Post by jailblazer2352 on Jun 21, 2008 17:39:04 GMT -5
One of the most exciting seasons in recent NBA history has come to a close. Boston and LA concluded an excitement filled spring with a hotly contested, highly motivated Finals. As any sports fan will tell you, especially NBA and NFL fans, the conclusion of the championship only kick starts the countdown towards the draft. The season is exciting, but the draft is frustrating, exhilirating, and shocking all at the same time. Ponder this: on draft night, futures for both players and teams, can be made or broken. The best part about the draft is no one really knows what they're doing. GM's make educated guesses that could determine their career. Where else can you find the career of an established professional in the hands of freakish, yet immature teenagers? Only at the draft. With David Stern's mature, and I'll admit slightly unfair, age limit the excitement of draft night is illuminated to it's highest level of brightness. Fans get to see the best players dominate for a year in college before turning pro. The increased exposure decreases the insecurity behind selecting a high schooler. The 2007 draft was the original of the new breed and the 2008 version should prove to be just as promising. Here's my first round forecast.
1. Chicago-Michael Beasley-PF, Kansas State-Beasley is the coveted slam-dunk, Oden-like prospect of 2008. The popular vote in Chicago favors Derrick Rose, but Beasley is the smarter selection. The Bulls are stronger in the backcourt with Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon than in the frontcourt. The addition of Beasley gives Chicago the front court versatility to team with their backcourt.
2. Miami-Derrick Rose-PG, Memphis-Transcendant point guards are in vogue and Rose fits the bill. He has an NBA body and the scoring ability to complement his skills running the point. Paired with Dwyane Wade, Miami will have the best backcourt in the East. Rose, Wade, and Shawn Marion could elevate Miami from the cellar to the ceiling in the Eastern Conference.
3. Minnesota-Russell Westbrook-PG, UCLA-Kevin McHale will go with the hot hand when he selects Westbrook, the fastest rising player in this year's draft, over a multitude of other point guard prospects. In addition to a spunky, drive oriented offensive skill set, Westbrook is a lock down defender, a necessity for such a young team.
4. Seattle-Jerryd Bayless-PG, Arizona-Bayless fits the billing of the new wave point guard. His scoring ability is reminiscent of Gilbert Arenas. He's the perfect guard to pair with Kevin Durant.
5. Memphis-Brook Lopez-C, Stanford-Memphis has plenty of guards, now they need a center. With a Tim Duncan-like style of play, Lopez is the perfect player for the sorry Grizzlies to build around.
6. New York-Danillo Gallinari-SF, Italy-The D'Antoni era has begun in New York. Instead of perplexing fans with choices like Renaldo Balkman, the Knicks will take the intrigueing Gallinari, whose skill set is a far cry from most of the Knicks players.
7. LA Clippers-OJ Mayo-PG, USC-Mayo is the most NBA-ready point guard in this draft. Landing a big name like Mayo would be positive for the Clippers in their never-ending quest to escape the shadow of the Lakers. They need a face, Mayo can be that face.
8. Milwaukee-Eric Gordon-SG, Indiana-The Bucks are an interesting story. They always seem to have a high lottery pick. Those players have to correlate sooner or later, don't they? Gordon is a prolific, head down and drive scorer with a nice outside touch. He could form a prolific scoring duo with Michael Redd. If Yi Jianlin and Andrew Bogut come around, maybe this socially awkward franchise will to.
9. Charlotte-Kevin Love-PF, UCLA-If you ask me, Kevin Love should have pulled a Tyler Hansborough and dominated the college game for four years. But money talks and here's Love entering the draft as a likely lottery pick. Those famous outlet passes will be an interesting dynamic in the often slowed down NBA game. They could also be a perfect complement for a team rich with athletic scorers.
10. New Jersey-Anthony Randolph-PF, LSU-The Nets have always loved to run. With Devin Harris manning the point, that style seems to have kept its footing. Randolph played for LSU. Can you feel the connection?
11. Indiana-Kosta Koufos-C, Ohio State-The Pacers are starting afresh as the final pieces of their one-time contender are being shipped out of town. Danny Granger is the new star in Hoosierville and Koufos could be the perfect wild card to further the rejuvenation process.
12. Sacremento-Joe Alexander-SF, West Virginia-Following a strong NCAA tournament, Alexander shot up the draft boards. As a Big East-saavy big man, he provides necessary muscle for the Sac-town front court.
13. Portland-Mario Chalmers-PG, Kansas-Look for the Blazers to trade up in their search for the player to run their offense. If they stay put, the best young team in the league will go with the overlooked Chalmers.
14. Golden State-Darrell Arthur-PF, Kansas-Arthur's athleticism fits perfectly in Don Nelson's run and gun system.
15. Phoenix-Brandon Rush-SG, Kansas-After last season's spur of the moment Shaq-trade, Phoenix needs to revive their identity. They also desperately need a 3rd scorer now that Shawn Marion plays for Miami.
16. Philadelphia-Courtney Lee-SG, Western Kentucky-The Sixers have two needs: a shooting guard and a big man. With the big man likely to arrive through free agency, the Sixers will take Lee, one of the best mid-major scoring prospects.
17. Toronto-Robyn Lopez-C, Stanford-The Raptors have the shooters. They need a rebounder to team with Chris Bosh. Robyn joins his twin Brook in the first round.
18. Washington-Javale McGee-C, Nevada-On a team full of scorers, McGee provides a necessary big body.
19. Cleveland-Ante Tomic-C, Croatia-Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. Babe Ruth had Lou Gehrig. Bill Clinton had Al Gore. Lebron needs a sidekick! This Pau Gasol-like talent could, at long last, give Lebron his Scottie Pippen.
20. Denver-DJ Augustin-PG, Texas-Augustin provides necessary discipline on a team full of maverick lifestyles.
21. New Jersey-Chris Douglass-Roberts-SF, Memphis-Once again, New Jersey loves to run. So does Memphis. No one runs, dips, doodles, and scores better than CDR.
22. Orlando-Donte Green-SF, Syracuse-With the point guard and center positions covered, Orlando selects another free-wheeling shooter in Green. He could either be a nice surprise or a subtle dissapointment.
23. Utah-Nicolas Batum-SF, France-The Jazz love talented players from exotic backgrounds. Batum will fit nicely into their rotation. Potential replacement for Andrei Kirilenko.
24. Seattle-Roy Hibbert-C, Georgetown-With offense covered, the Sonics go for defense by choosing the latest Georgetown center. If history follows suit, Hibbert will follow in the size 20 plus footsteps of Alonzo Mourning, d**embe Mutombo, and Patrick Ewing.
25. Houston-Serge Ibaka-PF, Congo-Ibaka could team with Luis Scola and Yao Ming to form an imposing front court. Any big man from Africa is bound to atleast block shots.
26. San Antonio-Alexis Ajinca-C, France-The Spurs always go international. With an aging but still capable front court, Ajinca has time to develop into a future starter.
27. New Orleans-Bill Walker-SF, Kansas State-Walker was believed to be the first major casualty of the age limit when he suffered a lingering injury during his freshman season. The constantly overshadowed and potentially dynamic Walker is a nice fit in the run and gun, Chris Paul-led offense.
28. Memphis-Mareese Speights-C, Florida-Memphis needs big bodies. Speights has upside. That's almost all you can ask for at this point in the draft.
29. Detroit-DJ White-PF, Indiana-With a potential dismantling of Detroit's perrenial contender, the best player available is the smartest pick. White is a proven scorer who could pick up slack once Tayshaun or Rasheed move on.
30. Boston-Devon Hardin-C, California-With no glaring weakness, the Celts should focus on stockpiling for the distant future. Hardin will give Kendrick Perkins a run for his money in the Boston rotation.
1. Chicago-Michael Beasley-PF, Kansas State-Beasley is the coveted slam-dunk, Oden-like prospect of 2008. The popular vote in Chicago favors Derrick Rose, but Beasley is the smarter selection. The Bulls are stronger in the backcourt with Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon than in the frontcourt. The addition of Beasley gives Chicago the front court versatility to team with their backcourt.
2. Miami-Derrick Rose-PG, Memphis-Transcendant point guards are in vogue and Rose fits the bill. He has an NBA body and the scoring ability to complement his skills running the point. Paired with Dwyane Wade, Miami will have the best backcourt in the East. Rose, Wade, and Shawn Marion could elevate Miami from the cellar to the ceiling in the Eastern Conference.
3. Minnesota-Russell Westbrook-PG, UCLA-Kevin McHale will go with the hot hand when he selects Westbrook, the fastest rising player in this year's draft, over a multitude of other point guard prospects. In addition to a spunky, drive oriented offensive skill set, Westbrook is a lock down defender, a necessity for such a young team.
4. Seattle-Jerryd Bayless-PG, Arizona-Bayless fits the billing of the new wave point guard. His scoring ability is reminiscent of Gilbert Arenas. He's the perfect guard to pair with Kevin Durant.
5. Memphis-Brook Lopez-C, Stanford-Memphis has plenty of guards, now they need a center. With a Tim Duncan-like style of play, Lopez is the perfect player for the sorry Grizzlies to build around.
6. New York-Danillo Gallinari-SF, Italy-The D'Antoni era has begun in New York. Instead of perplexing fans with choices like Renaldo Balkman, the Knicks will take the intrigueing Gallinari, whose skill set is a far cry from most of the Knicks players.
7. LA Clippers-OJ Mayo-PG, USC-Mayo is the most NBA-ready point guard in this draft. Landing a big name like Mayo would be positive for the Clippers in their never-ending quest to escape the shadow of the Lakers. They need a face, Mayo can be that face.
8. Milwaukee-Eric Gordon-SG, Indiana-The Bucks are an interesting story. They always seem to have a high lottery pick. Those players have to correlate sooner or later, don't they? Gordon is a prolific, head down and drive scorer with a nice outside touch. He could form a prolific scoring duo with Michael Redd. If Yi Jianlin and Andrew Bogut come around, maybe this socially awkward franchise will to.
9. Charlotte-Kevin Love-PF, UCLA-If you ask me, Kevin Love should have pulled a Tyler Hansborough and dominated the college game for four years. But money talks and here's Love entering the draft as a likely lottery pick. Those famous outlet passes will be an interesting dynamic in the often slowed down NBA game. They could also be a perfect complement for a team rich with athletic scorers.
10. New Jersey-Anthony Randolph-PF, LSU-The Nets have always loved to run. With Devin Harris manning the point, that style seems to have kept its footing. Randolph played for LSU. Can you feel the connection?
11. Indiana-Kosta Koufos-C, Ohio State-The Pacers are starting afresh as the final pieces of their one-time contender are being shipped out of town. Danny Granger is the new star in Hoosierville and Koufos could be the perfect wild card to further the rejuvenation process.
12. Sacremento-Joe Alexander-SF, West Virginia-Following a strong NCAA tournament, Alexander shot up the draft boards. As a Big East-saavy big man, he provides necessary muscle for the Sac-town front court.
13. Portland-Mario Chalmers-PG, Kansas-Look for the Blazers to trade up in their search for the player to run their offense. If they stay put, the best young team in the league will go with the overlooked Chalmers.
14. Golden State-Darrell Arthur-PF, Kansas-Arthur's athleticism fits perfectly in Don Nelson's run and gun system.
15. Phoenix-Brandon Rush-SG, Kansas-After last season's spur of the moment Shaq-trade, Phoenix needs to revive their identity. They also desperately need a 3rd scorer now that Shawn Marion plays for Miami.
16. Philadelphia-Courtney Lee-SG, Western Kentucky-The Sixers have two needs: a shooting guard and a big man. With the big man likely to arrive through free agency, the Sixers will take Lee, one of the best mid-major scoring prospects.
17. Toronto-Robyn Lopez-C, Stanford-The Raptors have the shooters. They need a rebounder to team with Chris Bosh. Robyn joins his twin Brook in the first round.
18. Washington-Javale McGee-C, Nevada-On a team full of scorers, McGee provides a necessary big body.
19. Cleveland-Ante Tomic-C, Croatia-Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen. Babe Ruth had Lou Gehrig. Bill Clinton had Al Gore. Lebron needs a sidekick! This Pau Gasol-like talent could, at long last, give Lebron his Scottie Pippen.
20. Denver-DJ Augustin-PG, Texas-Augustin provides necessary discipline on a team full of maverick lifestyles.
21. New Jersey-Chris Douglass-Roberts-SF, Memphis-Once again, New Jersey loves to run. So does Memphis. No one runs, dips, doodles, and scores better than CDR.
22. Orlando-Donte Green-SF, Syracuse-With the point guard and center positions covered, Orlando selects another free-wheeling shooter in Green. He could either be a nice surprise or a subtle dissapointment.
23. Utah-Nicolas Batum-SF, France-The Jazz love talented players from exotic backgrounds. Batum will fit nicely into their rotation. Potential replacement for Andrei Kirilenko.
24. Seattle-Roy Hibbert-C, Georgetown-With offense covered, the Sonics go for defense by choosing the latest Georgetown center. If history follows suit, Hibbert will follow in the size 20 plus footsteps of Alonzo Mourning, d**embe Mutombo, and Patrick Ewing.
25. Houston-Serge Ibaka-PF, Congo-Ibaka could team with Luis Scola and Yao Ming to form an imposing front court. Any big man from Africa is bound to atleast block shots.
26. San Antonio-Alexis Ajinca-C, France-The Spurs always go international. With an aging but still capable front court, Ajinca has time to develop into a future starter.
27. New Orleans-Bill Walker-SF, Kansas State-Walker was believed to be the first major casualty of the age limit when he suffered a lingering injury during his freshman season. The constantly overshadowed and potentially dynamic Walker is a nice fit in the run and gun, Chris Paul-led offense.
28. Memphis-Mareese Speights-C, Florida-Memphis needs big bodies. Speights has upside. That's almost all you can ask for at this point in the draft.
29. Detroit-DJ White-PF, Indiana-With a potential dismantling of Detroit's perrenial contender, the best player available is the smartest pick. White is a proven scorer who could pick up slack once Tayshaun or Rasheed move on.
30. Boston-Devon Hardin-C, California-With no glaring weakness, the Celts should focus on stockpiling for the distant future. Hardin will give Kendrick Perkins a run for his money in the Boston rotation.