R&FSM 1st Annual NBA Lottery Grades

We think it is important here to hold NBA teams accountable for their failures and praise them for their successes. When it comes to the draft lottery, nothing changes.

Lottery Grades:

Memphis Grizzlies - Their performance was below sub-par. They had a terrible season and a very strong chance to finish in the top 2, but instead let their fan down. Jerry West got out at the right time.
Grade: F

Boston Celtics - Commissioner Stern doesn't need extra 'rules' to punish tanking teams. He takes care of his business underground in a ruthless manner that sends the message to GM's across the league that you do not F*** with the Stern. Even with all of the vibes that Bill Simmons was trying to bring to the team, Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers let the whole Boston fan base down.
Grade: F

Milwaukee Bucks - Larry Harris had to know going into the lottery that he had no chance - small market team that unexpectedly won the lottery recently and was widely accused of tanking. The biggest surprise was how Harris didn't show the leadership ability to keep the Bucks around that 3rd pick. Senator Kohl will be looking over his shoulder now.
Grade: D-

Atlanta Hawks - While they did not secure the top spot, Billy Knight and Co. did well to retain their higher pick. I can only imagine that one of the tantalizing prospects at the 3/4 will be on their mind.
Grade: B+

Phoenix Suns - Have had a total disaster of a week. While they were focused on the playoffs, Atlanta snuck by them and and captured back their top pick. The Suns go from getting an elite pick in this draft to getting nothing. Could trade Marion/Amare this off season to make up for the managerial failure of losing their top pick.
Grade: F

Seattle SuperSonics - Showed managerial prowess to lead ahead into the 2nd pick. It is not surprising that they were unable to secure the top spot because of all of the energies they expended getting up to the 2nd pick.
Grade: A-

Portland Trailblazers - Clearly made a successful pact with the devil by trading a rack of basketballs for Brandon Roy, landing LaMarcus Aldridge and now out working all of the other GM's in the league to man the top spot in the lottery.
Grade: A

Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin McHale showed the level of acumen that we are all familiar with - the ability to do just enough to keep his job, Kevin Garnett around.
Grade: C-

Charlotte Bobcats - Burdened with less resources because of the cheap way that Bob Johnson runs his franchise, Bernie Bickerstaff etc. were not able to get out and do the work necessary to take over the top spot in the lottery leaving Charlotte in limbo. Likely, Stern told Jordan to be patient and that he would give Jordan a top pick soon.
Grade: C

Chicago Bulls - Bulls management showed long ago that they are much better at what they do than Isiah Thomas.
Grade: B+

New York Knicks - Their grade seems like it should be worse, but since they did not win the lottery and trade Greg Oden for Eddie Curry, their grade improves slightly. Instead of trading for veterans and including ridiculous pick-swapping clauses in deals, Isiah should trade for late 1st and early 2nd round picks - where he excels.
Grade: C-