The Obligatory LIVE Draft Column

PICK 5 - GRIZZLIES - F/C Kevin Love of UCLA.  Two Bruins in a row.  I don't have a problem with this pick.  He automatically becomes the best H-O-R-S-E player in the NBA, which is huge.  People question his athleticism, which is silly, he can clearly play at a high level against top competition.  I don't think you're looking at a perennial all-star but he will definitely be in the league as a contributor for years to come.  

PICK 6 - KNICKS - F Danilo Gallinari of Italy.  It was hard to hear the interview over the chorus of boos from the Knick skeptical (faithful just doesn't work here).  I did hear him mention that New York was the greatest city in the world, but the fans were too smart for that (or they just didn't care).  I am not sure if they allowed Isiah in the war room but he somehow phoned this one in.  

If you're the Knicks you must take a known commodity, regardless of how good this guy ends up being.  If you play for the Knicks how does look to you?  They pass on Gordon and Bayless despite the fact they desperately need guard help.  If all of this Donaghy stuff isn't in the open I think Stern changes this pick at the podium.  Bottom line, the Knick administration is embarrassing.  One day Stern is going to have everyone in The Garden killed by an outbreak of a mutated strain of polio.  

PICK 7 - CLIPPERS - G Eric Gordon of Indiana.  Gordon goes from one dysfunctional team to another.  At least he should get an opportunity to prove himself early, it's just unfortunate it will probably be at the point.  The Clippers get a player who was projected in the top two last December at seven, so good for them.  His biggest knock is his handle, which does need to improve, but the talk that he is just a "jump shooter" is incredulous at best coming from so-called professionals.  He was top ten in the country at getting to the line and he already becomes one of the strongest guards in the league with eye-popping athleticism.  His potential is limitless, I just don't know if we'll see it in LA.

PICK 8 - BUCKS - F Joe Alexander of West Virginia.  Ridiculous athlete and competitor, should be everything people hoped Adam Morrison could be.  Good stroke.  I don't know how much of an impact he will have in year one but watch out down the road.  Could be the next great white American NBA star. 

PICK 9 - BOBCATS - G D.J. Augustin of Texas.  I like Bayless better here but you cannot question Augustin's fire.  He hits big shots, is a fantastic leader, and has a good handle.  I think he will struggle from three point land starting off.  He will benefit from having a true head coach instead of Rick Barnes, who could get out-coached by a wicker basket.  

PICK 10 - NETS - C Brook Lopez of Stanford.  I love this pick.  You can see him holding down the paint with Lebron controlling everything else in two years (let's just go ahead and officially add him as a "future" Net).  Better offensively than his twin, excellent post defender and shot blocker.  Good anchor for the Nets as they rebuild their team around King James.  The Nets will be very good in several years, I can see Lopez playing a pivotal role.

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