COMPLETE MOCK DRAFT VERSION 2

FOR THOSE VIEWING THIS POST BEFORE 6/16, I HAD TO TAKE CHASE BUDINGER OFF THE BOARD BECAUSE HE WENT BACK TO ARIZONA

#1) CHICAGO BULLS

2007-08 RECORD: 33-49

REVIEW OF SEASON

When the season opened Chicago had expectations of winning the Eastern conference. But once the season started things unraveled quickly. The organization flirtations with Kobe Bryant in the preseason and early part of the season seemed to unnerve the Bulls. They stopped playing for Scott Skiles, never listened to Jim Boylan and regressed in all phases of the game.

TEAM NEEDS

Non-Conservative owner and GM; scoring post man, upgrade at point and shooting guard

DRAFT CHOICE

DERRICK ROSE

PG, 6′3″, 205LBS, MEMPHIS, 19 YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Since the Bulls have now found themselves a coach, they can concentrate fully on the next project at hand. Rose has emerged as the cream of this drafting crop and all indications are that Chicago will pull the trigger on the hometown player.

Rose has the potential to become a more athletic version of Deron Williams and a better offensive threat than Jason Kidd. It also gives Chicago the flexibility to trade Kirk Hinrich and/or Ben Gordan.

The only other plausible exception to Rose would be Michael Beasley. But with the recent off the court blemishes of Joakim Noah and the maturity level of Beasley still in question (was quoted in interviews saying, “I hear a lot about I have ‘character issues,’ but I’ve yet to hear what those ‘character issues’ are. Until somebody can tell me what my ‘character issues’ are, I don’t feel the need to change. I just turned 19 in January. How mature do you want me to be? I’m still a kid. I’m not legal. I can vote, but that’s about it. On the basketball side of things, I’m 30 years old. Off the court … I’m going to live my life. I’m going to mess up.”). With a first time coach in VInnie Del Negro, Chicago should take the safest choice which is Rose.

 

#2) MIAMI HEAT

2007-08 RECORD:15-67

REVIEW OF SEASON

From champs to chumps, the Miami Heat sunk to the bottom of the NBA with surprising speed. Shaquille O’Neal milked his injuries once he found out how bad the team was. Dwayne Wade never recovered from injuries sustained over the past few seasons, and the supporting cast got a lot worse. The result was a bad team playing in front of a near empty arena.

TEAM NEEDS

True Point Guard, Power Forward and Center who can score and rebound, quality depth

DRAFT CHOICE:

O.J MAYO

SG, 6′4″, 195LBS, USC, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Just based on what I’m feeling an dreading, Miami is starting to lean more and more towards Mayo to team up with Dwayne Wade in the backcourt. Mayo and Wade have been working out together with Michael Jordan old trainer in Chicago and developed a friendship. Like the situation in Chicago, the Heat will have a first time head coach on the sidelines and would prefer to draft a player with ability as well as maturity.

The question is if they are wanting to draft Mayo, will they use the 2nd pick to do it, or will they try to make a trade? And would they trust Seattle or Minnesota in selecting another player besides Mayo if Miami does make a trade with them? And who would Miami want that is on each roster that either team would be willing to give up? One would think Seattle is not going to part with Kevin Durrant or Jeff Green. And Minnesota will not give up Al Jefferson. Could trading with Memphis at #5 be a possibility? More than likely Miami will trade with Memphis and select Mayo at #5, while Beasley would go to Memphis at #2.

 

#3) MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

2007-08 RECORD:22-60

REVIEW OF SEASON

Once GM Kevin McHale decided to trade Kevin Garnett to the Boston Celtics, everyone in the organization knew it would be a long season. Al Jefferson has the potential to be a multiple all star performer. This is a young team who battled inexperience just as much as the opponents in front of them.

TEAM NEEDS

Center, Small Forward, scoring guard

DRAFT CHOICE:

MICHAEL BEASLEY

PF, 6′10″, 235LBS,KANSAS ST, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Boy, would the Timberwolves be dancing in the streets if this can to fruition!! The combination of Beasley and Al Jefferson would be a huge upgrade. There been some rumblings of Minnesota selecting European prospect Danilo Gallinari for added versatility and offensive punch, but I’m still recovering from the farce that was Darkomania so European players make me wary.

There has been some concerns of Beasley’s maturity (or lack thereof) but in Minnesota there’s not as much trouble to get into. Besides, it’s much to cold to be running in the streets doing something stupid anyway up there!!

 

#4) SEATTLE SUPERSCONICS

2007-08 SEASON RECORD

REVIEW OF SEASON

With Oklahoma City looming in the near future, the Sonics went into this season knowing it could be their last in the Emerald City. Much like Minnesota, Seattle reached out to Boston, trading Ray Allen for a top five draft pick. Rookie of the year winner Kevin Durant showed he could shoot the basketball, but didn’t show if he could do anything else. Jeff Green had his moments but was still a rookie, and deficiencies at point guard and center proved to much to overcome.

TEAM NEEDS

To stay in Seattle, point guard, Scoring guard, athletic post player

DRAFT CHOICE

JERROD BLAYLESS

PG, 6′3″,190LBS, ARIZONA, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Whether its Seattle or Oklahoma City, Blayless should be the players the Sonics draft. Seattle has nobody in the backcourt and Blayless could team with Kevin Durrant to average over 20 points a game. I think Blayless is the best player in the draft behind Mayo and could develop into a diva-less Gilbert Arenas, or a Gatorade-less, fave five less Dwayne Wade. A young trio of Blayless, Durrant and Jeff Green could form an exciting trio where ever they play.

#5) MEMPHIS GRIZZLES

2007-08 RECORD:22-60

REVIEW OF SEASON

If the Los Angeles win the NBA championship, everyone from Jerry Buss to Mitch Kupchak to Phil Jackson to Kobe Bryant to the cleaning crew at Staples should thank Chris Wallace and Michael Heisley for the tremendous gift they received from them to make it all happen. The Grizzles were going nowhere fast this season with the talent they had, expedited the trip towards awfulness with trading there best player, Pau Gasol, for basically a lifeless corpse in Kwame Brown. Memphis does have young talent in Rudy Gay, Mike Conley and Juan Carlos Navarro but are still a work in progress.

TEAM NEEDS

New owner, anyone with a pulse in the post.

DRAFT CHOICE:

BROOK LOPEZ

CENTER, 7′0″, 260LBS, STANFORD, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Never been a huge fan of Lopez and actually think his brother Robin has more upside. Brook, in my opinion of him after watching him play two seasons at Stanford, is very stiff, robotic and mechanical offensively (mainly preferring shooting a turn around shot of right block) as well as lacking a “mean streak”. His rebounding numbers should have been better and he did miss half of last season because he stopped going to class.

That being said, he is seven feet tall, is only 20 years old, and does have skills to work with. Memphis needs someone in the post after giving away Pau Gasol. Lopez has stated that he will only work out for Minnesota and Seattle before deciding what he does next (aka if his agent can get a commitment from one of those teams to draft him), but I thought is he will make his way to the city of STAXX STUDIOS and work out for Memphis. A front court of Lopez, Darko Milicic and Rudy Gay won’t scare anyboby but it would be an upgrade.

 

#6) NEW YORK KNICKS

2007-08 SEASON:23-59

REVIEW OF SEASON

Another interesting season in the city that doesn’t watch good basketball. The only interesting story line of the Knicks this season was if Isiah Thomas would finish the season. New York tried to implement playing Eddy Curry and Zack Randolph together which didn’t work. Stephon Marbury alter ego Stephon Selfishbury emerged and the season went south quickly. When Thomas was finally let go, he left a legacy of clashing with players, sexually harassing female employees, giving up salary cap space, and running the organization into the ground. Other than that he was Red Holzman and Red Auerbach rolled into one.

TEAM NEEDS

Team chemistry, player accountability, overall team speed, skill and athleticism, Steve Nash, post players with hearts and brains, all around small forward, a team dumb enough to trade for Jerome James, patience from fans and media.

DRAFT CHOICE:

RUSSELL WESTBROOK

PG, 6′3″, 189LBS, UCLA, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

If I were the Knicks, I would try to trade this pick by any means necessary. The biggest need for the Knicks, is a point guard who can execute Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system. But looking at this board, the desired point guards available (Rose, Blayless and Mayo) will be off the boards by the sixth pick. Both D.J Augustin and Russell Westbrook worked out for the Knicks, but are not worthy of the #6 selection. If New York could make a trade to move down (calling Portland and asking about the #13 pick and maybe Jarrett Jack, maybe New Jersey) they could find better value.

I doubt GM Donnie Walsh would make his first selection Dino Gallinari from Italy. Reports say D’Antoni was not impressed with Gallinari when watching him on tape, and Walsh is in charge of making the final decision. My guess is Knicks reach and take Westbrook, throwing a wrench into the draft process.

My thought is Westbrook who is bigger (6′3″, 190LBS compared to Augustin who is 6′0″, 180LBS), a better athlete and has more potential than Augustin. The main priority would be to keep him away from Stephon Marbury so he doesn’t develop bad habits.

#7) LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

2007-08 RECORD:23-59

REVIEW OF SEASON

Everything seems to be right with the world. The Lakers are playing for the NBA championship, and the Clippers stink out loud. Elton Brand suffered a season long injury before preseason and the writing for a long season was on the wall. Point guard Sam Cassell provided the Clippers with basically nothing, head coach Mike Dunleavy and upper brass weren’t on speaking terms and the losing culture which are the Los Angeles Clippers came to the forefront. Al Thornton and Chris Kaman were the only bright spots for the Clips.

TEAM NEEDS

Point guard, small and power forward (assuming Elton Brand and Corey Maggette leave for free agency),  Washington Wizards not resigning Gilbert Arenas

DRAFT CHOICE

ANTHONY RANDOLPH

PF,6′11″, 220LBS, LSU, 18YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The Clippers have several routes they can travel to make this selection. If Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have a brain in their heads, they will be sprinting to the lifeboat of free agency to get the sinking ship known as the SS Clippers. If that happens, add power forward andsmall forward depth to the ever mounting needs for the Clippers.

They could reach for a point guard like Augustin or Westbrook to solve their point guard problems but I would make a strong run for Gilbert Arenas or solicit a trade for Kirk Hinrich or T.J Ford.

Eric Gordan is another possibility but I’m taking size andpotential in this situation. Randolph is a player with the potential to play all front court positions and would ease the loss of Elton Brand. If Los Angelescan acquire a point guard via free agency to go along with the trio of Chris Kaman, Randolph and Al Thorton, that has the potential to being a solid playoff basketball team.

#8) MILWAUKEE BUCKS

2007-08 RECORD:26-56

REVIEW OF SEASON

The Bucks struggled and staggered to the finish line with one of the worst records in the east. Michael Redd didn’t improve as a leader and with little talent around him, head coach Larry Krystkowiak didn’t have a chance. The Bucks did see better play from Andrew Bogut and Yi Jianlian looks promising but Milwaukee still has a ways to go.

TEAM NEEDS

Direction, long term plan, fresh start, point guard, small forward

DRAFT CHOICE:

ERIC GORDON

SG, 6′3″, 215LBS, INDIANA, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Another situation where things could get interesting. The Bucks could go in many different directions with this pick depending upon what direction they want to take the franchise. Trade rumors have engulfed this team with everyone from Michael Redd to Charlie Vilanueva to even last year’s #1 pick Yi Jianlian.

I’ve always felt if you are going to blow things up, you draft the best player at your drafting position. In  my opinion, this would be Gordon. He is the most physically imposing guard in the draft and along with Blayless is the most talented scorer. The Bucks already have a solid big man in Andrew Bogut so why not complement him with a potentially strong guard.

#9) CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

2007-08 RECORD:32-50

REVIEW OF SEASON

Expectations were high for the Bobcats this season with the acquisition of Jason Richardson and the resigning of Gerald Wallace. The road to improvement two hits when Sean May was lost for the year with micro-fracture surgery, and overrated, near first round flop Adam Morrison injured his knee. First year coach Sam Vincent was in charge to get the team near playoff position but proved unable to get the job done. Unable to communicate with his players or define their roles, Vincent look like a guy who was in way over his head. The result was another underachieving season in the Carolina’s.

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive point or shooting guard, center

DRAFT CHOICE:

KEVIN LOVE

CENTER, 6′10″, 260LBS, UCLA, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

New head coach Larry Brown has always targeted player who could play the “RIGHT WAY”, and Love is definitely that type of player. You can move Love to the center position and move Omeka Okafor permanently back to the power forward position. It would also be nice insurance if case Okafor leaves in free agency next year.

I’m not a huge Love fan at this spot in the draft. Yes he is fundamentally sound and has an excellent basketball IQ, but you are talking about an undersized center who weighs in at 275LBS, witha history of being overweight. Add to those negatives the fact he is not athletically gifted or will never get close to it, I see a poor man’s Sean May. Not exactly someone who you can build your franchise around.

#10) NEW JERSEY NETS

2007-08 RECORD:34-48

REVIEW OF SEASON

To take a little something from part-owner of the Nets Jay Z, to comment about the New Jersey Nets season was, THEY HAD 99 PROBLEMS AND UNDERACHIEVING AIN’T ONE.  New Jersey were looking to have their own version of a big three in Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson get past the 2nd round of the playoffs. But once the season went south, J-Kidd started plotting his way to be traded, and the team fell into a season long funk.

TEAM NEEDS

Rebounding and defense from front court. Post player who can score with back to the basket.

DRAFT CHOICE:

DARRELL ARTHUR

PF, 6′10″, 225LBS, KANSAS, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Another team that has been involved in trade rumors throughout the off season for them. Their was the proposed trade to acquire Carmelo Anthony from Denver, and reports that small forward Richard Jefferson was on the trading block. With all that in mind, the Nets should focus on a front court that needs to be upgraded.

The best choice should be Arthur who would fit right in with his athleticism. New Jersey is changing to an uptempo ball club with ultra fast Devin Harris and Vince Carter who still has some hops. Arthur will fit in well with that system.

There also might be a possibility that DeAndre Jordan could be drafted, but in my opinion there are to many questions about maturity and work ethic for the Nes to make that selection.

#11) INDIANA PACERS

2007-08 RECORD:36-46

REVIEW OF SEASON

New head coach Jim O’Brien came on board and brought some good ideas with him. Unfortunately injuries to Jermaine O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley forced O’Brien to improvise with what he had left. The Pacers played hard for O’Brien and got solid year long performances from Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger. Granger in particular looks like a player who has all-star potential and is a good building block for the future.

TEAM NEEDS

Athleticism at every position; point guard; post player; a team who will trade for Jermaine O’Neal

DRAFT CHOICE:

D.J AUGUSTIN

PG, 6′0″,180LBS, TEXAS, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The Pacers are in need of two things when it comes to this draft. First thing they need is a point guard. The second things they need is a point guard who has character and maturity. Incumbent point guard Jamaal Tinsley can’t stay healthy or out of trouble and Indiana needs to go in a different direction. Russell Westbrook would be a better selection but if his off the board, Augustin should be their selection.

The only reason why they would go in a different direction is if they could trade Jermaine O’Neal for a point guard. If that is the case, a DeAndre Jordan or Marreese Speights could be in play.

#12) SACRAMENTO KINGS

2007-08 RECORD:38-44

REVIEW OF SEASON

Many people thought the Kings made a huge mistake hiring Reggie Theus as their head coach. Theus had no professional coaching experience and only one year as a head coach on any level. And when Theus started instituting rules such as no cell phone on the team bus, many people thought he wouldn’t make it out of preseason. But surprisingly, Sacramento did better than expected and even keep Ron Artest from detonating. That in itself should make him a candidate for coach of the year!!

TEAM NEEDS

Point guard, anybody who can defend, rebound and score consistently in the post, psychiatrist for Ron Artest

DRAFT CHOICE

MARREESE SPEIGHTS

PF/CENTER,  6′10″, 245LBS, FLORIDA

ANALYSIS

The Kings should be begging and pleading that either Westbrook or Augustin is still available when it’s time for the Kings to select. When Sacramento traded Mike Bibby to Atlanta it left only Beno Udrih as a viable point guard. Udrih is an unrestricted free agent this summer and his best position is back up point guard.

The Kings front court needs an infusion of athleticism and youth and Speights is the best to fit that need. I would also consider Joe Alexander at this selection. Alexander has been rising up the charts in recent workouts in Milwaukee and New York and would be needed in Sac-Town if SF Ron Artest decides to opt out of the final year of his contract.

#13) PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

2007-08 RECORD:41-41

REVIEW OF SEASON

It was a roller coaster season for the Trailblazers. They reach the highest of highs with using their number one selection to draft center Greg Oden who is labeled to become the next great center in the games history. From the highest of highs, they plummeted to the lowest of lows when Oden was lost for the season to undergo microfracture surgery. But a funny thing happened on the road to last place. Brandon Roy started playing like an elite player, Travis Outlaw looked like a 6th man of the year candidate and Portland couldn’t lose. But all good things must come to an end and Portland staggered to the finish line. But with Oden fully recovered from injury and the team continuing to grow, Portland is on it’s way up.  

TEAM NEEDS

Small forward, continued grow from Martell Webster and Bo Outlaw, upgrade at point guard

DRAFT CHOICE

JOE ALEXANDER

SF, 6′8″, 220LBS, WEST VIRGINIA, 21YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

As been reported many times by different sources, the Blazers are looking to unload this pick and some of their young talent for a established veteran. If Portland cannot pull the trigger on a deal the best choice would be Alexander. Alexander has been very impressive in workouts and would give the Trailblazers and nice one-two small forward combination of Alexander and Travis Outlaw. It would also make Martell Webster trade bait.  

#14) GOLDEN ST WARRIORS

2007-08 RECORD:48-34

REVIEW OF SEASON:

One of the most exciting teams in the NBA, the Warriors were hoping to improve on last years Cinderella run towards the Western conference semi-finals. And even though the Warriors did not make the playoffs there was evidence that the team did have a better overall season than last year. Baron Davis played like a top five point guard most of the season and actually stayed injury free. Monta Ellis showed that his fine season before wasn’t a fluke and continued to improve. Even Stephen Jackson stayed away from imploding. Unfortunately Golden St couldn’t defend with the same zeal and passion that they played offense with. Combine that with playing in the Western conference, and the Warriors came up just short.

TEAM NEEDS

True center, point guard (in case Baron Davis leaves), power forward

DRAFT CHOICE:

DANILO GALLINARI

SF, 6′9″, 212LBS, ITALY, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

I thought for a while about DeAndre Jordan going to the Warriors, but then I thought about Patrick O’Bryant and Golden St drafting him #9 in 2006. I realize Jordan is a much better prospect (and project) but really tall, skinny projects don’t excite me that much. And history has shown that most of those prospects don’t work out (see Mouhamed Sene, Johan Petro, David Harrison and Robert Swift).

With that in mine I went with the Warriors drafting what many people call a top five talent in Gallinari. Nelson is one of the few coaches who has had success drafting a young, raw European talent with a high draft pick (some guy named Nowitski) and making it work. Gallinari showed excellent basketball skills playing in the Italian league. He is averaging 15 points, 4 rebounds in 31 minutes and has a game similar to Toni Kukoc.

#15) PHOENIX SUNS (VIA ATLANTA)

2007-08 RECORD:55-27

REVIEW OF SEASON

Well, it was fun while it lasted. For the past four years, the Phoenix Suns have been the best thing the NBA had to offer in terms of exciting play and winning results. They won over fifty games a year, made it cool to try to score as many points as possible as fast as you can, and made consecutive Western conference finals. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. The beginning of the end came years ago when Bryan Colangelo left for Toronto and was replaced soon afterwards by Steve Kerr. Kerr wanted a more half court defensive oriented style of play while head coach Mike D’Antonio wanted to push the peddle to the meddle. When they made the trade to bring in Shaquille O’Neal, it symbolized a changing of philosophies. Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, the Suns lack of cohesion was telling in their first round loss to San Antonio.  

TEAM NEEDS

Defensive minded coach, back-up center when Shaq misses 20+ games next season, back-up point guard, Amare Stoudemire to commit to playing defense and rebounding.

DRAFT CHOICE

BRANDON RUSH

SG, 6′7″, 205LBS, KANSAS, 22YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The Suns will start their turn around to a more conventional style of play with the drafting of Rush. He is a long, athletic (albeit often injured) talent who could defend multiple positions. His presence on the team also gives Phoenix the possibility of trading Leandro Barbosa if needed.

Donte Green may have more size and potential, and maybe you would take a risk on a Robin Lopez to replace Shaq down the road, but look for the Suns to stick with Rush.

#16) PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

2007-08 RECORD:40-42

REVIEW OF SEASON

One of the most underrated coaching jobs was performed in the city of Brotherly Love by Maurice Cheeks. Many would have thought the Sixers were headed towards the lottery with all the young but inexperience talent they had. But under the guidance of Cheeks, young players such as Thaddeus Young (the youngest player in the league), Willie Green and Louis Williams grew into important role players, while Andre Iguodala and Andre Miller became the leaders of the team. The Sixers spent the months of February and March trying to improve their first round playoff position andput more of a concern in the Detroit Pistons in the first round than they thought.

TEAM NEEDS

Shooting guard whose an outside threat, Elton Brand aka all around post player, center with meat on his bones.

DRAFT CHOICE:

DONTE GREEN

6′10″, 225LBS, SYRACUSE, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The Sixers are a young team that really doesn’t need another young talented player to groom for future play. That being said, if Philadelphia cannot move from this postion and have to take the best player available, Green should be that pick. Mostly just a jump shooter in college, Green does have skills to be a versatile front court player.

#17) TORONTO RAPTORS

2007-08 RECORD:41-41

REVIEW OF SEASON

The Raptors seemed to plateau this season with numerous key players not improving from last season. Injuries to TJ Ford and Chris Bosh help end all hopes of reaching 50 wins this season, and the regression of Andrea Bargnani guaranteed the Raptors would not be competing for the #3 seed in the east. Jose Calderon was the brightest spot for the team this season (Jamario Moon was the best story) and made his way into top 10 point guard status.

TEAM NEEDS

Girth, weight, muscled frontcourt player with mean streak, Andrea Bargnani to progress not regress.

DRAFT CHOICE:

DEANDRE JORDAN

CENTER, 7′0″, 255LBS, TEXAS A&M, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

This is where the falling Deandre Jordan finally lands. I have him down this far because from all the times I’ve watched him, I have not been impressed. His game is extremely raw and his intesnsity level is inconsistent. His his the biggest project among the top 20 prospects, and has the biggest risk/reward factor.

With the possible execption of Robin Lopez, I can’t see Toronto passing up Jordan at this pick.

#18) WASHINGTON WIZARDS

2007-08 RECORD:43-39

REVIEW OF SEASON

At the beginning of the year there was speculation that head coach Eddie Jordan might lose his job if the Wizards didn’t show improvement. What Jordan did in leading the Washington to a 43-39 record this season was one of the five best coaching jobs of the year. Washington’s best player, Gilbert Arenas played only 13 games this season because of injury; Their second best player Caron Butler missed 24 games because of injury and their strongest post presence Itan Thomas missed the entire season because of a heart condition. Despite the numerous setbacks, Jordan actually got the Wizards to play defense and run the Princeton offense. This lead to Washington gaining a #5 seed in the playoffs, where they showed their immaturity and embarrassed themselves with their first round loss to Cleveland.

TEAM NEEDS

Power forward, scoring guard/ small forward off bench, resign Gilbert Arenas, let Antawn Jamison go

DRAFT CHOICE:

DEVON HARDIN

CENTER, 6′11″, 250LBS, CALIFORNIA, 21YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Washington will be looking for more of a physical presence in the post and Hardin fills the bill. It may be a stretch in selecting Hardin this early but with Etan Thomas missing the whole year, Andray Blatche miss useage of cars, and Brendan Haywood still on the other side of “soft”, Hardin is the type of player that can fill a need.

#19) CLEVELAND CAVILERS

2007-08 RECORD:45-37

REVIEW OF SEASON

Another year, another season of LeBron James carrying the franchise. Cleveland did a poor job in defending their Eastern conference championship, playing inconsistent basketball throughout the season and finishing with a 45-37 record. Head Coach Mike Brown showed that he is a very good defensive minded coach, but not very good on offense. GM Danny Ferry, in an attempt to spice up the offense while securing the front court, made a mid season trade, bringing in outside shooting (Wally Szczerbiak), a point guard (Delonte West) and front court defense and depth (Ben Wallace and Joe Smith). Despite all the changes, everything stayed the same. Poor offense, inconsistent play, lack of playmakers, LeBron doing everything on offense.

TEAM NEEDS

Frontcourt athletic scorer; upgrade at point guard; Paul Westhead, Dan Issel or anyone else who can help Mike Brown generate some offense.

DRAFT CHOICE:

KOSTA KOUFOS

CENTER, 7′1″, 245LBS, OHIO STATE, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The time is ticking for the Cavs and GM Danny Ferry to get a team together so LeBron can stay happy. In two years LeBron will be a free agent and teams are already clearing cap space to try and get him. Because of that, the Cleveland brass is in a predicament. Koufos might be the best player available when Cleveland selects but the Cavs need someone who can contribute immediately. Koufos was a bit of a disappointment his one year at Ohio St and was probably better off going back for another year.

One idea would might be looking into trading the pick for a veteran player or two, but based on GM Danny Ferry trade record, it’s probably better just to go the safe route.

#20) DENVER NUGGETS

2007-08 RECORD:50-32

REVIEW OF SEASON:

The Nuggets are a difficult team to comprehend. No other team has a  many talented players on it’s roster (Iverson, Camby were #1 draft picks, Anthony was #3, Camby #2) but fail to deliver on its promise. Denver showed time and time again this season that they could score with anybody. Allen Iverson had his best all around year of his career and both him and Carmelo Anthony averaged over 25 points per game. The main problem was their inability or unwillingness to pay defense. Many people thought that George Karl was the reason for the Nuggets not going farther but management said he will return for next season. The one player who might be changing addresses in Anthony who still hasn’t shown the overall maturity to be a leader.

TEAM NEEDS

Anybody interested playing…DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE!!!! Point guard; frontcourt player who can score on the blocks.

DRAFT CHOICE

MARIO CHALMERS

PG, 6′2″, 170LBS, KANSAS, 22YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Denver needs a point guard in the worst way and Chalmers is the best of the rest. Chalmers never averaged over 13 points per game in his career at Kansas and will never be a scorer in the NBA. What he brings to the table for Denver is his ability to play defense who can make the open shot.

 

#21)NEW JERSEY NETS (VIA DALLAS)

2007-08 RECORD:34-38

REVIEW OF SEASON:

SEE INFO AT PICK #10

TEAM NEEDS:Same as above

DRAFT CHOICE

JAVALE MCGEE

CENTER, 7′0″, 237LBS, NEVADA, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

You can never have enough big men projects for one team. With their first selection the Nets chose Darrell Aurthur to upgrade their power forward position. WIth their second selection, the Nets embark on a big project by selecting McGee.

McGee is a talented low post presence that could pay big dividens down the road. As if right now McGee is much too raw and weak to battle with the big boys presently but you can’t teach seven feet.

#22) ORLANDO MAGIC

2007-08 RECORD:52-30

REVIEW OF SEASON

Was it going to be Cleveland? How about Washington? Maybe even Toronto? The question was who was going to be the number #3 seed in the Eastern conference? Orlando was in the mix when the season started but the question was how would a near max player and new coach mix. The answers were positive on both sides. On top of that Hedo Turkoglu came out of nowhere to win most improved player; Dwight Howard became the most physically dominate center in the league and Keith Bogans stepped in at shooting guard. The results were a young team that is on the rise.

TEAM NEEDS

Shooting guard; scoring power forward; upgrade at point guard

DRAFT CHOICE

CHRIS DOUGLASS ROBERTS

SG, 6′7″, 200LBS, MEMPHIS, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The need to find a low post presence should take precedent over finding a shooting guard. J.J Hickson from N.C State has been shooting up the charts in individual workouts along with D.J White. But in my opinion the best prospect at this pick should be Roberts. He is a  athletic 6′7″ shooting guard who can play multiple positions. He might not have the three point shooting range as of this point in his career, but on the Magic, there are enough of those.

#23) UTAH JAZZ

2007-08 RECORD:54-28

REVIEW OF SEASON:

The Jazz continued to build on their fine play from last season, winning the Northwest divisional crown. Deron Williams might not have passed Steve Nash in the “whose the best point guard” discussion, but if he hasn’t, he’s right on his heels. Even though he fizzled in the conference semi-finals, Carlos Boozer enjoyed another 20 points, 10 rebounds a night average. Utah continues to improve and as long as Jerry Sloan coaches and Deron Williams is running the point, Utah will contend for the title.

TEAM NEEDS

Free enough money to resign Daron Williams, trade Andrei Kirilenko, small forward

DRAFT CHOICE

ROBIN LOPEZ

PF/CENTER, 7′0″, 255LBS, STANFORD, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Lopez is a Jerry Sloan type of player. Smart, tough, aggressive and  hard-nosed. He is also seven feet tall, athletic for his size and willing to bang and be physical. Carlos Boozer does not have the athletic ability like Lopez and Mehet Okur mainly stays on the outside.Lopez would present size for the Jazz.

 

 #24) SEATTLE SUPERSCONICS (VIA PHOENIX)

2007-08 RECORD:20-62

REVIEW OF SEASON:

SEE INFO AT PICK #4

TEAM NEEDS

Same as pick #4

DRAFT CHOICE

D.J WHITE

6′9″,230LBS, INDIANA, 21YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

There could be some international ballplayer we don’t know about the the Sonics are looking at (possibility Serge Ibakafrom the Congo) but I am thinking Seattle might go with a more proven player in White. Seattle has tried many times to groom a starting center to miserable results. White thrived under a hard nosed coach at Indiana and should continue to get better under PJ.

 

#25) HOUSTON ROCKETS

2007-08 RECORD:55-27

REVIEW OF SEASON

What a year it was for the Houston Rockets. They came into the season with a new coach and a commitment for a more exciting , fast pace style of play. After a few games in the preseason it was clear that they had too much Jeff Van Gundy residue left to play like the Phoenix Suns. Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady led the way offensively but Houston still hovered around the .500 mark. But all of a sudden, Houston started winning, and winning, andthen Ming went down for the season with an injury. But a funny thing happened…They kept winning, and winning, and winning, and 22 games later, they still hadn’t lost. McGrady was playing like a top 3 NBA player, Shane Battier was playing lock down defense and making corner three pointers, Luis Scola kept banging inside, and Rafer Alston starting playing the type of basketball no one thought he could play. The result were 55 victories and a playoff appearance.

TEAM NEEDS

Athleticism from top to bottom, back up center who can start 30 games when Yao Ming gets injured, consistent scorer who can help McGrady.

DRAFT CHOICE:

NICOLAS BATUM

SF, 6′8″, 215LBS, FRANCE, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The main reason why I chose Batum is because he is the best athlete available. On top of that Batum has some Tracy McGrady qualities about him that in a few years of grooming could lead him to all star status. Batum needs to improve his ball handling and in between game, but in time will be the type of wing player the Rockets have been looking for.

 

#26) SAN ANTONIO SPURS

2007-08 RECORD:56-26

REVIEW OF SEASON

The Spurs came into the season attempting to do the only thing they haven’t done in the Tim Duncan era which was repeat as NBA champions. They raced out to a 17-3 record and seemed well on their way to being the dominant team in the west. But Tim Duncan went down and missed a few games because of injury and soon more injuries to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili followed. Three trio of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili were never on the court for an extended period of time this season, and inconsistentplay help contribute to the Spurs obtaining the #3 seed. In the playoffs, San Antonio had to expend a lot of energy defeating the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Hornets before bowing out to the Los Angeles Lakers.

TEAM NEEDS

YOUTH!!! Another player who can average 12-15 points a night; acquire a defensive minded stopper to eventually replace Bruce Bowen. Quality shooting guard when Ginobili misses game bkz of injury.

DRAFT CHOICE:

BILL WALKER

SF, 6′6″, 235LBS, KANSAS ST, 20YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers exposed the Spurs lack of athleticism in the playoffs. With most of its core in its 30’s San Antonio needs to start looking at infusing some youth into their ballclub. Walker has the athleticism to be a great defender as well as putting points on the board. A three guard rotation of Tony Parker, Walker and Manu Ginobili would be a nice upgrade.

#27) NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

2007-08 RECORD:56-26

REVIEW OF SEASON

The most surprising team this season without question, the New Orleans Hornets look like on the up and coming teams in the NBA. Led by head coach Byron Scott, the Hornets came within one game of defeating the defending world champion San Antonio Spurs while compiling an impressive 56-26 record and Southwest division title. Chris Paul established himself as the best player in the league not named Kobe Bryant, David West elevated his game to all star status and Tyson Chandler was a force on the boards and in the paint. New Orleans soared past Dallas, Utah and Phoenix to the front of the class and looks like they may stay there for a while.

TEAM NEEDS

Shooting guard, quality depth off bench mainly small forward; a small forward that can step up in crunch time.

DRAFT CHOICE:

COURTNEY LEE

SG/SF, 6′5″, 200LBS, WESTERN KENTUCKY, 22YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

The Hornets are in a position to draft the best player available and not need him for a few years. Lee has a strong basketball IQ as well as a very good outside shot. He should fit well playing along side Chris Paul in the future.

 

#28) MEMPHIS GRIZZLES (VIA LA LAKERS)

2007-08 RECORD:22-60

REVIEW OF SEASON

SEE INFO AT PICK #5

TEAM NEEDS: Same as pick #5

DRAFT CHOICE:

J.J HICKSON

PF, 6′9″, 240LBS, N.C STATE, 19YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Memphis already selected its center of the future with the pick of Lopez. They next take aim with its other weakness which is frontcourt scoring and strength. Hickson was not that thought of when the draft process started but has worked out well and is seen as a future solid low post player. 

 

#29) DETROIT PISTONS

2007-08 RECORD:59-23

REVIEW OF SEASON

Another season of disappointment for Detroit who despite being one of the top teams in the NBA, will face a off season of radical change from coach to player. Head coach Flip Saunders oversaw a team that for the third consecutive year made the conference finals under his guidance. But just like the previous years before, Detroit played uninspired, unfocused and inconsistent basketball and was bounced in six games by the Boston Celtics. Flip has since been fired and replaced by assistant coach Michael Curry. Other changes now loom for the Pistons franchise.

TEAM NEEDS

Muzzle for Rasheed Wallace and find another team for him to play for; backup shooting guard and post player. A coach who will play the kids. 

DRAFT CHOICE:

JOEY DORSEY

CENTER/PF, 6′9″, 265LBS, MEMPHIS, 24YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

If Detroit is going to semi rebuild like Joe Dumars promised, I’m thinking Detroit will either move up or move into the second round. All signs point to Rasheed Wallace playing somewhere else next season but can he garner a first round pick? I know Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince could, but are the Pistons ready to part ways with them?

If Detroit is going to stay, my choice would be Dorsey. He’s the closest thing to Ben Wallace and many people point to Wallace as being the heart and soul of the Pistons success. Dumars has always drafted for need and Dorsey would be a good fit if Detroit is going to keep the core of Hamilton, Prince and Billups.

#30) BOSTON CELTICS

2007-08 RECORD:66-16

REVIEW OF SEASON

When you talk about the best case scenario for a basketball team, the Boston Celtics hit all marks and then some. The trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen each played as if this was the last shot they had at getting a championship, young role players such as Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe and Glen Davis gave great moments durning the long season and also when Garnett was injured, and the late season pick up of PJ Brown along with the championship experience of James Posey proved valuable in the playoffs.

TEAM NEEDS:

low post scorer, identify young talent overseas, draft them and leave them over there for 2-3 years to grow.

DRAFT CHOICE:

ROY HIBBERT

CENTER, 7′2″, 272LBS, GEORGETOWN, 21YRS OLD

ANALYSIS

Boston can go in any direction they want with this pick. The window for the big three has at least two more years left so the Celtics have options on what to do. THey could draft an international player such as Alexis Ajinca of France, or Ante Tomic of Croatia or Nathan Jawai from Australia and leave them overseas for a few years to develop. Or they could draft the best American big man and use him 10-15 a night durning the long 82 game seaspm.

My thought is if Hibbert is available at this pick, they would have to draft him. Hibbert will never be a franchise center, but he does have skills, very well coach as well as standing 7′2″.