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What Are Draft Tiers? 

 Starters project to be important impact players at the next level, but will probably never make an Allstar game. ‘Starter’ can include anyone who plays starter minutes, even if they come off of the bench.

Starter Tier One
Examples: Brandon Rush, Kirk Heinrich, Kenneth Faried

Starter Tier One players normally have NBA ready talents with few significant weaknesses. Rebounding, passing, defense, and shooting are all examples of NBA ready talents that teams are looking for. These players can step in right away and help a team in significant ways.

Brandon Rush brought NBA athleticism, defense, and shooting to the Pacers right away. Kirk Heinrich was a good shooter, passer, and defender who could start as point guard right away, even though he probably wouldn’t develop much further. Kenneth Faried was a great rebounder and energy player in college who could bring those skills to the NBA right away.

Starter Tier Two
Examples: Robin Lopez, Taj Gibson, Marcus Morris

Starter Tier Two players have potential to be a starter or significant player on a good team, but have a weakness which holds them back. These players might have NBA ready abilities or athleticism, but they also have a significant weakness which might hold them back from reaching their potential.

Robin Lopez lacked good athleticism and an efficient offensive game when he came into the league, but he has developed into one of the most efficient Centers in the league. Taj Gibson was not a good outside shooter and was a little small for NBA bigs, but found a niche as a solid defender and energy player in Chicago. Marcus Morris had NBA athleticism and decent shooting, but was a tweener forward, he is still struggling to find his play style.

Starter Tier Three
Examples: Aaron Afflalo, Glen Davis

Starter Tier Three players have potential to be an NBA starter, but will need development. They have multiple weaknesses which need development before they are ready to consistently impact a game.

Afflalo sat on the bench and developed for several years in Detroit before he got his opportunity to play in Denver. He has been one of the most solid and consistent non-star guards in the NBA. Davis was undersized for a power forward, but has become a consistent fiery competitor, pick-and-pop shooter, and defender.