): .171 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .244 OBP, .286 SLG, .530 OPS, 14.6 K%, -0.1 WAR

For the positives, Ravelo did not strike out very much, and he showed that he can play the corner infield positions. However, he did not hit nor field very well.

2021 Expectations: AAA infielder, part-time backup utility infielder in majors
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

IF Max Schrock - D

2020 (MLB): .176 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .176 OBP, .353 SLG, .529 OPS, 35.3 K%, 0 WAR

Years ago, Schrock was an infielder prospect whose main allure to having him in the majors was both his ability to hit and tremendous ability to put balls in play. This season, he was finally called up, but he didn’t really show much of an ability to do either of those things in the majors. Schrock had trouble getting hits and struck out far too often in the big leagues this year, but he did hit a home run and played above average defense when he was up here.

2021 Expectations: AAA infielder, part-time backup utility infielder in majors
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

1B John Nogowski - C

2020 (MLB): .250 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .250 OBP, .250 SLG, .500 OPS, 25.0 K%, 0 WAR

He wasn’t expected to be called up, but he went 1 for 4 in his debut and went home. He didn’t really play enough to make enough of a judgment on his time in the majors. Barely knew him when he was called up, and he was sent away perhaps too soon.

2021 Expectations: AAA infielder, part-time backup utility infielder in majors
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

Cardinals' rookie outfielder Dylan Carlson was expected to have a big season after hitting the ball really well in AA and AAA in 2019. He didn't make the opening day roster and got off to a slow start, but he played well in the postseason in the NLWC against the San Diego Padres.
(Photo: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports, via MLB Daily Dish)

LF Dylan Carlson - C

2020 (MLB): .200 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, .252 OBP, .364 SLG, .616 OPS, 29.4 K%, 0.2 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .333 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .571 OBP, .444 SLG, 1.016 OPS

He wasn’t called up right away as expected, but he got off to a slow start before he managed to figure some things out in the majors. He struggled to get hits or on base, but he showed some pop in his bat, and he fielded well. Carlson also played very well in the postseason, which could be a solid building block for him in the future.

2021 Expectations: 3rd or 4th Outfielder, will compete for starting left field spot
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars (3.5 star potential)

CF Harrison Bader – C+

2020 (MLB): .226 AVG, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 3 SB, .336 OBP, .443 SLG, .779 OPS, 32.0 K%, 1.0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .111 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .182 OBP, .111 SLG, .293 OPS

Harrison Bader had a fairly good season this year. He played very good defense as he fielded well, hit for power, and showed a decent ability to get on base. However, he had trouble stringing together hits and he struck out a lot, and he struggled to hit the ball in the postseason. Despite, he’s shown to be a reliable starting center fielder that can bring great defense to his team on a yearly basis.

2021 Expectations: Starting Center Fielder
2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

RF Dexter Fowler - C

2020 (MLB): .233 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .317 OBP, .389 SLG, .706 OPS, 27.7 K%, 0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): .286 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .286 OBP, .357 SLG, .643 OPS

He had a fairly mediocre season, as he struggled to consistently hit the ball or get on base, and he did not field very well per his position, either. He had trouble consistently putting balls in play during the regular season, but he did hit for a fairly good average in the playoffs. It is worth noting that he did get hurt in the middle of the season. However, that doesn’t really wash out his inability to get hits during the regular season or general bad defense, but Fowler is a veteran who has proven to be a major-league starting outfielder, even if his best days in the majors may be permanently behind him.

2021 Expectations: Starting Right Fielder
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars

LF Tyler O’Neill - C

2020 (MLB): .173 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 3 SB, .261 OBP, .360 SLG, .621 OPS, 27.4 K%, 0.5 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 3 GP, 0 for 0, N/A OPS

It was an up and down, turbulent season for Tyler O’Neill. He started off fast by hitting home runs, and he was tied for leading his team in home runs. It’s clear that he is a vastly talented outfielder that has tremendous power, and when he makes contact, he can definitely hit the long ball. He also fielded well.

However, he really struggled to string together hits or to get on base, and he struck out a lot. He still has a pretty shoddy approach to the plate, and his inability to put balls in play has hindered his ability to reach his ceiling on offense.

2021 Expectations: 3rd or 4th Outfielder, will compete for starting left field spot
2021 Player Rating: 2 stars (2.5 star potential)

OF Austin Dean – B+

2020 (MLB): .250 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .571 OBP, .500 SLG, 1.071 OPS, 28.6 K%, 0 WAR
2020 (Postseason): 0 for 1, 0 OBP or OPS

Austin Dean had a very good spring that allowed him to make the opening day roster, and he hit the ball well in his brief time up in the majors. He shuttled in and out of the roster, but he managed to make the team’s postseason roster. Though he didn't hit well in the majors in his previous two seasons with the Marlins, Dean's solid stint with the Cards in limited playing time gives hope that he could find a place in the majors as a slugger off the bench.

2021 Expectations: 5th Outfielder, or AAA Starting Outfielder
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

OF Justin Williams - C

2020 (MLB): .200 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .333 OBP, .200 SLG, .533 OPS, 33.3 K%, 0 WAR

He wasn’t expected to be called up this year, but he showed a decent ability to get on base, if anything. He didn’t seem to do much else when he was up in the majors, but he did manage to get his first big-league hit in 2020.

2021 Expectations: AAA Starting Outfielder, September call-up to the majors
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

OF Lane Thomas – D-

2020 (MLB): .111 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .200 OBP, .250 SLG, .450 OPS, 32.5 K%, -0.3 WAR

After having played very well last season where he really excelled as a hitter in limited at bats, it seemed like he was due for more playing time this year. However, he really struggled to hit the ball in 2020, and he was unable to stay up in the majors this season.

2021 Expectations: AAA Starting Outfielder, September call-up to the majors
2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

Hitting Coach – Jeff Albert - D

2020 St. Louis Cardinals (Regular Season): .234 AVG, 51 HR, 231 RBI, .323 OBP, .371 SLG, .694 OPS, 23.7 K%
2020 St. Louis Cardinals (Playoffs): .252 AVG. 3 HR. 16 RBI, .341 OBP, .411 SLG, .752 OPS, 25.2 K%

Though the Cardinals did a better job of hitting the ball in the playoffs, it’s hard to expect your team to win the title when they hit .234 in the regular season and they strike out more than they collect hits. They also ranked among the bottom in many categories amongst National League teams on offense, as they were last in home runs, and were near the bottom in slugging and OPS.

Their lackluster hitting approach still is quite troublesome, and hopes of the launch-angle revolution hasn’t really taken flight in St. Louis. On the other hand, many MLB teams this year have hit for low batting averages this year, and have struck out a ton more than they did in years past. In fact, major league teams hit just .245 overall in the regular season, and they struck out 23% of the time in the regular season this year.

That doesn’t give Albert a free pass, but major league baseball is trending towards the three true outcomes approach of either drawing a walk, striking out, or hitting a homer, in pursuit of going for higher OPS numbers. The negative results of this new process is fewer players are looking to hit the ball the other way or to use the whole field, and so shifts on hitters are more effective than they would be if they actually had the approach of taking what the defense gives them. Overall, the Cardinals did not hit well in 2020, and they may need a new hitting coach, because Albert has not gotten much out of his hitters in the past two seasons.

Mike Shildt led the Cardinals to the playoffs for a second year in a row after his team battled with the coronavirus early on in the season, but they were bounced from the postseason after losing to the Padres in 3 games in the NLWC.
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press, via Springfield News-Leader)

Manager Mike Shildt (30-28)

Playoffs: 1-2 (Lost to the San Diego Padres in the NLWC)

The Cardinals had unfortunately caught COVID early on, and spent a lot of time catching up by playing double headers, but they managed to make it to the playoffs in spite of all of this. However, after a strong start in Game 1 against the Padres, they blew leads and lost the series, as their pitching was awful in the postseason.

Grade: C+

President of Baseball Operations, John Mozeliak has helped the Cards win the 2011 World Series as the general manager. This past season, the Cards didn't seem to make major moves, but they picked up a bargain by signing Kwang-Hyun Kim to bolster their pitching staff, and they allowed their younger players to get valuable playing time, as they saw improved play from young players such as Alex Reyes and Dakota Hudson.

President of Baseball Operations:

John Mozeliak

The Cardinals didn’t really make too much noise in the offseason, but he made little moves that paid off, such as signing Kwang-Hyun Kim and bringing him over from South Korea, and they managed to get at-bats for Dylan Carlson. Still, there was little hope in Cardinal Nation that what they were doing would advance their title hopes, and while the Cardinals were competitive, they fell short of the title once again, as they lost in the playoffs in a 3-game series to the Padres.

Grade: C+

The Cardinals’ 2020 Season Grade: C+

The 2020 St. Louis Cardinals battled through so much hardship this year. Their players contracted the coronavirus, and they had to battle through illness to compete this season, and the Cardinals played in many double headers this season. They lost legends, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson, two Hall of Famers that were two of the best all-time in 2020. It’s been a very hard and trying year, but the Cards managed to pull through and get to the playoffs.

Unfortunately, they fell short, as they couldn’t sustain the momentum of the Game 1 win to get past the Padres in the NLWC. They had some positive moments in an otherwise forgettable season, but they weren’t really seen or viewed as a title contender by many, and they didn’t get far in the 16-team playoffs, in a year where over half of baseball teams could reach the postseason. Overall, I would say the Cards had a difficult, but adequate season in 2020.

Picks for….

Paul Goldschmidt played very well in 2020, and he was the best player on the St. Louis Cardinals' team this season.
(Photo: Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press, via Forbes)

2020 Cardinals’ MVP & Baseball Player of the Year: 1B Paul Goldschmidt

Paul Goldschmidt had a terrific 2020 season, and he had the tremendous season that some thought he would have last year. He was consistently the team’s best hitter, and while some would argue that he didn’t quite have the same power numbers as he did last year, he showed a much better approach to the plate. Goldschmidt hit .304, had a team-leading .417 on-base percentage, and he showed a terrific approach to the plate. He also led the team in Fangraphs’ WAR, and he also consistently played well for his team in the playoffs.

St. Louis Cardinals' relief pitcher, Alex Reyes (pictured wearing #29) had a terrific bounce back year after recovering from a hand injury to be one of the best pitchers in the bullpen, and he was also the Game 1 closer for the Cards in their lone win against the Padres in the NLWC.
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press, via Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

2020 Cardinals’ Pitcher of the Year: RP Alex Reyes

It’s splitting hairs between Korean pitching sensation Kwang-Hyun Kim, veteran stalwart Adam Wainwright, and hard-throwing righty Alex Reyes, and one could easily make a convincing case for any of them. For me personally, I feel that Alex Reyes was the Cards’ pitcher of the year.

Alex Reyes bounced back from a rough 2019 season to pitch very well out of the bullpen, and he was striking out the side, reaching triple digits on the radar gun, and he was also the Game 1 closer in the playoffs against the Padres, where he had a more than one inning save. He’s back to being one of the best young players in the Cards’ organization, and he is currently slated to project to be the best bullpen arms that the Cards may have to offer in 2021. In short, the future is bright for Reyes.

Cardinals' starting pitcher, Kwang-Hyun Kim pitched very well this season, and he had a sub-2.00 ERA, and was the Game 1 starter in the postseason for the Cards in the NLWC against the Padres.
(Photo: AFP-Yonhap, via The Korea Times)

2020 Cardinals’ Rookie of the Year: SP Kwang-Hyun Kim

It’s hard to think of a 32-year old who won 136 games in the Korean League as a rookie in the majors, but technically Kwaun-Hyun Kim technically qualifies as a “rookie” by Major League Baseball standards as one. That said, he had a very good 2020 season, as he went 3-0, pitched a sub 2.00-ERA in a shade under 40 innings, and he showed sharp command of his stuff. He also was the Game 1 starting pitcher against the Padres in the NLWC.

Yadier Molina played excellent defense for the Cards, and he was terrific in the field for the Cardinals this season.
(Photo: Bill Greenblatt/UPI)

2020 Cardinals’ Fielder of the Year: C Yadier Molina

The Cardinals had many really good fielders throughout the season, and it’s splitting hairs between a bunch of players, most notably between Yadier Molina, Kolten Wong, and Tommy Edman. Kolten Wong won a gold glove last year, and he is a rangy second baseman that made some really good web gems, and Tommy Edman is a versatile utility player that proved to be invaluable with his strong ability to play multiple positions.

Yadier Molina to me though, would be the fielder of the year, though it’s a close one. He is a legendary defensive catcher that shuts down the running game, and he performed his usual high levels despite having contracted COVID during the season. He threw out 45% of the runners out this year, which is a really good rate. He also came back in time for the playoffs, and he didn’t have a drop off in production from a defensive standpoint this season.

(Player Rating System/Grading Scale:

This is evaluated on a 0.5 to 5-star rating scale, much like how the Franchise Hockey Manager game rates players in that game. Also, I used the Fangraphs' WAR metric as an additional means to evaluate baseball players this season.)

5 stars = Elite player, MVP/Cy Young award-caliber player
4.5 stars = Very good player/All-Star, likely top 3 at his position
4 stars = All-Star,
3.5 stars = borderline All-Star,
3 stars = good player,
2.5 stars = above average player,
2 stars = average player,
1.5 stars = backend player on a major-league team,
1 star and below means not major league quality)

Expected Group of Hitters for 2021 (13 hitters for a 26-man roster, 13 if it stays a 28-man roster):

C Yadier Molina – 2.5 stars (UFA)
1B Paul Goldschmidt – 4 stars
2B Kolten Wong – 3 stars
SS Paul DeJong – 2.5 stars
3B Tommy Edman – 2.5 stars
LF Dylan Carlson 2 stars (3.5 stars)
CF Harrison Bader – 2.5 stars
RF Dexter Fowler – 2 stars
DH Brad Miller – 2.5 stars (UFA)
C Matt Wieters – 1.5 stars (UFA)
C Andrew Knizner – 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
3B Matt Carpenter – 2 stars
OF Tyler O’Neill – 2 stars (2.5 stars potential)

Others Competing for MLB Roster Spots on the Cards’ Team in 2021:

OF Austin Dean – 1.5 stars

INF Edmundo Sosa – 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
UT Rangel Ravelo - 1.5 stars

OF Lane Thomas - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

OF Justin Williams - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)
IF Max Schrock - 1.5 stars
1B John Nogowski - 1.5 stars

With the group of hitters returning, the Cardinals will probably need at least one or two upper-echelon level hitters to bolster the team’s offense. The Cardinals don’t seem to have much depth on the bench, and their hitting approach has been quite lackluster recently.

The Cards have some talented hitters that generally field well, but they have trouble hitting for a high average and they strike out too much. With hitting coach Jeff Albert likely returning, expect the trends of hitting for low averages and striking out too much to continue in their hopes to build their version of the launch angle revolution. The offense might be fairly mediocre next year, but the Cards’ strong fielding and decent group of pitchers could help get the Cards to the postseason next year, if nothing else.

Projected 2021 Season Outlook:

The Cards tend to make prudent moves rather than go for big, splashy moves, and so it’s unlikely that they will sign a big-name free agent. They are rather prudent with their finances and money, so they will probably look to shop for bargain bins and to try to get reasonably priced veterans to help aid their team.

The Cardinals have a lot of average to above average players in talent, but not a whole lot of elite players, as the best days appear to be firmly behind them for the veterans, but the young players are still trying to find ways to maximize their potential. It’s unlikely that they will win the title in 2021, but if 16 teams can make the playoffs next year, expect the Cardinals to at least be in the field of teams that reach the postseason.

2021 Expectations for the Cardinals: Reach the postseason, but may wind up losing in the first round like they did this year.

Also, congratulations to the Seattle Storm for winning the 2020 WNBA title! They defeated the Las Vegas Aces in three games, and both Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird played terrific basketball to sweep the Aces.

Anyways, that's all for now, and thanks for reading.

Monday, October 5, 2020

Evaluating the St. Louis Cardinals' 2020 Season: The Pitching

It was a tough and trying year for the 2020 St. Louis Cardinals. They made almost no offseason moves, aside from signing Korean pitcher, Kwang Hyun Kim to their team this year, but they made virtually no attempt to add players to bolster their roster, and they still somehow backed their way into the playoffs despite just a 30-28 record, despite having a bout with the coronavirus, and after playing in a bunch of double headers.

Unfortunately, after a surprisingly solid Game 1 win over the young and talented San Diego Padres’ team, the Cardinals crashed back down to Earth, and they lost the next two games, as they lost the series, 2-1 to the Padres and are now eliminated from the playoffs. For the Cardinals, let’s just say, the expectations were quite low this year, and well, they met the low bar by making their way to the playoffs, though they didn’t do much more than that.

Here are my thoughts on how the team did, and so I’ll rate the pitchers first, and then I thoughts on the hitters will make for another article tomorrow or later on. (Also, for the WAR metric, I will use the Fangraphs WAR metric to judge players for their season this year.)

Kwang Hyun Kim pitched very well in 2020, and he is a solid control pitcher that excelled for the Cardinals this year.
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press)

SP – Kwang Hyun Kim – A-

Technically a rookie after having been signed from South Korea, Kim pitched very well in 2020, as he showed off expert command and control of his pitches. He was one of the best rookies in baseball, as he pitched a sub-2.00 ERA this year, and he’s basically like the Korean Miles Mikolas. He didn’t quite pitch nearly as well in the playoffs, but the 32-year old rookie is a solid starter that proved to be a bargain for the Cardinals, and he could be poised to have a very good 2021 season next year.

2020 (MLB): 3-0, 1.62 ERA, 39 IP, 6.5 H9, 0.7 HR9, 2.8 BB9, 5.5 K9, 3.88 FIP, 0.6 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 7.36 ERA, 3.2 IP, 12.3 H9, 0 HR9, 4.9 BB9, 4.9 BB

2021 Expectations: Middle of the Rotation Starter

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

Adam Wainwright was one of the best players on the Cardinals' team in 2020.
(Photo: Jeff Roberson/Associated Press, via Belleville News-Democrat)

SP - Adam Wainwright – B+

2020 (MLB): 5-3, 3.15 ERA, 65.2 IP, 7.4 H9, 1.2 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 7.4 K9, 4.10 FIP, 1.0 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0 5.40 ERA, 3.1 IP, 16.2 H9, 0 HR9, 5.4 BB9, 8.1 KP

Adam Wainwright pitched well in 2020, and in the shortened season, the 39-year old starting pitcher showed poise, solid command, and routinely provided his team with good innings in the regular season. He especially did a tremendous job, especially since he is one of the oldest players in baseball, and he is one of the elder statesmen of the team. Unfortunately, he seemed to have run out of gas in the postseason, but he pitched well overall, and he will be back next year to provide his team with a steady, dependable arm in the Cards’ rotation.

2021 Expectations: Middle of the Rotation Starter

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

Dakota Hudson pitched very well prior to getting hurt in 2020, but he will need to undergo TJ, which could cause him to miss the entire 2021 season.
(Photo: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports, via Viva El Birdos)

SP – Dakota Hudson – B

2020 (MLB): 3-2, 2.77 ERA, 39 IP, 5.5 H9, 1.2 HR9, 3.5 BB9, 7.2 K9, 4.50 FIP, 0.4 WAR

Dakota Hudson started off on a rough note, and then he pitched very well before ending up going down to an unfortunate injury that will require him to undergo Tommy John surgery. He may end up missing most of the 2021 season, but there is no doubt that he had a solid 2020 season before getting hurt this year. His rather high FIP though suggests that he also needed the fielders in order to pitch well this past season. Still, hopefully, he will return back to full form when he comes back.

2021 Expectations: Injured/Out for the Season

2022 Expectations: Fourth or Fifth Starter

2021/22 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

Jack Flaherty wasn't quite nearly as effective as he was last year, as his ERA was close to 5 to end the regular season, but he salvaged his season with a strong performance in the Cards' Game 3 loss to the Padres.

(Photo: Jeff Curry/Getty Images)

SP – Jack Flaherty - C

2020 (MLB): 4-3. 4.91 ERA, 40.1 IP, 7.4 H9, 1.3 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 10.9 K9, 4.11 FIP, 0.6 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-1, 1.50 ERA, 6 IP, 9 H9, 0 HR9, 3 BB9, 12 K9

Flaherty had a very good 2019 season, and he was expected to continue to pitch well as the team’s ace of the staff, but he had a rocky 2020 season. He struggled with his command at times, but he managed to salvage his season by pitching very well in the playoffs, even though his team ended up losing in the decisive third game of the 2020 NLWC. Flaherty is a very talented pitcher who has top of the line stuff, but he will need to bounce back to pitch well next season.

2021 Expectations: Ace of the Staff

2021 Player Rating: 3 stars (4 star potential)

Does anyone still remember this guy?

Affectionately known by diehard baseball fans as "The Lizard King," Miles Mikolas was once a very good pitcher, as he had a terrific 2018, but he missed all of the 2020 season.
(Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images, via Call To The Pen)

SP – Miles Mikolas – grade: Incomplete (I)

2020 (MLB): DNP, injured

He missed the entire season, as he was placed on the 45-day DL due to a forearm injury, but hopefully he can return to have a good 2021 season next year.

2021 Expectations: Backend of the rotation, Fourth or Fifth Starter

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

SP – Daniel Ponce de Leon – C-

2020 (MLB): 1-3, 4.96 ERA, 32.2 IP, 6.3 H9, 2.2 HR9, 5.5 BB9, 12.4 K9, 5.64 FIP, 0 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-1, 27 ERA, 1 IP, 18 H9, 18 HR9, 9 BB9, 18 K9

Daniel Ponce de Leon is a hard-throwing righty that can strike a lot of hitters out, and he received plenty of opportunities to start this year for the Cards due to injuries. However, the talented, young pitcher also frequently struggled with his control and command, but he managed to pitch his way onto a playoff roster. However, his performance in the playoffs was disastrous, and he pitched poorly that led his team to lose in his one stint in the postseason this year.

2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Long reliever

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars

SP - Johan Oviedo - C

2020 (MLB): 0-3, 5.47 ERA, 24.2 IP, 8.8 H9, 1.1 HR9, 3.6 BB9, 5.8 K9, 5.30 FIP, 0.1 WAR

After the Cardinals had pitchers go down to injuries and COVID, an opportunity sprung for Oviedo, as he was called into the action to pitch in the majors. He had a fairly average season, but he showed promise with his ability to command his pitches. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be back in the majors next year, but he can definitely help out if he’s called upon to do so by then.

2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Long reliever

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2.5 stars)

Side note: Will still be a rookie in 2021

It was a rough season for Carlos Martinez. He tested positive for the coronavirus, had symptoms, valiantly tried to come back, but was nowhere near at the same level that he used to be this year.
(Photo: Julio Cortez/Associated Press, Belleville News-Democrat)

P – Carlos Martinez – D-

2020 (MLB): 0-3, 9.90 ERA, 20 IP, 14.4 H9, 2.7 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 7.7 K9, 6.89 FIP, -0.2 FIP

Early on in the season, Carlos Martinez tested positive for having the coronavirus, and he had some serious symptoms, as he was hospitalized and was treated for a lengthy stay. The two-time All-Star pitcher valiantly tried to come back, but he just could not regain the pitching form he had prior to the start of this season. Unfortunately, I cannot give him a high grade as his performance for the Cards was nowhere near the standards he brought to the team in the past, and one has to wonder that maybe he should’ve been held out for the season as a precaution if he was not able to fully return to form this year.

2021 Expectations: Spot starter/Versatile reliever

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

Alex Reyes rebounded to have a terrific 2020 season, and he was racking up strikeouts and scoreless innings, as he did it with a flair and style this year.
(Photo: Matt Marton/Associated Press, via KMOV)

RP – Alex Reyes – A-

2020 (MLB): 2-1, 3.20 ERA, 19.2 IP, 6.4 H9, 0.5 HR9, 6.4 BB9, 12.4 K9, 3.24 FIP, 0.5 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 2.70 ERA, 3.1 IP, 5.4 H9, 2.7 HR9, 5.4 BB9, 8.1 K9

Alex Reyes had a nice bounce back year, and he had a solid season in a relief role for the Cards in 2020. He was one of the main bright spots on the Cards’ team this year, and he is a flamethrower that showed that he can strike many hitters out. He also improved his command, and showed the potential to develop into a closer. He will need to improve his control, but it’s nice to see that Reyes is finally developing into being a player that is finding his niche role in the majors.

2021 Expectations: Set up man/Power reliever

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

CP – Giovanny Gallegos - B

2020 (MLB): 2-2, 3.60 ERA, 4 SV, 15 IP, 5.4 H9, 0.6 HR9, 2.4 BB9, 12.6 K9, 2.06 FIP, 0.6 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 1-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 IP, 13.5 H9, 9 HR9, 4.5 BB9, 13.5 K9

Gallegos had COVID to start the year, but he pitched well in the regular season when he was healthy. He was one of the Cardinals’ best bullpen arms this year, but unfortunately, he really struggled in Game 2 of the NLWC against the Padres in the playoffs. He’s been a solid, one-inning bullpen arm for the Cardinals and nothing more, and while he’s not an elite pitcher, he’s a dependable regular season pitcher that can help get his team to the playoffs.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

RP – Andrew Miller – B-

2020 (MLB): 1-1, 2.77 ERA, 4 SV, 13 IP, 6.2 H9, 0 HR9, 3.5 BB9, 11.1 K9, 2.58 FIP, 0.3 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.2 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9

Andrew Miller didn’t pitch much in 2020, as he spent some time on the disabled list, but he pitched well when he was healthy this year. Unfortunately, he didn’t pitch nearly as well in the playoffs, but he was one of the better bullpen arms for the Cards this year. Unfortunately though, he hasn’t pitched in many innings over the past three seasons, which includes this one, and so it’s not certain how many more solid seasons that he can bring to the Cards in the future, but it’s good that he gave some solid innings to the Cards this year.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2 stars

RP – Austin Gomber – B-

2020 (MLB): 1-1, 1.86 ERA, 29 IP, 5.9 H9, 0.3 HR9, 4.7 BB9, 8.4 K9, 3.54 FIP, 0.5 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.1 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 6.8 BB9, 13.5 K9

He is a tall lefty that pitched well in relief this season, and he showed solid command and the ability to strike out hitters. However, he struggled at times in the playoffs, as he struggled with inherited runners, and he will need to improve his control. He will most likely be with the Cardinals or in a major league bullpen in 2021.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

RP – John Gant – A-

2020 (MLB): 0-3, 2.40 ERA, 15 IP, 5.4 H9, 0 HR9, 4.2 BB9, 10.8 K9, 2.19 FIP, 0.5 WAR

He had a very good 2020 season, as he did a very good job of striking hitters out and keeping balls in the ballpark, but he didn’t appear in the playoffs due to injury. He pitched well this year, and he will likely be in the Cards’ bullpen once again next season.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars

RP – Tyler Webb - B

2020 (MLB): 1-1, 2.08 ERA, 21.2 IP, 7.1 H9, 0.8 HR9, 2.9 BB9, 7.9 K9, 3.61 FIP, 0.3 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 13.50 ERA, 0.2 IP, 13.5 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9

The tall, lefty specialist had his best season this year in 2020, as he showed solid control and command of his pitches. Unfortunately, he did not pitch well in the playoffs, but he otherwise had a very good 2020 season for the Cardinals, and he will likely be on the team next year, too.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.0 stars

RP – Genesis Cabrera – B-

2020 (MLB): 4-1, 2.42 ERA, 22.1 IP, 4 H9, 1.2 HR9, 6.4 BB9, 12.9 K9, 4.76 FIP, -0.1 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 18 ERA, 1 IP, 9 H9, 0 HR9, 27 BB9, 9 K9

Cabrera is a hard-throwing lefty that had a fairly good regular season, as he struck many hitters out, and was especially good against left-handed hitters. However, he struggled with his control and to keep the ball in the ballpark, and those issues flared up in the playoffs, as he had trouble getting outs in the postseason. He’ll be in the Cardinals’ bullpen in 2021, and he can really pitch well when he has his command under control.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.0 stars (3 star potential)

RP – Ryan Helsley - D

2020 (MLB): 1-1, 5.25 ERA, 6 H9, 2.3 HR9, 6 BB9, 7.5 K9, 7.02 FIP, -0.4 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 5.40 ERA, 1.2 IP, 5.4 H9, 0 HR9, 0 BB9, 10.8 K9

He pitched well last season and he is a power pitcher that looked primed for a breakout season this year, but after he got COVID during the middle of the season, he struggled to be effective as a relief pitcher after that. He made a valiant comeback attempt, but he just did not pitch well this season.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2 stars

RP – Jake Woodford - D

2020 (MLB): 1-0, 5.57 ERA, 21 IP, 8.6 H9, 3 HR9, 2.1 BB9, 6.9 K9, 6.71 FIP, -0.3 WAR

Woodford was called up in the middle of the season, and he showed some versatility early on as well as the ability to locate his pitches, but he struggled with his command and had trouble keeping balls in the ball park. He will need to make adjustments in order to lock down a spot in the majors next year.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)

At the peak of his success, Hicks was a successful closer in 2019 that threw up to 105 MPH. But he's been injured since, and he has not pitched in 1 1/2 years. Get better soon, Jordan Hicks!

(Photo: Mark Brown/Getty Images, via Redbird Rants)

RP – Jordan Hicks - Incomplete

2020 (MLB): DNP – Injured

The talented, but oft-injured flamethrower did not pitch all year long, but when healthy, he can certainly aid a bullpen.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2.5 stars (3 star potential)

RP – John Brebbia - Incomplete

2020 (MLB): DNP – Injured

He did not pitch the entire season due to injury, but he has been quite dependable when healthy.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 2 stars

RP – Kodi Whitley - C

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 3.9 H9, 1.9 HR9, 1.9 BB9, 9.6 K9, 4.48 FIP, 0 WAR

2020 (Postseason): 0-0, 27 ERA, 0.1 IP, 27 H9, 27 HR9, 0 BB9, 0 K9

He made the opening day roster, and he showed potential as a power arm in the bullpen, but he then contracted the coronavirus, and when he came back, he struggled in his lone appearance in the playoffs.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Seth Elledge - C

2020 (MLB): 1-0, 4.63 ERA, 11.2 IP, 8.5 H9, 1.5 HR9, 6.2 BB9, 10.8 K9, 5.33 FIP, -0.1 WAR

He was decent, but not great in his stint up in the majors. He had control and command issues, but he can strike hitters out.

2021 Expectations: Relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Rob Kaminsky - B

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 4.2 IP, 5.8 H9, 0 HR9, 3.9 BB9, 5.8 K9, 3.19 FIP, 0 WAR

The one-time prime prospect was a surprise callup to the majors this year, and the young lefty actually did a good job of pitching out of the bullpen. He showed good command, and he induced a lot of groundballs to get outs, as he had a 60% groundball rate in fact. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough to help him sustain a spot in the majors or keep his place on the 40-man roster.

2021 Expectations: AAA Relief pitcher/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Junior Fernandez – D-

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 18 ERA, 3 IP, 18 H9, 3 HR9, 6 BB9, 6 K9, 8.19 FIP, -0.1 FIP

Junior Fernandez skyrocketed through the minors in 2019, and his rapid success showed that he was more than deserving of a callup in September that year. He also showed a strong ability to strike hitters out. Unfortunately, he also contracted COVID, and he just did not pitch well at all this season. He will need to have a bounce back season in 2021.

2021 Expectations: AAA Relief pitcher/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Nabil Crismatt – B-

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 3.24 ERA, 8.1 IP, 6.5 H9, 2.2 HR9, 1.1 BB9, 8.6 K9, 4.75 ERA, 0 WAR

2020 is an unusual year. Not only was this a shortened season due to the coronavirus, but Crismatt managed to rebound from having a 9+ ERA in AAA last year to pitch reasonably well in the majors this year. His control was sharp, and he also could strike some hitters out. He will need to keep the ball in the ballpark more, but he showed that he can be a functioning member of a major-league bullpen.

2021 Expectations: AAA pitcher/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Ricardo Sanchez – D-

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 6.75 ERA, 5.1 IP, 8.4 H9, 1.7 HR9, 8.4 BB9, 6.8 K9, 7.50 FIP, -0.1 WAR

He was a mid-tier prospect that the Cardinals acquired from the Seattle Mariners’ organization, but Sanchez did not pitch well at all in his brief stint in the majors this year.

2021 Expectations: AAA starter/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1 star (2.5 star potential)

RP – Ryan Meisinger - C

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2.2 IP, 3.4 H9, 0 HR9, 13.5 BB9, 10.1 K9, 6.57 FIP, 0 WAR

He is a power reliever that managed to pitch some scoreless innings in his brief stint up with the Cards, but he will need to improve his ability to locate his pitches to last longer in the majors.

2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Jesus Cruz – C-

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 18 ERA, 1 IP, 27 H9, 0 HR9, 9 BB9, 18 K9, 2.19 FIP, 0 WAR

He is a power reliever that showed that he can really strike some hitters out, but he was unlikely in his lone appearance in the majors. He will need to improve his control and command to last longer in the big leagues, but his terrific ability to generate whiffs is encouraging.

2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher/Potential September call-up

2021 Player Rating: 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP – Roel Ramirez – D-

2020 (MLB): 0-0, 81 ERA, 0.2 IP, 81 H9, 54 HR9, 13.5 BB9, 13.5 K9, 82.69 FIP

In his lone appearance against the White Sox, Roel Ramirez was terrible in his lone bullpen stint up in the bigs. He also ran into the metaphorical buzzsaw of the tremendous hitting display the White Sox showed, and Ramirez actually showed some good peripheral statistics in the minors prior to 2020, but with his abysmal showing with the Cards, it’s unlikely that we will see Roel Ramirez pitch in a Cardinal uniform in the majors anytime soon.

2021 Expectations: AAA relief pitcher

2021 Player Rating: 0.5 stars (1 star potential)

Pitching Coach:

Mike Maddux – C+

2020 (MLB): 30-28, 3.90 ERA, 7.2 H9, 1.3 HR9, 3.9 BB9, 8.8 K9, 4.58 FIP

2020 (Postseason): 1-2, 6.12 ERA, 11.2 H9, 2.2 HR9, 5.0 BB9, 9.4 K9, ~5.92 FIP

The Cardinals’ pitchers seemed to do a fairly decent job. They struck hitters out, and showed decent command out there. However, they will need to improve their control and keep the ball in the ballpark more. They also really struggled to consistently pitch well in the playoffs.

(Player Rating System/Grading Scale:

This is evaluated on a 0.5 to 5-star rating scale, much like how the Franchise Hockey Manager game rates players in that game.

5 stars = Elite player, MVP/Cy Young award-caliber player

4.5 stars = Very good player/All-Star, likely top 3 at his position

4 stars is considered to be an All-Star,

3.5 stars is a borderline All-Star,

3 stars is a good player,

2.5 stars is an above average player,

2 stars is an average player,

1.5 stars is a backend player on a major-league team,

1 star and below means not major league quality)

Expected Group of Pitchers for 2021 (13 pitchers for a 25-man roster, 15 if it stays a 28-man roster):

SP Jack Flaherty - 3 stars (4-star potential)
SP Kwang Hyun Kim - 2.5 stars
SP Adam Wainwright - 2.5 stars (UFA)
SP Miles Mikolas - 2.5 stars
SP Carlos Martinez - 2.5 stars

CL Jordan Hicks - 2.5 stars (3.0-star potential)

RP Alex Reyes - 2.5 stars
RP Giovanny Gallegos - 2.5 stars

RP Austin Gomber - 2.5 stars

RP John Gant - 2.5 stars
RP Genesis Cabrera 2 stars (3 star potential)

RP John Brebbia - 2 stars (UFA)

RP Tyler Webb - 2 stars

Others That Would Compete for MLB Spots for the Cards in 2021:

RP Ryan Helsley - 2 stars

P Daniel Ponce de Leon - 1.5 stars

P Jake Woodford - 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)

P Johan Oviedo - 1.5 stars (2.5 star potential)

RP Kodi Whitley - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

RP Rob Kaminsky - 1.5 stars (2 star potential)

IL:
SP Dakota Hudson - 2.5 stars

Other UFAs/Unsure if the Cards will bring back in 2021:

RP Andrew Miller - 2 stars

Judging from this assessment, the Cardinals could use one more quality starter to strengthen their pitching staff, also because Carlos Martinez is coming off his worst season as a major-league pitcher, and veteran stalwart Adam Wainwright will be 40 years old. There's no guarantee that Martinez will reach the levels that he used to be at that helped him be a 2-time All-Star, but he was at least a decent bullpen pitcher in 2019 prior to this season. Wainwright pitched well this season, but given his age, he's certainly at risk for decline. In addition, Miles Mikolas missed a full season, and so it's uncertain if he can pitch nearly as well as he did for the Cards in 2018. As for the Cardinals' group of pitchers for 2021, it looks like it will be a satisfactory group, as that squad has plenty of depth and will be competitive, as they could help get to the playoffs, but they may need one or two more upper-echelon arms that could increase their chances to win a title next year.

Anyways, those are my grades for the St. Louis Cardinals' pitchers and the pitching coach for the 2020 season. Thanks for reading.