Official NBA Lottery/Draft Thread.

[StandMyBrothers]

1. Chicago Bulls-Derrick Rose, Memphis PG
2. Miami Heat-Michael Beasley Kansas St. F
3. Minnesota Timberwolves-O.J. Mayo USC G
4. Seattle Supersonics-Russell Westbrook UCLA G
5. Memphis Grizzlies-Kevin Love UCLA F
6. New York Knicks-Danilo Gallinari Italy F
7. Los Angeles Clippers-Eric Gordon Indiana G
8. Milwaukee Bucks-Joe Alexander West Virginia F
9. Charlotte Bobcats-D.J. Augustin Texas G
10. New Jersey Nets-Brook Lopez Stanford C
11. Portland Trailblazers-Jerryd Bayless Arizona G
12. Sacramento Kings-Jason Thompson Rider F
13. Indiana Pacers-Brandon Rush Kansas G
14. Golden State Warriors-Anthony Randolph LSU F
15. Phoenix Suns-Robin Lopez Stanford C
16. Philadelphia 76ers-Marreese Speights Florida F
17. Indiana Pacers-Roy Hibbert Georgetown C
18. Washington Wizards-JaVale McGee Nevada F
19. Cleveland Cavaliers-J.J. Hickson N.C. State F
20. Charlotte Bobcats-Alexis Ajinca France C
21. New Jersey Nets-Ryan Anderson Cal F
22. Orlando Magic-Courtney Lee Western Kentucky G
23. Utah Jazz-Kosta Koufos Ohio St. C
24. Seattle Supersonics-Serge Ibaka Congo F
25. Portland Trailbalzers-Nicolas Batum France G
26. San Antonio Spurs-George Hill IUPUI G
27. Houston Rockets-Darrell Arthur Kansas F
28. Memphis Grizzlies-Donte' Greene Syracuse F
29. Seattle Supersonics-D.J. White Indiana F
30. Boston Celtics-J.R. Giddens New Mexico G
Round 2
31. Minnesota Timberwolves-Nikola Pekovic Montenegro C
32. Detroit Pistons-Walter Sharp UAB F
33. Houston Rockets-Joey Dorsey Memphis F
34. Miami Heat-Mario Chalmbers Kansas G
35. Los Angeles Clippers-DeAndre Jordan Texas A&M C
36. Chicago Bulls-Omer Asik Turkey C
37. Milwaukee Bucks-Luc Richard Mbah A Moute UCLA F
38. Charlotte Bobcats-Kyle Weaver Washington St. G
39. Denver Nuggets-Sunny Weems Arkansas F
40. New Jersey Nets-Chris Douglas-Roberts G
41. Toronto Raptors-Nathan Jawai Australia F
42. Sacramento Kings-Sean Singletary Virginia G
43. Sacramento Kings-Patrick Ewing Jr. Georgetown F
44. Utah Jazz-Ante Tomic Croatia C
45. Phoenix Suns-Goran Dragic Slovenia PG
46. Detroit Pistons-Trent Plaisted BYU F
47. Boston Celtics-Bill Walker Kansas State F
48. San Antonio Spurs-Malik Hairston Oregon SG
49. Golden State Warriors-Richard Hendrix Alabama F
50. Seattle Supersonics-DeVon Hardin Cal C
51. Dallas Mavericks-Shan Foster Vanderbuilt G
52. Cleveland Cavaliers-Darnell Jackson Kansas F
53. Utah Jazz-Tadija Dragicevic Serbia F
54. Houston Rockets-Maarty Leunen Oregon F
55. Los Angeles Clippers-Mike Taylor Idaho Stampede G
56. Cleveland Cavaliers-Sasha Kaun Kansas C
57. San Antonio Spurs-James Gist Maryland F
58. Los Angeles Lakers-Joe Crawford Kentucky G
59. Detroit Pistons-Deron Washington Virginia Tech F
60. Boston Celtics-Semih Erden C Turkey

any predictions? will update this as each pick goes along

[Spicoli hey bud]

7.6% chance of Derrick Rose.

[preppyak]

I still find the lottery to be a silly system as a whole...that a team that was on the verge of the playoffs can get more help than a team that needs it...seems to upset the idea of competitive balance.

And you can't say it keeps teams competing til the end of the season...because the Celtics clearly tanked it last year for the shot at Oden/Durant...and the Knicks gave up months ago. It may not reward them for that effort, but it certaintly didn't stop it.

I would say the league that often gets the most credit for having a good competitive balance is the NFL...because with a good draft for a few years, you can turn around your team...and I would suggest that part of that is because teams that need the help (Dolphins/Jets/Chiefs) can get that help right away if they pick well. But, in the NBA...where a game-changing rookie year franchise player falls to at best #3 in the draft usually...its possible for the teams that need the help the most (Heat/Bucks/Grizzlies/etc) to not even have a shot at those players. While statistically unlikely, it is still POSSIBLE, that two teams that finished at or above .500 could get the two best players in the draft

The comparable measure, in terms of withholding talent, would have been telling the Dolphins "Yes, you went 1-15, but because of the way the balls fell, you are going to pick 10th in this year's draft".

Does that make sense to anyone?

[mjr20]

7.6% chance of Derrick Rose.
actually their is a greater chance if whoever has first pick gets Beasley.

[Spicoli hey bud]

actually their is a greater chance if whoever has first pick gets Beasley.
Yes, THERE is.

[preppyak]

Lets look at it this way, for the last 5 years (and we can't really tell if Conley/Oden will be great from 2007)

2006
#1 Bargnani - #4 Tyrus Thomas
2005
#1 - Bogut - #4 Chris Paul
2004
#1 - Howard - #4 Shaun Livingston
2003
#1 LeBron James - #4 Chris Bosh
2002
#1 Yao Ming - #4 Drew Gooden

A system that denies the worst team 3 franchise players...3 legitimate superstars, and in return gives them 1 (maybe eventually 2 in Chris Bosh)...is flawed. Honestly, I'd like any NBA team to say they wouldn't want Dwight Howard, LeBron, and Yao over Chris Bosh or Drew Gooden

Only once would I even see the #1 team considering swapping players...and, Milwaukee having Micahel Redd and Mo Williams might actually keep Bogut

[xbrokendownx]

please god let us get derrick rose

weve suffered long enough and isiah is gone

[LeftWideOpen]

I still find the lottery to be a silly system as a whole...that a team that was on the verge of the playoffs can get more help than a team that needs it...seems to upset the idea of competitive balance.

And you can't say it keeps teams competing til the end of the season...because the Celtics clearly tanked it last year for the shot at Oden/Durant...and the Knicks gave up months ago. It may not reward them for that effort, but it certaintly didn't stop it.

I would say the league that often gets the most credit for having a good competitive balance is the NFL...because with a good draft for a few years, you can turn around your team...and I would suggest that part of that is because teams that need the help (Dolphins/Jets/Chiefs) can get that help right away if they pick well. But, in the NBA...where a game-changing rookie year franchise player falls to at best #3 in the draft usually...its possible for the teams that need the help the most (Heat/Bucks/Grizzlies/etc) to not even have a shot at those players. While statistically unlikely, it is still POSSIBLE, that two teams that finished at or above .500 could get the two best players in the draft

The comparable measure, in terms of withholding talent, would have been telling the Dolphins "Yes, you went 1-15, but because of the way the balls fell, you are going to pick 10th in this year's draft".

Does that make sense to anyone?

im with you 100%. Basketball is the last sport that should use this kind of system, if one is going to use it at all.

[trindaddy]

This was possibly one of the best and most amusing threads last year. I hope something absolutely ridiculous happens (say the Bulls pull off that 1.7 percent chance and get the number one) and watch people lose it.

[StandMyBrothers]

Too bad Atlanta was in the playoffs this year and not in the lottery

[1moreandimfree]

I would much rather have to playoffs, but I will miss the lottery.

[Smithers]

holy shit. that kings fan looks like the joker.

[trindaddy]

here we go...

[LastPlaceRocks]

I have no faith in the T-Wolves getting one of the top two. In their history, they've never improved on their pick.

[1moreandimfree]

Looks like we're not keeping the pick.

[trindaddy]

oh shit! yeah Bulls!

[1moreandimfree]

Hahhahahahahahahah

[LastPlaceRocks]

Hot damn - they actually are in the top 3. Although I hope it's not number 3 because that's a shitty pick.

[xbrokendownx]

oh fuck you bulls

[Scott Weber]

fuck this. peace sonics. here comes brook lopez or some european project. jesus fucking christ.

[StandMyBrothers]

go Bulls haha or T-Wolves. Beasly-Jefferson-Foye would be sick

[Smithers]

why did the announcer say the bulls moved into the top 3 when the bobcats came out? i don't really get this whole lottery thing.

[xbrokendownx]

cmonnnnnnnn fred hoiberg!

[1moreandimfree]

Wow Chicago

[AshesAshes]

Bulls with the #1 I bet they fuck this up

[xbrokendownx]

fuck the bulls..this blows

[FondestMemory]

why did the announcer say the bulls moved into the top 3 when the bobcats came out? i don't really get this whole lottery thing.

the bulls should have been in the 9 spot. but they won the lottery to be in the top three, therefore charlotte goes down a spot from 8 to 9.

[LastPlaceRocks]

Damn, we still lose.

[Scott Weber]

i am so pissed. but I'm glad chicago got it. I like the Bulls.

[StandMyBrothers]

lol way to go Chicago

[trindaddy]

This was possibly one of the best and most amusing threads last year. I hope something absolutely ridiculous happens (say the Bulls pull off that 1.7 percent chance and get the number one) and watch people lose it.
QFT.
I'm the fuckin man, and everybody should know it.

[preppyak]

Bulls pick Derrick Rose (bye bye Hinrich in a trade)
Heat pick Beasley

And again the lotter proves a silly system, because the Bulls were not a team that needed help, they were a team that needed motivation or heart

[xbrokendownx]

fucking gay

now foye gets stuck with like brooks lopez or oj mayo

[doubletrue]

you know d-wade is happy that his future team got the first pick...he had the biggest smile on his face at the very end.

[LastPlaceRocks]

fucking gay

now foye gets stuck with like brooks lopez or oj mayo
What do you expect? It's the Wolves. This always happens and they never catch a break.

[xbrokendownx]

hinrich isnt a FA is he?

[preppyak]

haha...D-Wade is happy because he knows he got Beasley

[FondestMemory]

derrick rose is gonna be fucking phenominal with avery johnson as a coach.

[preppyak]

hinrich isnt a FA is he?
I fixed that...I meant trade...though, with the 4 years left on his contract (I believe), its gonna be tough to move him. But he's already been rumored to be moving on, and especially with Rose there, his time is limited

[AshesAshes]

Brook Lopez is gonna be a bust

[xbrokendownx]

miami is like seattle last year...either way they cant screw up

[StandMyBrothers]

Danilo Gallinari is going to be a Knick.

[preppyak]

Danilo Gallinari is going to be a Knick.
unless they can pick Renaldo Balkman again...

[Smithers]

just be happy the knicks got rid of isiah before he could trade the pick for kwame brown or some shit.

[xbrokendownx]

im looking at jerryd bayless for the knicks at #6

please god no mayo

[preppyak]

im looking at jerryd bayless for the knicks at #6

please god no mayo
Bayless has been going 3 in a lot of mocks...I'd be surprised to see him around at 6

[Scott Weber]

I expect Bayless to go to #3 to the Sonics. We need a PG, bad. Or...Brook Lopez. Sigh.

[LastPlaceRocks]

I expect Bayless to go to #3 to the Sonics. We need a PG, bad. Or...Brook Lopez. Sigh.
Sonics don't have the third pick - do you mean picking him up at four?

[trindaddy]

i hope the Bulls take Beasely and keep Hinrich.

[AshesAshes]

Russell Westbrook is my favorite guard in the draft other than Rose.

[preppyak]

i hope the Bulls take Beasely and keep Hinrich.
They already have Tyrus Thomas, Deng, Nocioni, and Joakim Noah...they have no room at the 3 or 4 for him...they have plenty of space at the 1 for Rose

Edit: Add Drew Gooden to that list...the ideal for Chicago would be get rose...get rid of Larry Hughes and Hinrich...and then build from there. Rose/Gordon/Deng/Thomas/etc isn't a bad core

[Scott Weber]

er... #4. can't see the wolves taking him because they believe in randy foye.

[xbrokendownx]

if the wolves take bayless ill fuckin kill someone

whos the next best PG after bayless...augustin? i think 6 is a reach for him

[LastPlaceRocks]

Agree with that. Hoiberg's on one of the local sports radio shows right now talking about that right now and things they'd like for the pick. Either way, he sounds so bad right now trying to spin having #3.

[Scott Weber]

My sleeper for the first round - Chris Douglas-Roberts. He screams amazing 6th man to a contender that picks him up in the 18-25 range.

[iihungrieii]

sucks 4 u scott if the sonics do get brook lopez.

[preppyak]

My sleeper for the first round - Chris Douglas-Roberts. He screams amazing 6th man to a contender that picks him up in the 18-25 range.
Yeah...CDR and whatever team takes Chalmers, especially if they can grab him early in the 2nd if he stays in the draft. Guy is a lockdown defender, and has been on guys like Mayo, etc...who will be NBA talent.

I think the best steal of the draft will be the team that gets Augustin anywhere outside the lottery (he is 16 right now)...because he's gonna be good in the NBA, he's got incredible knowledge of the game...and the team that picks up Shan Foster in the 2nd round. Dude is gonna be a great 6th/7th man to come in and shoot lights out from 18-20+ ft

The biggest loser will be the team that takes Eric Gordon in the top 10...or the team that takes Joe Alexander...who cannot play the 3 for at least 2-3 years in the NBA

[Scott Weber]

sucks 4 u scott if the sonics do get brook lopez.
yeah, i definitely don't want that. I think Lopez will be decent, actually, but not top 5 talent. a 12/10 guy for years to come though.

[trindaddy]

They already have Tyrus Thomas, Deng, Nocioni, and Joakim Noah...they have no room at the 3 or 4 for him...they have plenty of space at the 1 for Rose

Edit: Add Drew Gooden to that list...the ideal for Chicago would be get rose...get rid of Larry Hughes and Hinrich...and then build from there. Rose/Gordon/Deng/Thomas/etc isn't a bad core
While I'll be happy either way, I guess I'm just not a fan of Thomas, or Gooden, and Hinrich is one of my favorite players. I think a nasty starting five would be Gordon, Hinrich, Deng, Noah, and Beasley. Maybe a little on the large side, but I like it. then again, what you listed isn't exactly a lacking team.

[Bigalan2004]

who do you predict the rookie of the year will be next year?

if greg oden is considered a rookie next year i would say him, but if not i would say either russel westbrook or rose.

[iihungrieii]

yeah, i definitely don't want that. I think Lopez will be decent, actually, but not top 5 talent. a 12/10 guy for years to come though.

i guess it cant get much worse than sene, petro, and swift

[FondestMemory]

They already have Tyrus Thomas, Deng, Nocioni, and Joakim Noah...they have no room at the 3 or 4 for him...they have plenty of space at the 1 for Rose

Edit: Add Drew Gooden to that list...the ideal for Chicago would be get rose...get rid of Larry Hughes and Hinrich...and then build from there. Rose/Gordon/Deng/Thomas/etc isn't a bad core

gordon won't be back. i don't think they'll be able to afford him.

and i'd love to see cdr go to the cavs. i could dig that.

[iihungrieii]

whats with all the westbrook love...i just see him as an extremely athletic guy.

[iihungrieii]

cdr 2 the lakers would be bomb

[StandMyBrothers]

I thought the Lakers don't have a first round pick until 2012

[Illuminate]

any clipper fans here???

[StandMyBrothers]

I also would laugh if Gordon is re-united with Sampson in Milwaukee.

[weezer182]

any clipper fans here???rcrook

[StandMyBrothers]

rcrook
he's an exclusive Lakers fan I thought.

[weezer182]

he's an exclusive Lakers fan I thought.it was an old joke.


NBA draft net has GS taking Joe Alexander with the 14th pick. Please don't let that happen.

[preppyak]

gordon won't be back. i don't think they'll be able to afford him.
I think they can afford him...but I also wouldn't be surprised to see him go since they are stuck with larry Hughes and have Hinrich for the next few years.
I think a nasty starting five would be Gordon, Hinrich, Deng, Noah, and Beasley. Maybe a little on the large side, but I like it. then again, what you listed isn't exactly a lacking team.
Hinrich is my favorite NBA player...he just has dropped off especially this year. I think even with Gordon gone, Beasley doesn't fit their line-up...Deng/Nocioni/Thomas...they are all people they didnt trade earlier in the season, and I don't see them moving them now.

The only scenario I see them taking Beasley in is if they trade Hughes and some combo of Deng/Thomas for a legit SG to fill in for Gordon leaving...and then they have space for Beasley

[preppyak]

whats with all the westbrook love...i just see him as an extremely athletic guy.You got me...solid defender...but the kind of guy you use pick #25+ on...not someone who should be even whiffed at near the lottery

Especially since Collison, his teammate, beat him in every category except rebounding (not exactly a guard stat anyway), and crushed him in 3pt shooting. Westbrook can barely shoot a college range 3...he's got zero hope from NBA range...so teams better expect his defense to account for the opponent not scoring 8-10pts at least

If there is a team in the lottery looking for Rajon Rondo...cool, but here is how Westbrook is talked about:

His release is not the quickest or most fluid around, and he lacks accuracy when rushed or forced to shoot off the dribble. He has the potential to improve here, but his touch at the moment looks fairly average. In terms of his mid-range game, Westbrook doesn’t show great polish here either, as his shot is a bit flat, and he doesn’t always take advantage of his terrific leaping ability to create separation from his defender with his pull-up jumper. Must become better at handling ball pressure at the point guard position … Must continue to improve his body strength … UCLA system will likely limit his ability to fully showcase himself … Needs to improve upon his free throw shooting
He's basically a more athletic player than Chalmers...but lacks the shot that Chalmers has. Same can be said when you compare him to CDR/Lawson/and Augustin.

And where do I point out that Westbrook didn't start as a PG in college? I'll name you another guy who reads like Westbrook...Daniel Gibson...except without the shooting, which is the only reason Gibson worked out.

[Bigalan2004]

well he went from a garbage bench player his freshman year at ucla to pac 10 defensive player of the year, he is athletic, can run the point if needed to, and isnt afraid to take the ball to the basket.

and every team can use a defender.

[preppyak]

I think people will learn that great NCAA tourney play (Chalmers/Westbrook/Love/the list goes on) does not equate to 81 games of solid NBA play...and yet teams will pick all 3 of those guys at least 3-5 spots too high

[LeftWideOpen]

My very early mock top 10

1. Chicago - Michael Beasley
2. Miami - Derrick Rose
3. Minnesota - Danilo Gallinari
4. Seattle - Brook Lopez
5. Memphis - O.J Mayo
6. New York - Eric Gordon
7. L.A Clippers - Jerryd Bayless
8. Milwaukee - D.J Augustin
9. Charlotte - Kevin Love
10. New Jersey - DeAndre Jordan

[preppyak]

6. New York - Eric Gordon
That would not surprise me...perfect over-hype pick for them...its between Mayo and Gordon for them...they need that "special" talent that isn't really there

[Bigalan2004]

i think mayo does have special talent, he was the second leading scorer in the pac-10, some would say that it was the toughest conference this past year. mayo was all usc had so teams would only focus on him defensively.

yeah he has some serious character issues and yeah this is a biased comment because i go to usc.

[preppyak]

i think mayo does have special talent, he was the second leading scorer in the pac-10, some would say that it was the toughest conference this past year. mayo was all usc had so teams would only focus on him defensively.
I think Mayo in NYC would be a Starbury waiting to happen...he needs to go to a small market where he can focus on his game. In the last two years...despite being, as a whole, a decent person...he has really bought into the larger than life persona people have given him.

He can be a special talent...but many NBA players have had that chance and never gotten anywhere near it

[LeftWideOpen]

I thought long and hard about Mayo in Minnesota .. but I think he's the last thing a developing team needs. Gallinari is perfect pair at the F position with Jefferson, I think.

[LastPlaceRocks]

I thought long and hard about Mayo in Minnesota .. but I think he's the last thing a developing team needs. Gallinari is perfect pair at the F position with Jefferson, I think.
Yeah, I'll agree that the Wolves don't need him but it wouldn't surprise me if they ended up drafting him based on the connections he has with the club.

[preppyak]

I thought long and hard about Mayo in Minnesota .. but I think he's the last thing a developing team needs. Gallinari is perfect pair at the F position with Jefferson, I think.
He could fit nicely in Minnesota...because he would have do work within that team...he wouldn't have the luxury of having the media follow him everywhere distracting him.

Think about it, when USC was struggling and they weren't in the top 25 and nobody was talking about them...OJ Mayo developed his game...and got much better. In Minnesota, what else would he do but get better? Unless he finds a Vikings cruise boat or something

[LastPlaceRocks]

He could fit nicely in Minnesota...because he would have do work within that team...he wouldn't have the luxury of having the media follow him everywhere distracting him.

Think about it, when USC was struggling and they weren't in the top 25 and nobody was talking about them...OJ Mayo developed his game...and got much better. In Minnesota, what else would he do but get better? Unless he finds a Vikings cruise boat or something

Besides freezing his ass off in January, there's a lot he can do in Minnesota to fuck things up.

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah I think that Mayo needs a place where he would stay out of trouble, which is why Memphis make some sense.

but I think Mayo needs to go somewhere where he isnt the primary option, since he needs to develop an ability to play without the ball. With a true PG like Conley and a scoring option like Gay, I think Mayo makes sense there. Plus, Mike Miller takes a burden off Mayo needing to score and would make an excellent 6th man.

[preppyak]

Besides freezing his ass off in January, there's a lot he can do in Minnesota to fuck things up.
Can do the same in any city...but, the spotlight is a lot bigger in LA or NY than it is in Minn.

[LastPlaceRocks]

That's media coverage, not ways he can get in trouble.

[preppyak]

That's media coverage, not ways he can get in trouble.
You don't get fined by the NBA or ridiculed by fans if they don't know about it...not that I would expect Mayo to keep a low profile.

I agree about the Memphis comments earlier though

[LastPlaceRocks]

You don't get fined by the NBA or ridiculed by fans if they don't know about it...not that I would expect Mayo to keep a low profile.
What is something that someone up in Minnesota has gotten away with that wouldn't occur in a larger market?

[Scott Weber]

My very early mock top 10

1. Chicago - Michael Beasley
2. Miami - Derrick Rose
3. Minnesota - Danilo Gallinari
4. Seattle - Brook Lopez
5. Memphis - O.J Mayo
6. New York - Eric Gordon
7. L.A Clippers - Jerryd Bayless
8. Milwaukee - D.J Augustin
9. Charlotte - Kevin Love
10. New Jersey - DeAndre Jordan
I can't see Bayless falling past Seattle AND New York. But it is possible. I don't see why Gordon would fit in NY with Crawford and Q Rich filling it up there, with a bit of Nate Rob too.

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah I could have flip-flopped Gordon and Bayless .. I just went with my personal feeling on who is the better pro prospect.

[trindaddy]

I think they can afford him...but I also wouldn't be surprised to see him go since they are stuck with larry Hughes and have Hinrich for the next few years.

Hinrich is my favorite NBA player...he just has dropped off especially this year. I think even with Gordon gone, Beasley doesn't fit their line-up...Deng/Nocioni/Thomas...they are all people they didnt trade earlier in the season, and I don't see them moving them now.

The only scenario I see them taking Beasley in is if they trade Hughes and some combo of Deng/Thomas for a legit SG to fill in for Gordon leaving...and then they have space for Beasley


Is Kobe still pissed enough for us to offer a barrage of forwards for him? haha. I see/know what you mean though. I've watched Hinrich since his days at Kansas and always loved him (Except when he was beating up on Texas). I'm not doubting that Rose would make this team better either. It's just the favoritism thing for me. Thank god I'm going into teaching and not business.

The Bulls are definitely going to need a shooting guard soon. Gordon is at his best when he's not in the starting line up, and even at that he's as good as gone. We're in a situation with the first pick where the best players that can not be passed on are not our largest needs.

[bjam12]

Is Kobe still pissed enough for us to offer a barrage of forwards for him? haha. I see/know what you mean though. I've watched Hinrich since his days at Kansas and always loved him (Except when he was beating up on Texas). I'm not doubting that Rose would make this team better either. It's just the favoritism thing for me. Thank god I'm going into teaching and not business.

The Bulls are definitely going to need a shooting guard soon. Gordon is at his best when he's not in the starting line up, and even at that he's as good as gone. We're in a situation with the first pick where the best players that can not be passed on are not our largest needs.

I disagree. The top two players are our biggest needs. We really are lacking a true point guard that can create off the dribble and still are missing a big man who can score inside. Rose and Beasley fill each hole. I really hope Paxson takes Rose though and trades Hinrich.

[doubletrue]

im with you 100%. Basketball is the last sport that should use this kind of system, if one is going to use it at all.

i wish all major sports had lotteries actually. this keeps teams from intentionally tanking when they realize they won't make the playoffs. If a team knew they would get the first or second pick for sure, they would sit their best players out who have miniscule knowing they would get the nation's best player. the heat basically did that this year and didn't end up with #1.

[LeftWideOpen]

I disagree. The top two players are our biggest needs. We really are lacking a true point guard that can create off the dribble and still are missing a big man who can score inside. Rose and Beasley fill each hole. I really hope Paxson takes Rose though and trades Hinrich.

Hinrich wouldnt make a bad SG.

I think if the Bulls take Rose, its because they non-tender Gordon, make Hinrich a SG and have Hughes as the 6th man.

[S/T]

Even if they decide to get rid of Hinrich, he's going to be worth something to someone. If they do trade him, it'll be interesting to see what they can get.

[StandMyBrothers]

Apparently the Grizz feel Marc Gasol got so much better, he's like having another lottery pick.

[DaveFeelsRight]

wow that was surprising. just came home from the sox game and saw what happened

[preppyak]

i wish all major sports had lotteries actually. this keeps teams from intentionally tanking when they realize they won't make the playoffs. If a team knew they would get the first or second pick for sure, they would sit their best players out who have miniscule knowing they would get the nation's best player. the heat basically did that this year and didn't end up with #1.
Yep...really kept the Celtics from tanking games last year...or the Heat from benching their star this year and Riley "scouting" so they would finish last. What it does is not reward them directly...but, it does not stop them from doing it. Because, still, the Heat finish last, the absolute worst they get is the 4 pick, and now they have the #2 pick.

All the lottery does is upset competitive balance...the worst teams SHOULD have the chance at a franchise player, because usually they are in shambles to be so bad. Did the Knicks deserve the #2 pick last year? Probably not...but did they NEED it? Dear god yes

The Bulls don't NEED Rose or Beasley...they need heart, passion, and a solid coach to motivate them. They have the talent to be a playoff contender...whereas the Sonics, who could use Rose to make them a potential playoff contender, maybe aren't so much with the guys that follow (Bayless, Mayo, etc)

And people wonder how the NBA is so fucked up, that one conference is so far from the other and some teams are so terrible...but in 2007, the 3 worst teams got picks 4,5,6...and two Western Conference teams that were 10 wins ahead of those teams got the 1 and 2 picks...which was a huge gap between the 3rd and 4th picks. The draft, combined with free agency, should make it possible for ANY team to go from the worst to at least the middle...and the NBA system limits that...even potentially hurting teams that need the help.

Imagine if Miami gets the 4th pick...and they have to take Lopez/Mayo/etc...and that player fails...and Beasley becomes a 25/10 guy. The NBA, not Miami, just fucked Miami. If Jake Long fails for the Dolphins, then the Dolphins did it to themselves...as they had the ultimate choice by being the worst

[Scott Weber]

Hinrich would be an awesome backup PG. SG, i don't think he's got the physical makeup to bang with some of the bigger 2's. pause.

[preppyak]

Even if they decide to get rid of Hinrich, he's going to be worth something to someone. If they do trade him, it'll be interesting to see what they can get.
Yeah...he's a solid passing PG, and a good 3rd scoring option for a team that needs it. Plus, he still plays good defense. The Cavs would have been a great fit for him if they didn't grab Delonte...

That said...his contract is a bit of a problem, as it was just renewed last year, and while its not HUGE, his value when he signed was much higher than it is now.

And his shooting has been so-so, I'm not sure I'd want him at the 2...he could play it...but a Rose/Hinrich/Hughes backcourt is a guaranteed 6/40 shooting every night
Hinrich would be an awesome backup PG. SG, i don't think he's got the physical makeup to bang with some of the bigger 2's. pause.
haha...that too. He is very white and very skinny

If they pick Rose, I could see them splitting minutes between the two...and occasionally playing one another at the 2. But, then they have to resign Gordon, because Hughes is NOT a 2 you want to rely on

[preppyak]

so..if the Bulls pick Beasley...who is gone from that team then? Cause ESPN thinks that is who it is...

Nocioni
Deng
Thomas
Gooden

[DaveFeelsRight]

so..if the Bulls pick Beasley...who is gone from that team then? Cause ESPN thinks that is who it is...

Nocioni
Deng
Thomas
Goodeni would think its a toss up between thomas and gooden

[S/T]

..but a Rose/Hinrich/Hughes backcourt is a guaranteed 6/40 shooting every night

haha True. Take away Rose and add Crawford and that could make for some of the most epic shooting nights in history.

On another note, it'll be interesting to see where Bill Walker goes.

[preppyak]

haha True. Take away Rose and add Crawford and that could make for some of the most epic shooting nights in history.
hahaha...I almost want that trade to happen

[CarlosLunes]

1. Bulls - Shawn James

[preppyak]

You're not still bitter at him for declaring?

[livethesounds]

Hinrich would be an awesome backup PG. SG, i don't think he's got the physical makeup to bang with some of the bigger 2's. pause.

yea, but i honestly think they trade Hinrich if they draft Rose. I mean, why not? you could get decent value for him, and fill a need position. This years Bulls team was a fluke in my opinion. They'll be a playoff team, and possibly a contender for the next 5-10 years, especially after this draft. Trading for Hinrich could really help out if they get good value. I think they go with Beasley though, even though they have Thomas and Gooden.

[livethesounds]

I'm wondering where Augustine will end up. If he's going to slip to a playoff team someones getting a fantastic PG. Houston could really use a guy like him.

[LeftWideOpen]

i would think its a toss up between thomas and gooden

yeah, Gooden is a free agent after the 08/09' season, I believe, so he would make the most sense for a team looking to get some cap space.

I'm wondering where Augustine will end up. If he's going to slip to a playoff team someones getting a fantastic PG. Houston could really use a guy like him.

I love D.J Augustin. I think he goes anywhere from Seattle to Indiana.

[xbrokendownx]

if Bayless is there at 6 and the knicks dont pick him im going to crucify donnie walsh

if not him, i want augustin

[xbrokendownx]

also apparently D'antoni played in Italy with Gallinari's dad

[Drew Beringer]

I hope Augustin ends up a Pacer and I wouldn't mind seeing Eric Gordon in a Bucks uniform.

[Drew Beringer]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080520

Chris Ford's mock draft

[FondestMemory]

if the bucks were smart, they'd trade michael redd and charlie v to the cavs for wally sckahfidoafnbiac, damon jones and the number 19 pick.

that gives them two top 20 picks to add to some already young talent, two solid shooters and 16 mil worth of cap space next offseason.

[Drew Beringer]

Yeah, I was about to post that I'd rather have the Bucks package the pick and trade Redd/CV and take CDR later in the first. It'll be an interesting offseason for the Bucks.

[xbrokendownx]

ugh if the knicks take Gallinari i will not be a happy camper

[preppyak]

if the bucks were smart, they'd trade michael redd and charlie v to the cavs for wally sckahfidoafnbiac, damon jones and the number 19 pick.

that gives them two top 20 picks to add to some already young talent, two solid shooters and 16 mil worth of cap space next offseason.
If I were the Cavs, I'd do that in a heartbeat...West/Redd/LeBron/Villaneuva/Z is a solid lineup with guys like Gibson/Verajao, etc coming off the bench

You'd have 3 solid scoring threats on the court (LeBron, West, Redd), some good rebounding, and a great 6th/7th man in Verajao and Gibson

[xbrokendownx]

lebron and michael redd together would be ludicrous

[FondestMemory]

you're leaving wallace out of the equation as well. he'd probably still start at the four over charlie v. not to mention joe smith adding some extra scoring up front coming off the bench.

[preppyak]

wow, Russell Westbrook 7th? You'd pass on 2 guards who can actually score and one who has actually played a full season at PG to pick up a project in Westbrook? I guess...good thing Chad Ford isn't their GM
Alexander could be the sleeper of the draft. His combination of size, athleticism and shooting ability has GMs drooling right now. He's still learning the game, but on a team like the Blazers, his versatility could be an immediate asset.ahahaha...wow, nevermind, Chad Ford has no idea what he is talking about. He's clearly never watched Joe Alexander play

Edit: Wow, and he's got Bill Walker in the first round? The highest I've seen Walker going is #41

[preppyak]

you're leaving wallace out of the equation as well. he'd probably still start at the four over charlie v. not to mention joe smith adding some extra scoring up front coming off the bench.
Knew I was missing someone...and with Redd there, you don't need Wallace to score (cuz he can't)...that lineup would be definite top 3 in the East for a few years

[AshesAshes]

Every Mock Draft I have seen has the Jazz taking Hibbert, I wouldnt mind that but I want Kosta Koufos.

[xbrokendownx]

Hibbert has bust written all over him

[Scott Weber]

Hibbert might actually work in Utah though. He could be successful, but only on a team that really works in half-court sets. Most other places he'd fail.

[CarlosLunes]

You're not still bitter at him for declaring?

i was never bitter at him for declaring, just bitter at him for transferring.

[weezer182]

I don't know a lot about DeAndre Jordan but Chad Ford has him going to the Warriors. Any big man with skill would be much desired.

[Scott Weber]

I don't know a lot about DeAndre Jordan but Chad Ford has him going to the Warriors. Any big man with skill would be much desired.
He's got big talent but has motivation problems. Perfect body but hasn't put it together yet. pause.

[StandMyBrothers]

I don't know a lot about DeAndre Jordan but Chad Ford has him going to the Warriors. Any big man with skill would be much desired.
He had his good days and bad days this year with A and M.

[1moreandimfree]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Hinrich in a Blazer jersey next year.

[StandMyBrothers]

Rudy Fernandez baby

[preppyak]

i was never bitter at him for declaring, just bitter at him for transferring.
gotcha
Hibbert might actually work in Utah though. He could be successful, but only on a team that really works in half-court sets. Most other places he'd fail.
Yeah...any team that likes to play under 90pts would be good for him

Spurs, Jazz, etc

[S/T]

I don't know a lot about DeAndre Jordan but Chad Ford has him going to the Warriors. Any big man with skill would be much desired.

You won't read a story anywhere about him where they don't mention his supposed motivation/work ethic deficiencies, but after watching him all year it seems like a lot of it is just a talent deficiency. I think the ability is there to be a good player in the league, but he doesn't have great footwork, many moves, or any kind of jump shot to speak of. All his upside is in his athleticism at this point, but I'm sure he can learn. Also, from what I hear he isn't all that strong in the upper body, despite his size.

Hibbert has bust written all over him

He's going to need some serious coaching. In my opinion there's little hope for a 7'2" guy that couldn't break 7 rebounds a game against college players.

[preppyak]

You won't read a story anywhere about him where they don't mention his supposed motivation/work ethic deficiencies, but after watching him all year it seems like a lot of it is just a talent deficiency. I think the ability is there to be a good player in the league, but he doesn't have great footwork, many moves, or any kind of jump shot to speak of. All his upside is in his athleticism at this point, but I'm sure he can learn. Also, from what I hear he isn't all that strong in the upper body, despite his size.
I think its an effort thing...he showed signs of brilliance here and there...but, I just think he lacks the focus and effort to be a great player. He'll be a bust if a team thinks he can truly save their franchise
He's going to need some serious coaching. In my opinion there's little hope for a 7'2" guy that couldn't break 7 rebounds a game against college players.
You can't coach speed...and Hibbert just lacks it. The rebound comes from the fact that he had Ewing and others taking rebounds from him usually...there were 3 people that averaged like 6+ rebounds on that team.

Regardless, he is not a very mobile player...and an offense that likes transition will not suit him

[1moreandimfree]

Rudy Fernandez baby

My dad is probably going to Spain to see him, and he's going to look for a jersey for me. I think a euro rudy jersey would be so awesome.

[StandMyBrothers]

My dad is probably going to Spain to see him, and he's going to look for a jersey for me. I think a euro rudy jersey would be so awesome.
a Joventut jersey? that's cool. Or a Spain national team jersey, that would be sick.

[williek311]

I hope Joe Alexander gets picked by Portland. The amount of young talent on that team would be ridiculous.

[blimpcityhero11]

Lets look at it this way, for the last 5 years (and we can't really tell if Conley/Oden will be great from 2007)

2006
#1 Bargnani - #4 Tyrus Thomas
2005
#1 - Bogut - #4 Chris Paul
2004
#1 - Howard - #4 Shaun Livingston
2003
#1 LeBron James - #4 Chris Bosh
2002
#1 Yao Ming - #4 Drew Gooden

A system that denies the worst team 3 franchise players...3 legitimate superstars, and in return gives them 1 (maybe eventually 2 in Chris Bosh)...is flawed. Honestly, I'd like any NBA team to say they wouldn't want Dwight Howard, LeBron, and Yao over Chris Bosh or Drew Gooden

Only once would I even see the #1 team considering swapping players...and, Milwaukee having Micahel Redd and Mo Williams might actually keep Bogut


Actually it would be:

2002
#1 Yao Ming(HOU-5th worst) v.s. #2 (CHI) Jay Williams or #3 (GS) Mike Dunleavy (Tie for most L's)
2003
#1 LeBron James (CLE was the worst team that year; However DEN tied and got Carmelo at #3)
2004
#1 Dwight Howard (ORL was the worst team)
2005
#1 Andrew Bogut (MIL - 6th worst) v.s. #2 Marvin Williams (ATL were too stupid to take Paul or Deron)
2006
#1 Andrea Bargnani (TOR-5th worst) v.s. #2 LaMarcus Aldridge (POR-worst record, also got Roy)

I hardly think the team with the worst record got screwed. Each year since 2002, the worst team ended up with the #1 or #2. The only true argument can be made in the case of the Bulls missing out on Yao Ming in 2002. Although that wasn't necessarily a guaranteed pick considering they had drafted Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry in 2001 and Brad Miller was on their roster before the 2002 draft. Also, Jay Williams was highly regarded at PG after his amazing college career was capped off with Naismith Award. I'd also say the jury's still out on 2006's draft, but the worst team didn't really screw themselves by ending up with LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy.

[preppyak]

I hardly think the team with the worst record got screwed. Each year since 2002, the worst team ended up with the #1 or #2. The only true argument can be made in the case of the Bulls missing out on Yao Ming in 2002..
My point was that the system allows for that possibility...that in any year, that can happen to a team and you can lose the chance to rebuild...which inherently makes it a flawed and unnecessary system. There is no possibility for the worst team in the NFL draft to end up with the 4th pick without their own doing...its entirely possible by LUCK in the NBA system.

And do you want to tell me that the teams that tied to get Carmelo are happy? Because the Nuggets were actively shopping him a week ago...and only now pulled back. Think they wouldn't die for the chance to have LeBron instead like any reasonable system would have given them?

Sure...it has worked out for those teams in some cases...but there are years where the #1 pick is a once-in-a-decade player. And the worst team should get that player...not potentially a team that went 48-44. Poor drafts, bad coaching, poor management...those should be the things that doom a team...a ping pong ball should never have that opportunity.

You also avoid rumors like Patrick Ewing to the Knicks.

But, lets look at the potential players lost to the WORST team...by the lottery...not that it always happened, but lets just pretend

Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, Allen Iverson, Tim Duncan, Elton Brand, Yao Ming, LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Greg Oden

You're talking about 3 dominant centers (Ewing/Robinson/O'Neal), 2 who will likely develop into that (Howard/Yao), probably the best 4/5 combo ever in Duncan, an incredible scoring PG in Iverson, a guy who may be the best ever in LeBron...all denied, potentially, to the team that statistically needs them most. If that happened in every case...would you still call it a rational system? Because the reality is that the NBA is dealing with 14 teams, its a small sample size, and many, many things can go wrong, as the Bulls showed this year

[preppyak]

Some pre-draft workouts


Bill Walker
...two months later, a different Walker is on the court. Walker has dropped nearly 30 pounds and has totally rehabbed his knee, and I'm happy to report he is dropping highlight reel dunks by the minute.
"He's been an animal in here," Grover said. "He wants it. He's been working really hard, and it's paying off. He's so explosive, and he's always in attack mode."
Walker also is working on stabilizing his jump shot. Although his shooting has improved over the years, he doesn't have the needed consistency.
Explains why he is moving up draft boards

Brandon Rush
On Wednesday, I saw him work out with Wolves forward Antoine Walker. Rush shot about 80 to 90 percent from the field in the workout. He can hit his shot from just about anywhere. He also has the size and skill to post up smaller guards.
He reminds me, in a lot of ways, of the Hawks' Joe Johnson. He has such a smoothness to his game that he looks effortless at times. I expect Rush will draw some serious attention just outside the lottery from teams with an eye toward the playoffs. Teams such as the Suns, Cavs and Magic could insert Rush directly into the rotation and get solid production from him as a rookie.


Jeremy Pargo
He is a very explosive athlete who attacks the basket. He's a streaky shooter, but when he's hot, watch out. He's debating whether to play in Orlando. If he does, I could see him moving up draft boards. After the first few point guards are off the board, teams will be looking in the late first round and Pargo will be interesting.

[iihungrieii]

shit i forgot the lakers dont have a first round pick this year. i cant complain i guess =)

[LeftWideOpen]

I'd like to see the Celtics draft a C to come in and backup Perkins. Somebody with some mobility, who can run the court, would be ideal. Kosta Koufos or Robin Lopez would be a good fit. If he somehow dropped, JaVale McGee would be perfect.

if none of those guys are on the board, an offensive-minded SG would be nice to bring in and split time off the bench with Tony Allen, a more defensive-minded guard. Wayne Ellington makes a lot of sense, as does Courtney Lee.

[S/T]

Some pre-draft workouts


Bill Walker

Explains why he is moving up draft boards


Nice, I've been calling that one. I think he's going to be legit.

Speights has some nice potential, also.

[preppyak]

Also, there are a lot of rumors flying that the Heat do not like Beasley and want to trade out of the 2 pick back to the 3 or 4 so they can get OJ Mayo...assuming they can't get Rose that is.

[Scott Weber]

Also, there are a lot of rumors flying that the Heat do not like Beasley and want to trade out of the 2 pick back to the 3 or 4 so they can get OJ Mayo...assuming they can't get Rose that is.
we'll take him!

[LeftWideOpen]

yeah Miami would have to be nuts to pass on Beasley. Do they realize how much of a fucking monster he is?

Averaging over 26 points and 12 boards a game, in a major conference, isn't exactly commonplace. I think he has a chance to make the biggest rookie impact since Lebron James. He'd be a perfect complement to Dwayne Wade.

[StandMyBrothers]

They prefer Marion to Beasly

[Scott Weber]

They prefer Marion to Beasly
So deal Marion for the right parts or start them both. Marion is a guy who can play and guard many positions, I don't see what the big deal is.

[StandMyBrothers]

I don't get the Heat. when you have guys like Stephane Lasme, Blake Ahearn, Kasib Powell, etc. why the fuck would you not want Beasly and Marion.

[Killadelphia]

I wonder who Stefanski and the Sixers are looking at. This is where being a team in the East who lowly makes the playoffs gets hurt.

[1moreandimfree]

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-pre-draft-measurements/?year=2008&sort2=ASC&draft=0&sort=

Measurements are in.

Some quick observations:
Beasley is only 6'7
Alexander is a fucking freak.

[xbrokendownx]

i dont think alexander's game translates well to the NBA at all

beasley's wingspan is over 7'

[1moreandimfree]

I don't think Alexander is going to be a superstar but I think he is going to be a really solid player who is going to make an immediate impact.

God. I am getting antsy. I love the draft and the days that surround it so much.

[LeftWideOpen]

yep, Alexander's stock is going up. I think he's a Top 10 pick.

You mentioned Beasley, but Kevin Love being under 6'8 isnt good news for him, either. And I'm sure people would have liked to have seen a little more strength out of Mayo and Augustin. I mean, 2 reps D.J? Seriously?

[preppyak]

Beasley is only 6'7
Alexander is a fucking freak.
yep, Alexander's stock is going up. I think he's a Top 10 pick.

You mentioned Beasley, but Kevin Love being under 6'8 isnt good news for him, either. And I'm sure people would have liked to have seen a little more strength out of Mayo and Augustin. I mean, 2 reps D.J? Seriously?
Two things that come out of that really though

Alexander will jump up to top 10 and flop because even with his athleticism, all his game tape is him playing the 5...in the NBA, he is a 3 at best

Jeremy Pargo, in the agility drill, is a half second faster than anyone except Ramaal Bradley...which is crazy...a team looking for a lockdown defender and quick guard are going to snag him. He has a better vertical and is faster than Russell Westbrook, and lacks only in rep strength. I doubt he ends up back at Gonzaga

I also see why Ronald Steele dropped out...dude was slow and could barely jump (25" vertical) compraed to everyone else

[Scott Weber]

I think reps are the dumbest measure of anything in basketball. so stupid.

[FondestMemory]

durant couldn't even do one rep last year.

worked out alright for him.

[Scott Weber]

durant couldn't even do one rep last year.

worked out alright for him.
yeah, everyone made a big deal out of it and it didn't matter. he was physical in college, he was physical in the NBA, and continues to grow stronger. It's a poor measure for these kids under 20 years old and I think it's incredibly short-sighted to put any real stock into it for a young player, especially a guard.

[preppyak]

er...scratch that, Ronald Steele hasn't withdrawn yet

"It was a mix-up," Steele said Monday night. "I can work out until the 16th, and a number of teams have called so I'm going to take those workouts and then make a decision." Steele said he didn't know the teams yet, though, so he couldn't name them.

But...I expect him to unless he is excited about going after pick 45

[preppyak]

and for Brian Roberts

Roberts is drawing a lot of Daniel Gibson (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Daniel-Gibson-57/) comparisons these days, as both are slender, smooth 6-2 combo guards with great intangibles and phenomenal perimeter shooting skills. Roberts is a better ball-handler than Gibson, but is not quite as good a defender, though. Like Gibson, he will have to find the absolute ideal situation (likely playing next to a big point guard) to make and stick in the NBA. If he doesn’t find that, he will have a great career in Europe, where he can play a Louis Bullock (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Louis-Bullock-5223/)-type role at a very high level as he continues to develop.

I would not be surprised to see some teams jump on him that need a shooter...there are plenty

[1moreandimfree]

The Timberwolves worked out Stanford center Brook Lopez on Tuesday, their first individual workout as they prepare to select third in this year's draft.
Kevin McHale was impressed with, of all things, Lopez's shooting range: "He's actually got three-point range."

[Scott Weber]

I hope they do take Lopez. That gives the Sonics Mayo or Bayless, either of which I'd be decently happy with. I'd prefer Mayo.

[preppyak]

Last mock draft I read the Sonics take Mayo...though Brook Lopez was not a pick til #9, so seeing him at #3 is a bit surprising

[Scott Weber]

Last mock draft I read the Sonics take Mayo...though Brook Lopez was not a pick til #9, so seeing him at #3 is a bit surprising
I've seen Lopez at #3 in almost every single mock.

[preppyak]

He's #9 here
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080602

and here

http://nbadraft.net/

Which I think is realistic. I think if the Wolves pass on him, he will plummet.

[Scott Weber]

He's #9 here
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080602

and here

http://nbadraft.net/

Which I think is realistic. I think if the Wolves pass on him, he will plummet.
That's new...Lopez was #3 on nbadraft.net for quite some time.

[gonz]

and for Brian Roberts



I would not be surprised to see some teams jump on him that need a shooter...there are plenty
I was just reading that he's been showing great distribution and ball-handling skills as well actually.

[Drew Beringer]

I want Gordon on the Bucks or the Bucks to make a trade. And I really want Augustin to be a Pacer.

[Drew Beringer]

boo to the Pacers if they take Joe Alexander.

[gonz]

and wow @ Alexander's measurements

[gonz]

yep, Alexander's stock is going up. I think he's a Top 10 pick.

You mentioned Beasley, but Kevin Love being under 6'8 isnt good news for him, either. And I'm sure people would have liked to have seen a little more strength out of Mayo and Augustin. I mean, 2 reps D.J? Seriously?
Agreed about the K.Love thing but the fact that he's already already trimmed down some since his college season ended should work for him, it won't offset the height issue but still

I just have a feeling that he's going to end up being a steal if he falls due to the questions surrounding his height/athleticism/etc

[xbrokendownx]

i really like the Augustin pick that Ford has us doing

[gonz]

I hate Ford's pick for the Cavs. Cavs are in win-now mode and Koufos doesn't fit into that at all. He needs a LOT of development. While, yes, a few years down the line he could end up being a star in the NBA, but if we wait for that it wouldn't matter because he'd be a star on a Lebron-less team that would mostly likely be a lottery regular.

[gonz]

My sleeper for the first round - Chris Douglas-Roberts. He screams amazing 6th man to a contender that picks him up in the 18-25 range.
I hope the Cavs grab him, as I've seen him still available in most mock-drafts.
gordon won't be back. i don't think they'll be able to afford him.

and i'd love to see cdr go to the cavs. i could dig that.
He'd contribute immediately and just think, another player on the Cavs that can (GASP!) create their own shot

Who else would you want the Cavs to draft out of players that would probably be available then?

[FondestMemory]

I want Gordon on the Bucks or the Bucks to make a trade. And I really want Augustin to be a Pacer.

the bucks are gonna make a trade. they're gonna send redd to the cavs.

I hope the Cavs grab him, as I've seen him still available in most mock-drafts.

He'd contribute immediately and just think, another player on the Cavs that can (GASP!) create their own shot

Who else would you want the Cavs to draft out of players that would probably be available then?

cdr is far and away my top choice. if not, i say koufas just because we need z's replacement. if we can get redd without giving up our first rounder, i say koufas. if we don't get redd, it's easily cdr.

[Scott Weber]

CDR would be an outstanding pick for the Cavs.

[preppyak]

I want Gordon on the Bucks or the Bucks to make a trade. And I really want Augustin to be a Pacer.
i really like the Augustin pick that Ford has us doing
Yeah...Augustin will go to the Knicks if Bayless and Mayo are gone at that point...seems to make a lot of sense. But Ford also has the Wolves taking Mayo, which makes no sense as Bayless would be the better pick for that team if they even went guard.

Regardless, Augustin will 100% not make it past Indiana, but with Donnie Walsh in NY now, he loves Augustin

[preppyak]

ew...just saw that Chad Ford has Chalmers going to the Spurs...that would be a nightmare for me

[1moreandimfree]

-Draft Express is reporting that the Pacers are offering the #11 pick and Jermaine O'Neal to the Cavaliers.
The Pacers would get expiring contracts such as Wally Szczerbiak and Eric Snow in return. The Pacers don't want to give O'Neal away, but with not much to play for currently, losing his $23 million contract from their cap figure is priority No. 1.

-Retired guard Allan Houston has been a regular participant in workouts at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, and could be planning a comeback with the Suns.

And Rudy Fernandez announced in Spain that he is coming over next year. Yesssss.

[Drew Beringer]

lol nice trade Pacers, we just want to have the most white guys in the league.

[iihungrieii]

lebron and JO....

[Drew Beringer]

lebron and JO....
Too bad he'll only have JO for about 50% of the season. It could be a windy day and he'll end up with a separated shoulder. He's a pussy.

[Drew Beringer]

oh and did I mention he has no heart?

[1moreandimfree]

oh and did I mention he has no heart?

But he got me a playstation 2 for christmas the year they came out!

[gonz]

Do not want

and they can't be giving us the pick and JO for just expiring contracts can they? That'd be a pretty onesided deal

[FondestMemory]

i'd do it. if it gets rid of wally and expiring contracts, i don't care.

i'm more interested in the 11th pick. we either keep it and 19, or move one of them for another key piece (redd).

as far as jo, if he plays and stays healthy, fantastic. if not, we still got great value out of the trade.

[Drew Beringer]

i'd do it. if it gets rid of wally and expiring contracts, i don't care.

i'm more interested in the 11th pick. we either keep it and 19, or move one of them for another key piece (redd).

as far as jo, if he plays and stays healthy, fantastic. if not, we still got great value out of the trade.
Plan on him not being healthy, ever haha

[Scott Weber]

Plan on him not being healthy, ever haha
He will the minute he leaves one of your teams, haha.

[FondestMemory]

that's what i'm saying. i wouldn't expect him to ever play, but if he did that would just be bonus.

my point is that if it's just useless players with expiring contracts, i'd do that just for the 11th pick. with that, even jo for 25-30 games is just bonus.

[Drew Beringer]

He will the minute he leaves one of your teams, haha.
most likely, I think the Pacers are just cursed for life.

[mcfly21]

i would think that the cavs would flop picks at the very least

unless the pacers are looking to totally rebuild

[Drew Beringer]

Pacers are building around Granger with white guys haha

[1moreandimfree]

Pat Riley is scheduled to travel to Chicago this weekend to attend the workout of USC guard O.J. Mayo.
After leaving Chicago, Riley is scheduled to attend workouts in California, where he could visit Derrick Rose near Los Angeles. The team is also expected to work out Michael Beasley, and would likely attempt to bring all three to Miami for a second workout pior to the draft. The Heat are eyeing the three players with the No. 2 pick in the draft.

[preppyak]

haha, picking OJ Mayo, for them, would be the worst move ever...they already have a 2/1 guard in Wade, you don't need a second when you either need a legit 4 or a legit 1.

But, if they can bait a team into a trade with that move...it'd be smart

[StandMyBrothers]

Bucks might trade Yi to Golden State for the 14th pick and Brandon Wright. They should do it. Yi would love the Bay Area. tons of chinese people too!

[StandMyBrothers]

-Retired guard Allan Houston has been a regular participant in workouts at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, and could be planning a comeback with the Suns.

And Rudy Fernandez announced in Spain that he is coming over next year. Yesssss.
wtf do the Suns trainers put in these old farts bodies haha.

And fuck yes for Rudy, the next Manu! or at least Jose Calderon...

[preppyak]

Bucks might trade Yi to Golden State for the 14th pick and Brandon Wright. They should do it. Yi would love the Bay Area. tons of chinese people too!
wow, that would be a fucking steal for the Bucks...getting anything for Yi is a steal really

[preppyak]

Kirk Hinrich sounds like a very shoppable piece to many teams, as it now seems very certain the Bulls are taking Rose

The Bulls’ situation with Hinrich, say personnel executives throughout the league, also is worth watching. Perhaps as many as eight lottery teams—the Heat, New York Knicks (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk/;_ylt=AkZG74Qb_00KUCKVa1HHaoKzvLYF) , Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/mil/;_ylt=ArcEwhLvrUrcHJsroaA0bMWzvLYF) , Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cha/;_ylt=ApEWv9X3AwRNkiuZ0QJbYRazvLYF) , Indiana Pacers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/ind/;_ylt=AoT4tepl5HnPmEdThIXonVGzvLYF) , Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/por/;_ylt=AmwpgcUToHSW.st2fgCot06zvLYF) and Golden State Warriors (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/gsw/;_ylt=Aml0YIhWK4l.cB535SSSpBGzvLYF) —could use a point guard. Hinrich may not be the classic “one”; thus the Bulls’ interest in Rose. But Hinrich is good enough to have been invited to play for Team USA. Consider him a Danny Ainge type, a guard who can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot, defend even the bigger shooting guards and run the offense. He’s not at the level of a Chris Paul (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3930/;_ylt=AsqFmJN6__FVMejPhsbpwnSzvLYF) or Deron Williams (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3929/;_ylt=AiQ61Slgfkcr_gbrIh5RBe6zvLYF) , but he has been to the playoffs three of the last four seasons and is too good to sit behind a kid. Other pieces would be required to match salaries, but here’s some speculative possibilities for Hinrich:
• Miami for Shawn Marion
• Indiana for Jermaine O’Neal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3120/;_ylt=AiBqtE.WRsqF3AbUYnjEakWzvLYF)
• Golden State for Al Harrington (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3268/;_ylt=AhzAKBBSc8iWbjvrtVKEIXazvLYF)
• Portland for expiring contracts, like that of Raef LaFrentz (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3246/;_ylt=AqAlFNOS3uTOXvrZrejBIxCzvLYF) , so the Bulls can get into the free-agent market over the next few years for Brand or Wade
• Charlotte for Jason Richardson (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3515/;_ylt=Ar7cwoHJ74h0kFsMZqSgVwWzvLYF) (he and Gerald Wallace (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3533/;_ylt=Avx8jkQfz6WqPeBSWiQKGcSzvLYF) play similar roles); perhaps the Bulls throw in a veteran like Andres Nocioni (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3882/;_ylt=AunTVHmAP5LLVHDtrcde3ouzvLYF) for new Bobcats coach Larry Brown
• Milwaukee (would Scott Skiles want to coach Hinrich again?) for a contract they want to dump, like Bobby Simmons (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3551/;_ylt=ApCKm_c_Aa4rk6D4zotq3ymzvLYF) ’, with Yi Jianlian (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4284/;_ylt=Aho.ozFEamUhOu_MxNNttDCzvLYF) thrown in
• New York. Actually, it seems they’re saving cap space to make a run at LeBron James (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3704/;_ylt=Au3XfSVw1.5eJMryE9MqZyezvLYF) in two years.

we can scratch the Golden State and Milwaukee deals likely...since Yi is gone and Golden State dropped their pick already.

[1moreandimfree]

wtf do the Suns trainers put in these old farts bodies haha.

And fuck yes for Rudy, the next Manu! or at least Jose Calderon...

It's just crazy to me that both of the Blazers picks last year (Rudy and Oden) didn't play a game and we still went .500. An Oden, LA, Roy and Rudy core is so legit.

[xbrokendownx]

offer lebron james 500000000 million dollars to come to NY

do it dolan

[1moreandimfree]

Kirk Hinrich sounds like a very shoppable piece to many teams, as it now seems very certain the Bulls are taking Rose


we can scratch the Golden State and Milwaukee deals likely...since Yi is gone and Golden State dropped their pick already.

Mentioned something about Hinrich to portland even before the lottery. I think it's a real possibility.

[preppyak]

yeah...I don't see him being happy as a backup PG...he won't do it

Which is good cause I hate most of the players on the Bulls, so I'd like him to go to a team I can like

[1moreandimfree]

Looking at old draft stuff...

I had no idea about this-
The highlight of the night for me personally was seeing Portland single handedly destroy a trade the Timberwolves and Rockets had in place (#6-Brandon Roy, for Luther Head and #8-Randy Foye) by forcing Minnesota’s hand and taking Foye a pick early at #7. That ensured that the Timberwolves had to trade arguably the 2nd best player in the draft to the Blazers for Foye and cash considerations, a move that was entirely lost on ESPN at the time but should go down as one of the most ballsy ever.

[Drew Beringer]

Bucks might trade Yi to Golden State for the 14th pick and Brandon Wright. They should do it. Yi would love the Bay Area. tons of chinese people too!
yes please

[1moreandimfree]

For Drew:
The Bucks will work out six draft prospects Friday, including LSU freshman forward Anthony Randolph.
The Bucks hold the eighth pick and are eyeing Randolph, who averaged 15.6 points and 8.5 rebounds for the Tigers last season. The other five are forward Joe Alexander of West Virginia; senior guard Stanley Burrell of Xavier; freshman forward Donte Greene of Syracuse; senior guard Brian Roberts of Dayton; and sophomore forward Walter Sharpe of Alabama-Birmingham.

For Scott:
The Sonics worked out four players on Thursday, including UCLA forward Kevin Love.
Love was joined by Ohio State 7-foot center Kostas Koufos, NC State forward J.J. Hickson and Australian forward Nathan Jawai. On Friday, Georgetown center Roy Hibbert, UCLA guard Russell Westbrook, Illinois forward Shaun Pruitt and George Hill, a guard out of IUPUI, will all work out in Seattle. The Sonics have the No. 4 and 26 picks in the first round of the draft. Seattle has the fourth and 24th picks in the June 26 draft, and the team apparently wants to upgrade in the post and at point guard.

So much for Ty Lawson's rising stock:
http://rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gif http://rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gif
North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson was charged with driving while impaired after a traffic stop in downtown Chapel Hill.
Lawson was stopped early Friday morning because of the loud music coming from the car, which led to a failed field sobriety test. Lawson also was charged with violating the city's noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license, police said. This will probably be enough to scare the Pacers away from the talented point guard, as they try to improve their public image.

[Scott Weber]

No surprise there. I think the Sonics may bundle their later first round pick and 1 or 2 of their 3 2nd round picks to move up and take a more established big man.

[livethesounds]

so the one year we actually would benifit from the draft we don't have a 1st rounder. awesome. Maybe Dallas should trade back Kidd and get it back.

[christopher™]

if seattle takes bayless i think they will be one of my favorite teams.

[Drew Beringer]

Kirk Hinrich sounds like a very shoppable piece to many teams, as it now seems very certain the Bulls are taking Rose


we can scratch the Golden State and Milwaukee deals likely...since Yi is gone and Golden State dropped their pick already.
I hope the Bucks pull that trigger, the 14th pick and Brandon Wright for Yi? or do the Bucks give up the 8th spot too?

[preppyak]

Looking at old draft stuff...

I had no idea about this-
The highlight of the night for me personally was seeing Portland single handedly destroy a trade the Timberwolves and Rockets had in place (#6-Brandon Roy, for Luther Head and #8-Randy Foye) by forcing Minnesota’s hand and taking Foye a pick early at #7. That ensured that the Timberwolves had to trade arguably the 2nd best player in the draft to the Blazers for Foye and cash considerations, a move that was entirely lost on ESPN at the time but should go down as one of the most ballsy ever.
haha, wow, nicely done
For Drew: senior guard Brian Roberts of Dayton

For Scott:
NC State forward J.J. Hickson
Nobody is talking about these guys really...but they will be a steal early in the 2nd round...especially Brian Roberts
Lawson was stopped early Friday morning because of the loud music coming from the car, which led to a failed field sobriety test. Lawson also was charged with violating the city's noise ordinance and driving with a suspended or revoked license, police said. This will probably be enough to scare the Pacers away from the talented point guard, as they try to improve their public image. Terrible timing for him...I would not be surprised to see him fall several spots back with that. Thats essentially like getting an injury...he might be headed back to UNC if he can't keep a spot in the top 20-25ish

[Drew Beringer]

If the Bucks have the 8th and 14th pick, as well as Brandon Wright, while dealing Redd for another pick and expiring contracts (aka Cavs), then I'll be ecstatic.

[gonz]

Well rumor is that the Nuggets have "promised" to take Lawson with their 20th pick. I couldn't see them having any trouble with his recent controversy.

[iihungrieii]

Well rumor is that the Nuggets have "promised" to take Lawson with their 20th pick. I couldn't see them having any trouble with his recent controversy.

that incident made denver like him more

[FondestMemory]

If the Bucks have the 8th and 14th pick, as well as Brandon Wright, while dealing Redd for another pick and expiring contracts (aka Cavs), then I'll be ecstatic.

not if indy takes those expiring contracts for jo and the 11 pick :-)

although, if that happened i'd gladly give the 19th pick and andy for redd.

[Drew Beringer]

not if indy takes those expiring contracts for jo and the 11 pick :-)

although, if that happened i'd gladly give the 19th pick and andy for redd.
Yeah, cause at least you'll get Redd for more than 20 games haha

[FondestMemory]

if danny ferry could land the 11th pick, jo and redd while only giving up the 19, wally, dj, snow and andy, i'd let him impregnate me.

here's our roster for next season:

c - z
f - jo
f - the king
g - redd
g - augustin

bench
delonte
big ben
boobie
joe smith
sasha
devin brown

i dig.

[iihungrieii]

hahaha thats a monster starting lineup

[preppyak]

that incident made denver like him more
Carmelo is angry though...he doesn't want to be an ex-dui for that team
if danny ferry could land the 11th pick, jo and redd while only giving up the 19, wally, dj, snow and andy, i'd let him impregnate me.

here's our roster for next season:

c - z
f - jo
f - the king
g - redd
g - augustin

bench
delonte
big ben
boobie
joe smith
sasha
devin brown

i dig.
Jesus...and in the clutch, if Augustin struggles early, you drop in West for him. But coming off the bench, you have 2 legit shooters (to add to your already sick guy in Redd) and a solid defensive inside presence. You could go 8 deep and not really hurt your starting lineup much

My question is this...with Redd/West/JO...what is your contract/cap space situation come 2010? JO's contract will be gone...so that will help...but Gibson will be up for a new contract, you'll def have to get rid of Wallace...and when does Redd's contract go til? Its mostly a great deal because it makes you the 2nd best team in the East instantly, and is still short-term enough that in 2010 you'll be able to load up for LeBron...it might just have a snag or two

[iihungrieii]

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/milwaukee.htm

[mcfly21]

that would be crazy, agustin is the person i want most for the cavs (from the draft). I think he'll be really good. I doubt we'de keep both boobie and delonte with that team though. I believe both of them are fa

[preppyak]

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/cleveland.htm

In 2010, they will have 0 salary there (since there is no way Lebron picks up that player option when he can sign an epic contract)...and only Michael Redd (of those trades) would have potentially salary on the books then.

[preppyak]

that would be crazy, agustin is the person i want most for the cavs (from the draft). I think he'll be really good. I doubt we'de keep both boobie and delonte with that team though. I believe both of them are fa
They are...Delonte has a qualifying offer of like 3mil there...but I think the Cavs would want to keep Gibson the most really.

[FondestMemory]

that'd be a tough choice between the two. delonte brings more to the all around game.

if i had to pick today, i honestly think i'd go with delonte. and i fucking love boobie.

[mcfly21]

yeah well i'll just keep my fingers crossed for some danny ferry magic

[FondestMemory]

Carmelo is angry though...he doesn't want to be an ex-dui for that team

Jesus...and in the clutch, if Augustin struggles early, you drop in West for him. But coming off the bench, you have 2 legit shooters (to add to your already sick guy in Redd) and a solid defensive inside presence. You could go 8 deep and not really hurt your starting lineup much

My question is this...with Redd/West/JO...what is your contract/cap space situation come 2010? JO's contract will be gone...so that will help...but Gibson will be up for a new contract, you'll def have to get rid of Wallace...and when does Redd's contract go til? Its mostly a great deal because it makes you the 2nd best team in the East instantly, and is still short-term enough that in 2010 you'll be able to load up for LeBron...it might just have a snag or two

there's no snags you negative nancy. i have it all worked out.

i'm good up until the 13/14 offseason. but one offseason at a time.

right now we have to win now. if we get a championship before his option year, he won't go anywhere.

[mcfly21]

that'd be a tough choice between the two. delonte brings more to the all around game.

if i had to pick today, i honestly think i'd go with delonte. and i fucking love boobie.

the two of them are very similar, delonte's the better pg and boobie's the better shooter.

the cavs could possibly go in a different dirrection at 11, if they get it.

[FondestMemory]

delonte's also a better defender, slasher, ball handler. his shot is decent enough.

i honestly think this team could win a championship with delonte at the point if the right other pieces are put into place. but if we get 11 and augustin's sitting there, i think it's hard to pass up.

[mcfly21]

i think we'll be a tough out with just getting redd....

jo's just icing for me

[FondestMemory]

yeah, i'd prefer to make the redd trade. especially if we can keep the 19 in the process. use that on koufas and we're good to go.

[StandMyBrothers]

I wonder if the Spurs go international this year, after being spurned by Splitter. Regardless I hope Mahinmi does well for them now that he'll get playing time. I'm interested in what Seattle does with their later picks. With Presti I see the Sonics drafting European projects.

[1moreandimfree]

It's a day old but I hadn't seen this posted yet..


One trade that is making the rounds would involve the Knicks sending Zach Randolph (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Zach-Randolph-4028/) and the rights to the #6 pick to Philadelphia for a smaller contract, such as Reggie Evans (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Reggie-Evans-2383/), and the rights to the #16 pick—after July 1st (when Philadelphia’s cap space kicks in). New York would move into position to have significant cap space in the summer of 2010 (possibly to make a run at LeBron James (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/LeBron-James-2967/)) by unloading the 17.3 million dollars owed to Randolph in 2010/11, and would still be able to keep David Lee (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/David-Lee-87/) around.

[Killadelphia]

I'd do it if we could buy out Randolph.

[preppyak]

haha, Zach Randolph in NY...I remember when his trade was supposed to make the Knicks at least a playoff team, or at least better than a 25-win team. Then like 3 weeks into the season he was getting benched and giving up minutes

"We felt like with Zach, he's a heck of a player. He's probably going to be an All-Star in the East. But with (Greg) Oden and LaMarcus (Aldridge) and Channing Frye we have a group of young guys we can build around. ... We felt we were going in a different direction," Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said.

The good out of that trade was that it prompted Spike Lee to drop the now infamous "I love Dick" line that got paused

[1moreandimfree]

-D.J. Augustin was one of four point guards whom the Suns worked out on Friday. The Suns hold the 15th overall pick in this year's draft.
Augustin has modeled his game on Steve Nash (he even attended the Steve Nash Skills Academy last summer), but his 5'10" height is a concern. Three other point guards also worked out --Mario Chalmers (Kansas), Drew Neitzel (Michigan State) and Rodrique Beaubois (France)

-Michael Redd recently received a call from Bucks GM John Hammond, assuring him that the Bucks "had not initiated talks about a trade", despite a flurry of rumors to the contrary.
Redd didn't sound too upset by the idea of being traded from Milwaukee. "I'm going into my ninth year, and my tolerance for losing is very low at this point," he said. "The draft is coming up and there will be trades. We'll see what happens." Redd is one of the league's best shooters, but needs to show greater versatility to justify the three years and $51 million remaining on his contract.




(http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/06/06/20080606sunsside.html)

[FondestMemory]

that's just redd's way of saying he misses ohio and wants to come home.

he and jo will both flourish when they don't have to be 'the guy.'

[StandMyBrothers]

Redd's a little GREEDY bitch then. He should've signed with Cleveland a few years back then re-sign Milwaukee.

[1moreandimfree]

-Seven-footer JaVale McGee of Nevada impressed the Suns in a workout over the weekend and has become a possible lottery pick.
"He can literally be as good as he wants to be," Suns VP of basketball operations David Griffin said. "He's the kind of guy that excites you when you walk into a gym and say, 'Oh my, did you see that?' Yeah, (drafting him) would be a leap of faith, but Amaré (Stoudemire) was a leap of faith too, and sometimes you have to take some chances." The Suns have the 15th pick this year, courtesy of the Hawks.

-The Nuggets could look to draft Kansas guard Mario Chalmers with the 20th pick of the first round of the NBA Draft.
The Nuggets were thought to be high on Carolina point guard Ty Lawson, until his arrest over the weekend on alcohol-related charges. Chalmers is best known for his three-pointer at the buzzer against Memphis in the title game April 7 that allowed KU to win in overtime, and the Nuggets could use a shooter.

-The Denver Nuggets were scheduled to workout North Carolina point guard Ty Lawson on Sunday morning in preparation for the June 26th NBA Draft. However, the team announced earlier this morning that he would no longer be working out with the club this weekend (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newwind%28%27http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=8996%27,%27162%2 7%29). Lawson was rumored to have been given assurances by the Nuggets that he would be selected by the team if he were available at #20. However, that was before he was charged with driving after consuming alcohol.

-The Cavaliers have issued a summer league invitation to former Heat first-round pick forward Wayne Simien.
Simien has played only eight games in the past two seasons after battling a knee injury and was waived the Timberwolves after being traded by the Heat last season.

-Several teams have made "serious inquiries" about trading for Raptors point guard T.J. Ford. One of those teams could be the Cavs. Others looking for point-guard help are Miami, Sacramento, Portland and Chicago (that interest would end if the Bulls draft Memphis point guard Derrick Rose) (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newwind%28%27http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19756908&BRD=1698&PAG=461&dept_id=21848&rfi=6%27,%27122%27%29).

-There have been plenty of Internet rumors linking the Cavs to Pacers' center Jermaine O'Neal. But for the moment, they all must be coming from outside Cleveland. The Cavs don't have interest at this time (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newwind%28%27http://www.ohio.com/sports/19651849.html?page=2&c=y%27,%27124%27%29).

-Move over Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo has requested a table for three. Judging by Heat president Pat Riley's resent itinerary and guard Dwyane Wade's Sunday semi-endorsement, there is growing evidence and confirmation now that this is at least a three horse race for Miami's No. 2 pick in the June 26 NBA Draft (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:newwind%28%27http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/2008/06/3-options-2-str.html%27,%27156%27%29).

I'm not sure if anyone else really cares about workout stuff, but I think that it is interesting and I have fun with it. Haha.

[Scott Weber]

Does anyone else get the feeling that some teams are a little scared of Beasley because he's such a tweener?

[Drew Beringer]

I can't for the week of the draft, so many deals will happen. I'm counting on the Bucks to make a big splash.

[AshesAshes]

Hibbert worked out for the Jazz earlier last week. I really hope the Jazz get him

[1moreandimfree]

-Texas point guard D.J. Augustin worked out for the Clippers on Wednesday, when he said he was definitely staying in the draft and not returning to school.
Augustin is one of the premiere point guards in this draft after Derrick Rose is off the board, and the Clippers will have serious interest in him with the seventh pick. They'll also likely look at PG Russell Westbrook, as well as Italian shooter Danilo Gallinari.

-George Karl doesn't deny that Carmelo Anthony could be traded by the Nuggets, but he also doesn't seem to think it's likely to happen.
"We know we have a good team," said Karl. "But we also know we're disappointed...We're going to keep all windows of opportunity open. But I don't think we have crazy guys in the front office who are going to do something wild. Ninety percent of the stuff that I read makes no sense." But that means that 10 percent of what he's hearing does make sense. Don't expect the Melo trade rumors to die down anytime soon.

-Reports in Spain Wednesday said the Raptors are working with Jorge Garbajosa on buying out the final year of the contract that will pay him $4.25 million next season.
Garbajosa badly wants to play for Spain in the Olympics, but the Raptors are not giving him permission. There are also still negotiations going on with the Spanish federation over insurance payments on a policy taken out to cover Garbajosa when he played for Spain (and was seriously injured) in last summer's European championship. It appears that Garbajosa has likely played his last game in the NBA.

-http://rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gifO.J. Mayo will work out for the Knicks on Thursday in New York.
The Knicks hold the sixth pick in the draft, so it's a little surprising that Mayo is working out for them. It's sounding more and more likely that he'll be a Top 4 pick, with pressure resting on Kevin McHale's shoulders to take him with the third pick for the Timberwolves, who already have a fairly crowded backcourt.

[xbrokendownx]

Mayo wont fall to us, but i want no part of him anyways

[preppyak]

Does anyone else get the feeling that some teams are a little scared of Beasley because he's such a tweener?
Yeah...he's far from big and strong enough to be a legit 4...but he doesn't have the 3 point shot to be a super-effective 3. That said, Julian Wright was in the same boat last year, and he worked out just fine for New Orleans so far.

I think the biggest thing is that Beasley is not a ball handler...you can't put him at the 2 like you can Durant and have him dominate the offense, and that is what makes him so much less of a slam dunk. You can count on your hands the # of times Beasley got iso'd called for him in a 1-4 set where he was the 1 and above the 3 point line.
I can't for the week of the draft, so many deals will happen. I'm counting on the Bucks to make a big splash.
Yeah...I think especially because the top 10 could go anywhere in the top 10, this could be interesting. The Wolves don't need Mayo, but know other teams might want him, so they might get lucky.

[preppyak]

Mayo wont fall to us, but i want no part of him anyways
Two months ago OJ Mayo couldn't find a top 5, and in most cases, a top 8 spot in any mock draft...now he can't find anything but the top 4.

I think Jerryd Bayless is gonna fall more than people think...DJ Augustin is a true point unlike bayless, and while he may lack a bit of upside, teams are gonna want to pick a guy who can actually play the 1 their first season over a guy who is gonna be a nightmare there for a season or 2

[xbrokendownx]

id take Bayless or Augustin in a heartbeat

hopefully one of them falls to us, which is likely

[1moreandimfree]

-Danilo Gallinari shot for the Nets on Thursday and set the wheels in motion for him to play for the Nets or Knicks, or go back to Italy.
In a humorous and insightful blog post, Dave D'Alessandro wrote that Gallinari has basically laid ground rules that he will only play for the Nets or Knicks, or go home. The Knicks and Mike D'Antoni might take a flier on him at No. 6, but D'Alessandro doesn't think they will. Other teams should be frightened by his talk of going home, so look for the Nets to take him with the 10th pick.

-Texas point guard D.J. Augustin worked out for the Clippers on Wednesday, when he said he was definitely staying in the draft and not returning to school.
Augustin is one of the premiere point guards in this draft after Derrick Rose is off the board, and the Clippers will have serious interest in him with the seventh pick. They'll also likely look at PG Russell Westbrook, as well as Italian shooter Danilo Gallinari

-The Chicago Bulls will hold individual workouts for Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose next week at the Berto Center. Michael Beasley will workout on Tuesday, June 17 and Derrick Rose will workout on Thursday, June 19.

[xbrokendownx]

sorry Clippers, Augustin prob wont be there at 7

[1moreandimfree]

-Danilo Gallinari worked out for the Knicks on Friday, along with Anthony Randolph, D.J. Augustin and Kevin Love. Most mock drafts have the Knicks taking Randolph --a reliable shot-blocker from LSU-- with the sixth overall pick.
Gallinari backed off previous statements that he would only play for the Knicks or Nets. "I will play in the NBA for the worst-case for any team, because it is a dream," he said. His English is a bit rough, but the "worst-case" clause is clear enough -- lucky for him, the Nets are expected to select him 10th overall.

-Bucks big man Yi Jianlian participated in an international exhibition game versus Croatia on Friday, his first action since ending the NBA season with a sprained knee.
Due to Yao Ming's foot injury, Yi was forced to play center for the Chinese national team. Most observers agree that Yi needs to improve his post game to become a consistent threat in the NBA, but the Bucks will be satisfied if he shows up for training camp healthy and rested.

-The Suns were expected to observe at least 24 draft prospects this weekend, after working out six players on Thursday, including Chase Budinger (Arizona) and Joe Alexander (West Virginia).
Alexander's athleticism makes him a potential replacement for Shawn Marion -- Suns VP of operations David Griffin described him as a "freak athlete". Budinger is projected to be drafted in the bottom of the first round, but his shoddy defense makes him a risky selection when the Suns' pick at number 15.

-Warriors guard Kelenna Azubuike has joined the pool of restricted free agents, along with teammates Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins.
Azubuike was set to make $797,581 next season, which is like minimum wage in the NBA. The Warriors are expected to re-sign all three of their restricted free agents, though nothing is guaranteed.

-North Carolina forward Danny Green will return to Chapel Hill for his senior season, his father said this afternoon (javascript:newwind('http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=296658','221')). Green, who had opted to enter his name into the NBA draft pool back in April, completed his final individual workout of the pre-draft process today in San Antonio. On Wednesday, after working out for the Washington Wizards, Green had told reporters that he was still “50-50” in his decision-making process. But Danny Green Sr. said today that his son will be back in a Tar Heels uniform for the 2008-09 season.

[gonz]

Looks like the Suns really are gonna stick with trying to play defense if that is the reason they might not draft Buddinger, not that I think he's worth the 15th pick anyway.

and smart decision for Danny Green. Ellington should follow suit if he's smart.

[LeftWideOpen]

I'll gladly take Ellington at #30. I pray he stays in the draft, for selfish reasons.

he'd be such a weapon for the C's off the bench, immediately, and hopefully continue to improve so that he could step in for Ray Allen when he eventually calls it a career.

it's looking like 80/20 that he'll return to school though, at this point.

[gonz]

I don't know, he's either looked really good or just straight up terrible at the pre-draft camps/workouts. At least that's what I've been reading

[xbrokendownx]

Ellington/Henderson were both overrated college players, IMO

not saying i wouldnt have loved them on Nova, but i was expecting a lot more