Official NBA Draft Thread

[BigCountry]

It's only a few days away, what are you guys' thoughts on your teams draft?

There have been rumors (Mitch K has denied them but who believes a GM 4 days before the draft) that the Lakers and Blazers are working on a trade. The Lakers would get the number 3 pick and Rueben Patterson for the 10th overall pick, Caron Butler and some other players. I'd hate to see this happen for Gerald Green but if it gets the Lakers Derron Williams or Chris Paul I'd be happy.

On a side note, Shawn May will be the steal of the draft imo.

[IndianBaller27]

When exactly is it?

[smoot]

When exactly is it?
tuesday at like 7 i believe

[IMALILTEAPOT]

tomarrow at like 7 i believe
wow, really? why is it that i hear about the NFL draft all the time on commercials but not the NBA draft?

[IndianBaller27]

wow, really? why is it that i hear about the NFL draft all the time on commercials but not the NBA draft?
Cuz no one really cares about the NBA Draft.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Cuz no one really cares about the NBA Draft.
well maybe u dont, but believe it or not, people like the NBA as much as the NFL

[BigCountry]

Actually it's on Tuesday at 16:30 PT.

[IndianBaller27]

well maybe u dont, but believe it or not, people like the NBA as much as the NFL
I care about it, but it's not as big as the NFL Draft.

[smoot]

Actually it's on Tuesday at 16:30 PT.
nah, its at 7:00 EST however, it is tuesday, not tomarrow like i said

[BigCountry]

Any thoughts about the draft itself? :sleep:

[akhhorus]

Any thoughts about the draft itself? :sleep:

Just as long as Barkley gets into it with someone, I'm happy.

[smoot]

www.nbadraft.net

[BigCountry]

And the crickett thread is onto it's 3rd page...

[BurgundyNGold]

well maybe u dont, but believe it or not, people like the NBA as much as the NFL
Not according to the ratings. IMO, the NBA should make the draft and event during the offseason like the NFL has. That would be a far better marketing move.

[smoot]

Not according to the ratings. IMO, the NBA should make the draft and event during the offseason like the NFL has. That would be a far better marketing move.
its kinda hard to promote when you do it like half a week after the championships end, i think thats the biggest fallacy with it

[BurgundyNGold]

its kinda hard to promote when you do it like half a week after the championships end, i think thats the biggest fallacy with it
Why not do it in July or August? Why does it have to be directly after the championship? Well, at least it's better than the MLB draft(s). Folks know when it is, at least.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

Why not do it in July or August? Why does it have to be directly after the championship? Well, at least it's better than the MLB draft(s). Folks know when it is, at least.
The basketball offseason goes by real quick, rookies need to get with their teams and learn with them, so they cant have the draft in august. The season starts in October and i think the preseason starts september/october.

[ShaggySkins]

I'm going to be really interested to watch this draft. Outside of the top 2 picks everything else is totally up in the air as to where the players will fall. The one thing I am very pleased with is that the Wizards who only have 1 pick in the 2nd round (49th I believe) but with plenty of quality college players coming out we should be able to get a capable player to produce next season. I look for the Wizards to go with a PG/SG with Dixon, Blake, and Hughes all as FAs unless a quality big man drops which I don't expect to happen we will go after a guard. Anthony Roberson is my hope, he is a great 3pt. shooter and still have a lot of upside.

[akhhorus]

There was a report on ESPN radio that the Jazz and Blazers were close to a deal where the Jazz get #3 and the Blazers get both of the Jazz's first rounders(6 and in the 20s).

[ShaggySkins]

There was a report on ESPN radio that the Jazz and Blazers were close to a deal where the Jazz get #3 and the Blazers get both of the Jazz's first rounders(6 and in the 20s).

Thats not a surprise, Portland has been trying to trade down and with Raul Lopez leaving Utah they despretely need a PG next season. Either Williams or Paul will be the pick if Utah does move up.

[BigCountry]

So I guess the Lakers are stuck at 10. :cry: Oh well I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for either Vasquez, Webster and maybe, just maybe Shawn May. I hope they don't draft Felton though...

[ShaggySkins]

So I guess the Lakers are stuck at 10. :cry: Oh well I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for either Vasquez, Webster and maybe, just maybe Shawn May. I hope they don't draft Felton though...

I don't see Phil Jackson going with a High School player or International Player. He's coming back to try and get one more right and pass Auerbach. He wants someone to produce IMMEDIATELY, it would not shock me at all to see them go for May. Especially since I think Odom will be playing a lot of Point-Forward and he also has said he likes to put Kobe at the point at times. May fits the type of mold Jackson wants.

[IndianBaller27]

Daniel Ewing to the Wiz?

[akhhorus]

Daniel Ewing to the Wiz?

That would be a good move, Arenas moves to the 2 full time, and HUghes can be dealt for a legit big man.

[IndianBaller27]

That would be a good move, Arenas moves to the 2 full time, and HUghes can be dealt for a legit big man.
Daniel Ewing can't start right now though. If we do that, then it will most likely be Jarvis Hayes starting or possibly Juan Dixon. I don't know too much about Ewing so I have a question. Is he as good a defender as Hughes?

[smoot]

I don't see Phil Jackson going with a High School player or International Player. He's coming back to try and get one more right and pass Auerbach. He wants someone to produce IMMEDIATELY, it would not shock me at all to see them go for May. Especially since I think Odom will be playing a lot of Point-Forward and he also has said he likes to put Kobe at the point at times. May fits the type of mold Jackson wants.
im thinking they take villanueva

[smoot]

Daniel Ewing can't start right now though. If we do that, then it will most likely be Jarvis Hayes starting or possibly Juan Dixon. I don't know too much about Ewing so I have a question. Is he as good a defender as Hughes?
#5 Daniel Ewing
Birthdate: 3/26/83
NBA Position: PG/SG
College: Duke
Class: Senior
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 180
Hometown: Missouri City, Texas
High School: Willowridge

Strengths: An intelligent player who knows where to be on the floor … Does a good job getting back on defense to slow down breaks … Works just as hard off the ball as on it (on both ends of the floor) … A good athlete, with nice agility and leaping ability ... Soft, quick hands receiving and stealing passes, and snagging dribbles … Does a good job of getting position and hauling in long rebounds, both offensively and defensively … Has deep range on his J … Solid mid range game … Smart passer, with good vision and court awareness, but it needs to improve if he's to be a NBA PG … Quick in attacking the lane on the dribble drive … Good finisher … Good passer into the low blocks … A solid player overall who needs to continue working at PG since that will be his bread and butter professionally ... Similar to Chris Duhon in that he may become a solid starter, but will more likely become an energy guy off the bench...

Weaknesses: Learning how to play PG after spending most of his career on the wing … Has a decent handle, but needs to improve if he's to be a PG in the NBA … A tenacious defender who sometimes will get into foul trouble due to overagression ... Lateral quickness needs to be improved… Has the skills to play PG, but due to spending so little time there previously, he still has lapses in the consistency of his play… Needs improvement with his passing after penetration …

[BigCountry]

I'd be thinking of Will Conroy or Luther Head of I was the Wiz. Maybe Blatche or Buynum if they're not still terrified of high school players.

[The Skinsinator]

Im just curious to see where all the 05 Tarheels go especially Marvin Williams. Should be interesting. That was one heck of a class.

[smoot]

Im just curious to see where all the 05 Tarheels go especially Marvin Williams. Should be interesting. That was one heck of a class.
williams is a lock to go to the hawks at #2

[smoot]

I'd be thinking of Will Conroy or Luther Head of I was the Wiz. Maybe Blatche or Buynum if they're not still terrified of high school players.
bynum should be gone mid-late first, he wont last till the wizards pick but he could be a huge sleeper for a team that needs a real down low presence, say the kings maybe

[smoss]

Im just curious to see where all the 05 Tarheels go especially Marvin Williams. Should be interesting. That was one heck of a class.

By the sounds of it the top 4 will go top 15 at worst. I'm interested to see where Jawad Williams gets drafted, probably somewhere in mid rd 2.

[IndianBaller27]

I'll be looking out for two players... JJ Reddick and John Gilchrist. When is Reddick supposed to be drafted? I know John is gonna go in the second round.

[akhhorus]

I'll be looking out for two players... JJ Reddick and John Gilchrist. When is Reddick supposed to be drafted? I know John is gonna go in the second round.

I dont think Reddick is in the draft. Gilchrist, at best is an early 2nd rounder. Probably wont get drafted.

[IndianBaller27]

I dont think Reddick is in the draft. Gilchrist, at best is an early 2nd rounder. Probably wont get drafted.
Why isn't he in the draft?

[GibbsRules!]

I'll be looking out for two players... JJ Reddick and John Gilchrist. When is Reddick supposed to be drafted? I know John is gonna go in the second round.
JJ will be at Duke next year.

There was a good article in the Va Pilot about Gilchrist, IB. He'll be lucky if he is drafted in the 2nd round and has already accepted the fact that he might have to go to Europe and play for awhile. The article also talked about his rocky relationship w/ the Terps players last year and his lack of a relationship with Coach Williams.

He led his team to an undefeated record in the Pre Draft camp in Chicago and showed alot of intensity up there. Many scouts are probably questioning his desire (or lack thereof) last year w/ the Terps. He might have to prove himself all over again.

[smoss]

I'll be looking out for two players... JJ Reddick and John Gilchrist. When is Reddick supposed to be drafted? I know John is gonna go in the second round.

Redick is not in this draft and after he graduates next year he should be a high pick in the NBDL draft :lol1:

Why isn't he in the draft?

He's smart, he wouldn't have been a high pick. Another year w/ the duke hype machine and maybe he can pull a Trajan Langdon and rook someone into taking him in the 1st rd. He'll be in Europe w/in 2 years.

[akhhorus]

Bill Simmons' columns on the NBA draft are always classic, here's his "Top 60 NBA draft moments" one:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050628&num=0

My favorites: 57, 53, 52, 50, 48, 47, 42, 37, 30, 11, 10, 6, 1

[akhhorus]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/06/28/draft.trade.ap/index.html

The Blazers have traded the #3 to the Jazz for the 6, 27 and a conditional first in next year's draft.

[GibbsRules!]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/06/28/draft.trade.ap/index.html

The Blazers have traded the #3 to the Jazz for the 6, 27 and a conditional first in next year's draft.

Looks like the Jazz are a lock for Deron Williams.

[MONK_in_HOF]

Chad Ford espn insider has the bullets selecting Turiaf w/ selection 49. I think that would be a good pick for the bullets and bring inside toughness and rebounding. Especially with Kwame Brown most likely departing.

Also I would be very surprised if Gilchrest doesn't get selected. Despite his attitude and antcis he is just too talented and played well at the Chicago pre draft event. However I am pulling for him not to get drafted.

[lakeskin]

Bill Simmons' columns on the NBA draft are always classic, here's his "Top 60 NBA draft moments" one:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050628&num=0

My favorites: 57, 53, 52, 50, 48, 47, 42, 37, 30, 11, 10, 6, 1

This was great. Bill Simmons and the NBA draft is always a lethal combo.

I especially like 39, but all of them are funny.

[fent]

i can't wait to see who my mav's draft...oh wait...they gave up their picks this year for some big white polska that didn't play in his rookie year? ok...wake me next year...


edit: now that i do a little research, several people are saying they may trade some of their depth to jump into the mix for a "strong low post player"...wonder if they have the firepower or the cajones to jump in the fray high enough to get May...

[GibbsRules!]

i can't wait to see who my mav's draft...oh wait...they gave up their picks this year for some big white polska that didn't play in his rookie year? ok...wake me next year...


edit: now that i do a little research, several people are saying they may trade some of their depth to jump into the mix for a "strong low post player"...wonder if they have the firepower or the cajones to jump in the fray high enough to get May...

Don't sweat it fent. I'm sure Shavlik will be available :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/PeteJoal/anim4.gif

[fent]

Don't sweat it fent. I'm sure Shavlik will be available :D

:shudders:

i'm going to go drink now...actually, the chills you just gave me are the first thing to break my fever in the last 24 hours! thanks!

[GibbsRules!]

:shudders:

i'm going to go drink now...actually, the chills you just gave me are the first thing to break my fever in the last 24 hours! thanks!

LOL, don't thank me...thank the Shav dancing machine!

[bfauble83]

The commish can't say Madison

[akhhorus]

My official last minute mock:
1-Bogut
2-Marvin Williams
3-Chris Paul
4-Derron Williams
5-Raymond Felton
6-Gerald Green
7-Danny Granger
8-Channing Frye
9-Charlie Villanueva
10-Sean May
11-Hakim Warrick
12-Francisco Garcia
13-Rashad McCants
14-Jarrett Jack
15-Andrew Bynum
16-Roko Ukic
17-Martell Webster
18-Ryan Gomes
19-Fran Vasquez
20-Yaroslav Korolev
21-Johan Petro
22-Joey Graham
23-Wayne Simien
24-Chris Taft
25-Julius Hodge
26-Andray Blache
27-Luther Head
28-Mile Illic
29-Salim Stoudemire
30-Dwayne Jones

[bfauble83]

I have the 2nd pick in a keeper league, who are the top 2 rookies projected for fantasy basketball this coming year?

[GibbsRules!]

I have the 2nd pick in a keeper league, who are the top 2 rookies projected for fantasy basketball this coming year?
I'd stay away from Marvin Williams (he'll be brought along slowly).

Bogut might produce, but I'd look at the 3 & 4 picks if I were you.

Utah took Deron Williams and he'll get minutes right away.

If Paul goes to NO he'll get minutes too.

[fent]

I'd stay away from Marvin Williams and Bogut will probably be brought along slowly by Milwaukee.

Utah took Deron Williams and he'll get minutes right away.

If Paul goes to NO he'll get minutes too.

being a keeper league, though, he can afford to look long term

[GibbsRules!]

being a keeper league, though, he can afford to look long term

Well that changes things. I've never played in a keeper league. You pretty much keep the same players other than trades and drafts? Sounds cool.

If thats the case and you have a good starting 5 then Williams should see more minutes at the end of this year and definately next. I don't know about Bogut. He's talented no doubt, but he needs some beef.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i really love how fast the NBA draft moves along......

[IndianBaller27]

Sean May would be GENIUS for GS right now.

[IndianBaller27]

Ike Diagu?? ugh friggin idiots

[GibbsRules!]

It's Jim Grey in LA...he is so dry, so mechanical.

Lakers take Bynum.

[fent]

Ike Diagu?? ugh friggin idiots

ike is actually a very good player...he just got stuck out in arizona state and the sun devils don't get the pub that their cross state rivals do.

[GibbsRules!]

Sean May and Raymond Felton back together in Charlotte. May wanted to go there from the beginning. Good move for Charlotte. May and Okafor in the frontcourt - lookout!

Wow, McCants just went to Minny. 4 Heels in the first 14 picks...unreal.

[NCskinsfanatic]

Felton and May to the Bobcats....they already have Okafore(sp?)in the front court, nice building blocks for the cats. McCants to the timberwolves with Garnett and co....nice.

Great minds think alike GR..you beat me too it.

[fent]

the gerald green free fall has ended! boston just picked up a heckuva player

[Santheb]

When is Luther Head supposed to be drafted?

[fent]

When is Luther Head supposed to be drafted?
second round sometime

[GibbsRules!]

Head goes to Houston. Good pick for Houston. I thought he'd drop to the 2nd round too

[MONK_in_HOF]

I hope Wash gets a big guy like randolf morris. Gilchrest still on the board. Maybe your talent doesn't overcome your attitude problems Johnny. :moon1:

[smoot]

i like that pick by the wiz, its a nice young player with size to replace kwame

[MONK_in_HOF]

i like that pick by the wiz, its a nice young player with size to replace kwame

Agreed. I like that they took a big man with unknown potential instead of another 1-3 to add to the already crowded situation there.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i like that pick by the wiz, its a nice young player with size to replace kwame
yeah, but who in the hell is he?? :)

never heard of this kid before, but i didnt expect us to select a player who wont make at least a small impact next season. he's got size, so hopefully he'll pan out, but we already have a project with size in ramos. can someone make me feel better about this pick?

oh, and jay bilas had the line of the night when talking about rashad mccants:

"if i had a nickel for everytime he got down and guarded somebody....i'd have a nickel." :lol1:

[MONK_in_HOF]

HAHAHAH.......... HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA..........HAHAHAHAHHAHA

I can't believe Gilchrest didn't get picked at all. I thought for sure he would go in the 2nd round.
I would pay to have seen an in home camera of him watching the draft. Maybe next time Gilchrest will choose to listen to and respect his coach. Whoops too late.

Kinda funny that a guy on an espn draft promo during the draft wasn't even selected. Whoops again.

[smoot]

yeah, but who in the hell is he?? :)

never heard of this kid before, but i didnt expect us to select a player who wont make at least a small impact next season. he's got size, so hopefully he'll pan out, but we already have a project with size in ramos. can someone make me feel better about this pick?

oh, and jay bilas had the line of the night when talking about rashad mccants:

"if i had a nickel for everytime he got down and guarded somebody....i'd have a nickel." :lol1:
i followed him slightly before the draft, but in all fairness i did the same amount with all the highschool kids except green and bynum i put more into. but hes definitley got big potential, could have been a top pick if he went to school for a couple years, he just needs to add strength and a little bit bigger post game which comes with strength, kinda and this kid could be special. however, that report is alot like kwame's the difference is that blatche isnt going to be spoiled like kwame was, and in that alone i think he'll have a better work ethic than kwame ever did. give me a couple minutes and ill pull up the book on him for ya

[smoot]

Andray Blatche
Birthdate: 8/22/86
NBA Position: Power Forward
College: Undecided
Class: HS Senior
Ht: 7-0
Wt: 230
Hometown: Syracuse, NY
High School: South Kent Prep (CT)
2004 Stats


NBA Comparison: Steven Hunter

Strengths: Long and athletic prospect with good potential... Plays well facing the basket and can put the ball on the floor as he has a great handle for someone his size. Has shown a good outside shot but needs to work on his consistency... Gets off the floor quickly and blocks or alters shots... Runs the floor well and gets rebounds do to his length and leaping ability.

Weaknesses: Needs to play with more effort and consistency. Dominates some games and is non-existent in others... While he has range on his outside shot he needs to work on being a consistent shooter... Like many of the Kevin Garnett clones these days, Blatche is infatuated with the perimeter. Floats around on the outside at times when he should be down low posting up... Decent speed, but isn’t quick enough to get by defenders at the next level... At almost seven feet tall, Blatche has all the physical tools to make it big in the NBA one day, it just won’t be anytime soon... Will be a project for whichever team decides to select him.

[smoot]

....on a side note hes the youngest player ever drafted in the nba, i think i heard one of the announcers say that

[MONK_in_HOF]

yeah, but who in the hell is he?? :)

never heard of this kid before, but i didnt expect us to select a player who wont make at least a small impact next season. he's got size, so hopefully he'll pan out, but we already have a project with size in ramos. can someone make me feel better about this pick?

oh, and jay bilas had the line of the night when talking about rashad mccants:

"if i had a nickel for everytime he got down and guarded somebody....i'd have a nickel." :lol1:

I realize that we have Ramos also but this guy has more upside. Plus it is very hard to find a player who will contribute the following year at that point of the draft. It is even harder to find a good center. So if they were going to select a project player at least it was an athletic big man w/ room to grow IMO. I think Wash will look to FA for help once they take care of Hughes and Kwame situations.

[MONK_in_HOF]

That Bilas line was funny and accurate.

[smoot]

oh, and jay bilas had the line of the night when talking about rashad mccants:

"if i had a nickel for everytime he got down and guarded somebody....i'd have a nickel." :lol1:
i disagree

"And here comes commissioner david stern"
"Hello everybody and welcome to Maudeison........er Madison Square Garden"

[IndianBaller27]

He's not as quick as Kwame, but at least he has a better attitude.

[SkinsKY]

HAHAHAH.......... HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA..........HAHAHAHAHHAHA

I can't believe Gilchrest didn't get picked at all. I thought for sure he would go in the 2nd round.
I would pay to have seen an in home camera of him watching the draft. Maybe next time Gilchrest will choose to listen to and respect his coach. Whoops too late.

Kinda funny that a guy on an espn draft promo during the draft wasn't even selected. Whoops again.

I can say the same things about the two UK players who left early (Azubuike and Morris). They might never play any higher than summer league ball now. There is still some slight possibility that Morris might be able to return, but it's doubtful. At least Roberson and Walsh (out of Florida) didn't get picked. That's at least some vindication.

[GibbsRules!]

I can say the same things about the two UK players who left early (Azubuike and Morris). They might never play any higher than summer league ball now. There is still some slight possibility that Morris might be able to return, but it's doubtful. At least Roberson and Walsh (out of Florida) didn't get picked. That's at least some vindication.

I don't know much about Azubuike and Morris, but if they displayed the same kind of attitude Gilchrist did, it's easy to see why the scouts were reluctant to pick them. Did Azubuike and Morris hire agents? Or did they decide to test the waters because of UKs deep run in the NCAA Tourney? If that's the case I don't hold it agianst them.

Gilchrist stated before the start of the season that he had every intention of going pro. He then proceeded to alienate his teammates and his coach and cause friction on the team. In that case I can't blame any team for not choosing him no matter how talented he is.

Gilchrists final year at Maryland resembles Forte's last year at UNC. Me first, team second. The Celtics and Sonics both fell for Forte. Now he's in the NBDL. Maybe John needs to spend some time there as well and refocus.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

I realize that we have Ramos also but this guy has more upside. Plus it is very hard to find a player who will contribute the following year at that point of the draft. It is even harder to find a good center. So if they were going to select a project player at least it was an athletic big man w/ room to grow IMO. I think Wash will look to FA for help once they take care of Hughes and Kwame situations.
i thought about that after i posted my reaction to the pick. there arent too many guys that would be able to come in and contribute, so at least they got a 7 footer who could've been picked in the 1st round.

[MoeRedskins]

Hopefully Ramos and this kid will get a little PT this year so we can check their game. They will probably just put Blatche on the IR like they did with Ramos.

[lakeskin]

Hopefully Ramos and this kid will get a little PT this year so we can check their game. They will probably just put Blatche on the IR like they did with Ramos.

Rosters have expanded to 15 under the new CBA. So, this kid will be on the active roster assuming he makes the team.

Picking in the late 2nd round is often a crap shoot anyway. You might as well roll the dice and take your chances. If he doesnt pan out he was cheap and you can always cut him. Unlike, say a Kwame Brown who has turned into a cancer for the Wiz. (Kwame for Brian Cook!!!)

[MONK_in_HOF]

I can say the same things about the two UK players who left early (Azubuike and Morris). They might never play any higher than summer league ball now. There is still some slight possibility that Morris might be able to return, but it's doubtful. At least Roberson and Walsh (out of Florida) didn't get picked. That's at least some vindication.

Yeah lots of SEC guys got overlooked. I thought that morris would get picked due to size and athleticism.