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Post by Phoenix Suns on Jun 24, 2008 18:38:19 GMT -5
2 more days til the draft! I'm pumped, can't wait to see all the trades.
Who do you have going in the lotto?
1. Chicago- Rose 2. Miami- Beasley 3. Minnesota- Mayo 4. Seattle- Gordon 5. Memphis- Lopez 6. New York- Westbrook 7. Los Angeles Clippers- Bayless 8. Milwaukee- Randolph 9. Charlotte- Love 10. New Jersey- Alexander 11. Indiana- Augustine 12. Sacramento- Gallinari 13. Portland- Rush 14. Golden State- Koufos
Yours?
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Post by washington - former WAS on Jun 24, 2008 19:02:28 GMT -5
I see Chicago trading Kirk for a top pick..
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Post by scrapz3 - former SAS on Jun 24, 2008 19:04:45 GMT -5
i see kevin love coming sooner then 9th.. and defenetly before Randolph
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Post by Phoenix Suns on Jun 24, 2008 20:27:42 GMT -5
That's just my opinion, you can post your own lotto
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Post by fhci14 - Former GS Warriors on Jun 25, 2008 0:49:46 GMT -5
too lazy to post a new one, but i feel rush will slip and might go to toronto just how marcus williams went so late three years ago. and i see gallnari a lil earlier
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Post by New Jersey Nets on Jun 25, 2008 3:03:45 GMT -5
1. PG | Derrick Rose | Memphis
Starting Lineup C - Joakim Noah PF - Drew Gooden SF - Andris Nocioni SG - Larry Hughes PG - Kirk Hinrich
Even though I think Beasley is the better player and fills the biggest need for the Bulls, Chicago will pick the hometown kid. Rose has potential but his game is far from complete while Beasley would step in from day one and be the best offensive player and possibly best rebounder. The Bulls need an inside prescence that can contribute on offense on a consistent basis. Even when the Bulls played well in the playoffs two years ago they were a jump shot shooting team that played a gritty defense. The grittiness is long gone and the team might need to be blown up for any future success. Hinrich will most likely not start the season in a Bulls uniform and won't be starting anytime soon especially if the Bulls select Rose. Deng also disappointed last year and might have to fight for a starting spot on a guard laden team. Nocioni is a great energy guy and finally gets his chance to start for the Bulls if he beats out Deng. Hughes is another Bull that may not be long for Chicago. He still can play but is too inconsistent/injury-prone to help a young and immature team find themselves. Gooden can be a good player but hasn't proven he can put a whole season together. He will also have a shot at the starting PF job along with Tyrus Thomas and even Nocioni if he loses out to Deng. It is this life long Bulls fan's belief they need size and low post scoring over anything else and that is why the should select Beasley. If they picked Beasley he could slide into the starting lineup at either PF or SF. He has the length to bother opposing teams in the paint and uses his length, size, and quickness to clean up the glass. I think he has more upside than Dwight Howard and that is saying something. I'm not saying the Bulls don't need a Chris Paul type of creator at the point, but Rose has a ways to get to that level.
2. PF | Michael Beasley | Kansas State
Starting Lineup C - Mark Blount PF - Udonis Haslem SF - Shawn Marion SG - Dwayne Wade PG - Jason Williams
The Heat have many, many holes. Jason Williams is a serviceable point guard but shouldn't play more than 20 mpg as he isn't the floor leader a team with Wade and Marion needs. Wade, Marion, and Haslem are good to great players and definitely should be built around. Blount is a good backup center and just shouldn't be starting. The Heat have some good talent on the bench in Wright, Cook, and Barron. These players need more playing time to develop and become the contributors the team needs them to be. Since Wade is the only legitimate offensive player the Heat have they need to add another player that can be a big time scorer and take some of the load off of Wade. Rose would be a good fit for the Heat as they have a young developing center that might be ready to step into the starting lineup in the 2nd half of the 08/09 season. The problem with Rose is his shooting. He jump shot is very inconsistent (think Ben Gordon) and is an average, at best, three point shooter. How he would mesh with Wade and Marion is the great unknown. Beasley would be a good fit on offense for this team as Haslem is more of a spot up jump shooter than a low post presence and Haslem could move to center as Beasley would take over what constitutes "center" duties for the Heat. Anything could happen with this pick as there is pre-draft buzz the Heat will take Mayo since Riley isn't sold on Beasley's attitude. Since the Heat have a lot of holes they could also move the pick. A trade wouldn't be out of the question especially if the Bulls take Rose. Maybe the Bulls might offer up a package of Hinrich and Gordon for the #2 pick. Adding more depth to a inexperienced and thin bench is a pressing need if the Heat want to compete next year to try and convince Marion to stay.
3. C | Brook Lopez | Stanford
Starting Lineup C - Al Jefferson PF - Ryan Gomes SF - Kirk Snyder SG - Marko Jaric PG - Randy Foye
This is where the draft boards go out the window. If Beasley isn't on the board the Timberwolves will look to trade down as there might be better value and players that address need later in the first round. If Minnesota doesn't trade out of this spot, I can see them drafting Brook Lopez. Lopez may not have the upside and/or athletic ability of some of the other big men in the draft but he is a solid center. Pairing him with Jefferson can only be a good thing. This would allow Jefferson to move to the 4 and it would take some of the rebounding burden off of him and allow him to focus more on defense and offense. Which direction this team decides to go might rely on how the team execs feel about Foye. This will be his third year and after missing almost the entire last season due to injury, he came back and played well the last week of the season. If he can be the scorer and playmaker they envisioned him being after a great summer league last year, Minnesota may be on the rise. Jaric quietly, very quietly, had a solid season and could man the 2 if Foye is starting and still around. Snyder is a serviceable player but not a starter. I would expect Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, or Corey Brewer to win the starting SF job. Brewer comes off a disappointing rookie campaign but this is the Timberwolves. The lineup was shuffled throughout the season, whether or not a player was actually playing great or poorly, due to injuries and bad coaching. Brewer is capable of being a great defender and has some potential on the offensive end but needs to step up. Gomes and Smith seem to be cut from the same cloth. Both play hard and hustle when they are out on the floor. Consistency has been an issue with both but that has more to do with lack of playing time and/or talent around them. Even though Smith had some big games for the 'wolves last year I like Gomes a little more. He should be the starter if Jefferson isn't moved to the 4. Big Al can be a beast at times but disappeared too much last year. He needs to find his game and not worry about what his teammates are or aren't doing. He should easily continue to be a 20 and 10 guy and hopefully Foye at 100% will help him improve on that. The problem for the Timberwolves last year was lack of consistency (especially on offense), lack of health, and lack of experience. Jefferson is the best player on the team and he is also one of the youngest. Big things are expected of him and for the 'wolves to be successful he needs to live up to expectations.
4. PG | Russell Westbrook | UCLA
Starting Lineup C - Johan Petro PF - Nick Collison SF - Jeff Green SG - Kevin Durant PG - Earl Watson
After the big trade last year that sent Ray Allen to Boston and helped the Celtics bring home a 'ship, the Sonics look to add to the youth movement whether or not they stay in Seattle. Durant was pretty much as advertised. He can play some offense but his defense was lacking. His play picked up late in the season and he looks to be the face of the franchise for years to come. Jeff Green was a good pick and will be a good addition to the Sonics. He is a good rebounder/defender and had some good stretches during the year. If Collison can stay healthy, the Sonics will improve over last year's abysmal record. Both Watson and Petro aren't long for the starting lineup. Watson is a good backup point guard and Ridnour isn't long for a Sonic uniform. The Sonics are taking a long look at Westbrook b/c of his defense. The Sonics need defense from the point guard position and Westbrook can be a great floor general. He would solidify a position that is very thin and very deplorable. The big question is what happens to Wilcox. He has proven he can start in the league and be a needed low post presence but may have to fight for minutes. The bench is thin but Wilkins and Marshall provide much needed scoring for this team. If the Sonics can get a good starting center AND they play Wilcox, the Sonics will be going in the right direction.
5. PF | Kevin Love | UCLA
Starting Lineup C - Darko Milicic PF - Hakim Warrick SF - Rudy Gay SG - Mike Miller PG - Mike Conley
Kevin Love fits perfectly with the Grizzlies. He is the big man that they desperately need. He can shoot from all over the floor, post up, rebound, and can pass out of the post. He would be an immediate starter at the 4 and give the Grizz a little more bench depth by forcing Warrick to the bench. The problem is the GM of the Grizz isn't exactly....uhm....smart. The Pau Gasol trade was a disaster and even if they draft Love the team will struggle to get anywhere near .500. Conley is a good point guard and should find his way now that he is healthy and the definite starter. Miller is an assassin from beyond the arc and is developing an all-around game. He has the talent to be an all-star and is starting to realize his full potential. Gay is the cornerstone of the franchise. He stepped up last year and is a proven player with potential HOF written all over him. Warrick will most likely not be starting next year. Either the Grizzlies draft Love or they sign a starting PF. It is in the best interests of both Warrick and the Grizz for him to be on the second unit. Darko was a big bust last year. He is still very young and has time to develop his game but those years sitting on Detroit's bench set him back and he may never recover. If he is more consistent and can find his offensive game the Grizzlies will improve on last year's record but still be one of the worst teams in the NBA. One of the interesting things about the Grizzlies is Miller might be moved. If that happens look for Memphis to draft Mayo here. He could be plugged in at the 2 and would benefit from having a point guard of Conley's caliber while not having the burden of being the go-to player.
6. PG | O.J. Mayo | USC
Starting Lineup C - Eddy Curry PF - Zach Randolph SF - Quentin Richardson SG - Fred Jones PG - Jamal Crawford
Well, what can I say about the Knicks? The management continually makes poor decisions and the coaching staff is just horrid. From the Eddy Curry trade, the Zach Randolph trade, the Stephon Marbuy trade, the Jerome James signing, the Knicks haven't made a good move that actually improves the team outside of drafting Nate Robinson and David Lee. This team needs more help than this pick can provide. That being said, the Knicks do have some young players (Lee, Robinson, Chandler, Collins) that can play given time. Curry is allergic to rebounding, blocking shots, and passing the ball without turning it over. He can be great on offense and then disappear the rest of the game. He is just another player with the talent to be great with no desire. Randolph has recently been diagnosed with Eddy Curry syndrome. Randolph is a defensive liability and get his 20 and 10 although he came close (17 and 10). With D'Antoni in New York that could change or he might be traded. The Knicks could use other players that can actually play and/or draft picks. Richardson just doesn't seem to fit in New York. He is a good outside shooter with slashing ability but with the ball hogs on New York he doesn't get to put up 10+ shots a game. His greatest asset right now for the Knicks is his rebounding. With a new up tempo offense he should revert back to his Suns days. Fred Jones will not start for the Knicks. Crawford is better at the 2 as he loves to shoot but not pass. Jamal can be a big time scorer in the right offense and with the right point guard. Maybe Mayo will be what he needs. The Knicks have salivated over Mayo for a long time and he could be the point guard they need. He has a similar skill set to LeBron with a better shot but almost none of the intangibles. He may be unselfish but doesn't have the court vision to make the right decision every time. If Mayo can shed his apparent attitude and just learn to play and make the best decisions for the team, the Knicks are finally headed in the right direction.
7. PG | Jerryd Bayless | Arizona
Starting Lineup C - Chris Kaman PF - Elton Brand SF - Corey Maggette SG - Cuttino Mobley PG - Brevin Knight
The Clippers have some issues to handle. Brand needs to be resigned and after another injury plagued year the Clipse might not want to. Even if he leave it would be in a trade and there are many teams out there that would like to take a chance on a player of Brand's caliber. When healthy is is easily a top 5 PF and can be just dominate in the playoffs. Chris Kaman has developed into one of the better centers in the league. He can rebound, block shots, and post up in the paint. Maggette will be traded. When is the only question. He can score, rebound, and play some defense but has run himself out of town as his playing time took a hit. Mobley is a good defender but more of a Ben Gordon on offense. He shoots better but he falls in love with the outside shot too much. Knight is a good backup point guard. He can make the needed passes and run a team but he has no offensive game to speak of. The lack of a good point guard is why the Clippers will take Bayless. They have been trying to move up to take him and if he falls to them they will be happy to draft him. He is the true point guard they need and he can light it up from the field. There are talks of trade with this pick. The latest rumor is this pick and Maggette to the Suns for their pick and Barbosa.
8. SF | Joe Alexander | West Virginia
Starting Lineup C - Andrew Bogut PF - Charlie Villanueva SF - Bobby Simmons SG - Michael Redd PG - Mo Williams
If the rumor is true and the Bucks just traded Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to the Nets for Richard Jefferson, the Bucks could make a huge jump in the Least conference. This move also slots Charlie Villanueva into the starting lineup and immediately improves the team rebounding. Bogut actually had a good season last year and showed more of the promise the Bucks expected of him when they drafted him. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals. If he continues to improve he could get some all-star consideration. Villanueva has all-star talent but has shown flashes and his playing time hasn't been constant. Redd is a great shooter but is a bit too streaky at times to be considered a superstar. He's also a terrible defender. If he ever decides to develop an all-around game both he and the Bucks will be better for it. Mo was a nice surprise for the Bucks two years ago and has proven he can put up numbers. He hasn't proven he can lead a team. There is talk in Milwaukee that Williams isn't long for the Bucks and they are more than willing to insert Charlie Bell (another surprise player) at the point. If the trade rumors are true then Alexander probably won't be the pick as he won't see much playing time and they need someone to come in an play right away. I'd look for the Bucks to trade this pick and try to move up and get Mayo or proven point guard ala Barbosa.
9. SG | Eric Gordon | Indiana
Starting Lineup C - Nazr Mohammed PF - Emeka Okafor SF - Gerald Wallace SG - Jason Richardson PG - Raymond Felton
The Bobcats are in an interesting position. They have a young roster with some unproven talent (Morrison) and a few studs (JRich, Okafor, and Gerald Wallace). The Bobcats are in a good position as anyone they draft will likely add depth and can come along slowly until they are ready. Even with that said I like them to take Gordon here. There isn't a big man available at this spot that is an immediate improvement over Mohammed and they should take the best player available. Gordon brings a good offensive game and they need solid scoring off the bench. He also has some upside on the defensive end and isn't a slouch going into his rookie season. If Wallace can come back, Gordon will be a good pairing once JRich declines and is no longer starter worthy. Okafor is much better at the 4 but can play the 5 in the current center deprived league. He has shown signs of becoming a beast but injuries seem to sideline him but he is now more consistent. Wallace is a stud. He is a great defensive player and his offensive game is just blossoming. If he can stay away from the concussions he could have a very good career. Richardson provides the veteran leadership and flat out scoring ability on a nightly basis. Felton is still trying to live up to his potential and if he ever does the kitty kats will finally make some noise. Mohammed is a veteran big man that exploded once he got starters' minutes in Charlotte. I'd expect nothing more than 10 points and 10 rebounds from him and that is all they need from the center position for now. The Bobcats are another team that may move up b/c Kevin Love also fits their team. He has the size to allow Emeka to move to the 4 and the offensive skill of offset Emeka's lack of consistent scoring ability. This team is headed in the right direction and this pick could help them improve over last season.
10. SF | Danilo Gallinari | Italy
Starting Lineup C - Josh Boone PF - Nenad Krstic SF - Richard Jefferson SG - Vince Carter PG - Devin Harris
The Nets are about to be in full rebuilding mode with the rumored trade of Jefferson for Simmons and Yi. Yi will probably step into the starting PF position and Krsitc might be moved to center to give the Nets a very athletic and flexible starting roster. If Jefferson is traded then Carter won't be too far behind. Both the starting SG and SF positions should be open once camp begins and Gaillinari could be starting at SF. He would provide a nice comob of size and all around ability from the SF position. He also gives the Nets flexibility and they could play him at SG and them give more time to Sean Williams who had a solid rookie season. Devin Harris is fully entrenched in the starting point guard spot and proved he can lead a team with his years in Dallas. Vince Carter is at the end of the career and is still a force to be reckoned with. He has learned to play with passion with Kidd and continued to play hard without Kidd last year. He could take this team over the top and make a strong playoff push in the ever weak East. Krstic is a good young talent and could be the PF/C of the future for the Nets if he can stay healthy. He brings a unique mix of skills and size to the front court. Boone will get minutes but might split time with Sean Williams until Williams figures it out and is more consistent. Williams already has a nice low post game but isn't always as aggressive as he needs to be while Boone is a solid backup at best. This pick will be an indicator as to which direction the team is heading.
11. PF | Anthony Randolph | LSU
Starting Lineup C - Jeff Foster PF - Troy Murphy SF - Danny Granger SG - Mike Dunleavy PG - Travis Diener
The Pacers are an enigma. They have two really good player in Dunleavy and Granger and yet disappointed last year. The key to this team is Jermaine O'Neal. If he can stay healthy this team is a legitimate playoff caliber team although he is rumored to be traded to the Raptors for T.J. Ford, Nesterovic, and the #17 pick. This trade would help their point guard position as Diener would provide depth after a surprising year last year. Dunleavy is now a possible all-star player. He has an all-around game and stepped up offensively. Granger played big last year and should continue to improve his ascending offensive game. He should be an all-star for the next 10 years and the cornerstone of the franchise. Murphy has never lived up to expectations and that is mostly to being soft. He'll rebound and score but less than his upside projected. He is good enough to start but just barely. Foster is a defensive/rebounding specialist. His offensive game is lacking but he won't hurt you the way Ben Wallace will. Adding Ford could make this team more up tempo and actually help players like Foster and Murphy as they are better transition players. With Ford going to Indiana, Augustin won't be the pick. Look for a trade or for them to take Randolph, Koufos, or Arthur.
12. PG | D.J. Augustin | Texas
Starting Lineup C - Brad Miller PF - Mikki Moore SF - Ron Artest SG - Kevin Martin PG - Beno Udrih
The Kings are looking point guard after Udrih is looking to sign with another team. In my mock Augustin falls to them and he has the floor general mentality and quickness to make an immediate impact on a team without a true leader. Miller is a good not great center that can pass with the best big men in the league. Moore is better coming off the bench but is solid starter and in an more up tempo offense could be deadly in transition. Artest is a head case if he can just stay on the floor he is an automatic all-star selection. He can score and defend with the best in the NBA. If he is traded the Kings could get one or two quality players to help with depth and possibly the starting power forward position. Kevin Martin is a free throw shooting machine and gets to the line a lot. He may not have a silky smooth jumper but shoots for a high percentage. He is rail thin and injury has always been a concern. Also, he can be pushed around by bigger guards. If he could add some weight he could be better on defense. Udrih proved to be starter quality and lit up teams all year. He is looking to sign elsewhere but the Kings would love to have him back. The Kings aren't that far removed from the playoffs and if they can add a player or two they could be back.
13. SF | Brandon Rush | Kansas
Starting Lineup C - Joel Przybilla PF - LaMarcus Aldridge SF - Martell Webster SG - Brandon Roy PG - Steve Blake
The Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard loves to wheel and deal. The Blazers are known for their draft day trades and have 20+ players on the roster counting players under contract, draft picks, and players overseas that could come over to the United States. Roy is the face of the 'chise and improved a lot last year. He is the leader and and heart of this team. Aldridge is a solid low post presence and continues to grow as a second option to Roy. Oden was out the entire year and will step into the starting center job. He has a ton of potential if his injury issues are behind him. Blake is a great pass first point guard. He routinely picks apart defenses but will share time with Jarrett Jack who is more of a scorer. Webster and Outlaw will split time at SF. Webster has a great skill set and is slowly doing more than scoring. Outlaw is a closer. He shot and made last second shots and came up big in the 4th quarter time after time last year. He is also a good defensive player. The Blazers have options at the 3. Even though this team already has Roy, Outlaw, and Webster, Rush would be a great fit for this team. He would have to fight for playing time but he is a winner and is both offensively and defensively inclined. If he can develop that mean steak both Kobe and MJ have/had he could be a monster.
14. C | Kosta Koufos | Ohio State
Starting Lineup C - Andris Biedrins PF - Al Harrington SF - Stephen Jackson SG - Monta Ellis PG - Baron Davis
The Warriors need size as Harrington played way too much center last season. Koufos is somewhat of a project and can be eased into the starting center or power forward job especially if Harrington is traded. Biedrins is a double-double type of player and gets his blocks. He still gets into foul trouble but is young enough to improve for the Warriors. Jackson is the leader. He is all passion and is a good defender and has become more efficient on offense. Ellis is a burgeoning stud. He is uber quick and can shoot all day long. Plus, he is improving defensively. Baron Davis is one of the best players in the league. His combo of offense/defense is at an all-time high. He is also a leader on the floor with his emotion. When Davis gets going this team is as dangerous as any other team. Golden State runs a very up tempo game and if they miss jump shots they have problems. Koufos could help out as he has a good low post game that could help offset some of that reliance on threes and jump shots. Adding anything to this team will help as they have Brandon Wright and Pietrus waiting for more playing time.
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Post by Phoenix Suns on Jun 25, 2008 8:08:49 GMT -5
Great post NJ. Seems like Bayless has been falling pretty fast the past few days, anyone know why?
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Post by fhci14 - Former GS Warriors on Jun 25, 2008 8:27:35 GMT -5
not sure but u think westbrook will be drafted before Mayo? But Mayo in New York would just make their franchise even worse mayo is ignorant sometimes and i can see him turning out to be a hog if he gets a lot of freedom in New York
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Post by New Jersey Nets on Jun 25, 2008 16:59:49 GMT -5
not sure but u think westbrook will be drafted before Mayo? But Mayo in New York would just make their franchise even worse mayo is ignorant sometimes and i can see him turning out to be a hog if he gets a lot of freedom in New York The Sonics are also trying to get the #2 from Miami. The deal would be something like this... Blount #2 for Wilcox (expiring) Petro (expiring) #4
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Post by Charlotte Bobcats on Jun 25, 2008 17:58:09 GMT -5
I like the in depth analysis, but being a Knicks fan I will chime in on a couple of things.
1. They have a new GM and new coach so the whole "management and coaching staff are terrible and make bad decisions thing" doesn't apply anymore. It was true, but this should be the start of something new hopefully.
2. Thought Zach Randolph had 17+ and 10+...but that "isn't close" to 20 and 10? less than 3 points away is pretty close haha.
Other than those two things really I have no problems, I would LOVE if Mayo fell. I'm not sure what the Knicks would do if both Mayo and bayless are there though...would be interesting. Can't wait for tomorrow!
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Post by New Jersey Nets on Jun 25, 2008 18:15:57 GMT -5
It is still under construction.
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Post by Charlotte Bobcats on Jun 25, 2008 18:26:09 GMT -5
just kinda figured you took all that time on the teams you did already, those were what you really thought? Feel free to change your mind though.
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Post by Miami Heat on Jun 25, 2008 20:52:36 GMT -5
When is it? And I think the Heat will deal #2 to the Clippers for Brand if Rose is gone.
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Post by Phoenix Suns on Jun 25, 2008 21:43:51 GMT -5
The drafts tommorow at 7 EST
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