So a quick programming note before we get going with the Pacers. Because of life intervening (weddings, work, road trips, etc.), we will only do the lottery for the mock draft. Hey, we're a fledgling website and we can do whatever we want. So, I'll do the next two picks and that will close the books on the YGLS Mock NBA draft.
Indiana Pacers - DeJuan Blair (F/Pittsburgh)
So, it's looking less and less like this is going to happen tonight, but I'm still picking it for Indy. Blair is exceptionally good at one thing, which is rebounding. He is a great defensive rebounder, but it is on the offensive glass where he will really make his money. Rebounding stats are the most likely to translate equally from college to the pros, so that's a plus for him. The rebounding rates show that he was the best rebounder of the decade; this suggests he will be able to rebound in the NBA.
There are a lot of concerns about two things: his height and his knees. His height is a stupid issue; so, he'll be an undersized 4. He has the reach of a 7'2 guy, so he'll be OK in this respect. His knees are something that can't be controlled; if its an issue for a team, they shouldn't draft him. Players get hurt, and players who play hard will get hurt more, and Blair plays as hard as most people. His face up game needs to be improved drastically, but he'll be able to score a lot of garbage points because he dominates the offensive glass so much.
In short, Blair is the pick here. He fits the grittiness that the Pacers need inside.
Phoenix picks next, so...
Phoenix Suns - Terrance Williams (F/Louisville)
This is beyond the point of the draft where no one has any idea what will happen. What do the Suns need? Guys to play on the wing, and maybe an inside presence to pair with Stoudemire assuming he doesn't get traded.
Terrance Williams is the pick here because I like him a lot. He's very versatile; he can shoot, pass, defend and rebound very well for a guy his size. He has a lot of heart, and he will work to improve his game (especially his shooting). His ceiling isn't as high as some of the other guys left (and I like him only as much as Sam Young but then again, I'm biased). Also, guys who are good at everything but not great at one thing sometimes struggle to find their role if it isn't defined for them. I think he'd be a good fit with Steve Nash, hitting open threes on the secondary break and providing a good presence on defense for a team that is trying to learn how to defend (or at least should be).
Showing posts with label Mock NBA Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mock NBA Draft. Show all posts
25 June 2009
22 June 2009
The New Jersey Nets select ...
The Nets are looking for frontcourt help with their starting guard spots in the hands of PG Devin Harris and SG Vince Carter, who both went over 20 points per game last season. C Brook Lopez, last year's first round pick, had a solid rookie season (13 ppg, 8 rpg) and adding athleticism alongside him will be the Nets goal.
Arizona PF Jordan Hill was one of the top five prospects entering the month but has fallen out of the top 10 here with the strong group of point guards and swingmen. He will be the third frontcourt player off the board after Griffin and Thabeet and should be able to help immediately. Hill averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds as a junior at Arizona, 13 and 8 as a sophomore and played almost 36 minutes per game last year. He defends, blocks shots and rebounds and is a great value for NJ at the 11th pick in the first round.
Arizona PF Jordan Hill was one of the top five prospects entering the month but has fallen out of the top 10 here with the strong group of point guards and swingmen. He will be the third frontcourt player off the board after Griffin and Thabeet and should be able to help immediately. Hill averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds as a junior at Arizona, 13 and 8 as a sophomore and played almost 36 minutes per game last year. He defends, blocks shots and rebounds and is a great value for NJ at the 11th pick in the first round.
17 June 2009
The Milwaukee Bucks select...
The Milwaukee Bucks have been in an interesting situation over the past several seasons. They haven't had a winning record since the 2002-2003 season, but seem to be in the playoff picture more often than not. But I guess that's the way of the Eastern Conference.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and bolstered their lineup last June when they traded disappointing Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to the Nets for Richard Jefferson. For the Nets, this was essentially a salary dump that cleared cap space for LeBron James. For the Bucks, this gave them a versatile scorer who helped them improve by a total of 8 wins last year.
Chris George correctly pointed out that it's unlikely James Harden would fall as low as he did in our draft (some predict him going as high as number 3 overall). It's also unlikely that the Bucks selection will fall this low. But in our draft he did, so the Milwaukee Bucks will select Jrue Holiday from UCLA.
With Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Charlie Villanueva, and Jefferson, the Bucks have a solid core capable of making the playoffs in the East. Ramon Sessions showed promise last year, but you're not likely to win if you have Luke Ridnour playing 28 minutes a game. Holiday will get some of those minutes and can play the one or two guard for the Bucks and provide that boost that could help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
They have a lot of talent on their roster and bolstered their lineup last June when they traded disappointing Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to the Nets for Richard Jefferson. For the Nets, this was essentially a salary dump that cleared cap space for LeBron James. For the Bucks, this gave them a versatile scorer who helped them improve by a total of 8 wins last year.
Chris George correctly pointed out that it's unlikely James Harden would fall as low as he did in our draft (some predict him going as high as number 3 overall). It's also unlikely that the Bucks selection will fall this low. But in our draft he did, so the Milwaukee Bucks will select Jrue Holiday from UCLA.
With Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Charlie Villanueva, and Jefferson, the Bucks have a solid core capable of making the playoffs in the East. Ramon Sessions showed promise last year, but you're not likely to win if you have Luke Ridnour playing 28 minutes a game. Holiday will get some of those minutes and can play the one or two guard for the Bucks and provide that boost that could help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2006.
16 June 2009
With the 9th pick in the YGLS Mock NBA Draft...
Toronto Raptors - Jonny Flynn (G/Syracuse)
It seems as though the Raptors are in this position year after year. Each new year seems to be the year that the Toronto Raptors should be a team that makes a run, should be a team that makes the playoff, or even a team that's competitive, but alas, it never is. This team has a nice nucleus of talent around the basket, and even out towards the perimeter. What it lacks though is passion or a spark. That type of grit that can be brought from a floor general, someone who wants to win. That's why I think the Raptors will select Jonny Flynn.
Imagine the Raptors trotting out on the floor Chris Bosh, Shawn Marion, Andrea Bargnani, Jonny Flynn, and Jose Calderon. Now that's a starting five you don't want to see on a regular basis. It's a recipe for success, and since Bosh is a free agent after this year, you need to show him that Toronto is serious about winning, and make a push this year.
It seems as though the Raptors are in this position year after year. Each new year seems to be the year that the Toronto Raptors should be a team that makes a run, should be a team that makes the playoff, or even a team that's competitive, but alas, it never is. This team has a nice nucleus of talent around the basket, and even out towards the perimeter. What it lacks though is passion or a spark. That type of grit that can be brought from a floor general, someone who wants to win. That's why I think the Raptors will select Jonny Flynn.
Imagine the Raptors trotting out on the floor Chris Bosh, Shawn Marion, Andrea Bargnani, Jonny Flynn, and Jose Calderon. Now that's a starting five you don't want to see on a regular basis. It's a recipe for success, and since Bosh is a free agent after this year, you need to show him that Toronto is serious about winning, and make a push this year.
With the 8th pick in the YGLS Mock NBA Draft...
the New York Knicks select:
New York Knicks - Brandon Jennings (G/Italy)
There is a lot of talk about how this is a weak draft. It may be true in ways, but this draft is really rich in point guard prospects (and of course, point guard is the most important position in the game). Just look at the guys who look like they could lead teams in the NBA for years: Rubio, Jennings, Evans, Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague, Steph Curry, Jonny Flynn, and even Eric Maynor as a sleeper. That is quality, when you consider how many teams need point guards. There are many chances for success in this draft.
So, the Knicks need a point guard. The guards on their roster right now are: Nate Robinson, Quentin Richardson, Cuttino Mobley, Wilson Chandler, Chris Duhon, and Larry Hughes. Re-read that list. They are fragile, old, and overrated at the guard position. They need somebody dynamic who can come in, get instant minutes, and possibly develop into a superstar.
I really wanted to pick Jonny Flynn here but I don't think he's the right pick. Brandon Jennings was a top point guard recruit coming out of high school and skipped college to play in Europe. He didn't play extremely well over there, but it is difficult on kids out of high school. He's a quick, lithe guard who excels in the open court game that Coach D'Antoni wants to run. He is also a naturally gifted defender, something lacking among Knicks guards right now. The Knicks dream here seems to be to find a way to get Rubio; if they can do that, I might be a Knicks fan for life. However, that seems unlikely, and Jennings is the next best thing for them.
New York Knicks - Brandon Jennings (G/Italy)
There is a lot of talk about how this is a weak draft. It may be true in ways, but this draft is really rich in point guard prospects (and of course, point guard is the most important position in the game). Just look at the guys who look like they could lead teams in the NBA for years: Rubio, Jennings, Evans, Ty Lawson, Jeff Teague, Steph Curry, Jonny Flynn, and even Eric Maynor as a sleeper. That is quality, when you consider how many teams need point guards. There are many chances for success in this draft.
So, the Knicks need a point guard. The guards on their roster right now are: Nate Robinson, Quentin Richardson, Cuttino Mobley, Wilson Chandler, Chris Duhon, and Larry Hughes. Re-read that list. They are fragile, old, and overrated at the guard position. They need somebody dynamic who can come in, get instant minutes, and possibly develop into a superstar.
I really wanted to pick Jonny Flynn here but I don't think he's the right pick. Brandon Jennings was a top point guard recruit coming out of high school and skipped college to play in Europe. He didn't play extremely well over there, but it is difficult on kids out of high school. He's a quick, lithe guard who excels in the open court game that Coach D'Antoni wants to run. He is also a naturally gifted defender, something lacking among Knicks guards right now. The Knicks dream here seems to be to find a way to get Rubio; if they can do that, I might be a Knicks fan for life. However, that seems unlikely, and Jennings is the next best thing for them.
The Golden State Warriors select...
James Harden, Guard, Arizona State University
First off, if anyone can find me one of those Golden State "the city" tee shirts in gold, with the trolley car on it, I'd pay good money for it. Not a jersey, or a blue tee, mind you.
Second of all, it seems unlikely James Harden will still be around at this point in the draft. But in our mock draft, he is. And regardless of needs, there comes a time you should pick a player this good if he is left. James Harden is a good player. As much as I like Jonny Flynn for his heart, Harden is a bit of a steal at #7.
He is a smart kid, a smart player, and a smart choice. Though only listed at 6'5", his wingspan is over 6'10". He's showing the work ethic to bulk up for the NBA. He's drawing comparisons to Manu Ginboli and Jason Terry.
On the downside, his FG% and 3 point FG% went down his sophomore year and his turnovers went up. But this may be a sign of Arizona State asking him to do too much, especially for what should have been a more balanced modified Princeton offense under Coach Sendek. Because of that offensive system, ASU faced a lot of zone, which he won't see as much in the NBA.
Can the Warriors rebound from such an off year? I believe.
First off, if anyone can find me one of those Golden State "the city" tee shirts in gold, with the trolley car on it, I'd pay good money for it. Not a jersey, or a blue tee, mind you.
Second of all, it seems unlikely James Harden will still be around at this point in the draft. But in our mock draft, he is. And regardless of needs, there comes a time you should pick a player this good if he is left. James Harden is a good player. As much as I like Jonny Flynn for his heart, Harden is a bit of a steal at #7.
He is a smart kid, a smart player, and a smart choice. Though only listed at 6'5", his wingspan is over 6'10". He's showing the work ethic to bulk up for the NBA. He's drawing comparisons to Manu Ginboli and Jason Terry.
On the downside, his FG% and 3 point FG% went down his sophomore year and his turnovers went up. But this may be a sign of Arizona State asking him to do too much, especially for what should have been a more balanced modified Princeton offense under Coach Sendek. Because of that offensive system, ASU faced a lot of zone, which he won't see as much in the NBA.
Can the Warriors rebound from such an off year? I believe.
15 June 2009
The Timberwolves select
Those are chilling words. You get quite a cocktail when you combine bad luck with incompetence. And the Minnesota Timberwolves have both in spades. The Wolves had the worst record in the league in 1991-1992. The lottery didn’t go in their favor and they received the 3rd pick in the 1992 draft. Shaquille O’Neal went first followed by Alonzo Mourning. The Wolves drafted Christian Laettner. Such is the luck of the T’Wolves.
In the twelve years the Timberwolves have participated in the lottery, they’ve never - I repeat - never moved up. The year they picked Laettner was the highest they’ve ever picked in the draft despite a four year stretch in the 90s when they were one of the league’s worst two teams.
So that’s the bad luck. How about the incompetence? The Wolves entered the 1996 draft in an enviable position. In 1995, they took a chance and drafted high schooler Kevin Garnett and had the number five pick in one of the deepest drafts of the 1990s. They had a good core around KG but wanted a point guard to run the show.
Enter Stephon Marbury. This promising point guard out of Georgia Tech looked to be the guy to take. There was also some guy from Santa Clara that the Star Tribune did a story on as a possible pick. But everyone knew the Wolves wanted Marbury, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who had the number four selection. So the Wolves ended up trading Ray Allen and Dean Garrett for Marbury. In hindsight this looks like a ridiculous trade, but at the time Marbury and Garnett looked to be the next Stockton and Malone. How foolish that prediction turned out to be. Marbury turned out to be as selfish as a three year old who refuses to share his toys. Marbury complained that he didn’t like Gugliotta so the Wolves unloaded him to Phoenix. Then he didn’t want to play with anyone who made more money than him. So they traded him to Phoenix where he was reunited with the despised Gugliotta. The rest is history.
You could have handed the keys of the franchise to anyone at this period and it couldn’t have turned out any worse. For some reason, Kevin McHale’s greatness on the hardwood overshadowed his ineptitude in the front office. Glen Taylor stuck with him for years and years.
McHale got caught violating contract rules in the signing of Joe Smith and the Wolves were stripped of five draft picks. The Wolves selected the forgettable Paul Grant in 1997. In 1999, they had two first round picks and selected Wally Szczerbiak ahead of Rip Hamilton, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry. With their second pick, they selected William Avery out of Duke over Ron Artest, James Posey, and Andrei Kirilenko. But hindsight is 20/20 so we’ll forgive and forget.
But it was clearly McHale’s fault that for the next three years, they didn’t have a first round pick. So with their next first round pick, three years later, they selected Ndudi Ebi. Wonderful. Great addition to the team.
Oh, and in the meantime, they let future -NBA finals MVP, Chauncey Billups walk.
In 2006, they appeared to have pulled another Allen for Marbury when they selected Brandon Roy only to trade him for Randy Foye.
But this post is supposed to be about the 2009 NBA draft, right? Ok, I’ll get to that. Foye appears to be a serviceable two guard although they drafted him to play point. Sebastian Telfair has shown flashes of competence, but hasn’t shown he’s a starting point guard of a playoff team. They have a solid core with Kevin Love, Al Jefferson, the aforementioned Foye, and solid forwards, Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes and Mike Miller. What the Wolves really need is a point guard.
But in the NBA draft, do you pick the best player or do you draft for need? With both Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry off the board, that leaves Jrue Holiday and Johnny Flynn as the best point guards available. Demar DeRozan and James Harden could potentially be better talents, but what the Wolves need is a facilitator.
Neither Holiday nor Flynn are the type of floor general the Wolves want. Flynn appears to have a slight edge as a facilitator but is small at 6 feet, 175 pounds.
With all that said, the Timberwolves are going with the best player available, DeMar DeRozan. Harden is more polished, but they’ll select DeRozan because of his upside. They’ll have to make-do with their point guard situation because both Holiday and Flynn are reaches at this point.
If Roy was manning the two guard spot, a point guard would be a no-brainer. But this isn’t the case, is it?
In the twelve years the Timberwolves have participated in the lottery, they’ve never - I repeat - never moved up. The year they picked Laettner was the highest they’ve ever picked in the draft despite a four year stretch in the 90s when they were one of the league’s worst two teams.
So that’s the bad luck. How about the incompetence? The Wolves entered the 1996 draft in an enviable position. In 1995, they took a chance and drafted high schooler Kevin Garnett and had the number five pick in one of the deepest drafts of the 1990s. They had a good core around KG but wanted a point guard to run the show.
Enter Stephon Marbury. This promising point guard out of Georgia Tech looked to be the guy to take. There was also some guy from Santa Clara that the Star Tribune did a story on as a possible pick. But everyone knew the Wolves wanted Marbury, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who had the number four selection. So the Wolves ended up trading Ray Allen and Dean Garrett for Marbury. In hindsight this looks like a ridiculous trade, but at the time Marbury and Garnett looked to be the next Stockton and Malone. How foolish that prediction turned out to be. Marbury turned out to be as selfish as a three year old who refuses to share his toys. Marbury complained that he didn’t like Gugliotta so the Wolves unloaded him to Phoenix. Then he didn’t want to play with anyone who made more money than him. So they traded him to Phoenix where he was reunited with the despised Gugliotta. The rest is history.
You could have handed the keys of the franchise to anyone at this period and it couldn’t have turned out any worse. For some reason, Kevin McHale’s greatness on the hardwood overshadowed his ineptitude in the front office. Glen Taylor stuck with him for years and years.
McHale got caught violating contract rules in the signing of Joe Smith and the Wolves were stripped of five draft picks. The Wolves selected the forgettable Paul Grant in 1997. In 1999, they had two first round picks and selected Wally Szczerbiak ahead of Rip Hamilton, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion, and Jason Terry. With their second pick, they selected William Avery out of Duke over Ron Artest, James Posey, and Andrei Kirilenko. But hindsight is 20/20 so we’ll forgive and forget.
But it was clearly McHale’s fault that for the next three years, they didn’t have a first round pick. So with their next first round pick, three years later, they selected Ndudi Ebi. Wonderful. Great addition to the team.
Oh, and in the meantime, they let future -NBA finals MVP, Chauncey Billups walk.
In 2006, they appeared to have pulled another Allen for Marbury when they selected Brandon Roy only to trade him for Randy Foye.
But this post is supposed to be about the 2009 NBA draft, right? Ok, I’ll get to that. Foye appears to be a serviceable two guard although they drafted him to play point. Sebastian Telfair has shown flashes of competence, but hasn’t shown he’s a starting point guard of a playoff team. They have a solid core with Kevin Love, Al Jefferson, the aforementioned Foye, and solid forwards, Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes and Mike Miller. What the Wolves really need is a point guard.
But in the NBA draft, do you pick the best player or do you draft for need? With both Ricky Rubio and Stephen Curry off the board, that leaves Jrue Holiday and Johnny Flynn as the best point guards available. Demar DeRozan and James Harden could potentially be better talents, but what the Wolves need is a facilitator.
Neither Holiday nor Flynn are the type of floor general the Wolves want. Flynn appears to have a slight edge as a facilitator but is small at 6 feet, 175 pounds.
With all that said, the Timberwolves are going with the best player available, DeMar DeRozan. Harden is more polished, but they’ll select DeRozan because of his upside. They’ll have to make-do with their point guard situation because both Holiday and Flynn are reaches at this point.
If Roy was manning the two guard spot, a point guard would be a no-brainer. But this isn’t the case, is it?
14 June 2009
With the 5th Pick in the YGLS Draft
5. Washington Wizards - Tyreke Evans (G / Memphis)
One of the downsides to an NBA Mock Draft is that you really can't predict a trade. As the GM of the Wizards, for the purpose of this article, I would move heaven and earth to trade this pick or Gilbert Arenas. I want Tyreke Evans with this pick. Jordan Hill is the safe pick but he doesn't fit the team that you have. You have a fast team, a team that likes to push the ball upcourt and play a faster tempo. They are the poor-mans Denver Nuggets.
If this is the case why would you draft a clunky forward that doesn't fit your system? You don't need a orward to make it through the east. Out of the 8 playoff teams in the east only the Magic have Dwight Howard as a legitimate force under the basket. Kevin Garmett is getting old and Elton Brand is a question mark.
So you are at a cross roads as an organization. And at this point I would try to trade Gilbert Arenas or this pick. Tyreke is fast and young and can distribute and score. He fits this team well. Better than Gilbert who is a pure scorer. It's a risky pick and a little early but it's time to break the mold and take a player that is good and fits my team. Tyreke make me proud!
One of the downsides to an NBA Mock Draft is that you really can't predict a trade. As the GM of the Wizards, for the purpose of this article, I would move heaven and earth to trade this pick or Gilbert Arenas. I want Tyreke Evans with this pick. Jordan Hill is the safe pick but he doesn't fit the team that you have. You have a fast team, a team that likes to push the ball upcourt and play a faster tempo. They are the poor-mans Denver Nuggets.
If this is the case why would you draft a clunky forward that doesn't fit your system? You don't need a orward to make it through the east. Out of the 8 playoff teams in the east only the Magic have Dwight Howard as a legitimate force under the basket. Kevin Garmett is getting old and Elton Brand is a question mark.
So you are at a cross roads as an organization. And at this point I would try to trade Gilbert Arenas or this pick. Tyreke is fast and young and can distribute and score. He fits this team well. Better than Gilbert who is a pure scorer. It's a risky pick and a little early but it's time to break the mold and take a player that is good and fits my team. Tyreke make me proud!
12 June 2009
The Sacramento Kings select ...
Sacramento, at 17-65, had the best shot at landing Blake Griffin with the top pick. Instead, they fell out of the top 3 and landed at No. 4, the lowest they could have been slotted, with the consensus top 3 players in Griffin, Rubio and Thabeet off the board.
The Kings will be considering SG James Harden, SG Tyreke Evans and PF Jordan Hill with their pick, but with their roster I like Davidson PG Stephon Curry in this spot. Their best player and only consistent scorer is SG Kevin Martin (24.6 ppg) and they've taken front court players C Spencer Hawes (2007) and PF Jason Thompson (2008) with their last two first round picks. SF Francisco Garcia is one of the more undervalued players in the NBA and can be a playmaker with Curry and Martin alongside him.
Curry, of course, has an NBA pedigree with his father Dell shooting 40% from the 3-point line in his 16-year career. Stephon scored well over 2,000 points in his three years, led the nation in scoring as a junior at 28.6 ppg and added 5.6 assists after moving to point guard. He's obviously not a traditional NBA point guard but will be one of the better shooters in the league right away, can give Sacramento a 40-45 ppg backcourt with Martin and is a huge upgrade over the point guards currently on the roster.
The Kings will be considering SG James Harden, SG Tyreke Evans and PF Jordan Hill with their pick, but with their roster I like Davidson PG Stephon Curry in this spot. Their best player and only consistent scorer is SG Kevin Martin (24.6 ppg) and they've taken front court players C Spencer Hawes (2007) and PF Jason Thompson (2008) with their last two first round picks. SF Francisco Garcia is one of the more undervalued players in the NBA and can be a playmaker with Curry and Martin alongside him.
Curry, of course, has an NBA pedigree with his father Dell shooting 40% from the 3-point line in his 16-year career. Stephon scored well over 2,000 points in his three years, led the nation in scoring as a junior at 28.6 ppg and added 5.6 assists after moving to point guard. He's obviously not a traditional NBA point guard but will be one of the better shooters in the league right away, can give Sacramento a 40-45 ppg backcourt with Martin and is a huge upgrade over the point guards currently on the roster.
11 June 2009
With the 3rd pick in the YGLS Mock NBA Draft...
the Zombie Sonics select:
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (C/Connecticut)
The pick should be Rubio here if the Grizz do what is expected and take Thabeet themselves. I'm not sure that will happen though, as the Zombies publicly state that they like what they have in Russell Westbrook. To paraphrase former Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Russell Westbrook is no Ricky Rubio. Rubio to Durant would provide immeasurable amounts of joy over the next decade and more. However, he's gone here, so I have to move on.
Thabeet is my joyless pick here. His obvious NBA comparison is Dikembe Mutombo. I, like most, think that Thabeet will come in and block 3 shots a game (providing above average interior defense) and probably be able to average double digit rebounds. His offensive game is way behind his defense. Does he have the ability to score in the league? Not right now; he'll probably average 7-8 ppg as a rookie. But he does have a good work ethic; he can work on post moves and maybe get to a point where he averages something along the lines of 13 ppg, 13 rpg, and 3 bpg.
One of my big problems with the NBA Draft is that teams too often pick based on "upside" and not enough on constructing a team. This came to a head in the late 90s/early 00s. The reason for this? Too many high schoolers who weren't ready for the League declared anyway. I won't jump into the age limit debate, but I don't think it can be argued that high schoolers ruined the draft because everyone was looking for the next Kobe. In other words, all NBA GMs are impulsive and can't stop themselves even when they recognize that there are surer things in the draft; they are lured by the siren call of high school upside. Unfortunately, just as often as drafting a Kobe, Garnett, or Lebron, they instead choose a Robert Swift, Kwame Brown, DeSagana Diop, Ousmane Cisse, Travis Outlaw, James Lang, Dorell Wright, or Leon Smith.
What I mean to say here is that I shouldn't criticize whoever takes Thabeet. He will be a useful NBA player for a decade, one of the best in the league in two specific skills (rebounds and blocks). It just isn't a very sexy pick (which, yes, is what I was railing on in the above paragraph).
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (C/Connecticut)
The pick should be Rubio here if the Grizz do what is expected and take Thabeet themselves. I'm not sure that will happen though, as the Zombies publicly state that they like what they have in Russell Westbrook. To paraphrase former Senator Lloyd Bentsen, Russell Westbrook is no Ricky Rubio. Rubio to Durant would provide immeasurable amounts of joy over the next decade and more. However, he's gone here, so I have to move on.
Thabeet is my joyless pick here. His obvious NBA comparison is Dikembe Mutombo. I, like most, think that Thabeet will come in and block 3 shots a game (providing above average interior defense) and probably be able to average double digit rebounds. His offensive game is way behind his defense. Does he have the ability to score in the league? Not right now; he'll probably average 7-8 ppg as a rookie. But he does have a good work ethic; he can work on post moves and maybe get to a point where he averages something along the lines of 13 ppg, 13 rpg, and 3 bpg.
One of my big problems with the NBA Draft is that teams too often pick based on "upside" and not enough on constructing a team. This came to a head in the late 90s/early 00s. The reason for this? Too many high schoolers who weren't ready for the League declared anyway. I won't jump into the age limit debate, but I don't think it can be argued that high schoolers ruined the draft because everyone was looking for the next Kobe. In other words, all NBA GMs are impulsive and can't stop themselves even when they recognize that there are surer things in the draft; they are lured by the siren call of high school upside. Unfortunately, just as often as drafting a Kobe, Garnett, or Lebron, they instead choose a Robert Swift, Kwame Brown, DeSagana Diop, Ousmane Cisse, Travis Outlaw, James Lang, Dorell Wright, or Leon Smith.
What I mean to say here is that I shouldn't criticize whoever takes Thabeet. He will be a useful NBA player for a decade, one of the best in the league in two specific skills (rebounds and blocks). It just isn't a very sexy pick (which, yes, is what I was railing on in the above paragraph).
The Memphis Grizzlies Select...
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio (G/Spain)
I am making this pick based on basketball ability -- not the potential situation of Rubio refusing to play for certain teams. I realize an actual GM therefore has a harder job.
NBA Teams have the smallest rosters of the major sports and hence the highest average salaries. These factors plus the somewhat underdeveloped nature of statistics (especially for measuring the quality of defense) -- and some intellectually questionable GMs have led to a lead with comical choices from time to time. More teams should go for the sure thing.
So who's the sure thing at #2? You could argue its Thabeet. The big guy will always have his height (though that might suggest the possibilities of injuries), and should soon be the league's first or second leading shot blocker. His rebounding on both sides of the ball should be very good, though his performances against a physical Dejuan Blair weren't that impressive. Harden, Hill, and Evans all look very talented; additionally, Flynn and Curry are sentimental favorites of mine as a college hoops fan, and they both have upsides as well. Any of them could be good contributors relatively soon.
But Ricky Rubio is going to be an NBA star. He has Nash-esque court vision, he hustles, he already draws fouls in a European league that calls less of them on shooting plays, he has good footwork, great ball handling skills, and has been playing pro ball since he was 14. There are well his noted downsides, especially his flat footed jump shot and questionable defensive lateral ability. However, these downsides never stopped the consistent play of Mark Jackson, second in NBA history in assists. And Rubio will be more explosive than Jackson was.
Ricky Rey, welcome to America. I hope you end up as eccentric an NBA player in personality and game as your idol, Pete Maravich.
I am making this pick based on basketball ability -- not the potential situation of Rubio refusing to play for certain teams. I realize an actual GM therefore has a harder job.
NBA Teams have the smallest rosters of the major sports and hence the highest average salaries. These factors plus the somewhat underdeveloped nature of statistics (especially for measuring the quality of defense) -- and some intellectually questionable GMs have led to a lead with comical choices from time to time. More teams should go for the sure thing.
So who's the sure thing at #2? You could argue its Thabeet. The big guy will always have his height (though that might suggest the possibilities of injuries), and should soon be the league's first or second leading shot blocker. His rebounding on both sides of the ball should be very good, though his performances against a physical Dejuan Blair weren't that impressive. Harden, Hill, and Evans all look very talented; additionally, Flynn and Curry are sentimental favorites of mine as a college hoops fan, and they both have upsides as well. Any of them could be good contributors relatively soon.
But Ricky Rubio is going to be an NBA star. He has Nash-esque court vision, he hustles, he already draws fouls in a European league that calls less of them on shooting plays, he has good footwork, great ball handling skills, and has been playing pro ball since he was 14. There are well his noted downsides, especially his flat footed jump shot and questionable defensive lateral ability. However, these downsides never stopped the consistent play of Mark Jackson, second in NBA history in assists. And Rubio will be more explosive than Jackson was.
Ricky Rey, welcome to America. I hope you end up as eccentric an NBA player in personality and game as your idol, Pete Maravich.
10 June 2009
The Los Angeles Clippers Select ...
1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (F/Oklahoma)
So we're taking a look at the draft not as who the Clippers will take, but who they should take. If I am the GM of the Clippers I still have a hard time taking Griffin and here's why. He fits the same trap that every GM falls in each year. Good player but you're picking on upside. He has a ton of potential. If the Clippers hadn't signed Baron Davis last year, I would pick Rubio. But now your lot is cast with Baron Davis and his back. Even though Griffin is drafting on potential, he'll fill a need you'll have once you get rid of stiffs like Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby. Replacing Zach Randolph with the work ethic of Blake Griffin is a clear upgrade. One you can't pass up if you're the Clippers.
So we're taking a look at the draft not as who the Clippers will take, but who they should take. If I am the GM of the Clippers I still have a hard time taking Griffin and here's why. He fits the same trap that every GM falls in each year. Good player but you're picking on upside. He has a ton of potential. If the Clippers hadn't signed Baron Davis last year, I would pick Rubio. But now your lot is cast with Baron Davis and his back. Even though Griffin is drafting on potential, he'll fill a need you'll have once you get rid of stiffs like Zach Randolph and Marcus Camby. Replacing Zach Randolph with the work ethic of Blake Griffin is a clear upgrade. One you can't pass up if you're the Clippers.
09 June 2009
YGLS Mock NBA Draft
The NBA draft is obviously the sweetest draft of all four major professional sports in America. There are countless reasons that this is true. Probably the most pure basketball reason is because the worst teams in the league have a chance to draft their savior. Look at the guys who have transformed NBA franchises this decade: Lebron, 'Melo, D-Wade, Dwight Howard, and (soon to be) Kevin Durant are some of the most prominent examples.
The Draft is also a blast for those of us that are die-hard college hoops fans, because it is fun to see how real "experts" value the guys we've loved over the past few editions of March Madness. Which team will pull the trigger on Davidson guard Stephen Curry? How about Pitt's duo of Dejuan Blair and Sam Young? These guys have faults, which will cause them to drop, but someone will pull the trigger. It is always fun to see which teams take which gambles.
It helps that the NBA teams have the worst set of collective front offices in sports. These guys hand out multi-million dollar contracts as if they are hawking alternative newspapers at the corner of Broadway and 41st. It all makes the management aspect of the NBA enjoyable and maddening at the same time.
The combination of managerial incompetancy and college basketball royalty makes this draft an especially fun one to mock. Therefore, at YGLS over the next two weeks, we will have writers contribute to make picks for each NBA franchise. We will start with Keith, who will be drafting for the Los Angeles Clippers at #1 overall. Keith, you are on the clock!
The Draft is also a blast for those of us that are die-hard college hoops fans, because it is fun to see how real "experts" value the guys we've loved over the past few editions of March Madness. Which team will pull the trigger on Davidson guard Stephen Curry? How about Pitt's duo of Dejuan Blair and Sam Young? These guys have faults, which will cause them to drop, but someone will pull the trigger. It is always fun to see which teams take which gambles.
It helps that the NBA teams have the worst set of collective front offices in sports. These guys hand out multi-million dollar contracts as if they are hawking alternative newspapers at the corner of Broadway and 41st. It all makes the management aspect of the NBA enjoyable and maddening at the same time.
The combination of managerial incompetancy and college basketball royalty makes this draft an especially fun one to mock. Therefore, at YGLS over the next two weeks, we will have writers contribute to make picks for each NBA franchise. We will start with Keith, who will be drafting for the Los Angeles Clippers at #1 overall. Keith, you are on the clock!
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