A very poor showing by the US National soccer team means we’re left with rooting for Brazil and talking about free agency and creating a super NBA team.  Plus a new free agent has hit the market.

You can download this week’s podcast directly (running time 90 mins) or subscribe to the feed.

If you use iTunes, just click here and then click subscribe and iTunes will take care of the rest.

This week’s topics include:

• World Cup discussion
• Will Lebron end up in Miami with Wade and Bosh (and Riley)?
• Would a superteam be good for the NBA?
• Michael Vick bday party shooting
• Chris Simms busted for driving while marijuanaed up
• Elin Woods now official rich and available (and still out of your league)

We’re on . So follow us and make us feel special.

Hope you guys enjoy the podcast. If you did enjoy it, please give us a good rating on itunes so we can rise up in the rankings. If you didn’t, send us an email (editor@sportscolumn.com) and give us some suggestions. Thanks for listening.6/24 Episode of Poor Man’s PTI

After a week off, we’re back to discuss the NBA Finals, the NBA draft and Burton checks in from South Africa to give us his report on the World Cup.

You can download this week’s podcast directly (running time 90 mins) or subscribe to the feed.

If you use iTunes, just click here and then click subscribe and iTunes will take care of the rest.

This week’s topics include:

• Game 7 of the NBA Finals
• Burton live from South Africa
• North Korea’s amazing media machine
• NBA Draft
• Lawrence Taylor indicted
• Is Cheerleading a sport?
• The US needs a Secretary of Sports

We’re on . So follow us and make us feel special.

Hope you guys enjoy the podcast. If you did enjoy it, please give us a good rating on itunes so we can rise up in the rankings. If you didn’t, send us an email (editor@sportscolumn.com) and give us some suggestions. Thanks for listening.

Our show happens during the NBA draft so we intersperse all our discussion with the latest draft picks. You can download this week’s podcast directly (running time 90 mins) or subscribe to the feed.

If you use iTunes, just click here and then click subscribe and iTunes will take care of the rest.

This week’s topics include:

• Who are three people who’ve never been in my kitchen
• Mark Sanchez’s sloppy seconds
• That’s not how you spell Drew, Jrue
• 30 days for Donte Stalworth
• Where’s Manny’s remorse?
• USA soccer upsets Spain
• Who will have a longer career: Blake Griffin or Tyler Hansborough?
• Allen Iverson Practice rap remix
• NBA Draft talk with Trevor Freeman
• Corrections with Stat Boy

Trivia question of the week:   Who was the only NBA champion to coach in the Super Bowl? (Answer after the jump.)

Answer: Bud Grant

By David J. Cohen

Last night the draft proved to be as interesting as advertised. The mega deals didn’t go down during the draft but a mega move did take place afterwards. Now on to the report cards: Atlanta Hawks: N/A. Things are looking up in A-Town. They weren’t in the lottery and pushed the NBA champs to 7 games. No one saw that coming.

Boston Celtics: C-; J.R. Giddens and Semih Erden. J.R. Giddens has a lot of athleticism but the Celtics had better options to choose from. Chris Douglas-Roberts or Mario Chalmers could have made immediate impacts next season, especially CDR with the possible exit of James Posey and a struggling Tony Allen. The Celtics sold Bill Walker for cash and he could’ve been the direct replacement for Allen.

Charlotte Bobcats: C; D.J. Augustin, Alexis Ajinca, Kyle Weaver. Augustin is a solid PG who could replace Felton. Since they are reportedly shopping Felton it made sense for the Bobcats to take Weaver to backup Augustin and play the defense that Augustin will struggle with. Ajinca has a 7′8″ wingspan, and that’s about it. He was not worth trading a future 1st round pick. The Bobcats failed to address their biggest need in getting a center, and with Brook Lopez sliding to them at 9 and Kosta Koufos there at 20 the Bobcats missed on taking a center that could start for them from day 1. Koufos especially would’ve been a great fit for them as the offensive big man to complement the defensive prowess Okafor brings to the court.

Chicago Bulls: A-; Derrick Rose, Omer Asik. The Bulls made the right choice in getting Derrick Rose because he can elevate Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah to a level that makes those selections acceptable. He can make everyone around him better and that’s what the Bulls needed. Asik has some talent but is likely to stay in Turkey for the next 5 years, so it’s doubtful he’ll ever play in the NBA. They gave up 2 future 2nd round picks for him. They got one of those back by trading Sonny Weems, who had no shot of making the Bulls roster.

Cleveland Cavs: C-; J.J. Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kahn. Hickson could turn into a nice player but was a big reach at 19. Cleveland needed a backup PG and a backup C and missed a chance to address one of those needs. Mario Chalmers would have been a perfect backup for Daniel Gibson and Kosta Koufos would have been the perfect backup for Zydrunas Ilgauskas. He could stretch the floor and open things up for LeBron. Jackson was a good pickup for a future 2nd and could outplay Hickson. Kahn will be overseas for a while and doesn’t have much potential.

Dallas Mavericks: F; Shan Foster. The Mavericks didn’t have a first round pick because of the Kidd deal. That’s already blown up in their face. The Mavs biggest problem over the last couple years is that they are mentally soft, so they go ahead and take a player notorious for being a no-show on the road in college games. Foster also will struggle to be an effective 3-point shooter. He won’t make the team.

Denver Nuggets: B; Sonny Weems. The Nuggets were somewhat stuck at 20 and got a future first round pick. Since the Bobcats likely won’t make the playoffs the Nuggets got an upgrade in what will be a very top-heavy draft next year. Weems is another athletic player that gives the Nuggets a little insurance in possibly moving some players in off-season deals.

Detroit Pistons: B; Walter Sharpe, Trent Plaisted, Deron Washington. The Pistons didn’t really need any young players to come in right away and will have Plaisted and Washington play in Europe after the summer league. Walter Sharpe is a boom or bust pick and the 2nd round is the time to take those kinds of players. Getting Sharpe and Plaisted for D.J. White was a good deal.

Golden State Warriors: F; Anthony Randolph, Richard Hendrix. Randolph is simply too skinny to play the 3 in the NBA. Even with 20 extra pounds he’s frail. He will get bullied around. The Warriors continue to take these projects; they have Brandan Wright and Marco Belinelli already. On top of that the Warriors really needed a good offensive center that can run the floor and Kosta Koufos was the perfect fit. They also could’ve selected Robin Lopez, who could have directly replaced Andris Biedrins if they don’t resign him. Robin Lopez has more upside than Biedrins. Hendrix is a player that should make an NBA team but not this team. His problem is his athleticism so he needs to play in more of a half-court offense. This is possibly the worst fit for a player in the draft. They have 2 PGs whose future in Golden State is questionable and didn’t get any insurance.

Houston Rockets: B; Donte Greene, Joey Dorsey, Maarty Leunen. Greene has the athleticism the Rockets desperately lack and they got a 2nd round pick along with him. Darrell Arthur will likely turn into the better pro but with Luis Scola and Carl Landry already at PF they didn’t need him. They initially got Arthur and Dorsey for Nicolas Batum so they essentially got Greene, Dorsey, and a future 2nd for a prospect with a heart condition. Dorsey will play minutes at center for them and gives them added toughness and rebounding. Leunen will battle Steve Novak for a spot on the roster.

Indiana Pacers: A+; T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, Roy Hibbert, Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack, Josh McRoberts. The Pacers finally unloaded the huge contract of Jermaine O’Neal and picked up a great PG to run their offense. Ford will be in the top 5 in assists next year if he stays healthy. Stephen A. Smith’s MVP, “Rah-SHOW Nes-TERROR-VIC” is a large expiring contract and gives the Pacers nearly $20 million in expiring contracts next season. Hibbert has a lot of tools and if he can put everything together he will be a productive center in the league. With Hibbert and Rasho it allows Troy Murphy to play his natural position at the 4 full time. Jack is an excellent backup point guard and can step in and start if Ford gets hurt. Brandon Rush is a perfect fit and will allow the Pacers to let Marquis Daniels go after the season and cut Shawne Williams. He could turn into one of the league’s most productive bench players if the Pacers keep the coaching staff together for a few more years. McRoberts is a local hero and will probably play in the NBDL. Baston will have an outside chance of making the team. The Pacers, in the course of a day and a half, have morphed into a much deeper team.

L.A. Clippers: B+; Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Mike Taylor. Gordon is a terrific scorer and will make an impact right away. With the impending departure of Corey Maggette this gives the Clippers a direct scoring replacement for him. Jordan is likely a bust but to get his potential in the 2nd round is worth the risk. Taylor is the NBDL made man and with the uncertainty of the PG position he has a good shot of making the Clippers rotation.

L.A. Lakers: A+. They didn’t have a first round pick because Memphis made the charitable donation of Pau Gasol. That pick was Donte Greene. The Lakers won’t lose sleep over that. Joe Crawford is a shooter the Lakers could try to develop in the NBDL if they so choose.

Memphis Grizzlies C; O.J. Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner, Darrell Arthur. The Grizzlies could’ve got more in a separate trade for Mike Miller and didn’t do themselves any favors financially, which was supposed to be the point of the fire sale. They basically traded Kevin Love and Mike Miller for Mayo. They better hope Mayo turns into an all-star and not the next Sebastian Telfair or else this franchise is in deep trouble. In my opinion Arthur saves them from borderline “F” status because he will get big minutes and should supplant Hakim Warrick by the end of the season. He is one of the steals of the draft and will be in a position to exercise his potential.

Miami Heat: A+; Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers. The Heat weren’t idiots after all and took Beasley. If they are smart they will let Marion and Beasley start together for half a season and then make a decision on Marion. The duo together could be outstanding with Marion guarding the 3 spot (in their division this means guarding Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace, Rashard Lewis, and Caron Butler) while Beasley becomes an offensive force right away. Beasley and a healthy Dwayne Wade could be a lethal combination. The Heat also picked up a starting PG for their team in the 2nd round, and that’s worth 2 future 2nd round picks any day. Chalmers is a shoe-in starter if the Heat don’t trade Marion for a starter at the point and brings a level-head and good perimeter shooting to a team that can exploit that with Wade penetrating and Beasley commanding the paint. And Chalmers has forever proved he’s clutch down the stretch.

Milwaukee Bucks: C-; Richard Jefferson, Joe Alexander, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. The Bucks a week ago were looking to move salary by trading either Michael Redd or Maurice Williams. Somewhere between shopping Michael Redd and the draft the Bucks instead decided to try and win now and traded their lottery pick from a year ago, Yi Jianlian, along with Bobby Simmons for Jefferson. The Bucks added a huge amount of money in getting Jefferson while trading away a special talent in Yi. If the Bucks were so willing to trade him a year later it makes you wonder why they took him in the first place when everyone knew he would take a couple years to develop. The Jefferson deal solidified their SF position while leaving them with just Charlie Villanueva at PF. That would be a position they would take care of during the draft. Wrong. Instead the Bucks took Alexander anyway and then Mbah a Moute later on. Alexander is a great player and since the Bucks couldn’t take a PF at the 8th spot they deserve somewhat of a pass. However the Bucks should’ve taken Richard Hendrix in the 2nd round. He could’ve been a nice 10-15 minute option at the position. They are hedging their bets on Villanueva playing at his highest potential. If he does the Bucks make the playoffs. If not their trade is a waste.

Minnesota Timberwolves: A-; Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, Jason Collins, Nikola Pekovic. The T-Wolves got addition by subtraction by getting rid of their two problematic locker room influences in Marko Jaric and Antoine Walker. And they got back Mike Miller, one of the best sharpshooters in the league. He will put in 20 a night and will help take some pressure off Al Jefferson. Love needed to go to the right team in order to succeed and now he’s in a good situation playing next to Jefferson. He won’t be relied on as a low-post scorer, which will allow him to flourish. His passing skills in the paint will help Jefferson get easy buckets. Pekovic is considered the best foreign center scorer in the draft and has put up big numbers in Europe. He must stay there for a few more years but could prove to be a great asset to the T-Wolves. Collins and Cardinal are the bad contracts the T-Wolves had to take but were worth the deal. Collins will replace Mark Madsen.

New Jersey Nets: A; Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts. Richard Jefferson was a great and underappreciated player but the Nets big 3 were past their prime and the Nets are rebuilding. Jefferson was easier to move than Carter so the Nets did what they had to do. If Yi develops as he should the Nets won’t regret this deal. If Yi had come out this year he would’ve been a top 5 pick. They also have the luxury of playing him at the 3, which should help him as his body starts to fill in. Simmons is a good player who should compete with Yi for the starting job at SF. Brook Lopez was a good value pick and should contribute right away off the bench. Stromile Swift has been a disappointment but is now an expiring contract on the way out. Ryan Anderson is a PF who can score, something the Nets were lacking at the position with Sean Williams and Josh Boone. He was somewhat of a reach considering they really could use someone like CDR but they ended up getting him at the 40th pick. Douglas-Roberts will go down as the steal of this draft and will eventually replace Carter in the starting lineup once the Nets and Vinsanity inevitably part ways. His slashing style works well with the young players on this team and he will become a leader on this team at some point in the near future. He can play the 2 or the 3 and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up stealing Simmons’s minutes by the end of the season.

New Orleans Hornets: C-. If the draft played out as it should have the Hornets would’ve been smart to go ahead and sell the pick for about $3 million. However Darrell Arthur fell into their lap and the Hornets have a need for a good backup PF. Arthur could’ve been the perfect fit in New Orleans. Unless that money goes directly towards keeping Jannero Pargo the Hornets ended up making the wrong decision.

New York Knicks: F; Danilo Gallinari. To no one’s surprise the Knicks screwed up again. The Knicks took a player that can’t help them for 3 years, and at the one position on the team where the Knicks are set. At SF the Knicks have Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler, and Renaldo Balkman. The Knicks have no centers that can run the floor and only one 4 that can run the floor, and that’s David Lee. They were reportedly shopping him. On top of that the Knicks didn’t have a 2nd round pick because they sent that to Portland in what has turned out to be another disastrous Isiah Thomas move. The perfect fit for Chris Douglas-Roberts was to play under Mike D’Antoni and the Knicks could’ve selected him with that pick in the 2nd round. In New York CDR would have averaged at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a night by his 2nd season. The Knicks at the 6th pick could have taken Brook Lopez and at least found a center who could run the floor. If they were set on taking a SF they should’ve taken Joe Alexander, who has a higher ceiling than Gallinari and could play right away. They also could’ve taken the best player available in Eric Gordon. The Knicks should’ve traded the pick and moved down in the draft, but instead took a flyer on an international player somewhat because of Isiah Thomas. Donnie Walsh basically sent him off to Europe to scout Batum and Gallinari and sure enough Isiah has plagued the Knicks once again.

Orlando Magic: C-; Courtney Lee. The Magic took a good player but made the wrong decision. CDR was the right fit in this situation because the Magic have enough shooters in Nelson, Lewis, Redick (if he ever sees the floor), Brian Cook, and Turkoglu. Hedo improved his game tremendously last year and has some dribble-drive skills but is the only player on the team that can slash to the basket. Douglas-Roberts has an unorthodox game in the weird angles he takes towards the basket and how he drives, but his game would get Dwight Howard easy baskets while getting open 3’s for Hedo, Lewis, and Nelson. In all honesty CDR might have better passing skills than Nelson. He was the kind of offensive player the Magic needed to solidify the offense. Mario Chalmers was also still on the board and the Magic really need a good backup PG to Nelson. Lee is a great scorer but wasn’t the best fit for the Magic.

Philadelphia 76ers: D; Marreese Speights. The Sixers needed a PF badly as Reggie Evans and Jason Smith are currently their best options. They took the position of need but drafted one of the busts of the draft in Marreese Speights. I saw Speights play in person at least 10 times last season in some big games and some meaningless games. I can tell you with certainty he isn’t ready for the NBA. He is lazy, out of shape, lacks motivation, and doesn’t have a mean streak. He got 8 rebounds a game in college but didn’t hustle for those rebounds and struggled throughout the season in simple box-out situations. He also struggles to finish easy plays around the rim, which is probably due to his conditioning. The Sixers could’ve taken a player like Roy Hibbert or Kosta Koufos at center to backup Dalembert or taken Darrell Arthur, who could’ve given the Sixers Al Hortford-type numbers this year. Instead they essentially drafted the next Eddy Curry without the high ceiling of potential.

Phoenix Suns: A; Robin Lopez, Goran Dragic. The Suns got exactly what they needed in this draft: a defensive center and a developmental PG. Robin Lopez, in my opinion, will be the better Lopez in the league because he is already a great defensive player both in one-on-one situations and as a help defender. Terry Porter is a hard-nosed coach that will preach defense and Robin Lopez is a player that prides himself on the defensive end. Shaq will help him develop some offense and Lopez might be able to teach Shaq how to defend the pick and roll. Lopez has some offensive skills in development and could turn into a dependable starting center on both ends of the floor. Dragic will stay overseas for now but when the time comes he might be good enough to run the Suns.

Portland Trail Blazers: B+; Jerryd Bayless, Ike Diogu, Nicolas Batum. Portland has morphed into the New England Patriots of the NBA as the wheelers and dealers of the draft. The Blazers made 5 trades during the draft and some of these moves are setting up a deal later this summer. Diogu still has a lot of untapped potential and Portland is a good spot to find it. Bayless gives them a good backup at SG and can play some point guard if needed. Batum will be a project overseas but could come in and fill the SF spot in a couple years. It would’ve been nice if the Blazers took someone at that spot that could play right away, but they are likely to fill that position with a veteran player of the caliber of a Corey Maggette. Bayless will be a good player if they keep him but he could be part of the package they are trying to deal, along with either Travis Outlaw or Martell Webster and Channing Frye.

Sacramento Kings: D; Jason Thompson, Sean Singletary, Patrick Ewing Jr. The Kings gave everyone the Lil’ Jon “WWWWWHAT” moment of the draft when they took Thompson. If he wowed them in workouts that’s one thing, but to take him in the lottery when they could’ve traded down and still taken him was foolish. The Kings didn’t have a PG on their roster coming into the draft. I would say Chalmers was too much of a reach at 12 but they took Jason Thompson! Singletary is a score-first point guard who might make it in the league due to his work ethic. He is a very streaky shooter and is by no means good enough to be a starter. Ewing Jr. doesn’t have a lot of the measurables to make it but is a hustle player. The Kings will send him to the summer league.

San Antonio Spurs: C+; George Hill, Malik Hairston, James Gist. The Spurs are an aging team and have no go-to guy at SF in the future, so when CDR slipped to them I expected the Spurs to take him. He would’ve been a nice fit with Ginobili. However, the Spurs scouts are notorious for finding players most people haven’t heard of and turning them into solid players, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Hill should make the team but it is uncertain what kind of contribution he will give them in the near future. Hairston can fill it up when he’s feeling it and is likely a direct replacement for Brent Barry after next season. James Gist gives the Spurs some needed athleticism in the frontcourt. If Popovic can get Gist to buy into defense he might be one of the best sleepers to come out of this draft.

Seattle Sonics: B-; Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, D.J. White, DeVon Hardin. The Sonics got a nice group of players but could’ve done better. Westbrook was a reach at number 4 and the Sonics are bone dry of talent at center. If Westbrook was their guy they should have taken a lesser offer from the Clippers and moved down to 7, where at the very least, Brook Lopez or Westbrook would still be available. Westbrook isn’t ready to start at the point right now, and with the futures of Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson hanging in the balance the Sonics need someone to play the point tomorrow. Ibaka has a ton of athletic talent and could develop into another Shawn Kemp. White is a tough rebounder but Darrell Arthur had much more upside. However I think the Sonics were targeting White as a replacement to Chris Wilcox and when he got drafted early the Sonics had to make a move. Hardin can come in at the center position and play defense but does not help Seattle with their main problem of finding a scorer from the center position.

Toronto Raptors: B; Jermaine O’Neal, Nathan Jawai. The Raptors gave up a lot to get O’Neal and better pray he is the last piece of a championship puzzle. Between Chris Bosh and O’Neal they have to fork over $75 million over the next 2 seasons, so as far as bringing more pieces in is concerned, the well is now empty. O’Neal could work wonders down low if he stays healthy as he will take a lot of double teams off Chris Bosh. But if he continues to break down he’s just a huge medical bill. Jawai could develop into a good backup center.

Utah Jazz: A; Kosta Koufos, Ante Tomic, Tadija Dragicevic. The Jazz are another team that knows how to draft well and it shows. The only position where the Jazz needed a player right now was at center, and Koufos is a perfect backup to Mehmet Okur. He provides a good midrange game and has some post moves that Okur is missing. He will be very effective playing with Deron Williams. The Jazz needed a SF prospect a few years down the line and got him in Dragicevic. He won his league MVP in Croatia last year and will continue to flourish over there until Matt Harpring is gone. Tomic is a good scoring center prospect that has some similarities to Pau Gasol. The Jazz could keep him but are likely to use him in the future as a trading pawn.

Washington Wizards: F; JaVale McGee. The Wizards need a backup PG, a SF, and a dependable C. They took none of these. McGee could develop into a backup center someday, but the Wizards don’t have time to wait if they plan on resigning Jamison and Arenas. CDR would’ve made a great backup to Caron Butler. Mario Chalmers would’ve been a great backup PG and make Antonio Daniels expendable. Kosta Koufos would’ve given them a scoring presence from a center, something they haven’t found in years. The Wizards needed to add a crucial piece to a successful playoff team puzzle. They blew it.

Those are the final grades. Some teams made honor roll. Others have their front office in the principal’s office.
This draft will go down as one of the deepest drafts across the board. The 2nd round of this draft could go down as the best of the decade.

Team By Team Breakdown of Draft Picks

After year two of the NBA’s “one-and-done” experiment, a new crop of kids will be collecting millions of dollars, having their name plastered across ugly overpriced shoes and either joining the list of draft busts or draft steals.  Though this draft wasn’t as deep as drafts past, it still had a lot of quality players available.  But, as they always do, NBA GM’s and big wigs will find a way to screw up the future of their franchise.

Here’s a report card of the winners and losers from Thursday night.Atlanta Hawks – D- (Picks: None)
The only reason I didn’t give the Hawks an F was because of their youth.  Marvin Williams is still young; Horford is very young and made a strong case for Rookie of the Year last season.  This team just needs a full training camp together and a better coach and they could be back in the playoffs.

Boston Celtics – C- (Picks: J.R. Giddens, 6 – 4 G, Bill Walker 6 – 6 F, Semih Erden, 6- 11 F/C)
The Celts main focus this offseason is bringing back Posey and House.  The only prospect that could potentially make the slightest impact is Walker.  He reminiscent of a young Bonzi Wells and could make an impression on Doc Rivers with his hustle and athleticism.

Charlotte Bobcats – D (Picks: D.J. Augustin, 5 – 11 G, Alexis Ajinca, 7 – 0 C, Kyle Weaver 6 – 6 G/F)
Michael Jordan’s “genius” has struck again.  It wasn’t as bad as “Kwame Brown #1 overall”, but it’s fairly close.  Though the Bobcats could have used another point guard, but I don’t think Augustin was the answer.  I’m not sure he’s going to be able to live up to Larry Brown’s impossible standards or defend the bigger guards in the East.  Plus, they were openly in the market for a big man so they could shift Emeka Okafor to his more natural 4 spot, yet they pass on Brook Lopez and go after a 7-foot Frenchman.  And when you say 7-foot Frenchman, you think [insert emasculating joke here].

Chicago Bulls – B (Picks: Derrick Rose, 6 – 3 G, Omer Asik, 7 – 0 C)
The Bulls did such a great job of hiding their infatuation with Rose.  Nobody could have ever guessed they would’ve gone with him.  Anyway, the Bulls had no choice but to take Rose.  Point guards are the new flavor of the month in the NBA and Rose fits the bill of what everyone is salivating over.  He should be able to come in from day one and open the floor up for guys like Luol Deng and Ben Gordon and allow Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas to do what they’re best at, catching the ball out of the air and slamming it through the hoop.  If they package together some of those now expendable pieces (i.e. Kirk Hinrich & Larry Hughes) and bring back a serviceable scoring big man (i.e. Elton Brand or Carlos Boozer in 2009-10) they could be a championship contender.

Cleveland Cavaliers – D+ (Picks: J.J. Hickson, 6 – 9 F, Sasha Kaun, 6 – 11 F/C, Darnell Jackson, 6 – 9 F)
The Cavs still haven’t filled their need of a point guard.  That needs to be priority number one for Danny Ferry and crew.  Hickson probably won’t be able to crack their rotation and will spend most of the season in a suit on the bench or in the D-League.  I see the Cavs making a strong run at getting Hinrich from Chicago.

Detroit Pistons – D+ (Picks: Walter Sharpe, 6 – 9 F, Trent Plaisted, 6 – 10 F, Deron Washington, 6 – 6 G)
The Pistons didn’t get anyone who will be able to crack their roster.  Dumars had a great draft last year, but this year’s leaves a lot to be desired.  Plaisted might be able to get a look if he can show some more toughness and consistent mid-to-long range shooting.  Other than that, this veteran laden team is going to make its biggest splash via trade.

Dallas Mavericks – D (Picks: Shan Foster, 6 – 5 G)
The Mavs are trying to win now.  They really aren’t looking to unearth that next great hidden gem of the draft.  Foster won’t play for them.

Denver Nuggets – F (Picks: Sonny Weams, 6 – 5 G)
This is the second straight year that the Nuggets haven’t had a substantial draft pick.  Although, Weams’ athleticism is Andre Igoudala-ish and he is a strong finisher at the rim.  But, I guess they are satisfied with being a mediocre ball club.

Golden State Warriors – B- (Picks: Anthony Randolph, 6 – 11 F, Richard Hendrix, 6 – 9 F)
Golden State’s main focus is retaining their laundry list of free agents.  They also need to dispel all of the rumors of them sending Baron Davis to Detroit.  Draft wise, I think Randolph will fit right in with the Warriors.  They don’t need a plodding big man; they need a nimble guy with some length that can grab a couple rebounds and swat a few shots, that’s Randolph in a nut shell.  Plus Randolph has enough offensive prowesses to contribute six to 10 points a game early on, maybe 12 to 14 if he can put on a good 15 or 20 pounds.  And with Andreis Biendrins being one of their many free agents, Hendrix could be a potential replacement.

Houston Rockets – C- (Picks: Donte Green, 6 – 9 F, Joey Dorsey, 6 – 8 F, Maarty Leunen, 6 – 8 F)
The Rockets traded away a very solid pick in Nicolas Batum and brought back two head cases.  Joey Dorsey can be the next Rick Mahorn/Charles Oakley and can aid in the “gangsta-fication” of Yao Ming.  Green is a very talented player, but I question his mental toughness and ability to play controlled basketball.  If he can stop being an erratic head case and focus on playing basketball he could be a very good player in this league

Indiana Pacers – B- (Picks: Brandon Rush, 6 – 6 G, Roy Hibbert, 7 – 2 C, Nathan Jawai, 6 – 11 C)
The Pacers made a couple of sound moves so far this offseason.  They got Jermaine O’Neal’s 42 million dollars off the books, and they brought in solid point guard in T.J. Ford who’s looking to prove himself.  I think Brandon Rush will be a great pro.  I’m not saying that he’ll be a perennial all-star, he just looks like a guy who is going to go out every night and do his job and do it the right way; something Indiana is looking for.  And Roy Hibbert’s best basketball is still ahead of him.  Now, how high of a level basketball that will be?  I don’t know…

Los Angeles Lakers – D- (Picks: Joe Crawford, 6 – 4 G)
Unless toughness and tenacity were available for drafting, the Lakers weren’t going to grade out well.  The Lakers already have what they need as far as players go, they just need to get a full training camp under their belt and a healthy Andrew Bynum back into the starting lineup and they’ll be right back in the Finals hunt.

Los Angeles Clippers – B (Picks: Eric Gordon, 6 – 4 G, DeAndre Jordan, 7 – 0 C, Mike Taylor, 6 – 0 G)
I think the Clippers did a good job in this draft.  I think both Gordon and Jordan are going to come in with chips on their shoulder to prove all of the nay-sayers wrong.  Especially Jordan, he’s a guy that was projected to go in the top ten back in May before he plummeted down draft boards.  And Gordon gives them that young backcourt scoring punch they desperately need.

Memphis Grizzlies – B (Picks: O.J. Mayo, 6 – 4 F, Darrell Arthur, 6 – 10 F)
The Grizz and the T-Wolves made a late night trade that brought Mayo to purgatory, I mean Memphis along with Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner, and Marko Jaric in exchange for Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, and Jason Collins.  This grade is all about O.J. Mayo.  I’m going to go ahead and agree with all the experts and Jay Bilas that Mayo is the most NBA-ready guy in this draft class.  He even looked like a NBA-er on draft night with the too-small suit and the faux-spectacles.  Mayo should give Memphis a player with star potential to be the face of their franchise.  The only bad part about this trade is now the Grizzlies won’t be able to use the best promo slogan in NBA history, “buy your Memphis season tickets today and experience all the Gay-Love action!”  That would have been priceless…

Miami Heat – B+ (Picks: Michael Beasley, 6 – 8 F, Mario Chalmers 6 – 2 G)
The Heat had a very good draft.  This almost makes up for them drafting Harold Minor, Khalid Reeves, and Martin Muresepp.  They had to take Beasley.  He WILL be an 18 and 10 guy as a rookie and probably will edge out Rose for Rookie of the Year because he’ll be on a better team.  I love Beasley’s commitment to rebounding, that alone will keep you in the league for double-digit years (ask Adonal Foyal).  Though, Beasley’s arrival could mean the departure of hometown mainstay Udonis Haslem.  But Haslem only gives you rebounds; Beasley brings the same 10 boards along with 20 points.  I’m not sure a couple of second round picks was worth dealing away Darnell Jackson.  But I do think they got a potential starting point guard in Chalmers.

Milwaukee Bucks – C+ (Picks: Joe Alexander, 6 – 8 F, Luc Richard Mbah A Moute, 6 – 7 G/F)
Even though the Bucks made a pretty good move to bring in Richard Jefferson, I’m not completely sold on it.  They still don’t have a reliable post presence that can at the very least grab rebounds and change/block shots.  I think Alexander will turn out to be a shorter version of Austin Croshere.  And I’m just interested in seeing how they’re going to fit Luc Richard Mbah A Moute on the back of a jersey.

Minnesota T-Wolves – B+ (Picks: Kevin Love, 6 – 10, Nikola Pekovic, 6 – 11 F/C)
After Kevin McHale donated KG to former teammate Danny Ainge, he finally made a trade that will help his franchise.  To bring in a frontcourt mate for Al Jefferson in Kevin Love, a lights out shooter in Mike Miller, and to get Antoine Walker off the books, the T-Wolves did a great job.  I think Kevin Love will turn out to be a decent pro.  He won’t be great, but he won’t be a bust either.  He shot up draft boards with his pre-draft workouts and weight loss, plus he is very fundamentally sound, something that is rare for American players nowadays.  Jefferson, Love, Miller, Gomes, and Foye starting, with Corey Brewer coming off the bench; I like the Wolves to win 30 games next season.

New Orleans Hornets – D (Picks: None)
New Orleans is another team that doesn’t completely fail because of their youth and their accomplishments last season.  They really don’t have any glaring needs, nor could they have upgraded any of their positions from where they were picking.  Dumping the picks and getting the cash was the best thing to do.

New Jersey Nets – A (Picks: Brook Lopez, 7 – 0 C, Ryan Anderson, 6 – 10 F, Chris Douglas-Roberts, 6 – 7 G/F)
The Nets were absolutely the biggest winners from this year’s draft.  They got it done with their pre-draft trade and they had two quality players fall right into their laps.  For them to get Lopez at 10 was a steal, a lot of people had him going as high as four.  But I think the biggest gift they received was CDR falling to the second round.  And not only did he fall to the second round, he fell 10 more spots in the second round to 40th overall.  And from the aspect of the trade, I think Yi Jianlian will be a serviceable rotation player, plus he’s more offensively inclined then any of the bigs the Nets currently have, so they win all-around.

New York Knicks – C (Picks: Danilo Gallinari, 6 – 9 F)
The Knicks fan in attendance booed Gallinari when David Stern called his name.  I don’t blame them; this was a blatant case of nepotism.  Gallinari’s dad played with D’Antoni back in Italy and now he’s picking his buddy’s son over all the other better qualified candidates.  I’m not sold on any guy nicknamed “the rooster”…

Orlando Magic – C (Picks: Courtney Lee, 6 – 5 G)
I’ve been high on Courtney Lee since the beginning of the draft process.  He strikes me as one of the guys that we’ll look back at this draft and say, “why did all those teams pass on him again?”  Another reason why I liked him was the fact that he stayed in college all four years and I got a chance to really assess his game.  He can knock down open shots and he can get the basket and finish fairly strongly.

Phoenix Suns – C- (Picks: Robin Lopez, 7 – 0 C, Goran Dragic, 6 – 4 G,)
It’s apparent the Suns are looking to get more defensive minded in their drafting of the offensively challenged Robin Lopez.  Lopez is what playground ballers would call a “self-check”.  But he is tall, and has a “great motor”, two things you can’t teach.  But I don’t think they are going to play him over rap-master Shaq, so this essentially is a pick for the future.

Philadelphia 76ers C+ (Picks: Marreese Speights, 6 – 10 F)
The 76ers grade could jump later, depending on Speights willingness to get in shape and play hard every night.  I always had him pegged in Philly because they need someone to produce offense from the power forward position.  He can provide that, but it’s all going to come down to his mental strength to want to do it.

Portland Trailblazers – A- (Picks: Jerry Bayless, 6 – 2 G, Nicolas Batum, 6 – 7 F/G)
The Blazers made out like bandits once again.  They drafted Brandon Rush, a proven shot maker to perch on the perimeter when Oden is getting doubled.  But then they pull off the Rush for Jerryd Bayless deal, that not only gives them a shooter to perch on the perimeter, but its gives them a big time scorer that can also facilitate the offense and take some pressure off of Brandon Roy.  They also made a couple of late moves to bring in French swing man Nicolas Batum.  Batum looks to be a slightly less skilled version of Boris Diaw.  The Blazers are a team on the rise.

Sacramento Kings – D+ (Picks: Jason Thompson, 6 – 11 C, Sean Singletary, 6 – 0 G, Patrick Ewing Jr., 6 – 7 F)
I did not understand the Kings’ draft at all.  I think taking Thompson at number 12 was major reach.  Its one thing to make sure you take the guy you want; it’s another thing to take the guy nobody wants.  Plus, they spent a first round pick on Spencer Hawes last year, and still have Mikki Moore and Brad Miller, all 7-footers.  They could really use some backcourt help for Kevin Martin, especially since they gave Bibby to the Hawks.  Ewing Jr. will give Luke Walton a run in the competition of who can look more like their father but probably won’t produce much on the court.

San Antonio Spurs – C- (Picks: George Hill, 6 – 2 G, Malik Hairston, 6 – 5 G, James Gist, 6 – 8 F)
The Spurs are most likely going to try and strengthen their bench through free agency opposed to the draft.  I don’t see Hill beating out a crafty vet like Jacque Vaughn for the backup point guard spot.  Nor do I see Gist being stable and consistent enough to stay on the roster in any capacity.  Hairston, however, is the type of player that the Spurs like to bring in.  He has a high basketball IQ and he is very unselfish with the ball.  He could bring some youth to their bench.

Seattle Sonics – B (Picks: Russell Westbrook, 6 – 4 G, Serge Ibaka, 6 – 10 F, D.J. White, 6 – 9 F, DeVon Hardin, 6 – 10 F/C,)
The Sonics filled their two biggest needs with their picks.  They needed a point guard to dish the ball to Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, they got that in Westbrook.  I didn’t think they would pull the trigger on him at four, but they were more comfortable with him than they were with Bayless.  Westbrook is also very quick off the dribble and will play lockdown one-on-one defense.  I like the Ibaka, its one I had pegged since my initial draft board.  And, probably most importantly, the Sonics got a couple of guys to grab rebounds when Durant pitches up those 30 shots a game in White and Kaun.

Toronto Raptors – B (Picks: None)
The Raptors got this high of a grade because of the trade they pulled off with the Pacers.  Bringing in Jermaine O’Neal, when healthy, could be the thing that takes the Raptors from being a niche playoff team to a true playoff contender that could make a deep run.  Bosh, Calderon, Moon, Kapono, and O’Neal is a big and skilled starting five that would give any team match up problems.  The big if is, if O’Neal is and can stay healthy.  He’s missed over 120 games in the past two seasons combined.  

Utah Jazz – C+ (Picks: Kosta Koufos, 7 – 0 C, Ante Tomic, 7 – 2 C, Tadija Dragicevic, 6 – 9 F)
The Jazz are only going to see one of the picks.  Both Tomic and Dragicevic are committed to their national club teams for the next three to five years, so they’re out of the equation.  Koufos could be a decent fit with the Jazz.  He can get up and down the floor pretty well, and he can score on the ball.  I think he’s going to have to improve his mental toughness and commitment to defense, especially since he’s going to go play for Jerry Sloan.  On the flip side, he could end up being a less skilled version of Mehmet Okur.  And I don’t think that’s what the Jazz were looking for…

Washington Wizards – C+ (Picks: JaVale McGee, 7 – 0 C)
McGee will fit in nicely with the Wizards.  He’s long and moves well up and down the floor.  Plus he’s more offensively gifted then Brendan Haywood.  It’ll be good if he can put on some weight so he can deal with the pounding he’ll take against bigger defenders.

By David J. Cohen

The NBA draft is extremely crucial toward building success and ultimately championships. Every team is one great pick away from possible glory. However, this year the draft shook out in an order that hurts many of the teams. If trades don’t happen early and often a lot of square pegs could find themselves in round holes. Here is a mock draft rundown of what the teams should do, and then what I think they will end up doing if they are picking at their respective spots.1. Chicago Bulls – This one isn’t too difficult. With Drew Gooden and draft picks from the last 2 years in Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas the Bulls don’t need Beasley. Derrick Rose is the best player in this draft and will immediately replace Kirk Hinrich. Rose can provide immediate stability and a sense of calm that Hinrich cannot. If you want a preview of how Rose will help the Bulls, look at what Brandon Roy has done for Portland.

What they should do: Draft Derrick Rose, PG Memphis
What they will do: Draft Derrick Rose

2. Miami Heat – The Heat are in a tricky spot here. You wouldn’t think so since Rose and Beasley are the clear 1-2 in this draft but if the Heat end up keeping Shawn Marion, and all indications point to him opting out to work out a long term deal with Miami to help their immediate cap, then Beasley doesn’t quite fit a position of need. He isn’t good enough defensively to play the 3 consistently in the NBA and I don’t think the Heat want Marion sliding to that spot even though it might work out quite well. On top of that Riley doesn’t like Beasley’s attitude and worries he might turn into more trouble then good. I don’t see him as another Zack Randolph but Riley sees some of that in Beasley and it scares him. Wade has fallen in love with O.J. Mayo and while it would be insane to pass up Beasley for Mayo it’s not out of the realm of possibility.

What they should do: Draft Michael Beasley, PF Kansas State and slide Marion to SF. In their own division the starting 3’s are Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace, Rashard Lewis, and Caron Butler.
What they will do: Trade down in the lottery or take Beasley with the intention of trading him to a team like Memphis.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves – The Wolves can take anyone here since they need help all over the place. Anyone they take could conceivably start right away. If the Heat draft Mayo then the T-Wolves have the no-brainer decision of the NBA draft. It’s more likely the Heat could move out of that pick and if the T-Wolves aren’t the trading partner then they have a dilemma. They need a sure-fire pick and it doesn’t exist at their spot. They should trade the pick and accumulate some future picks but its unlikely anyone else wants the 3rd pick.

What they should do:  Draft Jerryd Bayless, PG/SG Arizona. PG is the one position where the Wolves don’t have a young player that can turn into a bonified starter.
What they will do: Trade out or draft O.J Mayo, PG USC.

4. Seattle Sonics – The Sonics are probably the toughest team to figure out in the draft. There is a ton of uncertainty as to who the Sonics plan to keep from last year’s roster and that makes it hard to figure out who they will take. You would think either Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson will be on a different team by the end of the draft. The Sonics are in complete rebuilding mode and could also entertain trading the pick down if they can get a player that can help Durant immediately. It would be interesting if the Sonics offered their 4th and 24th picks to Miami to try and grab Beasley, especially with the status of Chris Wilcox up in the air. But that likely won’t happen, and if the Sonics are stuck at 4 they need someone to play point next year.

What they should do: Draft Bayless if he’s there. If not and they must draft a player, take Brook Lopez, C Stanford. They need a center prospect and he’s the only one available at the top that isn’t a major reach. They cannot take Mayo under any circumstances because he and Durant cannot coexist.
What they will do: Draft Jerryd Bayless, PG Arizona.

5. Memphis Grizzlies – They are going to trade Mike Miller and its possible depending on the suitor that this pick might be involved. The Heat have targeted Miller for almost 5 months now. If they have to keep the pick they need to address the frontcourt. Based on what they gave up for Pau Gasol they should draft a new GM but that’s not possible. Right now the Grizzlies starting frontcourt is Hakim Warrick and Darko Milicic. That’s not good. With 3 young point guards and an emerging SG in Juan Carlos Navarro it limits who they should look at with this pick if they’re stuck.

What they should do: Trade out or draft Brook Lopez, C Stanford. He’ll start immediately. If he’s gone then the Grizzlies are really in a bind unless they are finally working out the Heat deal that would net them Michael Beasley. If not then the only option left is Kevin Love. He’s overrated at this pick but he’s the only other frontcourt player they can take who can immediately contribute.
What they will do: Draft Kevin Love, PF UCLA

6. New York Knicks – The Knicks need to trade down more than any other team in this draft. They really are left short of any options no matter how the top 5 shakes up. The Knicks, who have often found busts, are now looking into a minefield full of them. D’Antoni doesn’t like Gallinari, so there goes the shoe-in pick. The best case scenario for the Knicks isn’t that Mayo slides to them. They need to trade the pick down for a first and a future first. The next Steve Nash is in next year’s draft. Ricky Rubio currently plays in Spain. Anyone who looks him up on Youtube will see he’s identical to Nash in his mannerisms, court vision, and the type of passes he does. That’s D’Antoni’s point of the future. The Knicks could reach for a PG right now but there is no one worth the pick at this spot.

What they should do: Trade down. The talks with the 76ers are dead but there is still very strong discussion that D’Antoni is importing either/or Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa and that this deal involves the swapping of 1st round picks. If they can’t do that then they should draft Joe Alexander, SF West Virginia. His workouts indicate he is indeed more athletic then he appears, which seemed to be the case in college. He is the type of player D’Antoni can work wonders with in his system. And Alexander brings the lunch-pail toughness the Knicks desperately need.
What they will do: Draft Mayo or D.J. Augustin, PG Texas. Mayo would be the next Marbury in the Big Apple as he is easily distracted. Augustin is a talented player and while I like him I don’t want him at this point in the draft. The Knicks never get it right so there’s no reason to think that will change now.

7. L.A. Clippers – The Clippers underachieved again and now will likely lose its 2 best players. Elton Brand and Corey Maggette can both leave if they wish for one reason or another and anytime a player can leave the Clippers it should be a foregone conclusion they jump ship. The remaining Clippers need a point guard and a power forward. This is another team where their draft position doesn’t quite match their need. If they can create a deal involving Brand that allows them to move up then they can salvage the draft. The likely 4 best players on the board don’t fit a direct position of need for the Clippers.

What they should do: Trade down. If a pick must be made they should select Augustin if the Knicks don’t pick him. If he’s also gone then Brook Lopez is the best player available for them as far as an immediate impact and a need.
What they will do: Draft Russell Westbrook, PG UCLA. One of the reach’s of the draft, but with the Clippers only PG secured on the roster being Shaun Livingston they will pick out of desperation. This is exacerbated by the fact that the Bobcats may have guaranteed Westbrook the pick at number 9.

8. Milwaukee Bucks – They are rumored to be moving Michael Redd and their pick could be involved in some capacity in a trade up. However, the Bucks are the first team in a while in this draft that has the board fall in line for them. Depending on who they get in a Redd deal the Bucks might still need a solid SG. The weakest position on the roster is at SF, and at this point they can easily fill that position as well.

What they should do: If they don’t get a direct replacement for Redd they should pick Eric Gordon, SG Indiana. Unfortunately they have Kelvin Sampson on their coaching staff now so that’s out. This leaves them addressing SF with Joe Alexander.
What they will do: Draft Joe Alexander.

9. Charlotte Bobcats – This team will never be taken seriously as long as they have a middle school name for a mascot, but that’s something they can’t fix. It’s clear the Bobcats have to address the frontcourt. Okafor is the only steady player on the team at PF or C and he could be traded. This could be a very easy pick or they might end up taking a huge gamble, depending on how the board shakes out.

What they should do: If Lopez is still hanging around then he has to go here. If not they need someone to step in immediately at one of the two spots and can’t wait on another project. It’s a slight reach, but if they can’t move down a few spots they should draft Darrell Arthur, PF Kansas. With good coaching he could evolve into a very good player for a lot of years and can come in right away and contribute.
What they will do: Draft Brook Lopez. If he’s gone then they will take DeAndre Jordan, C Texas A&M. M.J. will take another center project and it might hurt him again, even though if this one doesn’t work out he’ll still be better than Kwame Brown.

10. New Jersey Nets – In the Nets case it doesn’t really matter what anyone thinks. They’ve guaranteed Gallinari the pick. He would drop out if he didn’t get a guarantee he’d be in the top 10. The Nets have a history of guaranteeing their picks, so this isn’t a surprise. With 9 other teams that haven’t guaranteed Gallinari anything that kind of narrows the field.

What they should do: Since they are going to trade Jefferson in a Marcus Camby deal they will need a SF so I agree with the guarantee.
What they will do: Draft Danilo Gallinari, SF Italy.

11. Indiana Pacers – Rumors are all over the place about them being one of the teams most likely to move up. As it stands now the Pacers will need a PG, PF, and C as Jermaine O’Neal appears to finally be headed elsewhere. If Augustin or Westbrook are still available it’s going to be really hard to pass them up. If they aren’t available then the Pacers have some thinking to do if they can’t get out of the pick.

What they should do: If either Augustin or Westbrook are available they should be taken here. If they aren’t there then the Pacers logically have to choose between Jordan and Anthony Randolph, PF LSU (Love Shaq University). However, the best fit and need for the Pacers is Kosta Koufos, C Ohio State. In their free-flowing system Koufos can hit the outside shot and help stretch the floor. Having him keeps Troy Murphy at the 4 at all times and helps this team much more in the short run and down the line.
What they will do: If Jordan is still available and the PGs are gone, which is very likely, he’s their pick. If he’s gone then they will select Anthony Randolph.

12. Sacramento Kings – The Kings decision will come down to who they feel is coming back next season. If they are moving Ron Artest then they could look for a replacement. They have a good duo at center but if they trade Brad Miller they need someone to go alongside Spencer Hawes. Mikki Moore and Shelden Williams aren’t reliable PFs so the Kings are probably looking at that position the hardest. If the draft shakes out so Eric Gordon is still available the Kings should have a healthy market of trade partners and trading down is their best option in this scenario.

What they should do: If Gordon is still around trade down. They could package this pick with one of their 2nd round picks to get a 1st and a future 1st. If he’s gone then they can’t ignore Randolph if he’s still around. If both are gone then they need another center, and they had Roy Hibbert rated ahead of Hawes last year, so why not get them both?
What they will do: Trade down if Gordon is still there. If he’s not then they will draft Randolph or Hibbert.

13. Portland Trailblazers – Portland has a ton of young talent and in reality needs some good veterans to take the next step. With Greg Oden coming in it’s as if they have their monster 1st round pick already. They get a great player in the draft every year, and if the draft plays out like this they will continue the trend. Eric Gordon is a perfect pick here as Brandon Roy can play straight from the point and control the offense. Gordon and Roy are great compliments to each other.

What they should do: Draft Eric Gordon. If he’s gone then they need to trade or even sell the pick.
What they will do: Draft Eric Gordon or trade out.

14. Golden State Warriors – The Warriors will have a lot to deal with in new contracts and free agents. They have to decide whether to offer lucrative contracts to Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins and figure out the future of Baron Davis. I don’t see Davis being moved so that leaves Ellis or Biedrins as possibly being gone. The Knicks love Ellis and he doesn’t mind going there so a trade between the 2, which would certainly involve the Knicks 6th pick, could emerge. If they have to pick here they need another center whether Biedrins is a Warrior or not. In Nellie’s offense they can find the closest thing to the Dirk figure still on the board.

What they should do: If they still have the pick they must pick Kosta Koufos. This would make them the only team in NBA history to have 2 players named Kosta on their roster.
What they will do: Draft Kosta Koufos. In the very unlikely event he is gone they will take Darrell Arthur.

15. Phoenix Suns – The Suns are changing their identity to more of a traditional half-court defensive team. The glaring position of need is at center, as the Big Cactus is all they really have, and Amare Stoudemire has been injury prone at the 4 next to him. Based on what the Suns are trying to do there are 2 players on the board that make perfect sense if they’re still at this pick. If the Knicks hold this pick, then they are still out of position as far as need. They could take Arthur but at this point as a fan I would be praying for the Knicks to "reach" and take Chris Douglas Roberts, SG/SF Memphis. He is the perfect fit for D’Antoni and is the most underrated player in this draft. He would easily be a 20, 5, 5 guy in New York by his 2nd season.

What they should do: Draft Roy Hibbert or Darrell Arthur.
What they will do: Draft Roy Hibbert. If he’s gone then Darrell Arthur.

16. Philadelphia 76ers – They are the Portland Trailblazers with less talent across the board. They had a terrific run after the all star break last year and hope to parlay that into a good run this year. Right now they have no PF and must fill that void.
What they should do: If Arthur is still around he should be a shoe-in selection. If he’s gone then they should select Robin Lopez. His skill set is a good match to backup Dalembert.
What they will do: If they are at this pick all signs point to them taking Marreese Speights, PF Florida. He’s the next Eddy Curry and is easily going to be one of the busts of this draft.

17. Toronto Raptors – The Raptors are a team without a whole lot of needs for youth. If they trade T.J. Ford then they need a backup PG but they can’t get that here. They could use a backup center or power forward incase Bosh leaves. They are a team prime to trade out of this pick. If not they could take an international player and stash him away for a couple years.

What they should do: If Arthur is still hanging around it will be very difficult for the Raptors to pass him up. If he’s gone then they should consider international talent like Nicolas Batum, SG France, who they can keep overseas for a couple years.
What they will do: They will probably package this pick in some kind of deal. If they have to use it for themselves they will finally get Arthur off the board. If he’s gone then they will draft Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka, PF Congo, or Alexis Ajinca, PF France and keep their pick overseas.  

18. Washington Wizards – This pick will be directly tied to whether Agent 0 and Antawn Jamison are returning. If they both return the Wizards could very well trade out of this draft or build some frontcourt depth. If Arenas is gone they may reach for Mario Chalmers. If Jamison is gone then they will take someone at that spot. In any case another center wouldn’t hurt.

What they should do: The Wizards should take the best player available not at SG.
What they will do: Draft Mario Chalmers. The Wizards may realize that under Coach Eddie Jordan they are better off without Arenas because the ball moves and they play team defense. In that case they need a PG replacement and the draft really plummets at the position after Chalmers.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs will likely need some frontcourt depth as Anderson Varejao will probably end up on a different team before next season. They also desperately need some players around LeBron that can hit perimeter shots. There is a player on the board that makes too much sense.

What they should do: Draft Brandon Rush, SG/SF Kansas.
What they will do: Draft Brandon Rush.

20. Denver Nuggets – The Nuggets, if they are trading Camby to the Nets or anywhere else, will have a huge void to fill at center.

What they should do: Draft Robin Lopez, C Stanford. If he happens to be gone then they should draft JaVale McGee, C Nevada.
What they will do: Draft Robin Lopez

21. New Jersey Nets – If they have Camby they are set in the frontcourt. They could use a SG but with Gallinari being an international player and with no other true options the Nets could take another SF who gives them a different element. They could also take the eventual replacement to Vince Carter.

What they should do: Take the best player available: Chris Douglas Roberts.
What they will do: Draft CDR. They need a replacement for Vince sooner rather than later and reports are they will take either CDR or Brandon Rush at this spot.

22. Orlando Magic – For a team that made the playoffs last year they don’t have a ton of depth. With the players leaving the team the Magic could use depth at every position except center. A great pick at SG could give them a new starter, and with Turkoglu and Lewis to spread the floor open the Magic are missing an effective slasher. He’s on the board.

What they should do: They have a lot of options at this pick. They should try to move up a couple spots to get Rush or CDR. If they are stuck here they should take the best player available: Donte Green.
What they will do: Draft Courtney Lee, SG Western Kentucky. The Magic GM likes him over CDR. He’s a pure scorer who should prove to be at least as comparable as the players in the 2 slot last year. The reason this is the wrong pick is that the Magic have enough shooters.

23. Utah Jazz – The Jazz are pretty much set. They could use a backup center. I assume they won’t move Kirilenko, so that means the Jazz will either pick the last remaining NBA now center prospect in the first round, sell the pick, or get a developmental international player. They have a ton of options.

What they should do: If they are confident in AK-47 then they can take any big prospect they wish. If not then they could take Green if he’s still around, but I don’t think he’s a player that fits Jerry Sloan.
What they will do: Draft JaVale McGee.

24. Seattle Sonics – If they have this pick and have taken Bayless at number 4 then they need to continue to build the frontcourt. With Wilcox likely on the way out they need to find someone to anchor the frontline for the future.

What they should do: They are going to be severely tempted by Donte Green at this point. However, they should get someone who can help them at a position of need down the line. They need frontcourt help as fast as possible but the truth of the matter is there is no player that should go in this range that can come in immediately. JJ Hickson, PF North Carolina State is a reach but his game strongly resembles Wilcox and could be a direct replacement for him.
What they will do: All signs point to Serge Ibaka. He is an athletic freak who has started to develop some advanced offensive skills for an African basketball player. He’s being compared to Shawn Kemp so it’s understandable why the Sonics like him so much.

25. Houston Rockets – If there’s ever been any team that needs players now, it’s the Rockets. They need offense. They need players that can create scoring opportunities for themselves. At this point there’s a player they can’t pass up on.

What they should do: Draft Donte Green. He has a few issues that made him slip, particularly his work ethic and defense but is way too talented to pass up for a team lacking in overall athleticism.
What they will do: Jump on Donte Green.

26. San Antonio Spurs – The Spurs are still a great team but they are old and need to build depth. At the heart of the matter are the SG and SF positions, where behind Ginobili the Spurs have two players that may retire and an aging Bruce Bowen at SF with not a ton behind him. The Spurs always find great value and they will do it again this year with the steal of the draft falling into their lap.

What they should do: Take an international prospect and stash him since they don’t have any value here with any of the U.S. players.
What they will do: Select Nicolas Batum. They can let him develop for a couple years and then bring him over when they need a starting SF.

27. New Orleans Hornets – The Hornets are a young team that is just about set at every position. They could easily sell the pick or trade out for a future pick. If they keep the pick expect them to take a project player to keep overseas. SG is the only place where they could bring someone in right away but they will have to reach.

What they should do: They need to bring in some talent at SG and clean out the position a little bit. They will have to reach with CDR just missing them but this is the point in the draft where you draft on pure potential. Bill Walker, SG/SF Kansas State would be a worthy selection. The fact that the Hornets have just one pick this year plays a big role in their decision.
What they will do: Draft Bill Walker or Gary Forbes, SG Massachusetts. Forbes is the type of player Byron Scott loves and he is tough enough to make a contribution, but he is definitely a reach at this point.

28. Memphis Grizzlies – If the Grizzlies pass on Brook Lopez then they absolutely must draft a future center here. There are a lot of PF prospects at this point but not too many centers. Even if they make the Heat trade they need a center.

What they should do: Draft the "Shaq from down under".
What they will do: Draft Nathan Jawal, PF/C Australia. He is still raw in many offensive skills but he stalks the boards like a rebound hunter. With Milicic and Kwame Brown as your current plan in Memphis this is a nice pick.

29. Detroit Pistons – This pick will absolutely be related to who gets traded. The Pistons will likely be looking at PF after they move Sheed. Maxiell is a monster on the glass and McDyess can do a little bit of everything. Sheed’s ability to stretch the defense from the perimeter needs to be replaced. There’s only one PF prospect in this area that has the potential to do that.

What they should do: Draft Ryan Anderson, PF California.
What they will do: Draft Ryan Anderson, PF California.

30. Boston Celtics – The new NBA champs will lose their depth in the backcourt. They could still have enough talent at both guard spots if they trust their young talent. James Posey is likely opting out so they need a SF.

What they should do: Trade down or select Davon Jefferson, SF USC. He is a perfect type of player for the Celtics.
What they will do: Probably try to trade out or sell the pick. If they are taking then they need either a SF or C prospect, so they will likely take Omer Asik, PF/C Turkey or Ante Tomic, C Croatia and hope they get a good big man in the future.

All 2nd Round Team

PG: Kyle Weaver (Washington State)
SG: Gary Forbes, Jamont Gordon (Mississippi State)
SF: Davon Jefferson, James Gist (Maryland), Josh Duncan (Xavier)
PF: JJ Hickson (NC State), DeVon Hardin (California), Richard Hendrix (Alabama)
C: Joey Dorsey (Memphis), Trent Plaisted (BYU)

1st Round NBA Mock Draft Of What Teams Will Do If No Trades Happen

1. Bulls – Derrick Rose, Memphis
2. Heat – Michael Beasley, Kansas State
3. T-Wolves – O.J. Mayo, USC
4. Sonics – Jerryd Bayless, Arizona
5. Memphis – Kevin Love, UCLA
6. Knicks – D.J. Augustin, Texas
7. Clippers – Russell Westbrook, UCLA
8. Bucks – Joe Alexander, West Virginia
9. Bobcats – Brook Lopez, Stanford
10. Nets – Danilo Gallinari, Italy
11. Pacers – DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M
12. Kings – Anthony Randolph, LSU
13. Blazers – Eric Gordon, Indiana
14. Warriors – Kosta Koufos, Ohio State
15. Suns – Roy Hibbert, Georgetown
16. 76ers – Marreese Speights, Florida
17. Raptors – Darrell Arthur, Kansas
18. Wizards – Mario Chalmers, Kansas
19. Cavs – Brandon Rush, Kansas
20. Nuggets – Robin Lopez, Stanford
21. Nets – Chris Douglas Roberts, Memphis
22. Magic – Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky
23. Jazz – JaVale McGee, Nevada
24. Sonics – Serge Ibaka, Congo
25. Rockets – Donte Green, Syracuse
26. Spurs – Nicolas Batum, France
27. Hornets – Bill Walker, Kansas State
28. Grizzlies – Nathan Jawal, Australia
29. Pistons – Ryan Anderson, California
30. Celtics – Omer Asik, Turkey

1st Round NBA Mock Draft Of What Teams Should Do If No Trades Happen

1. Bulls – Derrick Rose
2. Heat – Michael Beasley
3. T-Wolves – Jerryd Bayless
4. Sonics – Brook Lopez
5. Grizzlies – Kevin Love
6. Knicks – Joe Alexander
7. Clippers – D.J. Augustin
8. Bucks – O.J. Mayo
9. Bobcats – Darrell Arthur
10. Nets – Danilo Gallinari
11. Pacers – Russell Westbrook
12. Kings – Anthony Randolph
13. Blazers – Eric Gordon
14. Warriors – Kosta Koufos
15. Suns – Roy Hibbert
16. 76ers – Robin Lopez
17. Raptors – DeAndre Jordan
18. Wizards – Chris Douglas Roberts (as SF)
19. Cavs – Brandon Rush
20. Nuggets – Marreese Speights
21. Nets – Donte Green
22. Magic – Mario Chalmers
23. Jazz – JaVale McGee
24. Sonics – Serge Ibaka
25. Rockets – Courtney Lee
26. Spurs – Nicolas Batum
27. Hornets – Bill Walker
28. Grizzlies – Joey Dorsey
29. Pistons – Ryan Anderson
30. Celtics – Davon Jefferson

That’s a wrap. This year is more unpredictable then most because of all the players in limbo and how many teams have positions of need that won’t match the value on the board when they are on the clock.

On the heels of the NBA Draft Lottery, teams are probably starting to rack their brains out trying to position themselves to make the most out of their selections. Fortunately, a know-it-all-like myself has never had a problem giving my two cents on what each lottery team should – or should not – do when the draft night rolls along.

These picks, however, are chosen without consideration to any potential trades. If any trade happens with at least one of these 14 teams, then all bets are off.

So without further ado, here’s my take on what each team’s General Manager should do to strike gold in the draft.

“IF I WERE…”
The Chicago Bulls – I would take Michael Beasley. I know it’s really tempting to take hometown kid Derrick Rose to appease the fan base, but Rose doesn’t fill a need. Beasley does. The reason why Chicago bombed so bad this season was because they didn’t have a post presence that could bail them out when their plays broke down – which happened just about every other possession. Beasley not only gives them somebody that can create his own shot, but he also has a great knack for swallowing up rebounds – another area the Bulls were being bullied – no pun intended.

The Miami Heat – I would happily take Derrick Rose and sent John Paxon a `thank-you’ card for passing up on the electrifying point guard. With Rose on-board, the Heat are in a situation where they can go back to being top-tier contenders in no time, supposing Dwyane Wade doesn’t become Penny Hardaway Redux. I won’t bet on it, though, and I’ll be looking forward to Miami’s “Illinois-Connection” to spearhead this team back to the play-offs.

The Minnesota Timberwolves – I’m taking Brook Lopez only because it frees up Al Jefferson to become the monster that he is. This is a “need” pick for the Timberwolves because with Lopez manning the pivot, Jefferson can move back to his natural `4′ position, where he can have a relatively easier time dominating the competition. This also ensures him that he won’t gas himself too much guarding the West’s other centers. Some might say that they need help in the backcourt and wing positions but I’m still not throwing the white flag on Randy Foye. After all, he played great down the stretch for the Timberwolves after he got back from his injury. A full season from him will really gauge just how good a player he can be in this league. In the meantime, Al Jefferson is about ready for prime time and with Lopez on board, he’s about to be unleashed.

The Seattle Supersonics – I’m taking OJ Mayo. I know the Sonics are apprehensive about taking someone with a `red-flag’ on the character department but Mayo is too good a prospect to pass up. He can score, he can play defense, and most importantly, he can sell tickets. A Durant-Mayo combination is going to form a great 1-2 punch for the Sonics – wherever it is they play next year.

The Memphis Grizzlies – Memphis is in a catch-22. The best prospects still available in the draft play positions they don’t really have a need for. The Cubs…err…Grizzlies need a post presence and I’m almost quite positive that Kwame Brown and Darko Milicic aren’t the answer. So out of necessity, I’m taking Kevin Love. Love doesn’t have that star quality that Rose, Beasley or Mayo have but he’s got about everything else. He has range on his jump shoot, he can bang in the post and he’s got a knack for always finding the open guy. Plus, his basketball IQ is off the charts – something their general manager obviously lacks.

The New York Knicks – The choice here is between Jerryd Bayless and Eric Gordon, and I’m taking the sparkplug from Arizona. Let’s face it, Stephon Marbury is dead man walking in Gotham and the sooner they get a legitimate replacement for him, the better it is for Mike D’Antoni’s system. Bayless is not Derrick Rose but he’s also not Marbury. He’s going to make sure to look for his teammates but at the same time be aggressive to look for his own shot. Contrary to popular belief, I think he’s the best fit -with the exception of Derrick Rose – to run D’Antoni’s offense.

The Los Angeles Clippers – I’m taking Eric Gordon. First of all, he shouldn’t have fallen this far and he’s infamous struggles down the stretch during the college basketball season shouldn’t be as big a factor as people are making it out to be. His size, coupled with Shaun Livingston’s uncertain future, might force him to learn how to run a team, which I think he’s capable of. But his scoring ability is his calling card and it’s a welcome addition to a team that struggled mightily in putting the ball through the hoop.

The Milwaukee Bucks – Here’s another team that’s in a bind. On paper, they have the talent to become a play-off team in the East. What they lack is team chemistry – something Andrew Bogut proved when he high-fived Casper after making a free throw. That being said, I’m taking Danilo Gallinari. I know they have a glut at the small forward position but let’s be honest, Bobby Simmons has been a bust, Desmond Mason is better coming off the bench, and Charlie Villanueva is wildly erratic. With Gallineri, they have another playmaker that can provide versatility and smarts in a Bucks team that seems to fall short on both areas.

The Charlotte Bobcats – I’m taking DeAndre Jordan. The Bobcats are primed-up for a play-off run sooner than later, and with Larry Brown on-board, they just might be able to sneak in next year. What this team needs is a tag-team partner for Emeka Okafor. Jordan has the size, the length, the athleticism and the upside to become the Bobcats’ slot man for years to come. If for nothing else, everyone’s going to have a field day when one Jordan drafts another Jordan.

The New Jersey Nets – With Lopez and Jordan off the board, I’m taking the next best available big man. That being said, I’m taking Darell Arthur. Arthur has the potential to be the Net’s first legitimate post player since Kenyon Martin left. With Krstic’s health still up in the air, the Nets need someone that can get points in the paint to ease the burden on Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. With all due respect to Josh Boone and Sean Williams, neither have the offensive skill that Arthur possesses.

The Indiana Pacers – I’m taking DJ Augustine. The Pacers already have a chalk full of scorers but what they don’t have is someone who can get them the ball in positions where they can score. DJ Augustine fits this role perfectly because he’s a pass-first point guard that has the knack of finding open guys in places where. The injury that is Jamaal Tinsley is about two hang nails away from breaking down so the sooner they can get a replacement for him the better it would be for them.

The Sacramento Kings – I’m taking Russell Westbrook. The Kings lost a lot of close games last year due to poor execution down the stretch. One of the biggest culprits is that they don’t have anyone that can set them up for a good play. More often than not, you saw Kevin Martin stumble his way toward the basket or Ron Artest launch an ill-advised three pointer when they only needed two to win the game. With Westbrook on board, they’re going to have someone that can facilitate their offense and distribute the ball in spots where they can be successful. Not only that, Westbrook also has the ability to erupt on any given night so he gives the Kings another offensive weapon opponents will need to worry about.

The Portland Trailblazers – I’m taking Brandon Rush. The Blazers are a scary team because their young, talented, and they genuinely like playing with each other. Now, there might still be other players available that have more potential but Rush is a perfect player for what the Blazers are trying to become. He’s athletic, he has shooting, he can play defense, and most importantly, he’s a model citizen. Rush can fit right in the rotation and become Brandon Roy’s primary back-up to prevent Roy from playing too many minutes and saves him from the plethora of injuries he suffered last year.

The Golden State Warriors – I’m taking Marreese Speights. Don Nelson’s run-and-fun style is suited for the players in Golden State. That being said, the Warriors’ undoing has always been a lack of post presence, especially when they’re playing teams with able bigs. With Speights on board, the Warriors will have someone that bang in the post and at the same time have the athleticism to keep up when they eventually run teams out of the building.

The Guru Predicts The 2008 NBA Draft Lottery

The ping-pong balls are done bouncing and the Association has once again found a way to make all the conspiracy theorists, like myself, concoct new assumptions about its self-serving manipulation.

But far be it from me to ever question Mr. Stern or the integrity of his league, you know the league with the betting refs, the painfully predictable games, and the one that once employed Tom Tolbert; that league.

But I digress.  The next crop of “one-and-dones” is ready to start collecting millions of dollars while trying to avoid the ranks of Kwame Brown, Darius Miles, and Michael Olowokandi.  But unlike the aforementioned busts, this next generation of kids can at least say they know what a college gym looks like.

I still think the NBA should extend the age limit rule to two years removed from high school, forcing these kids to actually take notes in class instead of doodling sketches of their first ugly, over-priced shoe.

There I go getting off topic again…

Here’s how I think June’s lottery will shake out:1)    Chicago Bulls: Michael Beasley F (Kansas State) – This pick will be up for big debate for the next month and a half, but I think it is very simple.  Take Michael Beasley.  The knock on the Bulls for the past four seasons have been their lack of a low post scoring threat.  Plus, they are very guard heavy (Hinrich, Gordon, Hughes, Nocioni) and it would be a lot easier for them to package together two of their current bigs than it would be try to ship out multiple guards.  Beasley going about 6′10″ 240lbs, can be an around the basket scoring “beast”.  He has a great presence on the court that garners the attention of the defense.  He can score either with his back to the basket or facing up.  Now, I am not saying that Beasley will be Shaq, but he can become a consistent scoring threat down low that can warrant a double team; opening the court for Deng, Gordon and Hinrich.

2)    Miami Heat: Derrick Rose G (Memphis) – If I am Pat Riley, I am hoping that the Bulls take Rose instead of Beasley.  So Rose falling to #2 might not be a good thing for Miami.  Even though Rose may be the rookie that will have the biggest immediate impact, I don’t know how well he will fit in with this Heat team.  Rose is Jason Kidd with a better jump shot, or a more physical Steve Nash, take your pick.  Point guards are the new flavor of the month in the NBA, but all the PG’s that everyone is lathering up play on teams that do not have a dominant 2-guard in the backcourt.  Dwyane Wade is a guy who is better with the ball in his hands, and Rose is best when he is controlling the ball.  I think the Heat have to bite the bullet and take Rose because he’s the best player available.

3)    Minnesota Timberwolves: O.J. Mayo G (USC) – Mayo’s draft stock has been going up and down more than Space Mountain.  The T’Wolves already have a nice inside scorer in Al Jefferson.  What Minnesota lacked was a consistent scoring threat from the wing.  Mayo has the offensive talent to explode for 30 or 40 points on any given night, something the T’Wolves have never had.  He can put an end to the offensive lapses that oft-happened in Minnesota last year.  Not only does Mayo fit here from a talent stand point, he can re-generate a buzz around that franchise.  Since shipping KG earlier this year, the Wolves have fallen back into anonymity.  Mayo combined with Randy Foye in the backcourt, along with a developing Ryan Gomes and Corey Brewer in the frontcourt gives Minnesota a young core for fans to get excited about.

4)    Seattle/Oklahoma City Sonics: Brooke Lopez C (Stanford) – I’m not sold on the Lopez Twins.  Brooke or his less talented brother Robin.  But they have something that you cannot teach.  Height.  You can teach someone how to execute a drop step, a spin move, or a hook shot, but you can’t teach someone how to be tall.  The Sonics have lacked consistent rebounding and a post presence since Shawn Kemp left town.  The 7-foot Lopez has shown that he can score the ball with some regularity, but he will have to work on his footwork and develop a go-to move.  And with the way Kevin Durant pitches up shots, Lopez has a chance to average at least 12 rebounds a game right out the gate.

5)    Memphis Grizzles: Danilo Gallinari F (Italy) – Gallinari is the top player coming from abroad this year.  He reminds a lot of people of Andrea Bargnani, mostly because they both are Italian.  Gallinari has a pretty high basketball IQ and is very fundamentally sound, like most International players.  He is built similar to Bargnani, 6′9″ 210lbs, and has shown the ability to hit the NBA 3-pointer with semi-regularity.  He will have to improve on his strength and toughness to be a real factor.

6)    New York Knicks: Eric Gordon G (Indiana) – The Knicks have to get players that fit coach Mike D’Antoni’s scheme, that is if he brings his Phoenix scheme to the Big Apple.  If he does, taking Gordon is a step in the right direction.  In terms of the Phoenix fast-paced blueprint, Gordon resembles Leandro Barbosa.  An undersized 2-guard that can score in a hurry.  It doesn’t look like Gordon is going to be able to play any significant time at point guard at the pro-level due to his average ball-handling skills.  He has a great shooting touch and has a NBA-ready frame that should allow him to get his shot off.

7)    Los Angeles Clippers: Jerryd Bayless G (Arizona) – The Clips have to sure up their point guard position in a hurry with Sam Cassell gone championship hunting and Shaun Livingston still nursing a gruesome knee injury.  I don’t see them trading up to get Rose, so they go after probably the second or third best point in the draft.  Bayless didn’t prove a lot at Arizona in terms of winning, but he is super quick and knows how to put the ball in the basket.  He will have to convert to being a full-time point guard standing only 6′2″ and show he can give more effort on defense.  He tends to get sticky hands with the ball and not set up the offense, but the Clips need points and Bayless can give them that.

8)    Milwaukee Bucks: DeAndre Jordan C (Texas A & M) – The comparisons to Dwight Howard are inevitable for DeAndre Jordan.  He is 7′0″ and weighs 260lbs and is very athletic.  However, he looks to be a boom or bust type of player.  His physical ability is leaps and bounds ahead of his ability to play basketball.  He didn’t really dominate at the college level, nor does he show consistent tenacity.  But he will have at least one highlight reel dunk in every game.  If he focuses on defense and rebounding he can develop his offense slowly with the right coaching.  

9)    Charlotte Bobcats: Russell Westbrook G (UCLA) – Westbrook is another 1-2 guard tweener, meaning that his versatility can either be a gift or a curse.  He has Tony Parker-like quickness and has consistently shown the ability to finish in the lane amongst heavy traffic.  He’s not going to be on any And-1 tapes for his ball-handling, but he can get past defenders fairly consistently.  The Bobcats only have two point guards listed on their roster (Raymond Felton & Earl Boykins) and could use a defensive minded Bruin to bolster their backcourt.

10)     New Jersey Nets: Kevin Love F (UCLA) – Kevin Love just may be the smartest player in this year’s draft class.  He has a tremendous feel for the game and just knows how the game is supposed to be played.  His performance in the pre-draft workouts will tell whether or not he slips this far or further.  He is reported to have shaved off 10 pounds and is working extensively on his athleticism and explosiveness, two major knocks on his game.  The Nets current big men probably couldn’t score in a whore house on payday, so bringing in Love would give them someone they could throw the ball in to in the post and get points.

11)     Indiana Pacers: D.J. Augustin G (Texas) – Even though Augustin stands only 5′10″, he has the right skill set to be successful in the NBA.  Probably a top five player in terms of talent.  I love his ability to read defenses and game situations and know what to do with the ball.  He has a very pure shooting stroke that can stretch defenses.  He will have to show the ability to get steals on the ball and play in the passing lanes because he will get posted up almost every trip up the court.  But if the guys like Muggsy Bogues and Earl Boykins can have long careers, so can Augustin.

12)     Sacramento Kings: Anthony Randolph F (LSU) – I have Randolph slipping to the Kings on my board due to his lack of knowledge of the game.  He has outstanding physical skills and great size (6′10″ 215lbs), but he hasn’t shown much basketball polish.  He can definitely come in right away and provide Sacramento with a lengthy and rangy defender who can guard multiple positions on the floor; a major plus in the Pacific division.  If he can get out on the break and do most of his scoring from the free throw line – in, he can be good rotational player in his rookie season.

13)     Portland Trailblazers: Chase Budinger F (Arizona) – Budinger could be the missing link to a team that doesn’t even know they have missing link.  When Greg Oden returns next season, he is going to get doubled, and what do teams do when they have a player getting doubled?  They kick the ball out to a shooter.  Enter Chase Budinger.  Budinger is a lights out shooter that can also finish at the basket when teams chase him off the 3 point line.  He has the size (6′7″) to bother most 3’s and 4’s, and he can guard in the post if necessary.  He did disappear at times while at Arizona, but he won’t be asked to carry the Blazers, especially with Oden returning and Brandon Roy another year wiser.  

14)     Golden State Warriors: Donte Green F (Syracuse) – As long as Don Nelson is coaching the Warriors they are going to be a “small ball” team.  With that, Donte Green would be the perfect combo 4-5 man for their system.  He has the ability to score the ball as far as 20 feet from the basket.  He also is a very underrated rebounder, and the Warriors sure could use more second chance point opportunities.  He can get out and run as well as finish strong at the basket when on the break.  If he can add on about 10 pounds and block at least 2 shots a night, he could be a major steal.

Team By Team Breakdown of Picks

This year’s NBA draft was considered to be one of the deepest we’ve seen in a long while.  Normally I’d disagree with the experts and Jay Bilas, but this time they were right.  The new age limit rule has made all of these young kids go to someone’s college for at least a year and play against some better competition.  But no matter how deep a draft might be, some teams will still find a way to screw up their draft night and their franchise’s future.  Here is a report card of the winners and losers from last Thursday night.Atlanta Hawks – B+ (Picks: Al Horford, 6-9 F, Acie Law IV, 6-4 G)
Taking Horford number three was a no-brainer.  He brings his game every night and will be a force on both ends of the court.  Law IV will give the Hawks some scoring punch in the backcourt with Joe Johnson.  Nice one-two, inside-out combo the Hawks got here.

Boston Celtics – D (Picks: Glen Davis, 6-8 F, Gabe Pruitt, 6-4 G)
Danny Ainge should be beaten, stoned, trampled, shot, tarred, feathered, and hung.  How could he possibly pull the trigger on a deal that sent Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Jeff Green to Seattle for the ever-injured and almost retired Ray Allen and Big overweight Baby Glen Davis?

Charlotte Bobcats – B- (Picks: Jared Dudley, 6-7 F, Jamereo Davidson, 6-11 F)
MJ actually made some nice moves on draft night.  Getting J-Rich through a trade will give the Bobcats some consistent scoring on the perimeter and drafting Jared Dudley will give them someone who will play bigger than he is and work hard.

Chicago Bulls – C- (Picks: Joakim Noah, 6-10 F/C, Aaron Gray, 7-1 C, JamesOn Curry, 6-3 G)
I’m not a big fan of the Joakim Noah pick.  He’s a less athletic Tyrus Thomas.  The Bulls need a low post scoring threat, and no matter how funny Yannick’s son looks, he still can’t score.  Also, the Aaron Gray pick doesn’t make my toes tingle either.

Cleveland Cavaliers – F (Picks: None)
The Cavs not having a pick in the deepest draft in years is just another reason why last season’s success will be a flash in the pan.

Detroit Pistons – B+ (Rodney Stuckey, 6-4 G, Aaron Afflalo, 6-6 G, Sammy Meijia, 6-7 G)
I love what the Pistons did in this draft.  Taking Rodney Stuckey and Aaron Afflalo gives Detroit some much needed youth and talent on their backcourt.  Afflalo will probably have a more immediate impact as he can take on the other team’s best player every night.

Dallas Mavericks – C (Picks: Nick Fazekas, 6-11 F, Renaldis Seibutis, 6-6 G, Rayshawn Terry, 6-8 G)
Can you believe that the Mavs drafted someone to replace Austin Croshere?  However, trading to get Rayshawn Terry beefs up their defense and gives them someone who can score in bunches.

Denver Nuggets – F (None)
Denver could have used a solid point guard prospect, but they are playing to win now instead of later.

Golden State Warriors – D (Picks: Brandan Wright, 6-10 F,  Marco Belinelli, 6-6 G, Stephane Lasme, 6-7 F)
After Chris Mullin pulled off that "two white guys for two black guys trade," I regarded him as the best GM in sports.  But after he gave up a proven athletic shooter for a young kid whose talent ceiling is "a more athletic Marcus Camby", I’ve lost all respect for him.  I feel bad for the Warriors fan…

Houston Rockets – B- (Picks: Aaron Brooks, 6-0 G, Brad Newley, 6-7 G, Carl Landry, 6-7 F)
I’m not so sure about the Aaron Brooks pick.  Houston just got Mike James and they still have Skip to My Lou.  Houston really doesn’t have any glaring holes; they just need to find out how to get out of the first round of the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers – F (Picks: Stanko Barac, 7-1 C)
Congratulations to the Pacers for getting the next international player for Stephen A. to rag on.  Can’t you just picture it now, "Quite frankly, I don’t understand what Indiana was doing! When you get a guy named Staaaankko, you asking to be terrible"

Los Angeles Lakers – D+ (Picks: Javaris Crittenton, 6-5 G, Sun Yue, 6-9 F, Marc Gasol, 7-0 F/C)
I’m especially hard on the Lakers because of my allegiance to this once storied franchise.  The Crittenton pick was a little questionable due to the LA taking Farmar last year.  Also, I’m not a big fan of Asian players whose name isn’t Yao Ming.  And drafting Pau Gasol’s brother is like saying your dating Selma Hayek’s less hot, chubby, bow-legged, uni-browed sister.

Los Angeles Clippers – C+ (Picks: Al Thornton, 6-7 F, Jared Jordan, 6-2 G)
I like the Thornton pick.  He could give Elton Brand some much needed help on the block and on the boards.  Also, with Shaun Livingston rehabbing his leg and Sam Cassell being about 82 years old, JJ could come in and get some early playing time.

Memphis Grizzles – B (Picks: Mike Conley Jr., 6-1 G)
Getting Conley was big for the Grizz.  They lacked a true point guard who could distribute the ball and breakdown the defense.  He will give them some leadership and bring a winning attitude.  Plus he’s still paired up with a big man in the low post.

Miami Heat – C- (Picks: Daequan Cook, 6-6 G)
The Heat have a history of making some questionable draft night decisions, must I remind you of the Martin Mursepp or Khalid Reeves?  First they took Jason Smith, and then they traded him to Philly, the team that picked directly after them, for Daequan Cook.  Some Heat scouts are saying they see Cook as a younger, more athletic Voshon Leonard.  Either way, he won’t get to play.

Milwaukee Bucks – C (Picks: Yi Jianlian, 7-0 F, Ramon Sessions, 6-4 G)
Yi Jianlian said that he wanted to go to a city that had a large Asian population.  And when you think Asian population, you think… Milwaukee, Wisconsin…

Minnesota T’Wolves – C+ (Picks: Corey Brewer, 6-7 F, Chris Richard, 6-9 C)
I always thought that Corey Brewer would end up being the best pro out of the Florida Four.  He’s one of those new hybrid forwards, who can carry a team on offense one night and carry them on defense the next night.  If he puts on about 15 to 20 lbs, he can be a career 20, 6, and 6 guy.  And Richard gives them a young frontline guy who will come in and work hard.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets – B (Picks: Julian Wright, 6-7 F, Adam Haluska, 6-5 G)
I think Julian Wright is going to pan out to be a great pro.  He has a chip on his shoulder to play well, plus he will bring some toughness and athleticism to the team.

New Jersey Nets – B (Picks: Sean Williams, 6-10 F)
Sean Williams is the steal of the draft.  Though his rating for possible criminal debauchery is high, his potential to be an all-star within three years is through the roof.

New York Knicks – B- (Picks: Wilson Chandler, 6-8 G)
The Knickerbockers get more praise for what they got through a trade.  Bringing in an instant 20 and 10 in Zach Randolph to pair up with Eddy Curry was brilliant.  Randolph will play with a chip on his shoulder and can dominate most Eastern conference fours.  And I’ve always been a fan of Dan "Whip Your" Dickau…

Orlando Magic – F+ (Picks: Milovan Rakovic, 6-10 F)
The Magic are probably going to make a bigger splash during the free agency period than they did in the draft.  If they can bring in a guy who can give them some consistent perimeter scoring and attack the basket to pair with Dwight Howard, watch out.

Phoenix Suns – C- (Picks: Alando Tucker, 6-5 G, D.J. Strawberry, 6-5 G)
The Suns either draft a couple of players or dump all of their picks.  But with who they drafted, they might as well have given the picks away.  Strawberry isn’t a Suns type of player; he’s a tough, hustling guard who isn’t exactly known for his shooting touch.  Tucker probably won’t be able to crack the lineup either.

Philadelphia 76ers C (Picks: Thaddeus Young, 6-8 F, Jason Smith, 6-11 F, Derrick Byars, 6-7 F, Herbert Hill, 6-10 F)
Philly is still irrelevant.  Thad will give them some youth and talent, but he’s not enough to make them worth watching.

Portland Trailblazers – A+ (Picks: Greg Oden, 7-0 C, Rudy Fernandez, 6-5 G, Josh McRoberts, 6-9 F, Taurean Green, 6-2 G, Petteri Kopenon, 6-4 G, Demetris Nichols, 6-8 F)
I love what the Blazers did in this draft; they gave their roster a complete overhaul.  Getting Oden is of course big.  But bringing in Channing Frye and Stevie Franchise was humungous.  Keep in my mind that Stevie had his best years when he was teamed with a young talented big man.  And they got a couple nice international prospects to stash or trade later.

Sacramento Kings – C- (Picks: Spencer Hawes, 7-0 C)
The Kings are a team in flux right now.  Hawes only answers a few of their needs.  He’ll learn how to not grab rebounds and how to not guard anyone from Brad Miller.  But Brad can teach him how to slide his way onto an Olympic team…

San Antonio Spurs – B (Picks: Tiago Splitter, 7-0 F, Marcus Williams, 6-7 F)
Surprise, surprise, the Spurs took another international guy.  But if anyone knows how to pick em’ it’s San Antonio.  Let’s see how good this one will be.

Seattle Sonics – A (Picks: Kevin Durant, 6-10 F, Jeff Green, 6-9 F)
The Sonics were just latest beneficiaries of Danny Ainge’s idiocy.  Durant will average over 20 points per game this season and Jeff Green will take care of all of the dirty work.  You know, like playing defense and hustling…  

Toronto Raptors – F (Picks: Giorgos Printezis, 6-9 F)
Toronto is young and talented sure, but they could’ve used a shooter to stretch the defense and free up Chris Bosh.  

Utah Jazz – B (Picks: Morris Almond, 6-6 G, Kyrylo Fesenko, 7-1 F)
The Jazz needed a guy they could perch on the three point line and have launch shots to open things up for Boozer and D-Will. Almond is probably the best pure shooter in this draft and he’s big enough to get his shot off against bigger defenders, so if he buys into Jerry Sloan’s defensive philosophy expect him to play early and often.  

Washington Wizards – B (Picks: Nick Young, 6-7 G, Dominic McGuire, 6-9 F)
By taking Young, the Wizards got someone who can score the ball with some consistency in case they lose Agent Zero either to injury or free agency.  Young can also play off the ball with Hibachi and company and give the Wiz another scoring threat.

Everyone knows second round picks in the NBA Draft are no sure things. They don’t have guaranteed salaries, and they damn sure don’t have a guaranteed roster spot. Each second round player has to earn his stripes in summer league action and show his team he was worth the pick, and more, that he’s worth keeping around. Jared Jordan, a little known point guard out of Marist, was finally getting tid-bits of recognition for his nation leading 8.7 assists per game nearing the end of last season. Then, once his team was out of March Madness contention, he fell back off the radar. But a few stellar pre-draft workouts and games later, Jordan, the unlikely prospect bee, was back to buzzing, keeping teams interested enough to create hope that he might have a city to call home, if only for the summer. But drafted? He played at a small school, faced almost no competition, and his physical attributes leave something to be desired. But his passing. His leadership. Those things are hard to ignore.

The Clippers, a team with a franchise point guard rehabbing his entire leg, and another point guard a step away from retirement, were in dire need of a point guard. A guy who could come in and fight for a spot, prove he belonged, and maybe even develop into a good player.

But will he?

After guiding Marist to a 25-9 record and averaging over 8.5 assists for the second season in a row, Jordan would like to think so. He posseses the intangibles needed to be a successful point, and brings a little bit of everything to the table. He doesn’t have the lateral quickness or amazing athleticism teams like in their starting point guards, but he makes up for it in hustle and solid defense. After averaging almost 6 rebounds a game in his senior year, as well as over a steal per game, Jordan has proven he can play defense and rebound…at the college level.

So what makes anyone think he’ll actually pan out?

One word: Opportunity.

Jordan is like any other second rounder. He is vastly underrated and underappreciated. Most second rounders, like Jordan, are four year college performers who are overlooked because younger players with better potential are available ahead of them. But basketball isn’t just about athleticism. Ask John Stockton or Steven Nash. These guys have that thing that makes a team go. They’re little Energizer Bunnies running around, finding open teammates, leading teams ruding crunch time, hitting open jumpers, and most importantly, winning games.

Jared Jordan may never be a household name. He will most likely never be voted to an All-Star game. But when it’s all said and done, he will be the Clippers starting point guard for years to come. Go ahead, doubt him.