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The NBA Draft FanPost

Tiny by seattlebruin on Comment 529 comments

Today is the NBA draft where the second of Seattle's two competently run franchises (from an on-field standpoint) sets to determine their future. There are a lot of hot rumors surrounding the Sonics right now, who were originally linked to Arizona combo Jerryd Bayless, but now have apparently completed a trade down to #7 where they're expected to take Stanford C Brook Lopez. They've also been linked to UCLA combo Russell Westbrook at 4.

I was planning on using this post to semi-blog the first round (but I won't be in front of a TV, so I was just going to make fun of whoever ends up picking Anthony Randolph and his 6-11, 200 lb frame)

On the draft, I will continue to maintain that OJ Mayo is the best player in this draft IF he's allowed to play point. He's got great court vision, and the only reason his assists aren't higher is that his teammates at USC legitimately sucked.

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And speaking of... the details of the trade:

The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3. If Mayo isn’t drafted at 3, the deal is off according to two sources close to the information.

So it sounds like either the Sonics want Mayo or they’ll get a better offer for the 4th pick should he be available there.

by Matthew on Jun 26, 2008 2:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup, that's what it sounds like, which means that Presti probably targeted Mayo sometime ago

and used Bayless as a smokescreen hoping Mayo would fall.

I LOVE Mayo’s game in terms of fit with the Sonics (and remember where this is coming from… grrrrrr). I really doubt Mayo falls though. He seems to be pretty entrenched at 3 regardless of who ends up making the pick.

I’m not gonna lie – I’m intrigued by the idea of pairing Beasley and Durant though, given that they’re best friends and while both are genuinely horrific defenders, they both have the athleticism to eventually grow into good defensive players.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't like this pairing at all.

It’s tough to win with two of those kind of guys. They both need the ball to be succesful on offense, and they both suck at defense. Plus, that keeps Jeff Green on the bench, and he was a First Team Rookie.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True - from a basketball standpoint it doesn't make a whole lot of sense

unless you’re utterly convinced that Durant can handle the two or that the two of them will get along so well (because of their friendship) that they’ll defer to each other for better shots.

I still love Mayo’s game – what do you think of him? (Though I’m guessing you haven’t seen too much of him)

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sure they'd get along

But playing two no-defense guys is recipe for disaster. Even if Durant/Beasley put up 50+ a night they will still give up 45 on the other end. We have too many other holes (see: rest of roster). Assuming we don’t get Mayo, I don’t think we’ll get someone who will be a superstar. All the guys after the top 3 have significant flaws. But that’s not a terrible thing, we can still get a very useful player. I hope it’s a guard, for a couple reasons. The bigs that will get drafted high (Love, Brooks) are NOT going to be any good in the pros. And the NBA is more and more becoming a guards game. And if we get some guard who can be a useful PG, that’d be great.

I haven’t seen much of Mayo. Not enough to really judge him, just 2 games. He didn’t shoot well when I saw him, but apparently he has supposed to have a good jumper. His past scares me, I don’t see how this guy doesn’t have more questions than Michael Beasley.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mayo's actually answered a lot of the concerns - the biggest thing with him was always the handlers

rather than the kid himself. From all accounts, he was an absolutely model citizen at SC (aside from a well-publicized practice scuffle), and seems to have gotten rid of a large portion of his posse over the past year.

I’m gonna disagree on Kevin Love (this is the homer glasses talking). I think he can be a solid contributor in the NBA provided he doesn’t get destroyed on defense. His outlet passing would go really well with a running team, and he’s not quite as slow as people say he is – he just looks more awkward than he actually is.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His skills will prevent him from being a bust

I agree with that. But that guy can barely get off the floor. And the NBA has shifted to being guard-and-athleticism-oriented. I think he’s coming into the league about 20 years too late.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Meh... he's not explosive, but I also don't think he's as unathletic as people have pegged him

again, still homer glasses, but I think he has just enough athleticism to cut it as a very solid NBA player

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Somebody's lying...

Percy Allen says, via “Sonics team source,” the trade is bogus

Ian Thomsen also has a “league source” who said it wasn’t final

Also note that Thomsen leaves out the dependency on Mayo not being the third pick and thinks LA is after Mayo at #4, which is just crazy talk. If Mayo’s there at 4, the Sonics take him and watch him and Kevvie-D star for the next decade in… um… the NBA.

by niko on Jun 26, 2008 2:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And RE: Sonics trade

Yikes, this is a steal

The Sonics will pick up L.A.’s 2009 first-round pick (protected) in exchange for the three-spot drop.

This is what happens when a very good GM trades with a very bad one. The good one gets the player he wants and a free first round selection.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It sounds like it's lottery protected (not even Elgin Baylor is THAT stupid)

so it’s unlikely we see the pick until 2010, but that’s still fine. We already hold two first rounders next year, including (what I believe is) an unprotected one from Phoenix who just might suck next season.

It’s just amazing sometimes how easy it is to build assets in MLB/NBA merely by refusing to give into hype and not showing your hand two months before the draft. The rumors are that LA is trading up to take Russell Westbrook, who is the “hot name” all over the draft right now. Now Russ is a good player, has all kinds of potential, and is genuinely a nice guy. He shouldn’t be the fourth pick of the NBA Draft. Period.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sadly...

It’s the Spurs pick next year, Sun’s the year after

by niko on Jun 26, 2008 2:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crap, you're correct.

nbadraft.net is listing it as Phoenix’s pick, I forgot to check.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 3:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How are things looking for the Schultz lawsuit?

Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates is one of the greatest literary achievements of the Modern Era.

by Frosty Raptor on Jun 26, 2008 2:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No fucking clue.

That kind of a lawesuit doesn’t have a whole lot of precedent.

by BrianL on Jun 26, 2008 2:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the Bucks trade Yi

to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson and Bobby Simmons. That sure was an interesting year in Milwaukee for him.

by melack on Jun 26, 2008 2:38 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That one might go down as the worst lottery pick of all time

they took a project type guy whose national government had no desire to see him in Milwaukee… and wound up dealing him a year later for a guy who’s not nearly worth the dollar signs on his contract.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which means they basically wasted a good pick (#6) overall in a good draft

Woooo for NBA teams that make terrible decisions! I’m starting to think that Bill Simmons wouldn’t do all that awful of a job…

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a very good point.

And it’s pretty safe to say that Simmons wouldn’t think things like “you know what, the Chinese project guy’s powerful national government has expressed that they don’t want him to play here, but I’m going to risk a minor international incident over a fucking basketball player who’s not all that good to begin with.”

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 2:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No kidding.

I’m still torn though. Part of me is excited to see who we get, and the other part doesn’t care because we might not have a team here anyway.

I like midgets more than I should.

by Thingray on Jun 26, 2008 3:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm going to continue to act as if nothing is wrong

and then letterbomb the hell out of Clay Bennett if they do move.

You know, I seem to remember something happening in OKC in like 1995…

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 3:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's the mindset I'm trying to take as well,

but it’s tough with all the lawsuit coverage in the news.

I like midgets more than I should.

by Thingray on Jun 26, 2008 3:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Scoop Jackson is really good at his job
4. The Nuggets trade J.R. Smith and a future No. 1 pick to the Sonics for the fourth pick
… And draft Russell Westbrook. How beautiful would that be? Westbrook in the backcourt with AI? The enigma that has become J.R. Smith can move elsewhere, taking the mental mistakes that have haunted him in the past two playoffs. Regardless of whether Melo is in a Nuggets uniform in November or whether George Karl is the coach in January, Westbrook - the second coming of Baron Davis - would fit in Denver as Tim Russert did in the “Meet the Press” chair.

Why would you ever even CONSIDER doing this? JR Smith has less value then Miguel Batista… and he’s worth the fourth overall pick in the draft??! ARGHHHH I can’t believe how stupid you would have to be to ever let that thought reach your mind…

/end self-righteous indignation

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 3:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey my Pacers are "BURNING THE TREE!"

Fuck yes. Please Basketball Jesus…destroy (in the good way) this retched, retched team.

by SethGrandpa on Jun 26, 2008 3:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is not my USC bias speaking at all

but I want Mayo on the Sonics so bad. He’s athletic and a great defender. The Sonics have been awful at defense for I don’t know how many years and Durant isn’t going to learn to play it any time soon. Getting a potentially lock down SG who can also score but is willing to defer to Durant would be awesome.

I think Mayo would love to be on a team where he doesn’t always have to shoulder the load.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've already said that

I will jump for joy if the Sonics end up with him. I genuinely think he’s the best player in this draft, and is potentially the answer at point.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Point?

I’m really not sold on OJ as a PG. I think his ball handling is okay for one on one but I don’t think he’s good enough to run the show. He deferred to Daniel effing Hackett a lot last year.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's going to have a tough time in the NBA

at the 2. There aren’t a lot of modern 2-guards that are 6’3”-6’4” that were good. In fact, the only one I can think of is Allen Iverson….

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Isn't Iverson smaller than that?

Either way the Sonics have huge needs at 1 and 2, so if Mayo can fill one of those for a decade that would be awesome.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the one thing that no one talks about with Mayo

is that even if he can’t handle the 1 on offense, he can guard both guard positions, which frees you up to play any kind of PG you want, kind of like the Clippers with Livingston (they could play an undersized quick 2-guard and have him guard the other teams point)

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I figure this is because

people got sick of his hype and when he didn’t come on and start throwing down 40 ppg people decided to ignore him.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah I said Iverson...

I’m trying to think of others….

I guess Ben Gordon is mildly successful.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cuttino Mobely

and all of the 6-3 SGs that came into the league when execs thought no-look passes and reasonable ball handling skills equaled All-Star point guards (Marbury, Francis, etc.)

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think that's because Floyd wanted to run the offense around Mayo as a shooter though

He had the ball in the endgame most of the time.

RE: his ball handling – I think that’s something that will improve – he’s only 20, after all, and his court vision is very good. If he can stick at the 1 (kind of like how I feel about Triunfel if he can somehow stick at short) with his size and jumper, he’s a plus plus PG for the next 12-15 years.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm a Coug so only watched USC when they played us last year,

but the Trojans’ offense looked to be something along the lines of “stand at the corners and see what O.J. can do.” I didn’t see a plan, or any support or anything else resembling a real offense. Just a talented, raw, probably overwhelmed kid asked to do everything.

Two-game sample size, but I was disappointed in what Floyd had going.

by Teej on Jun 26, 2008 4:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FWIW

I think the Cougs were probably the toughest team for us to play last year, and this is in a year where we had ucla twice, Memphis and Kansas.

For whatever reason the cougits defense just stifled our offense. I want to say we had injuries for one of those games as well. I do remember everyone on the team being cold and OJ deciding to take over after realizing no one else was able to do anything.

In our better games we got a lot more post production out of Taj Gibson, and Davon Jefferson, with guys like Hackett and Lewis hitting open jumpers created by OJ and Davon.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It makes sense though, because they're the kind of team that gets under the skin of a guy like Jefferson

We had a lot of trouble with them too (the only reason we won both games was superhuman effort in game 2 and a ridiculously hot streak in game 1)

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Makes sense.

A lot of offenses were made to look bad by WSU.

by Teej on Jun 26, 2008 4:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, they've got some talent coming in.

It’ll never be a top-notch program because, you know, Pullman, but if he can start recruiting at least some B-level classes, he’s going to put together something awesome. He kind of has already, by our standards.

by Teej on Jun 26, 2008 4:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweet

the draft is on ESPN360, so I can watch at work!

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:12 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It just crashed IE for me

so meh so far.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which is odd

because it worked earlier for the Euro match.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And now it seems stable

I love the ESPN never graduate commercials. Come back college football!

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah I've seen that one

excellent depiction of bRuin alums as child hating monsters.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eric Gordon

Let’s see….

undersized
poor ball-handler
despite reputation as a great shoot, only shot 33% from college 3 pt line last season

I am totally against Eric Gordon.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think we can all agree

no one wants Lopez.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:31 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It wouldn't be the worst thing ever...

but I’ll be about 40 billion times happier with Mayo than Lopez.

Could be worse. It could be Anthony Randolph.

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crowd heckling Stern

haha.

“I thought that would get a cheer”

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:35 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh

using team stats for individuals.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shoot the three Derek

shoot the three!

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also I wonder how is candy addiction

comes to pass.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whew

I thought Miami was taking Mayo.

Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates is one of the greatest literary achievements of the Modern Era.

by Frosty Raptor on Jun 26, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beasley to Miami

no shocker there.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wonder

how many more mothers they talk to at the NBA draft than fathers.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:48 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just what we need...

Another too-young center prospect from California with funky hair.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have no idea

someone who’s watching, who the hell is on the clock?

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN says the Sonics...

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't talk about the Sonics, ESPN...

Great job being impartial, fellas.

Pat Riley, tell me how my ass tastes.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:52 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does GTE apply for the draft?

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Westbrook...

Not awful epic fail like we expected.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No trade

SOnics are drafting at 4

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OT but brayden...

Which hoops team are you playing for this weekend?

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know,

It’s my buddies team. I’m not even sure what league it’s in. Why do you ask?

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My team I work for (Bellingham Slam) are in their league finals...

And they go on this weekend in Monroe.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think it's the same.

I am pretty sure this is a Seattle league. I played in one game at the Garfield Community Center.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, Russ...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's a fantastic defensive player, jumps out of the building and is aggressive

has good form on his shot, but it’s still a work in progress. Court vision and handle are OK… may be able to handle the point part time, but most of us who watched him this year think he’s probably a combo for life – he just isn’t a natural enough passer to be a full time point guard

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 4:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

6'3"

Athletic, good defender. PG.

Can’t shoot well from distance, but this is the best pick we could’ve made at this point.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 4:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's a good player... but if you had to pick a top ten guy this year who was going to be a huge bust it'd be Gordon

he’s not the shooter that he’s advertised as, is a bad defender, and is undersized to boot.

All in all, not a can’t miss combo

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He got hurt.

Didn’t shoot like he was suppposed to. And he can’t dribble. Not going to be able to create his own shot in the NBA. Too small.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Was the Sonics team assessment "Needs a city"?

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well

at least Westbrook can play defense.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I dunno about that

the Sonics now have exactly 1 player capable of playing defense.

The Seahawks are probably the Seattle team that most values defense.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 4:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sounders FC

Woo

Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates is one of the greatest literary achievements of the Modern Era.

by Frosty Raptor on Jun 26, 2008 5:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about them?

I’m not even interested in them. I’ve been in LA for 6 years now with the Galaxy. MLS is made of fail.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MLS sucks for the most part

I can only get into international competitions.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully he's gone now

please please please please.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Incidentally...

I just found out a few weeks ago that one of my coworkers in my unit is his cousin…

My layout.spellcheckDefault goes to 11

by PositivePaul on Jun 26, 2008 10:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was too

up until the point where they said he couldn’t guard a chair

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 6:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But then he shaved his head and I started taking

him seriously instead of thinking of him as a hobbit. I still like him anyways.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 6:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn, Seattle has another 1st round pick (24) and 4 2nd rounders..

My heart would be in this if I knew they’d stay..its a shame.

I fucking hate you Mariners

by kentroyals5 on Jun 26, 2008 5:01 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They could draft an all-rookie team

Or just make more trades than Mike Ditka.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YES

Gay-Love will lead the Grizzlies to a sexy sexy future

by Nick S on Jun 26, 2008 5:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Too high

but glad he’s not coming to us.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Must improve

Explosion ability

(probably the least improvable attribute for a basketball player)

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Meh, haha

I’m just happy that Kevin got picked pretty high

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not a great runner of the floor

ESPN commentary is great.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God I wish I was watching this...

The only question is should I go home in like twenty and take an hour and a half of personal time?

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, please God, don't let the Clippers take Lopez

otherwise I’m permanently going to be having a heart attack until I see Russ suit up for the Sonics

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Italian kid

good player, going to be a huge defensive liability though. Athletic enough to mayyyybeee cut it in a few years

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"He's not going to be a superstar."

Glowing reviews for the Italian.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate Italian players

because they make me think about Italian soccer and I hate the way they play soccer

by Last Fan Of Jose Lopez on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I love it.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN analysis

He’s the rooster… He could be a Derek Jeter/Tiki Barber type person… what the fuck????

by LongLiveTheKings on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lulz

Knicks with the nepotism pick.

The poster formerly known as Matt.

by bluemax on Jun 26, 2008 5:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear God, I can't believe Russ went fourth overall

we weren’t even sure if he was going to start this time last year

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully he's like a Morrow

Late Bloomer. I like the fact that he’s great at defense. And for a guy who couldn’t dunk 3 years ago.. He’s crazy good at it now.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Late growth spurt.

He was 5-11 as a junior and grew four inches as a senior (which is why the high majors didn’t offer him until the late signing period)

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, kind of weird. 5'11", can't dunk well

6’3” can now dunk over players with ease.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH

BUST BUST BUST BUST BUST BUST

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like how New Orleans "traded"

their 27th pick for cash considerations to Portland.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How much does a draft pick run these days?

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is a rookie scale

All 1st rounders get 2 yrs guarenteed with team options in years 3 and 4.

1st overall will make something like 4 million in his first season, the last pick in hte first round might make 1 million first year.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not sure how much they paid for the pick.

It just said cash consideration.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't mind.

I think Bayless is a surer thing. But I hate when teams take defense out of the equation. I’d rather build from defense and “intangibles” (like doing the little things like Jeff Green, and being good without having the ball in your hands).

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah,

Thought you were referencing Westbrook. Yeah I’m not a fan of Gordon at all. He’s not athletic enough, and he has “attitude problems” it seems. Bayless has a bit of an attitude problem in that he whine when he doesn’t win, so that’s not that bad. I’m just not a Gordon fan at all. He’ll score 20 a game someday maybe, but he won’t do it efficiently, and won’t contribute much else.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God I want them to stop talking about the most freshman ever thing...

The early entry rules changed. That’s it. That’s the whole explanation. Shut up Stuart A Scott.

by LongLiveTheKings on Jun 26, 2008 5:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is Bayless here to MIL, right?

There’s no way they take Augustin at 8…

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A big white guy in Milwaukee

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But they traded "the Chairman" away.

Man I didn’t know he spoke Mandarin, I love Joe Alexander even more now!

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Joe Alexander.

Gotta root for the crazy athletic white dude who wasn’t much good 3 years ago.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"With the ninth pick..."

The Bobcats select Brayden, American University.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm calling Brooke Lopez.

Not sure if he’s a great pick, but they need a center.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw Robin

was invited to the green room. Bad idea, there is no way he goes top-20

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish that were true.

I never slept on my twin’s floor sophomore year, but we were roommates for every year in college, so I never had the need. Robin seems way too goofy to be Brook’s twin, and Brook seems too cocky to be Robin’s twin.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish.

Cause then I’d get paid crazy!

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love Augustin.

But… I don’t see why Charlotte needs more small guys.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BAHAHAHAHA

Brook Lopez is crying!!!!

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HAHAHAHAHHA

Dude what if Robin goes before him?

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stu Scott (I hate him, btw)

Said, “Brooke Lopez showing some emotion with that pick.”

Cutaway to Brook crying. That was fucking awesome.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

These are the moments I wish I had DVR.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TOUGH UP NANCY

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish there was a trade... It makes the drafts more exciting if there's

an in-draft trade.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good point.

They can trade their 1st rounders and some of their foreign or young guys (sergio rodriguez and that other spanish dude, that Duke guy, etc.)

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whooo Brook Lopez, finally

So they have VC, the Chairman, and Brook now (Bobby Simmons too)... drastically different team.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:30 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Forgot Devin Harris and Sean Williams

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh jeez I was wrong

There you go Brook, now you can cry.

Jason Ellison, your Seattle Mariners legacy will not be forgotten.

by GoodKeith on Jun 26, 2008 5:30 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I never understood why they have Jay Bilas'

on this thing. His knowledge is a lot worse than Chad Ford’s. And he doesn’t write much on the draft until the actual draft day. He also seems to like everyone…

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha, I'd love to be drafted just so I could have Stephen A Smith yell at me.

I’d be like “stop yelling!”

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Though he is better than Stu Scott

Since Stu has NO IDEA who anyone is… when Deron Williams got drafted his remark was “7 tattoos(forget the exact number) on this guy, but he still has character)

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:35 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paid vacation, bitch =)

only what, five more years til you get paid for sitting at home on “sick” days?

by seattlebruin on Jun 26, 2008 5:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pacers are so lucky.

Don’t trade up and still get Bayless.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chad ford says this about Augustin

“A little bit of a surprise. We’ve been hearing all day that the Bobcats are shopping Raymond Felton. I guess this confirms it. They passed on a need (Brook Lopez) to get Augustin. He’s an upgrade over Felton, so it’s hard to criticize the Bobcats. Augustin has a chance to be special. The Blazers and Kings wanted him and have to be crushed right now.”

How can he say he’s an upgrade over Felton… chances are that he is NOT an upgrade…

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Felton is awful

Bad shooter. Lot’s of turnovers.

by brayden04 on Jun 26, 2008 5:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hm.. his 3pt percentage has gotten worse every year...

and his fg is hovering at around 40%. Ok, other than shooting he is fairly good. But he definitely should not be putting up 200-300 3’s per season.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think ESPN is stuck in an infinite loop...

Stephen A. Smith (loudly): People say you aren’t a natural point guard; how do you respond to that?

Player: I just want to play whatever position the team asks me to play.

by busplunger on Jun 26, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Haha, yeah definitely.

I don’t see the point in interviews if they only ask one general question.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jason Thompson THIS early??

Surprise of the draft so far.

I will not let negativity bring me down.
"Do the right thing."

by LantermanC on Jun 26, 2008 5:42 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Uh, who?

From what college?

Prepare to be back next year,