A point guard.
He's six inches taller than me and we weigh the same.
Ick, I don't like this pick. We'll see.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
#19 - Atlanta Hawks take Jeff Teague
Another point guard gone. Wow, the Jazz just might have to take Mullens...
#18 - Ty Lawson goes to Denver in exchange for a future first-rounder that Charlotte owes Denver.
Great, Denver's better.
#18 - Ty Lawson goes to Denver in exchange for a future first-rounder that Charlotte owes Denver.
Great, Denver's better.
#18 - T-Wolves take Ty Lawson
The Wolves have drafted three point guards. There HAS to be a trade in the works somewhere.
Wow, BJ Mullens is still there. If the Jazz take him, I look for Kyrylo Fesenko to be a throw-in in a trade in the next few weeks.
Wow, BJ Mullens is still there. If the Jazz take him, I look for Kyrylo Fesenko to be a throw-in in a trade in the next few weeks.
#17 - Philly 76ers take Jrue Holiday
Smart pick by the Sixers, especially with Andre Miller's contract situation in doubt.
Wow, would the Jazz draft a 7-footer for the second year in a row? BJ Mullens just might fall to them. Otherwise I'm guessing it's between Teague & Lawson, or Sam Young.
If he falls to them, I predict they pass on DeJuan Blair due to questions about his knees. Jazz don't want another injury-prone player.
Wow, would the Jazz draft a 7-footer for the second year in a row? BJ Mullens just might fall to them. Otherwise I'm guessing it's between Teague & Lawson, or Sam Young.
If he falls to them, I predict they pass on DeJuan Blair due to questions about his knees. Jazz don't want another injury-prone player.
#16 - Chicago Bulls take James Johnson
Ah, they're killing me softly with these picks, taking the guys I would hope could fall. It makes the most sense for their franchise though.
#15 - Pistons take Austin Daye
Pistons can let him develop behind Tayshaun Prince I reckon.
Sounding more and more like the Jazz are going to take a backup point guard with their pick.
Sounding more and more like the Jazz are going to take a backup point guard with their pick.
#14 - Suns take Earl Clark
Dang, another guy I was hoping would slip.
Now maybe I can hope for James Johnson or Austin Daye to fall. Or Jrue Holliday, for just a solid prospect.
Now maybe I can hope for James Johnson or Austin Daye to fall. Or Jrue Holliday, for just a solid prospect.
#13 - Indiana Pacers take Tyler Hansborough
Dang, I was hoping he would drop to #20 for the Jazz. Oh well. Good pick for them.
#12 - Bobcats take Gerald Henderson
Hometown kid. That might please some fans who are sick of watching their team lose year after year.
#11 - New Jersey takes Terrence Williams
Makes sense. Get a good small forward to go with recent trade acquisitions Alston and C. Lee.
#10 - Milwaukee Bucks take Brandon Jennings
Bucks need PG help, so... should be okay. But we're getting down into "gamble" territory. And the Bucks aren't going anywhere this year, so they can be patient.
#8 - Knicks take Jordan Hill
He seems like a good prospect. LOL at the Knicks fans booing him. Do the Knicks try to trade Hill and someone like Gallinari to Minny for Rubio?
#6 - MIN takes Jonny Flynn, #7 - GS takes S. Curry
They're saying Rubio and Flynn are going to stay together. Huh. Really?
Much to the chagrin of the NY crowd, the Warriors took Curry. Funny to see Curry smile, knowing the boos are because the crowd wanted him on their team.
Much to the chagrin of the NY crowd, the Warriors took Curry. Funny to see Curry smile, knowing the boos are because the crowd wanted him on their team.
#5 - Minnesota T-Wolves pick Ricky Rubio
I can't help but think Minnesota has a trade up their sleeve. But then, this hasn't been the best-run franchise for a long time.
Rubio dishing to Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Should be good. They should really try to trade #6 to get a solid wingman.
Rubio dishing to Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Should be good. They should really try to trade #6 to get a solid wingman.
#4 - Sacramento Kings pick Tyreke Evans
Evans and Kevin Martin in the back court should be really good. But they need a lot of front-court help.
And what about the story that came out today that Evans was the driver when his cousin shot someone?
Minnesota has #5 and #6. I bet they take Rubio and Hill. Or they take Rubio and Curry and trade one of them...
And what about the story that came out today that Evans was the driver when his cousin shot someone?
Minnesota has #5 and #6. I bet they take Rubio and Hill. Or they take Rubio and Curry and trade one of them...
#3 - OKC Thunder select James Harden
Wow, Ricky Rubio's slipping. But Harden seems like the right choice. Russell Westbrook at the PG, and Kevin Durant at the SF... Slide Harden right in there for their star SG. All indications are that Harden could be like OJ Mayo or Brandon Roy. Hey, Jay Bilas just said "Brandon Roy". Great minds...
Wow, I'm still stunned that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead...
Wow, I'm still stunned that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead...
NBA Draft #1, #2...
#1 L.A. Clippers select Blake Griffin
#2 Memphis Grizzlies select Hasheem Thabeet
The Clips should try to trade Zach Randolph for Tracy McGrady, but it'll probably be Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby that gets shipped. Will Griffin turn L.A. around? Did Kevin Durant turn his team around?
As for Thabeet, I think the Grizzlies have enough young talent that they should do what Boston did. Quit hording all these young players and just blow up the roster to get a couple solid vets. Of course, with all the trades today, who is still out there they could get? Or do they spend the money in free agency?
Good no-brainer picks for the first two...
#2 Memphis Grizzlies select Hasheem Thabeet
The Clips should try to trade Zach Randolph for Tracy McGrady, but it'll probably be Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby that gets shipped. Will Griffin turn L.A. around? Did Kevin Durant turn his team around?
As for Thabeet, I think the Grizzlies have enough young talent that they should do what Boston did. Quit hording all these young players and just blow up the roster to get a couple solid vets. Of course, with all the trades today, who is still out there they could get? Or do they spend the money in free agency?
Good no-brainer picks for the first two...
Tons of NBA trades going down
- Richard Jefferson to the Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto.
- Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie.
- Jamal Crawford to the Hawks for Speedy Claxton and Acie Law.
- Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.
I'd wager at least one more big one is announced before this busy draft day is done. Rumors have Tracy McGrady and Amare Stoudamire on the block.
- Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie.
- Jamal Crawford to the Hawks for Speedy Claxton and Acie Law.
- Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavaliers for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic.
I'd wager at least one more big one is announced before this busy draft day is done. Rumors have Tracy McGrady and Amare Stoudamire on the block.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
NBA Draft thoughts
The NBA Draft is upon us, and perhaps no other draft night brings so much hope to so many cities, only to have them fizzle out. But for me, it’s still the best pro-sports draft of them all. Now looking at this year’s, many prognosticators say this may be the weakest draft in a decade. I went through them back to 1999 to evaluate the picks, just to compare how each draft ranking gets you. Starting from the top, with my draft guesses, which are never close, but it’s still fun:
#1 – Blake Griffin (6-10/PF) – LA Clippers
Best three #1’s since 1999:
2003 – LeBron James (CLE)
2002 – Yao Ming (HOU)
2004 – Dwight Howard (ORL)
Worst two #1’s since 1999:
2000 – Kwame Brown (WSH)
2006 – Andrea Bargnani (TOR)
#2 – Hasheem Thabeet (7-3/C) – Memphis
Best three #2’s since 1999:
2007 – Kevin Durant (SEA)
1999 – Steve Francis (VAN)
2006 – LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
Worst two #2’s since 1999
2002 – Jay Williams (CHI)
2000 – Stromile Swift (VAN)
#3 – James Harden (6-5/SG) – Oklahoma City
Best three #3’s since 1999:
2001 – Pau Gasol (MEM)
2003 – Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
2005 – Deron Williams (UTA)
Worst two #3’s since 1999
2006 – Adam Morrison (CHA)
2000 – Darius Miles (LAC)
#4 – Ricky Rubio (6-3/PG) – Sacramento
Best three #4’s since 1999:
2005 – Chris Paul (NOH)
2003 – Chris Bosh (TOR)
1999 – Lamar Odom (LAC)
Worst two #4’s since 1999
2000 – Marcus Fizer (CHI)
2004 – Shaun Livingston (LAC)
#5 – Jordan Hill (6-10/PF) – Washington
Best three #5’s since 1999:
2003 – Dwyane Wade (MIA)
2004 – Devin Harris (DAL)
2001 – Jason Richardson (GS)
Worst two #5’s since 1999
2002 – Nickoloz Tskitishvili (DEN)
1999 – Jonathan Bender (TOR)
#6 – Stephen Curry (6-3/PG) – Minnesota
Best three #6’s since 1999:
2006 – Brandon Roy (POR)
2003 – Chris Kaman (LAC)
2001 – Shane Battier (HOU)
Worst two #6’s since 1999
2008 – Danilo Gallinari (NYK)
2000 – DerMarr Johnson (ATL)
#7 – Tyreke Evans (6-5/SG) – Golden State
Best three #7’s since 1999:
1999 – Richard Hamilton (DET)
2004 – Luol Deng (CHI)
2002 – Nene (DEN)
Worst two #7’s since 1999
2007 – Corey Brewer (MIN)
2000 – Chris Mihm (CLE)
#8 – Jrue Holiday (6-4/PG) – New York
Best three #8’s since 1999:
2006 – Rudy Gay (MEM)
1999 – Andre Miller (CLE)
2003 – TJ Ford (MIL)
Worst two #8’s since 1999
2004 – Rafael Araujo (TOR)
2008 – Joe Alexander (MIL)
#9 – Earl Clark (6-10/PF) - Toronto
Best three #9’s since 1999:
2002 – Amare Stoudamire (PHX)
1999 – Shawn Marion (PHX)
2004 – Andre Iguodala (PHI)
Worst two #9’s since 1999
2006 – Patrick O’Bryant (GS)
2003 – Mike Sweetney (NYK)
#10 – Gerald Henderson (6-5/SG) - Milwaukee
Best three #10’s since 1999:
2002 – Caron Butler (MIA)
2001 – Joe Johnson (BOS)
1999 – Jason Terry (ATL)
Worst two #10’s since 1999
2004 – Luke Jackson (CLE)
2006 – Saer Sene (SEA)
#11 – Brandon Jennings (6-1/PG) – New Jersey
Best three #11’s since 1999:
2004 – Andris Biedrins (GS)
2003 – Mickael Pietrus (GS)
2001 – Jared Jeffries (WSH)
Worst two #11’s since 1999
2005 – Fran Vasquez (ORL)
2000 – Jerome Moiso (BOS)
#12 – DeMar DeRozan (6-7/SF) - Charlotte
#13 – DeJuan Blair (6-6/SF) - Indiana
#14 – Ty Lawson (6-1/PG) – Phoenix
Best three #12-14’s since 1999:
Richard Jefferson, Corey Maggette, Troy Murphy
Worst two #12-14’s since 1999:
Alek Redojevic, Yaroslav Korolev
#15-20 – BJ Mullens (7-1/C), Tyler Hansbrough (6-9/PF), Jonny Flynn (6-1/PG), Jeff Teague (6-2/PG), James Johnson (6-8/SF), Terence Williams (6-6/SG) – Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Atlanta, Utah
Best three #15-20’s since 1999:
Al Jefferson, Danny Granger, David West
Worst two #15-20’s since 1999:
Frederic Weis, Troy Bell
Best three #21-30’s since 1999:
Tony Parker, Kevin Martin, Josh Howard
Worst two #21-30’s since 1999:
Too many disappeared after a year or so to just pick two
#1 – Blake Griffin (6-10/PF) – LA Clippers
Best three #1’s since 1999:
2003 – LeBron James (CLE)
2002 – Yao Ming (HOU)
2004 – Dwight Howard (ORL)
Worst two #1’s since 1999:
2000 – Kwame Brown (WSH)
2006 – Andrea Bargnani (TOR)
#2 – Hasheem Thabeet (7-3/C) – Memphis
Best three #2’s since 1999:
2007 – Kevin Durant (SEA)
1999 – Steve Francis (VAN)
2006 – LaMarcus Aldridge (POR)
Worst two #2’s since 1999
2002 – Jay Williams (CHI)
2000 – Stromile Swift (VAN)
#3 – James Harden (6-5/SG) – Oklahoma City
Best three #3’s since 1999:
2001 – Pau Gasol (MEM)
2003 – Carmelo Anthony (DEN)
2005 – Deron Williams (UTA)
Worst two #3’s since 1999
2006 – Adam Morrison (CHA)
2000 – Darius Miles (LAC)
#4 – Ricky Rubio (6-3/PG) – Sacramento
Best three #4’s since 1999:
2005 – Chris Paul (NOH)
2003 – Chris Bosh (TOR)
1999 – Lamar Odom (LAC)
Worst two #4’s since 1999
2000 – Marcus Fizer (CHI)
2004 – Shaun Livingston (LAC)
#5 – Jordan Hill (6-10/PF) – Washington
Best three #5’s since 1999:
2003 – Dwyane Wade (MIA)
2004 – Devin Harris (DAL)
2001 – Jason Richardson (GS)
Worst two #5’s since 1999
2002 – Nickoloz Tskitishvili (DEN)
1999 – Jonathan Bender (TOR)
#6 – Stephen Curry (6-3/PG) – Minnesota
Best three #6’s since 1999:
2006 – Brandon Roy (POR)
2003 – Chris Kaman (LAC)
2001 – Shane Battier (HOU)
Worst two #6’s since 1999
2008 – Danilo Gallinari (NYK)
2000 – DerMarr Johnson (ATL)
#7 – Tyreke Evans (6-5/SG) – Golden State
Best three #7’s since 1999:
1999 – Richard Hamilton (DET)
2004 – Luol Deng (CHI)
2002 – Nene (DEN)
Worst two #7’s since 1999
2007 – Corey Brewer (MIN)
2000 – Chris Mihm (CLE)
#8 – Jrue Holiday (6-4/PG) – New York
Best three #8’s since 1999:
2006 – Rudy Gay (MEM)
1999 – Andre Miller (CLE)
2003 – TJ Ford (MIL)
Worst two #8’s since 1999
2004 – Rafael Araujo (TOR)
2008 – Joe Alexander (MIL)
#9 – Earl Clark (6-10/PF) - Toronto
Best three #9’s since 1999:
2002 – Amare Stoudamire (PHX)
1999 – Shawn Marion (PHX)
2004 – Andre Iguodala (PHI)
Worst two #9’s since 1999
2006 – Patrick O’Bryant (GS)
2003 – Mike Sweetney (NYK)
#10 – Gerald Henderson (6-5/SG) - Milwaukee
Best three #10’s since 1999:
2002 – Caron Butler (MIA)
2001 – Joe Johnson (BOS)
1999 – Jason Terry (ATL)
Worst two #10’s since 1999
2004 – Luke Jackson (CLE)
2006 – Saer Sene (SEA)
#11 – Brandon Jennings (6-1/PG) – New Jersey
Best three #11’s since 1999:
2004 – Andris Biedrins (GS)
2003 – Mickael Pietrus (GS)
2001 – Jared Jeffries (WSH)
Worst two #11’s since 1999
2005 – Fran Vasquez (ORL)
2000 – Jerome Moiso (BOS)
#12 – DeMar DeRozan (6-7/SF) - Charlotte
#13 – DeJuan Blair (6-6/SF) - Indiana
#14 – Ty Lawson (6-1/PG) – Phoenix
Best three #12-14’s since 1999:
Richard Jefferson, Corey Maggette, Troy Murphy
Worst two #12-14’s since 1999:
Alek Redojevic, Yaroslav Korolev
#15-20 – BJ Mullens (7-1/C), Tyler Hansbrough (6-9/PF), Jonny Flynn (6-1/PG), Jeff Teague (6-2/PG), James Johnson (6-8/SF), Terence Williams (6-6/SG) – Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Atlanta, Utah
Best three #15-20’s since 1999:
Al Jefferson, Danny Granger, David West
Worst two #15-20’s since 1999:
Frederic Weis, Troy Bell
Best three #21-30’s since 1999:
Tony Parker, Kevin Martin, Josh Howard
Worst two #21-30’s since 1999:
Too many disappeared after a year or so to just pick two
Richard Jefferson to Spurs
Great. Just when the Western Conference thought the sun was setting on the 4-time champion Tim Duncan, the Spurs pull off a trade to keep them in the 2010 title hunt. Duncan, Parker, Ginobili AND Jefferson?! Scary.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Orlando Magic vs. L.A. Lakers
How can the Magic possibly win the NBA title against 9-time champion coach Phil Jackson, and 3-time champion Kobe Bryant?
Position comparisons:
PG
Magic - Rafer Alston
Lakers - Derek Fisher
Alston is quicker down the court and off the dribble. His shooting percentage from 2-pt and 3-pt range is better in the playoffs. Fisher has championship experience and is very good at drawing offensive fouls.
Advantage: MAGIC
SG
Magic - Courtney Lee
Lakers - Kobe Bryant
You kidding?
Advantage: LAKERS
SF
Magic - Hedo Turkoglu
Lakers - Trevor Ariza
Ariza is valuable for his defense and his occasional burst of offensive genius. Ariza is that fourth or fifth guy on the floor that teams overlook at their own peril. But Hedo's offensive firepower has been the Magic's secret weapon all through the playoffs. They're key for different reasons, but the slight edge goes to...
Advantage: MAGIC
PF
Magic - Rashard Lewis
Lakers - Paul Gasol
Lewis's outside shooting can cause trouble for Gasol, but on the other end of the floor, Gasol has shown to be unguardable when he's within ten feet of the basket. (Well, he hasn't faced Howard yet, but...)
Advantage: LAKERS
C
Magic - Dwight Howard
Lakers - Andrew Bynum
You kidding?
Advantage: MAGIC
6TH MAN
Magic - Mickael Pietrus
Lakers - Lamar Odom
Pietrus does a little of everything, but Odom does a little bit more of everything.
Advantage: LAKERS
REST OF BENCH
Magic - Redick, Johnson, Gortat, maybe Nelson?
Lakers - Brown, Walton, Farmar, Vujacic
If Jameer Nelson can come back and be effective, it changes everything. But to be injured that long, I would think it would take a few games to adjust, and the Magic don't have a few games. Redick's 3-point shooting has been, with Lewis and Pietrus, great to this point. But really, Brown has been the difference on a couple victories. Consistency is the key to judging second units, and unless Nelson's return to be less effective than Brown...
Advantage: MAGIC
COACH
Magic - Stan Van Gundy
Lakers - Phil Jackson
At a recent press conference it was refreshing to hear SVG address what so many basketball fans have been feeling for years. He's tired of press conferences being used by coaches to jockey for favor with the referees at the next game. Meanwhile Phil is the master of that, and between that and his nine rings...
Advantage: LAKERS
This should be a really good series. The Lakers have home court, but in the 2-3-2 playoff format, that's rarely proven to be an advantage. I think the Lakers will win, but I'll be rooting for the Magic.
8 of the last 10 championship teams have had Shaq or Duncan. Now it'll be 8 out of the last 11.
Position comparisons:
PG
Magic - Rafer Alston
Lakers - Derek Fisher
Alston is quicker down the court and off the dribble. His shooting percentage from 2-pt and 3-pt range is better in the playoffs. Fisher has championship experience and is very good at drawing offensive fouls.
Advantage: MAGIC
SG
Magic - Courtney Lee
Lakers - Kobe Bryant
You kidding?
Advantage: LAKERS
SF
Magic - Hedo Turkoglu
Lakers - Trevor Ariza
Ariza is valuable for his defense and his occasional burst of offensive genius. Ariza is that fourth or fifth guy on the floor that teams overlook at their own peril. But Hedo's offensive firepower has been the Magic's secret weapon all through the playoffs. They're key for different reasons, but the slight edge goes to...
Advantage: MAGIC
PF
Magic - Rashard Lewis
Lakers - Paul Gasol
Lewis's outside shooting can cause trouble for Gasol, but on the other end of the floor, Gasol has shown to be unguardable when he's within ten feet of the basket. (Well, he hasn't faced Howard yet, but...)
Advantage: LAKERS
C
Magic - Dwight Howard
Lakers - Andrew Bynum
You kidding?
Advantage: MAGIC
6TH MAN
Magic - Mickael Pietrus
Lakers - Lamar Odom
Pietrus does a little of everything, but Odom does a little bit more of everything.
Advantage: LAKERS
REST OF BENCH
Magic - Redick, Johnson, Gortat, maybe Nelson?
Lakers - Brown, Walton, Farmar, Vujacic
If Jameer Nelson can come back and be effective, it changes everything. But to be injured that long, I would think it would take a few games to adjust, and the Magic don't have a few games. Redick's 3-point shooting has been, with Lewis and Pietrus, great to this point. But really, Brown has been the difference on a couple victories. Consistency is the key to judging second units, and unless Nelson's return to be less effective than Brown...
Advantage: MAGIC
COACH
Magic - Stan Van Gundy
Lakers - Phil Jackson
At a recent press conference it was refreshing to hear SVG address what so many basketball fans have been feeling for years. He's tired of press conferences being used by coaches to jockey for favor with the referees at the next game. Meanwhile Phil is the master of that, and between that and his nine rings...
Advantage: LAKERS
This should be a really good series. The Lakers have home court, but in the 2-3-2 playoff format, that's rarely proven to be an advantage. I think the Lakers will win, but I'll be rooting for the Magic.
8 of the last 10 championship teams have had Shaq or Duncan. Now it'll be 8 out of the last 11.
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