A few hot rumours out there...the Blazers are very interested in Andre Miller and Hedo Turkoglu. Wow. Could you imagine? Miller, Roy, Turkoglu, Aldridge, Oden. With a decent bench of Blake, Outlaw, Batum, Pryzbilla, Webster....OK, they would need some more size...but that would be a scary team in the West. Can't wait to see what happens after July 1st.
Now, is it ever too early to start thinking JBL? I don't think so. I've got a couple of things on my mind these days...
1) Will the JBL be expanding in 09/10? I don't see Pearl being back. He didn't make any moves last year and not a lot of the other guys like him for that...so, we'll see. And then there are 2 possible expansion teams sitting out there - Chris Jarman and Pat Elliott. Both have JBL experience. Jarman is a 3 time winner - albeit when the league was 4-6 teams - a win is a win. Both are possibles. So, if Pearl stays in and we add both those guys we are up to 14 teams. Wow, that would be incredible. Just once, I'd love to have 15 teams in the JBL. I think it would be cool. Who could be the 15th? How about Cordo? He has JBL experience and takes his Pool participation quite seriously. So...it will be up to expansion coordinator - Commissioner Benny - to determine how many we should add. Good luck mon ami.
2) What is D-Wade's value in the JBL? Should I protect him for $69 dollars? Is he worth that? If we add another 2 teams his value definately goes up because scoring will be at an absolute premium. That being said...should I trade him for depth? There are a few teams in the JBL that could use his scoring. How about Trev and his Pancakes. He can only protect 2 players and has pretty good ones to choose from. Turkoglu, Prince, and Captain Jack. Would Wade be worth Turk and Prince? Is that a good deal for me? Is it for him? What about Wade to Tuna for Monta Ellis and Boris Diaw? What about Wade to Juan de Fuca for Durant and JR Smith? Maybe I should throw it out there?
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
After Draft
Well, first of all, I'd like to say I kinda knew what I was talking about because I correctly predicted 7 of the first 14 picks exactly and also had 13 of 14 players going in the lottery. Only Jrue Holiday slipped. Man, I need to get a life.
What did I like??
Well, the Clippers didn't screw it up. They got their guy. However, I now read that the Clips could have moved Zach Randolph to Memphis for Darko and Greg Buckner. Why wouldn't you do that? Get rid of him. Apparently the move was blocked by owner Donald Sterning. Idiot.
I keep hearing there aren't many "stars" in this draft and that not many of these kids will contribute much next season. That being said, I like the James Harden pick at #3. The Sonics, er, Thunder, are starting to look pretty good. I think Harden will be a Fantasy factor next season as he can be the offense at 2-guard while Sefolosha will be the defensive stopper.
If Rubio doesn't come to Minny, then Jonny Flynn is going to have to play. They only have Sebastian Telfair left to play PG - and we know what he's all about. So, Flynn could be a fantasy factor simply out of necessity.
And you can count me as one of the people who think Stephen Curry will be good, very good. Whether he's in Golden State or Phoenix or somewhere else...the kid can score. Let's see, he scored 28ppg in college and now he's going to go to GS where all they do is run and score. HMMM. Seems like a good fit to me. Will GS be a better team? Maybe. But we know that Curry will be a factor for Don Nelson.
I felt sorry for DeJuan Blair. He was 1st round material but slipped all the way to #37. Apparently, he's had ACL surgery on both knees about 4-5 years ago. That being said, he averaged 16 and 12 in college and never missed a game. I guess the knee issues scared them anyway. So, there are the model franchise Spurs just waiting for him in the 2nd round. They needed some muscle after trading away Thomas and Oberto and they get the best rebounder in the draft!!! He could actually start at PF if needed next season. He is someone to keep an eye on simply for the "I'll show you" attitude he is going posess.
I also like the Nets and Bobcats picks in the 1st round. Terrence Williams in New Jersey could start from day one. They traded away Vince and they are clearly rebuilding. Williams played at a bigtime school (Louisville), is apparenly a funny outgoing kid, and is a jack of all trades (13ppg, 8rpg, 5ast).
And Gerald Henderson in Charlotte will push Raja Bell for minutes. Bell isn't getting any younger and Henderson, despite being a Dukey, could actually get some burn this coming season....
That's all for now....
What did I like??
Well, the Clippers didn't screw it up. They got their guy. However, I now read that the Clips could have moved Zach Randolph to Memphis for Darko and Greg Buckner. Why wouldn't you do that? Get rid of him. Apparently the move was blocked by owner Donald Sterning. Idiot.
I keep hearing there aren't many "stars" in this draft and that not many of these kids will contribute much next season. That being said, I like the James Harden pick at #3. The Sonics, er, Thunder, are starting to look pretty good. I think Harden will be a Fantasy factor next season as he can be the offense at 2-guard while Sefolosha will be the defensive stopper.
If Rubio doesn't come to Minny, then Jonny Flynn is going to have to play. They only have Sebastian Telfair left to play PG - and we know what he's all about. So, Flynn could be a fantasy factor simply out of necessity.
And you can count me as one of the people who think Stephen Curry will be good, very good. Whether he's in Golden State or Phoenix or somewhere else...the kid can score. Let's see, he scored 28ppg in college and now he's going to go to GS where all they do is run and score. HMMM. Seems like a good fit to me. Will GS be a better team? Maybe. But we know that Curry will be a factor for Don Nelson.
I felt sorry for DeJuan Blair. He was 1st round material but slipped all the way to #37. Apparently, he's had ACL surgery on both knees about 4-5 years ago. That being said, he averaged 16 and 12 in college and never missed a game. I guess the knee issues scared them anyway. So, there are the model franchise Spurs just waiting for him in the 2nd round. They needed some muscle after trading away Thomas and Oberto and they get the best rebounder in the draft!!! He could actually start at PF if needed next season. He is someone to keep an eye on simply for the "I'll show you" attitude he is going posess.
I also like the Nets and Bobcats picks in the 1st round. Terrence Williams in New Jersey could start from day one. They traded away Vince and they are clearly rebuilding. Williams played at a bigtime school (Louisville), is apparenly a funny outgoing kid, and is a jack of all trades (13ppg, 8rpg, 5ast).
And Gerald Henderson in Charlotte will push Raja Bell for minutes. Bell isn't getting any younger and Henderson, despite being a Dukey, could actually get some burn this coming season....
That's all for now....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The Trades Continue...
Atlanta lands Jamal Crawford from the Warriors for....well, nothing. OK, it was actually Acie Law and Speedy Claxton. Apparently, Claxton is done playing and 80% of his contract is covered by insurance. And well, Acie Law, the former 1st round pick is simply a bust. Do you see Don Nelson playing this kid? Well, since I put it like that - who knows what Nellie may do. This was a player/salary dump. It was made pretty clear by the Warriors in the off-season that they had no future plans for Jamal....so they got rid of him. The Warriors really didn't need him...he didn't make them better...and they have a boatload of swingmen...so he was redundant.
For the Hawks...does he make them better? On the surface you have to say yes...he can score, handle the ball and gives them depth. If Bibby doesn't come back...Jamal can run the point if needed. Ideally, I think you want him as your 6th man. Crawford's history is one that shows he can score but he certainly doesn't breed winning. The Bulls, Knicks, and Warriors certainly didn't excel while he was around. That being said, it is difficult to find guys (who you can acquire for Law & Claxton) that can average 20ppg and even drop 50+ points in a game. I like the move for the Hawks simply because they are at least trying to get better.
I see the Blazers and Mavericks made a deal where Portland moves up from #24 to #22....they must want someone specific to give up 3 picks to move up 2 spots...
Oh, and then there was that other minor deal involving that Shaq guy. Cleveland lands the big man for spare parts (Big Ben, Sasha, 2nd rounder, and cash). Can you say salary dump?
From the Cavaliers perspective this is really just a one year gamble with little risk. Shaq is set to make 20 million this coming season - the last year of his enormous contract. So what? Is he being overpaid? Sure. But Ben Wallace was set to make 14+ million and you know what he gives you...squat. Pavlovic was set to make 5 million and he is useless...so why not make this deal. If it doesn't work out...you let Shaq walk. Not sure how the Cavs plan on using Big Z and Shaq together...and do they bring back Varejao now? I think they have to. Remember, the Cavs have to show Lebron that they want to win now...so that they can sign him next summer. This move was all about that...Lebron wanted Shaq. He got Shaq. Now go win the East.
For the Suns...it's rebuild time. Trade Amare. Trade Nash. Let Grant Hill go...and rebuild. If you think you can compete with Nash, Richardson, Barbosa, Amare, Hill, etc...you're dreaming. If you weren't rebuilding then when you traded Shaq you would have acquired some players and not just bench-fodder.
The next move is either Amare or Nash. Rumours this morning indicate that the Suns and Rockets are discussing a deal involving Amare/Barbosa for McGrady/Brooks/Landry. Does it make sense? Sure, the Suns would be clearing cap space as T-Mac only has one more season left and Yao has made it clear he won't re-sign in Houston unless McGrady is gone. Will it get done? Who knows?
Can there be any truth to the rumors that Portland wants Steve Nash? I guess I'd be buying more tickets next season so Ryan and I can go watch some Blazer games and he can see Steve Nash play.
As I mentioned to Philly Woo on the phone on Monday....the salary dump trades continue. And there will be more today. If you're an NBA owner and you have money to spend (OK, that's still a lot of teams) and you are not being affected by the world economy (OK, now we're under 10 teams) then you can really build a winning a team (or at least acquire some talented players) this summer. The whole goal is to win the championship...not to just be very good every year (cause look where that gets Utah every season). So, if you have the chance to be good this upcoming season and you think you could be very good with the addition of one player...then go for it. Why not? All the GM's are going to get canned at some point - none of them will work for life with the same team - so if you have a chance to get the ring - do it!
OK, one last Mock Draft attempt for me this morning (which will be incorrect in 2 hours because of several trades probably)
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet
3. Thunder - Ricky Rubio (who they will then trade)
4. Kings - Tyreke Evans
5. T-Wolves - Stephen Curry
6. T-Wolves - James Harden
7. Warriors - Jordan Hill
8. Knicks - Jonny Flynn
9. Raptors - DeMar DeRozan
10. Bucks - Jrue Holiday
11. Nets - Terrence Williams
12. Bobcats - Gerald Henderson
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson
14. Suns - Earl Clark
After that...come on...it's a crapshoot out there. By the way, they are calling this a deep bench draft...meaning that in 5 years there will be a lot of guys still in the NBA earning a paycheque. However, only Griffin is a max-contract type player and there are only a handful of other potential all-stars down the road. I'm excited for this draft...man, I missed my calling...I should have been a GM in the NBA. Not sure SFU offered those courses though...oh well.
For the Hawks...does he make them better? On the surface you have to say yes...he can score, handle the ball and gives them depth. If Bibby doesn't come back...Jamal can run the point if needed. Ideally, I think you want him as your 6th man. Crawford's history is one that shows he can score but he certainly doesn't breed winning. The Bulls, Knicks, and Warriors certainly didn't excel while he was around. That being said, it is difficult to find guys (who you can acquire for Law & Claxton) that can average 20ppg and even drop 50+ points in a game. I like the move for the Hawks simply because they are at least trying to get better.
I see the Blazers and Mavericks made a deal where Portland moves up from #24 to #22....they must want someone specific to give up 3 picks to move up 2 spots...
Oh, and then there was that other minor deal involving that Shaq guy. Cleveland lands the big man for spare parts (Big Ben, Sasha, 2nd rounder, and cash). Can you say salary dump?
From the Cavaliers perspective this is really just a one year gamble with little risk. Shaq is set to make 20 million this coming season - the last year of his enormous contract. So what? Is he being overpaid? Sure. But Ben Wallace was set to make 14+ million and you know what he gives you...squat. Pavlovic was set to make 5 million and he is useless...so why not make this deal. If it doesn't work out...you let Shaq walk. Not sure how the Cavs plan on using Big Z and Shaq together...and do they bring back Varejao now? I think they have to. Remember, the Cavs have to show Lebron that they want to win now...so that they can sign him next summer. This move was all about that...Lebron wanted Shaq. He got Shaq. Now go win the East.
For the Suns...it's rebuild time. Trade Amare. Trade Nash. Let Grant Hill go...and rebuild. If you think you can compete with Nash, Richardson, Barbosa, Amare, Hill, etc...you're dreaming. If you weren't rebuilding then when you traded Shaq you would have acquired some players and not just bench-fodder.
The next move is either Amare or Nash. Rumours this morning indicate that the Suns and Rockets are discussing a deal involving Amare/Barbosa for McGrady/Brooks/Landry. Does it make sense? Sure, the Suns would be clearing cap space as T-Mac only has one more season left and Yao has made it clear he won't re-sign in Houston unless McGrady is gone. Will it get done? Who knows?
Can there be any truth to the rumors that Portland wants Steve Nash? I guess I'd be buying more tickets next season so Ryan and I can go watch some Blazer games and he can see Steve Nash play.
As I mentioned to Philly Woo on the phone on Monday....the salary dump trades continue. And there will be more today. If you're an NBA owner and you have money to spend (OK, that's still a lot of teams) and you are not being affected by the world economy (OK, now we're under 10 teams) then you can really build a winning a team (or at least acquire some talented players) this summer. The whole goal is to win the championship...not to just be very good every year (cause look where that gets Utah every season). So, if you have the chance to be good this upcoming season and you think you could be very good with the addition of one player...then go for it. Why not? All the GM's are going to get canned at some point - none of them will work for life with the same team - so if you have a chance to get the ring - do it!
OK, one last Mock Draft attempt for me this morning (which will be incorrect in 2 hours because of several trades probably)
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet
3. Thunder - Ricky Rubio (who they will then trade)
4. Kings - Tyreke Evans
5. T-Wolves - Stephen Curry
6. T-Wolves - James Harden
7. Warriors - Jordan Hill
8. Knicks - Jonny Flynn
9. Raptors - DeMar DeRozan
10. Bucks - Jrue Holiday
11. Nets - Terrence Williams
12. Bobcats - Gerald Henderson
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson
14. Suns - Earl Clark
After that...come on...it's a crapshoot out there. By the way, they are calling this a deep bench draft...meaning that in 5 years there will be a lot of guys still in the NBA earning a paycheque. However, only Griffin is a max-contract type player and there are only a handful of other potential all-stars down the road. I'm excited for this draft...man, I missed my calling...I should have been a GM in the NBA. Not sure SFU offered those courses though...oh well.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Trades Begin...
San Anonio gets Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee for Bowen, Oberto, and Kurt Thomas.
This is a money saving move for the Bucks as Bowen will likely be bought out. Kurt Thomas is in the last year of his deal (he can actually still be a servicable backup as well). Oberto was quickly shipped out to Detroit for Amir Johnson. The Pistons obviously like the fact they could buy out Oberto and the Bucks want a younger, cheaper PF for his potential.
For the Bucks, does this mean they now try to re-sign Sessions and Charlie V? Should they really want to re-sign them? Do they start over completely and find a taker for Michael Redd?
As for the Spurs, they are now the big 4. Definately more firepower with RJ. However, after big Timmy - who is going to rebound the ball?? Matt Bonner? Ian Mihimi? The Spurs are going to need to address their lack of rebounding in a hurry. Rumours are already starting that they have interest in Rasheed Wallace. Interesting idea I guess. If anyone can control him it could be Pops and Timmy D. So, the Spurs are NOT done...they will have to address the rebounding.
The T-Wolves and Wizards hooked up a big deal late last night. The Wolves gave away Randy Foye and Mike Miller to get Songalia, Thomas, some russian kid and the #5 pick.
My take on it...the Wizards instantly become a playoff team in the East. They have Arenas, Foye, Nick Young and Deshawn Stevenson in the backcourt with Butler, Jamison, McGee, Blatche, Haywood, and McGuire up front. If they stay healthy, they could compete for a spot in the East for sure....
What are the T-Wolves doing???? They now have the 5, 6, 18, and 28 picks in the draft. So they are going to get young whether they like it or not. A lot of NBA chat sites applaud them for building around Jefferson, Love and Corey Brewer. Corey Brewer??? Are you kidding me? The kid didn't even play last year and apparently can't shoot. Build around Corey Brewer - come on!
Now, the rumors are that the T-Wolves really want Ricky Rubio. That being said, reports this morning indicate that the Thunder have hired a Barcelona law firm to help negotiate Rubio's buyout in Spain - if they pick him. Would you really go to all the trouble now to hire a law firm IN CASE you pick the guy. That's like hiring a divorce lawyer before you get married - just in case things didn't work out down the road. Odd.
Maybe the T-Wolves are going to package something else up to move up to the #2 slot. No matter what they do...they will have some rebuilding to do - that's for sure.
This is a money saving move for the Bucks as Bowen will likely be bought out. Kurt Thomas is in the last year of his deal (he can actually still be a servicable backup as well). Oberto was quickly shipped out to Detroit for Amir Johnson. The Pistons obviously like the fact they could buy out Oberto and the Bucks want a younger, cheaper PF for his potential.
For the Bucks, does this mean they now try to re-sign Sessions and Charlie V? Should they really want to re-sign them? Do they start over completely and find a taker for Michael Redd?
As for the Spurs, they are now the big 4. Definately more firepower with RJ. However, after big Timmy - who is going to rebound the ball?? Matt Bonner? Ian Mihimi? The Spurs are going to need to address their lack of rebounding in a hurry. Rumours are already starting that they have interest in Rasheed Wallace. Interesting idea I guess. If anyone can control him it could be Pops and Timmy D. So, the Spurs are NOT done...they will have to address the rebounding.
The T-Wolves and Wizards hooked up a big deal late last night. The Wolves gave away Randy Foye and Mike Miller to get Songalia, Thomas, some russian kid and the #5 pick.
My take on it...the Wizards instantly become a playoff team in the East. They have Arenas, Foye, Nick Young and Deshawn Stevenson in the backcourt with Butler, Jamison, McGee, Blatche, Haywood, and McGuire up front. If they stay healthy, they could compete for a spot in the East for sure....
What are the T-Wolves doing???? They now have the 5, 6, 18, and 28 picks in the draft. So they are going to get young whether they like it or not. A lot of NBA chat sites applaud them for building around Jefferson, Love and Corey Brewer. Corey Brewer??? Are you kidding me? The kid didn't even play last year and apparently can't shoot. Build around Corey Brewer - come on!
Now, the rumors are that the T-Wolves really want Ricky Rubio. That being said, reports this morning indicate that the Thunder have hired a Barcelona law firm to help negotiate Rubio's buyout in Spain - if they pick him. Would you really go to all the trouble now to hire a law firm IN CASE you pick the guy. That's like hiring a divorce lawyer before you get married - just in case things didn't work out down the road. Odd.
Maybe the T-Wolves are going to package something else up to move up to the #2 slot. No matter what they do...they will have some rebuilding to do - that's for sure.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mock Draft continued...
16. Bulls - Earl Clark. At 6'10 he's capable of handling the ball. Bulls need more size (according to reports)? He was rated in the top-10 a couple weeks ago - so something is making him slide this far down the draft.
17. 76ers - Jrue Holiday. The thought is PG here in case Andre Miller leaves via free agency. Holiday can be found all over draft boards and this is likely low for him. UCLA point guards appear to stick in the league anyways (Baron, Farmar, Westbrook, etc)
18. Timberwolves - Terrence Williams. A talented player but has a little history of trouble. Lots of teams like his talent though. I can see him going around 10 or falling into the 20's. The T-Wolves got Curry with their earlier pick in my draft and now shoot for the stars as they need some athleticism on the wings (Mike Miller isn't the most athletic 2/3 in the world)
19. Hawks - Chase Budinger. A downtown specialist who can jump out of the gym. Having another reliable marksman from 3pt range is always helpful.
20. Tyler Hansbrough. Is he not a Jerry Sloan type player? He's big, got size, he can shoot, he hustles and the biggest factor of all....he's white. Perfect fit in Utah.
21. Hornets. Wayne Ellington. No offense to Rasual Butler or Morris Peterson but this 6'5 shooting guard from North Carolina may want your job from opening day.
22. Mavericks. Eric Maynor. A 6'3 PG who can spell Jason Kidd or takeover if Kidd leaves. This allows the Mavs to not have to play Terry at the point. This Maynor kid can really score too.
23. Kings. Austin Daye. A possible Tayshaun Prince type player. The concern is that at 6'11 he couldn't bench press 185 pounds one time. Not once!!!
24. Blazers - Omar Casspri. Unknown (to me) prospect from Israel. Apparently in workouts he's beatin' guys up. Literally, others have broken noses and black eyes. A tough guy is exactly what the Blazers need for their bench (cause Channing Frye wasn's scaring anyone)
25. Thunder - DaJuan Summers. A big forward from Georgetown who played with Jeff Green. That Hoya worked out OK.
26. Bulls - Marcus Thornton. 6'4 SG who could replace Gordon if he leaves.
27. Grizzlies - Derrick Brown.
28. Timberwolves - Sam Young
29. Lakers - Jeff Teague - I forgot about him so he'll go much higher in the draft.
30. Cavaliers - Taj Gibson.
17. 76ers - Jrue Holiday. The thought is PG here in case Andre Miller leaves via free agency. Holiday can be found all over draft boards and this is likely low for him. UCLA point guards appear to stick in the league anyways (Baron, Farmar, Westbrook, etc)
18. Timberwolves - Terrence Williams. A talented player but has a little history of trouble. Lots of teams like his talent though. I can see him going around 10 or falling into the 20's. The T-Wolves got Curry with their earlier pick in my draft and now shoot for the stars as they need some athleticism on the wings (Mike Miller isn't the most athletic 2/3 in the world)
19. Hawks - Chase Budinger. A downtown specialist who can jump out of the gym. Having another reliable marksman from 3pt range is always helpful.
20. Tyler Hansbrough. Is he not a Jerry Sloan type player? He's big, got size, he can shoot, he hustles and the biggest factor of all....he's white. Perfect fit in Utah.
21. Hornets. Wayne Ellington. No offense to Rasual Butler or Morris Peterson but this 6'5 shooting guard from North Carolina may want your job from opening day.
22. Mavericks. Eric Maynor. A 6'3 PG who can spell Jason Kidd or takeover if Kidd leaves. This allows the Mavs to not have to play Terry at the point. This Maynor kid can really score too.
23. Kings. Austin Daye. A possible Tayshaun Prince type player. The concern is that at 6'11 he couldn't bench press 185 pounds one time. Not once!!!
24. Blazers - Omar Casspri. Unknown (to me) prospect from Israel. Apparently in workouts he's beatin' guys up. Literally, others have broken noses and black eyes. A tough guy is exactly what the Blazers need for their bench (cause Channing Frye wasn's scaring anyone)
25. Thunder - DaJuan Summers. A big forward from Georgetown who played with Jeff Green. That Hoya worked out OK.
26. Bulls - Marcus Thornton. 6'4 SG who could replace Gordon if he leaves.
27. Grizzlies - Derrick Brown.
28. Timberwolves - Sam Young
29. Lakers - Jeff Teague - I forgot about him so he'll go much higher in the draft.
30. Cavaliers - Taj Gibson.
My Mock Draft
Well, this will be very difficult to do considering I haven't seen the guys workout or play (m)any games in college. I've never met them. I don't know what the teams could be planning on doing with their restricted Free Agents. I don't know what kind of trades will occur. Anyways, I'm going to take a shot at it anyways - just for fun. Besides, it's Father's Day and I am having a nice morning.
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin. Even the Clips don't screw this one up. Now, who will they trade in the summer? Camby, Kaman, or Z-Bo? Kaman and Camby must be in the most demand.
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet. They will be scared off by Rubio's buyout and they believe that Conley can run the point. What a lot of team don't have and cannot find in this draft is a shot-blocking big man. So they take him. That being said, I think he will be a poor man's Samuel Dalembert - which doesn't say much does it.
3. Thunder - James Harden. A tough, hard-nosed, left handed shooting guard. You don't pass those up. The Thunder start him right away with Westbrook, Durant, Green, and Krstic.
4. Kings - Ricky Rubio. Apparently, he's too good to pass up. We'll see I guess. Just because you played well in the Olympics against the US doesn't mean you're a guaranteed star (look at Patty Mills for Australia). Maybe the Kings pick him and then trade him.
5. Wizards - Jordan Hill. Apparently a solid PF prospect. And he can step in if they trade Jamison.
6. TimberWolves - Stephen Curry. His stock is rising. His Dad was a great shooter for years in the NBA. It's in the kid's blood. OK, he's a little small - but he will be good. Curry and Mike Miller should nail a lot of 3's with Love and AJ on the blocks.
7. Warriors - Tyreke Evans. A big guard who can handle the ball. They need someone with size to play in the backcourt with little Monta. What probably happens though is that the Warriors select a 6'6 swingman (to go with the other 8 on their roster)
8. Knicks - Jonny Flynn. They take the kid from Syracuse. Apparently he can fly around the court. Wouldn't D'Antoni want a PG who can run and pass? Seeems like a good fit.
9. Raptors - Demar Derozan. Talented and raw SG who can learn from Parker. They could also go with Gerald Henderson from Duke.
10. Bucks - Brandon Jennings. High schooler who spent a year in Italy. A lefty PG with good size. He could go anywhere in this draft. Does he start right away?
11. Nets - Dejuan Blair - undersized big man with bad knees? Why not. The Nets need rebounding and toughness because Yi Jianlin absolutely sucks.
12. Bobcats - Gerald Henderson. A Duke product who can learn from Raja Bell. Can any rookie taken here impress Larry Brown enough to get minutes though?
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson. A proven winner who can spell TJ Ford in the backcourt.
14. Suns - James Johnson. 6'8 and 260. They need another forward who can play.
15. Pistons - BJ Mullens. I'm putting him here based on articles I've read. I think he'll be a bust though as his college numbers were pretty weak. Some teams see 7'0 and drool though. I don't see him being a factor at all next year.
I'll complete the back half of the draft later....
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin. Even the Clips don't screw this one up. Now, who will they trade in the summer? Camby, Kaman, or Z-Bo? Kaman and Camby must be in the most demand.
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet. They will be scared off by Rubio's buyout and they believe that Conley can run the point. What a lot of team don't have and cannot find in this draft is a shot-blocking big man. So they take him. That being said, I think he will be a poor man's Samuel Dalembert - which doesn't say much does it.
3. Thunder - James Harden. A tough, hard-nosed, left handed shooting guard. You don't pass those up. The Thunder start him right away with Westbrook, Durant, Green, and Krstic.
4. Kings - Ricky Rubio. Apparently, he's too good to pass up. We'll see I guess. Just because you played well in the Olympics against the US doesn't mean you're a guaranteed star (look at Patty Mills for Australia). Maybe the Kings pick him and then trade him.
5. Wizards - Jordan Hill. Apparently a solid PF prospect. And he can step in if they trade Jamison.
6. TimberWolves - Stephen Curry. His stock is rising. His Dad was a great shooter for years in the NBA. It's in the kid's blood. OK, he's a little small - but he will be good. Curry and Mike Miller should nail a lot of 3's with Love and AJ on the blocks.
7. Warriors - Tyreke Evans. A big guard who can handle the ball. They need someone with size to play in the backcourt with little Monta. What probably happens though is that the Warriors select a 6'6 swingman (to go with the other 8 on their roster)
8. Knicks - Jonny Flynn. They take the kid from Syracuse. Apparently he can fly around the court. Wouldn't D'Antoni want a PG who can run and pass? Seeems like a good fit.
9. Raptors - Demar Derozan. Talented and raw SG who can learn from Parker. They could also go with Gerald Henderson from Duke.
10. Bucks - Brandon Jennings. High schooler who spent a year in Italy. A lefty PG with good size. He could go anywhere in this draft. Does he start right away?
11. Nets - Dejuan Blair - undersized big man with bad knees? Why not. The Nets need rebounding and toughness because Yi Jianlin absolutely sucks.
12. Bobcats - Gerald Henderson. A Duke product who can learn from Raja Bell. Can any rookie taken here impress Larry Brown enough to get minutes though?
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson. A proven winner who can spell TJ Ford in the backcourt.
14. Suns - James Johnson. 6'8 and 260. They need another forward who can play.
15. Pistons - BJ Mullens. I'm putting him here based on articles I've read. I think he'll be a bust though as his college numbers were pretty weak. Some teams see 7'0 and drool though. I don't see him being a factor at all next year.
I'll complete the back half of the draft later....
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