New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets

Clipper Nation is Riled Up!!

Who knew that Clipper fans were so touchy! It appears that I have ticked off the remaining 6 fans of the Clippers by wondering if anyone feels sorry for the Clippers and their fans. I have been called an idiot several times, once by a guy who can’t spell “Champs.” It does have an H pal, but you were so busy adding S’s I suppose you forgot.

The Clipper Nation is angry because I think the Clipper management dropped the ball on Brand, and they find my prediction for next year “offensive.” That’s a real shame. My prediction is what it is, and we will see how that turns out. As far as Brand is concerned, the whole thing is a soap opera and who knows what really happened with all the “he said, she said” going on. The fact remains, they let him get away.

Moving on, since I wrote the post about the Clippers, they have added Marcus Camby and improved their situation for 2008-09. If they played in the East, I would say the Clippers would probably end up in the playoffs as about a 6 seed. However, they play in the West. Camby does make them competitive for a playoff spot, but that is as far as it goes.

I will break this down as simply as I know how for the few delusional, albeit lovable, people who think the Clippers are primed for a playoff run. Let’s take a look at the West. The following teams made the

Western Conference playoffs last year:

Lakers

Suns

Spurs

Jazz

Hornets

Mavericks

Rockets

Nuggets

Of these 8 teams, only the Nuggets have severely hurt their chances of making the playoffs next year. That essentially leaves one spot for the following teams:

Nuggets

Clippers

Warriors

Kings

Blazers

The Nuggets have lost their presence in the middle, but still have a pretty good team. The Warriors lost the one guy they had last year who can create his own shot. The Kings have pretty much stood pat and will be about the same as last year. The Blazers will have Oden in the middle, and he will be surrounded by lots of young talent. The Clippers will be better than last year, but that is going to be easy to do.

The starting lineup for the Clippers is pretty good now that they have Camby, but they have yet to add any decent depth. Tim Thomas, an unproven rookie, and a bunch of rag tags doesn’t do it for me. Their starting lineup is impressive, but there is a glaring problem; their studs are injury prone. Kaman played only 56 games last year. While Camby and Davis both played every game or nearly every game last year, both of these guys have a long history of injury shortened seasons. Camby has averaged only 58 games per season over his entire career. Prior to last season, Davis had averaged only 56 games per season over a 5 year stretch. They need these guys to play 75 games or the season will be a bust.

Hopefully, these guys will stay healthy and if they do, the Clippers can compete for a playoff spot. The only problem is, Portland is looking like a team that can really move up the ranks in the West, and I see them jumping into the playoffs. If that happens do you really see one of the other 7 playoff teams from last year dropping out of the picture? Do you realistically see the Clippers moving ahead of Houston, Dallas, or Phoenix?  And even though the Nuggets lost Camby, I don’t see Carmelo and Iverson going quietly into the off-season either.

I’m sorry Clipper fans; next year will not be the year for you guys. A wild shooting Eric Gordon, an improving Thornton, and 3 really good but injury prone veterans are not going to get it done in the ultra-competitive West.

I don’t say this because I am a Laker fan. In fact, I don’t like the Lakers or Kobe. If I lived in L.A., I would be a Clipper fan. I say it because I don’t see how the Clippers can be more than a 40-45 win team. That doesn’t make them a laughing stock, and you can still love your team without having to wear a paper bag over your head.

2008 NBA Mock Draft v.2

This is my second take at a mock draft for the 2008 NBA season. I’ve made updates with who teams have been giving workouts to and with who’s on the trading block now. This second version has several teams selecting the same person that I had before, while others could be looking for something different. I think teams looking to trade up to Number 2 (Memphis and Seattle) could stir up this draft, but until draft day, we most likely won’t know. So here is the draft list (with no possible trades built in).

1. Chicago Bulls

- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

While Chicago still hasn’t played their cards, their pick is becoming pretty aparent. The Miami Heat have become high on OJ Mayo, which is a clear sign that the Bulls will be taking the Heat’s number 1 option, Derrick Rose. Rose will change the make up of this team, and give them a couple of options to excell. Ben Gordon will most likely be let lose (Restricted Free Agent), with Kirk Hinrich will rotate over to SG (his natural position). At this moment it looks like Drew Gooden is going to be the immediate starter at PF, so in the second round the Bulls will have to address there lack of depth there.

2. Miami Heat

- OJ Mayo, G, USC

The Heat have been giving impressions that if rose is gone, they will pass up on Beasley. They are in a good situation here, they can draft Mayo and have a dynamic backcourt of Mayo and Wade, or they can trade the number 2 pick and net a starting point guard, and move down (maybe a package of Kyle Lowery, Mike Miller, and the Number 5 pick, and taking back Mark Blount or Marcus Banks would be a suitable package for Memphis to move up). I think a team to definitely look at making a move up to this spot is the Seattle Supersonics. They could swap the Number 4 pick to the Heat, along with phoenix’s number 1 from the 09 draft and a low budget player on the sonics (Earl Watson, Luke Ridnour, or one of the sonics bigmen). That might interest the Heat alot, especially if they make the trade after the sonics pick at 4, because they could get Mayo and a second 1st rounder in 09, and pay a little less for him.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

- Micheal Beasley, PF, Kansas State

The Timberwolves will be jumping for joy if Beasley falls to them at 3. Beasley is a better guy to team with Jefferson than Lopez. Jefferson is a skilled big man, but he isn’t super athletic (don’t get me wrong, he isn’t a tree stump either) so it would be better to leave him at the 5 and place an athletic big man who can score from the outside and inside, and eats up rebounds to help him out. Beasley would complete the lineup in Minnesota and allow them to do tinkering to get it right(Gomes or Brewer at SF, McCants at SG or move foye over, etc), the way portland is doing now. If Beasley is gone, I can see Minnesota picking up Anthony Randolph or Brook Lopez here instead.

4. Seattle Supersonics

- Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona

I already talked about the scenario here, that could have Mayo going here and being traded to Miami for Beasley. Bayless is the guy if Seattle stays put. I originally had DJ Augustin as the next PG off the board in my eyes, but hearing what is rumored to have been said from Mike D’Antoni to Bayless makes me feel that all of the high lottery teams feel his PG skills are developed enough to entrust him with leading a team now. So that said, the Sonics would grab him up and have 4 of their 5 starting positions all finalaized and could then be a center away. But I think they might be even more interested in picking up Micheal Beasley and say DJ Augustin, if they could trade back up (with their second 1st round pick, and 2 second rounders).

5. Memphis Grizzlies

- Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

The Grizzlies seem to be really interested in Kevin Love. I think it might be the right choice for them, because he’s a guy who you know what you are getting out of him. This is a team that is trying to find its identity and I don’t think they need to add another wild card in. Instead they need to find the front could stability to team with their backcourt of Conley, Miller, and Gay. Love can be an instant starter and contribute some toughness and defense on the inside, which this team has never had, even with Gasol.

6. New York Knicks

- DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Mike D’Antoni is clearly looking for a PG with this pick, since the knicks don’t have the assets to trade for a PG and still be competitive. The New York Post quoted Jerryd bayless after a dinner with Mike D’Antoni saying “He said he has all the tools, he just needs an engine to run it, like Steve Nash,” Bayless said. “So hopefully if the situation works out I can be the engine or the steering wheel to get it going.” Well, that said I think DJ Augustin in the perfect choice with who’s left on the board. Augustin has the PG skills that Mike needs and the same kind of vision Steve Nash does. He is a little short, but Chris Paul is showing us that it doesn’t matter as long as you have the motor. I think Augustin becomes step on in D’Antoni’s rebuilding plans if Bayless is off the boards.

7. LA Clippers

- Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

It looks less and less likely that Shaun Livingston is going to be back with the team next year, dramatically shifting the clippers focus to PG. I think that this will also encourage the Clippers to resign Corey Maggette so they aren’t just replacing one hole with another. Westbrook would be a good choice here, because if need be he can be rotated around in the backcourt (say they find their PG in free agency) to play SG as well.

8. Milwaukee Bucks

- Danilo Galinari, SF, Italy

Gallinari would be a great fit for the Bucks’ current roster. The Bucks have had a gap at SF for a long time, and their trade of TJ ford hasn’t worked out quite like they hoped. but that said Mo Williams is doing a good job at the point, and Redd is the dependable scorer on the team, they have spent the past couple of years developing their frontcourt and seem to have found a suitable rotation of Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jian lin, and Andrew Bogut. That said this team needs a SF, and no one fits them better than Gallinari. Dan has the handle of a PG, and can spend some time as a point forward, which would work out well for the undersized Mo Williams. This team would be a very potent scoring threat if both Mo Williams and Micheal Redd are free to roam while Gallinari handles the ball, you would then have to pick your poison. This pick could change alot as the Bucks seem to be shopping some of their players, and if they make their way out of town then there could be a very different need here.

9. Charlotte Bobcats

- DeAndre Jordon, C, Texas A&M

The Bobcats need to pick up a qulaity big man. But more importantly, they need to understand what Nazr Mohammad showed them last season, Emeka Okafor is a PF, not a Center. I know the Cats like playing Okafor at the 5 because he is a little slow, but he is too small to be a center. DeAndre Jordan could become a really really good center for the cats. He has the athleticism, speed, and size that complements the heart of this team (Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace), I think he would also make Raymond Felton better, who is used to having a mobile big man to dish too (Sean May in college, and in Charlotte until his knee injury). I think that DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph are the only players in the mix for Charlotte. Some people have speculated they could be interested in Kevin Love, but I think that his lack of Athletisism will echo Emeka too much (and Mirror their problems with May and Morrson as well).

10. New Jersey Nets

- Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

Ironically I think the Nets would be happy with landing either Randolph or Jordan here. Randolph gives them the athletic explosiveness they tried to bring to the team by trading for Stromile Swift. I think a frontcourt sporting Anthony Randolph, and Sean Williams/Josh Boone would look really good to them. There has been some speculation that Richard Jefferson is being shopped shouldn’t change this pick, because in most scenarios the Nets would probably be looking to bring in another SF, SG, or C, leaving their need for PF still pretty high.

11. Indiana Pacers

- Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

The Pacers have a hole at PG, and could easily decide to take Ty Lawson here, but I think his downsides may make them shy away from taking him this high. Brook Lopez would be a great choice, he would be the heir aparent to Jermaine O’Neal, and an insurance policy in case he goes down again. considering O’Neal only has one year left on his contract, the Pacers would now have the flexibility to consider trading O’Neal and not having to take back a center (for example, they could send him to the Raptors with a future pick and take back TJ Ford).

12. Sacremento Kings

- Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas

The kings needs are PG, and PF. They are going to try to resign Beno Udrich who was really the bright spot of their season, as far as development went. Arthur is still a little raw, but he’s quick for a 4, and has power. Alot of this pick will rely on if Ron Artest Opts out of his contract, because I think the kings may then satisfy their needs with a free agent PF and instead grab Donte Green here.

13. Portland Trailblazers

- Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

The trailblazers can take the best player available here, and look who just fell into their lap. Now it may not seem like Eric Gordon fits into their needs but he fits perfectly into their needs. Steve Blake only has two year left on his contract, and isn’t even averaging the most assists on the team. The Blazers could toy with (at times this season) shifting roy over to the point and playing Gordon at SG. It would instantly give them another defender in the starting lineup, and in a division that has Allen Iverson and Kevin Durant, they could use a tough defender who is a sweet shooter on the floor.

14. Golden State Warriors

- Donte Green, SF/PF, Syracuse

Now, this is a great match. What do the warriors look for, Athletic players who can shoot, and can play a multitude of positions. I think Donte Green can come in and take the place of the (surely departing) Matt Barnes. Green can shoot (not the best 3 point shooter, but he’s improving), he has alot of size for a small forward (6′10″) and he can move. I think the Warriors if they were left with the players that are left would be either Green or Joe Alexander.

15. Phoenix Suns

- Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

The Suns need to upgrade at SF. If leandro barbosa is traded I can see them targetting Brandon Rush here, but if not they need a scorer at the wing. Bell and Grant are more defenders that scorers, and with Marion gone now only Nash and Amare really can run up the scoring sheet. Alexander is a good fit, he can shoot from all over the court and is athletic, fitting well with Nash and Amare. He should be able to help out Barbosa too, by being another scoring option off the bench (so barbosa doesn’t get doubled all the time with the second unit).

16. Philadelphia 76ers

- JJ Hickson, PF, NC State

The 76ers needs haven’t changed from the last time I made this mock draft. The only thing that might change is weither their persuit of Elton brand changes their needs. I have JJ Hickson flying up the boards based on his performances in workouts. He is the best (pure) PF left on the board that wouldn’t be a reach to be taken here.

17. Toronto Raptors

- Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Raptors biggest need is at Center. Jamario Moon looks like he showed them enough that they will be satisfied with using him and Bargnani at the 3. Now this team needs a real center. Bargnani is not a center, he has the height but isn’t filled out enough, he is really more of a PF, but Bosh already occupies that position on this team, which in my eyes moves him to the 3, a very big 3 mind you. Robin Lopez will give them the traditional center that they need. This is also a team that needs fire, as good as Chris Bosh is, he isn’t the emotional leader that some of his draft class have proven to be (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James), so if Robin can bring the intensity to this team that Noah and Varejao bring to theirs, it will be a great fit.

18. Washington Wizards

- Maresse Spreights, C, Florida

This pick is a wildcard. If the Wizards resign all of their free agents then I think Spreights is their guy, if they don’t then they could be in need of a PG, in which Ty Lawson could be a possibility. The Wizards have struggled at center for sometime. Brendon Haywood is serviceable, but he isn’t the kind of center to help lead you to the NBA finals. This team needs someone who can contribute on the offensive end, but still run, and Spreights can do that.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

- Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas

Rush would be a perfect fit for the cavs. This is a team that has problems creating shots for themselves out side of the front court of Lebron, Smith, and Big Z. Wally and Gibson are good shooters, but they are both defensive liabilities (for Ginbson its mostly his height). Rush would help give them a defensive presence at 2, who isn’t scoring inept (unlike Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao). I think if a PG were to slip to here that had some height the Cavs would want to take him over Rush. But if not Rush could be their guy, I don’t see CDR as an option, because he is essentially Larry Hughes all over again, great player, but not a fit for this team.

20. Denver Nuggets

- Ty Lawson, PG, UNC

The Nuggets are in desperate need for a PG. They foolishly let Steve Blake leave, and have been in need of a pure point guard since. Now things could always change, especially with AI having the ability to opt out, but I think the Nuggets will still need to get a PG, unless they make a trade for one. Lawson is very fast, and has a good handle. He can get rattled, but Denver has enough weapons that he won’t have to do too much, so he should fit in nicely.

21. New Jersey Nets

- Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

In the last mock I had Batum going here, but only because Budinger was off the boards. I think that Budinger is a better fit for this team. The Nets are set with starters at PG, SG, and SF. But they really don’t have any depth behind Carter and Jefferson, so a sweet shooting wing with the size to play both positions would be ideal with their second pick. I could also see the Nets trying to move this pick, if they aren’t satisfied with who is left on the boards at this point in the draft.

22. Orlando Magic

- DJ White, PF, Indiana

I think White is the perfect fit for this team. SG is a need for them, but they are going to need to play JJ Reddick before they can decided that its worth spending a 1st round pick on two seasons in a row, and Keith Bogans has decided to not opt out. White should be ready to contribute minutes quickly, and give Dwight Howard some breathing room down low. White’s game is a good balance to Howard as he loves to rebound and shove around people in the low post, complementing his power, with Dwights finesse post moves.

23. Utah jazz

- Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Mehmet Okur got destroyed by Pau Gasol, showing that they need to upgrade here. I think the Jazz may also think shooting guard, but this is a deep enough class at SG, that they should be able to find some scoring in the second round. Koufos has been called a young Big Z, and that would fit this team perfectly. Koufos has more size that Okur, but he still has shooting ability and can move up and down the court. This would allow Utah to have both size and still have shooting from their center.

24. Seattle SuperSonics

- JaVale McGee, C, Nevada

The Sonics could use a center, because Chris Wilcox is more of a PF. McGee could be that guy for them. They have tried for years to find a center and non of them have worked out, but this might be the turning point for Seattle. JaVale is athletic, while the centers the Sonics have drafted in the past are more lumbering and traditional, I think he could bring some added depth to the 5 and eventually become a starter there.

25. Houston Rockets

- Nicolas Batum, SF, France

Nicolas Batum is what this team needs, unless they decide that they need to get a backup C for Yao Ming (in that case I could see Roy Hibbert going here. But Batum can come in and immediately contribute off the bench at both the 2 and 3. His passing ability is a huge necessity as this team is stocked with players that need the ball (McGrady, Head, Ming, Jones) and not enough distrubutors.

26. San Antonio Spurs

- Chris-Douglas Roberts, SG, Memphis

I don’t think the Spurs will pick up an international player this time, as Tiago Splitter has put a bad taste in their mouth. The Spurs also showed their first big hole this season with Micheal Finley and Manu Ginobli. CDR would be a perfect fit for this team, that needs some youth and energy at shooting guard. Roberts has size and speed, which would come in handy coming off the bench, and when everyone else has tired legs later in games.

27. New Orleans Hornets

- Bill Walkers, SG/SF, Kansas State

Bill Walker is my pick for biggest sleeper in this draft. The same way that Monte Ellis was a late pick and has become a huge scorer and a star, I think Bill Walker will follow in his steps. If Walker is drafted by the Hornets he is in the perfect place to excel. The Hornets need to upgrade at Shooting guard, Morris Peterson is a good shooter, but he isn’t a starter, he is more of a role player. This team needs a dynamic scorer who can shoot the three, and is also big enough to cause match up problems if need be.

28. Memphis Grizzlies

- Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

With the Grizzlies picking up PF earlier they might look for Roy Hibbert here. They won’t have the most athletic frontcourt, but he can give them team a dependable big man who is a true space eater. having Darkko on the roster, means that they won’t need to start Roy right away, and he can get some time to develop. Definitely not a sexy pick, but a safe one, and that seems to be what the Grizzlies need right now.

29. Detroit Pistons

- Joey Dorsey, PF, Memphis

The Pistons are known for taking the right people to fit their system. They hit huge with G Rodney Stuckey, and Aaron Afflalo and Jason Maxiell are coming around as well. But a defensive big man might be the next best thing for them to pick up. Dorsey is athletic and is a defensive stopper, in a Ben Wallace style. He can come in and immediately give them a big body to soak up the defensive responsibilities that come with defending a guy like KG in the postseason. But it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the Pistons traded this pick, to upgrade with veterans.

30. Boston Celtics

- Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

Ray Allen’s injuries and on-off shooting slumps have shown that they need to start grooming his eventual replacement. Lee would be a great addition as he is a really good shooter. Sitting behind Ray Allen and learning from him will only help make him an even better shooting guard. He should be able to contribute from day one. The Celtics could go center here, but finding Allen’s future is a little more pressing, as they can always shift Garnett to center and insert Big Baby Glenn Davis for size.

2008 NBA Mock Draft v.1

So on Tuesday night the NBA draft lottery selections happened. The Bulls pulled the big upset moving all the way to Number 1. Now that the order is finalized I’m going to release the first version of my 2008 NBA mock draft. I went with selections that in my gut teams would make (some of these picks won’t happen because I think teams will trade up and down, especially a team like Seattle, which could both trade up or down.

1. Chicago Bulls

- Micheal Beasley, PF, Kansas State

The Chicago Bulls are going to agonize over who to take, the Speedy chicago native at the point, or the scoring/rebounding big man they’ve always needed? Well here’s teh thing, I like Derrick Rose alot, and I think if the bulls took him, Kirk Hinrich could move over to his natural position of SG, and then the Bulls could trade a SG away or let Ben Gordon go as a restricted free agent and still have alot of depth. And as much as I like that, I still recognize that this is a team that needs a low post scorer and defender. Joakim Noah looks like he can be their center of the future, and Aaron Gray has proven he can soak up some minutes for Noah, but this team has no one at the 4. Nocini isn’t a PF, Tyrus Thomas doesn’t fit their need (he’s an energy guy, but not a scorer or scrapper), and is Drew Gooden will be a free agent at the end of the 08 season. With that said this team needs Beasley more than they need Rose. Beasley is exactly what a team in the east needs, a big man who can score (like Rasheed, Garnett, Jamison, etc) and he’s no slouch in the rebounding department either. Beasley gives them stability, and Ironically, I think he solves their point guard problem. A package including Tyrus Thomas, Drew Gooden’s expiring Contract, and possibly Ben Gordon, or maybe a pick in 09, should be able to get them a PG that they feel is more suitable for this team, a Kyle Lowery or Marcus Williams would come pretty cheap, and not force them to sell the farm. Or use the whole package for someone like Jose Calderon or TJ Ford. There are alot of good point guards to be had, but I don’t know about you, but I don’t see another possible 20-10 guy that they could trade for, who wouldn’t be well well over priced (they don’t have the cap to sign an Antwan Jamison anyway).

That said Micheal Beasley is the total package. He can shoot from 3, he has the heart of a winner, he is willing to attack down low, and isn’t afraid to take the last shot. He has range from everywhere and rebounds aggressively. I can only imagine the heart and fire that a Noah-Beasley tandem could create, and think that that might be to hard to pass up for the Bulls.

Similar to: Rasheed Wallace

2. Miami Heat

- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

The Heat will be jumping for joy if Derrick Rose falls to them at 2. They have a more than serviceable 4 with Udonis Haslem, so he would be exactly what they are looking for. Rose brings the speed that would give this team one of the most Dynamic Back courts in the league, with a Healthy Dwayne Wade, and a PG who can keep up with his speed, and has the vision to get to him where ever he is this could be the move that helps keep dwayne wade as a Heat player come the summer of 2010. Rose is a good shooter, his speed was unmatched in the NCAA and should still be pretty top flight in the NBA, if Rose isn’t here at the second pick, expect the Heat to either put a trade in place (shipping out, Haslem, either Blount or Banks, for a PG) for getting their PG and taking Beasley, or trading out of the second spot to acquire a PG (like a sign and trade for a big name PG, but requiring the team that takes the number two pick to grab like Banks/Blouts contract).

Similar to: Devin Harris

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

- Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Timberwolves are going to want to protect their franchise player. I think watching how Dwight Howard was bombarded in the playoffs by not having another big man to protect him, is going to make the Wolves think that they should do the same. If Lopez can start at Center, Jefferson can rotate over to PF where he would be even more effective. The Wolves still have some backcourt questions, but I don’t think they have given up on playing Foye at the point, and with him their they have several, at the very least, serviceable SGs they can cycle through (Rashad McCants and Corey Brewer) next to him.

Similar to: Chris Kamen

4. Seattle Supersonics

- DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Now here is where my selections differ from most peoples mock drafts. I don’t see Jerryd Bayless as the next best PG. I like Augustin here because this is a team that needs a PG who is a traditional PG. Bayless is a combo guard, and for a team that is lacking in the scoring department he would be the perfect fit, but they need someone who can handle the ball all of the time. Now I know this king of a PG works for some teams (like Gilbert Arenas), but I think that having a none scoring Shooting Guard makes it a necessity for them, as opposed to the sonics where they have scorers that need to become better defenders. Augustin’s familiarity with Durant can’t be ignored either, if you want to see Durant’s shooting average improve pair him with someone you know he is comfortable with. I know for some his height is a problem, but look at Chris Paul who is only 6′ (an inch taller than Augustin), I think that makes the most sense.

Similar to: Rafer Alston

5. Memphis Grizzlies

- Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

Memphis Grizzlies ownership has stated that their focus is to become a better defensive team. This team needs to upgrade at the 4, but there isn’t one that fits their needs available at this pick. Instead, I think to show there commitment to be better defensively, they should upgrade at SG. Especially in a division that houses both Manu Ginobili and Tracy McGrady someone who can defend the two would be a big benefit. At the same time Gordon is no slouch when it comes to scoring. He started his college career on fire, and looked like he was going to lock up the Number 3 prospect on the board, at times challenging for the No. 2 spot in my mind, but his wrist injury and the coaching turmoil really took him out of rhytem. Gordon will find his touch again, and a potent trio of Gordon, Conley, and Gay could be a power for time to come, if they find a PF.

Similar to: Joe Johnson

6. New York Knicks

- Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

This is hands down the toughest pick for me to make. In the past Mike D’Antoni hasn’t liked playing his rookies much, but with this high a pick he is going to have to play who ever he takes quickly. I think there are 4 players in the mix with the 6th pick. Jerryd Bayless would give the Knicks a point guard, who can also be a pretty potent scorer, but he can play out of control and with D’Antoni’s system that may not work out. Russell Westbrook is all potential, he never really had to be a full time point guard having Darren Collison next to him, but he has the speed and defensive capabilities that the Knicks need. Danillo Galliberi, the most ready player that fits D’Antoni’s system, he’s pretty quick for his size, and can knock down the mid range jumper creating match up problems since he can play the 3 and 4, but he can be too passive and doesn’t have 3 point range making him a little to much like David Lee with a better handle. The last player in the mix is OJ Mayo, Mayo is a scoring Machine who can open fire from anywhere on the court, he is a good shooter, but he could be a headache waiting to happen on a team that already has Stephon Marbury, and a gluttony of Shooting guards (Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, and Nate Robinson). With that said, I think the Knicks will pick up Russell Westbrook, he has the most potential, and the Knicks have been drafting Roleplayers for too long (Lee, Balkman, Collins, Robinson, Chandler, etc), they need to draft someone who can become a star for them.

Similar too: Baron Davis

7. Los Angeles Clippers

- OJ Mayo, G, USC

The clippers are in a good spot, they can grab Jerryd Bayless, or they can draft OJ Mayo. I think they will lean towards Mayo. This is a team that most likely is going to lose Corey Maggette and all of his scoring, and possibly Elton Brand and all of his scoring. Adding Mayo may be the pefect choice for them, he can spend a little time a PG while they wait on Shaun Livingston, or he can be the scorer they need. Having a team with at least Al Thorton, OJ Mayo, and Chris Kamen, are good building blocks going forward. The Clippers might be a team that wants to drop back and pick up an extra pick, but that will depend on if Elton brand and Maggette both use their ETOs.

Similarities: Jerry Stackhouse

8. Milwaukee Bucks

- Danilo Gallinari, F, Italy

Gallinari would be a great fit for the Bucks’ current roster. The Bucks have had a gap at SF for a long time, and their trade of TJ ford hasn’t worked out quite like they hoped. but that said Mo Williams is doing a good job at the point, and Redd is the dependable scorer on the team, they have spent the past couple of years developing their frontcourt and seem to have found a suitable rotation of Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jian lin, and Andrew Bogut. That said this team needs a SF, and no one fits them better than Gallinari. Dan has the handle of a PG, and can spend some time as a point forward, which would work out well for the undersized Mo Williams. This team would be a very potent scoring threat if both Mo Williams and Micheal Redd are free to roam while Gallinari handles the ball, you would then have to pick your poison. This pick could change alot as the Bucks seem to be shopping some of their players, and if they make their way out of town then there could be a very different need here.

Similar to : Boris Diaw

9. Charlotte Bobcats

- DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M

The Bobcats need to pick up a qulaity big man. But more importantly, they need to understand what Nazr Mohammad showed them last season, Emeka Okafor is a PF, not a Center. I know the Cats like playing Okafor at the 5 because he is a little slow, but he is too small to be a center. DeAndre Jordan could become a really really good center for the cats. He has the athleticism, speed, and size that complements the heart of this team (Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace), I think he would also make Raymond Felton better, who is used to having a mobile big man to dish too (Sean May in college, and in Charlotte until his knee injury). I think that DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph are the only players in the mix for Charlotte. Some people have speculated they could be interested in Kevin Love, but I think that his lack of Athletisism will echo Emeka too much (and Mirror their problems with May and Morrson as well).

Similar to: Tyson Chandler

10. New Jersey Nets

- Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

Ironically I think the Nets would be happy with landing either Randolph or Jordan here. Randolph gives them the athletic explosiveness they tried to bring to the team by trading for Stromile Swift. I think a frontcourt sporting Anthony Randolph, and Sean Williams/Josh Boone would look really good to them. There has been some speculation that Richard Jefferson is being shopped shouldn’t change this pick, because in most scenarios the Nets would probably be looking to bring in another SF, SG, or C, leaving their need for PF still pretty high.

Similar to: Josh Smith

11. Indiana Pacers

- Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona

I think the Pacers will trade down if they are left in this position. There is little doubt in my mind they will draft a PG with their first pick, making Bayless the obvious choice if he fell into their laps. This could all change if Jermaine O’Neal opts out of his contract (if he did it would be to do a Grant hill, not for another big contract). If that happens I think the Pacers may take Kosta Koufos here instead, giving them immediate size that they will be longing for. Anyway, back to Bayless,Jerryd is a scoring PG who has good size and speed. He can see the floor well, and is her athletic. He is a bit of a tweener, but I think for this current roster that will be ok.

Similar to: Keyon Dooling

12. Sacremento Kings

- Darrel Arthur, PF, Kansas

The kings needs are PG, and PF. They are going to try to resign Beno Udrich who was really the bright spot of their season, as far as development went. Arthur is still a little raw, but he’s quick for a 4, and has power. Alot of this pick will rely on if Ron Artest Opts out of his contract, because I think the kings may then satisfy their needs with a free agent PF and instead grab Donte Green here.

Similar too: Josh Howard

13. Portland Trailblazers

- Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

The trailblazers are able to take whoever they want at this pick, as they are really set with their starting lineup of Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster/Travis Outlaw, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden. The one thing this team could use is a little more scoring off the bench, the tried to find that with James Jones last season, but his shooting has really gone down lately. I think for that reason teh trailblazers would want to have someone who can really shoot the rock, he isn’t a streaky 3-point shooter (which might turn them away from Donte Green and Joe Alexander). Budinger would really make the bench very very strong for the blazers, having Jack to releave Blake, Budinger for Roy, Outlaw at the 3, McRoberts at the 4, and Channing Frye at the 5 sounds like a deep team with good trading chips if need be for the future.

Similar to: Quentin Richardson (before the back problems)

14. Golden State Warriors

- Donte Green, SF, Syracuse

Now, this is a great match. What do the warriors look for, Athletic players who can shoot, and can play a multitude of positions. I think Donte Green can come in and take the place of the (surely departing) Matt Barnes. Green can shoot (not the best 3 point shooter, but he’s improving), he has alot of size for a small forward (6′10″) and he can move. I think the Warriors if they were left with the players that are left would be either Green or Joe Alexander.

Similar to: Matt Barnes

15. Phoenix Suns

- Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

The Suns need to upgrade at SF. If leandro barbosa is traded I can see them targetting Brandon Rush here, but if not they need a scorer at the wing. Bell and Grant are more defenders that scorers, and with Marion gone now only Nash and Amare really can run up the scoring sheet. Alexander is a good fit, he can shoot from all over the court and is athletic, fitting well with Nash and Amare. He should be able to help out Barbosa too, by being another scoring option off the bench (so barbosa doesn’t get doubled all the time with the second unit).

Similar to: Manu Ginobili

16. Philadelphia 76ers

- Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

The 76ers developed into a pretty good team this season. Behind the stable play of Samuel Dalembert, the great floor leadership of Andre Miller, the development of Thaddeus Young, and contining advancement of Andre Iguodola they came together as a team. This also gives them a starter at 4 of the five positions. Dalembert needs help in the post, Thaddeus Young can help there, but he is more a 3. Love would give them exactly what they need, another big body to help keep defenders off of Dalmbert and the lane clear for the 76er’s wing players. If Arthur slips this far I think the 6ers would gladly take him over Love though. Love has a very good fundamentals, but he isn’t very athletic. He has lost some weight since the end of the season and I think that will help him alot in the NBA.

Similar to: Tim Duncan

17. Toronto Raptors

- Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Raptors biggest need is at Center. Jamario Moon looks like he showed them enough that they will be satisfied with using him and Bargnani at the 3. Now this team needs a real center. Bargnani is not a center, he has the height but isn’t filled out enough, he is really more of a PF, but Bosh already occupies that position on this team, which in my eyes moves him to the 3, a very big 3 mind you. Robin Lopez will give them the traditional center that they need. This is also a team that needs fire, as good as Chris Bosh is, he isn’t the emotional leader that some of his draft class have proven to be (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James), so if Robin can bring the intensity to this team that Noah and Varejao bring to theirs, it will be a great fit.

Similar to: Joakim Noah

18. Washington Wizards

- Maresse Spreights, C, Florida

This pick is a wildcard. If the Wizards resign all of their free agents then I think Spreights is their guy, if they don’t then they could be in need of a PG, in which Ty Lawson could be a possibility. The Wizards have struggled at center for sometime. Brendon Haywood is serviceable, but he isn’t the kind of center to help lead you to the NBA finals. This team needs someone who can contribute on the offensive end, but still run, and Spreights can do that.

Similar to: Elton Brand

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

- Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas

Rush would be a perfect fit for the cavs. This is a team that has problems creating shots for themselves out side of the front court of Lebron, Smith, and Big Z. Wally and Gibson are good shooters, but they are both defensive liabilities (for Ginbson its mostly his height). Rush would help give them a defensive presence at 2, who isn’t scoring inept (unlike Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao). I think if a PG were to slip to here that had some height the Cavs would want to take him over Rush. But if not Rush could be their guy, I don’t see CDR as an option, because he is essentually Larry Hughes all over again, great player, but not a fit for this team.

Similar to: Eddie Jones

20. Denver Nuggets

- Ty Lawson, PG, UNC

The Nuggets are in desperate need for a PG. They foolishly let Steve Blake leave, and have been in need of a pure point guard since. Now things could always change, especially with AI having the ability to opt out, but I think the Nuggets will still need to get a PG, unless they make a trade for one. Lawson is very fast, and has a good handle. He can get rattled, but Denver has enough weapons that he won’t have to do too much, so he should fit in nicely.

Similar to: TJ Ford

21. New Jersey Nets

- Nicolas Batum, SF, France

The Nets need to find some depth at the 2 or 3. Batum would solve both of them, he doesn’t have to come over immediately but if he does that would work out fine. Batum is a good shooter, and would be a nice complement to Jefferson or Carter. If Jefferson does leave town, he is probably one of the more ready players to start a team at the SF position.

Similar to: Josh Childress

22. Orlando Magic

- DJ White, PF, Indiana

Now I’m sure alot of people like someone like JJ Hickson here, but I think White is the perfect fit for this team. SG is a need for them, but they are going to need to play JJ Reddick before they can decided that its worth spending a 1st round pick on two seasons in a row. White should be ready to contribute minutes quickly, and give Dwight Howard some breathing room down low. White’s game is a good balance to Howard as he loves to rebound and shove around people in the low post, complementing his power, with Dwights finesse post moves.

Similar to: Kenyon Martin (post knee injuries)

23. Utah Jazz

- Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Mehmet Okur got destroyed by Pau Gasol, showing that they need to upgrade here. I think the Jazz may also think shooting guard, but this is a deep enough class at SG, that they should be able to find some scoring in the second round. Koufos has been called a young Big Z, and that would fit this team perfectly. Koufos has more size that Okur, but he still has shooting ability and can move up and down the court. This would allow Utah to have both size and still have shooting from their center.

Similar to: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

24. Seattle SuperSonics

- JaVale McGee, PF, Nevada

The Sonics could use a center, because Chris Wilcox is more of a PF. McGee could be that guy for them. They have tried for years to find a center and non of them have worked out, but this might be the turning point for Seattle. JaVale is athletic, while the centers the Sonics have drafted in the past are more lumbering and traditional, I think he could bring some added depth to the 5 and eventually become a starter there.

Similar to: Antonio McDycess

25. Houston Rockets

- Chris-Douglas Roberts, SG, Memphis

CDR fits this team really well. The Rockets need to find a shooting guard who can slash, they have enough shooters in Luther Head, McGrady, Alston, and Battier. So someone who can attack the rim and has the athleticism to catch the great passes that McGrady and Skip can make would be best. Essentually it would be the team trying again, since the Bonzi Wells experiment didn’t work out.

Similar to: Larry Hughes

26. San Antonio Spurs

- Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

Roy Hibbert is exactly what the Spurs need. Oberto is a good complement for Duncan, but they need to find depth behind him. Elson wasn’t the answer, but i think Hibbert would work out perfectly. Hibbert has the size and low post skills to complement duncan’s game. Hibberts increased range over the past season will help him out too, as will being able to watch Duncan.

Similar to: Zach Randolph

27. New Orleans Hornets

- Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State

Bill Walker is my pick for biggest sleeper in this draft. The same way that Monte Ellis was a late pick and has become a huge scorer and a star, I think Bill Walker will follow in his steps. If Walker is drafted by the Hornets he is in the perfect place to excell. The Hornets need to upgrade at Shooting guard, Morris Peterson is a good shooter, but he isn’t a starter, he is more of a role player. This team needs a dynamic scorer who can shoot the three, and is also big enough to cause match up problems if need be.

Similar to: Vince Carter

28. Memphis Grizzlies

- J.J. Hickson, PF, NC State

J.J.Hickson is a little raw, but he brings the power at the 4, to balance the scoring of Hakim Warrick. I think Hickson will need time to develop a complete game, and should be able to find it on a team that is trying to develop itself.

Similar to: Luis Scola

29. Detroit Pistons

- Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo

The Pistons have built up pretty well for the future, but I guess if they needed to add someone it would be Serge Ibaka, he would probably be the highest rated player on their board by the time they were drafting. He would also give them more bodies to deal with the dominant big men in the east (Dwight and Garnett).

Similar to: David West

30. Boston Celtics

- Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

Ray Allen’s disappearance in the playoffs has shown that they need to start grooming his eventual replacement. Lee would be a great addition as he is a really good shooter. Sitting behind Ray Allen and learning from him will only help make him an even better shooting guard. Should be able to contribute from day one. The Celtics could go center here, but finding Allen’s future is a little more pressing, as they can always shift Garnett to center and insert Big Baby Glenn Davis for size.

Similar to: Daniel Gibson

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I’ll do another mock draft, as we get closer to the draft as trades and free agency starts to hit. I will post a Mock round two though, in the coming week(s).

Hornets Not Quite Ready

The Hornets bolted to 2-0 lead and appeared as if they would knock off the defending champs and near-dynasty of the last 9 years. The Spurs are champs for a reason, and they fought back in the series and finally did what they had to do and won a Game 7 on the road.

The Spurs took whatever the Hornets’ defense gave them last night, whether it was Duncan on the baseline or three’s from Finley, Horry or Ginobili. The Spurs calmly went out their business of moving on in the playoffs against at team that is barking for attention. Chris Paul was fabulous, while Tyson Chandler and David West were very good. Jannero Pargo was a spark off the bench with 18 points, but it all was just not enough against a team that simply knows how to win.

The Hornets are young and fast and talented. Barring injury, they will be back in the same position next year. Chandler and West are excellent, Stojakovic is still solid and Paul is unguardable. All the Hornets need is a bit more seasoning and possibly one more stinging exit from the playoffs such as the one last night. Also, they need to get rid of Morris Peterson; he is absolutely the worst starting player in the NBA.

Morris Peterson aside, the Hornets could be the next dynasty if they can keep their core together and continue to improve. The loss to the Spurs surely stung, but it is simply part of the growing process toward becoming a champion. Few teams make it to the Finals and win on their first attempt, Miami Heat aside.

I was upset over the loss because I wanted to see Chris Paul against Kobe, and I am tired of seeing the Spurs win. You have to give credit to the Spurs though, they just keep beating all comers and who knows when it will end. It may be the Spurs time again this year, but for the Hornets, they are just not quite ready–not quite.

New Blood or Same Ole’ Same Ole’

There are some familiar faces still left in the NBA Playoffs, there are some new teams and there are new faces on old teams. The two most storied franchises in NBA history still have a chance to meet in the Finals, or there could be a meeting of the two most dominant franchises over the past 5 years.

The Celtics have had to fight and scratch to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Pistons have had a relatively easy time. In the West, the Lakers await either the familiar Spurs or the rising, fresh-faced Hornets.

After watching how badly the Celtics are playing on the road, I don’t think they have what it takes to take down the Pistons. I see the Pistons winning this series in 6 games and waiting for the West to finish. The Celtics’ Big 3 seem to really only be the Big 2. Ray Allen has completely disappeared and was only barely used in the 4th quarter of Game 7 against the Cleveland LeBron’s. Detroit is too good and too experienced to lose to a team playing like the Celtics.

The West is a coin flip, but I think the home court advantage is going to hold up in the Spurs-Hornets series, though who the hell really knows.

I think most people would like to see some new blood with the Hornets playing the Celtics. The most boring series would certainly be the Spurs and the Pistons. There would be some nostalgia, and the ratings would be the highest, if it were the Lakers and the Celtics. I think the most entertaining series in the playoffs would be the Hornets and the Lakers, too bad they can’t play in the Finals.

Either way, the 2008 playoffs are shaping up to be one of the best and most entertaining in a long time. Let’s just hope we are not let down with a Spurs-Pistons Finals.

Kobe the MVP???

I never knew the NBA MVP was supposed to be a lifetime achievement award. I thought it was merely the most valuable player to a team for the season just played. Apparently, I was mistaken. Kobe Bryant got his honorary Oscar/MVP, and I am amazed at the amount of people who think this is as it should be.  

I know the Lakers are the top seed in the West and that Kobe had a great season, but he is NOT the most valuable player to his team. If Kobe was not on the Lakers, they would still be a decent team. They wouldn’t make the playoffs, but they would win 35 games or so.  

There is one player that is keeping his pathetic teammates out of the NBA cellar. This team would make Miami look like the 90’s Bulls. That team is, of course, the Cavaliers. Without Lebron, the Cavaliers are just a bunch of overpaid has-beens or never-will-bes. Ilguaskas is the only player other than Lebron that is still worth discussing, and he is now past his prime.  

Not only do the Cavaliers need Lebron worse than the Lakers need Kobe, but Lebron is statistically better. Here are the numbers per game and they don’t lie:

  • PPG: Lebron 30.0 to 28.3
  • Reb: Lebron 7.9 to 6.3
  • Assists: Lebron 7.2 to 5.4
  • Blocks: Lebron 1.1 to 0.5
  • Steals: Tie 1.8 each
  • FG%: Lebron 48.4 to 45.9
  • FT%: Kobe 84.0 to 71.2 

Lebron also takes on more of the ball-handling duties and overall offensive responsibility. Lebron doesn’t have Lamar Odom and a veteran like Derek Fisher to help run the offense. Lebron doesn’t have Pau Gasol to score on the inside and take the heat off.  

Kobe had a great season, but I had him fourth on my list. I could have dealt with Chris Paul or Kevin Garnett getting the MVP, but not Kobe. Just because Kobe had never won the award before is not a good enough reason to give it to him now. If you want to give out the MVP as a lifetime achievement award, then give it to Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo.

Bynum: The Key To The Playoffs?

Is it possible that a 20 year old 7-footer who has played only 35 games this season and has a career average of only 7.2 PPG can have the biggest impact of anyone on the playoffs? Is it possible that David Stern himself is praying for Andrew Bynum’s speedy recovery five or six times a day? It is not only possible; it is the case in my opinion.

There are only 3 games left in the season and you can already smell playoff basketball. Andrew Bynum is still not practicing and has recently been sent to New York to see a knee specialist. This is not good news for Laker fans and that includes David Stern. Stern was asked, fairly recently, who would be his dream match up in the finals and his reply was “the Lakers vs. the Lakers.” The Lakers drive TV ratings and merchandising, all things that make David Stern feel tingly on the inside.

The Lakers are an excellent team without Bynum and there are quite a few delusional Laker fans who think they can win the title without Bynum. The problem is that without Bynum the Lakers are not better than San Antonio, Utah, New Orleans, or Phoenix. All of these teams, including the Lakers are pretty much the same.

The Lakers with Bynum are the best team in the West; in fact, they may be the best team in the NBA. Without Bynum, they are one of the many and that many includes Tim Duncan and the Spurs. In case you haven’t been paying attention, Tim Duncan and Greg Popovich are pretty good at winning games in the playoffs. So for my money, a Bynum-less Laker team doesn’t pull if off in the Western conference playoffs.

Think about this for just a moment. Pau Gasol is an excellent player, but no experience winning games in the playoffs. Lamar Odom is an excellent do-everything talent, but with no experience having any sort of backbone as a player when times are tough. Kobe Bryant has not won anything without Shaq. I would not be surprised if the Lakers get bounced in the first round.

Bynum is not the young Shaq, but he gives the Lakers offensive and defensive punch in the middle. Ronny Turiaf is a fine off-the-bench guy and nothing more and have you seen how skinny Odom and Gasol are? With a healthy Bynum in the middle, the Lakers become a team that is more than the sum of its parts. They are the team that can beat Tim Duncan and the Spurs and they are the team that can beat either Boston or Detroit.

As for David Stern, he can’t have the Lakers vs. the Lakers, but he can have the Lakers vs. the Celtics, which is not a bad deal and can bring back some nostalgia from the NBA’s heyday in the 1980’s

Worst of the Week (Mar.31-Apr.6)

Just as with the Best of the Week, Worst of the Week will only focus on the guys playing for playoff contending teams. These guys need to get their act together if they want to help their team in the second season. 

5.)  Al Harrington: 32.5% FG, 8.8 PPG, 5.0 Reb, 1.5 Ast, 0.8 Stl, no blocks 

Harrington has had an up and down season. He worked well in the wide open system of the Warriors last year and has had his moments this year. The Warriors were 1-3 over the past week and that is no way to win a playoff spot. They still have a shot at the 8th spot in the West, but Harrington is going to have to do better than the 1 for 9 he put up against Dallas. 

4.)  Stephen Jackson: 25.5% FG, 7.0 PPG, 3.2 Reb, 4.2 Ast, 0.8 Stl, 0.2 Blk 

Jackson has come alive in his time with the Warriors, and this has been his career year. However, it was not a good week for him or the Warriors. Like Harrington, if the Warriors are going to get into the playoffs, Jackson needs to hit his shots. He was 1-11 against Dallas, 3-11 against New Orleans, and 2-12 against the Spurs, all of which were losses. 

3.)  Sam Cassell: 23.1% FG, 7.0 PPG, 2.5 Reb, 0.5 Ast, 0.5 Stl 

It appears that Cassell has settled into his role of coming off the bench. I thought he would be a huge boost to Boston and become the starter, but he is not getting it done. Boston is better off the Rondo in and letting Cassell give him a breather. I’m not sure Boston can beat the Pistons in the playoffs with Cassell playing this way. 

2.)  Keith Bogans: 30.0% FG, 50.0% FT, 5.7 PPG, 3.3 Reb, 1.0 Ast, no steals, no blocks 

Bogans gets quality minutes off the bench, but he is not expected to carry much of a production load. He has his moments from behind the arc when he gets hot, but he hasn’t been hot since the middle of March. Orlando is a quality team, but they don’t stand a chance in the playoffs unless everyone who plays, plays well. 

1.)  Jason Kapono: 37.5% FG, 2.7 PPG, 1.0 Reb, 0.7 Ast, no steals, no blocks 

Kapono has hit some sort of wall with his shot since winning the three-point shootout. He hasn’t hit a three pointer since March 19th—an 8 game stretch. In fact, since Feb.1 Kapono has made only 7 three’s. His playing time has been cut and when the playoffs come around, I wonder if he will get more than 10 minutes in any game. 

Un-Honorable Mention: Chuck Hayes, Manu Ginobili, Paul Pierce

Best of the Week (Mar.31-Apr.6)

With only 5 or 6 games left, the playoff races are taking center stage. Because of this, I am focusing only on guys playing for contending teams. 

5.)  Rasho Nesterovic: 60.7% FG, 91.7% FT, 20.0 PPG, 9.8 Reb, 1.3 Blk 

I don’t know what has gotten into Rasho, but he has been a beast lately. I never expected to have him on this list, but he has been putting up the numbers over the last month. Toronto is already in the playoffs, but a strong finish could move them out of the dreaded slot of having to play the Pistons in the first round. 

4.)  Andre Iguodala: 51.1% FG, 80.8% FT, 24.0 PPG, 6.0 Reb, 7.3 Ast, 1.0 Stl 

Iguodala has shined in the void left by Iverson. Iguodala is a great athlete who is also extremely skilled. He can do anything on the court. This has been his finest season, and he is making Philly a respectable team. A strong finish and some faltering of Cleveland and Washington could move Philly into the 4th slot in the East. 

3.)  Lamar Odom: 73.5% FG, 75.0% FT, 19.7 PPG, 8.3 Reb, 4.3 Ast, 2.0 Blk, 1.3 Stl 

Kobe is the best player on the Lakers, but Odom seems to be the key to their wins and losses. When he is on, they are as tough to beat as anyone. With Gasol back and the possibility of Bynum for the playoffs, the Lakers may not be beatable. Odom fills up the stat sheet, and when he shots like he did this past week (73.5% from the field), the Lakers are the impossible to defend. 

2.)  Carmelo Anthony: 57.6% FG, 32.0 PPG, 10.3 Reb, 3.2 Ast, 2.0 Stl 

A devastating loss to lowly Seattle was a blow to the Nuggets playoff hopes, but it would be hard to blame Carmelo. He is averaging over 30 PPG and almost 10 rebounds over the last 8 games. Denver is tied for the last spot in the West and they need to learn to play some defense if they want to hold off Golden State. 

1.)  Kobe Bryant: 57.8% FG, 90.0% FT, 30.0 PPG, 9.3 Reb, 6.0 Ast, 1.7 Stl 

Kobe was spot on all week and the Lakers are looking good as the playoffs near. Kobe and Odom are tough by themselves, but with Gasol and Bynum coming back from injury they will be the team to watch. Kobe is also making a late push for the MVP. There are about 5 candidates with equal arguments for the MVP this season and it will surely cause some controversy no matter who gets it. 

Honorable Mention: Vince Carter, David West, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Mehmet Okur, Kevin Garnett, and Josh Smith.

Best of the Week (Mar. 24-30)

5.)  Josh Howard: 46.5% FG, 90.6% FT, 32.7 PPG, 7.0 Reb, 2.0 Stl 

Someone has to fill the shoes of Nowitzki, and Howard is trying his best.  However, the Mavs have lost 5 of their last 6 and things are not looking good.  Howard is an all-star caliber player as you can see by his stats, but the Mavs need Dirk if they are going to win any games in the playoffs, or even make the playoffs. 

4.)  Danny Granger: 89.5% FT, 23.7 PPG, 7.0 Reb, 4.3 Ast, 1.0 Stl, 2.0 Blk 

Granger is having a break out season for the Pacers and can be the cornerstone of their rebuilding in the future.  He can score from anywhere on the court, and he showed his passing abilities over the past week. 

3.)  Amare Stoudemire: 63.1% FG, 84.4% FT, 30.0 PPG, 8.3 Reb, 2.8 Ast, 2.0 Blk 

I think he has made this list every week since Marion was sent to Miami.  There is not much to be said that has not been said before about Amare.  He will challenge LeBron and Kobe for the scoring title next season. 

2.)  Carmelo Anthony: 58.8% FG, 26.7 PPG, 8.7 Reb, 6.3 Ast, 2.7 Stl 

Carmelo is one to the top scorers in the league and he does it week in and week out.  He is also a capable rebounder and an excellent passer.  If Denver were playing in the East they would be the 3rd best team.  Carmelo is about as consistent a player is there is in the NBA, but he looked just a bit better than normal this past week. 

1.)  Carlos Boozer: 66.7% FG, 84.6% FT, 29.0 PPG, 13.3 Reb, 3.0 Ast, 1.3 Stl, 1.0 Blk 

Boozer has become one of the very top players in the league over the past two seasons.  His bulk gets him his rebounds, but his basketball skills make him an excellent scorer and passer.  He takes good shots and forces the issue which sends him to the free throw line where he converts those into points.  He makes Utah a tough match-up. 

Honorable Mention:  Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Jason Richardson, David West, Vince Carter, Caron Butler, Dwight Howard, Andrew Bogut

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