For your on the job sanity. You're welcome. Justin Lovett-Blue Chad Sanders-White Greg D'Arco-Yellow Samson X-Grey
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
My two cents about Lebron
It has been a couple of weeks and the smoke is finally starting to clear. If you thought you were dreaming, you weren’t. Lebron James really did take his talents to South Beach and join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Throughout his career I have been a loyal Lebron supporter, and I will continue to support him. No, I’m not an unreasonable fan that chooses to blindfold myself when it comes to his faults. I have no problem calling out LBJ, but in the end I will support him. With that being said, here is my two cents on Lebron’s departure from Cleveland and his arrival in Miami.
First, “The Decision.” It was a bad idea. Everyone knows it. No one outside of Lebron’s camp knows what the real intentions of the one-hour special were, and to be honest, I don’t want to know. It was nice that the money raised was donated to the Boys and Girls Club, but in my opinion, that was a bullsh*t attempt at covering up how egotistic the whole spectacle was. I’m sure the money they received was legitimate, but why bother with the cover-up? If you are convinced that you need a one-hour special to announce your plans for the future to the world, just do it. No need for a cover up.
All that said, I have no problem with Lebron doing something special to announce his decision. Although, I’m convinced that a half-hour special would have been much more appropriate.
Anticipation for “The Summer of Lebron” or “Lebron Free Agency 2010” has been building up for the last two years. In a year when names such as Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson, David Lee, Dirk Nowitzki and more were all free agents, Lebron was singled out and put above everyone else. Many people will argue that Dwyane Wade is the third best player in the NBA, but no one was calling this the “Dwyane Wade Free Agency” or even the “Lebron and Dwayne Free Agency.” This whole time all eyes were on Lebron. So of course, Lebron and his camp soaked that up and did what they thought would create the most publicity.
Athletes and agents announces their signing decisions through sports media informers and team informants. Lately, people have been announcing their decisions on Twitter, but that is getting old. Too many people have done it. So, if you’re a sport’s biggest name why not do something different, something new, something that will be remembered?
In comparison, if you are a follower of college football recruiting and high school football, you know that ESPN shuts down one of its channels for about 4-6 hours for a national signing day special. For all the top-150 players who have not yet signed with a team, they announce what school they will be playing for on national television. I understand that this is a bunch of future prospects and not just one person, but if athletes that haven’t proven anything past the high school level get to go on television and announce where “they are taking their talents,” why can’t arguably the world’s best basketball player have a one-hour program announcing where he is going?
Moving on to another part of the criticism I disagree with, many ask how could he do that to Cleveland? Why would he do that to Cleveland? After all Cleveland has done for him how could he do that? I think the one-hour program may have been a bit harsh for Cleveland fans to watch, but I don’t think it was the end of the world. Whether he announced it on TV, through Chris Broussard or Twitter, Cleveland was going to be hurt. Also, why should he feel bad for Cleveland or treat Cleveland any different then all the other teams that recruited him? He doesn’t owe Cleveland anything. He didn’t ask to play there, he was drafted. He gave Cleveland some of the best years of basketball it has ever seen, even bringing hopes of a championship. He brought business and revenue to the city, and gave out-of-towners a reason to visit. For anything Cleveland and the Cavaliers organization did for him, he did just as much (if not more) for them by becoming a basketball icon. Yes, he is leaving Cleveland behind and the city will most likely suffer dramatically from his departure, but he is his own man and the city shouldn’t rely on one person, especially an athlete.
On to my next issue…Since the media is portraying Lebron’s, “The Decision,” as a complete debacle, people are now questioning those who Lebron has surrounded himself with, specifically his management team. However, for seven years Lebron appeared to have been doing all the right things. Many people jumped on him for not shaking hands or showing up to talk to the media after Orlando eliminated the Cavs two years ago, but even that was forgiven by most. So, with seven misstep-free years, why is it now ok to judge Lebron’s character and business team? Lebron has enjoyed the pedestal that the media themselves placed him on. So, big deal, we should blame ourselves for making him larger than life.
I’ve heard people say that Lebron isn’t who they thought he was. NEWS FLASH! Most of these athletes aren’t exactly how they are portrayed to be. We watch them play a sport and partake in a few interviews. Sometimes, we see an article with a few revealing quotes, but unless you actually hang out with these people, you don’t know them. Most of what you see is based on a public image created for the viewer, whether it be realistic or not. Lebron’s crew that everyone hates—they actually know him. His mom actually knows him, Chris Paul actually knows him, but we the fan do not. We know the super athlete that smiles a lot. In a professional environment do most people act the same way they do at home or with their buddies? Probably not.
On to my final issue…Why are people mad that Lebron chose to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh? For the last five years, everyone has been saying that he needs a better supporting cast. So what is wrong with leaving Cleveland (the city that no other top free agents wanted to go to) and joining two of his good friends who happen to be elite players as well? Why should he stay in Cleveland or go to Chicago or build something in New York? Outside of Chris Paul, ESPN has reported several times that Dwyane Wade is one of Lebron’s best friends. Who wouldn’t want to play with their best friend, someone who they already have chemistry with, someone that has a championship and knows how to win?
Many people say that he should have wanted to beat Dwyane Wade and Bosh rather than play with them. It’s not like he still doesn’t have to beat Kobe in L.A., or KG in Boston, or Dwight in Orlando, or Derrick Rose (who I think is a top-five point guard in the league) in Chicago. The team that Miami has put together has only guaranteed publicity, not a championship. If Miami happens to win four or five of the next six championships, good for them. I don’t think it will make basketball any less entertaining, and I don’t recall people complaining when the Bulls dominated basketball year after year. The Bulls won six championships in eight years, and it could have been more if Jordan didn’t take a break. So if Miami dominates, good for them. And if this doesn’t pan out the way most people think it will, then good for the rest of the league. I personally think that they will win at least four championships just because Wade and Lebron will run teams out of the gym by themselves. Also, because Lebron can play and match-up against four out the five positions on the court, Miami will be a match-up problem for most teams.
Ok seriously, my final issue…The stats. Everyone wants to know about the stats. Can Lebron or Wade handle their stats taking a hit? Who will take the last shot of the game? How will Lebron and Wade mesh when they have the same skill set? First, just because they are together doesn’t mean their stats will take a huge hit. No, Lebron and Wade both won’t average 30 points, but they can both average in the high 20’s and still fill the stat sheet the way they have been doing. Who will take the last shot? WHO CARES! There are two of some of the best finishers in basketball on the same team. They could do eany-meany-miney-mo, or just give the ball to whoever is open. Seriously, with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh on the same team, how many games are really going to come down to the last shot? I’d say not many, and when the time comes I’m sure they’ll figure it out. Lastly, how will Lebron and Wade mesh when they have the same skill set? That question is not valid because they don’t have the same skill set. They are both freakish athletes and are at their best when getting to the rim. But obviously, that isn’t all they do. Wade is lightning fast, hence the nickname “Flash,” and he has developed a jump shot from anywhere on the floor. Lebron is a great passer for someone his size, and can play on the wing and in the post. Both play above average defense, are unselfish and love to get out on the break. Where is the problem here? I mainly focused on Lebron and Wade because those two are scary enough by themselves, and the addition of Bosh only makes things worse for opposing teams. If you found yourself asking any of the questions I have brought up in this article, maybe you should just admit that you are mad that Miami assembled a team of super stars in their prime. As for Lebron, I don’t agree with everything he has done in this process, but I am happy that he made his own decision based on his own preferences instead of making a decision based on what would have looked best to the public eye. I’m not a Miami Heat fan, but I like what they have done and I learned quickly to enjoy it because once the season rolls around, this will be very entertaining. On top of that, who knows when we will ever get to see something like this again.
That’s my two cents.
First, “The Decision.” It was a bad idea. Everyone knows it. No one outside of Lebron’s camp knows what the real intentions of the one-hour special were, and to be honest, I don’t want to know. It was nice that the money raised was donated to the Boys and Girls Club, but in my opinion, that was a bullsh*t attempt at covering up how egotistic the whole spectacle was. I’m sure the money they received was legitimate, but why bother with the cover-up? If you are convinced that you need a one-hour special to announce your plans for the future to the world, just do it. No need for a cover up.
All that said, I have no problem with Lebron doing something special to announce his decision. Although, I’m convinced that a half-hour special would have been much more appropriate.
Anticipation for “The Summer of Lebron” or “Lebron Free Agency 2010” has been building up for the last two years. In a year when names such as Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Rudy Gay, Joe Johnson, David Lee, Dirk Nowitzki and more were all free agents, Lebron was singled out and put above everyone else. Many people will argue that Dwyane Wade is the third best player in the NBA, but no one was calling this the “Dwyane Wade Free Agency” or even the “Lebron and Dwayne Free Agency.” This whole time all eyes were on Lebron. So of course, Lebron and his camp soaked that up and did what they thought would create the most publicity.
Athletes and agents announces their signing decisions through sports media informers and team informants. Lately, people have been announcing their decisions on Twitter, but that is getting old. Too many people have done it. So, if you’re a sport’s biggest name why not do something different, something new, something that will be remembered?
In comparison, if you are a follower of college football recruiting and high school football, you know that ESPN shuts down one of its channels for about 4-6 hours for a national signing day special. For all the top-150 players who have not yet signed with a team, they announce what school they will be playing for on national television. I understand that this is a bunch of future prospects and not just one person, but if athletes that haven’t proven anything past the high school level get to go on television and announce where “they are taking their talents,” why can’t arguably the world’s best basketball player have a one-hour program announcing where he is going?
Moving on to another part of the criticism I disagree with, many ask how could he do that to Cleveland? Why would he do that to Cleveland? After all Cleveland has done for him how could he do that? I think the one-hour program may have been a bit harsh for Cleveland fans to watch, but I don’t think it was the end of the world. Whether he announced it on TV, through Chris Broussard or Twitter, Cleveland was going to be hurt. Also, why should he feel bad for Cleveland or treat Cleveland any different then all the other teams that recruited him? He doesn’t owe Cleveland anything. He didn’t ask to play there, he was drafted. He gave Cleveland some of the best years of basketball it has ever seen, even bringing hopes of a championship. He brought business and revenue to the city, and gave out-of-towners a reason to visit. For anything Cleveland and the Cavaliers organization did for him, he did just as much (if not more) for them by becoming a basketball icon. Yes, he is leaving Cleveland behind and the city will most likely suffer dramatically from his departure, but he is his own man and the city shouldn’t rely on one person, especially an athlete.
On to my next issue…Since the media is portraying Lebron’s, “The Decision,” as a complete debacle, people are now questioning those who Lebron has surrounded himself with, specifically his management team. However, for seven years Lebron appeared to have been doing all the right things. Many people jumped on him for not shaking hands or showing up to talk to the media after Orlando eliminated the Cavs two years ago, but even that was forgiven by most. So, with seven misstep-free years, why is it now ok to judge Lebron’s character and business team? Lebron has enjoyed the pedestal that the media themselves placed him on. So, big deal, we should blame ourselves for making him larger than life.
I’ve heard people say that Lebron isn’t who they thought he was. NEWS FLASH! Most of these athletes aren’t exactly how they are portrayed to be. We watch them play a sport and partake in a few interviews. Sometimes, we see an article with a few revealing quotes, but unless you actually hang out with these people, you don’t know them. Most of what you see is based on a public image created for the viewer, whether it be realistic or not. Lebron’s crew that everyone hates—they actually know him. His mom actually knows him, Chris Paul actually knows him, but we the fan do not. We know the super athlete that smiles a lot. In a professional environment do most people act the same way they do at home or with their buddies? Probably not.
On to my final issue…Why are people mad that Lebron chose to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh? For the last five years, everyone has been saying that he needs a better supporting cast. So what is wrong with leaving Cleveland (the city that no other top free agents wanted to go to) and joining two of his good friends who happen to be elite players as well? Why should he stay in Cleveland or go to Chicago or build something in New York? Outside of Chris Paul, ESPN has reported several times that Dwyane Wade is one of Lebron’s best friends. Who wouldn’t want to play with their best friend, someone who they already have chemistry with, someone that has a championship and knows how to win?
Many people say that he should have wanted to beat Dwyane Wade and Bosh rather than play with them. It’s not like he still doesn’t have to beat Kobe in L.A., or KG in Boston, or Dwight in Orlando, or Derrick Rose (who I think is a top-five point guard in the league) in Chicago. The team that Miami has put together has only guaranteed publicity, not a championship. If Miami happens to win four or five of the next six championships, good for them. I don’t think it will make basketball any less entertaining, and I don’t recall people complaining when the Bulls dominated basketball year after year. The Bulls won six championships in eight years, and it could have been more if Jordan didn’t take a break. So if Miami dominates, good for them. And if this doesn’t pan out the way most people think it will, then good for the rest of the league. I personally think that they will win at least four championships just because Wade and Lebron will run teams out of the gym by themselves. Also, because Lebron can play and match-up against four out the five positions on the court, Miami will be a match-up problem for most teams.
Ok seriously, my final issue…The stats. Everyone wants to know about the stats. Can Lebron or Wade handle their stats taking a hit? Who will take the last shot of the game? How will Lebron and Wade mesh when they have the same skill set? First, just because they are together doesn’t mean their stats will take a huge hit. No, Lebron and Wade both won’t average 30 points, but they can both average in the high 20’s and still fill the stat sheet the way they have been doing. Who will take the last shot? WHO CARES! There are two of some of the best finishers in basketball on the same team. They could do eany-meany-miney-mo, or just give the ball to whoever is open. Seriously, with Lebron, Wade, and Bosh on the same team, how many games are really going to come down to the last shot? I’d say not many, and when the time comes I’m sure they’ll figure it out. Lastly, how will Lebron and Wade mesh when they have the same skill set? That question is not valid because they don’t have the same skill set. They are both freakish athletes and are at their best when getting to the rim. But obviously, that isn’t all they do. Wade is lightning fast, hence the nickname “Flash,” and he has developed a jump shot from anywhere on the floor. Lebron is a great passer for someone his size, and can play on the wing and in the post. Both play above average defense, are unselfish and love to get out on the break. Where is the problem here? I mainly focused on Lebron and Wade because those two are scary enough by themselves, and the addition of Bosh only makes things worse for opposing teams. If you found yourself asking any of the questions I have brought up in this article, maybe you should just admit that you are mad that Miami assembled a team of super stars in their prime. As for Lebron, I don’t agree with everything he has done in this process, but I am happy that he made his own decision based on his own preferences instead of making a decision based on what would have looked best to the public eye. I’m not a Miami Heat fan, but I like what they have done and I learned quickly to enjoy it because once the season rolls around, this will be very entertaining. On top of that, who knows when we will ever get to see something like this again.
That’s my two cents.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
D.C. Fan
For those that support the sports teams of our nation’s capital, you have a lot to be happy about lately. I remember growing up with D.C. faithfuls who seemed to be disappointed year-round. The Capitals always stunk, the Redskins usually generated offseason buzz that sizzled out on the field a few months later, D.C. United wasn’t worth watching, the lack of a D.C. baseball team pushed desperate fans to adopt the Baltimore Orioles, and the Wizards, even at their best, were never a real contender.
However, 2010 marks a new day in DC. While much is still to be proven, the Washington locals are excited about the near future of their beloved teams.
This year’s NFL offseason started with a shocker in Washington. The division rival Philadelphia Eagles agreed to trade quarterback Donovan McNabb, an 11-year veteran and team leader, to the Redskins for a second round pick and a future third or fourth round pick. Seemingly every year there are discussions that McNabb will be shipped out of Philly, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be traded to a team in the same division, let alone a rival.
McNabb was not the only addition to the Redskins—Mike Shanahan returned to coaching after his brief time away from the game following his contract termination in Denver. Shanahan brings many years of playoff experience and a Super Bowl ring. He plans to develop a winner’s mentality in Washington, and with Shanahan and McNabb as the team’s leaders, Washington appears to be headed in the right direction.
The Nationals started the season with an astonishingly good record, surprising most. D.C. fans have become accustomed to poor baseball, as the Nationals general managers consistently traded away any proven talent for young prospects. These one-sided trades often led to empty seats at Nationals Stadium and a city full of disgruntled fans. This year it appears that bad fortune has finally left the Nationals dug out. For the first time in the team’s five-year tenor, the Nationals have the chance to finish the season above .500. After a fast start, the wins haven’t come easy for the hometown team, but all is not lost based on rookie Stephen Strasburg’s 14-strikeout debut in June. Unfortunately for the Nationals, Strasburg can’t pitch every game, and even if he could, that may not be enough because the bats have not been swinging lately for the Nats.
Outside of Strasburg, the Nationals had the pleasure of holding the number one draft pick this year. They decided to take highly heralded 17 year-old Bryce Harper. At just 17, Harper stands at 6’3 and weighs a solid 205 lbs. He has remarkable power for someone his age and many call him the Lebron James of baseball.
Currently at 43-58, winning just three of their last 10 games, it appears the Nats are taking a step in the right direction and will likely surpass their abysmal 59-103 record from last season. Things may not be great right now, but the future is bright.
The rebirth of hockey has hit the metropolitan area in the last couple of years also. Die-hard fans have been on a roller coaster ride over the last ten years, watching the Caps go from being a playoff contender in the early 2000s, to completely rebuilding a few years later (in 2004 the team tied for the second worst record in the NHL), to becoming a consistent title contender for the last three years.
The last decade has represented two eras for the Capitals. The new era is led by hockey sensation Alexander Ovechkin, who has lived up to all the expectations of a number one overall pick.
Over the last three seasons, the Capitals have seen an improvement in their overall record, finishing 28-40-14 in 2006-07, 43-31-8 in 2007-08 and improving to 50-24-8 in 2008-09. This year, the Caps posted the best regular season record in franchise history, finishing 54-15-13, and advancing to the playoff quarterfinals.
The city of Washington is in desperate need of a championship, and as it stands, the Capitals are the most likely team to bring one home.
The Washington Wizards are looking to start a new era of their own.
In recent years, the Wizards have seen early exits out of the playoffs, particularly when they ran into the “Cleveland Lebrons.” The former Cleveland all-star has shattered Wizard fan’s hopes and dreams several times, ranging from the creation of the infamous “crab dribble” to the release of Jay-Z’s song about DeShawn Stevenson’s underachievement.
Apparently the Wizards’ solution to last year’s playoff woes was to avoid it completely and not even make the playoffs this year.
Mid-season, the franchise player Gilbert Arenas pulled a gun out on teammate Javaris Crittenton over an alleged money dispute. After weeks of poor publicity and ill-handled press conferences, Arenas was ultimately punished with a short stint in jail and a season- long suspension.
However, that was just the beginning. When it rains, it pours, and Washington felt like Seattle this season. It was time to rebuild, so off went Jamison to Cleveland. Then Caron Butler and “Brenda” Haywood were packaged together and shipped to Dallas. In return, the Wizards received expiring contracts and role players.
With no star and no identity, the Wizards finished 26-56. Did I mention the team’s long-time and loved owner, Abe Pollin, died at the age of 86? Pollin owned the Wizards for 45 years before he died last November.
At this point the Wizards needed a blessing from the basketball gods, and luckily for them, their prayers were answered. The team won the NBA lottery and selected college-standout John Wall. Wall is an amazing talent and will be the Wizards first true point guard in a long time; and with the NBA slowly becoming a point guard-driven league, Wall will excel.
Unlike Kwame Brown, the Wizard’s 2001 first pick bust, Wall is a can’t miss, no risk and high reward type of prospect. At 6’4 with superb athleticism and passing ability, Wall should be the floor general for the Wizards the next 12-15 years. He is truly the real deal. It won’t be a quick turnaround, but behind Wall, the Wizards are preparing themselves to be a contender again in the near future.
Being a Washington sports fan can be frustrating at times, but for now things don’t look so bad. Hopefully, the near future will bring a championship home to D.C.
However, 2010 marks a new day in DC. While much is still to be proven, the Washington locals are excited about the near future of their beloved teams.
This year’s NFL offseason started with a shocker in Washington. The division rival Philadelphia Eagles agreed to trade quarterback Donovan McNabb, an 11-year veteran and team leader, to the Redskins for a second round pick and a future third or fourth round pick. Seemingly every year there are discussions that McNabb will be shipped out of Philly, but I don’t think anyone expected him to be traded to a team in the same division, let alone a rival.
McNabb was not the only addition to the Redskins—Mike Shanahan returned to coaching after his brief time away from the game following his contract termination in Denver. Shanahan brings many years of playoff experience and a Super Bowl ring. He plans to develop a winner’s mentality in Washington, and with Shanahan and McNabb as the team’s leaders, Washington appears to be headed in the right direction.
The Nationals started the season with an astonishingly good record, surprising most. D.C. fans have become accustomed to poor baseball, as the Nationals general managers consistently traded away any proven talent for young prospects. These one-sided trades often led to empty seats at Nationals Stadium and a city full of disgruntled fans. This year it appears that bad fortune has finally left the Nationals dug out. For the first time in the team’s five-year tenor, the Nationals have the chance to finish the season above .500. After a fast start, the wins haven’t come easy for the hometown team, but all is not lost based on rookie Stephen Strasburg’s 14-strikeout debut in June. Unfortunately for the Nationals, Strasburg can’t pitch every game, and even if he could, that may not be enough because the bats have not been swinging lately for the Nats.
Outside of Strasburg, the Nationals had the pleasure of holding the number one draft pick this year. They decided to take highly heralded 17 year-old Bryce Harper. At just 17, Harper stands at 6’3 and weighs a solid 205 lbs. He has remarkable power for someone his age and many call him the Lebron James of baseball.
Currently at 43-58, winning just three of their last 10 games, it appears the Nats are taking a step in the right direction and will likely surpass their abysmal 59-103 record from last season. Things may not be great right now, but the future is bright.
The rebirth of hockey has hit the metropolitan area in the last couple of years also. Die-hard fans have been on a roller coaster ride over the last ten years, watching the Caps go from being a playoff contender in the early 2000s, to completely rebuilding a few years later (in 2004 the team tied for the second worst record in the NHL), to becoming a consistent title contender for the last three years.
The last decade has represented two eras for the Capitals. The new era is led by hockey sensation Alexander Ovechkin, who has lived up to all the expectations of a number one overall pick.
Over the last three seasons, the Capitals have seen an improvement in their overall record, finishing 28-40-14 in 2006-07, 43-31-8 in 2007-08 and improving to 50-24-8 in 2008-09. This year, the Caps posted the best regular season record in franchise history, finishing 54-15-13, and advancing to the playoff quarterfinals.
The city of Washington is in desperate need of a championship, and as it stands, the Capitals are the most likely team to bring one home.
The Washington Wizards are looking to start a new era of their own.
In recent years, the Wizards have seen early exits out of the playoffs, particularly when they ran into the “Cleveland Lebrons.” The former Cleveland all-star has shattered Wizard fan’s hopes and dreams several times, ranging from the creation of the infamous “crab dribble” to the release of Jay-Z’s song about DeShawn Stevenson’s underachievement.
Apparently the Wizards’ solution to last year’s playoff woes was to avoid it completely and not even make the playoffs this year.
Mid-season, the franchise player Gilbert Arenas pulled a gun out on teammate Javaris Crittenton over an alleged money dispute. After weeks of poor publicity and ill-handled press conferences, Arenas was ultimately punished with a short stint in jail and a season- long suspension.
However, that was just the beginning. When it rains, it pours, and Washington felt like Seattle this season. It was time to rebuild, so off went Jamison to Cleveland. Then Caron Butler and “Brenda” Haywood were packaged together and shipped to Dallas. In return, the Wizards received expiring contracts and role players.
With no star and no identity, the Wizards finished 26-56. Did I mention the team’s long-time and loved owner, Abe Pollin, died at the age of 86? Pollin owned the Wizards for 45 years before he died last November.
At this point the Wizards needed a blessing from the basketball gods, and luckily for them, their prayers were answered. The team won the NBA lottery and selected college-standout John Wall. Wall is an amazing talent and will be the Wizards first true point guard in a long time; and with the NBA slowly becoming a point guard-driven league, Wall will excel.
Unlike Kwame Brown, the Wizard’s 2001 first pick bust, Wall is a can’t miss, no risk and high reward type of prospect. At 6’4 with superb athleticism and passing ability, Wall should be the floor general for the Wizards the next 12-15 years. He is truly the real deal. It won’t be a quick turnaround, but behind Wall, the Wizards are preparing themselves to be a contender again in the near future.
Being a Washington sports fan can be frustrating at times, but for now things don’t look so bad. Hopefully, the near future will bring a championship home to D.C.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Franchise Year 2
So it turns out that I won our draft competition with a total of 30 points to Justin's 28. To recap, we each created a mock draft predicting the order in which the NBA executives would choose the players of the draft class of 2010. For every pick that was spot on, we awarded 3 points. For a pick that was one slot too high or low - 2 points, and for a pick two slots away - 1 point. We only mocked the first round and I won for a third time out of our four total contests the last four years.
Second order of business...
Justin won the first year of our Franchise competition in which we each chose five players from the 2009 draft who we thought would be particularly successful at the next level and charted their statistical prowess. We based scoring on each team of five's cumulative marks in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, field goal percentage, free-throw percentage, and three-pointers made with respective team win totals as a tie-breaker. Justin's team won five categories to my one making him the year one Franchise champion.
Justin's team included Tyreke Evans, James Harden, DeJuan Blair, Sam Young and Terrence Williams.
My team included Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Jeff Teague, Gerald Henderson and a reach on Patty Mills that failed to pan out - to say the least.
The plan is to drop two players and add three each year until our rosters have ten players a piece. Each year we will count the cumulative totals of each team's statistics to determine the winner for that year. Stats from previous years will not count in determining the winner for each year. For instance, last year's totals will not have any affect on this year's competition.
Last year we selected our players before the draft, however, this year we opted to make selections after the draft but before summer league moving forward.
Team Justin dropped Sam Young and Dejuan Blair while adding Evan Turner, Derrick Favors and Al-Farouq Aminu. This gives Team J a 2010 roster of Evans, Harden, Williams, Turner, Favors and Aminu.
Team Chad dropped Gerald Henderson and Patty Mills (who I still think has a chance to be a solid pro) while adding Demarcus Cousins, Wes Johnson and Luke Babbitt. Thus, the Team C 2010 roster includes Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Wes Johnson, Luke Babbitt and Demarcus Cousins.
First over picks are not available to be drafted in the Franchise competition.
If you're scoring at home, the overall competition score is now 3-2 in favor of Team C (3 draft comp wins for Team C versus 1 draft comp. win and 1 franchise year win for Team J.)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Basketball Notes
Well "Lebron Day" has come and gone. King James rocked the sports world by leaving Cleveland to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The move made sense but for some people it was hard to accept. Depending on who you ask, Lebron James is the biggest name in basketball. You would think players would lineup to play with one of the leagues biggest stars but that wasn't the case. In fact, Lebron couldn't even talk his good friend Chris Bosh into coming over to Cleveland. There is no way I am the only person that thinks it is weird that Lebron had to leave his team (a team that has had the best regular season record two years in a row) in order to feel he could seriously compete for an NBA championship. Regardless of the decision, I support the road Lebron has taken. He showed that it is not all about money (he is not taking a max deal) and he is truly most concerned about winning. I find it funny that everyone got on Lebron for never winning a championship but now that he puts himself in a serious position to win a championship for the next five years, a lot of people are mad that he sacrificed being the superstar (it has been labeled a cop-out). I guess you can't please everyone, oh well. We will see how Miami surrounds their big three.
Bill Simmons posted an article today and if you haven't read it yet, you should take a look.
So what happens to the Cavs now?
For the past seven years we have heard about Lebron James weak supporting cast. So with James headed to South Beach, what does this mean for the Cavs. At this point they have no franchise player and no one to fill James role, so I suggest they start over. They possess several assets that many competitive teams may be interested in. I say they shop the whole team and try to accumulate young talent and draft picks. This is a team with no nucleus and with all the big named free agents signed, it appears the Cavs are the biggest loser this summer. Their owner should put up a clearance sign that says "everyone must go." Who knows they could land high school sensation Harrison Barnes, who many scouts have compared to Kobe Bryant. You never know, the basketball can't possibly just leave this team in the dark, something positive should come from this (optimistic thinking).
Lastly, what are the chances Shaq is calling Lebron and Wade asking for one more shot?
Bill Simmons posted an article today and if you haven't read it yet, you should take a look.
So what happens to the Cavs now?
For the past seven years we have heard about Lebron James weak supporting cast. So with James headed to South Beach, what does this mean for the Cavs. At this point they have no franchise player and no one to fill James role, so I suggest they start over. They possess several assets that many competitive teams may be interested in. I say they shop the whole team and try to accumulate young talent and draft picks. This is a team with no nucleus and with all the big named free agents signed, it appears the Cavs are the biggest loser this summer. Their owner should put up a clearance sign that says "everyone must go." Who knows they could land high school sensation Harrison Barnes, who many scouts have compared to Kobe Bryant. You never know, the basketball can't possibly just leave this team in the dark, something positive should come from this (optimistic thinking).
Lastly, what are the chances Shaq is calling Lebron and Wade asking for one more shot?
Time Capsule
Here is a link to an article I wrote for NBA.com about four years ago.
Interestingly enough, four of these guys stuck in the league. One of them, Amir Johnson, was even successful enough to "earn" one of the most outrageous of this summer's ridiculous contracts, signing with the Toronto Raptors for five years and $34 million. In any case, I'm proud to say I saw something in these fellows even as they struggled through the muck of D-league play.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Image of the Week
The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Wesley Johnson with the fourth overall pick in last weeks draft. I'm not sure if Johnson has superstar potential but he definitely has a unique style. Check out his draft day outfit.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Final Mock Draft
My commentary in my last mock was fairly lengthy, so I’m going to keep it short this time. If you read the last one, you know what I think about each of these players.
1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG
2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG
3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMarcus Cousins C
5. Sacramento Kings – Wesley Johnson SF
6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF/C
7. Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis PF
8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF
9. Utah Jazz – Luke Babbitt SF
10. Indiana Pacers – Avery Bradley SG/PG
11. New Orleans Hornets – Paul George SF
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Patrick Patterson PF
13. Toronto Raptors – Ekpe Udoh PF
14. Houston Rockets – Cole Aldrich C
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Xavier Henry SG
16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Gordon Hayward SF
17. Chicago Bulls – Larry Sanders PF
18. Oklahoma City – Daniel Orton C
19. Boston Celtics – Dominique Jones SG/PG
20. San Antonio Spurs – Hassan Whiteside C
21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Eric Bledsoe PG
22. Portland Trail Blazers – Damion James SF
23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Elliot Williams SG
24. Atlanta Hawks – Kevin Seraphin PF/C
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Craig Brackins PF
26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Quincy Pondexter SF
27. New Jersey Nets – James Anderson SG
28. Memphis Grizzlies – Mikhail Torrance PG/SG
29. Orlando Magic – Armon Johnson PG
30. Washington Wizards – Jordan Crawford SG
1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG
2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG
3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – DeMarcus Cousins C
5. Sacramento Kings – Wesley Johnson SF
6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF/C
7. Detroit Pistons – Ed Davis PF
8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF
9. Utah Jazz – Luke Babbitt SF
10. Indiana Pacers – Avery Bradley SG/PG
11. New Orleans Hornets – Paul George SF
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Patrick Patterson PF
13. Toronto Raptors – Ekpe Udoh PF
14. Houston Rockets – Cole Aldrich C
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Xavier Henry SG
16. Minnesota Timberwolves – Gordon Hayward SF
17. Chicago Bulls – Larry Sanders PF
18. Oklahoma City – Daniel Orton C
19. Boston Celtics – Dominique Jones SG/PG
20. San Antonio Spurs – Hassan Whiteside C
21. Oklahoma City Thunder – Eric Bledsoe PG
22. Portland Trail Blazers – Damion James SF
23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Elliot Williams SG
24. Atlanta Hawks – Kevin Seraphin PF/C
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Craig Brackins PF
26. Oklahoma City Thunder – Quincy Pondexter SF
27. New Jersey Nets – James Anderson SG
28. Memphis Grizzlies – Mikhail Torrance PG/SG
29. Orlando Magic – Armon Johnson PG
30. Washington Wizards – Jordan Crawford SG
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Chad's Mock 2.0
Chad's Mock 2.0
1. Washington Wizards - John Wall - PG - Kentucky
Wall is the closest prospect to a "sure thing" in this year's draft. The comparisons between Wall and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose are overdone simply because the league is experiencing an influx of long, athletic point guards right now. Wall supporters who have argued that he is a better shooter than Rose should look no further than their college stats. Rose shot slightly better from the field and the three point line by percentage in his one year stint at Memphis than Wall in his year at Kentucky. This is cause for some concern as Rose is still far from a consistent shooter after two years in the league but has superior athleticism compared to Wall to supplement while he improves. In any case, I think Wall will be 10-15 year starter in the league barring injury, however I do not expect him to be the transcendent force that many have made him out to be.
2. Philadelphia 76ers - Evan Turner - SG/SF - Ohio State
As disappointing a season as the 76ers had in 2009-10, they are a talented, athletic team that may only be one or two pieces away from a playoff run in 2010-11. If trade rumors surrounding the Sixers and their second overall pick are not true, I expect Philadelphia to select Turner who could be the missing piece in the Philly backcourt. Though Turner is slightly less athletic than the ball handling wings that he has earned comparisons to (think Tracy McGrady in Orlando) his ability to score and create for teammates and willingness to take big shots should immediately take scoring pressure off of Iguodala who hasn't exactly lived up to the billing of Franchise Player status.
3. New Jersey Nets - Derrick Favors - PF - Georgia Tech
He might be Dwight Howard, he might be Kwame Brown, he might be Tyrus Thomas. We won't know for another three years, but for now the Nets will keep their fingers crossed.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Wesley Johnson - SF - Syracuse
5. Sacramento Kings - DeMarcus Cousins - PF/C - Kentucky
Cousins will be a star at the next level. Often hovering around 20 minutes a game in college, Cousins was still dominant enough to glean SEC Freshman of the Year honors in addition to a first team All-SEC selection and first team All America recognition. Cousins' point and rebound per minute numbers were through the roof and he was just as pivotal to Kentucky's success in 2009-10 as fellow freshman Wall. Cousins will soon be one of the best rebounders in the Western Conference and offensively he should fit right in with his exceptional hands and strong outlet passing. Though many worry about Cousins' weight and body fat percentage I contend that his size will work more to his advantage at the shrinking NBA center position. Cousins' "character issues" have been blown out of proportion in an era where the smiling faces of young stars such as Lebron James and Dwight Howard have cast a negative light on players who play with a mean streak. That mean streak combined with Cousins' exceptional skill, good feet and defensive IQ will provide for a long career for Cousins. Like Tyreke Evans last year, the Sacramento Kings will get a steal with their top five pick this summer.
6. Golden State Warriors - Al-Farouq Aminu - SF/PF - Wake Forest
The Warriors finally got it right with a first round pick taking rookie sensation Stephon Curry with the seventh overall pick last June. This year the Warriors will grab a wingman for Curry and Monta Ellis' up and down scoring fests who can get out on the break and finish as well as add rebounding and toughness to the young team. Aminu is a particularly good fit in that he played in a similarly high octane offense last year alongside athletic, shooting point guard Jeff Teague at Wake where they and Bulls forward James Johnson elevated the team to a top nation ranking at one point. I was even more impressed with Aminu when I watched him dismantle Greg Monroe in a lopsided high school matchup two years ago that was billed to be epic and turned out to be a complete clinic. With a series of one and two dribble pullups as well as fast break dunks and inside post moves Aminu destroyed Monroe on national television culminating in a facial in traffic that left Monroe forever posterized in my mind. Something tells me the Warriors might take a stupid risk on UNC forward Ed Davis who seems to be the second coming of Brandan Wright, another former Tar Heel and failed Warriors pick. Wishful thinking makes the pick Aminu here.
7. Detroit Pistons - Greg Monroe - PF - Georgetown
General Manager Joe Dumars has been one of the most confusing executives in the league as of late. Recently his move to spend near-franchise money on two reserves in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva has left Pistons fans both perplexed and disappointed. The Pistons are in dire need of a floor leader as Rodney Stuckey hasn't exactly panned out as the point guard of the future he was chosen to be with the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Unfortunately this pick is about ten slots too high for Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe who may be this draft's most underrated player. I'm putting Greg Monroe here simply because I can't seem to peg him as a logical fit for any of the teams above this pick and yet I can't see him falling out of the top ten. I would feel sorry for Monroe had he not been such a monumental disappointment for the G'town Hoyas over the last two years. On the bright side Monroe has been quoted as saying that best case he'd like to be a Lamar Odom type player in the league. $90 million over ten years and zero all star appearances, can't argue with that kind of career. Let's just move on.
8. Los Angeles Clippers - Paul George - SF - Fresno St.
Some things just make sense. The Clippers have had a gaping hole at the small forward position since the departure of free throw line resident Cory Maggette and have lacked consistent perimeter shooting, well...forever. Enter widely unknown prospect George, a long, athletic small forward in the Rudy Gay mold. George has said himself that he believes he has the ball handling skills to play shooting guard in the NBA if necessary as well as small forward and he has proven his long range shooting touch. George shot 91 percent from the free throw line in his sophomore year, a tremendous asset at the next level.
9. Utah Jazz - Patrick Patterson - PF - Kentucky
Patterson almost certainly would have been drafted higher following his sophomore or freshman seasons at Kentucky but instead chose to return to play for one of the most talented Wildcats teams ever. By opting to do so, Patterson probably forfeited a sizable amount of first year cash but may have guaranteed a much more lucrative career in the long run. Staying at Kentucky and playing in John Calipari's wide open system allowed Patterson to develop range on his jump shot among other developments (24 made three pointers in his junior year versus 0 in his first two seasons). Look for Jerry Sloan and co. to make another safe pick and brace themselves for the almost certain departure of Carlos Boozer at power forward.
10. Indiana Pacers - Xavier Henry - SG - Kansas
In 2009-10 two-guard Brandon Rush had the lowest PER of any player in NBA history who led his team in minutes played for one season. With that said, the Pacers won't be looking to replace Rush with Henry, but rather add depth to a position that currently includes Dahntay Jones and Luther Head. Likewise, Henry also provides much needed insurance for star small forward Danny Granger whose current backup is the talented but oft injured Michael Dunleavy. I see Henry as a quality reserve in the NBA rather than the future star many have predicted him to become.
11. New Orleans Hornets - Ekpe Udoh - PF/C - Baylor
Udoh was one of the pleasant surprises of an exhilarating March Madness in 2010. By leading Baylor in a surprising run to the Elite Eight, Udoh guaranteed his selection as a lottery pick. Udoh's high energy, shot blocking and athleticism will make him a bonafide defender at the next level though he is offensively mainly a finisher. Udoh will benefit greatly from the ability of star point guards Chris Paul and Darren Collison to create in traffic. Udoh will be another quality career reserve of good value at double digits in this draft.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Ed Davis - PF - UNC
Unfortunately Davis is still mostly a mystery as his sophomore season for the Tarheels, which was expected to be his breakout year, was curtailed by injury. Davis has been compared to every long athletic PF from Amare Stoudemire to Brandan Wright. The Grizzlies have plenty of depth at the guard and small forward positions so they will look to add another explosive rebounder and high flyer down low to complement back to the basket bangers Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
13. Toronto Raptors - Luke Babbitt - SG/SF/PF - Nevada
Very seldom do I jump on the bandwagon of a European American (white) draft prospect. This year I'm driving the Babbitt bandwagon. Be it the Dirk Nowitzki hair-do, the trademark jab step, or the insane shooting averages (22 ppg on %50 shooting from the field, %42 from the three-point line and %92 from the charity stripe) this guy strikes me as a sure thing at the next level. At 6'9" and 225 pounds Babbitt has the size to bang bodies in the paint to complement his ridiculous shooting abilities, as evidence by his 9 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Furthermore his flashy style and mean streak should translate to competitive success at the next level. With Demar Derozan and Babbitt flying on the wings, the Raptors' point guard of the future (whomever that may be) will be pleased.
14. Houston Rockets - Cole Aldrich - C - Kansas
The tragic truth is that Yao Ming's career as a dominant player at center may be over. The uber talented Yao has already surpassed most of our expectations for a 7'6" Chinese center who was once compared favorably to Gheorghe Muresan. Now its time for the Rockets to start planning for the future as the team's current center is the offensively handicapped Chuck Hayes. The Rockets have efficient and willing scorers in PG Aaron Brooks, SG Kevin Martin, SF Trevor Ariza and PF Luis Scola, so they don't need a scorer at the position, but simply a non-liability will do. Look for GM Daryl Morey will extend his streak of choosing disciplined and effective non-stars in the draft. Look for Aldrich to use his lottery money to replace his front teeth.
15. Milwaukee Bucks - Avery Bradley - G - Texas
The Bucks had surprising success by adding rookie point guard phenom Brandon Jennings,
savvy, scoring swingman John Salmons and rookie head coach Scott Skiles to a healthy and productive Andrew Bogut. Bradley will replace longtime incumbent Michael Redd at shooting guard who has suffered career threatening injuries in each of the past few seasons. Redd will depart as a free-agent this summer leaving Bradley the opportunity to become the team's new go-to long range shooter. Bradley only stands 6'3" but boasts 6'7" wingspan that should allow him to play both guard positions as a pro. Defensively Bradley is quick and disruptive, a bonus to his extensive offensive repertoire that include the best shooting stroke of any player in this draft.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Gordon Hayward - SF - Butler
Though I fully expect Wolves GM David Kahn to trade this pick either to move up into the top four or to help add an already proven veteran, I can't see Hayward falling any further after his NCAA heroics of just three months ago. Hayward will still be a project as he needs to add muscle to his slight 6'9", 211 pound frame and toughness to his mostly finesse playing style. Likewise, to have any success at the next level, Hayward will have to improve on his long range shooting as his 3-point shooting percentage inexplicably fell from 45 % in his freshman year to 29% as a sophomore. In any case, the Wolves will likely either trade this pick or look for overseas help at point guard (just kidding... kind of).
17. Washington Wizards - James Anderson - SG - Oklahoma State
With the trade in place for Hinrich, Wizards should go after players that can finish Wall's passes. James Anderson was one of the best scorers in the country.
18. Oklahoma City Thunder - Daniel Orton - C - Kentucky
The Thunder will leap at the chance to add a young and talented post player to compete for backup minutes behind starter Nenad Krystic. It's a very simple job for Orton. Set screens for Kevin Durant, throw outlet passes to Russell Westbrook, get out of the way and collect your paycheck.
19. Boston Celtics - Hassan Whiteside - PF/C - Marshall
The Celtics will continue to harp on toughness and shot blocking by adding the reigning NCAA leader in blocks. Whiteside and his 7'7" wingspan denied 5.4 attempts a game in just 26 minutes per contest while improving offensively throughout the season.
20. San Antonio Spurs - Kevin Seraphin - C - Guyana
Seraphin is the highest rated foreign prospect. The Spurs are the Spurs. Let's not outthink ourselves.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Damion James - F - Texas
Genius GM Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder grab another league-ready, underrated commodity in James. Likewise, the Thunder add a backup flex forward for all-world superstar Kevin Durant as well one of only two projected first rounders who averaged a double-double collegiately last season.
22. Portland Trailblazers - Elliott Williams - SG - Memphis
After leaving Duke following his freshman year Williams showed the country what he could do as the primary scorer in a more free wheeling offense. Williams averaged 18 points per contest including several highlight dunks like this one from his one year at Duke. Williams' athleticism combined with a scorer's mentality should provide the Trailblazers with a serviceable backup to all-star Brandon Roy as current backup Rudy Fernandez has expressed an interest to leave Portland this offseason.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves - Larry Sanders - C - VCU
Sanders is a project at this slot in the draft. Many have noted that Sanders did not begin playing organized basketball until high school which leads scouts to believe that his ceiling for improvement is very high. I see Sanders in the D-league. No relation, by the way.
24. Atlanta Hawks - Dominique Jones - G - South Florida
Jones is probably the most explosive scorer in this draft and one of my favorite prospects. Jones averaged 21.4 ppg as a junior at South Florida including consecutive games of 46, 28, 37 and 29 point performances during a four-game Bulls winning streak capped by victories over Big East stalwarts Pittsburgh and Georgetown. The Hawks will be losing perennial leading scorer and starting shooting guard Joe Johnson to free-agency this summer and will be elated to welcome the streaky and uber-competitive Jones to the mix.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Bledsoe - PG - Kentucky
Bledsoe is another one of my favorite guys on the board. Bledsoe entered his sole college season as a highly touted and intensely recruited point guard out of Alabama that could have acted as the starting point guard, if not focal point, of just about any NCAA offense. By opting to go to Kentucky, Bledsoe did so with the understanding that he would be playing off guard as a complement to all-world point guard John Wall. Though Bledsoe was statistically outshined by fellow Wildcats Patterson, Cousins and Wall, he cemented his status as a future pro by showing off other assets of his game including his incredible athleticism, relentless on-ball defense and consistent outside shooting touch. Kentucky coach John Calipari often went out of his way to remind the media that Bledsoe was one of his fiercest competitors and rightfully so. Mike Conley's new backup will give him fits in Grizzlies practices.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder - Stanley Robinson - SF/PF - Connecticut
'Length' and 'athleticism' are words that swirl around Thunder draft picks each year. Incidentally these are always the first two words associated with Robinson. Unfortunately, for his entire college career the third word was always 'potential'.
27. New Jersey Nets - Armon Johnson - G - Nevada
The Knicks have explicitly expressed interest in moving into the first round to take Johnson, a tweener guard who shot less than 24 percent from the college three-point line in his Robin season to Luke Babbitt's Batman at Nevada. Add that he averaged less than one steal a game in 35 minutes of play. Sounds like a winner. Not.
28. Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Crawford - G - Xavier
Crawford is a high percentage shooter and high octane scorer as either a wing or a big point guard. Crawford proved to be gutsy crunch time performer on a national stage with awe inspiring late-game play in the NCAA tournament. Mock drafts are a total crap shoot at this point and Crawford was one of my favorite college players in 2009-10.
29. Orlando Magic - Lance Stephenson - G/F - Cincinnati
Stephenson will be a much better pro than he was college player for his single season at Cincinnati. You heard it here first.
30. Washington Wizards - Solomon Alabi - C - Florida State
At this point in the draft teams are throwing darts in the dark. Alabi has the physical gifts to be a goal protector on the defensive end but seriously lacks offensive prowess. Alabi, much like the Wizards, is a work in progress.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Image of the Week
The lead story of game four of the NBA Finals was the Celtics bench outplaying the entire Lakers team. Anyone watching will never forget Big Baby Davis celebrating an and one, with a flex and slobber. Truly unforgettable...
P.S. Can Nate Robinson look any smaller?
P.S. Can Nate Robinson look any smaller?
Friday, June 4, 2010
Chad's Mock 1.0
Chad's Mock 1.0
1. Washington Wizards - John Wall - PG - Kentucky
Wall is the closest prospect to a "sure thing" in this year's draft. The comparisons between Wall and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose are overdone simply because the league is experiencing an influx of long, athletic point guards right now. Wall supporters who have argued that he is a better shooter than Rose should look no further than their college stats. Rose shot slightly better from the field and the three point line by percentage in his one year stint at Memphis than Wall in his year at Kentucky. This is cause for some concern as Rose is still far from a consistent shooter after two years in the league but has superior athleticism compared to Wall to supplement while he improves. In any case, I think Wall will be 10-15 year starter in the league barring injury, however I do not expect him to be the transcendent force that many have made him out to be.
2. Philadelphia 76ers - Evan Turner - SG/SF - Ohio State
As disappointing a season as the 76ers had in 2009-10, they are a talented, athletic team that may only be one or two pieces away from a playoff run in 2010-11. If trade rumors surrounding the Sixers and their second overall pick are not true, I expect Philadelphia to select Turner who could be the missing piece in the Philly backcourt. Though Turner is slightly less athletic than the ball handling wings that he has earned comparisons to (think Tracy McGrady in Orlando) his ability to score and create for teammates and willingness to take big shots should immediately take scoring pressure off of Iguodala who hasn't exactly lived up to the billing of Franchise Player status.
3. New Jersey Nets - Derrick Favors - PF - Georgia Tech
Living in Atlanta the past 4 years I have had plenty of opportunities to watch Favors play both in high school and at GT for his one and done season. Each time I watched Favors I was more blown away by his young-Dwight Howard like athleticism and less impressed by his skill level. Favors has been compared to Amare Stoudemire for his ability to catch and finish around the rim with contact but has shown little ability to put it on the floor like Stoudemire. Offensively I liken Favors more to Howard as he is much more useful in constant motion when he can catch and go straight up. Defensively Favors is still very raw but his uncanny athleticism alone makes him an interesting pick. The offseason addition of a superstar with good court vision such as Lebron James or Dwyane Wade to the Nets will make or break Favors' career.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Wesley Johnson - SF - Syracuse
T'Wolves General Manager David Kahn is under pressure to rectify the mess that he created in his first Minnesota. By passing on first year stars Brandon Jennings and Stephen Curry in the 2009 draft and instead taking Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio who has yet to join the team in the United States. That being said, it would seem that Kahn taking Kentucky freshman Demarcus Cousins with the fourth pick in this year's draft is out of the question given his overly-documented "character flaws". The pick here is Johnson, a more skilled/less athletic version of Shawn Marion with similar finishing, lane filling ability. Johnson can fit into any type of offense given his long shooting range, ability to finish in traffic and high basketball IQ. Defensively Johnson can create problems with his long arms and quick jumping ability. Point guard Johnny Flynn should be thrilled with this pick.
5. Sacramento Kings - DeMarcus Cousins - PF/C - Kentucky
Cousins will be a star at the next level. Often hovering around 20 minutes a game in college, Cousins was still dominant enough to glean SEC Freshman of the Year honors in addition to a first team All-SEC selection and first team All America recognition. Cousins' point and rebound per minute numbers were through the roof and he was just as pivotal to Kentucky's success in 2009-10 as fellow freshman Wall. Cousins will soon be one of the best rebounders in the Western Conference and offensively he should fit right in with his exceptional hands and strong outlet passing. Though many worry about Cousins' weight and body fat percentage I contend that his size will work more to his advantage at the shrinking NBA center position. Cousins' "character issues" have been blown out of proportion in an era where the smiling faces of young stars such as Lebron James and Dwight Howard have cast a negative light on players who play with a mean streak. That mean streak combined with Cousins' exceptional skill, good feet and defensive IQ will provide for a long career for Cousins. Like Tyreke Evans last year, the Sacramento Kings will get a steal with their top five pick this summer.
6. Golden State Warriors - Al-Farouq Aminu - SF/PF - Wake Forest
The Warriors finally got it right with a first round pick taking rookie sensation Stephon Curry with the seventh overall pick last June. This year the Warriors will grab a wingman for Curry and Monta Ellis' up and down scoring fests who can get out on the break and finish as well as add rebounding and toughness to the young team. Aminu is a particularly good fit in that he played in a similarly high octane offense last year alongside athletic, shooting point guard Jeff Teague at Wake where they and Bulls forward James Johnson elevated the team to a top nation ranking at one point. I was even more impressed with Aminu when I watched him dismantle Greg Monroe in a lopsided high school matchup two years ago that was billed to be epic and turned out to be a complete clinic. With a series of one and two dribble pullups as well as fast break dunks and inside post moves Aminu destroyed Monroe on national television culminating in a facial in traffic that left Monroe forever posterized in my mind. Something tells me the Warriors might take a stupid risk on UNC forward Ed Davis who seems to be the second coming of Brandan Wright, another former Tar Heel and failed Warriors pick. Wishful thinking makes the pick Aminu here.
7. Detroit Pistons - Greg Monroe - PF - Georgetown
General Manager Joe Dumars has been one of the most confusing executives in the league as of late. Recently his move to spend near-franchise money on two reserves in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva has left Pistons fans both perplexed and disappointed. The Pistons are in dire need of a floor leader as Rodney Stuckey hasn't exactly panned out as the point guard of the future he was chosen to be with the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Unfortunately this pick is about ten slots too high for Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe who may be this draft's most underrated player. I'm putting Greg Monroe here simply because I can't seem to peg him as a logical fit for any of the teams above this pick and yet I can't see him falling out of the top ten. I would feel sorry for Monroe had he not been such a monumental disappointment for the G'town Hoyas over the last two years. On the bright side Monroe has been quoted as saying that best case he'd like to be a Lamar Odom type player in the league. $90 million over ten years and zero all star appearances, can't argue with that kind of career. Let's just move on.
8. Los Angeles Clippers - Paul George - SF - Fresno St.
Some things just make sense. The Clippers have had a gaping hole at the small forward position since the departure of free throw line resident Cory Maggette and have lacked consistent perimeter shooting, well...forever. Enter widely unknown prospect George, a long, athletic small forward in the Rudy Gay mold. George has said himself that he believes he has the ball handling skills to play shooting guard in the NBA if necessary as well as small forward and he has proven his long range shooting touch. George shot 91 percent from the free throw line in his sophomore year, a tremendous asset at the next level.
9. Utah Jazz - Patrick Patterson - PF - Kentucky
Patterson almost certainly would have been drafted higher following his sophomore or freshman seasons at Kentucky but instead chose to return to play for one of the most talented Wildcats teams ever. By opting to do so, Patterson probably forfeited a sizable amount of first year cash but may have guaranteed a much more lucrative career in the long run. Staying at Kentucky and playing in John Calipari's wide open system allowed Patterson to develop range on his jump shot among other developments (24 made three pointers in his junior year versus 0 in his first two seasons). Look for Jerry Sloan and co. to make another safe pick and brace themselves for the almost certain departure of Carlos Boozer at power forward.
10. Indiana Pacers - Xavier Henry - SG - Kansas
In 2009-10 two-guard Brandon Rush had the lowest PER of any player in NBA history who led his team in minutes played for one season. With that said, the Pacers won't be looking to replace Rush with Henry, but rather add depth to a position that currently includes Dahntay Jones and Luther Head. Likewise, Henry also provides much needed insurance for star small forward Danny Granger whose current backup is the talented but oft injured Michael Dunleavy. I see Henry as a quality reserve in the NBA rather than the future star many have predicted him to become.
11. New Orleans Hornets - Ekpe Udoh - PF/C - Baylor
Udoh was one of the pleasant surprises of an exhilarating March Madness in 2010. By leading Baylor in a surprising run to the Elite Eight, Udoh guaranteed his selection as a lottery pick. Udoh's high energy, shot blocking and athleticism will make him a bonafide defender at the next level though he is offensively mainly a finisher. Udoh will benefit greatly from the ability of star point guards Chris Paul and Darren Collison to create in traffic. Udoh will be another quality career reserve of good value at double digits in this draft.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Ed Davis - PF - UNC
Unfortunately Davis is still mostly a mystery as his sophomore season for the Tarheels, which was expected to be his breakout year, was curtailed by injury. Davis has been compared to every long athletic PF from Amare Stoudemire to Brandan Wright. The Grizzlies have plenty of depth at the guard and small forward positions so they will look to add another explosive rebounder and high flyer down low to complement back to the basket bangers Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.
13. Toronto Raptors - Luke Babbitt - SG/SF/PF - Nevada
Very seldom do I jump on the bandwagon of a European American (white) draft prospect. This year I'm driving the Babbitt bandwagon. Be it the Dirk Nowitzki hair-do, the trademark jab step, or the insane shooting averages (22 ppg on %50 shooting from the field, %42 from the three-point line and %92 from the charity stripe) this guy strikes me as a sure thing at the next level. At 6'9" and 225 pounds Babbitt has the size to bang bodies in the paint to complement his ridiculous shooting abilities, as evidence by his 9 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Furthermore his flashy style and mean streak should translate to competitive success at the next level. With Demar Derozan and Babbitt flying on the wings, the Raptors' point guard of the future (whomever that may be) will be pleased.
14. Houston Rockets - Cole Aldrich - C - Kansas
The tragic truth is that Yao Ming's career as a dominant player at center may be over. The uber talented Yao has already surpassed most of our expectations for a 7'6" Chinese center who was once compared favorably to Gheorghe Muresan. Now its time for the Rockets to start planning for the future as the team's current center is the offensively handicapped Chuck Hayes. The Rockets have efficient and willing scorers in PG Aaron Brooks, SG Kevin Martin, SF Trevor Ariza and PF Luis Scola, so they don't need a scorer at the position, but simply a non-liability will do. Look for GM Daryl Morey will extend his streak of choosing disciplined and effective non-stars in the draft. Look for Aldrich to use his lottery money to replace his front teeth.
15. Milwaukee Bucks - Avery Bradley - G - Texas
The Bucks had surprising success by adding rookie point guard phenom Brandon Jennings, savvy, scoring swingman John Salmons and rookie head coach Scott Skiles to a healthy and productive Andrew Bogut. Bradley will replace longtime incumbent Michael Redd at shooting guard who has suffered career threatening injuries in each of the past few seasons. Redd will depart as a free-agent this summer leaving Bradley the opportunity to become the team's new go-to long range shooter. Bradley only stands 6'3" but boasts 6'7" wingspan that should allow him to play both guard positions as a pro. Defensively Bradley is quick and disruptive, a bonus to his extensive offensive repertoire that include the best shooting stroke of any player in this draft.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves - Gordon Hayward - SF - Butler
Though I fully expect Wolves GM David Kahn to trade this pick either to move up into the top four or to help add an already proven veteran, I can't see Hayward falling any further after his NCAA heroics of just three months ago. Hayward will still be a project as he needs to add muscle to his slight 6'9", 211 pound frame and toughness to his mostly finesse playing style. Likewise, to have any success at the next level, Hayward will have to improve on his long range shooting as his 3-point shooting percentage inexplicably fell from 45 % in his freshman year to 29% as a sophomore. In any case, the Wolves will likely either trade this pick or look for overseas help at point guard (just kidding... kind of).
17. Chicago Bulls - James Anderson - SG - Oklahoma State
After Ben Gordon's untimely departure in free agency, the Bulls sorely lacked outside shooting to allow blur Derrick Rose freedom to drive the lane unmolested. Opposing teams simply packed in defenses knowing that Rose, who would undoubtedly beat his man, would run into a sea of help-side defenders. Enter Anderson, the 2009-10 Big 12 Player of the Year and a dangerous outside shooter. The addition of Anderson will enable the Bulls to play Rose with a natural two guard rather than alongside fellow point guard Kirk Hinrich.
18. Miami Heat - Damion James - SF - Texas
Currently Quentin Richardson sits atop the Miami depth chart at small forward. Welcome to South Beach Mr. James.
19. Boston Celtics - Hassan Whiteside - PF/C - Marshall
The Celtics will continue to harp on toughness and shot blocking by adding the reigning NCAA leader in blocks. Whiteside and his 7'7" wingspan denied 5.4 attempts a game in just 26 minutes per contest while improving offensively throughout the season.
20. San Antonio Spurs - Kevin Seraphin - C - Guyana
Seraphin is the highest rated foreign prospect. The Spurs are the Spurs. Let's not outthink ourselves.
21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Daniel Orton - C - Kentucky
The Thunder will leap at the chance to add a young and talented post player to compete for backup minutes behind starter Nenad Krystic. It's a very simple job for Orton. Set screens for Kevin Durant, throw outlet passes to Russell Westbrook, get out of the way and collect your paycheck.
22. Portland Trailblazers - Elliott Williams - SG - Memphis
After leaving Duke following his freshman year Williams showed the country what he could do as the primary scorer in a more free wheeling offense. Williams averaged 18 points per contest including several highlight dunks like this one from his one year at Duke. Williams' athleticism combined with a scorer's mentality should provide the Trailblazers with a serviceable backup to all-star Brandon Roy as current backup Rudy Fernandez has expressed an interest to leave Portland this offseason.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves - Solomon Alabi - C - Florida State
The T'wolves current depth at center includes such household names as Darko Milicic, Ryan Hollins and Nathan Jawai. Needless to say it's time to add some young talent. Alabi has a 7'5'' winsgspan and gets off the ground quickly as an energetic and willing rebounder and shotblocker.
24. Atlanta Hawks - Dominique Jones - G - South Florida
Jones is probably the most explosive scorer in this draft and one of my favorite prospects. Jones averaged 21.4 ppg as a junior at South Florida including consecutive games of 46, 28, 37 and 29 point performances during a four-game Bulls winning streak capped by victories over Big East stalwarts Pittsburgh and Georgetown. The Hawks will be losing perennial leading scorer and starting shooting guard Joe Johnson to free-agency this summer and will be elated to welcome the streaky and uber-competitive Jones to the mix.
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Eric Bledsoe - PG - Kentucky
Bledsoe is another one of my favorite guys on the board. Bledsoe entered his sole college season as a highly touted and intensely recruited point guard out of Alabama that could have acted as the starting point guard, if not focal point, of just about any NCAA offense. By opting to go to Kentucky, Bledsoe did so with the understanding that he would be playing off guard as a complement to all-world point guard John Wall. Though Bledsoe was statistically outshined by fellow Wildcats Patterson, Cousins and Wall, he cemented his status as a future pro by showing off other assets of his game including his incredible athleticism, relentless on-ball defense and consistent outside shooting touch. Kentucky coach John Calipari often went out of his way to remind the media that Bledsoe was one of his fiercest competitors and rightfully so. Mike Conley's new backup will give him fits in Grizzlies practices.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder - Stanley Robinson - SF/PF - Connecticut
'Length' and 'athleticism' are words that swirl around Thunder draft picks each year. Incidentally these are always the first two words associated with Robinson. Unfortunately, for his entire college career the third word was always 'potential'.
27. New Jersey Nets - Willie Warren - G - Oklahoma
The Nets are starving for offense among other important things such as defense, shooting, and talent. Warren was mostly a disappointment as the crux of the Oklahoma offense following a stellar freshman year alongside 2009 first overall pick Blake Griffin. Perhaps Warren can right the ship playing with more talented players at the next level similar to his freshman campaign. Wait...Nets...scratch that.
28. Memphis Grizzlies - Jordan Crawford - G - Xavier
Crawford is a high percentage shooter and high octane scorer as either a wing or a big point guard. Crawford proved to be gutsy crunch time performer on a national stage with awe inspiring late-game play in the NCAA tournament. Mock drafts are a total crap shoot at this point and Crawford was one of my favorite college players in 2009-10.
29. Orlando Magic - Lance Stephenson - G/F - Cincinnati
Stephenson will be a much better pro than he was college player for his single season at Cincinnati. You heard it here first.
30. Washington Wizards - Gani Lawal - PF/C - Georgia Tech
Lawal outplayed top-3 lock Derrick Favors in every conceivable phase of the game in their season together at GT. Lawal was the Yellow Jackets' toughest player as well as go-to scorer, leading rebounder and best low post defender. All things considered, somehow Favors will still make about 4 times Lawal's salary next season given the current rookie salary scale. Funny how these things play out.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
NBA Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 2.0
1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG Kentucky
This pick doesn’t come as a surprise. As they say, this is a point guard’s league, so why not take the guy that Flip Saunders said will “revolutionize the position.”
Wall is the complete package…He’s a great athlete, he possesses the leadership skills you need in a point guard, he is willing to play hard on the defensive end, he doesn’t have character issues and he has a personality the fans will love.
2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG/SF Ohio St
As I have previously stated, this is my favorite player in the draft. I am 100% sure Evan Turner will go number 2 in the draft, I’m just not sold that the 76ers will be the team drafting him. The 76ers have a bigger need in the paint and Cousins would be the better long term solution. Derrick Favors would also be a better fit for the 76ers. In any case, whether the 76ers keep the pick or trade it, Evan Turner will be the second player selected in this years draft.
3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF/C Georgia Tech
I’m going to be honest…I’m not a fan of Derrick Favors. His stats do not impress me, when I watched him play he did not impress me, his personality is boring and he is unproven. But with all that being said, he is still the youngest player in the draft with plenty of time to develop his skills. Defensively I think he is NBA ready, but offensively he scares me. He has all the physical tools to be a very successful player in the NBA, he just has to develop his skills. His maximum jumping reach is 12’, which is scary. I’m beginning to think this guy could be a reincarnation of Dwight Howard. His defensive expertise should compliment Brook Lopez very well.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson SF Syracuse
My poor wolves, we just can’t win. Last year we were one pick away from getting Tyreke Evans and this year we didn’t win the lottery or get the second pick. All is not lost. There is plenty of talent in this draft and we have a lot of needs to address. In my last mock I had Aminu here but his interviews haven’t been going great and he did not test as well as expected at the combine. On the flip side Wesley Johnson tested great and his interviews have been going well. So until these guys start working out against each other, I have Wes Johnson going 4th.
5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins C Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins is an interesting prospect. He completely dominated in college, almost to the point where he stole the show from John Wall. He tested great at the combine, the only worry people have is his weight in the future. He currently weighs around 290 lbs but claims he is on a strict diet and plans to lose more weight. I don’t doubt his dedication to losing the weight but it is only natural to question if he will be able to keep his weight down throughout his career. Outside of his weight, he has character issues. Even though he typically appears to be all smiles, that is only when things are going his way. Stick him on a bad team and you have to wonder, how will he react over the course of an 82 game season? Cousins has the talent to be the number 2 pick but I think his weight and attitude will cost him. If Cousins matures, I think we are looking at a future all-star.
6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF/C Georgetown
Stephen Curry is the future of the Golden State Warriors and probably the only player that isn’t on the trading block. This is a team that is fun to watch but will never win anything with the current roster they have. The Warriors need help in the paint area but must have a guy that fits their system. Greg Monroe can play both the power forward and center positions. Scouts have tagged him as not being as athletic as you would like but no one can deny his exceptional ball handling and passing skills. Monroe would be an immediate upgrade. This is almost too good to be true.
7. Detroit Pistons – Ekpe Udoh PF/C Baylor
In my last mock I had Cole Aldrich here but after the combine, I realized guys like him don’t get drafted this high. He has too many question marks…Will his offensive game ever develop?…Was he only good because he was surrounded by great talent?...Lacking athleticism, can he still be a dominant shot blocker in the NBA?...Where is his missing front tooth?...Just too many questions. As his stock falls, others are on the rise and one is Ekpe Udoh. Ekpe like Cole, is known for his defense but he also is very athletic and isn’t missing any teeth. Udoh grabbed my attention throughout the season, posting solid numbers but after watching him in the tournament, I was sold. I think he will develop into a very good player.
8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF/PF Wake Forest
The LA Clippers are a team to pay close attention to next season. They have the money to sign a big named free agent this summer. They have a talented roster and can go in many directions. One glaring need is a small forward. Right now I have Aminu’s stock slipping and if he doesn’t impress scouts in his workouts, he very well could still be on the board at pick number 8. If he happens to still be here the Clippers should waste no time selecting him. I am unclear about Aminu’s immediate impact but I think long term he is a sure thing. He has all the tools, a good head on his shoulders and a strong work ethic.
9. Utah Jazz – Patrick Patterson PF Kentucky
There has been speculation that the Jazz want Greg Monroe. I think he would be a good fit with them, but unfortunately for them I don’t think he will be available. The Jazz usually go with hard working, proven, mature, unselfish guys, so who better than Patrick Patterson. He is full of talent and after taking a backseat this season, he is still wowing scouts as he displays his all around game. If Boozer is what the Jazz liked, then they should love Patterson. He is strong, athletic, has a nice mid range game but doesn’t mind banging in the paint.
10. Indiana Pacers – Avery Bradley PG/SG Texas
This pick may come as a bit of a surprise and quite frankly I wasn’t really comfortable making this choice. In a lottery driven by power forwards and centers, I would think the Pacers would go after an athletic big man. Contrary to what I believe, many analysts say point guard is the Pacers biggest need. This wouldn’t be an issue if the Pacers draft either J’rue Holiday, Darren Collison, Ty Lawson or Jeff Teague last year, but instead they fell in love with Tyler Hansbourogh and now they need a point guard and still haven’t solved their issues in the paint. Way to go Larry Bird. Since point guard is the need, and besides Wall, there aren’t any lottery worthy point guards, the Pacers will have to reach again. Avery Bradley is quite a player and recently has seen his stock boom. Right now he has more of a shooting guard’s mentality but that isn’t anything that can’t be corrected in the future.
11. New Orleans Hornets – Cole Aldrich C Kansas
Last year Cole Aldrich was projected to be a top 5 pick in this draft. When you look at his numbers, you can’t really argue with that. But once you actually see him play, you wonder if his game will translate to the NBA. Don’t get me wrong, Cole still belongs in the lottery but I wouldn’t take him before pick 8. I think the Hornets would be a good situation for Aldrich. He wouldn’t be asked to start right away, giving him time to develop and polish his game. As a role player, he may be ready to contribute this year.
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Ed Davis PF UNC
The Memphis Grizzlies made tremendous strides this season and almost landed a playoff spot. It is important that they continue to build and develop their young core. If Rudy Gay decides to bail for more money this offseason, the Grizzlies will have a hole to fill on the wing. I think that hole should be filled by another veteran, so free agency is the way to go. A back up point guard would be nice but there are none worthy at this pick. If Ed Davis is still on the board at 12 the Grizzlies should grab him and prep him for life after Zach Randolph.
13. Toronto Raptors – Hassan Whiteside C Marshall
Hassan Whiteside is the most intriguing player in the draft to me. His potential is unbelievable but he still has a lot of question marks. His length (7’7” wingspan), athleticism and shot blocking ability (5.4 blks per game this season) will get him on the court but if he ever develops his offensive game he could be a future all-star. To me he is the ultimate boom or bust pick of this years draft. The Toronto Raptors will most likely lose Chris Bosh to free agency this year, so they need to start preparing for that. With Bosh gone they have no choice but to address the C/PF position. Whiteside by no means is ready to be a major contributor this season but he and Andrea Bargnani could make a nice combo in the future.
14. Houston Rockets – Luke Babbitt SF Nevada
Luke Babbitt is the winner of the 2010 NBA Combine. He recently has seen his stock rise as scouts really analyze his game. The guy is a flat out scorer and has a very polished offensive game. He is 6’8 and is much more athletic than anyone imagined, leading people to believe he could be a solid defender at the next level. Babbitt is relatively new to me, since he played at Nevada I didn’t get to watch him very much. Even with his 37” vertical, I’m not ready to jump on the bandwagon. I think Babbitt has the potential to be a solid role player for Rockets. His size and scoring ability will add much needed depth to their bench.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Xavier Henry SG Kansas
Sleeper alert! I am guaranteeing that if Xavier Henry falls to the Bucks, he will be a future all-star. Despite statistics at Kansas, Henry can flat out play. Unlike most draft prospects, he already has a NBA ready body. He also has a high basketball IQ and is lethal from outside. If he is blessed to have Brandon Jennings as his point guard, he will be an impact player in this league.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves – James Anderson SG OK St
James Anderson is another prospect that can plain and simple score the basketball. I would argue that he is the best pure scorer in the draft. He is 6’5 and none of his measurements blow you away and neither will his athleticism but his 22 points per game, 2 three pointers made per game and 81% free throw shooting didn’t happen by accident. The Timberwolves are really lacking quality players on the wing and if they can grab Wes Johnson and then come back and grab James Anderson, consider this a successful draft.
17. Chicago Bulls – Donatas Motiejunas PF/C International
To be honest, I know very little about this prospect. I know he is about 6’11, he plays power forward, he likes to play on the wing rather than in the paint, and his stock is falling. I wonder if his stock is falling or if other people’s are just rising. I know last year scouts projected he would be a top 5 pick this year. So much for that…He sounds like he could be like most Euro big men. His ceiling is Dirk Nowitzki but he is probably closer to Andrea Bargnani. If he is doesn’t pan out at all, we can call him Darko 2.0. For his sake I hope he is like Bargnani because I already know he won’t be like Dirk. There have been so many players compared to Dirk or heralded as the next Dirk but we have yet to actually have a next Dirk. In the future, the Bulls can use his size and perimeter scoring to stretch the floor.
18. Miami Heat – Daniel Orton C Kentucky
Daniel Orton is an interesting prospect. If you look at his numbers, you might ask why was he invited to the combine, never mind be considered a first round pick. Potential, potential, potential…To be fair, Orton didn’t play very much at Kentucky and it wasn’t because he’s not capable, but because he was playing behind DeMarcus Cousins. Orton’s game is defense. He eats up space, clogs the lane and protects the basketball hoop. I think Orton is a “what you see is what you get” kind of player. I don’t ever expect him to be much on offense but his intensity and defensive awareness can be game changing one day. Thankfully for the Heat they no longer have to over pay Jermaine O’Neil, so Orton could see the floor earlier than expected.
19. Boston Celtics – Paul George SF/PF Fresno St
Paul George is an impressive prospect who has done only the right things since the draft process started. He is a 6’8 small forward with a long wingspan. Offensively he is an impressive shooter. He averaged 2 made three pointers last year while averaging 42% from the field. He is very athletic and thus far has looked very smooth in his workouts. A player like George has a high ceiling because of the unique skills he has and his ability to spread the floor. If he continues to impress in his workouts, some say he could go as early as late lottery. It is no secret that the Celtics are an aged group. It is time for them to start adding talented youth to their team so Rondo has something to play with in the future.
20. San Antonio Spurs – Gordon Hayward SF Butler
I know there is a lot of hype surrounding Gordon Hayward but I think he should be drafted in the 17-23 range. If he goes to San Antonio, I think he will go to a great situation. The Spurs need to change the makeup of their roster and add some youth. Offensively Gordon has a lot of skills any coach would like. At 6’8, he has great size to play the small forward position. His basketball IQ is off the charts and you have to love his passion for the game. He possesses the quickness to get to the lane and has an impressive mid range jump shot. His 3 points shooting percentage dropped since his freshmen year but I think that is because defenses put more of a focus on shutting him down. In the NBA he will get plenty of open shots as a role player. He is only 20 years old and has plenty of time to develop. Sitting behind Richard Jefferson for a couple years should be good for him.
21. OKC Thunder – Larry Sanders PF/C VCU
The VCU standout, Larry Sanders, has seen his stock take a slight dive since the combine. There have been reports that he is not the high leaper that many expected. Regardless of his vertical he still is 6’10 and has a long 7’5’’ wingspan. He was an effective rebounder and shot eraser in college and he is projected to do the same in the NBA. Sanders would be another athlete with solid defensive awareness the Thunder can add to their roster. His size is much need in the paint area and his shot blocking ability will put him in the rotation early.
22. Portland Trailblazers – Damion James SF Texas
At 22, Damion James is probably one of the oldest prospects in the draft. The good news is that with his age he has plenty of experience. This year he displayed his knack for scoring and rebounding. He often displayed his heart and determination when his team was struggling but he never quit. It is safe to say he was the best player on a team that didn’t come anywhere close to living up to expectations. What that says about him, I am not sure but I do know he is very skilled and can be a solid role player at the next level.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solomon Alabi C Florida St
Solomon is a very large individual. As far as his skills, he is still a major project. I say think Hasheem Thabeet, maybe even less skilled. The good news for Solomon is that he hasn’t been playing basketball very long, so he still learning the game. The only thing he really stands out at doing is shot blocking. He is a poor rebounder for his size and not much of an offensive threat. The Timberwolves have three first round picks, so if they hit on the first two they can afford to take a chance on a guy like Alabi. If anything his shot blocking ability would add a totally new dimension to the team. I don’t see Solomon being ready to play for at least three years but he has the ability to be an elite shot blocker.
24. Atlanta Hawks – Kevin Seraphin C International
This is another international prospect that I know very little about. From what I gather, Seraphin is a 6’10 French super athlete. He is only 20 years old and lacks experience. Seraphin is a strong rebounder and is one of those low risk, high reward type of picks. Many believe that with experience he will blossom into quite a player.
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Eric Bledsoe PG Kentucky
In my opinion Eric Bledsoe came out too early. I think he could have used another year of college basketball to develop his skills. Bledsoe is interesting to evaluate because even though he played a lot of minutes, he was essentially playing out off position at shooting guard, so John Wall could run the point guard position. He played the whole season in John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins shadows but you could say he was part of the glue that held that team together. As expected for a role player, his stats aren’t overly impressive but what really stands out to me is his assists to turnover ratio. He averaged 3 turnovers a game and only 2.9 assists. This could be because he is playing out of position or because the ball was typically dominated by Wall. I’m curious to know how many turnovers he would average if he was the point guard and was able to dominate the ball. Another thing that scares me about Bledsoe is his height. He is only 6’1 in shoes. On a positive note, Bledsoe is very strong for his size and athletic. Like most picks at this point in the draft, Bledsoe will be drafted off of potential. I think in the long run Bledsoe can be a solid player but it will take him a couple of years to develop.
26. OKC Thunder – Stanley Robinson SF/PF UConn
Stanley Robinson will be a super athletic role player in the NBA. Offensively Stanley isn’t going to impress anybody. His jump shot is inconsistent but it is obvious he has been working on extending his range beyond the three point line. Robinson should work on becoming a defensive specialists and he will always have a place on the court.
27. New Jersey Nets – Terrico White PG/SG Mississippi
Terrico White is an intriguing prospect. At 6’5, White can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions. If he can develop his skills and become a permanent point guard, he could create mismatch problems for many teams.
28. Memphis Grizzlies – Dominique Jones PG/SG South Florida
Dominique Jones is one of the best pure scorers in the draft. At 6’4, Jones is a little undersized for a shooting guard but his competitive nature and scoring ability will have general managers drooling.
29. Orlando Magic – Armon Johnson PG/SG Nevada
Armon Johnson is a combo guard who played under Luke Babbitt’s shadow last season. He averaged 15 points and 5 assists this past season. Thus far, he has had solid interviews and has performed well in his workouts (38.5” vertical and 18 bench reps). Johnson has seen his stock rise fast and many scouts are interested in seeing him go against more competition. The Orlando Magic are in business for a backup point guard that can score. Johnson should be able to fit in and replace Jason Williams.
30. Washington Wizards – Willie Warren PG/SG Oklahoma
Absolutely no player has seen their stock fall more than Willie Warren. Last year Warren was considered an early lock for a top-5 pick this year. After an inconsistent, injury plagued season, Warren is trying to hold on to his spot as a first rounder. I think Warren will get drafted somewhere between picks 25-30. He could potentially be the steal of the draft if he ever returns to his freshmen form.
1. Washington Wizards – John Wall PG Kentucky
This pick doesn’t come as a surprise. As they say, this is a point guard’s league, so why not take the guy that Flip Saunders said will “revolutionize the position.”
Wall is the complete package…He’s a great athlete, he possesses the leadership skills you need in a point guard, he is willing to play hard on the defensive end, he doesn’t have character issues and he has a personality the fans will love.
2. Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner SG/SF Ohio St
As I have previously stated, this is my favorite player in the draft. I am 100% sure Evan Turner will go number 2 in the draft, I’m just not sold that the 76ers will be the team drafting him. The 76ers have a bigger need in the paint and Cousins would be the better long term solution. Derrick Favors would also be a better fit for the 76ers. In any case, whether the 76ers keep the pick or trade it, Evan Turner will be the second player selected in this years draft.
3. New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors PF/C Georgia Tech
I’m going to be honest…I’m not a fan of Derrick Favors. His stats do not impress me, when I watched him play he did not impress me, his personality is boring and he is unproven. But with all that being said, he is still the youngest player in the draft with plenty of time to develop his skills. Defensively I think he is NBA ready, but offensively he scares me. He has all the physical tools to be a very successful player in the NBA, he just has to develop his skills. His maximum jumping reach is 12’, which is scary. I’m beginning to think this guy could be a reincarnation of Dwight Howard. His defensive expertise should compliment Brook Lopez very well.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson SF Syracuse
My poor wolves, we just can’t win. Last year we were one pick away from getting Tyreke Evans and this year we didn’t win the lottery or get the second pick. All is not lost. There is plenty of talent in this draft and we have a lot of needs to address. In my last mock I had Aminu here but his interviews haven’t been going great and he did not test as well as expected at the combine. On the flip side Wesley Johnson tested great and his interviews have been going well. So until these guys start working out against each other, I have Wes Johnson going 4th.
5. Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins C Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins is an interesting prospect. He completely dominated in college, almost to the point where he stole the show from John Wall. He tested great at the combine, the only worry people have is his weight in the future. He currently weighs around 290 lbs but claims he is on a strict diet and plans to lose more weight. I don’t doubt his dedication to losing the weight but it is only natural to question if he will be able to keep his weight down throughout his career. Outside of his weight, he has character issues. Even though he typically appears to be all smiles, that is only when things are going his way. Stick him on a bad team and you have to wonder, how will he react over the course of an 82 game season? Cousins has the talent to be the number 2 pick but I think his weight and attitude will cost him. If Cousins matures, I think we are looking at a future all-star.
6. Golden State Warriors – Greg Monroe PF/C Georgetown
Stephen Curry is the future of the Golden State Warriors and probably the only player that isn’t on the trading block. This is a team that is fun to watch but will never win anything with the current roster they have. The Warriors need help in the paint area but must have a guy that fits their system. Greg Monroe can play both the power forward and center positions. Scouts have tagged him as not being as athletic as you would like but no one can deny his exceptional ball handling and passing skills. Monroe would be an immediate upgrade. This is almost too good to be true.
7. Detroit Pistons – Ekpe Udoh PF/C Baylor
In my last mock I had Cole Aldrich here but after the combine, I realized guys like him don’t get drafted this high. He has too many question marks…Will his offensive game ever develop?…Was he only good because he was surrounded by great talent?...Lacking athleticism, can he still be a dominant shot blocker in the NBA?...Where is his missing front tooth?...Just too many questions. As his stock falls, others are on the rise and one is Ekpe Udoh. Ekpe like Cole, is known for his defense but he also is very athletic and isn’t missing any teeth. Udoh grabbed my attention throughout the season, posting solid numbers but after watching him in the tournament, I was sold. I think he will develop into a very good player.
8. LA Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu SF/PF Wake Forest
The LA Clippers are a team to pay close attention to next season. They have the money to sign a big named free agent this summer. They have a talented roster and can go in many directions. One glaring need is a small forward. Right now I have Aminu’s stock slipping and if he doesn’t impress scouts in his workouts, he very well could still be on the board at pick number 8. If he happens to still be here the Clippers should waste no time selecting him. I am unclear about Aminu’s immediate impact but I think long term he is a sure thing. He has all the tools, a good head on his shoulders and a strong work ethic.
9. Utah Jazz – Patrick Patterson PF Kentucky
There has been speculation that the Jazz want Greg Monroe. I think he would be a good fit with them, but unfortunately for them I don’t think he will be available. The Jazz usually go with hard working, proven, mature, unselfish guys, so who better than Patrick Patterson. He is full of talent and after taking a backseat this season, he is still wowing scouts as he displays his all around game. If Boozer is what the Jazz liked, then they should love Patterson. He is strong, athletic, has a nice mid range game but doesn’t mind banging in the paint.
10. Indiana Pacers – Avery Bradley PG/SG Texas
This pick may come as a bit of a surprise and quite frankly I wasn’t really comfortable making this choice. In a lottery driven by power forwards and centers, I would think the Pacers would go after an athletic big man. Contrary to what I believe, many analysts say point guard is the Pacers biggest need. This wouldn’t be an issue if the Pacers draft either J’rue Holiday, Darren Collison, Ty Lawson or Jeff Teague last year, but instead they fell in love with Tyler Hansbourogh and now they need a point guard and still haven’t solved their issues in the paint. Way to go Larry Bird. Since point guard is the need, and besides Wall, there aren’t any lottery worthy point guards, the Pacers will have to reach again. Avery Bradley is quite a player and recently has seen his stock boom. Right now he has more of a shooting guard’s mentality but that isn’t anything that can’t be corrected in the future.
11. New Orleans Hornets – Cole Aldrich C Kansas
Last year Cole Aldrich was projected to be a top 5 pick in this draft. When you look at his numbers, you can’t really argue with that. But once you actually see him play, you wonder if his game will translate to the NBA. Don’t get me wrong, Cole still belongs in the lottery but I wouldn’t take him before pick 8. I think the Hornets would be a good situation for Aldrich. He wouldn’t be asked to start right away, giving him time to develop and polish his game. As a role player, he may be ready to contribute this year.
12. Memphis Grizzlies – Ed Davis PF UNC
The Memphis Grizzlies made tremendous strides this season and almost landed a playoff spot. It is important that they continue to build and develop their young core. If Rudy Gay decides to bail for more money this offseason, the Grizzlies will have a hole to fill on the wing. I think that hole should be filled by another veteran, so free agency is the way to go. A back up point guard would be nice but there are none worthy at this pick. If Ed Davis is still on the board at 12 the Grizzlies should grab him and prep him for life after Zach Randolph.
13. Toronto Raptors – Hassan Whiteside C Marshall
Hassan Whiteside is the most intriguing player in the draft to me. His potential is unbelievable but he still has a lot of question marks. His length (7’7” wingspan), athleticism and shot blocking ability (5.4 blks per game this season) will get him on the court but if he ever develops his offensive game he could be a future all-star. To me he is the ultimate boom or bust pick of this years draft. The Toronto Raptors will most likely lose Chris Bosh to free agency this year, so they need to start preparing for that. With Bosh gone they have no choice but to address the C/PF position. Whiteside by no means is ready to be a major contributor this season but he and Andrea Bargnani could make a nice combo in the future.
14. Houston Rockets – Luke Babbitt SF Nevada
Luke Babbitt is the winner of the 2010 NBA Combine. He recently has seen his stock rise as scouts really analyze his game. The guy is a flat out scorer and has a very polished offensive game. He is 6’8 and is much more athletic than anyone imagined, leading people to believe he could be a solid defender at the next level. Babbitt is relatively new to me, since he played at Nevada I didn’t get to watch him very much. Even with his 37” vertical, I’m not ready to jump on the bandwagon. I think Babbitt has the potential to be a solid role player for Rockets. His size and scoring ability will add much needed depth to their bench.
15. Milwaukee Bucks – Xavier Henry SG Kansas
Sleeper alert! I am guaranteeing that if Xavier Henry falls to the Bucks, he will be a future all-star. Despite statistics at Kansas, Henry can flat out play. Unlike most draft prospects, he already has a NBA ready body. He also has a high basketball IQ and is lethal from outside. If he is blessed to have Brandon Jennings as his point guard, he will be an impact player in this league.
16. Minnesota Timberwolves – James Anderson SG OK St
James Anderson is another prospect that can plain and simple score the basketball. I would argue that he is the best pure scorer in the draft. He is 6’5 and none of his measurements blow you away and neither will his athleticism but his 22 points per game, 2 three pointers made per game and 81% free throw shooting didn’t happen by accident. The Timberwolves are really lacking quality players on the wing and if they can grab Wes Johnson and then come back and grab James Anderson, consider this a successful draft.
17. Chicago Bulls – Donatas Motiejunas PF/C International
To be honest, I know very little about this prospect. I know he is about 6’11, he plays power forward, he likes to play on the wing rather than in the paint, and his stock is falling. I wonder if his stock is falling or if other people’s are just rising. I know last year scouts projected he would be a top 5 pick this year. So much for that…He sounds like he could be like most Euro big men. His ceiling is Dirk Nowitzki but he is probably closer to Andrea Bargnani. If he is doesn’t pan out at all, we can call him Darko 2.0. For his sake I hope he is like Bargnani because I already know he won’t be like Dirk. There have been so many players compared to Dirk or heralded as the next Dirk but we have yet to actually have a next Dirk. In the future, the Bulls can use his size and perimeter scoring to stretch the floor.
18. Miami Heat – Daniel Orton C Kentucky
Daniel Orton is an interesting prospect. If you look at his numbers, you might ask why was he invited to the combine, never mind be considered a first round pick. Potential, potential, potential…To be fair, Orton didn’t play very much at Kentucky and it wasn’t because he’s not capable, but because he was playing behind DeMarcus Cousins. Orton’s game is defense. He eats up space, clogs the lane and protects the basketball hoop. I think Orton is a “what you see is what you get” kind of player. I don’t ever expect him to be much on offense but his intensity and defensive awareness can be game changing one day. Thankfully for the Heat they no longer have to over pay Jermaine O’Neil, so Orton could see the floor earlier than expected.
19. Boston Celtics – Paul George SF/PF Fresno St
Paul George is an impressive prospect who has done only the right things since the draft process started. He is a 6’8 small forward with a long wingspan. Offensively he is an impressive shooter. He averaged 2 made three pointers last year while averaging 42% from the field. He is very athletic and thus far has looked very smooth in his workouts. A player like George has a high ceiling because of the unique skills he has and his ability to spread the floor. If he continues to impress in his workouts, some say he could go as early as late lottery. It is no secret that the Celtics are an aged group. It is time for them to start adding talented youth to their team so Rondo has something to play with in the future.
20. San Antonio Spurs – Gordon Hayward SF Butler
I know there is a lot of hype surrounding Gordon Hayward but I think he should be drafted in the 17-23 range. If he goes to San Antonio, I think he will go to a great situation. The Spurs need to change the makeup of their roster and add some youth. Offensively Gordon has a lot of skills any coach would like. At 6’8, he has great size to play the small forward position. His basketball IQ is off the charts and you have to love his passion for the game. He possesses the quickness to get to the lane and has an impressive mid range jump shot. His 3 points shooting percentage dropped since his freshmen year but I think that is because defenses put more of a focus on shutting him down. In the NBA he will get plenty of open shots as a role player. He is only 20 years old and has plenty of time to develop. Sitting behind Richard Jefferson for a couple years should be good for him.
21. OKC Thunder – Larry Sanders PF/C VCU
The VCU standout, Larry Sanders, has seen his stock take a slight dive since the combine. There have been reports that he is not the high leaper that many expected. Regardless of his vertical he still is 6’10 and has a long 7’5’’ wingspan. He was an effective rebounder and shot eraser in college and he is projected to do the same in the NBA. Sanders would be another athlete with solid defensive awareness the Thunder can add to their roster. His size is much need in the paint area and his shot blocking ability will put him in the rotation early.
22. Portland Trailblazers – Damion James SF Texas
At 22, Damion James is probably one of the oldest prospects in the draft. The good news is that with his age he has plenty of experience. This year he displayed his knack for scoring and rebounding. He often displayed his heart and determination when his team was struggling but he never quit. It is safe to say he was the best player on a team that didn’t come anywhere close to living up to expectations. What that says about him, I am not sure but I do know he is very skilled and can be a solid role player at the next level.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves – Solomon Alabi C Florida St
Solomon is a very large individual. As far as his skills, he is still a major project. I say think Hasheem Thabeet, maybe even less skilled. The good news for Solomon is that he hasn’t been playing basketball very long, so he still learning the game. The only thing he really stands out at doing is shot blocking. He is a poor rebounder for his size and not much of an offensive threat. The Timberwolves have three first round picks, so if they hit on the first two they can afford to take a chance on a guy like Alabi. If anything his shot blocking ability would add a totally new dimension to the team. I don’t see Solomon being ready to play for at least three years but he has the ability to be an elite shot blocker.
24. Atlanta Hawks – Kevin Seraphin C International
This is another international prospect that I know very little about. From what I gather, Seraphin is a 6’10 French super athlete. He is only 20 years old and lacks experience. Seraphin is a strong rebounder and is one of those low risk, high reward type of picks. Many believe that with experience he will blossom into quite a player.
25. Memphis Grizzlies – Eric Bledsoe PG Kentucky
In my opinion Eric Bledsoe came out too early. I think he could have used another year of college basketball to develop his skills. Bledsoe is interesting to evaluate because even though he played a lot of minutes, he was essentially playing out off position at shooting guard, so John Wall could run the point guard position. He played the whole season in John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins shadows but you could say he was part of the glue that held that team together. As expected for a role player, his stats aren’t overly impressive but what really stands out to me is his assists to turnover ratio. He averaged 3 turnovers a game and only 2.9 assists. This could be because he is playing out of position or because the ball was typically dominated by Wall. I’m curious to know how many turnovers he would average if he was the point guard and was able to dominate the ball. Another thing that scares me about Bledsoe is his height. He is only 6’1 in shoes. On a positive note, Bledsoe is very strong for his size and athletic. Like most picks at this point in the draft, Bledsoe will be drafted off of potential. I think in the long run Bledsoe can be a solid player but it will take him a couple of years to develop.
26. OKC Thunder – Stanley Robinson SF/PF UConn
Stanley Robinson will be a super athletic role player in the NBA. Offensively Stanley isn’t going to impress anybody. His jump shot is inconsistent but it is obvious he has been working on extending his range beyond the three point line. Robinson should work on becoming a defensive specialists and he will always have a place on the court.
27. New Jersey Nets – Terrico White PG/SG Mississippi
Terrico White is an intriguing prospect. At 6’5, White can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions. If he can develop his skills and become a permanent point guard, he could create mismatch problems for many teams.
28. Memphis Grizzlies – Dominique Jones PG/SG South Florida
Dominique Jones is one of the best pure scorers in the draft. At 6’4, Jones is a little undersized for a shooting guard but his competitive nature and scoring ability will have general managers drooling.
29. Orlando Magic – Armon Johnson PG/SG Nevada
Armon Johnson is a combo guard who played under Luke Babbitt’s shadow last season. He averaged 15 points and 5 assists this past season. Thus far, he has had solid interviews and has performed well in his workouts (38.5” vertical and 18 bench reps). Johnson has seen his stock rise fast and many scouts are interested in seeing him go against more competition. The Orlando Magic are in business for a backup point guard that can score. Johnson should be able to fit in and replace Jason Williams.
30. Washington Wizards – Willie Warren PG/SG Oklahoma
Absolutely no player has seen their stock fall more than Willie Warren. Last year Warren was considered an early lock for a top-5 pick this year. After an inconsistent, injury plagued season, Warren is trying to hold on to his spot as a first rounder. I think Warren will get drafted somewhere between picks 25-30. He could potentially be the steal of the draft if he ever returns to his freshmen form.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Image of the Week
The Minnesota Vikings all-pro defensive tackle Jared Allen, has recently made headlines for his announcement that he has cut his mullet. For most people a haircut is not a big deal but Jared Allen's mullet was his trademark. If you remember this is the same guy that told Jim Rome of ESPN, that a mullet is not a hair style, it is a lifestyle. His reasoning for sporting a new look is his upcoming wedding. He was quoted as saying, "The things men do for love." Jared Allen is quite a personality and while his new cut looks nice, it just isn't the same. I'll be happy when he grows his mullet back.
Draft Controversy
As we approach the 2010 NBA Draft, things are beginning to heat up with the recent combine and group workouts. There is a consensus that this draft is very talented and much better than last year’s class. That statement shouldn’t be over looked, considering last year’s class wasn’t as bad as many projected.
John Wall is the head of this class and believed to be a lock for the number one pick that the Washington Wizards possess. While I’m a huge fan of Wall’s, he is not my favorite player in the draft. I have been telling people since last summer to watch out for Evan Turner and if you didn’t know who he was going into this past season, you definitely know who he is now. He is the complete package and to me, he is a better player than John Wall. I would never argue with anyone if they drafted John Wall number one because I recognize that he possesses the unique skills and athleticism needed to be a dominant franchise type player at probably the most important position (point guard) in the NBA right now. With all that being said, Turner may not be as physically appealing as Wall, but his statistics show he has plenty of game.
In his third season at Ohio State, Turner posted averages of 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. He displayed his versatility as he played point guard, shooting guard and both forward positions throughout the season. He is 6’7 and will be able to defend at least three positions at the next level. Evan’s game often draws comparisons to Brandon Roy. He has the ability to create his own shot whenever he’d like but most importantly, he creates shots and opportunities for his teammates.
At the recent draft combine, his wingspan only came out 6’8”, which is surprisingly small for someone of his height but looking at his average of nine 9 rebounds a game this year, his wingspan should not be a problem at the next level. In fact, Turner snagged at least 11 rebounds, 12 times this season, so rebounding should not be an issue no matter what position he is plays.
Although he is not known for his outside shooting, he has the range to shoot from anywhere on the court; literally anywhere, just ask Michigan, who Turner sent home with a last second shot from just across half court. Durability is not an issue, even though he did suffer a broken back mid way through the season that kept him sidelined for six games. If anything that should prove his toughness, commitment and value. With a broken back you expect someone to miss more than two and a half weeks of basketball. He also could have easily taken more time off to rest his body to make sure he was not risking anything that would scare NBA scouts, but instead he showed how much of a leader he is and how committed he was to his college team. Ohio State finished with eight losses this season and three of those eight came while Turner was injured. That is a testament to his value and what he brings to the table.
A trending topic during the scouting process is the evaluation of a prospects character. Evan Turner is a high character guy with zero off the court issues. Recently he was interviewed at the draft combine and his competitive nature came out as he respectfully gave his case for why he should be just as likely to be the number one pick as John Wall. There really isn’t much not to like about Evan Turner. He possesses the desire to win and be successful. Many would argue he is a valuable player but not a franchise player. I personally believe he is a franchise player but if he is not, he should be able to fill the Scottie Pippen role on a team.
Only time will tell here Turner lands, but ho ever selects him in the upcoming draft, will be investing in a gem.
John Wall is the head of this class and believed to be a lock for the number one pick that the Washington Wizards possess. While I’m a huge fan of Wall’s, he is not my favorite player in the draft. I have been telling people since last summer to watch out for Evan Turner and if you didn’t know who he was going into this past season, you definitely know who he is now. He is the complete package and to me, he is a better player than John Wall. I would never argue with anyone if they drafted John Wall number one because I recognize that he possesses the unique skills and athleticism needed to be a dominant franchise type player at probably the most important position (point guard) in the NBA right now. With all that being said, Turner may not be as physically appealing as Wall, but his statistics show he has plenty of game.
In his third season at Ohio State, Turner posted averages of 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. He displayed his versatility as he played point guard, shooting guard and both forward positions throughout the season. He is 6’7 and will be able to defend at least three positions at the next level. Evan’s game often draws comparisons to Brandon Roy. He has the ability to create his own shot whenever he’d like but most importantly, he creates shots and opportunities for his teammates.
At the recent draft combine, his wingspan only came out 6’8”, which is surprisingly small for someone of his height but looking at his average of nine 9 rebounds a game this year, his wingspan should not be a problem at the next level. In fact, Turner snagged at least 11 rebounds, 12 times this season, so rebounding should not be an issue no matter what position he is plays.
Although he is not known for his outside shooting, he has the range to shoot from anywhere on the court; literally anywhere, just ask Michigan, who Turner sent home with a last second shot from just across half court. Durability is not an issue, even though he did suffer a broken back mid way through the season that kept him sidelined for six games. If anything that should prove his toughness, commitment and value. With a broken back you expect someone to miss more than two and a half weeks of basketball. He also could have easily taken more time off to rest his body to make sure he was not risking anything that would scare NBA scouts, but instead he showed how much of a leader he is and how committed he was to his college team. Ohio State finished with eight losses this season and three of those eight came while Turner was injured. That is a testament to his value and what he brings to the table.
A trending topic during the scouting process is the evaluation of a prospects character. Evan Turner is a high character guy with zero off the court issues. Recently he was interviewed at the draft combine and his competitive nature came out as he respectfully gave his case for why he should be just as likely to be the number one pick as John Wall. There really isn’t much not to like about Evan Turner. He possesses the desire to win and be successful. Many would argue he is a valuable player but not a franchise player. I personally believe he is a franchise player but if he is not, he should be able to fill the Scottie Pippen role on a team.
Only time will tell here Turner lands, but ho ever selects him in the upcoming draft, will be investing in a gem.
Tampa Draft Recap
Before I get too involved in the upcoming NBA draft, I would like to take a step back a moment to this year’s NFL draft. If you know me, you know I covered the draft pretty thoroughly and gathered as much information as a person could without any real inside connections. I did the mock drafts, I watched NFL Network, I watched ESPN, I followed Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, I read the blogs, I did everything I could to further my knowledge about the prospects and the draft process.
With all that being said, on draft day, like most people, my mock draft was far from accurate. To be truthful mock drafts are fun but they are a complete waste of time. It would be one thing if each team was locked into whatever draft picks they have but with the ability to make trades it is virtually impossible to be accurate when creating your mock drafts. For this reason...I would love to have Mel Kiper’s job in the future. Who wouldn’t want to have a job where you do a lot of research, influence others to believe you know exactly what you are talking about, competitively argue with other people of the same profession about why you are right and then at the end of the day you are far from being right but yet you are an expert. The only other job I can think of off the top of my head where you can do similar things, be wrong and still be an expert is a weatherman (no offense). Anyway for now, does anyone know how I could become Kiper’s intern?
Sorry, back to the football. If you read my mock drafts you know I was praying to the football gods that they would bless my Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Ndamukong Suh. Sadly, my prayers were not answered but I suppose Gerald McCoy isn’t a bad consolation. He fills a huge need and many “experts” thought he was probably a better fit for Tampa’s defense anyway. As much as I’d love to believe the “experts,” I go back to my weatherman example and remember them calling for rain two days ago and I never saw one rain drop all day. But hey, they are the experts…
Going into the draft my Bucs needed to upgrade many positions. The defensive line, cornerback, outside linebacker, and receiver were all positions of need. I know your probably thinking that sounds like a whole roster but hey, we did only win three games last year.
We recognized a need on the defensive line, which is why McCoy was the pick. Unfortunately, we ranked dead last in the NFL in rush defense, giving up 158 rushing yards per game. One defensive tackle wouldn’t be the solution to this enormous problem. So in round 2, we drafted another defensive tackle, Brian Price, out of UCLA. Not that I’m an expert but prior to the draft I thought Brian Price was worthy of a 1st round pick and in my early mocks had him going as high has the New York Giants. This is a great situation for him because he has one job, stuff the run. All the hype and pressure is on Gerald McCoy, so hopefully Price will play to his max potential and we could soon be watching the rebirth of the Warren Sapp and Booger McFarland tandem (I apologize to Warren Sapp, I hate when people compare rookie prospects to him, but I couldn’t help it).
Thanks to the Bears for trading us their second round pick for the late Gaines Adams, we were able to draft wide receiver Arrelious Benn out Illinois. Benn is a very talented athlete that physically reminded many people of Terrell Owens. He has good speed for a receiver his size and has a knack for racking up yards after the catch. With the loss of Antonio Bryant, Benn will step in and start day one.
In the third round we selected cornerback Myron Lewis out of Vanderbilt. Lewis is not a household name, but he is quite a player. He is very instinctive and at 6’2, he covers a lot of ground. I don’t see him as a starter this year, but in the nickel and dime packages he is a major upgrade. Ronde Barber will be able to mentor him for one or two more years before he calls it quits. I think Myron will excel in the Tampa 2 defensive scheme.
I usually don’t get excited about 4th round picks unless it is someone that is blazing fast but this year wide receiver Mike Williams out of Syracuse has me intrigued. He is known as a special talent but was plagued with off the field issues, consequently quitting the team this past season. Williams doesn’t have blazing speed, but he has a lot of talent and is a high ceiling pick. As much as he could be a playmaker in the NFL, he could just as easy be out of the league soon because of off the field issues. I hope his experiences at Syracuse have forced him to mature because if he pans out, we could have a very nice tandem with Williams and Benn. Quarterback Josh Freeman should have been all smiles at the end of this draft. Hopefully his two new targets will make life easier for him.
Overall, I think the Bucs had a very good draft. We addressed major needs and added young talent to our core. I don’t expect a winning season next year but we have definitely taken a step in the right direct. The defense should be improved and the offense has a few more playmakers. As our young core continues to develop the future looks bright in Tampa. Raheem’s Regime lives on.
With all that being said, on draft day, like most people, my mock draft was far from accurate. To be truthful mock drafts are fun but they are a complete waste of time. It would be one thing if each team was locked into whatever draft picks they have but with the ability to make trades it is virtually impossible to be accurate when creating your mock drafts. For this reason...I would love to have Mel Kiper’s job in the future. Who wouldn’t want to have a job where you do a lot of research, influence others to believe you know exactly what you are talking about, competitively argue with other people of the same profession about why you are right and then at the end of the day you are far from being right but yet you are an expert. The only other job I can think of off the top of my head where you can do similar things, be wrong and still be an expert is a weatherman (no offense). Anyway for now, does anyone know how I could become Kiper’s intern?
Sorry, back to the football. If you read my mock drafts you know I was praying to the football gods that they would bless my Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Ndamukong Suh. Sadly, my prayers were not answered but I suppose Gerald McCoy isn’t a bad consolation. He fills a huge need and many “experts” thought he was probably a better fit for Tampa’s defense anyway. As much as I’d love to believe the “experts,” I go back to my weatherman example and remember them calling for rain two days ago and I never saw one rain drop all day. But hey, they are the experts…
Going into the draft my Bucs needed to upgrade many positions. The defensive line, cornerback, outside linebacker, and receiver were all positions of need. I know your probably thinking that sounds like a whole roster but hey, we did only win three games last year.
We recognized a need on the defensive line, which is why McCoy was the pick. Unfortunately, we ranked dead last in the NFL in rush defense, giving up 158 rushing yards per game. One defensive tackle wouldn’t be the solution to this enormous problem. So in round 2, we drafted another defensive tackle, Brian Price, out of UCLA. Not that I’m an expert but prior to the draft I thought Brian Price was worthy of a 1st round pick and in my early mocks had him going as high has the New York Giants. This is a great situation for him because he has one job, stuff the run. All the hype and pressure is on Gerald McCoy, so hopefully Price will play to his max potential and we could soon be watching the rebirth of the Warren Sapp and Booger McFarland tandem (I apologize to Warren Sapp, I hate when people compare rookie prospects to him, but I couldn’t help it).
Thanks to the Bears for trading us their second round pick for the late Gaines Adams, we were able to draft wide receiver Arrelious Benn out Illinois. Benn is a very talented athlete that physically reminded many people of Terrell Owens. He has good speed for a receiver his size and has a knack for racking up yards after the catch. With the loss of Antonio Bryant, Benn will step in and start day one.
In the third round we selected cornerback Myron Lewis out of Vanderbilt. Lewis is not a household name, but he is quite a player. He is very instinctive and at 6’2, he covers a lot of ground. I don’t see him as a starter this year, but in the nickel and dime packages he is a major upgrade. Ronde Barber will be able to mentor him for one or two more years before he calls it quits. I think Myron will excel in the Tampa 2 defensive scheme.
I usually don’t get excited about 4th round picks unless it is someone that is blazing fast but this year wide receiver Mike Williams out of Syracuse has me intrigued. He is known as a special talent but was plagued with off the field issues, consequently quitting the team this past season. Williams doesn’t have blazing speed, but he has a lot of talent and is a high ceiling pick. As much as he could be a playmaker in the NFL, he could just as easy be out of the league soon because of off the field issues. I hope his experiences at Syracuse have forced him to mature because if he pans out, we could have a very nice tandem with Williams and Benn. Quarterback Josh Freeman should have been all smiles at the end of this draft. Hopefully his two new targets will make life easier for him.
Overall, I think the Bucs had a very good draft. We addressed major needs and added young talent to our core. I don’t expect a winning season next year but we have definitely taken a step in the right direct. The defense should be improved and the offense has a few more playmakers. As our young core continues to develop the future looks bright in Tampa. Raheem’s Regime lives on.
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