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MS
Posts: 27064
Alba Posts: 0
Joined: 7/28/2004
Member: #724
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L.A. Clippers
Blake Griffin
Analysis: The Clippers continue to insist that they are keeping their pick and taking Griffin. I think it's the right move. They have some nice young building blocks, and Griffin would be the foundation of that for the future. They can figure out how to get rid of Zach Randolph or Chris Kaman later in the summer.
Memphis
Hasheem Thabeet
Analysis: I spoke with Memphis GM Chris Wallace at the combine, and he insisted that the Grizzlies haven't decided whom they're taking. They've made a trip to Spain to woo Ricky Rubio and his family, but I still believe that, short of a trade, drafting Thabeet is the most likely outcome. Even if the front office decides that Rubio is the guy, they have to persuade him to pay a huge buyout to come to Memphis.
From what I can gather, that's not going to happen. The best option for the Grizzlies is to find a team hot for Rubio and get a couple of great assets for the pick. The problem with that plan is that teams don't seem willing to give up the farm for Rubio. Lots of teams like him, but not enough to make a blockbuster deal.
Oklahoma City
Ricky Rubio
Analysis: Once again, the Thunder are proving to be a tough nut to crack. Last year, we heard them attached to five or six guys in the draft. This year is no different.
In Chicago, rumors were flying all over the place about which player the Thunder are after. I heard Rubio, Thabeet, James Harden, Jordan Hill and even Stephen Curry mentioned this week. I'm told that the Thunder like Rubio and that Rubio isn't averse to playing in OKC.
The issue for the Thunder is fit and opportunity. Many on the team see Russell Westbrook as their point guard of the future and aren't sure how he'd fare without the ball in his hands. Maybe more importantly, Thunder GM Sam Presti is an opportunist. If he can get a couple of good assets in return for the No. 3 pick, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger.
If Rubio is off the board, this will be a tough decision. Thabeet would give them the shot-blocking they desperately need. Harden would give them the savvy of a veteran. Curry would give them shooting. Hill would give them rebounding and energy. They could use all those things.
Sacramento
Jrue Holiday
Analysis: Holiday's performance at the NBA pre-draft combine suddenly doesn't make this pick such a stretch. Yes, this is very high for Holiday, but at the end of the day, there just isn't a big difference between the fourth pick and the 10th pick in this draft.
The Kings need a point guard, and if they can't get their hands on Rubio, Holiday's combination of size and defensive ability should get him the nod in Sacramento. The other possibilities here -- including Brandon Jennings, Jonny Flynn and Curry -- don't really fit the team's need. But it looks as if another player, Memphis guard Tyreke Evans, will get a look, too.
Washington
James Harden
School: Arizona State
Analysis: The Wizards continue to consider moving this pick. However, it's a tough market right now. Teams aren't enamored with the talent here and appear reluctant to give up great assets, including a future first-round pick. If the Wizards keep the pick, they'll have a tough choice between Harden and Hill.
We had Hill here last week, but from the intel I could gather this week in Chicago, it sounds as if Harden might be slightly ahead.
Minnesota
Tyreke Evans
School: Memphis
Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard, but there aren't any centers left worth taking. Evans is an interesting choice. He can play both guard positions and, combined with Randy Foye, could give the Wolves a pretty formidable backcourt. I think Flynn is a better prospect, but Evans is a better fit with what the Wolves are trying to do.
Jonny Flynn
School: Syracuse
Analysis: The Warriors don't have a traditional point guard and I think it will be hard for them to pass on Flynn if he's still on the board. I thought they'd be taking a serious look at Brandon Jennings here, and they probably will, but Flynn has the leadership and heart that the Warriors desperately need. Jennings is a project who is much farther away.
New York
Stephen Curry
Analysis: Curry got a big boost from the pre-draft camp and suddenly it's not out of the question to see him moving up as high as No. 5. The Knicks may have to hold their breath and pray a little bit that he slides. Curry has the two elements essential for a D'Antoni guard -- a terrific jump shot and high basketball IQ.
DeMar DeRozan, Tyreke Evans, Jrue Holiday and Jonny Flynn will also get long looks in New York if Curry is gone.
Toronto
DeMar DeRozan
School: USC
Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. On talent alone, DeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft. His strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine could push him higher. But if he's here, the Raptors won't pass.
Milwaukee
Jordan Hill
School: Arizona
Analysis: The Bucks will jump for joy if this scenario happens. Hill is a top-five talent, but if the Wizards pass, he may slip here. None of the other teams are really after a power forward. Hill would be a godsend for the Bucks.
They face losing both of their free agents -- Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions -- this summer due to financial constraints. That loss could leave them wide open at both the point and the 4. If Hill is gone, they'll try to find the best player among DeJuan Blair, Flynn and Earl Clark.
New Jersey
DeJuan Blair
Analysis: Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose and he should be able to find one here. The Nets have needs at both forward positions and could face a tough decision among Blair, Clark and James Johnson.
Blair has the toughness and rebounding ability they crave. Johnson is more of a 3, but he has toughness and versatility. Clark is the most talented of the three, but also the biggest risk.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Charlotte
Gerald Henderson
Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke
Analysis: Since shipping Jason Richardson to Phoenix in December, the Bobcats have some needs in the backcourt. Raja Bell can't hold down the fort forever.
While they hope a player like DeRozan or Evans falls here, they can settle for Henderson. Henderson isn't the best offensive 2-guard in the draft, but he's NBA-ready and can play lockdown defense.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Indiana
Austin Daye
Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga
Analysis: The Pacers' biggest need is an athletic big man who can score and block shots. Unfortunately, there aren't any of those guys in the draft this year. They are also looking for a starting point guard. But if the draft plays out like this, the Pacers would have to reach.
The good news is that Daye could be a great fit, especially if they start playing Danny Granger more at the 4. Daye's shooting ability and upside remind some of, dare we say, Jonathan Bender.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Phoenix
Brandon Jennings
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy
Analysis: The Suns could go a lot of directions depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team. There's been a lot of talk about Earl Clark here and I think he makes a lot of sense. But they may have a hard time passing on Jennings if he's still on the board.
Eventually, Steve Nash is going to slow down, and Jennings has the talent to be a big-time point guard down the road. With a year or two of tutoring from Nash, he could be a special player.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Detroit
Earl Clark
Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville
Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They'd love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but there just isn't anyone available there. They'll have a tough decision between two upside guys. Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he's willing to put in the work.
The versatile forward can play both the 3 and the 4, is amazing in transition, is an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense.
James Johnson is smaller but tougher. He is also inconsistent but has major upside. Both guys have questions about their background.
I think Clark gets the edge based on size. He's big enough to be a full-time 4 in the NBA.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
James Johnson
Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: There's been talk that the Bulls may take a look at Tyler Hansbrough. He definitely is a John Paxson-type of player.
However, Johnson is a talent who could give the Bulls an offensive lift at the 4. He's temperamental, but at this point in the draft he's probably worth it.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Philadelphia
Eric Maynor
Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU
Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard. Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Miami)
B.J. Mullens
Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State
Analysis: The Wolves don't have a true center, and Mullens is likely to be the best one remaining on the board. At the beginning of the season, he was ranked in our top five, but he slipped because, although his talent remains, he's years away from being ready. However, a lottery team with lots of first-round picks such as Minnesota can roll the dice and pray the gamble pays off.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Atlanta
Jeff Teague
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest
Analysis: The Hawks have blown it repeatedly when they've needed a point guard in the draft. They passed on Chris Paul to draft Marvin Williams and passed on Rajon Rondo to draft Shelden Williams.
Then, two years ago, when they finally got around to picking a point guard, they took Acie Law ahead of Rodney Stuckey.
The choice here likely will come down to Teague and Ty Lawson. Lawson has the experience and leadership credentials, but Teague has the sizzle and upside.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Utah
Tyler Hansbrough
Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Bulls have shown some interest in Hansbrough at pick No. 16, but if he doesn't go there, it feels like destiny that he'll end up in Utah. His tough, blue-collar game would work really well for Jazz coach Jerry Sloan.
And with the Jazz likely to lose either Carlos Boozer or Paul Millsap, or both, they'll probably have a need at the 4.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
New Orleans
Chase Budinger
Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona
Analysis: Budinger would give the Hornets another player who can spread the floor. With Peja Stojakovic on the decline, Budinger's combination of athleticism and shooting would be welcome.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Dallas
Terrence Williams
Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville
Analysis: The Mavs have been willing to take a chance on big-time athletes with a questionable background. It worked for them with Josh Howard and it might work again with Williams. He has lottery talent, and if he can focus and improve that jump shot, he could be a long-term replacement for Jerry Stackhouse.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Sacramento
(via Houston)
Omri Casspi
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 211
Age: 20
Country: Israel
Analysis: The Kings have a lot of offensive weapons. What they lack is toughness. Casspi has the same blue-collar appeal that Andres Nocioni brings to the table, and the Kings can save some cash by leaving Casspi overseas to develop for a few years.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Portland
Ty Lawson
Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina
Analysis: The Blazers are looking at trading this pick. But if they keep it, they can add a point guard who is battle-proven. Lawson's shooting ability and speed would come in handy in Portland.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)
Gani Lawal
Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 229
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech
Analysis: The Thunder would love to get a true center, but no one worth gambling on is expected to be available at this point in the draft. Lawal is raw, but he's an athlete and a proven rebounder who could provide energy off the bench.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Chicago
(via Denver)
DaJuan Summers
Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 243
Age: 21
School: Georgetown
Analysis: Summers is an NBA athlete and a good scorer whose game really slipped toward the end of the season. More and more, NBA scouts are projecting him as a 4 in the league. He's not a great rebounder, but he could give the Bulls some much-needed offense down low. Based on talent, he could go much higher, and he's a value pick for the Bulls here.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Memphis
(via Orlando)
Sam Young
Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh
Analysis: Young has been terrific the past two years in Pittsburgh and should be able to immediately come in and contribute to the Grizzlies as both an athletic scorer and defender to back up O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay.
PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS
Minnesota
(via Boston)
Darren Collison
Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA
Analysis: If the Wolves pass on a point guard twice in the draft, don't expect them to do it again. Collison is a steal this late in the draft. He's a veteran who can play both up-tempo or in the grind-it-out, half-court game. His defense and shooting could eventually put him in the position to dethrone Sebastian Telfair.
L.A. Lakers
Toney Douglas
Analysis: The Lakers have issues at point guard, and eventually they'll have to find a replacement for Derek Fisher. Douglas can play a similar role as a clutch shooter and a terrific on-the-ball defender.
Cleveland
DeMarre Carroll
Analysis: The Cavs could lose both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this summer. Carroll isn't as big as those guys, but he's got the same sort of frantic energy that made them so successful. He's a blue-collar worker who would fit in well with what the Cavs do.
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6/4/2009 2:25 PM