Taking into account all that mumbo jumbo from the previous post, here's my best guess - and this is COMPLETELY a guess - at tonight's first round choices:
1) Portland - Greg Oden
2) Seattle - Kevin Durant.
This whole exercise is a guess and kind of bizzare, but these two are locks for the top-2, and barring injury, long and productive careers. People are in the Oden camp, some in Durant's, for the #1 pick but I actually hope it goes according to form. Durant could save basketball in Seattle for the next 12 years.
3) Atlanta - Yi Jianlian.
Is he 19? Is he 22? Is he 25? Who cares?? Apparently Atlanta choose mediocrity and ticket sales over winning. They need to trade this pick for something - anything - that isn't a rookie. Even if they choose Al Horford (the consensus #3 choice by pundits) they won't be any better next year.
4) Memphis - Al Horford
GM Chris Wallace ran the Boston Celtics into the ground and was rewarded for his mediocrity - no, incompetence. Sounds like a colleague of my wife's. He'll scoop up Horford because of "value."
5) Boston - Corey Brewer
One of the players who tested very low according to Hollinger, but is coveted by many top-10 teams. I happen to think Brewer will be a very good starter - but not ever an all-star - and in this draft you have to shoot for the moon.
6) Milwaukee - Mike Conley, Jr.
Bucks have Mo Williams as a free agent and pick up the best PG in the draft.
7) Minnesota - Brandan Wright
This would be a sure sign that the T-Wolves have a) either traded Garnett or b) are doing everything to piss him off.
8) Charlotte - Jeff Green
The versatile G-town forward is a good replacement for Gerald Wallace, should he walk. The Bobcats - if they are smart - will trade this choice for a veteran who can help NOW.
9) Chicago - Joachim Noah
Everyone has Noah at worst. I'm not sure why Chicago needs another high-energy big man (didn't they just spend $60 million on one?) but they seem to like him.
10) Sacramento - Julian Wright
Least NBA ready (including Yi) of the top 10, but dreaded "upside" makes him difficult to pass up.
11) Atlanta - Nick Young
This pick should be traded to either Seattle or Toronto (for Ridnour or Calderon) but if not, the Hawks can never have too many swingmen, right? Right???
12) Philadelphia - Acie Law III
Wow, does this pick actually make sense? Yes, I think it might... but Law could be gone at 11 if Atlanta isn't typically Atlanta.
13) New Orleans - Thaddeus Young
Insurance for Peja Stojakovic. Yes.
14) L.A. Clippers - Javaris Crittendon
Shaun Livingston's injury makes a new PG a high-priority.
15) Detroit - Jason Smith
Just because everyone else gave them Rodney Stuckey.
16) Washington - Spencer Hawes
Ernie Grunfeld is thrilled to replace the Etan Haywood platoon.
17) New Jersey - Sean Williams
BC pot-smoker (and getting caught) is high-risk, but necessary risk for the Nets to contend in the East.
18) Golden State - Rodney Stuckey
Would love to trade up to get Yi, instead gets NBA-ready guard...uh, another one!
19) L.A. Lakers - Al Thorton
Did Thorton really fall this far? Kobe will be ... a little happy. Can't wait to see him out at Newport Coast promenade next week.
20) Miami - Gabe Pruitt
Need a PG - any PG.
21) Philadelphia - Daequan Cook
Immature Ohio State guard has worlds of potential - could be upgrade over existing hodgepodge of 2-guards.
22) Charlotte - Morris Almond
Another pick to trade, but if they keep it Almond will almost make up for Adam Morrison's atrocious PER and shooting percentages.
23) New York - Jared Dudley
Ah, Isiah. He's actually drafted unknown players and done well (Renaldo Balkman, David Lee). Underrated Dudley is another wing player for the New York system.
24) Phoenix - Marco Bellini
Would love to trade up, or land Garnett. Without that, they get Italian slasher and hope he's their Ginobili.
25) Utah - Josh McRoberts
High-post passer will thrive with Boozer, Williams.
26) Houston - Nick Fazekas
Need a scorer to keep 2nd team afloat with McGrady, Yao on the bench.
27) Detroit - Petteri Koponen
Second first round choice nets them Chauncey insurance.
28) San Antonio - Tiago Splitter
Disappointed over losing Bellini and Koponen and other foreign players, Spurs pick next highest rated foreigner.
29) Phoenix - Wilson Chandler
Again, trying to trade this away (last year they traded away Rajon Rondo for cash) but Chandler is a decent gamble on a guaranteed contract.
30) Philadelphia - Marcus Williams
High ceiling prospect.
I'll report back next week to see how bad I did.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
What is this Hawks nonsense? How could they pass on Yi? What - do they think this Zaza Pachuchito will lead them to promised lands of glory? They would be better off digging Jason Collier up and inserting him as their big man.
The Hawks want to form the ultimate 10-forward team, McKeon. Come on. You know they want it.
Post a Comment