The 2008 NBA Draft- Where preparing for the future happens

SabresRule

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Apr 15, 2008
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First,

it's pretty sad that arguably the greatest NBA season of my lifetime is finally over.

The revitalized Lakers and Celtics, the rise of the Hornets, a bright light in Atlanta, an All-Star Game/dunk contest that wer actually watchable and no Spurs/Pistons in the Finals.

Anyway,

now that the NBA title is all green,

let's talk about the NBA Draft.

This year's draft may not be as stacked as last year's- Oden, Durant, and all those Gators- but it's still pretty damn impressive, with these names:

Rose, Beasley, Mayo, the Lopez twins, Love, Douglas-Roberts, Augustine, etc.

I'd like to get your thoughts on this year's draft.

Also, tell me what type of player/need your favorite team needs to improve/rebuild/get better.
 
The Cavs #19 selection is a complete mystery. Now that the NBA Finals have run its course, I don't think the Cavs are that far off from a Championship. With that said, I I believe we need someone who is going to contribute immediately, rather than a developmental type player. Especially since LBJ has two years left on his contract.

If we can trade the pick for a Michael Redd or someone similar, I'd be ecstatic. Bottom line, we need someone to be able to consistently hit the outside shot when LeBron is double/triple teamed.

Below is an aggregate mock from 6 different sites that shows which player the Cavs are predicted to draft. As you can see, the field is wide open.

3sb.PNG
 
First,

it's pretty sad that arguably the greatest NBA season of my lifetime is finally over.

The revitalized Lakers and Celtics, the rise of the Hornets, a bright light in Atlanta, an All-Star Game/dunk contest that wer actually watchable and no Spurs/Pistons in the Finals.

Anyway,

now that the NBA title is all green,

let's talk about the NBA Draft.

This year's draft may not be as stacked as last year's- Oden, Durant, and all those Gators- but it's still pretty damn impressive, with these names:

Rose, Beasley, Mayo, the Lopez twins, Love, Douglas-Roberts, Augustine, etc.

I'd like to get your thoughts on this year's draft.

Also, tell me what type of player/need your favorite team needs to improve/rebuild/get better.
Funny... I view this as the most disappointing NBA season of my lifetime coming to an end. As a Bulls fan, I don't think this season could have gone any more WRONG. Thank god their good draft luck kicked in again and they got the #1 pick.
 
Now that BillDel's back,

I'd like to get his thoughts on the Draft.

Who should go #1?

What do the Celtics need?

Which team/teams are likely to pull off a big trade (Look how Ray Allenn turned out...)?

Which team is going to have the biggest bust?

Who will be this year's Michael Olowokandi? (i.e. biggest BUST)?
 
Now that BillDel's back,

I'd like to get his thoughts on the Draft.

Who should go #1?

What do the Celtics need?

Which team/teams are likely to pull off a big trade (Look how Ray Allenn turned out...)?

Which team is going to have the biggest bust?

Who will be this year's Michael Olowokandi? (i.e. biggest BUST)?


IMO, Michael Beasley is the best player out there. However, all reports I see have the Bulls taking Rose #1. As far as the Celtics go, I believe their needs are:

1. By far...........a backup point guard who, first and foremost, can handle the ball under pressure (ie. when a Lindsay Hunter type is guarding him)

2. A backup center...........preferably with a little more height

3. EDIT.............this should be #1..... PICK UP THE OPTION ON JAMES POSEY!!!!! The guy is a winner!!!!

The Big Three will all be back (albeit a year older) and the youngsters (Rondo, Perkins, Leon Powe, and Big Baby Davis are only gonna (hopefully) get better.


With all that said, I'm going on the record (and make HD MM's day :)) by stating 2008-09 will be the year of the Cavs and LeBron. LBJ will prove once and for all who the best player in the NBA is (sorry Mr. Fraud on the Left Coast). I think the Cavs talent surrounding LeBron is vastly underrated, especially if you consider they haven't played a full season together yet. My early pick for the '09 Finals is Cavs vs. Jazz (unless the Lakers grow a set).
 
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IMO, Michael Beasley is the best player out there. However, all reports I see have the Bulls taking Rose #1. As far as the Celtics go, I believe their needs are:

1. By far...........a backup point guard who, first and foremost, can handle the ball under pressure (ie. when a Lindsay Hunter type is guarding him)

2. A backup center...........preferably with a little more height

3. EDIT.............this should be #1..... PICK UP THE OPTION ON JAMES POSEY!!!!! The guy is a winner!!!!

The Big Three will all be back (albeit a year older) and the youngsters (Rondo, Perkins, Leon Powe, and Big Baby Davis are only gonna (hopefully) get better.


With all that said, I'm going on the record (and make HD MM's day :)) by stating 2008-09 will be the year of the Cavs and LeBron. LBJ will prove once and for all who the best player in the NBA is (sorry Mr. Fraud on the Left Coast). I think the Cavs talent surrounding LeBron is vastly underrated, especially if you consider they haven't played a full season together yet. My early pick for the '08 Finals is Cavs vs. Jazz (unless the Lakers grow a set).

You're right Bill, you did make my day! :)

With that said, I hope you're right. The longer these "new" players play together, they should be better and more experienced going down the stretch next year. And as we all know, LeBron is the biggest X-Factor in the game.

As for the #1, I'm hoping the Bulls take Rose, based solely on selfish reasons. That would give the Bulls one too many guards and make PG Kirk Hinrich expendable. The Cavs and Bulls have a history of making trades together. (Current GM for the Bulls is John Paxson. Former Cavs GM was his brother Jim Paxson.) I would love for Danny Ferry (current Cavs GM) to get Hinrich to run the show here in Cleveland. I think Delonte West is more valuable coming off the bench. There are also rumors in Cleveland of the Cavs making an attempt to trade for Michael Redd.
 
Updated: June 25, 2008, 9:57 AM ET

If the Miami Heat's recent activities are any indication, they are not going to select Kansas State forward Michael Beasley with the No. 2 pick in Thursday's NBA draft.

With the first selection, the Chicago Bulls are leaning strongly toward drafting Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. While the Bulls say they won't announce their decision until draft night, Bulls GM John Paxson admits that Chicago is "probably leaning a certain way."

ESPN.com has been reporting since the draft lottery that Heat president Pat Riley has reservations about Beasley. While Beasley is a talent, Riley seems to be uncomfortable with his personality and seems dead set on finding a point guard to pair in the backcourt with Dwyane Wade.

To that end, Riley staged two separate secret workouts in Miami on Tuesday. The first, a source told ESPN.com, was for Arizona point guard Jerryd Bayless. The second was for USC guard O.J. Mayo, who confirmed to ESPN.com that he worked out for the team.

In conjunction with the workouts, the Heat have been actively shopping the second pick in the draft with an eye on selecting Mayo or Bayless lower while acquiring another asset.

If the Heat don't find any takers, sources told ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Tuesday night that Mayo was told by Heat brass -- which included Riley, general manager Randy Pfund and coach Erik Spoelstra -- that he is in contention to be selected outright at No. 2.

After the Heat were informed that Shawn Marion would not opt out of his contract, sources said Riley began calling teams looking for serious offers for the second pick.

The Heat then brought in Mayo and Bayless. Both workouts lasted about 90 minutes. It's the second time the Heat have worked out Bayless and Mayo, and according to sources, Riley believes both are special talents.

Bayless had an "amazing" workout, according to the source. He "shot the lights" out and performed even better than he had in his first workout for the Heat. They believe he can be a full-time point guard in the pros, similar to Chauncey Billups.

The source said Mayo was also "great," and in addition to shooting the ball well, he performed well in some of the ballhandling drills. The Heat believe Mayo could be a Gilbert Arenas-type point guard.

The same source said Riley is enamored of Mayo's and Bayless' shooting ability and believes both can be a point guards in the NBA.

In addition to any questions about attitude, a number of high-ranking NBA sources told Katz that one of the main reasons the Heat wouldn't select Beasley is the hope that they will land Utah's Carlos Boozer in a year when he can opt out of his contract. Boozer has a home in Miami.

With the Heat now identifying two lottery picks whom they would be comfortable with, and with questions about Beasley, it's looking more and more likely like they are going to trade their pick.

So the question is … who is going to win the Michael Beasley sweepstakes? After talking to numerous sources around the league, here are the top four contenders:

1. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have a huge hole at the power forward position (since trading away Pau Gasol) and see Beasley as an elite talent to pair up with Rudy Gay.

The Grizzlies can offer a number of deals that could entice Miami. They could include the No. 5 pick, Mike Miller and the Heat's choice of either Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley. Adding Miller and a point guard would allow the Heat to be very flexible with whomever they draft at No. 5. They could add another guard such as Bayless or they could go big with a player such as Brook Lopez or Kevin Love.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers can offer the Heat someone Riley desperately covets: Elton Brand. A swap of the No. 2 pick and Marion for Brand and the No. 7 pick works under the salary cap and helps both teams with their needs. Why would Riley pull the trigger on that trade now, when he could just make a run at Brand in free agency next summer? Sources said the Heat would like to get Brand to Miami as soon as they can and lock him up to a long-term extension this fall. At No. 7, it's possible the Heat could still get Bayless.

The Clippers like Marion and Beasley, but they could actually use the No. 2 pick to grab Mayo. Mayo has been coveted by the Clippers for a while.

The Heat would have to weigh their interest in Brand against their desire for Boozer in 2009 in this scenario, however.

3. Seattle SuperSonics

Kevin Durant covets Beasley as a teammate. They were best friends growing up and want to play together. The Sonics think Beasley is the perfect complement to Durant. They'd be willing to take back more salary to make it happen.

Sources say the Sonics are offering the expiring contract of Chris Wilcox, Johan Petro and the No. 4 pick to Miami for the No. 2 pick and Mark Blount. The move would save the Heat some serious money, putting them well below the cap in the summer of 2009.

The Heat would prefer Jeff Green in the deal instead of Wilcox and Petro, but it doesn't appear the Sonics are willing to go that far, even if the Heat dropped Blount from the equation.

A source close to Seattle told Katz that Miami hasn't called about a deal as of Tuesday.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Wolves have been hoping and praying that Beasley somehow falls to them at No. 3. While he's not a perfect fit, they could move Al Jefferson to the 5 and have one of the highest-scoring front lines in the league. However, Beasley falling to No. 3 looks unlikely -- unless the Heat do pull the trigger on Mayo outright at No. 2. Can the Wolves put together a package that works if Beasley doesn't fall?

The Wolves have a few assets that could entice Miami. They actually hold the Heat's 2009 first-round pick, which is top-10 protected. They also have a player who the Heat have interest in: last year's lottery pick, Corey Brewer. If the Wolves really want Beasley, perhaps a return of the Heat's first-round pick and/or Brewer could make it happen.

A source close to Minnesota told Katz, however, that the Heat and the Timberwolves have talked but there was no deal that worked for both teams as of Tuesday night. Sources close to both Seattle and Minnesota also said they would take Mayo if he was on the board when they selected.


Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider. Andy Katz covers college basketball for ESPN.com.

ESPN - Sources say Heat looking to trade out of No. 2, take guard later - NBA
 
Ok, my picks are in.........

With the 19th overall selection, I think/want/understand why the Cav's will pick either of the following.....

- Brandon Rush: SG, Kansas- (There is a great chance he is gone before our selection at #19, but I do like him over the other 2 if he is available. Rush is a college veteran and can hit open shots AND play shutdown defense which is key for our team.)

- Roy Hibbert: C, Georgetown- (We need a big. Varejao is on the last year of his contract. Big Z, Joe Smith and Ben Wallace are all over 33 years old. Hibbert is a rare 4-year senior center who can step in and imediately contribute. He would also serve nicely as a stop-gap at the future open position. Georgetown has produced some fine centers in the past and I don't think Hibbert would be an exception. This would be a very safe pick and he will most likely be availavle at #19.)

- Courtney Lee: SG, Western Kentucky- (Lee's another Senior who could help contribute imediately to the Cavs. This is a pre-requisite since our window with LeBron is only 2 more years. I think Lee may be a sleeper in this draft. He's regarded as a great outside shooter, which is exactly what this team needs in taking the offensive pressure and load off of LeBron.)
 
Ok, my picks are in.........

With the 19th overall selection, I think/want/understand why the Cav's will pick either of the following.....

- Brandon Rush: SG, Kansas- (There is a great chance he is gone before our selection at #19, but I do like him over the other 2 if he is available. Rush is a college veteran and can hit open shots AND play shutdown defense which is key for our team.)

- Roy Hibbert: C, Georgetown- (We need a big. Varejao is on the last year of his contract. Big Z, Joe Smith and Ben Wallace are all over 33 years old. Hibbert is a rare 4-year senior center who can step in and imediately contribute. He would also serve nicely as a stop-gap at the future open position. Georgetown has produced some fine centers in the past and I don't think Hibbert would be an exception. This would be a very safe pick and he will most likely be availavle at #19.)

- Courtney Lee: SG, Western Kentucky- (Lee's another Senior who could help contribute imediately to the Cavs. This is a pre-requisite since our window with LeBron is only 2 more years. I think Lee may be a sleeper in this draft. He's regarded as a great outside shooter, which is exactly what this team needs in taking the offensive pressure and load off of LeBron.)


That would be a great choice for your team. I've seen Hibbert a lot the last couple of years and I think he has a chance to be a stud in the NBA.
 
*BREAKING NEWS>>>>>>>>>>

Heat trade their #2 pick according to local Cleveland sports talk station, 850am WKNR!!!!! The other team involved is still undisclosed and isn't expected to be finalized until closer to the draft. I will check my sources and try and provide a link. You heard it hear first guys. ESPN doesn't even have this news yet!
 
*BREAKING NEWS>>>>>>>>>>

Heat trade their #2 pick according to local Cleveland sports talk station, 850am WKNR!!!!! The other team involved is still undisclosed and isn't expected to be finalized until closer to the draft. I will check my sources and try and provide a link. You heard it hear first guys. ESPN doesn't even have this news yet!

If this turns out to be true,

the Miami Heat should be arrested for third-degree stupidity.

This would be the equivalent of dumping Megan Fox for a girl with a great personality.
 
If this turns out to be true,

the Miami Heat should be arrested for third-degree stupidity.

This would be the equivalent of dumping Megan Fox for a girl with a great personality.

I dunno. I already made a comment in another thread that O.J. Mayo WILL turn out to be the best player in this draft. Mark my words. I do hope to God that the "other" team that moved up is the Cav's though. Can you imagine a Beasley and LeBron tandem?? !!!! OMFG!!!! :eek::eek::eek:

Oh, man this draft is starting to get exciting. The bad thing is I am going to be at the Indians game tonight at 7pm during the draft. If any of you want to call my cell and provide play x play to keep me updated, that would be great. ;)
 
And with the second pick, the Miami Heat select... Beasley.

Thank goodness they got it right!

Now, evcerything else is a crapshoot...
 
Since HD MM is at the Indians game and the Red Sox have a day off, why don't you and I cover the draft on this thread?

EDIT- Knicks select some guy I've never heard of... somewhere, I think Sandra just broke a glass.
 
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