OK, so the 2010 NBA Draft was the other night and that is sort of the official "better get ready for the JBL season" signal. I spent draft night at Timmy P's with Tuna and Hildy. We did a little mock draft and Hildy predicted the best out of the 4 of us. Anyways, it's time to figure out who the best NBA prospects are for the JBL season...
Here we go...
#1 - Wizards - John Wall. Everything you read and hear about this kid is that he is unreal. He's a Derrick Rose/Deron Williams type player. To me, that means he will be good. My concern is that he could be on a Wizards team that also features Gilbert Arenas. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't know Gilbert at all. Never met the man. But the thing is, he thought it would be funny to point a gun at his buddy as a joke. Does that sound like a "normal" human being? No. I don't think so. Wall has all the potential to lead a rebuilding Wizards team next season. Wall and Blatche could be the building blocks for years to come. He should be the highest paid Rookie in the JBL draft in 10/11.
#2 - 76ers -Evan Turner. Everything I've read is that he is the most NBA ready rookie. He is being compared to Brandon Roy. He is probably going to start for Philly at SG from day one. All good signs for him to be a Fantasy factor next season. So, Turner and Iggy are very similar players, so what. The 76ers should be a very fast paced team with Jrue, Evan, Iggy, and Thad running the show. Evan has great potential to be a fantasy factor next year.
#3 - Nets - Derrick Favors. His fantasy potential depends on what NJ does in Free Agency. Do they sign a Boozer/Lee/Bosh?? If they don't, then Favors has a chance to start right away - although I would think they would like to build his confidence a little before they throw him into the fire. The kid is only 18 years old (19 in July). He has loads of potential and should be drafted during the JBL draft.
#4 - T-Wolves - Wesley Johnson. The Wolves took a SF out of Syracuse who can shoot the 3 ball. They have been lacking a SF (Gomes was OK) and Johnson could start from day one. But what else can he do?? Is he really going to be a fantasy factor next season? I guess a lot depends on what they do with Al Jefferson. Loads of rumors that MINN is trying to trade him. You would think they will get the job done at some point. I'm not big on Wesley Johnson, but he could be a nice 5th forward that can help in 3PT%.
#5 - Kings - DeMarcus Cousins. Mr. Head Case is apparently one of the best prospects based on physical talent alone. He's 6'11 and weighs almost 300 pounds. He averaged 15 and 10 at Kentucky last season and he only played 25 minutes a game!! Here's the issue - the kid knows he's good and doesn't appear to be too motivated. Can he keep his weight down? Can he be controlled? As Bill Simmons mentioned in one of his latest articles - here is a bad attitude kid that doesn't do drugs or alcohol nor has he had a troubled youth. So, as Bill says, he's a 'natural' head case. Oh oh. Cousins should be in Sactown this season but he will contend for minutes with Sammy D, Jason Thompson, and Carl Landry. He'll be drafted, but I think he's more of a long term investment.
#6 - Warriors - Epke Udoh. Never heard of him. Apparently he's a defensive monster. Well, that could be good because the Warriors currently don't play any defense. Here's the dilemna with this kid - Don Nelson is still the coach in GS. He either loves rookies (Curry) or hates them (Randolph). So, where will Nelson land on Udoh?? I think he's worth picking for sure...but he could also be an early season cut if he doesn't get any playing time.
#7 - Pistons - Greg Monroe. Good pick for Detroit because their current stable of big men is sorely lacking. Ben Wallace, Jason Maxiell, Charlie V, and Jonas Jerebko don't scare many opponents. Monroe should play right away and could be a nice depth big man for a fantasy team. Heck, he may even be a starter at some point this season.
#8 - Clippers - Al Farouq Aminu. Apparently he's quite an athletic dude. He's more defensive minded and likely would be the 5th option in LAC. Maybe he could get some steals and blocks but I don't see him contributing much right away.
#9 - Jazz - Gordon Hayward. Go figure, the Jazz picked a white guy!! Will he start from day one?? Everyone raves about his shooting yet I see he only shot 29% from downtown last season. He did shoot 44% the year before. Where would he fit into the Jazz offense?? If Boozer leaves could Hayward be a 3rd or 4th option?? I am already figuring that Crikker will be all over this kid during the draft.
#10 - Pacers - Paul George. George is a 6'9 small forward. I guess someone should have told Larry Bird that they already have a pretty good SF named Danny Granger on their team. I don't get this pick at all. How does George find any minutes - unless the Pacers are moving Granger to NJ for Devin Harris (rumor)...Unless there are some personnel changes in IND I don't see how George is a fantasy factor at all.
#11 - Thunder - Cole Aldrich. A defensive big man that the Thunder have been craving. He could start from day one. He can rebound and block shots. That's all the Thunder need him to do. He should be drafted in the JBL and could be a gem in the rough. Ultimately, it will be big to see who gets the starting nod in OKC. Will it be Krstic, Aldrich, or super-sleeper Serge Ibaka??
I haven't done enough research on the other 1st round picks to be able to comment on them...
Summer League starts this week and July 1st is just 4 days away....
Excitement is just around the corner!!
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