The NBA Draft has finally arrived; today we start getting a taste of the shakeup that is going to occur in the NBA. People are still wondering where The King and Flash are going but, that will not be discussed for another week. Today college players will join NBA teams. Will another Calipari PG win the Rookie of the Year? (BTW, that seems pretty likely with John Wall being that point guard).
1. Washington –John Wall PG/Kentucky
John Wall #11 of the Kentucky Wildcats Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)The most exciting player in college basketball last season is a unanimous #1 draft choice. I spoke to one member of the Nets who said he was ready to sell out the Prudential Center, with all the calls he was going to receive. Rookie point guards can turn around a franchise when they are the likes of Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Brandon Jennings. I see John Wall and Gilbert Arenas being a great backcourt next year in the East. (Let us just hope Gilbert Arenas does not set a bad example. Kind of like making bets with him that involve gun confrontations.) The Wizards will still have a lot of holes being that they traded away their two best eligible players, Antwan Jamison and Caron Butler. But, John Wall is definitely the right move. He can fly through the air and although he is not a good shooter, he is still a very good scorer. I see him finishing in ridiculous fashion, kind of like his fellow Memphis Alum, Derrick Rose.
2. Philadelphia –Evan Turner SG/Ohio St
O Evan Turner, you were the reason why Manny Harris and company were eliminated in the second round of the BIG 10 tournament. I am not really sure I am over it and that may be the reason why I am not in love with you like everyone else. I do not see the Brandon Roy resemblance; I think Roy turns the ball over substantially less but, no one can deny Evan Turner’s toughness. He broke his back and was only out a month; he brings Philly the toughness they have lacked since the real AI was around. (Yes, this Allen Iverson is fake because he is not even a shadow of his former self) I have a friend who is a diehard 76ers fan and is always trying to convince me that with one move the 76ers are a top 5 team in the East. This does not make them a top 5 team in the East but, Turner is a hell of a player and if they trade Iguodala for Al Jefferson they very well might be. At least they will be a playoff team.
3. New Jersey –Derrick Favors PF/Georgia Tech
MILWAUKEE - MARCH 21: Derrick Favors #14 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets reatcs in the second half after being called for a foul during the second round of the 2010 NCAA men's basketball tournament against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Bradley Center on March 21, 2010 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)I am in love with Derrick Favors; I think it would be better if they sent the Hornets, Devin Harris, the 3rd overall pick, and a 2011 first round pick for Chris Paul. But, that is not very likely because the stubborn Hornets actually believe Paul will stay. If the Nets do stick with Favors it will be a great move. Many scouts say his max potential can be Amare Stoudemire and I think he will at least be a Tyrus Thomas. That is a pretty solid range of talent, and let us not forget he dominated Cousins in high school. The Nets do need to move Harris eventually because I do not like him running a team; I think he is more effective as a scorer not an orchestrator. The Nets should try to move him for something of substance and then try to sign a legitimate PG. Maybe sign Tony Parker and Lebron.
4.Minnesota –Wesley Johnson SF/Syracuse
Wesley Johnson, he has a great deal of talent and I still do not comprehend how he did not perform in Iowa State. One of my friends plays for Rutgers basketball and told me he had never seen a better NBA talent than Wesley Johnson. He did everything for that team; he was a great rebounder, a solid scorer, and a good defender. Wesley and Monroe have been labeled soft but, I do not agree with that assessment and think they will both have success at the next level. The Timberwolves are still in really bad shape but, maybe with Iguodala and eventually Ricky Rubio they will have some level of success.
5. Detroit (From Sacramento)–Demarcus Cousins C/Kentucky
The Pistons have been longing for a big man since the Larry Brown, Ben Wallace era. Cousins is a dominant scorer and can be molded into a good defender. He has a very big body but, has a terrible reputation off the court. The city of Detroit needs an athlete to thrive and they can afford a Jamarcus Russell like failure. (I have not completely given up on Jamarcus but, that is a story for another day) The Pistons had some solid picks last season and are still feeling the effects of the Iverson trade. Joe Dumars is given way too much credit as a GM. He traded Billups, skipped Wade and Anthony, and most recently signed Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to big contracts. Richard Hamilton’s career is sadly in free fall but, his contract has some time left. Prince has not panned out but, who knows, Cousins’ scoring can help this team get back on track.
6. Golden State –Al-Farouq Aminu SF/Wake Forest
I was thinking of proposing a ridiculous trade that would have involved Hedo in Golden State and Ellis in Toronto, a switch of their first round picks and maybe some future considerations. I do not see the point in the Warriors taking Udoh or Monroe. They have Randolph and Wright; I know the Warriors are not the smartest franchise in the country but, hopefully they won’t mess this one up. Stephen Curry looks like he is going to be a star and I think they would be better if they had Turkoglu because that backcourt cannot play defense. I like Don Nelson but, dude has got to go and they need a defensive minded coach.Aminu is a freak athlete and you know Golden State loves that.He is not a great shooter but, I bet in Cali he will get his chances.
7. Sacramento –Greg Monroe PF/Georgetown
Monroe improved a great deal in his two years and is the best passing big man in the country. He has a great basketball IQ and has moderate handle which is great for a big man. He can play the point-forward kind of like my boy, Chris Webber. (I do not know him but, he is my third favorite player of all time behind Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon) He has the ROY and the best hustle player in the NBA, Tyreke Evans and Carl Landry. Greg Monroe is the best player available which is why I think the take him. Ideally, I think Sacramento would want to trade but, at least Monroe could be trade bait.
8. L.A. Clippers –Damion James SF/Texas
Yes, I know that I am completely out on limb but, this guy can seriously play the game of basketball. He is a hustle player who can play inside and outside. He is a solid rebounder, he is a long player, and his shot will continue to develop. He was a leader at Texas and was still contributing up until the end of their disappointing season. I think he will excel playing the 3, and if Pittman would have stayed out of foul trouble they would have made a serious run. I think Lebron should come to LA and out due Kobe. That would be pretty exciting for basketball but, I know Lebron will never go to the Clippers. But, I will stick with James here even though Hayward, Babbitt, and George are available.
9. Utah (From New York via Phoenix) –Ed Davis PF/North Carolina
The former Tar Heel was not as dominant is Roy hoped and was plagued by some injury. But, he still has that huge wingspan and can block shots. He is also a very good rebounder and his offensive game will develop. (Also it won’t hurt to have Deron Williams running the point) Carlos Boozer, in my opinion, is gone and Utah needs to replace him. Utah always takes white guys but, this time I think they will switch it up and go Ed.
10.Indiana –Gordon Hayward SF/Butler
The Indiana kid will be drafted by the Indiana GM. Gordon Hayward put on a show during March Madness (they actually made it to April) and he was a few inches away from winning Butler a National Champion. He absolutely made the right decision to come out because he will never have this much hype again. I think he is a better 3 point shooter than his percentage indicates but, he is still not a great shooter. He is pretty athletic and plays hard on defense. There is always a spot in the rotation for a guy like that.
11. New Orleans –Cole Aldrich C/Kansas
This guy can flat out play defense. The Jayhawk stud was lethal on defense and I was shocked when they lost to Northern Iowa. (They ruined my bracket) His offense of game I believe will develop and this is a team that needs a legitimate center. The Hornets are shopping Okafor and they should trade Paul because they can ridiculous value for him. The Magic offered Jameer Nelson and Vince Carter; they probably would have added the 29th pick but, that young return is not enough. I think a trade with the Nets makes the most sense but, I have no inside info. If that trade were to occur, Aldrich and Johnson would look nice in New Orleans. They might even be 2 years away from being a contender with all that young talent. And just to get Lebron they may even throw in the first round pick in 2011. It makes sense New Orleans.
12. Memphis –Paul George SF/Fresno State
He has so much buzz it is completely ridiculous, who I this again? I do know if this will lower my credibility but, I was oblivious to Mr. George before the NBA Draft. He is apparently a great athlete and a great shooter; he can be a replacement for Rudy Gay. (Wow, do I feel bad for OJ Mayo even though that team has improved, the loss of Rudy Gay hurts. They need a new point guard.)Anyways, if this guy can prove to be in adequate replacement for Gay; they might make a run at the postseason next year. They would also need the addition of a point guard. But, that is obvious.
13. Toronto –Eric Bledsoe PG/Kentucky
The third Calipari prospect to go in the lottery; this would be the second point guard to come out of Kentucky in thirteen picks. He is a stocky player who can knockdown threes but, there are still question marks about his leadership ability. He did not run the game in Kentucky, the first overall pick did, John Wall. But, most people believe he has the intangibles and with his hype he made the right decision to declare early. The Raptors are openly shopping Calderon who I think will eventually move in leave a slot open for Bledsoe.
14. Houston –Ekpe Udoh PF/Baylor
This is my favorite NBA team taking a player who formerly played at my favorite college team, Michigan. I currently attend Rutgers but, still love the school that produced Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, and Juwan Howard. (I cannot believe he is still playing) Expe was the reason why I had Baylor in the Final Four and up to the 10 minute mark, I thought they were going. He is a freak athlete and a great shot blocker and can be a great replacement for Carl Landry. He can add insurance for Yao and has an offensive game that can be developed. Houston should get Hakeem in there to help him with his offensive arsenal.
15. Milwaukee (From Chicago) –Xavier Henry SG/Kansas
Unlike other people, I do believe there are going to be moments that Xavier can play the 3. He is a big guy at 6’7 and can be a great replacement for Michael Redd. I am a big fan of CDR but, I do not believe he is a starter in this league. Jennings will have a great year 2 and with a healthy Bogut who knows what can happen. Henry can be a great aid with that NBA range he already possesses and he will become more multi-dimensional on offense.
16. Memphis (From Minnesota via Denver via Charlotte) –Avery Bradley SG/Texas
Some people might not agree with this decision but, they have already replaced their PF. I am not and will never be sold on Mike Conley being your starting point guard. Avery Bradley or OJ Mayo can run the point and Bradley would be a great defender for the Grizz to have. His 3 point shooting is going to become more consistent over time and man can he attack the basket. That would be a young backcourt and a young frontcourt minus Zach. And who knows maybe Hasheem Thabeet will get officially called up before 2015.
17. Chicago (From Chicago via Milwaukee) –Jordan Crawford SG/Xavier
He was the sole reason why I had Xavier in my Elite 8 and it was a shame that they did not end up beating K-State. I could not believe that Crawford did not take the final shot but, college basketball is a much more unselfish game. Jordan Crawford is already a knock down shooter with unlimited range. He can be a Ben Gordon like sixth man with a better drive and a worse shot. He can also start next to Derrick Rose and that would be pretty scary to go up against. It would be hard to guard those too as well as Luol Deng. (Maybe, Lebron; Just kidding, I think there is 0 chance he ends up in the House that Jordan built).
18. Oklahoma City (From Miami) -Daniel Orton C/Kentucky
Thank the Lord that sheer potential can get you picked high in basketball. (Marvin Williams still thanks the basketball gods every night for being chosen #2 overall) This is #18 but, no one really knows what this guy can do against tough competition. I guess we will find out.
This is a dream scenario for Popovich; he gets a very talented player who can play right away. He drops to them in a similar way that Dejuan Blair dropped to them in the second round last season. He can help that team out and be a sixth man. Who knows, if they trade Jefferson or Ginobli he could really find a role.
21. Oklahoma City –Soloman Alabi C/Florida State
22. Portland –Patrick Patterson PF/Kentucky
23. Minnesota (From Philadelphia via Utah) –James Anderson SG/Oklahoma State
24. Atlanta –Lance Stephenson SG/Cincinnati
25. Minnesota (From Memphis via Denver) –Kevin Seraphin PF/France
26. Oklahoma City (From Phoenix) –Larry Sanders PF/VCU
27. New Jersey(From Dallas) –Devin Ebanks SF/West Virginia
28. Minnesota (From Memphis via L.A. Lakers) –Craig Brackins PF/Iowa State
29. Orlando –Darrington Hobson SF/New Mexico
30. Washington (From Cleveland) –Gani Lawal PF/Georgia Tech
