1. New Orleans - Anthony Davis - no brainer pick. They say a once every 15-20 years type of player. Rebounds and blocks galore. Whoever wins the JBL lottery will have this kid for $15 bucks next season. And then $20 bucks. And then $25 bucks. This guy is a cornerstone player of a JBL franchise for years to come.
2. Charlotte - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - they say he can be like Scottie Pipper ultimately. Except he can't shoot apparently. They say no one works harder and plays better defense than this kid. It will be interesting to see if he can hold onto the #2 pick when the JBL draft rolls around. I don't think he will.
3. Washington - Bradley Beal - Perfect pick for Wizards. They needed a starting SG. He only has to beat out Jordan Crawford - the guy who shot 40/29 last season. They compare him to Ray Allen or Eric Gordon. Not sure I see that just yet as he only shot 34% from downtown last season in college. But he has fantasy appeal because he'll be playing on what should be an improved Wizards teams.
4. Cleveland - Dion Waiters - 1st shocker of the night. This kid didn't even start for his college team. But here is now about to be the starting SG for the Cavs (Parker is retired). He's another rookie who will certainly have high JBL appeal.
5. Sacramento - Thomas Robinson - perfect spot for him to land in my opinion. He can play alongside Cousins just fine. He was a beast in college and should be an interesting prospect in terms of fantasy and should be able to beat out Jason Thompson eventually.
6. Portland - Damian Lillard - my Blazers got it right. Love this pick for them. I don't care that he played at Weber St. I believe he can play. And best of all - I think he starts on opening night. The rebuilding Blazers will struggle next season but I really like this kid's potential.
7. Golden State - Harrison Barnes - Thank yer lucky stars there Warriors. He should have been gone by now and they really wanted a Small Forward. He could start from day one and should be a highly sought after JBL rookie.
8. Toronto - Terrence Ross - huh? Too soon Raptors. This guy reminds me of DeMar DeRozan. Oh wait, now they'll be playing together. Don't get me wrong - I really like Ross - but not as much in a Raptors uniform.
9. Detroit - Andre Drummond - Good value pick for the Pistons. Big man will play beside Monroe and will be boom or bust. DeAndre Jordan or Hasheem Thabeet?? Rebounds and blocks. Will he get drafted in the JBL Lottery?
10. New Orleans - Austin Rivers - son of NBA coach Doc Rivers. He has the pedigree and the swagger. I like the kid. I think he'll be the 6th man in NOLA and should be able to contribute right away. Another JBL Lottery pick for sure.
11. Portland - Meyers Leonard - again, my Blazers got it right. Check out my previous blog posts where I thought they may go Lillard/Leonard. I think PDX needs a big white center. PDX fans love Pryzbilla so they should love this young athletic kid from Illinois. He might not start right away but might be worth a flier. Not sure he'll go in the top 13 picks of the JBL lottery.
12. Houston - Jeremy Lamb - does this signal the end of the Kevin Martin era?? Houston is now a deep roster. Need to see how the roster shakes out before we'll know if this kid is JBL worthy.
13. Phoenix - Kendall Marshall - love this pick for the Suns and from the fantasy prospective. If Nash leaves this kid could be a starter. He was the best passer in college and keeps Gortat fantasy-relevant if Steve leaves - and that keeps Golden happy.
14. Milwaukee - John Henson - too be honest - not a big fan of this pick. He fits the mold of others (Larry Sanders) that end up in Milwaukee. He can block shots but will he contribute ahead of Gooden and Dalembert?
15. Philadelphia - Maurice Harkless - the experts like this pick but his fantasy prospects rely on what happens to Iggy/Brand in Philly. Not sure he can crack the JBL top 13 for the Lottery.
16. Houston - Royce White - compared to Anthony Mason. I really like him as a player but I'm worried how he gets on the floor in Houston. He reminds me of a slimmer Boris Diaw too (when he was good).
17. Dallas - Tyler Zeller (traded to Cleveland) - Another big man for the Cavs frontline. He could have some value because of how often Varejao gets hurt. Not sure he ever becomes fantasy relevant though without an injury to another one of Cleveland's bigs.
18. Houston - Terrence Jones - said it before, say it again, Houston has a crowded roster so I'm not sure how he fits in yet. Not sure he'll be fantasy relevant.
19. Orlando - Andrew Nicholson - good Canadian kid. Like his game. Could play some bench minutes for the Magic behind Ryan Anderson or he could play some minutes at SF if Turkoglu continues to decline.
20. Denver - Evan Fournier - he has the feel of a Thabo Sefolosha. I don't see him being a fantasy factor next year.
21. Boston - Jared Sullinger - a once expected top 5 picks, back troubles have him slide to #21. He could be a steal this late in the draft for the Celts. And with Garnett, Bass, Allen, Green and others in Beantown all Free Agents - he could play some minutes next season.
22. Boston - Fab Melo - a developing center who should carve out some minutes in Boston next season. Has the potential to be a Kendrick Perkins type but not sure he's fantasy ready just yet.
23. Atlanta - John Jenkins - if he was a couple inches taller he could maybe start at SF. But he's a SG so he's a bench player in ATL. Wicked 3PT% shooter though so he could see some spot time on a JBL roster next season.
24. Cleveland - Jared Cunningham (traded to Dallas) - don't know much about him. Depending on what Dallas does with Vince and Roddy Buckets this kid could be fantasy relevant next season. Watch the summer league and see what he can do. He was projected for early 2nd round so Dallas must see something they like.
25. Memphis - Tony Wroten - love this pick. Uber-athlete. Word is he can't shoot. Remember another guard who couldn't shoot that slipped into the 20's? Rondo. He's a tall PG/SG who could get minutes for Tony Allen. Hi stock really goes up if Mayo leaves town.
26. Indiana - Miles Plumlee - couldn't hate a pick more. Idiots. A 4 year player at Duke. He had a career year last year and averaged 6ppg. Wow. Shocker. 6 frikkin' points per game. Sure, he'll be a solid back up for Hibbert - but shouldn't you be shooting a little higher than a 6ppg guy??? Honestly. Horrible.
27. Miami - Arnett Moultrie (traded to Philly) - another big man for Philly. Could be a fantasy factor if the 76ers move Brand and Hawes.
28. OKC - Perry Jones III - predicted as a top 10 pick he slides to the runners-up because of some knee issues. He'll be a rotation forward behind KD and Ibaka. Might be able to play some 5 when they go small. Can't see him being a Fantasy factor yet.
29. Chicago - Marquis Teague - love this pick. He's the younger, better, brother than Jeff. The Bulls will be without Rose for half of next season and only have CJ Watson on their roster at PG. He could be a fantasy factor right away. Love this pick.
30. Golden State - Festus Ezeli - If Bogut goes does - this kid could be a factor. So, with Bogut's history - keep him on your radar.
So, that's the 1st round with some JBL Fantasy analysis thrown in. Will our JBL Lottery have the same 13 players selected?? I don't think so...
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
She's a 4 Dressed up as an 8....
As my JBL 2012/13 preparation continues I've come to the realization that I've really over-estimated the quality of the 4 keepers I plan on bringing back for next season. You know when you see those girls in the night clubs that look really hot?? Then, at the end of the night, they turn on the 'regular' lights and the girl is a dog. They looked much better than they really are...that's what I could be dealing with my squad. Let me explain....
My plan is to bring Gortat, Ilyasova, Pekovic and Thomas all back for another run in Golden. I was thinking these 4 guys are great keepers and all would go for more in the JBL Auction. While I still believe that to be true (they would go for more than their keeper price at Auction) - I'm not as certain that these 4 guys will 'star' producers like they were in 2011/12.
Let's start with Marcin Gortat. He averaged 15ppg and 10reb with 1.5 blocks and shot 55%. But what if Nash leaves?? Can Gortat put up those numbers without Nash? I'm not so sure. He must have got a lot of easy buckets due to magical passes from Capt. Canada. So, while I still like Gortat and what he brings to the table for $20 bucks...I'm not sure he's going to improve on those numbers.
And Ersan Ilyasova had a breakout season in Milwaukee. On the year he averaged 13ppg and 9reb while shooting 49/45. And in the 2nd half of the season he averaged 16 and 9 while shooting 55/51. Crazy numbers. He's coming back to Golden for just $6 bucks. The trouble is that I don't know where he'll be playing in 2012. He's an unrestricted Free Agent and could land anywhere. What if he doesn't fit in with his new team? What if he's the 4th or 5th option? Can he perform at the same level on a new team? Before last season he really hadn't been a fantasy factor - so is he a breakout player or a one hit wonder?
Then I have Nikola Pekovic. The big man became the starting Center in Minny last season and had a good year before succumbing to ankle injuries. In the 2nd half of last season he put up 15ppg and 7reb while shooting 53%. Again, one hit wonder or breakout player? What other pieces will Minny add this off season and how will they affect the big man? Will he still be the main man down low? Will he be the #2, #3, or #4 option on offense? Will he be recovered from off season ankle surgery? Many, many questions about the Monster.
And finally there is little Isaiah Thomas. The man who essentially won the championship for Golden in the final NBA game of last season will be back. But what will his role be in Sac-town? Will the Kings bring in another PG? His 2nd half stats show 14ppg and 5ast with 47/40 as percentages. Again, he was a rookie last year and there is no history behind the kind of season he managed. Will he be a one hit wonder? Will he be able to do it again? Will the Kings be able build around such a small PG? It would be nice if the Kings would draft Andre Drummond with the 5th pick and start a lineup of Thomas, Thornton, Evans, Cousins, and Drummond. I think that lineup would allow Thomas to play more because he would have the defensive monster in Drummond behind him protecting the rim. We'll see what happens...
So, there you have it. I like my 4 proposed keepers but I'm not 100% confident they'll all be able to build on the seasons they had last year. I do have a couple of other keeper options still on the roster (Dudley) if something happens during the summer.
I actually think there are some teams with better keeper options than Golden. I like the Idaho squad of 3 players. Bynum, Rubio, and Harden. That's a wicked trio. Best keeper group in my mind. I know he has DeAndre Jordan as well as an option, but come on, let's be serious, how can Jordan get into the top 3?
I really like French's keepers as well. Lawson, Teague, Ryan Anderson and Drew Gooden. French can keep those 4 guys for just $39 bucks. Wowzers. I've put Gooden into his top 4 because of the pending Free Agency of Ilyasova. The Bucks are gonna need big men and Gooden is one of the best they have left. He averaged 15 and 7 in the 2nd half of last year. He's a veteran big man and would only be $6 bucks.
And I'm still a huge fan of Arctic's group as well. Ibaka, Faried, and Sessions. Those 3 players could be protected for just $31 bucks. Ibaka is the best shot-blocker in the NBA by far and actually averaged over 4 blocks per game in the 2nd half of last season. The Manimal should have a stranglehold on the Nuggets PF positions for the next 10 years. He averaged 12 and 8, shot 60%, and had a block and steal per game in the 2nd half of last season. Oh, and he did all of that in just 25 minutes a game. The guy should be a monster. And Sessions, despite his playoff performance, actually played very well for the Lakers down the stretch. Will he back in LA? Only time will tell...
Only 5 more sleeps until the 2012 NBA Draft....I'm excited.
My plan is to bring Gortat, Ilyasova, Pekovic and Thomas all back for another run in Golden. I was thinking these 4 guys are great keepers and all would go for more in the JBL Auction. While I still believe that to be true (they would go for more than their keeper price at Auction) - I'm not as certain that these 4 guys will 'star' producers like they were in 2011/12.
Let's start with Marcin Gortat. He averaged 15ppg and 10reb with 1.5 blocks and shot 55%. But what if Nash leaves?? Can Gortat put up those numbers without Nash? I'm not so sure. He must have got a lot of easy buckets due to magical passes from Capt. Canada. So, while I still like Gortat and what he brings to the table for $20 bucks...I'm not sure he's going to improve on those numbers.
And Ersan Ilyasova had a breakout season in Milwaukee. On the year he averaged 13ppg and 9reb while shooting 49/45. And in the 2nd half of the season he averaged 16 and 9 while shooting 55/51. Crazy numbers. He's coming back to Golden for just $6 bucks. The trouble is that I don't know where he'll be playing in 2012. He's an unrestricted Free Agent and could land anywhere. What if he doesn't fit in with his new team? What if he's the 4th or 5th option? Can he perform at the same level on a new team? Before last season he really hadn't been a fantasy factor - so is he a breakout player or a one hit wonder?
Then I have Nikola Pekovic. The big man became the starting Center in Minny last season and had a good year before succumbing to ankle injuries. In the 2nd half of last season he put up 15ppg and 7reb while shooting 53%. Again, one hit wonder or breakout player? What other pieces will Minny add this off season and how will they affect the big man? Will he still be the main man down low? Will he be the #2, #3, or #4 option on offense? Will he be recovered from off season ankle surgery? Many, many questions about the Monster.
And finally there is little Isaiah Thomas. The man who essentially won the championship for Golden in the final NBA game of last season will be back. But what will his role be in Sac-town? Will the Kings bring in another PG? His 2nd half stats show 14ppg and 5ast with 47/40 as percentages. Again, he was a rookie last year and there is no history behind the kind of season he managed. Will he be a one hit wonder? Will he be able to do it again? Will the Kings be able build around such a small PG? It would be nice if the Kings would draft Andre Drummond with the 5th pick and start a lineup of Thomas, Thornton, Evans, Cousins, and Drummond. I think that lineup would allow Thomas to play more because he would have the defensive monster in Drummond behind him protecting the rim. We'll see what happens...
So, there you have it. I like my 4 proposed keepers but I'm not 100% confident they'll all be able to build on the seasons they had last year. I do have a couple of other keeper options still on the roster (Dudley) if something happens during the summer.
I actually think there are some teams with better keeper options than Golden. I like the Idaho squad of 3 players. Bynum, Rubio, and Harden. That's a wicked trio. Best keeper group in my mind. I know he has DeAndre Jordan as well as an option, but come on, let's be serious, how can Jordan get into the top 3?
I really like French's keepers as well. Lawson, Teague, Ryan Anderson and Drew Gooden. French can keep those 4 guys for just $39 bucks. Wowzers. I've put Gooden into his top 4 because of the pending Free Agency of Ilyasova. The Bucks are gonna need big men and Gooden is one of the best they have left. He averaged 15 and 7 in the 2nd half of last year. He's a veteran big man and would only be $6 bucks.
And I'm still a huge fan of Arctic's group as well. Ibaka, Faried, and Sessions. Those 3 players could be protected for just $31 bucks. Ibaka is the best shot-blocker in the NBA by far and actually averaged over 4 blocks per game in the 2nd half of last season. The Manimal should have a stranglehold on the Nuggets PF positions for the next 10 years. He averaged 12 and 8, shot 60%, and had a block and steal per game in the 2nd half of last season. Oh, and he did all of that in just 25 minutes a game. The guy should be a monster. And Sessions, despite his playoff performance, actually played very well for the Lakers down the stretch. Will he back in LA? Only time will tell...
Only 5 more sleeps until the 2012 NBA Draft....I'm excited.
Friday, June 22, 2012
NBA Mock Draft 1.0
OK, I'm taking a crack at the 2012 NBA draft....
The key to this draft is where Andre Drummond goes. He's the wild card. He's the prospect that will make a GM's career or get him fired. Biggest risk-reward player in a long time. He could go #2 or he could slip to maybe #6. So, without further ado, here are my lottery picks...
#1 - New Orleans - Anthony Davis. Simple. Best player by far.
#2 - Charlotte - I have a feeling the Cats could go with Harrison Barnes (North Carolina guy) because MJ loves his NC guys. They should probably go with Thomas Robinson because I think it's tough to find athletic bigs like this kid. He reminds me of Aldridge a bit. And Bradley Beal should be considered here too for his offense. Of course, they could also grab Drummond. I think this pick turns out to be Thomas Robinson.
#3 - Washington - They should take Bradley Beal. With the recent acquisitions of Okafor and Ariza they need a 2 guard to come in and play right away. The Eric Gordon-like scorer Beal would be a perfect fit beside Wall. I don't see why they would take Drummond with all the big men they have now.
#4 - Cleveland - I think they want an athletic wing to play with Kyrie. That would mean Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. They say MKG is a younger Gerald Wallace. OK. That sounds decent. Of course, they could also go big and grab Drummond. In the end I think they take Kyrie's buddy Harrison Barnes.
#5 - Sacramento - I think they take the left overs of the wing players and grab MKG here. Of course, they could get Cousins a big man partner and grab Drummond. However, with all the struggles they had last season at Small Forward - I think they grab Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
#6 - Portland - this is where it could get interesting. They have to decide if they want to grab Drummond here. Does Portland have the balls to grab another Center and risk that he could be another bust like Oden?? Their new GM Olshey picked DeAndre Jordan in LAC and could think Drummond could develop into that type of player. Or, they could grab the small school PG Damian Lillard and grab a big man at #11. I think they should take Lillard but have a feeling they draft Andre Drummond.
#7 - Golden State - The Warriors need some healthy bodies for next season. Curry's ankles are weak. Bogut is always hurt. So, I think they will go with Damian Lillard at PG and hope he can be an explosive scorer off the bench. Or he'll be a starter when Curry gets hurt. Again. Or, if PDX doesn't grab Drummond - this would be the furthest he slides down the draft board as he could learn his craft from the savvy Aussie veteran.
#8 - Toronto - I'm thinking Austin Rivers gets the nod here. Why? I have no clue.
#9 - Detroit - Most mocks have the Pistons taking John Henson here to pair up with Greg Monroe. Or they could go with Meyers Leonard. I think they take Henson.
#10 - New Orleans - With Okafor on his way out of the town I think the Hornets grab a big man here. It's either Leonard or Tyler Zeller. I think they go with Meyers Leonard.
#11 - Portland - I think the Blazers should take Dion Waiters or Kendall Marshall. They need some PG help this off season and they might as well build with youth. Waiters is moving up the draft boards and could be an explosive combo guard.
#12 - Milwaukee - I think the Bucks are required to draft a white Center with this pick. Seriously, don't the Bucks always have a white Center. Bogut. Sikma. Paul Mokeski. All white. Hello Tyler Zeller.
#13 - Phoenix - Steve Nash could be on the move so they need a replacement. Hello best passing PG in the nation - Kendall Marshall.
I actually think there are a lot of guys in this draft who could make a fantasy impact next season. Even some of the later round picks will have value. This is a very deep 1st round. Remember last season's draft? It was supposed to be a mediocre draft class and some late round gems were discovered - MarShon Brooks and Kenneth Faried to name a couple.
I think our JBL rookie draft will be very interesting as a lot of these NBA rookies could have some really interesting value next season. Whoever wins the JBL lottery will obviously be taking Anthony Davis. Brussels has the most ping pong balls and could really use some lottery luck to start the Brussels rebuild.
The JBL lottery will be held in August when Benny's back in town. I'm thinking summer BBQ with the JBL clan and we can conduct the lottery at the same time. Oh yeah. Burgers, beers, and balls.
The key to this draft is where Andre Drummond goes. He's the wild card. He's the prospect that will make a GM's career or get him fired. Biggest risk-reward player in a long time. He could go #2 or he could slip to maybe #6. So, without further ado, here are my lottery picks...
#1 - New Orleans - Anthony Davis. Simple. Best player by far.
#2 - Charlotte - I have a feeling the Cats could go with Harrison Barnes (North Carolina guy) because MJ loves his NC guys. They should probably go with Thomas Robinson because I think it's tough to find athletic bigs like this kid. He reminds me of Aldridge a bit. And Bradley Beal should be considered here too for his offense. Of course, they could also grab Drummond. I think this pick turns out to be Thomas Robinson.
#3 - Washington - They should take Bradley Beal. With the recent acquisitions of Okafor and Ariza they need a 2 guard to come in and play right away. The Eric Gordon-like scorer Beal would be a perfect fit beside Wall. I don't see why they would take Drummond with all the big men they have now.
#4 - Cleveland - I think they want an athletic wing to play with Kyrie. That would mean Barnes or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. They say MKG is a younger Gerald Wallace. OK. That sounds decent. Of course, they could also go big and grab Drummond. In the end I think they take Kyrie's buddy Harrison Barnes.
#5 - Sacramento - I think they take the left overs of the wing players and grab MKG here. Of course, they could get Cousins a big man partner and grab Drummond. However, with all the struggles they had last season at Small Forward - I think they grab Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
#6 - Portland - this is where it could get interesting. They have to decide if they want to grab Drummond here. Does Portland have the balls to grab another Center and risk that he could be another bust like Oden?? Their new GM Olshey picked DeAndre Jordan in LAC and could think Drummond could develop into that type of player. Or, they could grab the small school PG Damian Lillard and grab a big man at #11. I think they should take Lillard but have a feeling they draft Andre Drummond.
#7 - Golden State - The Warriors need some healthy bodies for next season. Curry's ankles are weak. Bogut is always hurt. So, I think they will go with Damian Lillard at PG and hope he can be an explosive scorer off the bench. Or he'll be a starter when Curry gets hurt. Again. Or, if PDX doesn't grab Drummond - this would be the furthest he slides down the draft board as he could learn his craft from the savvy Aussie veteran.
#8 - Toronto - I'm thinking Austin Rivers gets the nod here. Why? I have no clue.
#9 - Detroit - Most mocks have the Pistons taking John Henson here to pair up with Greg Monroe. Or they could go with Meyers Leonard. I think they take Henson.
#10 - New Orleans - With Okafor on his way out of the town I think the Hornets grab a big man here. It's either Leonard or Tyler Zeller. I think they go with Meyers Leonard.
#11 - Portland - I think the Blazers should take Dion Waiters or Kendall Marshall. They need some PG help this off season and they might as well build with youth. Waiters is moving up the draft boards and could be an explosive combo guard.
#12 - Milwaukee - I think the Bucks are required to draft a white Center with this pick. Seriously, don't the Bucks always have a white Center. Bogut. Sikma. Paul Mokeski. All white. Hello Tyler Zeller.
#13 - Phoenix - Steve Nash could be on the move so they need a replacement. Hello best passing PG in the nation - Kendall Marshall.
I actually think there are a lot of guys in this draft who could make a fantasy impact next season. Even some of the later round picks will have value. This is a very deep 1st round. Remember last season's draft? It was supposed to be a mediocre draft class and some late round gems were discovered - MarShon Brooks and Kenneth Faried to name a couple.
I think our JBL rookie draft will be very interesting as a lot of these NBA rookies could have some really interesting value next season. Whoever wins the JBL lottery will obviously be taking Anthony Davis. Brussels has the most ping pong balls and could really use some lottery luck to start the Brussels rebuild.
The JBL lottery will be held in August when Benny's back in town. I'm thinking summer BBQ with the JBL clan and we can conduct the lottery at the same time. Oh yeah. Burgers, beers, and balls.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
The Blazers and the NBA Draft....
The Blazers have the #6 and #11 picks in the upcoming NBA draft on June 28th. What they do with these 2 picks could play a huge role in the rebuilding of this team for years to come. Brandon Roy is gone. Greg Oden is gone. Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton will likely be gone too. The 2012/13 version of the Trail Blazers will be built around 4 players - Aldridge, Mathews, Batum, and probably JJ Hickson (assuming they give him a qualifying offer). And in my opinion, they should definitely bring Hickson back to be the 1st big man off the bench.
So, pretty clear the Blazers need a PG and a C. They might be able to land a rookie starter with the #6 and #11 picks. They could draft the small school phenom Damian Lillard at 6 and then pick either Meyers Leonard or Tyler Zeller at 11. Or they could go big first (take Andre Drummond at 6) and then grab Kendall Marshall from NC at 11. To me, Drummond will either be a DeAndre Jordan type Center or he will be a bust. And will the Blazers want to risk taking another Center at 6 only to have him turn out to be a bust? Can they handle that?
Another guy they may consider at 11 is Terrence Ross. The Washington Husky had a good season and I believe he's a Portland native so he'd be jacked to play in his home town. However, this may be too high to grab him. He's a perfect fit at SG for Minnesota if he lasts until 17. I just like the look of his game and think he will be a good NBA player one day.
So, the Blazers have their work cut out for them. They have 2 top 11 picks and both rookies should be able to make an impact right away. There are rumors that Charlotte wants to trade #2 and would consider taking PDX's 6 and 11 in exchange. If I'm Neil Oshey in PDX - I say no thanks - as I'm not sure there is a sure fire #2 player in this draft. I'd rather get 2 guys at 6 and 11 than the guy at #2. I've seen so many mock drafts now and there are about 3-4 guys being projected as the #2 pick.
The most recent mock draft I read had Charlotte taking Andre Drummond at #2. To me, this is a horrible idea. Charlotte was the worst team in the league last season. They can't score whatsoever. They already have defensive gem in the making Biyombo - so why would they draft Drummond (another projected defensive gem)? Again, Drummond is a monster - 6'11 and 280 pounds. He can apparently run like a gazelle. He's been compared to DeAndre Jordan and Amare Stoudamire. Who will he be? Well, to me, one red flag would be that he averaged a measly 10ppg and 7reb last year at UCONN. Hardly eye popping numbers. He also shot 29% from the Free Throw line. Is this really the guy Charlotte wants to draft at #2?? His college game and numbers don't scream NBA superstar. We'll see what happens...
Two other guys who I think are perfect fits for a team - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes - are both perfect for Sacramento. They need a small forward and either of these guys would be perfect in my opinion. Will either one of them be available when the Kings pick at #5?
And who will win the NBA title?? Heat or Thunder? Either Lebron or Durant is getting their 1st ring. Whoever wins their 1st title jumps the ladder a few notches in the conversation of 'greatest ever'. Don't get me wrong -they have a long way to go to catch Michael Jordan and others who are already debated. But Lebron would have 3 MVP's and a ring and Durant is 23 years old and already has 3 scoring titles and would have his 1st ring!! The winner would suddenly enter the discussion as a 'great' player. I'm actually looking forward to watching the Finals for a change...
So, pretty clear the Blazers need a PG and a C. They might be able to land a rookie starter with the #6 and #11 picks. They could draft the small school phenom Damian Lillard at 6 and then pick either Meyers Leonard or Tyler Zeller at 11. Or they could go big first (take Andre Drummond at 6) and then grab Kendall Marshall from NC at 11. To me, Drummond will either be a DeAndre Jordan type Center or he will be a bust. And will the Blazers want to risk taking another Center at 6 only to have him turn out to be a bust? Can they handle that?
Another guy they may consider at 11 is Terrence Ross. The Washington Husky had a good season and I believe he's a Portland native so he'd be jacked to play in his home town. However, this may be too high to grab him. He's a perfect fit at SG for Minnesota if he lasts until 17. I just like the look of his game and think he will be a good NBA player one day.
So, the Blazers have their work cut out for them. They have 2 top 11 picks and both rookies should be able to make an impact right away. There are rumors that Charlotte wants to trade #2 and would consider taking PDX's 6 and 11 in exchange. If I'm Neil Oshey in PDX - I say no thanks - as I'm not sure there is a sure fire #2 player in this draft. I'd rather get 2 guys at 6 and 11 than the guy at #2. I've seen so many mock drafts now and there are about 3-4 guys being projected as the #2 pick.
The most recent mock draft I read had Charlotte taking Andre Drummond at #2. To me, this is a horrible idea. Charlotte was the worst team in the league last season. They can't score whatsoever. They already have defensive gem in the making Biyombo - so why would they draft Drummond (another projected defensive gem)? Again, Drummond is a monster - 6'11 and 280 pounds. He can apparently run like a gazelle. He's been compared to DeAndre Jordan and Amare Stoudamire. Who will he be? Well, to me, one red flag would be that he averaged a measly 10ppg and 7reb last year at UCONN. Hardly eye popping numbers. He also shot 29% from the Free Throw line. Is this really the guy Charlotte wants to draft at #2?? His college game and numbers don't scream NBA superstar. We'll see what happens...
Two other guys who I think are perfect fits for a team - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes - are both perfect for Sacramento. They need a small forward and either of these guys would be perfect in my opinion. Will either one of them be available when the Kings pick at #5?
And who will win the NBA title?? Heat or Thunder? Either Lebron or Durant is getting their 1st ring. Whoever wins their 1st title jumps the ladder a few notches in the conversation of 'greatest ever'. Don't get me wrong -they have a long way to go to catch Michael Jordan and others who are already debated. But Lebron would have 3 MVP's and a ring and Durant is 23 years old and already has 3 scoring titles and would have his 1st ring!! The winner would suddenly enter the discussion as a 'great' player. I'm actually looking forward to watching the Finals for a change...
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