More Draft Buzz ... Breaking Down The Trades

Before I go into the meat, let me state how disgusted I am with all of this media focus on the #1 pick overall pseudo-controversy. If Michael Beasley gets picked first, I invite you all to call me a complete moron. Anyone who can read through the lines or is not in complete denial knows that Derrick Rose is being selected #1 by the Bulls. The real story is: Derrick Rose gets selected. What happens to Kirk Hinrich?

Okay, let's get down to business.

Trade #1: New Orleans trades the 27th pick to Portland for cash considerations:
The Scuttlebutt: All right, I just wanted to say "scuttlebutt" (credit: John Thompson). Portland is to "draft day trade" as Craig Bolerjack is to "NCAA Tournament upset". New Orleans trading this pick makes sense - they're no longer rebuilding and they are better served re-signing their free agents (i.e. Jannero Pargo). I'm still trying to make sense from the Portland side. They nearly have a full roster with Rudy Fernandez already on the way. Not to mention, they had four picks, including three in the top 36 prior to pulling the trigger on this deal. Originally, Serge Ibaka would've been a great stash pick at #27; however, ESPN is reporting that Ibaka's agent is informing teams that the player intends to stay in Spain until 2010-11 and to not select him in the first round. If you have not done so, check out his YouTube video and simply admire the lift he gets on a jumpshot.

Trade #2: Denver trades the 20th pick to Charlotte for a future, protected first-round pick
Scuttlebutt: This trade means two things, at least in my view of things. First, the point guard that Denver wanted (Mario Chalmers) will not be on the board at pick #20. Second, Charlotte traded for this pick in order to acquire a center, because many of the bigs will be going between picks 13 and 27. This also means that Brook Lopez is likely getting drafted in the top eight, and selecting a center at 9 would be an immense reach.

Trade #3: Indiana trades the rights to Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for the rights to TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the 17th pick.
Scuttlebutt: The obvious is that O'Neal and Ford wanted a change of scenery. In my humble opinion, Indiana earned amazing value for this pick. They still have the 11th and 17th picks in addition to solidifying the point guard position. Not to mention, Nesterovic has an expiring contract ($8.4M), which may be appetizing in future deals. O'Neal and Bosh sounds beastly, but how many games will they play together? If the answer is 60 or more, then you have to like the Raptors prospects in the Eastern Conference.

Additionally ...
Five teams are interested in the 5th pick, including New York, who's willing to offer a package including windex-man David Lee. Not too bad for a guy who won't fit into Mike D'Antoni's plans.

NBA Offseason Preview - Charlotte Bobcats

Charlotte Bobcats
Record: 32-50
2008-2009 Payroll (Source: HoopsHype.com): $35.3M

Draft Picks: #9, #38

Last season, the Bobcats entered the season with hopes of making the playoffs. This season, they have the coach who’s made a living out of making teams better. During the previous regime, the Bobcats placed a high value on wing players. As a result, the team has spent its last three first-round selections (Adam Morrison, Jason Richardson via Brandan Wright and Jared Dudley) on wings. Naturally, a focus on one position has resulted in a dearth of big men who can patrol the lane. Though Charlotte acquired Nazr Mohammed, they also acquired his prohibitive contract ($19M over the next three years).

If Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, JRich and Raymond Felton can stay healthy, the Bobcats can do some real damage in the Eastern Conference. However, they could use a piece or two in the frontcourt.

Burning Questions: With the Bobcats now somewhat serious about spending following the hire of Larry Brown, will the Bobcats be able to re-sign Emeka Okafor to a multi-year deal (qualifying offer of $7.1M this season)? Also, are the Bobcats in the sweepstakes for Rasheed Wallace, and if so, what is the cost?

Perceived Needs: PF/C, Backup PG, Depth

If I Were GM ... Re-signing Emeka Okafor long-term is priority #1.

Once that is settled, I would know that my coach doesn’t play rookies. Therefore, the #9 pick will go to the highest bidder. With an expiring contract of $13.7M, the Pistons may look to trade Rasheed Wallace and Charlotte would be wise to inquire about the going rate. If there are no takers, Brook Lopez is an option if he is still on the board (unlikely). Kevin Love and Darrell Arthur could also be possibilities.

With the #38 pick, the Bobcats will look to selecting a point guard. Due to their size, Kyle Weaver and Anton Ponkrashov may warrant consideration.

Lastly, the Bobcats have a handful of free agents. At the end of the day, Othella Harrington and Ryan Hollins may receive offers strictly because of the size they offer.