How much is the NBA Lotto Jackpot now worth?

Chris Rodriguez by Correspondent Written on May 20, 2008
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#6 New York Knicks - Danilo Gallinari 6'9 SF, Armani Jeans Milano, International

Although a point guard is necessary to run new coach Mike D'Antoni's offense, D.J. Augustin seems to be a reach at this point.  Knicks fans may be hoping for SG/PGs Eric Gordon and O.J Mayo, but with.the new regime in New York, D'Antoni needs shooters to spread the defense and implement his offense. 

With the international flavor that D'Antoni will undoubtedly urge GM Donnie Walsh to bring to New York, Gallinari would be the perfect start.  At 6'9 Gallinari has the size to play multiple positions on the floor.  Yet his lack of athleticism on the defensive end will definitely hurt him if forced to defend the athletic small forwards in the East. 

In the long run Gallinari seems to project anywhere from New Jersey Net Boki Nachbar to Hedo Turkoglu of the Magic.

#7 Los Angeles Clippers - O.J. Mayo 6'4 PG/SG, USC, Freshman

With the Clippers looking for a future point guard to replace the injured Shaun Livingston, the decision for L.A will come down to Mayo and Augustin.  At 6'4, Mayo can play both guard positions both on the offensive and defensive ends. 

Mayo is an amazing jump shooter and has solid range out to the perimeter.  If he is forced to run the point in the NBA, he has the ability to be an above average floor leader.  The problem with Mayo is his recklessness with the ball, which ultimately leads to his bad shot selection and turnovers. 

Mayo has the physical tools of Chauncey Billups and if all goes well that would be his best comparison.

#8 Milwaukee Bucks - D.J Augustin 5'11 PG, Texas, Sophomore

Although Milwaukee just gave a serious amount of money to Mo Williams last offseason, they still need a lead guard who can do more than score the ball.  Augustin combines the scoring ability of Williams with excellent court vision. 

Averaging almost six assists per game at Texas, Augustin is the opposite of Mayo in regards to turnovers.  Despite having the vision and ball skills that Mayo has not developed, he also lacks his size.  Because of his size, his defensive chances are also at a disadvantage. 

With his ability to lead a team at a less than ideal size, Augustin compares favorably with Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson.

#9 Charlotte Bobcats - DeAndre Jordan 7'0 C, Texas A&M, Freshman

With the small forward and shooting guard spots locked up in Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson, the Bobcats go grab some frontcourt help for Emeka Okafor.  Jordan has a tremendous wingspan and athleticism. 

Jordan has possibly the highest overall ceiling from where he is now and could be an excellent defender eventually.  The problem with Jordan is his lack of strength and awareness.  Being such a raw player, Jordan is the true definition of a project and could possibly end up being the biggest bust in this draft. 

As of now Saer Saene seems to be his best comparison in regards to strength and raw defensive ability.

#10 New Jersey Nets - Nicolas Batum 6'8 SF, Le Mans, France

Although everyone is expecting the Nets draft a big man with this pick, they still have a glut of big men on the roster and maintain the possibility of resigning Desagna Diop in the offseason.  With Richard Jefferson probably on the way out with trade rumors galore, the Nets need another wing scorer to play either the small forward or shooting guard position. 

With Batum being the second most talented international player, he could come in and fill in for some of the offensive punch lost if Jefferson is traded or possibly be the Nets #1 wing man off the bench.  With size, immense athleticism, and very excellent perimeter defense, Batum has one of the highest ceilings of anyone in the draft. 

Batum's problems come with his inability to be the go-to scorer and perimeter threat that he will have to develop into in order to become the all-around offensive threat a team could build around. 

A combination of Rudy Gay and Danny Granger seems instore for Batum in the future.  If the Nets have the future in mind aka Lebron James, they may instead look for a shooting guard like Eric Gordon or Russell Westbrook.

Picks 11 through 20 @ 9:00pm ET, May 22nd.

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written on May 20, 2008 Opinion

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