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...