Now for a little love-fest, VCU, CAA, & mid-major style...
Eric Maynor didn't have to play in a power conference to get drafted -- in the first round at that. He didn't need face time on the tube. It just proves that if you have talent, the NBA will find you, Gary Parrish says.
If you want to play for a national title, go to North Carolina. That's a good way to get a championship. If you want to play on national television, go to Kentucky. That's a good way to get on TV.
But what Thursday night's NBA Draft proved -- once again -- is that the best and quickest way to David Stern's league isn't necessarily through the best and biggest conferences. Oh sure, that's one of the recruiting pitches BCS-affiliated coaches use, and I'd probably use it too if I were them. But whether it was Stephen Curry (from the Southern Conference) or Eric Maynor (from the Colonial) or some dude from another country few of us have ever seen, the reminder from Madison Square Garden was that the NBA will find you if you can play, and it doesn't really matter where you play.
It's not all a love fest though, although you have to wonder if the grade is more about the selection than the player.
Fortunately, Utah doesn’t seem shy about their positive reaction towards their selection at #20.
Although this is somewhat humorous... During the interview, Maynor passed along a "hello" to coach Jerry Sloan from his father, George, a former East Carolina player who was cut in training camp by the Chicago Bulls -- when they were coached by Sloan. Sloan didn't make the connection until the younger Maynor told him. "Let's not talk about that," Sloan chuckled during the news conference. "I guess I cut his dad when I was coaching in Chicago."
A 6-foot-3, 164 pound pure point guard, Maynor played all four years of college ball. ESPN's Jay Bilas says Maynor is "a true point guard … has a great feel for the game. Superior change of pace and change of direction, a great leader, runs the pick and roll to perfection. Very old-school."Credit: KSL.com
ESPN's expert Chad Ford says, "I thought they might go with Sam Young here, but I have to admit that I love this pick for the Jazz. They needed a backup for Deron Williams, and Maynor is perfect for Utah as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He has a high basketball IQ and great leadership qualities. The Jazz fill a need and get a guy that I think is the most underrated player in the draft."
Don't worry Pay, GMU gets some pub in this article... Just consider the scouting report on the Jazz's newest draft pick from George Mason coach Jim Larranaga, who had a spot in the NCAA Tournament swiped by Maynor in the last two minutes of the 2007 CAA Championship Game.
"A player like Eric has the ability at both ends of the floor to do things that I don't think a lot of players even think about," Larranaga said. "When I talk about Eric, I often say he's like a magician ... and he made us disappear."
Now that the NBA Draft is o-v-a, let’s critique the past before we venture into the future.
What a much better title to a (classic?) movie trilogy!!! Venture to the Future!!! Okay, not so much.
There are EASY busts to find, as you’ll see below, but I want to change things up a little bit. It’s just my style…
Here are the “guidelines”: A) I’ll display the EASY pick (or picks) after my own selection. B) Only one sentence of justification (I hope). C) I’ll share a BUST I predicted correctly and a BOOM I didn’t see coming. D) I’ll try and eliminate bias. Key word: try.
2008 – #6. Danilo Gallinari (New York via Italy) I may chew on these words in the coming years (hope I do!), yet I wonder far too often if passing up on Brook Lopez, Eric Gordon, or even Jerryd Bayless may haunt Donnie Walsh from his first season as Knicks GM.
Easy Pick: #8 Joe Alexander (Milwaukee via West Virginia) BUST: Tougher thank you think to isolate… BOOM: #22 Courtney Lee (Orlando via Western Kentucky)
2007 – #1. Greg Oden [Portland via OhioState] Nobody hopes I’m wrong more than me; HOWEVER, as of now (AS OF NOW), he’s a BUST. As of now…
Easy Pick: #7 Corey Brewer (Minnesota via Florida) BUST: #20 Jason Smith (Philadelphia via ColoradoState) BOOM: #26 Aaron Brooks (Houston via Oregon)
2006 – #3. Adam Morrison [Charlotte via Gonzaga] As sloppy an early 1st round (save teammates Brandon Roy & LaMarcus Aldridge thus far) you’re likely to see in recent memory, this first round was a mess altogether; made no better by another somewhat baffling selection by the GM known as MJ.
Easy Pick: #10 Mouhammed Sene (Seattle via Belgium) BUST: #9 Patrick O’Bryant (GoldenState via Bradley) BOOM: #21 Rajon Rondo (Boston via Kentucky)
2005 – #6. Martell Webster [Portland via SeattlePrep School] While many of the names after him didn’t far any better, Webster was a high schooler who was chosen specifically because of how he shot the deep ball, which still makes no sense to me at all.
Easy Pick: #11 Fran Vazquez (Orlando via Spain) BUST: #12 Yaroslav Korolev [LA Clippers via Russia] BOOM: #30 David Lee [New York via Florida]
2004 – #10. Luke Jackson [Cleveland via Oregon] A personal favorite of mine, the former Duck was a sensational college scorer who fell flat on his face in a far-too-athletic NBA.
Easy Pick: #8 Rafael Araujo (Toronto via BYU) BUST: #13 Sebastian Telfair (Boston via Mean Streets of Brooklyn) BOOM: #26 Kevin Martin (Sacremento via Western Carolina)
2003 – #2. Darko Milicic [Detroit via Serbia] Perhaps the “too easy pick”, Milicic went to a STACKED Detroit roster after a guy named LeBron and before guys named Carmelo, Bosh, and Wade.
Easy Pick: #9 Michael Sweetney [New York via Georgetown] BUST: #10 Jarvis Hayes [Washington via Georgia] BOOM: #18 David West [New Orleans via Xavier]
2002 – #2. Jay Williams [Chicago via DOOK] A motorcycle crash, nearly fatal, in 2003 rocked the career of the former collegiate standout; nevertheless, questions had remained concerning Williams’ size and decision making abilities.
Easy Picks: #5 Nikoloz Tskitishvili [Denver via Italy] & #6 Dejuan Wagner [Cleveland via Memphis] BUST: #12 Melvin Ely (LA Clippers via FresnoState) BOOM: #34 Carlos Boozer (Cleveland via DOOK)
2001 – #9. Rodney White [Detroit via Charlotte] Whenever you mention 2001, you think Kwame Brown; however, White – the National Freshman of the Year – left the NBA in 2005 with little to nothing to show for his career.
Easy Pick: #11 Kedrick Brown (Boston via Okaloosa-WaltonCommunity College) Too Easy Pick: #1 Kwame Brown (Washington via Michael Jordan’s machinations) BUST: #17 Michael Bradley (Toronto via Villanova) BOOM: #10 Joe Johnson (Boston via Arkansas Southern)
2000 – #6. DeMarr Johnson [Atlanta via Cincinnati] 58 selections and only 3 All-Stars (Kenyon Martin, Jamaal Magloire, & Michael Redd) emerged, none more telling a sign than the journeyman Johnson, who may have rode the coattails of fellow first-round pick Kenyon Martin to far too high of a selection.
Easy Pick: #4 Marcus Fizer [Chicago Bulls via IowaState] BUSTED: #7 Chris Mihm [Cleveland via Texas] BOOM: #37 Eddie House [Miami via ArizonaState]
1999 – #15. Frederic Weis [New York Knicks via France] Perhaps best known as the ultimate “poster” for Vince Carter, Weis was taken over Queens’ own Ron Artest and never signed with the Knicks to play a single game in the NBA.
Easy Pick: #5 Jonathan Bender [Indiana Pacers via PicuyaneHigh School] BUSTED: #11 Trajan Langdon [Cleveland via DOOK] BOOM: #9 Shawn Marion [Phoenix via UNLV]
Now it’s YOUR turn to bring out your disappointments and surprises. Well come on!!!
Check out the new poll (top right) and don't let the NBA Draft leave you just left. Instant analysis is what you crave and that's what you get. Especially HERE.
Be sure to check in here at PHSports and the Twitter site (Tweet Tweet) for plenty of post-NBA draft analysis.
Sorry Patty Mills. I couldn't create enough mojo to get you into the 1st round. Credit: NBADraft.net
While it's too early to dictate exactly what's coming, I do know there will be plenty o' things to talk about.
For example, who had a better second round: Spurs or Blazers??? Spurs drafted...DeJuan Blair, Jack McClinton, and Nando De Colo (who?) Blazers drafted...Dante Cunningham, Jon Brockman, and Patrick Mills.
You tell ME!!!
That photo-op didn't take long. Credit: Yahoo! Sports
In case you wannna critique the critics, check out my and Pay's final mock drafts AND some of my early 1st round analysis (yes, I quit out after Maynor was drafted...so sue me).
Check out the new poll (top right) and don't let the NBA Draft leave you just left. Instant analysis is what you crave and that's what you get. Especially HERE.
Update #5: 9:30 pm I'll be checking in and out tonight with a few thoughts on tonight's NBA Draft.
Tweet tweet! Top 10 Thoughts are B-E-L-O-W.
VCU Ram Eric Maynor (MAYNOR!) goes #20 to Utah. A talented kid buried behind Deron Williams for the forseeable future. There could be worse things though. He's an uber-talented kid who will excel alongside the talented Williams and Jerry Sloan. He'll do just fine. Now when can I order my jersey???
I won't lie, Maynor in Utah and Flynn in Minnesota is worst-case scenario stuff television-wise for me.
Not good. Not good.
The selection of Austin Daye at #15 is beyond ridiculous, as I said before. It's the worst decision I've seen in some time. Good luck selling this pick to Piston fans. It'll be a harder sell than these (below)...
Update #4: 9:25 pm I'll be checking in and out tonight with a few thoughts on tonight's NBA Draft.
Tweet tweet! Top 10 Thoughts are B-E-L-O-W. Ty Lawson going to Denver - not Minnesota - is a fantastic move for the Nuggets. Alongside San Antonio and Houston, they are part of the second-tier of the West (chasing the Lakers). Chauncey Billups will be a great role model for this guy and Lawson will benefit greatly getting solid minutes off of the bench. Still waiting for my boy Maynor, who might be a runner-up to Teague shortly. As expected, Jeff Teague goes #19, ahead of Maynor, who he worked out with side-by-side quite a bit. I don't think Teague is the right guy in the Atlanta offense, because he demands the ball in his hands a little too much. His scorer's mentality is great, but Maynor would've facilitated a roster with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, and Al Horford a little more than Teague. Jay Bilas called it. Does this kid care about defense?
Knicks fans have every right to boo Larry Brown, too.
Another update shortly. Still waiting, impatiently, for Maynor. I cringe at him going #20 or #21. NBADraft.net should be ashamed of their server limitations over the past 48 hours. Embarassing.
Update #3: 9:15 pm I'll be checking in and out tonight with a few thoughts on tonight's NBA Draft.
Tweet tweet! Top 10 Thoughts are B-E-L-O-W.
Unfortunately, technical difficulties messed up my last two updates. I'm not gonna lie, I'm furious. Let's see if I can "catch up"...
Holiday may join names like Pierce, Granger, and Arenas who benefited by going later than expected. Credit: Yahoo! Sports
Austin Daye at #15 is a moronic pick. He's 6'10, 190 lbs, and shoots from the outside far too much. Detroit can't envision a future backcourt of Stuckey (who I like a lot) and Bynum, can they? Dumars doesn't know what he's doing. Terrible pick. Chicago was an unknown to me, so the James Johnson selection doesn't surprise me. I am not high on the guy and wonder how many minutes there are for him on this roster, especially if Tyrus Thomas remains with the team. Jrue Holiday was the last man in the green room and might be one of the night's biggest winners. Why? He's Philly bound. He played one of his best games as a freshman in Philly against VCU to open up the NCAA Tournament next year. This guy had top 6 talent and went 17. He won't instantly impact the Sixers, like Danny Granger did in a similar draft position, but he will be an outstanding defender and a competent point guard for the future. Rock solid pick for the Sixers. Minnesota is now on the clock for the third time in less than 2 hours. Please don't take another guard.
More to come shortly...
Update #2: 9:00 pm I'll be checking in and out tonight with a few thoughts on tonight's NBA Draft.
Tweet tweet! Top 10 Thoughts are B-E-L-O-W.
After the Vince Carter trade, it seemed very wise for the Nets to target someone like Terrence Williams. First senior to go, at #11. In a few years, it might be in the 20s before you see a senior go. Not good. I like the selection, even if I'm iffy about TWill. At #12 goes Gerald Henderson to the Bobcats. It's an unimaginative pick that I come to expect from any front office led by MJ. At #13, somewhat fittingly, goes Psycho T. He was never considered a lottery pick until recent weeks; however, he's laughing last. Actually, he's classy enough to not laugh, so I retract my last comment. Lame move by (what I assume are) Knick fans who chanted "overrated". His body of work, which I hate to agree with Mark Jackson, is as good as it gets for a four-year college prospect in recent memory. Earl Clark at #14 surprised me just a little, but not as much as Brandon Jennings coming out - awkwardly thanks to timing and the commish - shortly after. Don't be late to have your moment, son. Did the connecting flight on PanAm come in late? Ouch. As for Clark, I am hesitant, but perhaps he has a Shawn Marion type role on this team. You tell me.
Can he truly be excited about possibly being moved to Golden State (Oakland)???
Credit: Yahoo! Sports
The proposed Amare deal is HUGE. I'd take it in a heartbeat if I were Phoenix; however, I wonder if Golden State assumes Amare will sign a new contract with them. They aren't exactly dumping salaries there. By the way, SacTown picked up Sergio Rodriguez on the cheap. He might be splitting point guard duties with Tyreke Evans (Tariq, according to Mark Jackson) from Day One. Sorry Beno.
See you in a few...as the lottery selections are over.
I fear Maynor may be in for a large wait. Kinda surprised Daye is in the green room. Did he get a gurantee? Oh yeah, I already hate BJ Mullens. H-A-T-E.
Update #1: 8:30 pm I'll be checking in and out tonight with a few thoughts on tonight's NBA Draft.
Tweet tweet!
Hey Blake, get a better Clipper-oriented suit! Credit: Yahoo! Sports
LA Clippers select Blake Griffin with the #1 pick.
Instant Analysis: It should come as no surprise. I wonder who would be taken between Griffin and last year's #2 selection, Michael Beasley. It's not as easy as you think.
Memphis Grizzlies select Hasheem Thabeet 2nd overall.
Despite skipping out on a late workout, Thabeet is Memphis-bound. With a young nucleus of Gay, Mayo, Conley, and "the other" Gasol (don't forget my boy Warrick), the Grizzlies were wise to take a chance on the 7'2+ big man. Oklahoma City selects James Harden with the #3 pick.
This should not have been such a surprise to the "crew" from ESPN. He has LeBron's neckbeard and a smooth game that will work around Kevin Durant. He should slide in well to the 2-guard slot next to Russell Westbrook.I loved the bow tie by the way. Sacremento selects freshman Tyreke Evans with the fourth selection.
They weren't drinking the Ricky Rubio-juice and I can't blame them. I've been on the record stating that Evans is the most talented kid in this draft, NBA-wise, including Mr. Blake Griffin. Whether or not I'm right...time will tell.
Minnesota drafts two points guards, Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, with the 5th and 6th picks respectively.
I'm going to wait and see if these two guys remain on the Timberwolves from the next 48 hours before I react. Nevertheless, you know as a Cuse and Knick fan that I'm a little weepy that Flynn isn't MSG bound for good.
Golden State drives a nail into the heart of Knick-nation by selecting Davidson guard Stephen Curry.
A wise pick considering who was left on the board. They shipped out Jamal "Shoot till I Drop" Crawford and can now pair Curry alongside Monta Ellis at the 1-spot for dynamic scoring at that position.
Oh goodie, the Knicks select him. Credit: Yahoo! Sports
New York Knick fans rejoice (BOO!) as Jordan Hill is the 8th selection in the 1st round.
Pay questions whether he will be dealt, while I question the pick altogether. I'm not a huge fan of Hill, but also wonder how this team will deal with David Lee, Nate Robinson, and the upcoming free agent-palooza in 2010.
Toronto selects USC freshman Demar Derozan with the 9th pick.
I didn't see much of Derozan last season, but now it looks like Jrue "VCU Killer" Holliday may start to slip a little more than he might've expected. #10 is very very intriguing to me. Do you think Chris Bosh is a Raptor in 2011.
The top ten finishes out with Milwaukee selecting European-bound (for a year, at least) Brandon Jennings.
We'll never truly know how Jennings might've fared if he played college basketball last season; however, you can't cry about being a top 10 pick. This makes Ramon Sessions that much more expendable (he is a restricted free agent), although Jennings needs another year or two before he's NBA ready.
This guy is likely heavily targeted by the next 3 or 4 teams. That's why he's going #11, we think. Credit: Yahoo! Sports
...waiting for the Maynor selection, more to come shortly...
Griffin's selection is the wisest decision by any consumer since these...
PROJECTED TRADES: * Memphis trades the 2nd pick to Minnesota for the 6th and 18th picks * Sacramento trades the 23rd pick to Detroit for the 44th pick and cash considerations * Oklahoma City trades the 25th pick to Houston for cash considerations * Memphis trades the 27th pick to San Antonio for the 51st pick and cash considerations * Portland trades the 33rd pick to Houston for cash considerations * Minnesota trades the 47th pick to Orlando for two 2nd-round picks and cash considerations * Indiana trades the 52nd pick to Boston for cash considerations * Dallas trades the 56th pick to New York for future 2nd-round pick (top 40 protection)
PROJECTED VETERANS IN NEW PLACES: * Kirk Hinrich * Travis Outlaw * Luke Ridnour * Mike Miller * DeShawn Stevenson
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma. Griffin is their man. Expect the Clippers to shop at least one of their veteran bigs on the cheap to make space for the franchise forward.
2. Memphis – Ricky Rubio, PG, DKV Joventut. Uh oh. The Grizzlies went there, taking the much-maligned point guard from Spain. I smell a trade brewing …
3. Oklahoma City - James Harden, SG, Arizona State. Truly a combo guard, Harden is arguably the second-most skilled player in the draft after Rubio. Rumor has it that Thabeet could go here, but a combination of Westbrook, Durant and Harden sounds too lethal to pass up.
4. Sacramento – Tyreke Evans, SG/PG, Memphis. Evans is one of the high risers as a result of workouts. That said, he performed on the court all season and demonstrated that he can be a combo guard at the next level.
5. Minnesota (from Washington) - Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn. Thabeet needs few shots to make an impact and his defensive prowess is documented. That said, I have more doubts than most about Thabeet’s durability and aptitude for playing without the benefit of the zone defense.
6. Minnesota – Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Davidson. The sharpshooter is a great fit for any team, because he demonstrated solid ball-handling skills this past season. And he might change hats multiple times before the night is over.
7. Golden State - Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona. One of the highest risers in this year’s class, Hill is still getting better in all facets of the game (physical, mental, skill). If Monta Ellis does not end up running the point, the Warriors may select either Jonny Flynn or Brandon Jennings.
8. New York - Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse. Speedy, strong and smart – Flynn is the type of leader who Mike D’Antoni needs. It is rumored that the Knicks will decide between Curry, Evans and Jrue Holiday, but I think they take Flynn over Holiday.
9. Toronto - DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF, USC. No one questions DeRozan’s athleticism and skill. If he can become consistent and let his defensive efforts feed his offensive game, he could be the aggressive swingman who can get to the line consistently. If DeRozan shows resistance to playing north of the border, the Raptors could select Gerald Henderson or Terrence Williams
10. Milwaukee – Jrue Holiday, PG/SG, UCLA. Resigned to losing Ramon Sessions, it seems more and more like the Bucks are selecting a point guard. I really see the Bucks trading down a few picks and taking Jeff Teague. If they hang onto the pick, Holiday is the type of defender who can grow into the point guard role that Scott Skiles likes.
11. New Jersey – Terrence Williams, SG/SF, Louisville. A surprising pick at #11, coaches have fallen in love with Williams’s will to win and multi-faceted game. Yes, he has glaring holes, but he displays the one thing that will ensure he gets court time as a rookie – lockdown defense.
12. Charlotte – Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke. As a result of the Vince Carter trade, Henderson benefits at least monetarily. Henderson is a different type of shooting type of guard and will not sit on the bench for very long if healthy.
13. Indiana - Brandon Jennings, PG, Lottomatica Roma. Teams love Jennings’s upside, a word I’ve grown to hate. Perhaps, that’s why I have him going this late. Or, it’s because he averaged 5 points per game. Rumor has it that DeJuan Blair may go here. If he does not go here, I do not expect him to go until the early 20s.
14. Phoenix – James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest. Johnson is a talented player who flourishes in an up-tempo system because of his athleticism and length. He has a nice jump shot, but does he have the demeanor of a winner?
15. Detroit – BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State. Worst kept secret. Even worse pick if it's true. I really do not get what Joe Dumars is playing at with this pick, but this is who they want. If I were them and had this position, I’d jump at Eric Maynor or Ty Lawson. Quickly.
16. Chicago – Earl Clark, SF/PF, Louisville. Clark’s skill, length and tenacity makes him a good fit for any team that wants to win in this league. His ability to run the floor well is an added bonus.
17. Philadelphia – Eric Maynor, PG, Virginia Commonwealth. Needing a floor general who does not need to learn on the fly, the Sixers get just that. Maynor can do it all and has one of the nicest floaters from 8 to 14 feet out that you’ll ever see.
18. Minnesota – Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina. Kind of a flyer here for the T-Wolves who are drafting for a need of the Grizzlies for a projected trade that may not happen. Another year, another Carolina player in the lottery that we did not expect come draft night. The Nets are also said to be enamored with the 6’9” forward from Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
19. Atlanta – Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina. Lawson strikes the balance between being cat quick and disciplined. Is that the reason why some GMs may think he has reached his plateau? Lawson immediately becomes the backup point guard.
20. Utah - Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga. Daye may have a promise in the teens, but he slips here. Daye is a very good shooter and has a good feel for the game. Questions about his ability to be physical has him slipping for me. His addition may prepare the team for life without Kyle Rock n’ Roll Korver.
21. New Orleans - DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh. Every draft needs a fall guy. He’s ours. I love him and his 12+ rebounds per game, but every day, I read columns concerning his questionable knees.
22. Portland (from Dallas) – Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona. Budinger is a lights-out offensive player who has improved slightly as a defender, but not enough to warrant clear lottery status. Needless to say, he is great value at the 22nd pick and will vie for playing time immediately.
23. Sacramento (from Houston) - Omri Casspi, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv. One of the most talented young players in Europe over the last two years, Casspi has an inside/outside game that’s more of the finesse and flair style. Rumors were flying last week that this pick may be dealt. To whom?
24. Dallas (from Portland) - Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest. I’d be shocked to see Teague fall this far. Ultimately, this drop came down to two factors. NBA teams have enough score-first point guards. Jerryd Bayless dropped in last year’s draft. All it takes though is a single GM to avoid the numbers and put his faith in Teague to be a distributor / scorer.
25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio) – Victor Claver, SF, Pamesa Valencia. Claver does not fit the Charmin stereotype that most Spanish players fall into for being soft. He’s also a very polished player, but needs to improve his lateral quickness. Rumors last week discussed OKC possibly jettisoning this pick.
26. Chicago (from Denver through Oklahoma City) – Marcus Thornton, SG, LSU. Thornton is a multifaceted shooting guard who can break down defenses, connect from deep, and guard on the ball.
27. Memphis (from Orlando) – Jonas Jerebko, SF/PF, Angelico Biella. Jerebko dominated at the EuroCamp and caught the eye of NBA scouts. He’s really a 3, but can play the 4 in some systems.
28. Minnesota (from Boston) – Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina. Ellington is a smooth shooter with a silky stroke and improved steadily at the defensive end. Not to mention, he can take it to the hoop if the need arises.
29. New York (from LA Lakers) – Jack McClinton, PG/SG, Miami. Here’s a reach that’s been widely rumored. But, Mike D’Antoni, like many good NBA coaches, loves specialists. McClinton is a dead-eye shooter who will flourish in an open system.
30. Cleveland – Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier. Another explosive forward, Brown doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint or stepping back for a trifecta. He adds a wing presence that the Cavs sorely needed against the Magic. DaJuan Summers is a decent fit at this pick too, but Brown is more consistent.
31. Sacramento - Darren Collison, PG, UCLA. Collison struggles mightily against taller guards and the NBA consists of those. That said, Collison can easily make a roster, because he’s a hard worker, has great quickness, makes good decisions on and off the ball, and has a mid- and long-range jumper. Toney Douglas would also look really good in a Kings uniform.
32. Washington - Taj Gibson, PF, USC. Gibson adds depth to the Wizards frontline and makes them even younger. His mid-range jumper and wingspan - which results in blocked shots - adds value.
33. Portland (from LA Clippers) – Sam Young, SF, Pittsburgh. Agile and talented, Young made the most of his abilities while playing in the Big East. Young is also a high character guy which any coach has to like.
34. Denver (from Oklahoma City) - Toney Douglas, PG/SG, Florida State. Douglas provided scoring punch in the backcourt that other guards may not bring to the table. He can step in and assume the backup PG role immediately.
35. Detroit (from Minnesota) - Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary’s. Mills hasn’t impressed too much in workouts, but he was a sure-fire first-round pick before his injury. This is the type of point guard that the Detroit wants.
36. Memphis – DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown. After making a horrible decision to leave school, Summers’s athleticism makes him a very viable option early in round 2. One of the better values thus far.
37. San Antonio (from Golden State) - Josh Heytvelt, PF/C, Gonzaga. A rebounding forward with a deft shooting touch. Heytvelt will be able to make an impact if he keeps his head on straight and works hard.
38. Portland (from New York) - Nick Calathes, PG/SG, Panathinaikos. Stash pick here for next year or another suitor. Calathes will be in Greece for up to three seasons, but he can become a Blazer after one. He can score, rebound and dish it, but does he have the will to win?
39. Detroit (from Toronto) - Jeff Pendergraph, PF, Arizona State. Serviceable big man who never quits and is crafty like an NBA vet.
40. Charlotte (from New Jersey) - Jeff Adrien, PF, UConn. For a team that wants to get physical immediately, Adrien is a great pick. If effective, it will be as a garbage man on the offensive end and as a physical defender.
41. Milwaukee – Danny Green, SF, North Carolina. A 94-foot player, Green spent last summer adding muscle to his frame to prepare for the rigors of the NBA. To be successful, Green must become more consistent at the offensive end and not let his slumps at one end affect effort at the other.
42. LA Lakers – DerMarre Carroll, SF/PF, Missouri. Carroll has plenty of potential. He can instantly become an energy player off of the bench and provide 10 minutes of quality play per game.
43. Miami (from Indiana) - Tyrese Rice, PG, Boston College. Underrated (largely because of his height), Rice has a great first step that made him a regular guest in the opponent’s paint.
44. Detroit - Leo Lyons, PF, Missouri. Lyons provides some much-needed energy and skill.
45. Minnesota (from Philadelphia via Miami) – Sergey Gladyr, SG, MBC Mykolaiv. A relative unknown in Europe, Gladyr excelled at the EuroCamp, demonstrating strong mechanics and good bounce. He’s still young (19) and has plenty to learn.
46. Phoenix (from Chicago via Cleveland) – Jermaine Taylor, SG, Central Florida. Taylor is one of the best pure shooters in the draft and an asset to anyone who may acquire this pick.
47. Minnesota (from Miami) – Jody Meeks, SG, Kentucky. If you watched any SEC basketball last year, you’ll know that Meeks is a prolific scorer who’s unselfish and is a very underrated on-the-ball defender.
48. Phoenix - Ahmad Nivins, PF, St. Joseph’s. Wiry power forward with an inside / outside game, and averaged a double-double.
49. Atlanta - Robert Dozier, PF, Memphis. Tenacious defender whose wiry frame allows him to defend multiple positions.
50. Utah - Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, Cholet. Beaubois slips due to tweener status. Teams have to love Beaubois’s speed and wingspan, and some hold out hope that he can grow into a playmaking role.
51. San Antonio (from New Orleans via Toronto) – Dionte Christmas, SG, Temple. This pick reeks of BPA – best player available – plus trade. Christmas may not be the best player, but no team can have enough shooters or scorers.
52. Indiana (from Dallas) – Jon Brockman, PF, Washington. Gritty forward who can flat-out rebound … and score.
53. San Antonio (from Houston) – Jerel McNeal, SG, Marquette. Though undersized at the 2, McNeal is athletic and skilled. He can easily go in the late 30s or 40s.
54. Charlotte (from San Antonio) – Dante Cunningham, SF, Villanova. One of my favorite players, Cunningham is a coach’s dream. He always works hard, never gives up on a loose ball, plays textbook defense, and plays within himself on offense.
55. Portland – Vyacheslav Kravtsov, C, BC Kyiv. Built like a brick wall, Kravtsov can turn into a defensive specialist.
56. Dallas (from Denver through Portland) – Emir Preldzic, SF, Fenerbahce Ulker. A point forward with a high basketball IQ, Preldzic is a skilled player whose responsibility increased this year in the Euroleague.
57. Phoenix (from Orlando) – AJ Price, PG, UConn. A crafty point guard who’s battle-tested and mature.
58. Boston - Sergio Llull, PG/SG, Real Madrid. Aggressive decision maker who may be a defensive liability at times.
59. LA Lakers - Curtis Jerrells, PG, Baylor. Speedy guard who can but must improve his decision making to avoid being only a D-league all-star.
60. Miami (from Cleveland) – Chris Johnson, PF, LSU. Thin yet athletic forward who needs to get stronger to make imprint on league.
Tweet tweet. Pay's most recent 2-round mock is HERE. I plan on having my final mock tonight or early tomorrow. Tweet tweet.
I threw out a dozen-or-so draft-related questions to the editor (aka Pay) and let him decide which ones he'd address. Also a few random thoughts of my own (shocker!) might sneak their way in.
Question #1: Which Louisville prospect is most likely lottery bound: Terrence Williams or Earl Clark? Pay: Two months ago, I would have said Earl Clark. After workouts, Williams' stock has risen because teams love his versatility. He may also be the best defender in this draft class, and he won't last past the 12th pick. Clement: It's just as likely both slip into the late lottery, potentially even back-to-back, as they both slip into the late teens. Personally, I question what position and what type of shooting range either possesses on the NBA level. Nevertheless, I agree with Pay about Williams (slightly) over Clark. He seems more equipped to be a leader, a scorer, and a defender.
Question #2: Which second round prospect most intrigues you? Pay: Danny Green. On the right team and in the right situation with the right coaching, he will be an All-Star. If you watched him at Carolina like I did, he's not short of desire and concentrated power of will. Unlike most other second-round talents, Green is a 94-foot player, and he has steadily improved his jump shot, defense, and demeanor in the last four years. Clement: A lot of teams are desperate for a point guard, or depth at the position, and the first round offers tons of depth at the position. However, if you're willing to sweat it out in the second round, FSU's Toney Douglas (admittedly a combo guard) might be the Mario Chalmers of this draft. He has a knack for scoring but also distributes well and can continue to improve on defense.
Question #3: Who is the "safest" selection outside the top 5? Pay: Tyler Hansbrough. According to NBA GMs and anyone with a pulse, he's a known quantity who will work hard and never quit. Clement: Ty Lawson. While I'm not sure if he can be an elite point guard in the NBA, his speed, quickness, clutch shooting, and overall work effort (especially fighting through injuries) will keep him in this league for 10+ years.
Question #4: Which team has been the most difficult to analyze and predict in the top 10? Pay: Memphis. What will they do at #2? They have a major need at the center position, but they do not seem enamored with Hasheem Thabeet who skipped out on a workout. Increasingly, I believe that they will select the best player available (Ricky Rubio) and trade him to the highest bidder (Minnesota). Clement: Golden State. At #7, they are Donnie Walsh's biggest nemesis right now (if the affection for Curry is legit, which it clearly appears to be). The Warriors and their front office perplex me more and more, especially since Don Nelson is still calling most of the shots, with a roster that needs to downsize rather than adding another lottery selection. Filled with tweeners galore, I don't believe Stephen Curry would fall past them at 7. However, assuming he's already gone (likely to Minnesota), I have no idea what this team is thinking. NONE.
Question #5: Is Milwaukee better off drafting a rookie point guard (i.e. Johnny Flynn or Ty Lawson) or resigning Ramon Sessions? Pay: From a dollars and sense perspective, you draft a point guard in the 1st round. But, Scott Skiles seems to really like Sessions, so I expect the Bucks to make every effort to re-sign him. Do not be shocked if the Bucks draft a point guard with the 10th pick and sign Sessions, only to trade Sessions, Ridnour, or the point guard taken with the 10th pick. Clement: I have always felt Sessions could be a very very good point guard in this league. No, he isn't going to be CP3, Deron Williams, or Derrick Rose; however, I grade him higher than any point guard in this draft (even on their potential). With that being said, Milwaukee has made a mess of their cap and the trade market for the underrated Sessions may not be too strong. With a nucleus of Bogut, Redd, and Villenueva, I'd re-sign Sessions and trade down in this draft (targeting perhaps the aformetioned Terrence Williams or even Gerald Henderson).
Random Thought After dealing players and picks with the Wizards (notably Randy Foye and Mike Miller), the Minnesota Timberwolves have the 5th and 6th overall picks in tomorrow night's draft. Question now becomess, is Minnesota looking for the best two players available? The best guard and best forward? What if Thabeet slips to them? Do they envision a Thabeet/Jefferson/Love front line? Are they going with the best two guards, regardless of position? Do they really expect to draft four guys in the 1st round? Might they be the team who deals up to #2 with Memphis for Ricky Rubio? If I were the GM in Memphis, I'd get whatever I could from Minnesota (as long as I liked someone enough at #5), take Rubio, and then deal the Spanish phenom to the land of a thousand lakes.
As for the rest of the day, check out the Twitter feed (don't you always?), as I'm off to Transformers 2 right now. And no critics, I'm not expecting the next Godfather, Citizen Kane, or even Terminator 2. Instead, I'm anticipating quite a bit of this...
In a word...HELLO!!!! Credit: Megan-Fox.net
I know, I'm a sexist pig. I'll listen to the lecture from Jessie Spano later. Although, she has a checkered past herself, you know.
Tweet tweet, of course. Remember, live blogging HERE at PHSports and here at Twitter all Thursday night (aka NBA Draft night) long.
Update: Major draft implications with the recent Washington/Minnesota deal. Key players include Randy Foye, Mike Miller, and the 5th pick in this year's draft. READ HERE.
As well as a few of his thoughts... * Pick 2 is most intriguing. Why would Thabeet sit out during a workout with Memphis? Would you take a player if he sat out? I'd take Rubio and trade him to whoever wants him. My Comment: I couldn't agree more. Thabeet worries me a TON. More on that later... * Totally feel like the Kings are going with Tyreke Evans. My Comment: Evans is my man crush, sans the obvious (Maynor & Flynn), this year. * Spurs scalped the Bucks and got RJ for declining talent. Even if they get 60 games out of him, that's still a huge coup. Each of the Spurs' big four will miss at least 10 games at one point next year. My Comment: The injury comment could not be more dead on, including Jefferson. LA's Bill Plaschke (of Around the Horn "fame"), thinks this is as close to a Pau Gasol-deal as the Spurs could've made. They may be #2 in the West "Power Rankings". More on that later... * T-Will is going in the teens My Comment: I am seriously doubting if Earl Clark or Terrence Williams will be NBA contributors. Jay Bilas disagrees strongly. Good. * NBADraft.net really hates Jrue Holiday My Comment: VCU hates the guy too. He saved his best game for the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season. * Maynor won't be a lottery pick unfortunately. My Comment: A few weeks back, the trend had Maynor slipping to the late teens or even early 20s. The interesting threesome I see is Maynor, Lawson, and Teague. I think we know why Flynn came out, dude could go as high as 4 to Sac Town. Although I've seen him as low as 14 (NBADraft.net). I'm still ecstatic for Maynor and VCU and HOPE that 17 is where he lands, so I can see him play once in a while. I think he'd be a PERFECT fit for a pick-and-roll offense. Jay Bilas agrees. Uh oh.
As for today's weather report...
Rondo, seen here with his buddy Ice Cube, didn't react well to the trade rumors. Credit: ClubTaurus.com
1) Danny Ainge knows the Celtics are getting old and standing pat for a championship run in 2010 may be too costly for the C's future, specifically with the summer of 2010 ("Free Agency Summer") approaching. Curiously though, perhaps the top young talent on the team (point guard Rajon "Triple Double" Rondo), was linked by Yahoo! Sports with a blockbuster deal with the Detroit Pistons.
In the "supposed" proposed deal, Detroit would've sent Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rodney "50 Cent" Stuckey to Boston for Ray "He Got Game" Allen and Rajon Rondo. I might need to check out a few contracts; however, I'm shocked Rondo was paired in any deal, especially since Allen's expiring-next-season $20-million contract is easy to sell on its own. I knew immediately Stuckey would be involved, who's an intriguing point guard talent himself, although no Rondo (yet). Even more surprising, in the end, was Detroit potentially passing on the move, with Joe Dumars making mistake after mistake in recent trades and free agent signings (aka Kwame and AI).
Once talk of those Perfect Strangers reunion show die down, maybe Manu can focus on staying healthy on the court.Dance of JOY!!!
Credit: NBASportsMedia.com
2) San Antonio pulls the trigger, sending a trio of "role players" (Kurt Thomas, Fabricio Oberto, and Bruce "Trips" Bowen) for swingman Richard Jefferson. I hate to quote other articles, but this clearly sums up the thoughts of Milwaukee Bucks basketball as of late:
This is what happens, general managers and fans alike, when you shoot for 45 wins, and nothing higher. This is what happens when you overvalue talent. Like, perhaps, Luke Ridnour's talent. This is what happens when you pin your hopes on Richard Jefferson as a second go-to guy, even when he should be a third or fourth, while being paid as a first option. It's a lopsided deal, talent-wise, even taking into consideration the way people tend to overrate Jefferson. But it's a necessary deal, in Milwaukee's eyes, as Jefferson is due over $29 million over the next two seasons, on a team with little upside and no real reason to pay a luxury like Jefferson to stick around.
This should allow the Bucks enough money to sign their lottery pick and potentially hang onto Ramon Sessions (do it!); however, they could go PG, bench Ridnour, and let Sessions bolt (mistake!).
What surprises me, for the better, is the Spurs making the move for Jefferson. A 3rd option, at best, who gets paid WAY TOO MUCH (shocker), Jefferson actually might fit in well with the Spurs...if he starts playing actual defense. The #2-spot in the West isn't exactly locked up, despite Denver's lift-oft post-Chauncey last season, and Tim Duncan will love having Jefferson - if healthy - ready to score; especially if Ginobli can stay healthy come playoff time. Duncan/Parker/Ginobli/Jefferson is a pretty solid four. The only concern is this doesn't allow the Spurs to be freed up next summer, although I didn't see them being able to add an elite superstar (Amare, Bosh, Wade) anyways.
Surprisingly, Caron "Clipse" Butler isn't part of this Washington Wizards' trade discussion. Credit: HoopDoctors.com
3) ESPN.com's "trade rumors" (shocker, you don't have to pay for them) has the following "never-gonna-happen-in-a-million-years-trade-proposal". The question is: how dynamic might this be for all or some parties concerned? A LOT.
It would look like this: The Suns send Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland and Amare Stoudemire to Washington. The Cavs send Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to Phoenix and Zydrunas Ilgauskas to Washington. The Wizards send the No. 5 pick, Etan Thomas, Mike James and JaVale McGee to Phoenix and Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. Call me crazy, but isn't this the ideal deal for all three teams?
This can't be Vinsanity, can it? Can it!?!? Credit: GotMilk.com
4) David Lee, Vince Carter, and Luol Deng will have their names bounced quite a bit the next 48-72 hours. Guess who's getting moved? NONE OF THEM!!!
Stephen Curry can borrow this suit come draft night. No need for the lawyer, though. Credit: GossipBoulevard.com
5) A couple quick hits to end things... -Tyreke Evans is going to be the best player, production-wise, out of this draft. I called it with Paul Pierce in 1998 and Danny Granger in 2005 (okay, CP3 and Deron Williams are better). Both Pierce and Granger slipped way too far, which Evans shouldn't, and ended up developing into dynamic NBA talents (check the numbers on Granger, folks). I'm calling it with Evans, too. Bring him to MSG for good!!! -I'm nervous about Stephen Curry being a shooter on a team like Golden State (at #7). Very very nervous. -(My boy) Eric Maynor turned down an invitation to MSG to stay at home with his family in Fayettville. Might waiting until 17 (Philly) be too long for one of the the top senior prospects in the draft? -I'm always going to wonder how different Kentucky might've been next year with those recruits, Patterson, and Jodie Meeks. Wow. -DeJuan Blair won't be an impact starter in the NBA or any professional league. That doesn't mean he can't be a valuable reserve...in 3-4 seasons. -Hasheem Thabeet is a perfect #2 pick. He's as stiff as bigs come and doesn't have a basketball IQ I want anywhere near my starting 5 just yet.
When it comes to poor drafting, I know far too much pain.
Note: Tweet tweet. Clement will be live-blogging all night on Thursday night, starting right before 7pm. Tweet tweet.
We are less than a week away from the 2009 NBA Draft and trade rumors are buzzing. According to Aran Smith of NBADraft.net, teams with multiple teams such as Sacramento, Oklahoma City and Chicago are looking to sell their late first-round picks, while San Antonio, Detroit and Houston may be looking to join the fray. In our final mock draft, I will incorporate trade predictions. In my opinion, Sacramento, Minnesota, Memphis and Portland (shocker!) hold the keys to the draft. Portland, who hold 3 picks among the first 38, are reported to be making a serious play for free agent-to-be Hedo Turkoglu.
It is also around this time every year that teams start to make promises and that they go public. Today, as I was about to publish, I learned that BJ Mullens was reportedly given a promise by the Detroit Pistons if he is available at the 15th pick. As we get closer to Thursday, more promises will be rumored and others will be confirmed.
The overarching theme is the general dearth of frontcourt talent versus the deep point guard class. In this edition of the PHSports mock draft, I have 17 point guards selected, including nine in the first round and a whopping six in the lottery. Had this mock draft not reflected need-based selections, then more than a third of the selections in this draft would have been point guards (Daniel Hackett, Cedric Jackson, Nando De Colo, and Jeremy Pargo, to name a few).
*****
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma. Griffin is their man. Expect the Clippers to shop at least one of their veteran bigs on the cheap to make space for the franchise forward.
2. Memphis - Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn. Thabeet needs few shots to make an impact and his defensive prowess is documented. That said, I have more doubts than most about Thabeet’s durability and aptitude for playing without the benefit of the zone defense.
3. Oklahoma City - James Harden, SG, Arizona State. Truly a combo guard, Harden is arguably the second-most skilled player in the draft after Rubio.
4. Sacramento - Ricky Rubio, PG, DKV Joventut. It’s no secret that the Beno Udrih project didn’t work, and that the Kings have a major gap at the point guard position. If Rubio is off the board, the Kings will consider Tyreke Evans.
5. Washington – Stephen Curry, PG/ SG, Davidson. If Washington does not trade out of this pick (they should), Curry gets the nod because of his versatility and his ability to play in multiple lineups. So much for that promise from the Knicks.
6. Minnesota – Tyreke Evans, SG/PG, Memphis. Evans may not have timed well during workouts, but he’s the explosive guard that the Timberwolves are missing from their arsenal.
7. Golden State - Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona. One of the highest risers in this year’s class, Hill is still getting better in all facets of the game (physical, mental, skill). If Monta Ellis does not end up running the point, the Warriors may select either Jonny Flynn or Brandon Jennings.
8. New York - Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse. Speedy, strong and smart – Flynn is the type of leader who Mike D’Antoni needs. It is rumored that the Knicks will decide between Curry, Evans and Jrue Holiday, but I think they take Flynn over Holiday.
9. Toronto - DeMar DeRozan, SG/SF, USC. No one questions DeRozan’s athleticism and skill. If he can become consistent and let his defensive efforts feed his offensive game, he could be the aggressive swingman who can get to the line consistently. If DeRozan shows resistnace to playing north of the border, the Raptors could select Gerald Henderson or Wayne Ellington.
10. Milwaukee – Jrue Holiday, PG/SG, UCLA. Resigned to losing Ramon Sessions, it seems more and more like the Bucks are selecting a point guard. I really see the Bucks trading down a few picks and taking Jeff Teague. If they hang onto the pick, Holiday is the type of defender who can grow into the point guard role that Scott Skiles likes.
11. New Jersey – DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh. For a team that still has weaknesses in the frontcourt, a lot of mocks have them selecting guards. Common sense points to the Nets drafting a bruiser who can go after a lot of loose balls and play alongside Brook Lopez.
12. Charlotte – Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina. If Charlotte wants to fill the hole left by the trade of JRich, they will select Wayne Ellington instead of Gerald Henderson. Why? Ellington is a smooth shooter with a silky stroke and improved steadily at the defensive end. Not to mention, he can take it to the hoop if the need arises. Once again, the Bobcats will get plenty of calls from teams trying to move up.
13. Indiana - Eric Maynor, PG, Virginia Commonwealth. Needing a true floor general, the Pacers get just that. Maynor can do it all and has one of the nicest floaters from 8 to 14 feet out that you’ll ever see. Again, other sites have DeJuan Blair going here. If he’s available, that’s who they will take.
14. Phoenix – Brandon Jennings, PG, Lottomatica Roma. Chances are Jennings’s upside does not allow him to seep out of the top 10. The fact is, he can’t shoot well from deep and he needs to get stronger. That said, Jennings is a great value for a team who can let him grow.
15. Detroit - Earl Clark, SF, Louisville. Clark’s skill, length and tenacity makes him a good fit for the Motor City. His ability to run the floor well is an added bonus. In the last week, there have been two conflicting rumors. The first is a promise to BJ Mullens. The second is a trade out of this pick and the contract of Amir Johnson to free up money for two big free agent offers (seemingly to Ben Gordon and Carlos Boozer).
16. Chicago – James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest. Johnson fits well into the scheme and can make an instant impact on the blocks. If the Bulls see that there is no chance to re-sign Ben Gordon, then Gerald Henderson is the logical choice.
17. Philadelphia – Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke. Though he lacks a solid jump shot, Henderson is aggressive at both ends and has the potential to become a lockdown defender.
18. Minnesota (from Miami) - Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina. The T-Wolves need a better option at point guard, who is cat quick and can shoot when asked to do so.
19. Atlanta – BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State. Trade rumors are swirling around this pick. My over / under for this pick being traded is 60% percent. If they hold onto the pick, the Hawks can go in many directions. If they re-sign Mike Bibby, they will go with a big and swing for the fences. At worst, BJ Mullens is a true 7-footer who can hit a jump shot and stand there.
20. Utah - Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona. Budinger is a lights-out offensive player who has improved slightly as a defender, but not enough to warrant clear lottery status. Needless to say, he is great value at the 20th pick and will vie for playing time immediately.
21. New Orleans – Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest. Chances are, New Orleans will trade this pick. And if so, they will be making the pick for someone else. If that is the case, Teague is a great value.
22. Dallas - Terrence Williams, SG/SF, Louisville. Once again, the theme involves selecting players who can create impact without needing to score. Williams is one of the five best defenders in the draft and his point-forward skills make him an attractive option.
23. Sacramento (from Houston) – Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina. The Kings have needs in the muscle department as well as at point guard. Given that they satisfied the point guard, Hansbrough is the best available in the muscle department. Unfortunately, we won't get to see him celebrate much like this early on for the Kings.
24. Portland – Sam Young, SF, Pittsburgh. Agile and talented, Young made the most of his abilities while playing in the Big East. Young is also a high character guy which Nate McMillen has to like.
25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio) – Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga. Daye may have a promise in the teens, but he slips here. Daye is a very good shooter and has a good feel for the game. Questions about his ability to be physical has him slipping for me.
26. Chicago (from Denver through Oklahoma City) – Marcus Thornton, SG, LSU. Thornton is a multifaceted shooting guard who can break down defenses, connect from deep, and guard on the ball.
27. Memphis (from Orlando) - Omri Casspi, SF, Maccabi Tel Aviv. One of the most talented young players in Europe over the last two years, Casspi has an inside/outside game that’s more of the finesse and flair style. If Casspi does not get a 1st-round promise, then he will withdraw from the draft as he did last year.
28. Minnesota (from Boston) - Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier. Another explosive forward, Brown doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint or stepping back for a trifecta.
29. LA Lakers – Darren Collison, PG, UCLA. Collison struggles mightily against taller guards and the NBA consists of those. That said, Collison can easily make a roster, because he’s a hard worker, has great quickness, makes good decisions on and off the ball, and has a mid- and long-range jumper. Toney Douglas would also look really good in a Lakers uniform.
30. Cleveland – Jonas Jerebko, SF/PF, Angelico Biella. Jerebko dominated at the EuroCamp and caught the eye of NBA scouts. If the Cavs see that signing Jerebko or any other European-based player will be difficult, I see them taking Taj Gibson.
31. Sacramento - Victor Claver, SF/PF, Pamesa Valencia. Claver does not fit the Charmin stereotype that most Spanish players fall into for being soft. He’s also a very polished player, but needs to improve his lateral quickness.
32. Washington – Taj Gibson, PF, USC. Gibson adds depth to the Wizards frontline. His mid-range jumper and wingspan - which results in blocked shots - adds value.
33. Portland (from LA Clippers) - Nick Calathes, PG/SG, Panathinaikos. Stash pick here. Calathes will be in Greece for up to three seasons, but he can become a Blazer after one. He can score, rebound and dish it, but does he have the will to win?
34. Denver (from Oklahoma City) – Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary’s. Mills hasn’t impressed too much in workouts, but he was a sure-fire first-round pick before his injury. In turn, Denver gets the backup point guard which they sorely need.
35. Detroit (from Minnesota) – Toney Douglas, PG/SG, Florida State. While Douglas is not the true guard they long for, he is the best option out there. Additionally, he provides additional scoring punch in the backcourt.
36. Memphis - DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown. After making a horrible decision to leave school, Summers’s athleticism makes him a very viable option early in round 2. One of the better values thus far.
37. San Antonio (from Golden State) – Jeff Pendergraph, PF, Arizona State. Serviceable big man who never quits and is crafty like an NBA vet. Coach Pop could fall in love with this type of player.
38. Portland (from New York) – Jody Meeks, SG, Kentucky. Chances are that Portland packages their five picks into two or possibly three, and that they make value picks. Enter Jody Meeks. If you watched any SEC basketball last year, you’ll know that Meeks is a prolific scorer who’s unselfish and is a very underrated on-the-ball defender.
39. Detroit (from Toronto) – Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, Cholet. Again, I do not see the Pistons making this pick for themselves. Making that assumption, teams have to love Beaubois’s speed and wingspan, and some hold out hope that he can grow into a playmaking role.
40. Charlotte (from New Jersey) - Jeff Adrien, PF, UConn. For a team that wants to get physical immediately, Adrien is a great pick. If effective, it will be as a garbage man on the offensive end and as a physical defender.
41. Milwaukee – Josh Heytvelt, PF/C, Gonzaga. A rebounding forward with a deft shooting touch. Heytvelt will be able to make an impact if he keeps his head on straight and works hard.
42. LA Lakers – Danny Green, SF, North Carolina. A 94-foot player, Green spent last summer adding muscle to his frame to prepare for the rigors of the NBA. To be successful, Green must become more consistent at the offensive end and not let his slumps at one end affect effort at the other.
43. Miami (from Indiana) – Leo Lyons, PF, Missouri. Miami needs to get younger and fresher in the frontcourt and Lyons provides some much-needed energy and skill.
44. Detroit – Jermaine Taylor, SG, Central Florida. Taylor is one of the best pure shooters in the draft and an asset to anyone who may acquire this pick.
45. Minnesota (from Philadelphia via Miami) – Sergey Gladyr, SG, MBC Mykolaiv. A relative unknown in Europe, Gladyr excelled at the EuroCamp, demonstrating strong mechanics and good bounce. He’s still young (19) and has plenty to learn.
46. Cleveland (from Chicago) – Jon Brockman, PF, Washington. Gritty forward who can flat-out rebound … and score.
47. Minnesota (from Miami) – Dionte Christmas, SG, Temple. This pick reeks of BPA – best player available – plus trade. Christmas may not be the best player, but no team can have enough shooters or scorers.
48. Phoenix – DerMarre Carroll, SF/PF, Missouri. A great fit for Alvin Gentry’s up-tempo style, Carroll must limit the turnovers to contribute.
49. Atlanta – AJ Price, PG, UConn. A crafty point guard who’s battle-tested and mature. If Atlanta goes the upside route, then Patrick Beverley or Curtis Jerrells may be the guy.
50. Utah – Curtis Jerrells, PG, Baylor. A cat-quick guard who can shoot, but must improve his decision making to be successful.
51. San Antonio (from New Orleans via Toronto) - Dante Cunningham, SF, Villanova. One of my favorite players, Cunningham is a coach’s dream. He always works hard, never gives up on a loose ball, plays textbook defense, and plays within himself on offense.
52. Indiana (from Dallas) - Vyacheslav Kravtsov, C, BC Kyiv. Built like a brick wall, Kravtsov can turn into a defensive specialist.
53. San Antonio (from Houston) - Jerel McNeal, SG, Marquette. Though undersized at the 2, McNeal is athletic and skilled. My over / under on this pick being traded is 80 percent.
54. Charlotte (from San Antonio) – Tyrese Rice, PG, Boston College. Underrated (largely because of his height), Rice has a great first step that made him a regular guest in the opponent’s paint.
55. Portland (from Denver) – Patrick Beverley, PG, Dnipro. Beverley has the athletic gifts and aggressiveness to be successful, but he has not yet developed his basketball IQ.
56. Portland – Vitor Faverani, PF/C, Unicaja Malaga. Faverani is still learning is 99% potential, and is a low-risk, high-reward pick.
57. Phoenix (from Orlando) – Chinemelu Elonu, PF/C, Texas A&M. Elonu probably made a poor decision to leave school early, but he can rebound, block shots and can play physical. The Suns can use all three of those qualities.
58. Boston – Connor Atchley, PF, Texas. Despite a poor senior year, Atchley is an unselfish role player who will do the little things that playoff teams need. To earn a roster spot, Atchley needs to be consistent.
59. LA Lakers – Robert Dozier, PF, Memphis. Tenacious defender whose wiry frame allows him to defend multiple positions.
60. Miami (from Cleveland) – Emir Preldzic, SF, Fenerbahce Ulker. A point forward with a high basketball IQ, Preldzic is a skilled player whose responsibility increased this year in the Euroleague.
Note: Tweet tweet. Clement will be live-blogging all night on Thursday night, starting right before 7pm. Tweet tweet.
Eric Maynor didn't have to play in a power conference to get drafted -- in the first round at that. He didn't need face time on the tube. It just proves that if you have talent, the NBA will find you, Gary Parrish says. 
A 6-foot-3, 164 pound pure point guard, Maynor played all four years of college ball. ESPN's Jay Bilas says Maynor is "a true point guard … has a great feel for the game. Superior change of pace and change of direction, a great leader, runs the pick and roll to perfection. Very old-school." Credit: KSL.com
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