Here it is August 12th. One day before Ryan's birthday and 2 weeks before the 2nd Annual JBL Lottery. The ping pong balls are numbered. There is one #1. There are two #2's. All the way to thirteen #13's. Whichever number comes out of the box first on August 26th - the corresponding team from last years' final JBL standings will win the #1 pick in the October 2012 Rookie Draft. The tension will be high as we see that 1st ball get drawn.
Brussels has the most balls (13) in the box and the best chance of landing the chance to take the Unibrow with the 1st overall pick. Rumors are that Timmy has every intention of keeping the pick and taking Anthony Davis but you have to wonder what kind of potential offers will be thrown out there to the team with the #1 pick.
The drama does drop off after the 1st ball is drawn. However, I still believe the 2nd ball out and the 2nd pick in the JBL Rookie Draft will be an important one. Why? Because I think there are actually 6-8 impact Rookies from this year's class. So, even though 2-8 didn't win the right to the Unibrow they will have the chance to select some very good rookies. The challenge will be picking the right one.
Remember last year when no one picked up MarShon Brooks in the 13 rookie picks? Klay Thompson went 9th. Kawhi Leonard went 12th. And Kenneth Faried went 6th. There is talent available from 1-13 in the JBL Rookie Draft. You just have to know how to predict who will be good and who will bust. And of course, a great amount of luck comes into play.
So, after the Unibrow who are some other rookies who will have an impact?
How about MKG in Charlotte? They compare him to a Gerald Wallace or Scottie Pippen.
What about Bradley Beal in Washington? Can he start at SG? He only has to beat out Jordan Crawford.
Dion Waiters in Cleveland is likely to start from day one.
Thomas Robinson was a beast at Kansas last season and could see substantial minutes for the Kings.
Damian Lillard is the starting PG in PDX and says his goal is ROY.
Harrison Barnes could be the starter in GS from opening night.
That's 7 rookies listed above right there. What order you take them in is up for debate. It's also up to what your current JBL roster might look like. So, there should be a lot of interest as those ping pong balls get drawn.
But does this draft go deeper than 7 rookies? I think so...
Terrence Ross went 8th to the Raptors. Could he be a fantasy factor?
How about Andre Drummond in Detroit? He could end up as the starting C at some point this season.
Austin Rivers is gonna be good. Just ask him. He's Doc's kid. He has to be good right?
What about Meyers Leonard in Portland? Who else are they gonna use in the middle?
Jeremy Lamb could be the starting SG in Houston if they move K-Mart.
John Henson had a nice summer league in Vegas for the Bucks. He could be a cheap source of blocks.
Moe Harkless was a key piece of the Dwight Howard deal and only has an aging Turk to beat out.
Terrence Jones and Royce White could get time in HOU depending on the rotations.
Jarred Sullinger was once a top 5 pick and could get some run for an aging Celts team.
Tyler Zeller could see time for the Cavs as Varejao is injury prone.
I really like this rookie crop. I think there are more than 13 worthy picks for the JBL Draft. Last year was a lot tougher and many of the guys selected didn't last long on their teams. This year should be a lot more fun. Now, the question is who can figure out the right guy to draft.
Good luck....
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