Andrew Ungvari Welcome everybody to The Collective's 2008 NBA Draft Roundtable. I'm Andrew Ungvari here with my colleagues Erick Blasco and MIchael Whittenberg. Andrew Ungvari We're a few minutes away from the start of the draft. I wanted to get your guys input on the Jermaine O'Neal for T.J. Ford trade. First you, Erick. What did you think of the trade? Erick Blasco I like from Indiana's perspective more than I do from Toronto's Andrew Ungvari Why do you think Indiana did it? Erick Blasco O'Neal has very similar talents to Chris Bosh Andrew Ungvari Michael, what did you think of the trade? Erick Blasco I think Indiana did it because they were tired of O'Neal's perpetual injury problems Erick Blasco and his massive contract Erick Blasco they save salary space, and they get back a point guard who is better than Jamaal Tinsley Andrew Ungvari Did you think the Raptors could have or should have done better for Ford? Mike Whittenberg I think the trade was good on both sides. Indiana finally got someone to replace Jamaal Tinsley, and if J.O. can stay healthy, Toronto can finish 4th or 5th in the east. Andrew Ungvari That question was for either of you. Mike Whittenberg I think it was good to part ways with Ford. They obviously like Calderon better, so it was the right choice. Erick Blasco Yeah, I agree with Mike in that the trade isn't a bad one for Toronto's. Solving the point guard situation will do wonders, but the team still has absolutely no power at all. Finesse teams don't win in the playoffs and the Raptors, even with O'Neal, are still all finesse. Andrew Ungvari I think Indiana was lucky to find anyone that was willing to take on O'Neal's contract. They also get Nesterovic and Maceo Baston. Now if they could find a taker for Tinsley or Troy Murphy. Erick Blasco Will Toronto make the playoffs if O'Neal stays healthy? Almost certainly, but they still don't have what it takes to stop the best teams in the East---Cleveland, Boston, and Detroit will run through them. Andrew Ungvari I don't know why they did it unless the offers for Ford were overwhelming. Andrew Ungvari I mean underwhelming. Erick Blasco Well, I don't think Ford is a hot commodity right now. Like Jermaine, he's expensive, has injury problems, and isn't really a power player at all. Mike Whittenberg I guess they are depending on Danny Granger Mike Whittenberg for power Mike Whittenberg good luck with that Andrew Ungvari Indiana really made out. They get rid of O'Neal's massive contract and save money next year because Nesterovic and Baston are expiring contracts. I still don't think they'll have cap space but it will save ownership money for a team that still doesn't look like it's going to the playoffs. Erick Blasco And it looks like they have a nice nucleus with Granger and Dunleavy. They won't make the playoffs for a while, but at least they know enough to start over. Andrew Ungvari Let's talk about the Richard Jefferson for Yi and Bobby Simmons trade before we get into the Elton Brand for Shawn Marion rumors. Andrew Ungvari Mike-what did you think about the trade? Mike Whittenberg Not really a big fan of this trade. But like you said, New Jersey better get LeBron in 2010. I think the tandem of Michael Redd and Jefferson will make the Bucks a 7th or 8th seed. Mike Whittenberg Vince Carter is alone now. Andrew Ungvari That's only because nobody wanted him first! Andrew Ungvari I told Mike that I think the Nets will be horrible this year but I think that's their plan. They could use another low-salaried rookie for when LeBron's a free agent. Andrew Ungvari The worse the team is the better the pick will be. Mike Whittenberg True, I think Yi will be solid in Jersey, too. Andrew Ungvari I agree. Andrew Ungvari I think Milwaukee did okay too. They get Richard Jefferson and drop Simmons' bad contract. Erick Blasco I definitely think the Bucks made out in the trade. Erick Blasco They actually have a creative ing who can create shots for himself, and others as well. Andrew Ungvari My only problem with Jefferson is his durability. When he plays he's great. But it seems every year it's less and less. Erick Blasco This is true, but he does seem like a player who'll play through injuries. Andrew Ungvari There was some talk here in L.A. of getting Jefferson for Odom because he's had a lot of success guarding Paul Pierce. Erick Blasco With the Nets waving the white flag on the next few seasons, they only want propsects and contracts, not guys like Odom who actually have proven talent. Andrew Ungvari But he's got an expiring contract. Erick Blasco Oh, I didn't know that. That changes things. Erick Blasco And would actually make sense for both teams. Mike Whittenberg agreed Andrew Ungvari I think the Lakers realize that Odom is their only chip and they might try to use it on a point guard. Erick Blasco Or a true small forward. Andrew Ungvari Ron Artest? Mike Whittenberg I would love to see Artest in L.A. Erick Blasco Does Phil Jackson want to risk the chemistry though? Erick Blasco Artest loves the ball in his hands on offense. Mike Whittenberg that's true Andrew Ungvari I think it's worth it. Mike Whittenberg I'm worried about that Mike Whittenberg But it would take defensive pressure off Kobe Erick Blasco His defense would definitely give the Lakers a new edge. And some needed toughness. Erick Blasco Can he coexist with Kobe though? Andrew Ungvari and they would get older. they're still too young. Andrew Ungvari I think he's tired of losing. Mike Whittenberg Even if they don't get him, the Lakers are my pick to win it all next year Erick Blasco Haha, we still have 12 months of basketball to go! Andrew Ungvari No more Laker talk. They don't have a pick until the end of the second round. Andrew Ungvari There are some rumors they're trying to move up and take one of Seattle's early 2nd round picks. No more Laker talk. This time I mean it. Andrew Ungvari I'm still having nightmares in green. Andrew Ungvari Let's talk about Derrick Rose. Do we all agree he's the top player in this draft? Erick Blasco ha! Mike Whittenberg most definitely Erick Blasco Absolutely Andrew Ungvari what do the bulls do with Hinrich? Mike Whittenberg That's what I've bee
