NY Knicks

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

—————————————-

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).

NBA Finances - New York Knicks

New York Knicks

Definitely back next year (13 players) –

The Knicks currently have 13 players under contract for next year.  That’s a lot.  Typically, teams want 8 to 11 guaranteed players, which gives them some room to make changes to fill out to 15 for the next season.  The Knicks were terrible last year, and they have to go into next year with basically the same group of players.  The good news though is Isiah Thomas won’t be making any of the financial and player decisions anymore.  Now, it’s up to Donnie Walsh to try to clean up Isiah’s mess, and it won’t be easy.  We’ll start with the guys not on rookie scale contracts who actually earned their money this year.

Jamaal Crawford – That’s it.  He made $7.9 million this year, and is in line to make another $28 over the next 3 years.  For the load he had to carry this year, he was actually a bargain.

Next, the guys not on rookie scale contracts who were just overpaid.  Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, Quentin Richardson, and Jared Jeffries

Randolph, Curry, and Jeffries have 3 years remaining, and Richardson has two.  The total tab for these four, assuming they take their player options when they come available, for the next 3 years is about $118 million.  Randolph and Curry are both low post scorers who don’t play a lick of defense.  Richardson and Jeffries are both defensive-minded small forwards who are liabilities on offense.  All 4 of them make starter’s money, but they all 4 can’t start.  Now do you see why anyone who knows anything thinks Isiah is a bonehead?

Next, the guys not on rookie scale contracts who should be indicted for robbery - Stephon Marbury, Malik Rose, and Jerome James.

Marbury made $20.1 million this year, and will make another $21.9 next year if he doesn’t choose to terminate his contract, which, come on, who turns down $22 million?  The best case scenario for Walsh is if Jimmy Dolan agrees to buy him out of his last year.  It would be, to say the least, expensive.  Then again, he is the only real point guard on the roster, and maybe Mike D’Antoni could bring him back and get some production for that $21.9 million.  The bottom line is, you can lose with him, or you can lose without him.  Either way you’re paying him.  If it were me, I’d try to get him on the floor.  He can only be one of two things – starting point guard, or gone completely.  There are no other viable options.  Word out of the Big Apple is that he’s excited to play for D’Antoni, and the coach is “looking forward to the opportunity.”  That’s a good start.

Rose made $7.1 for next to nothing this year.  But he gets a bit of a pass simply because Isiah rarely played him.  He’s due another $7.6 million next year, and it would behoove D’Antoni to find a way to get more use out of him.  The guy can still play.

James was the biggest waste of $5.8 million ever conceived.  He came to camp ridiculously out of shape, played a grand total of 5 minutes all year, and missed the rest of the season due to various mysterious injuries.  And, to top it off, he’s due another $12.8 over the next two years.  He is the most likely candidate for a buyout because there is absolutely no reason to continue believing he’ll contribute to the team in any positive way, ever; especially with D’Antoni’s up-tempo game plan.  Buy him out and send him on his merry way.  Of all the bad contracts the Knicks have signed in recent years, this one owns a special place in the annals of all-time managerial stupidity.

Finally, the guys playing off their rookie scale contracts.  Nate Robinson and David Lee have one more year to play before they’re restricted free agents.  Renaldo Balkman and Mardy Collins have two years to go, and Wilson Chandler has three.

All 5 of these guys are underpaid for being part of the regular rotation, especially Robinson and Lee, who will both be coming up for new contracts after next year.  Although it might be difficult to get Dolan to sign anyone to long-term contracts based on his recent experience with them, the Knicks will need to get these two signed somehow, particularly Lee who will garner much attention from other teams when he’s finally free from his rookie contract obligation.

These are the 13 under contract for next year.  The Knicks could lower that number by buying out some of the over-priced veterans, and / or making some trades.  They really, really need to try to do that, especially James just for the purpose of getting rid of him once and for all.  I wonder if Mr. Dolan is beginning to regret buying this team.

Might be back next year

Fred Jones is an un-restricted free agent.  He is a useful player who can play multiple positions.  The Knicks may try to retain him, but if another team offers him a decent contract, he’s probably gone.  With 13 players already under contract, the Knicks will likely let him go in favor of filling the last 2 spots with rookies.

Randolph Morris is restricted and has no salary protection for next season.  He didn’t do anything to impress anyone this year, and the Knicks will likely save his roster spot for a rookie.

Overall state of affairs

They had the 2^nd highest payroll in the league this year, and one of the very worst teams, again.  Isiah certainly made a mess here by convincing Dolan to over-pay players to long-term deals.  Particularly ugly and financially damaging are the contracts of Marbury, James, Rose, Richardson, Curry, and Jeffries.  Getting out of this mess will cause Walsh numerous headaches, and will cost Jimmy Dolan a ton of money.

Unfortunately for D’Antoni, this is the roster he’s stuck with; and a particularly disjointed roster it is.  Randolph and Curry can’t play together, neither can Richardson and Jeffries.  Without Marbury, there are no real point guards, and the roster is absolutely over-loaded with shooting guards and small forwards.  Unfortunately, they can’t just scrap the ship and start over.  They have to slowly, methodically clean this mess up.  And this will take at least 2 years of hard work on Walsh’s part, as well as numerous headaches for D’Antoni.  But, for $6 million per, Mike can afford some aspirin.

2008-09 Team Analysis: New York Knicks

*Sorry for my absence lately, moving and alot of work, but I’m back now, and the Analysis will continue*

New York Knicks

07 Finish: 2nd to last is the East

Caproom?: No

Breakdown: This is a very broken team, in everyway possible. The Best news for Knicks fans is that Issah is gone, so change for the better can finally come in. Now there are alot of places that the Knicks need to address because they have alot of problems. Their bigs are a problem, Zach Randolph has proven hard to trade, but he is the more talented of the big two. Eddy Curry is a bust, for this team. He can score, but for a team that needs to get better on Defense, he doesn’t fit. The 4 and 5 are a problem for this team looking ahead, and the PG position is the biggest. Stephon Marbury’s career as a Knick is likely done, at least starting anyway. This team knows it and I think understands that it is time to move on. The team needs to find a PG who is not a tweener (Nate Robinson), and can play defense. This team has some good players (Jamal Crawford, David Lee, Wilson Chandler, etc) but until they sure up their big holes they won’t be getting better.

Needs: PG, SF, PF/C

Now lets set aside the players who can be starters on this team. Jamal Crawford has shown he can be a dependable scorer at the 2 (or 3, but not as useful) and will be the starting SG this fall. David Lee has shown he can contribute from the bench and from the starting lineup. The best situation for this team based on who is on the current roster, may be to play Lee and Randolph at the 4 and 5, respectively. This would give a good combination of rebounding ability and scoring. This team needs to get a PG, based on the ones available and the lack of caproom, this team is going to have to look at the draft and most likely their first pick. Now at Small forward this team has options, they can work with what they have within, or they can draft someone for the position.

Who should this team be looking at in the draft?

There is no question that the Knicks will be looking for their point guard of the future come the draft. I think there are a couple of names to look at for the Knicks. Derrick Rose would top my draftboard for the Knicks at the PG position, but after that it all depends on who the Knicks rate higher. I see the next best 3 PGs as DJ Augustin, Jerryd Baryless, and Russell Westbrook. Now each player has different problems that put them on the second tier of PGs in the draft. Augustin is a pure point guard, and thats what the knicks need, but he’s short, and for a team that needs a PG that can deliver on the defensive side as well, he won’t be able to guard the bigger guards in the league. Jerryd Bayless is a combo guard, and for the Knicks, I think that may drop him back on the board. He’s a bit of a tweener, and can try to do to much at times. Russell Westbrook could be the best fit out of the second tier. He is fast athletic and works well slashing to the basket. The only question that really surrounds him is can he run a team full time, since he was able to share time with Darren Collision at the Point in college. In the later rounds if the team is looking for a Small Forward, I think a great fit in the second round could be Bill Walker. Now Walker might be gone by the time the Knicks get around to their second pick, but he is a player who had several double doubles and showed that he can be a scorer and defender, but not have to be the number one option (due to his time as the robin to Beasley’s batman).

Who should this team look at in free agency?

I think this team should stay put in free agency. I think resigning Randolph Morris is a great place to start. This team needs to groom a young center, and Zack Randolph will provide until they can really evaluate Morris. If they are looking for someone they can bring in at a low price, that should have some potential for them, I would take a look at Shannon Brown, I think he has the potential to be a starter at the Wing, and could command minutes or even start for the knicks at SF.

Realistic Outlook for 08:

- Starters: PG. Russell Westbrook, SG. Jamal Crawford, SF. Wilson Chandler, PF. David Lee, C. Zach Randolph

- Backup: PG. Mardy Collins, SG. Nate Robinson, SF. Bill Walker, PF. Renaldo Balkman, C. Randolph Morris/Eddie Curry

Playoff or Lottery: Playoffs - 8th?

I think this team can be competing for the final spot in the East. But thats as high as they go. If they can gel together and trade one of their two bigs [Curry/Randolph] then I think they can start truly building for the future.

Worst of the Week (Mar. 17-23)

5.)  Jason Kidd: 19.0% FG, 50.0% FT, 3.3 PPG, 7.0 Reb, 7.0 Ast  

Kidd has not been his same old self since joining the Mavericks.  The blockbuster trade has not netted the Mavs what they were hoping for. Not only is Kidd not shooting well, but his assists are down as well.  The Mavericks are 0-8 against winning teams since Kidd came aboard. 

4.)  Morris Peterson: 21.4% FG, 50.0% FT, 3.0 PPG, 3.3 Reb, 0.3 Ast, no blocks, no steals 

Mo Pete has been on this list many times this year.  He should no longer be getting any real minutes, but he continues to do so.  Anyone can shoot that bad and play that little defense and not pass off to anyone, it’s time to give someone else a chance to suck.  It’s amazing that this guy starts for one of the best teams in the league. 

3.)  Joe Smith: 62.5% FT, 5.3 PPG, 3.5 Reb, 0.5 Ast, no steals, 0.8 Blk 

His production has dropped off since joining the Cavaliers without any real good reason.  He is not the starter, but he is still getting good minutes.  He is a veteran and will probably come around before the playoffs start. 

2.)  Chuck Hayes: 37.5% FG, 0% FT, 1.5 PPG, 2.7 Reb, 0.2 Ast 

It was a tough week for Houston, and without Ming, guys like Hayes have to step up if the Rockets are to make some noise in the playoffs.  He got the playing time in the first two games of the week and didn’t produce; he didn’t get the playing time in the last two games of the week. 

1.)  Randolph Morris: 13.3% FG, 50.0% FT, 2.0 PPG, 2.3 Reb, 0.3 Ast, no steals, 0.3 Blk 

He got the start in two games and did not make the most of his chance.  He shot 1-8 and 1-7 in his two starts and contributed little else.  He probably will not get many more chances. 

Un-Honorable Mention: Ben Wallace, Emeka Okafor, Jason Kapono, Sam Cassell, Marvin Williams, Luther Head, and Michael Finley

Worst of the Week (Mar. 10-16)

5.)  Francisco Garcia: 38.9% FG, 6.0 PPG, 3.3 Reb, 1.0 Ast, 0.7 Stl 

He is getting 25 minutes a game even with Artest healthy, but he didn’t do much with those minutes last week.  This has been a pretty good season for Garcia, especially early in the year, but he has had a hard time for the past month or so. 

4.)  Damien Wilkins: 26.5% FG, 50.0% FT, 5.0 PPG, 2.3 Reb, 2.3 Ast 

Wilkins’s 4^th season started out with a bang for the hapless Sonics; he had a 40 point game and averaged over 17 PPG for his first 11 games.  He has since been relegated to the bench and his production has fallen off to the occasional good game here or there.  There were no good games last week. 

3.)  Wally Szczerbiak: 30.8% FG, 6.0 PPG, 2.8 Reb, 1.8 Ast, no steals 

Szczerbiak, after a decent start with his new team, is back to his old non-hussling, poor-shooting ways.  He hasn’t had a steal in his last 8 games.  He is not doing much to earn that big paycheck.  I wonder if Lebron is ready to ask for Larry Hughes back, at least with his poor shooting and big contract there was some defense. 

2.)  Andres Nocioni: 25.0% FG, 6.0 PPG, 2.5 Reb, 1.5 Ast, no steals or blocks   

The blockbuster trade with Cleveland has pushed Nocioni to playing from the bench, of which he has fared pretty well.  Nocioni has the talent to score 20 a game and provide the rebounds and some defense.  His play will probably be sporadic for the rest of the season, while he has to come off the pine. 

1.)  Jarrett Jack: 16.0% FG, 4.7 PPG, 1.8 Reb, 4.0 Ast, 0.8 Stl

 Jack looked as if he was ready to become one of the better point guards in the league after last season, but he has been consistently inconsistent all year.  He will have one good week followed by one bad week.  Last week was a bad week.  He had a 3 game stretch in which he was 1-18 from the floor.  That is just plain ugly. 

Un-Honorable Mention: Mike Conley, Kurt Thomas, Jamal Crawford, Deshawn Stevenson, Delonte West, Eduardo Najera, and Al Harrington 

Best of the Week (Mar. 3-9)

5.)  Baron Davis: 56.6% FG, 80.0% FT, 28.3 PPG, 4.5 Reb, 6.3 Ast, 1.3 Stl 

Davis led Golden State to a 3-1 record for the week and kept them within the top 8 teams in the West. Davis hit for over 30 in 3 of the 4 games. Davis is having a career year and has played in all 62 of the Warriors’ games.  This is a big deal for a guy who has been injury prone for the past 5 seasons. 

4.)  Joe Johnson: 52.9% FG, 81.8% FT, 30.3 PPG, 3.3 3PT’s, 6.3 Ast, 1.8 Stl 

Even though the Hawks played horribly over the past week, Johnson was a stud.  Though Johnson is having another strong year, this is his worst season since joining
Atlanta.  Johnson will need to have more weeks like this one, if Atlanta has a hope of holding on to their playoff spot. 

3.)  Chris Paul: 57.5% FG, 95.2% FT, 28.0 PPG, 13.3 Ast, 2.5 Stl 

Paul continued his case for the league MVP with a week that would have normally landed him on the top of this list.  He led New Orleans to a 3-1 record and kept them near the top in the jumbled West.  I don’t think it is a stretch to call him the best PG in the league. 

2.)  Tracy McGrady: 55.6% FG, 81.8% FT, 32.3 PPG, 5.0 Reb, 7.7 Ast 

He has carried Houston on his back since Yao went down, and this week he was awesome once again.  They are beating good teams easily, and McGrady is doing every thing on the court. 

1.)  LeBron James: 49.4% FG, 82.5% FT, 42.3 PPG, 4.7 3PT’s, 7.3 Reb, 5.0 Ast, 2.0 Stl, 1.7 Blk 

There is no denying LeBron the number 1 spot this week.  He has made this list almost every week.  Is it possible for LeBron to get any better?  He will mature and make better decisions like Jordan did, but is there anyway for Lebron to become more skilled.  I see him as a cross between Jordan, Magic, and Karl Malone.  He almost had a triple-double while scoring 50 points.  I’m sorry Kobe; Lebron is the best player in the league.      

Honorable Mention: Jason Richardson, Lamar Odom, Brandon Roy, Deron Williams, Kevin Martin, Charlie Villaneuva, Nate Robinson, Allen Iverson, and Antawn Jamison

NBA Catchup and Bones’ Thoughts of Trademania

Sorry all for the complete lack attention I have given my blogs and the website and of course my 4 fans (looking at you teamsuck).  I was back-packing through Europe, met some hot chicks at a hostel, wound up gagged and tied in some crazy factory, then had to bite through a guy’s nose before escaping.  Thinking about writing a screenplay about it actually.   So here’s my quick catchup and thoughts on the craziness that has happened the past couple of weeks with a little Stephen A. Smith color commentary.

 Gasol Trade - Just amazing fleece job by the Lakers.  I mean really, you’re not going to go after any of the top 5 young guys on LA? You trade a perennial all-star for the upside on his younger brother? Looking like Kobe’s hand injury could end the possibility of this being so big for this year(um and who else is a little worried for the Olympics), but think about Bynum, Gasol, and Kobe for the next 5 years of their prime.  Can I bet odds on the 2008-09 NBA champions yet?

Stephen A  - I JUST HATE THIS TRADE FOR THE GRIZZLIES, JUST DONT MAKE NO SENSE.  BUT AS MUCH AS I HATE IT, I LOVE IT.  DOES ANYONE ELSE THINK I WOULD MAKE A GREAT ADDITION TO CSI:MIAMI?

Shaq Trade - Wow, Steve Kerr! Have to agree with Sports Guy here about having some fuckin’ balls.  I love it in all regards. I haven’t seen Shaq this pumped since he read the script to Kazaam.  If you been crushed the last two years  in the playoffs bc Amare can’t cover Duncan, Nowitski, insert anyone in the NBA, your grandmother, why wouldn’t you rid yourself of the locker room cancer to get Shaq,  hope he eats his wheaties, and can play solid D the rest of the year.  I also think people forget how much money Marion makes.  On the flip side, Heat can use the rest of the season to see if Wade and Marion can gel and take one of the top picks on a point guard (just please have the sense to take DJ Augustin from Texas over Paulus or anyone else that is white)

 Stephen A. - WHAT IS STEVE KERR THINKING TRADING FOR A WASHED UP SHAQ?  FORGET THE CHAMPIONSHIP EXPERIENCE, I WAS TWICE THE PLAYER SHAQ WAS.  I AM NOT YELLING!!

 The Kidd Fiasco - Come on now, someone from the writer’s guild got bored while on strike, pitched this idea to David Stern, who then kidnapped Cuban and whoever owns the Nets’ families, forcing them to make it play out this way.  I just love this, so amazing for the NBA right meow.  I mean another blockbuster, only to be nixed by a crazy no trade clause, work magic to have that basically figured out, to then have Stackhouse run his mouth about re-signing with the Mavs in 30 days, so the NBA basically has to nix the deal or throw their own rules down the drain.  So Much Drama and Steve Kerr and Tim Duncan sit back and laugh.

 Stephen A. - YOU’VE SEEN WHAT THESE GUNS CAN DO IN THE MIDDLE EAST! NOW I WANT TO SHOW YOU WHAT THEY CAN DO IN THE RING!!

 Slam Dunk Contest - I am unbelievably excited for this contest as a bunch of young guys seem incredibly hungry for the title.  Howard issued the 12 foot rim challenge, Gay answered with I can do whatever you can do better, and returning champ Gerald Green followed suit with “12 feet might be a little short, I’ll hit 13!”  This is going to be an unbelievable showcase of these kid’s ridiculous talents.  Who wouldn’t want to see this?  Ohhh the NBA doesn’t.  I am in awe right now.  You have the most publicity going in the sport in 3 years, some pumped up young kids, and you go and reject any request whatsoever.  If Dwight Howard came to you and said I need the Pussycat Dolls, 2 cases of cheez whiz, one of those dragon heads they have in Chinese parades, and Greg Oden’s birth certificate from the vault, YOU STILL SAY YES. 

 I’ll probably still watch, TNT Sat. night at 8pm

Stephen A. - JUST AN ABSOLUTE ABOMINADADANATION BY THE LEAGUE! I WANT HOLYFIELD!!

Most Underpaid Players In The NBA

I know what you are thinking.  There is no such thing as an underpaid player in the NBA.  Truer words were never spoken; however, there are quite a few players who are not getting paid relative to the other guys in the league. 

Here is a quick run-down of the 10 guys who I think are getting less for their efforts. 

10.)  Lebron James/Dwyane Wade 12.45 million

9.)  Dwight Howard 6.1 million

8.)  Steve Nash 11.4 million

7.)  Brandon Roy 2.9 million

6.)  Andre Iguodala 2.8 million

5.)  Chris Paul 3.6 million

4.)  Josh Smith 2.2 million

3.)  David Lee 990,000

2.)  Kevin Martin 1.8 million

1.)  Monta Ellis 770,610 

You may be wondering why LeBron and DWade are on the list with their 12.45 million.  They are 2 of the 3 biggest stars in the league and there are barely in the top 50 in terms of salary.  I’m not going to be crying a river for either of these guys, but they make their teams and the league a ton of money. 

Steve Nash makes some nice cash, but should he really be making only slightly more than half of what Marbury makes?   

Most of these guys are younger players who are still playing through their first contracts.  They will get the big money later.  It is amazing that their is an underpaid Knick on the list.  David Lee is a solid player and isn’t even over the one million mark.  They will need a lot more than just one David Lee if they want to make up for the rest of their payroll.

The one that shocks me, and the reason he is first on the list, is Monta Ellis. Ellis is averaging almost 19 PPG and is shooting over 53% from the field.  He is an excellent passer and plays pretty good defense whenever Golden State actually tries to play defense.  The last time I checked, they don’t even have Ellis signed for next year.

Most Overpaid Players in the NBA

Not too long ago, I wrote about who I thought were the most overrated players in the NBA and the most underrated players in the league.  After the Shaq trade, I started thinking about the most overpaid and the most underpaid players.  First of all, I am not trying to hate on Shaq, but at this point in his career he is overpaid.  Secondly, overpaid does not necessarily mean overrated, just as underpaid doesn’t necessarily mean underrated.  Many times, successful rookies are underpaid because of the salary cap structure. 

Here are the 10 most overpaid players in the league and their salaries for this year, and the team with the biggest payroll problem (it’s not who you think it is). 

10.) Jason Williams (Miami) 8.9 million

9.)  Kenny Thomas (Sacramento) 7.3 million

8.)  Brian Scalabrine (Boston) 3.0 million

7.)  Antoine Walker (Minnesota) 8.3 million

6.)  Stephon Marbury (New York) 19.0 million

5.)  Rasho Nesterovic (Toronto) 7.8 million

4.)  Adonal Foyle (Orlando) 8.9 million

3.)  Ben Wallace (Chicago) 15.5 million

2.)  Malik Rose (New York) 7.1 million

1.)  Raef LaFrentz (Portland) 12.4 million 

There can be much argument about the rankings of these 10, but I think LaFrentz is the easy number 1. He is doing nothing, is not injured, and is making All-Star money.  This list does not consider guys who are still getting paid but are not playing for the teams that are paying them.  Chris Webber is still getting 19.0 million from Philly, Steve Francis is getting 16.4 million from Portland, and Michael Finley is getting 18.6 million from Dallas. 

The team with the ugliest payroll, I think has to be the 76ers.  They are paying out 26 million to two guys (Webber and McKie) that don’t even play for them any more.  Of the top 7 guys on their payroll, only 2 are starters. 

It was hard to whittle this list down to only 10 guys, so feel free to throw out some guys that you think are obscenely overpaid. 

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