The Draft Review

Well, it's perfect timing for those JBL fans who enjoy my musings...
The family is still in Las Vegas and I am here pondering what took place yesterday at the JBL's 22nd Auction. The biggest contingent of JBL owners were at my place - Idaho, Maui, French, Brussels and Golden all drafted at my kitchen table after consuming 42 pounds of pork products. Awesome.

Let me touch on a few highlights before I look at each of the teams...

The Steve Nash auction was awesome. Why? Because for the 4th straight year he went for $34 dollars. When he was initially brought up for auction I mentioned this stat. The room didn't think it would happen for a 4th year. Slowly as the bids climbed by confidence grew. In my gut, I knew it would happen. The peer pressure in the room on Maui to say $34 was amazing. When Trev clicked the button for $34 the ovation in the room was amazing. You had to be there. Awesome moment.

The Joel Anthony $1 dollar nomination by Bangkok was another highlight moment. The chat room lit up with the comment "PASS" at the exact same time. Priceless. It brought back memories from the round the room auction bidding we used to do. Thank you Bangkok. Great stuff.

OK, let's dive in to my comments on each of the drafted teams...alphabetical seems logical. I'm going to use Halloween candy as my ranking systems this time. Here are my 3 categories explained.

1) Full size candy bar - remember when you'd come to those houses that gave out a full size Snickers?? Those were the best! This is the highest ranking I'm giving out.
2 ) Grab your own treat - when the home owner lets the kid look into the bowl and pick whatever candy they want. Very cool. This is the middle ground.
3) chewy crappy gummies shaped like burgers and pizza - you know this crap candy. Even 6 year olds don't eat this shite. The only good thing is that kids could trade 3 of these pieces for a package of Nibs or M&M's. Even though it's a bad candy - it can become good. This is my worst ranking.

Arctic - I like what Crikker did here. It's a balanced team that will be investing heavily in ankle braces for their best player - Steph Curry. The team has some balanced guard scoring with Curry, Ellis, Parker and DeRozan. The 'monsters' up front include Ibaka, Faried, and Favors. The wildcard is Tyreke Evans. What kind of season will he have?  Arctic can go ahead and grab his own treat from the bowl.

Bangkok -I'm not sure what Bangkok's strategy was this year. He's got some big names - Kobe, Wall, Bargnani, and Bosh but after that there seems to be a lot of role players and question marks. Can Holiday become a star? Can Evan Turner finally live up to the #2 pick? The rest of the roster is filled with solid role players (Dudley, Bass, Vasquez, Gee, Hickson). But maybe too many role guys? Sorry Bangkok - you're that gummy burger for now.

Brussels - another team I kinda like on the surface. I think they have enough steals - Rondo, Conley, Allen, Terry, etc. Will Beasley be able to average 20ppg? I'm not sure there is a 20ppg otherwise? Needs breakout seasons from Valunciunas, Patterson, and Lillard. Big sleeper could be Enes Kanter in Utah as he had a monster preseason. I'm gonna let Timmy grab his own treat.

Chilliwack - score, score, score. A team loaded with PTS. Durant, Griffin, Granger, Thornton and others. I think this team could have a negative ATO if they stayed this way all year. Solid in a lot of categories but I would be concerned abour McGee's role in Denver. Will he emerge? Can Granger stay healthy? I love that Benny is going start Drummond and Sullinger in week 1. Love it. Go on Benny, have yourself a full size Snickers.

French Lick - ahhh, patience young one. It appears French's patience at Auction paid off. This is well balanced team that looks good in all categories. The concern has to be the health of his big names. Gordon and Nene haven't played at all yet and Kaman is already nursing an injury. If they stay healthy - French is hoping last year's heart breaking 2nd place finish can be followed up by a 1st ever JBL title. Gentleman, this is my pre-season favorite to win it all. And yes, you can have a full size Mr. Big.

Golden - my pre-draft plan was followed almost to the letter. 11 of the 15 guys on the Golden roster were targeted. Golden is hoping for big seasons from Dragic, Young, and Big Baby. 4 players on this roster are playing for new contracts (Smith, Pekovic, Mo Williams, and Calderon) so hopefully they'll be motivated.
Golden will be looking for one more PG at some point but right now I'm very pleased with the group coming out of the Auction. I'm gonna grab myself a full size Eat More for my efforts.

Idaho - The young one is all grown up. He's built a balanced roster that looks pretty good on paper. The biggest concern has to be Bynum's health as there is no one else on this team to block shots.This team will likely have various top performers on a night to night basis as they are very well balanced. The post-draft NBA trade sending James Harden to Houston just made him a Fantasy start. Can he become elite? Idaho will also have the biggest trade chip in a $3 dollar Derrick Rose. Go on Tuna - here's a full size Mars bar for your great draft.

Juan de Fuca - Here's another high scoring team poised for another good season. After a money finish last year Juan looks ready to challenge for another title. All 12 of his starters are projected to average double digit points. Led my Westbrook, Cousins, and Deron Williams this team should be very good. The rest of the roster is filled with very solid role players who can stuff a stat sheet. I like what they've done and for that I'm handing out my last full size candy bar. I'm going with a big old Caramilk bar for you guys.

Manhattan Beach - The Ballers have again gone with the big name stars to lead the team. Lebron is joined by Chris Paul and Brook Lopez as the studs. The rest of the roster is filled out with solid role players but I'm not sure there is enough great talent yet to contend. Can 3 players emerge as fantasy factors - Morris, Derrick Williams, and Meyers Leonard? Can J-Rich find his 3PT stroke? Can gunners Crawford and Gordon find their outside stroke? If those things can happen the MBB could climb the rankings. However, for now, you are a gummy pizza.

Maui - I think Trev did a nice job bringing in guys with good fantasy histories. Wade, Nash, Carmelo, Dirk, and Paul Pierce are all veterans who can help a fantasy team. Can they stay healthy is the question. Anthony Davis could be the next Tim Duncan. I also like some of the role players - Rush, Varejao and Chandler Parsons. Some work to do in some areas but this might be the best Maui team we've seen in a couple of years. Go on Trev, reach in my bowl and pick out something you like.

Montreal - First of all, I have to say I'm impressed with their draft this year. The Poutang have paired two mammoth men in the middle Dwight Howard and Al Jefferson will lead the way in 2012/13 for this squad. Kyrie and Lin will anchor the backcourt. Solid players in Joe Johnson, Kirilenko and Stoudamire (if healthy) could make this team dangerous. Will Byron Mullens be able to be the breakout star? Is there enough in the backcourt as Ridnour and Augustin have questionable roles? Will Tayshaun Prince last the season in Detroit? Will Royce White be a factor or waiver wire fodder? Go on Marko/David - reach into the bowl and find yourself a treat.

Seoul - I don't think I've ever written a negative review of the 5 time champion. But on thew surface, I'm not a fan of this Seoul draft. It has the requisite balance up front (Horford, Gasol, Gay, Millsap and Garnett) but that backcourt is absolutely scary. The saving grace for Philly Woo is his ability to wheel and deal during the season. He does have 5-6 big names he can leverage and improve the team. That being said - you know what's coming. Phil - you get those darn sticky taffee candies that stick to your teeth for hours. Yuck.

Yuma - I like the Thurmans. I really do. I don't think they're outstanding in any category - but they are very balanced across the board. I like the pairing of Pau Gasol and David Lee. They complement the PG's Lowry and Jennings. Jordan should block a lot of shots in the middle. There are several breakout candidates on this team (Leonard, Henderson, Afflalo and Collison). I think this team will be in the thick of things. Well done Pat. So, while I'm fresh out of full size candy bars - I'm going to let you reach into the candy bowl and take a couple extra pieces because of how cute your costume is.

That's it fellas...Free Agency starts mid week. Whoever you drafted yesterday will have to get you through week one. Remember, you have $130 bucks of Free Agency money to get you through the entire season. Best of luck to all the teams!!

The Pick at #5

Well, here it is, Thursday night, a rainy horrible night and we're almost half way through our 2nd Annual JBL Rookie Draft. To recap, Anthony Davis went #1; Damian Lillard #2, MKG #3; Bradley Beal at #4 and today Golden selected Dion Waiters at #5. Or did I?

For the likely 3-4 people who see this blog - I'll break the secret right here - Golden made this selection for another team. Wednesday night, very late, Golden traded down in this rookie draft and made the Waiters selection for another JBL owner. The hope is that I can still land my targeted player at a cheaper salary. Not that $7 bucks was going to break the bank or anything - but if you can save a few bucks - why not right? We'll announce my trade partner on the JBL site soon (probably tomorrow). And hopefully MBB remembers to make his pick on time (remember last year when we had to wait an extra day for his #2 selection). Come on Bobby, don't let me down.

I have to say that Rookie draft has gone just as I expected so far...no real surprises. I was hoping that Beal would slip past Arctic but no such luck.

Speaking of Arctic, he informs me that he has his son's birthday party at 2pm on Saturday (27th) so he's hoping we can start on time (1pm) or maybe even a little bit earlier on Auction Day. We'll certainly do our best to start a little early if we can. Crikker will be going to auto-pilot for the rest of his draft so he'll hopefully be able to land a few players before he has to leave.

I'm looking forward to the Auction this year again. It really is the best day of the year. Even better than Christmas! Now, back to my Rookie and Auction preparation...good night all.

Auction Party & Rookies

Well, preseason hoops are underway and the joys of analyzing a box score have returned. Man, I love the NBA season.

As you know, I am willing to host the JBL Auction at my place this year. Auction starts at 1:00pm so for those of you who are planning on coming over...get here around noon so you have time to set up. I plan on taking my office and moving it into the kitchen. I'll move the modem/router into the kitchen too to ensure maximum signal. May need some of you techies to help me set that up.

We can do some snacks during the Auction and afterwards I was thinking of breaking out the poker chips. Maybe order some food. Make a night of it for those that are able. Again, my family will be in Vegas so why not right? Anyways, let me know if you are joining me at my place for the Auction.

Now, onto the Rookies. The rookie draft is just 4 days away and on Sunday, October 14th, Maui will be making the 1st overall pick. Rather than have me try to predict who everyone will take - figured I'd briefly go over some sleeper rookies for this coming season. I'm only going to mention a few so all you guys don't have to fret about me giving away your secrets. Besides, who reads this blog anyways??

Jared Sullinger - I'm interested to read how Doc Rivers is already talking about mixing up his starting lineup. Maybe Jared gets the nod over Brandon Bass at PF. Bass is a solid role player but I think we know what his ceiling is. He's a 12 and 6 type of guy. But what can Sullinger become? Do we know? Can he be more than that? He could have some potential as a late round guy.

Terrence Jones - The Rockets nabbed him at #18 but he was very impressive in the Summer League and now in his preseason opener he drops another 20 point game. He could very well jump into our 13 pick rookie draft next week.

Andrew Nicholson - The Canadian kid in Orlando could have some fantasy value later this season. He's a talented big man that is currently fighting for minutes with all those other mediocre bigs in Orlando. Does he get drafted in the JBL top 13? Unlikely, but he may have some value down the road if Orlando starts to clear out the veterans.

Andre Drummond - OK, I know he was a top 10 pick and I do expect he goes in our JBL Rookie draft but I've been really negative towards this kid since day one. He averaged like 10 and 6 at UCONN and shot 27% from the FT line. Plus, they say he's got a bit of an attitude. Doesn't sound too attractive yet does it? However, in his first preseason game tonight vs. Toronto he goes for 12pts, 7reb, 2stl, and 2blks in 23 minutes. Sure, it's just preseason but if this kid could have nights like that in the regular season - he could be worth grabbing for his blocks potential alone.

Nando de Colo - This San Antonio Guard is not eligible to be selected in the JBL rookie lottery because he wasn't drafted in the 2012 NBA class. However, he is a rookie and he could be another SA gem. He's fast and will be learning the PG position from Tony P so he has the chance to be a good one.

While I'm here and I mentioned the JBL Rookie Draft - remember - you can only pick players that were actually drafted in the 2012 NBA draft. So, Nando de Colo is not available for selection. Neither is 2011 draftee Jonas Valanciunas. And a final example would be Scott Machado in Houston. Yes, Machado was draft eligible in 2012 but he wasn't actually selected in the NBA Draft - he just signed on with Houston as a free agent. So, that's your subtle reminder not to try and take any of these guys next week when the 2nd Annual JBL Rookie Draft begins...

Major JBL News...

First off, it's October 1st and it's final cut down day...
I have to say - my predictions have been pretty good so far.
Chilliwack dropped Mr. Griffin. Idaho dropped Jordan. French dropped Gooden.
Juan de Fuca dropped Kevin Durant!! And MBB protected Lebron.

We're just waiting on Yuma's final 3 cuts and the 2012/13 can officially begin. That means that if Timbo wanted to trade his #2 lottery pick to Montreal for Jeremy Lin - he could do that. If Maui wanted to trade his #1 pick (Unibrow) to Chilliwack for Lowry, Mayo, and McGee - he could do that too. Even though the Auction is still 3+ weeks away - the season will officially begin once Yuma makes his final drops. All keeper/roster restrictions will be removed and teams can make trades. No, you will not be able to sign Free Agents.

As the Auction approaches a group of JBL owners had been discussing a potential road trip to Seattle or Portland to conduct the Draft. Maui, Idaho, French, Brussels, and Golden were all on board. Unfortunately, or fortunately (depending on how you look at it) - Golden is going to have to back out attending this roadie. Instead, for the first time in ever, Golden is willing to host the JBL Auction at my place on the 27th.

But Johnny - how on earth could you be hosting??

Well fellas, let me tell you...because my family will be in Las Vegas that weekend. My 9 year old soccer superstar has been picked up to play in a soccer tournament for another team and the family will be heading to Sin City for 4 nights.

Because of my amazing dedication and commitment to the 22 years and friendship of the JBL (and the fact I still have to coach my son's basketball and soccer teams while he's away) - I will be staying behind...

So, why not host as many JBL owners at my place to conduct the live Auction? It's a cheaper option than driving to Seattle/Portland and we can save up our road trip points with the wives for later in the NBA season when we can head down to PDX and watch the Blazers play. And of course - we'll be getting those all-inclusive food seats again!!

So - who wants to join me for the 22nd JBL Auction?? We still need to set a firm start time. Personally, I'd like to start in that 4-5pm range but I need to know if that works for everyone else. It's possible we could have 9 local JBL owners in the same room. Too bad Montreal, Juan, Chilliwack, and MBB weren't in town but it's possible to have the largest JBL owner gathering since Vegas.

So - I need a couple things from you guys...
1) can you make it to my place for the Draft?
2) what's the best start time? (please consider the folks back east)...I'd like to start before 7pm that's for darn sure.

Excited yet?? Oh yeah!