As the draft lottery has come and gone, once again, the worst team doesn’t have the first selection. A team that was in the playoff race for a decent majority of last season has the first overall pick. That doesn’t make much sense, but the lottery is another topic.
I am here to give my take on who I think the teams of concern should select with their draft pick. Obviously, it is still very early to say for certain what the safe and risky, smart and stupid, sleeper and can’t-miss picks are, but I’m going to fire up the simulator anyway.
#1 Overall Selection (Chicago Bulls) :
Derrick Rose-PG-Memphis
To me, this is a no-brainer. To the Bulls, it may not be that easy. Michael Beasley is going to get a long look, as the Bulls haven’t had a post-presence in some time. Rose is the guy here, however. He is an up-tempo player, who can create his own opportunities with his quickness and explosion, as well as create for his teammates by drawing attention.
Tyson Chandler was the beneficiary of a bevy of alley-oops via Chris Paul last season. A Derrick Rose-Tyrus Thomas combination could be just as deadly with Rose’s vision and Thomas’ ups on the same court. All Tyrus Thomas would have to do is run the floor on the break, play good defense to create those break opportunities, and get his hands ready to catch and slam. That would be a legitimate source of solid production from the four and five positions.
That’s two issues solved for the Bulls in one draft pick. Another reason for why I think Rose should go over Beasley is Aaron Gray, a nice young center out of Pittsburgh that most people aren’t aware of. He could develop into a solid post player on both ends of the floor.
That affirms my belief that point guard is the biggest need for the Bulls, and Derrick Rose is also the best player in this draft. That’s two drafting methods killed with one stone. Rose is Jason Kidd with a jumpshot, a classification used by UCLA coach Ben Howland during last season's NCAA Tournament. You know what, he isn’t too far off. Beasley IS close, but in the end I think Rose is the choice here.
#2 Overall Selection (Miami Heat) :
Michael Beasley-PF-Kansas State
I know Pat Riley is a big fan of Udonis Haslem, and Udonis Haslem currently plays power forward for the Miami Heat. So something has to give, right? What gives is the overall talent level of Michael Beasley. He is a freakishly good athlete, who is big, fast, quick, with good height (not as good as once thought, but hey!) that can hold his own on the perimeter and battle down low with the big boys.
I think of Beasley as a VERY (and I mean VERY) rich man’s Antawn Jamison. Beas(t)ley can score in any way you can think of, and will be an effective player on the defensive end as well. Beasley is the whole package, and as far as his impact on the game, he will be a match-up nightmare for every team that has to guard him.
Between him and Rose, I think they are a toss-up. The only reason I think Rose should go before Beas(t)ley is the fact he is a point guard, and with point guard being the most important position on the floor, Rose gets a slight edge. The Heat could play Beasley at the three, four or five next season. In my opinion, he is that skilled a player.
#3 Overall Selection (Minnesota Timberwolves) :
Brook Lopez-C-Stanford
Lopez is a legitimate 7-footer with a solid post game. Kevin McHale could improve his footwork and show him the ropes when it comes to great post-play. Lopez teamed with up-and-coming big man Al Jefferson would make a good front court to build off of.
Craig Smith coming off the bench behind the two would make for a good rotation at the four and five. Corey Brewer is also a guy who the T-Wolves have high hopes for, and if your starting three, four and five are Brewer, Jefferson and Lopez respectively, I think something could be made of that.
#4 Overall Selection (Seattle Supersonics) :
O.J. Mayo-PG-USC
Every position that Kevin Durant isn’t playing is an area of concern for Seattle. Jeff Green has the potential to be a nice player, so the three is not as big of a need for the Supersonics, but never the less, Kevin Durant could use some assistance next season.
Mayo and Durant would make a high-powered backcourt, and Mayo’s high ceiling is what will make the difference. Mayo and Durant, it just sounds good, doesn’t it? It also looks good on paper. The Sonics just need to develop or deal for another big man, then maybe they could become a competitive team at the very least with the selection of Mayo at #4.
#5 Overall Selection (Memphis Grizzlies) :
Kevin Love-PF-UCLA
The Grizzlies should concentrate on building around Mike Conley and Rudy Gay. Those are the two guys with enough potential to win you ball games down the road. The best player available that is not a one or a three to me is Kevin Love. Love is an excellent positional rebounder, passer, and has a good low-post game with excellent range. If K-Love dropped some weight and worked on his explosiveness (which early signs are showing that he is), he could be a surprisingly good NBA power forward.
#6 Overall Selection (New York Knicks) :
Eric Gordon-PG-Indiana
In Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo offense, Eric Gordon could flourish, maybe even right away. He has the explosiveness off the dribble, can create contact and finish in the lane. EJ also has great touch from outside the arc, and can spread the floor effectively.
He may not be nearly as good a passer as Nash, but he will fit into D’Antoni’s system pushing the ball. Gordon also has outstanding instincts as a defender, especially off the ball. His steals on cross court passes are reminiscent of Larry Hughes. He is a better athlete than Steve Nash, and has the potential to be a superstar in the NBA under the tutelage of Mike D’Antoni.
#7 Overall Selection (Los Angeles Clippers) :
Jerryd Bayless-PG-Arizona
With Shaun Livingston still recovering from his severe knee injury, point guard is a question mark for LA. Bayless is a solid combo guard that will spread the floor and provide solid play-making ability. Bayless is one of the safest picks in this draft, and will fit nicely with the likes of Al Thornton, Elton Brand and Chris Kaman.
The Clippers could be back to a competitive level next year, and just need to make a pick to not kill them, instead of reaching for a player that may not pan out. There is no need to reach, so they should go with a “sure thing” rather than a risk.
Well, that is pick #1 through #7 for you, and more will come at a later time. Once again, it is very early, and developments will take place and the landscape of this draft may look totally different after a period of time. For right now, however, this is my first impression on the players available for this year’s draft.
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4 months ago
Just a matter of months ago, it seemed a forgone conclusion that Beasley would be the top pick, but after a strong NCAAs, Rose has jumped him. I'm still not sure why, because I think Beasley will be a beast in the East for years to come!
4 months ago
I think Beasley will be an absolute monter, but Rose is the PG, so he takes precedent in my opinion. The way the NBA is now, a PG who can penetrate and create opportunities for himself and others are huge for a team. Players like Chris Paul, Deron WIlliams, Steve Nash, Tony Parker, and Rajon Rondo are going to be staples in the NBA for years to come, and a PG that is on that level willl be a rare gem. I think Rose is one of those guys who will play at that level. Rose and Beasley are both can't-miss prospects, but Rose is the PG.
from 4 months ago
Rando can not be mentioned in the same sentance as Nash, Paul, Williams, or Parker. Take the 3 future HOF players away and Rando is a solid back-up at best. Tipical Massachusetts sports fan narcissism.
from 4 months ago
I wouldn't say Rondo is now, but down the road he will be. Chill out man, and most of the country under-values Rondo anyway. If you can't even spell his name right, most of the time you can't really make a valid case. So before going and calling me a narcissist, get your facts straight.
4 months ago
If The first 5 picks play out as you predict then the Knicks take Jerryd Bayless. It has been known that Seattle has wanted Bayless however, if Mayo is still on the board they could have a change of heart. Eric Gordan is a combo guard that most say is in the mold of Ben Gordan. I think we could all agree that the last thing the Knicks need is another combo guard. Everone that follows the Knicks could recite this and why in 30 seconds or less. Good article but you should research some of your positions better.
4 months ago
The Knicks haven't played under Mike D'Antoni for the last few seasons though. Comparing what the Knicks will do under a new coach with a completely different system to what had been done in the past by I. Thomas isn't a good hook point for an argument. Before getting injured this last sason, Eric Gordon was considered by some to be the best player in the country. If a talent like that is still on the board, then you have to take Gordon. Your alternative is also that the Knicks will take Jerryd Bayless. He, himself, is a combo guard! It doesn't make any sense to say the Knicks shouldn't take a combo guard and then say they would select Jerryd Bayless if he is there at #6.
For the record, I think the only thing Ben and Eric Gordon have in common are their last names. EJ is much better taking the ball to the hoop, absorbing contact and drawing fouls. He is also a dead-eye three point shooter and is a solid enough ball handler. He is especially dangerous when pushing the ball in transtition and his skill-set can be utilized extremely well by a coach like Mike D'Antoni. He may not play the exact same way Steve Nash played, but D'Antoni could get a heck of alot of production out of a player like Eric Gordon. Gordon also plays solid defense, especially off the ball (as I stated in the article).
Bayless would fit better on a walk-it-up-the-floor, slow-the-games-down type of team. I don't think he will be as effective in trasition as Gordon will be in the NBA.
from 4 months ago
Dont take it personal. If you want everyone to agree with you then you should print out the article and hand it to your friends.
This has nothing to do with Mike D or Thomas. In fact, their names were never mentioned in the above. Its as simple as this, the Knicks do and have needed a PG for a long time now. Again, anyone with general NBA knowledge outside of their home team could tell you that.
Jamal Crawford is the best fit on the Knicks for Mike D's system. There are too many other needs on that team period. The only thing the Knicks are NOT in the market for is a SG. Sorry, try again.
Other similarities, by professional sports writers, outside of their last name:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?playerId=19131&draftyear=2008
Eric Gordon Position: SG
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Age: 19
School: Indiana
4 months ago
Wow, I'm not even going to get into this with you. Did you notice what I listed Gordon as in my article? I thought the Knicks should draft him to play point guard. You say I don't follow teams outside of my home town, yet you show me an extremely vague breakdown of EJ's basic statistics. Give me an opinion that isn't a regurgitation of an NBA analyst. I happen to think that Eric Gordon could be made into a point guard that would fit D'Antoni's system. That isn't going to be an opinion that is just catered to the New England area my friend, so don't try and pin the home town tail-on-the-donkey to me. The Knicks need a point guard, we can both agree on that, what I'm saying is Eric Gordon could be that point guard for the Knicks. The Knicks are in the middle of a complete overhaul, and their style of play is going to be alot different now, that's quite obvious. In an up-tempo style in the NBA, Eric Gordon could be a dominating force in my opinion. It's at least worth looking into, because alot of "experts", as you have used to back your argument yourself, though EJ was the best player in the country last season before he got injured. I think he is being overlooked because of all the bS that happened with Indiana last year, and to me EJ is a top 5 talent.
4 months ago
Bayliss has to be Seattle's pick, he's an actual PG, unlike Mayo. I don't think Mayo and Durant would share the ball too well. Other than that it looks fine.
4 months ago
I agree with you Taylor, that went into my thinking a little bit as well. I think that they could get used to it though, and would be a lethal combination together if they learned to play team ball early in their NBA careers.
4 months ago
In about a week I am going to write another mock, and there will be some changes. This is just my pre-liminary article to others I will write. I have already had a few changes of heart as far as my picks go.
3 months ago
sonices need a PG not a SG yet. KD with play SG for one more year and green with play the 3 one more year than both move down. and then we get Jerryd Bayless to run the PG and have another explosive scorer like durant. in the 24th pick i want to get J.J. Hickson because i hope we trade wilcox and keep a solid bench player like nick collison
PG-Jerryd Bayless
SG-Kevin Durant
SF-Jeff Green
PF-J.J. Hickson
C-Johan Petro for now
there ages combined is like 20 years old or 21
3 months ago
Yeah, but a bunch of young guys together usually doesn't work. Look at what the Celtics tried to do before trading for KG and Ray Ray. You have to make a move for a veteran. There has to be some assemblance of balance. Mayo is the best available, and besides, I've already made changes and my next mock is coming soon.
Mayo is going to play the point IMO also, he is probably going to be a little too small for the two.
3 months ago
I think Eric Gordon will be a huge bust, just like Larry Hughes. Sure, he's a starter, but definitely not an all-star. He's the kind of guy who puts up a lot of points and is vastly overrated, but actually hurts your team. Knicks should trade for TJ Ford and draft someone who can pass, like Kevin Love.
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