Believe it or not, even playoff teams can instantly improve through the NBA draft.
Especially in a draft that is loaded with talent like this one, playoff teams actually have a good chance of finding impact players, even if they don't get to choose within the first 14 picks.
Just look at 2011 for proof.
The San Antonio Spurs got Kawhi Leonard at No. 15 (seriously), the New York Knicks got Iman Shumpert at 17 and the Denver Nuggets got Kenneth Faried at 22.
So it's true. Non-lottery teams can, in fact, have a productive draft. Let's take a look at the best ones from this year.
The Magic are clearly prepping for when Dwight Howard inevitably leaves town, but they are absolutely doing it the right way.
First, they grabbed power forward Andrew Nicholson out of St. Bonaventure, and it's hard not to love this kid's game.
He doesn't have elite athleticism, but his footwork in the post is impeccable, he has a high basketball-IQ and his jumper is as smooth as a baby's bottom. Nicholson may be 6'9", but he can score from anywhere on the court.
And he'll contribute right away.
In the late second round, the Magic grabbed Kyle O'Quinn, one of my favorite sleepers in this draft.
If you're looking for a Kenneth Faried in this year's draft, O'Quinn is he and he is him. Or something like that. The Norfolk State big man has tremendous length and is a big ball of energy. He'll serve as an immediate x-factor off the bench for Orlando as a ferocious rebounder and great defender.
Many people didn't like Philly's pick of Mo Harkless at No. 15. While I understand the fact he's not a shooter and that's what Philly needs on the wing, he is a unique talent.
The St. John's product is long, athletic and a tremendous defender. He can get to the hoop and he can rebound. Besides shooting, he can literally do it all, and he even has the mechanics that will eventually translate with repetitions.
It was smart of the Sixers to grab an elite talent if they liked the player, regardless of position.
On top of that, Philly made a trade with Miami in order to acquire Arnett Moultrie, which is an absolute steal at No. 27.
While this draft will be a controversial one, I love both the players Philly got, and that's all you can ask for.
With their first pick, the Celtics took Jared Sullinger. While I'm not a huge fan of Sully, he is an absolute steal at No. 21.
Despite the red flags due to injury, that's a great pick.
Next up in the draft, the C's grabbed Fab Melo out of Syracuse. Again, I'm not the biggest Melo supporter, but he fits what the Celtics do. He's a big body who is raw on the offensive end, but he can contribute on the defensive end right away.
In the second round, Boston finished off its draft by grabbing Melo's Syracuse teammate, Kris Joseph.
None of these picks are sexy, but all big men fit with Boston well and can all contribute in some way or another very soon.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1240922-nba-draft-2012-grades-non-lottery-teams-that-deserve-an-a
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