Bleacher Report - Articles by James McNamee

JMac's 2009 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

James McNamee — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:37:54 -0400

A few changes, the same overall feel.

1) Lions

Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia

Whichever team owns the number one selection is almost burdened with the way the draft is set up now. You have to give your No. 1 pick at least $30 million in guaranteed money, which is a preposterous amount for anyone who hasn't played a snap in the league to make.

Hopefully the new CBA in the next few years will include a rookie cap... one can hope. My philosophy for this year's draft is to minimize the risk of your top picks. Unless you can make a trade, which is highly unlikely, you're pretty much stuck with your early selection.

So, I have the Lions selecting the best lineman available, which is Eugene Monroe. Not Matthew Stafford, or Mark Sanchez, or any quarterback. The Dolphins applied this theory last year, and drafted the linchpin for their O-line, Jake Long.

Drafting a QB is simply too much of a risk, no matter how high you are on him. The Dolphins may have loved Matt Ryan last year, but realized the risk was too high to chance, and made the safe pick.

Atlanta's situation was unique, in which they were almost forced to select Ryan due to the Mike Vick saga. Once again, the top team should select a tackle and build trenches out, which is clearly the right way to rebuild a football team.

2) Rams

Jason Smith, T, Baylor

The top four tackles in this draft are very solid, and any team that decides to take one of these four (Monroe, J. Smith, A. Smith, Oher) will not regret their decision. The Rams draft their replacement for Orlando Pace, who shipped off to Chi-Town to protect Jay Cutler's blindside, with the No. 2 pick in the draft.

3) Chiefs

Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

The best player in this year's draft by my estimation, Curry brings everything. He's fast, strong, athletic, smart, and works hard. The Chiefs already got their franchise quarterback moving forward with the acquisition of Matt Cassel, and will add a defensive leader by selecting Aaron Curry.

4) Seahawks

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

The most undervalued player in this draft. Moreno has elite lateral quickness, deceptive size, solid straight-line speed, and great hands out of the backfield. The underlying quality with Knowshon however is this: He is faster coming out of his cuts than he is going into them, which is the trait of a special running back.

Seattle had T.J. Duckett and Maurice Morris running the ball last year, which is simply not good enough. They need to upgrade the position, and have a great player there for the taking.

5) Browns

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Browns select the best player left on the board in Crabtree to compliment Braylon Edwards (if he is even there next year) and replace Donte Stallworth, who looks as though he may serve at least some jail time.

6) Bengals

Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Brown will be a productive defensive end in the NFL, and fills a need for the Bengals. Cincinnati needs to build their defense, and they need to build their character, after many negatives that have impacted the team over the last few years. Brown does both for the Bengals.

7) Raiders

Andre Smith, T, Alabama

The big mauler goes off the board here to play opposite Khalif Barnes. Those two will create a very good tackle tandem to protect JaMarcus Russell and create running lanes for DMac and the rest of the Raider running backs.

8) Jaguars

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

The Jaguars will look to get back to the two running back system. Chris Wells will provide the bruising inside runner, and will allow Maurice Jones-Drew to stay fresh over the course of a game and will also keep the smaller back healthier over the long term.

9) Packers

Brian Orakpo, LB, Texas

New OLB's coach Kevin Greene will have fun teaching the physical freak Orakpo the ins and outs of the 3-4 rush linebacker. Aaron Kampman and Orakpo will make for a very good pass rush tandem while Barnett and Hawk can slide to ILB.

10) 49ers

B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

The Niners have many needs, but Raji can be the anchor for your defensive line. Think of Raji, Sopoaga, and Justin Smith as your front three, taking up blockers for Patrick Willis. Who wouldn't like that idea?

11) Bills

Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Ayers is an interesting prospect. He wasn't even known until this year as a senior. Phillip Fulmer, former Tenn. head coach, said Ayers was cocky and wouldn't accept coaching until his senior season.

Ayers finally became coachable, and his drastic improvement last year was evidence to that. The Bills could use another defensive line presence to go along with Marcus Stroud and Aaron Schobel. Ayers is a very good pass rusher and a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball.

12) Broncos

Clay Matthews, LB, USC

Matthews is another undervalued guy to me. He has incredible closing speed to the quarterback and will be a pass rushing force in the NFL. The Broncos have many holes to fill in their new 3-4 defense, and they start the process with Matthews as their pass rush linebacker with No. 12.

13) Redskins

Brian Cushing, LB, USC

The Redskins lost a big part of their defense when Marcus Washington was released this offseason. Cushing will be brought in to fill that void Washington left as a playmaker for the Redskins in the linebacker corp.

14) Saints

Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

Jenkins ran a slow 40 at the combine, and has his detractors due to his lack of speed, but he is still going to be a pro bowler at some point. Whether that's as a corner or free safety remains to be seen, but New Orleans needs the secondary help, and Jenkins is the best secondary prospect in this draft.

15) Texans

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Sanchez is the first QB off the board in my mock, and will be able to sit behind Matt Schaub for a year. Sanchez fits the roll-out offense of Gary Kubiak perfectly, with his ability to throw accurately on the run.

The Texans are on the verge of being a playoff team, despite their tough division. Developing a quarterback like Sanchez to be your star of the future could tip the scale in the favor of the Texans moving forward.

16) Chargers

Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss

Oher is the last of the big four tackles I alluded to earlier. Oher will step in and play opposite Marcus McNeill, to create a formidable tackle duo for the next 10 years for San Diego. With Mike Goff and Shane Olivea, former staples on the O-line gone, the O-line IS a big need for the Bolts.

17) Jets

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Stafford finally comes off the board to the Jets at #17. The Jets have Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff as potential starters right now, which is certainly not good enough to win the AFC East this year, or any year for that matter. While I don't think Stafford is a franchise quarterback, he is certainly better than the options the Jets have right now.

18) Broncos

Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU

Jackson is a perfect fit as a 3-technique defensive end. At 6'4", 295 lbs, Jackson has the height, arm length, and size needed to play in the Broncos defense. Denver has to fill alot of voids in their new defensive scheme, and Jackson gives them a starting point on the defensive line. Jarron Gilbert is also a consideration here.

19) Buccaneers

Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

Freeman has all the tools to be a first round selection. He's tall, has a strong arm, and can move enough to extend the play if needed. Whether he can learn an NFL playbook is the question with Freeman, though.

20) Lions

Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

The Lions continue building from the trenches out by bringing in Jerry to play next to Grady Jackson on the interior defensive line. Jackson is too old to play every down, so another defensive tackle to join the rotation is a major need. Jerry is a gap shooting master, and will make plays on the offenses' side of the ball at the next level.

21) Eagles

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Eagles take the best player on the board in this spot. Pettigrew isn't a vertical threat, but runs short and intermediate routes very well. The best attribute for Pettigrew is his blocking, however. That's the draw with Pettigrew. He also has a knack for finding open spaces when a crucial first down is needed. Pettigrew is not a stats guy, but whoever takes him will be glad they did.

22) Vikings

Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

I have Britt as my second best receiver for this year. He dominated the Big East in his three years and will become a very good receiver in the NFL. Mike Mayock of NFL Network likens Britt to T.O. I don't think he'll be that good, but he will be a very good player at the pro level. Minnesota needs another offensive weapon desperately, so it really isn't a question what they will take.

The rest is coming later....

JMac's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

James McNamee — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:35:05 -0400

Just listing my picks... explanation and debate I will leave to the comment section. Let me know what you think!

1) Lions- Eugene Monroe

2) Rams- Jason Smith

3) Chiefs- Aaron Curry

4) Seahawks- Knowshon Moreno

5) Browns- Michael Crabtree

6) Bengals- Brian Orakpo

7) Raiders- Andre Smith

8) Jaguars- Chris Wells

9) Packers- Everette Brown

10) 49ers- B.J. Raji

11) Bills- Robert Ayers

12) Broncos- Mark Sanchez

13) Redskins- Brian Cushing

14) Saints- Malcolm Jenkins

15) Texans- Peria Jerry

16) Chargers- Michael Oher

17) Jets- Matt Stafford

18) Broncos- Clay Matthews Jr.

19) Buccaneers- Josh Freeman

20) Lions- Brandon Pettigrew

21) Eagles- James Laurinaitis

22) Vikings- Kenny Britt

23) Patriots- Connor Barwin

24) Falcons- Alphonso Smith

25) Dolphins- Larry English

26) Ravens- Rey Maualuga

27) Colts- Jeremy Maclin

28) Eagles- Shonn Greene

29) Giants- Brian Robiskie

30) Titans- Darrius Heyward-Bey

31) Cardinals- Donald Brown

32) Steelers- Jarron Gilbert

Mac's NFL Mock Draft 2009

James McNamee — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:49:16 -0500

It's that time of year again in the NFL. Well, maybe not quite...The Super Bowl is still left to play! Nevertheless, you can't help get excited for the draft every year. Picks 1-30 are analyzed and predicted, as the order of picks 31 and 32 has not yet been determined.

No. 1 Overall Selection

Detroit Lions - Andre Smith, T, Alabama

The more popular choice here is to select a quarterback, namely Stafford or Sanchez. I don't think it will happen, nor should it. No matter how talented a young quarterback is, no matter what the measurables indicate, he won't do much if he isn't well protected.

Even Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco this past season needed great running games and solid o-line play to survive. Even the best rookies can't do it themselves. I don't see a fitting justification for taking a quarterback here. Instead, Detroit will build a big, physical offensive line.

The perfect guy to help Jim Schwartz make this transition is Andre Smith, the 350-pound offensive tackle from 'Bama. The goal for Detroit should be to build from the lines out, and slowly rebuild the Lions over a two year process.

Daunte Culpepper isn't going to win a championship...that's about as obvious as you can get, but does anyone expect the Lions to be good next year anyway? The best option for Jim Schwartz and the Lions new staff would be to make like the Titans and stockpile talent on the lines, and the rest will fall into place.

No. 2 Overall Selection

St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, T, Baylor

St. Louis has been looking for a replacement for Orlando Pace, and unfortunately missed out on Jake Long last year. The next best tackle on the board is Jason Smith, who isn't quite as big as Pace, but is skilled in pass protection and will be a stud left tackle for whoever picks him.

Offensive line is undoubtedly the biggest need the Rams have, this pick is really a no brainer.

No. 3 Overall Selection

Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

Curry is about the safest pick in the draft, and new GM Scott Pioli can't go wrong taking Curry here. The only issue with Curry is his tackling has been inconsistent at times, but other than that, he is a stud.

Unless the Chiefs wish to trade down, which wouldn't be surprising, I think Curry is the guy here.

No. 4 Overall Selection

Seattle Seahawks - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Yes, I know what you're thinking. Why isn't Crabtree here?

Crabtree is not here because the Seahawks have not had a good defensive tackle since God knows when. Their receiver corps was decimated by injury last year, but at an unprecedented standard in my opinion. I doubt they will get that unlucky again this season.

Raji is the perfect compliment to Patrick Kerney in pass rushing situations (Have you heard of the term "pushing the pocket?" Well then you'll like B.J. Raji....), and will help Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu stay free to fly around and make plays against the run.

No. 5 Overall Selection

Cleveland Browns - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Jenkins is, stated very simply, a shutdown corner. He has speed, fluid hips, changes directions well, good instincts, etc. He isn't a great tackler, but we're not talking about a linebacker. Cleveland has a need here, and it just so happens that one of the best players left fills their need.

The Browns are in a good drafting spot at No. 5.

No. 6 Overall Selection

Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia

This tackle draft is amazing. It's very much a game of preference. All of the top four tackles (Andre Smith, Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Michael Oher) have a chance to be better than the other, but they all will be solid lineman in the NFL.

Cincinnati needs to make Carson Palmer feel safe again after last year. Monroe is the best tackle left on the board, which is a good thing, so the Bengals bolster their line here with pick No. 6.

No. 7 Overall Selection

Oakland Raiders - Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss

The fourth of the big four goes here at No. 7. Al Davis will be tempted with Crabtree, but I think even he realizes he needs to protect his "franchise quarterback" JaMarcus Russell.

No. 8 Overall Selection

Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

I know it seems unlikely that the Jaguars would have this fall into their lap, but I think this is how it will honestly happen. David Garrard, whose gap teeth make Michael Strahan proud, would be smiling for days over this.

No. 9 Overall Selection

Green Bay Packers - Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

With the hiring of defensive coordinator Dom Capers, the Packers announced they will switch to the 3-4 defense. An interesting decision, but probably the right one. No one in their division plays the 3-4 scheme, and it will give them a leg up on the competition.

I can't see Tarvaris Jackson, Kyle Orton, or Daunte Culpepper being able to decipher a zone blitz all that well, can you? Brown is an outstanding pass rusher, and paired with Aaron Kampman as an outside linebacker, that combination could be devastating to quarterbacks.

Kevin Greene has been brought in to coach the outside linebackers, and as long as he can teach the craft half as well as he performed it, the Packers will make a smooth transition to the 3-4.

No. 10 Overall Selection

San Francisco 49ers - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Mike Singletary's single biggest priority as a head coach will be to ensure his team can run the football. Frank Gore is a very good back, and teamed up with Moreno, will form a productive tandem, much like DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart were last season.

The defense does need help, but the defensive side of the ball is more about passion and effort, which Singletary can inspire in his players. On offense, pure skill is needed in more situations, and the 49ers need more production out of their offense.

No. 11 Overall Selection

Buffalo Bills - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

The Bills didn't get any production out of their tight ends last year, which is important in the NFL these days. Pettigrew isn't a speedster who is going to run the seam for you, but he is a very good blocker and has very good hands on short routes.

It will give Trent Edwards another option when in trouble, and he can be kept in to block in pass protection. He's not a flashy tight end by any stretch, but he is solid at everything, and a perfect fit for the Bills.

No. 12 Overall Selection

Denver Broncos - Tyson Jackson, DE/DT, LSU

Another team switching to the 3-4, Denver has to address their lack of personnel for the scheme. Elvis Dumervil will most likely move back to OLB, with Boss Bailey and D.J. Williams as ILB. The Broncos have no lineman capable of playing in the 3-4 scheme, however.

Marcus Thomas might be able to play the nose, but who will be the defensive ends? To me, it is a huge need and Jackson is the best man to fill this need. He is a very explosive, strong player who can beat lineman with strength or speed.

Denver would be smart to fill their need at RB as well, but I still believe DL is more important if you wish to play a true 3-4 scheme next season.

No. 13 Overall Selection

Washington Redskins - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Without Jason Taylor performing at a high level for the Redskins last season, Washington suffered from the same lack of pass rush they had been from years previous.

Maybin is an underclassman who will need more time to develop, but the Redskins need to at least attempt at improving their pass rush. With Jason Taylor's future in the NFL in question, the Redskins need to go with the best pass rush option available.

No. 14 Overall Selection

New Orleans Saints - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

New Orleans has had a porous secondary since the Sean Payton era began, and that has held them back in a lot of ways. Last offseason, the Saints brought in Randall Gay as a nickelcorner, but it didn't change much.

New Orleans needs more help at the back end. Davis is the best available corner at this point in the draft...Simple equation really.

No. 15 Overall Selection

Houston Texans - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

The Texans were arguably as good as the low end playoff teams this season. If they weren't in the division they are, we might be talking about a playoff team. Houston has talent on both sides of the football, but a solid pick like this one will help the defense reach the next level.

Maualuga is the best defensive player left on the board at this time, and could have a huge impact on the Texans' defense.

No. 16 Overall Selection

San Diego Chargers - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

No. 17 Overall Selection

New York Jets - James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

No. 18 Overall Selection

Chicago Bears - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

No. 19 Overall Selection

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

No. 20 Overall Selection

Detroit Lions - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

No. 21 Overall Selection

Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

No. 22 Overall Selection

Minnesota Vikings - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

No. 23 Overall Selection

New England Patriots - Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois

No. 24 Overall Selection

Atlanta Falcons - D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

No. 25 Overall Selection

Miami Dolphins - Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

No. 26 Overall Selection

Baltimore Ravens - Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU

No. 27 Overall Selection

Indianapolis Colts - Andy Levitre, G, Oregon State

No. 28 Overall Selection

Philadelphia Eagles - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

No. 29 Overall Selection

New York Giants - Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

No. 30 Overall Selection

Tennessee Titans - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Mac's NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-30 Previewed

James McNamee — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:45:38 -0400

This is my second iteration of the 2008 NBA Draft. The mocks I write are under the premise that “teams should take this guy” rather than “I think they will take this guy.” In most scenarios, those two premises entail completely different scenarios.

I also abide under the pre-conceived notion that there will be no trades. I know that having a year when no trades are made is impossible. I am not in this to predict trades, so I just concern myself with the picks themselves.

A lot of these picks will be made irrelevant if trades are made during the draft or immediately after, but you guys know how it is. I have dissected all 60 picks I think should be made this Thursday; here are 1-30. 31-60 will be coming shortly.

Round 1

No. 1 Overall Selection (Chicago Bulls): Derrick Rose, Point Guard, Memphis

It’s amazing how the lottery works. Almost all of the time, the team with the worst record doesn’t get the first selection. I don’t get it, but the lottery is another topic for another day. Onto the selection itself.

Rose has got to be the guy here. Beasley will be an outstanding player, no doubt, but point guards like Derrick Rose don’t come along everyday. He will get by his man at will, defend well enough, push the basketball effectively, be a quiet, confident leader on the floor, and keep every player on their toes.

The biggest knock on the Bulls last year was their lack of effort. Players missing practices, and overall just not caring about whether they won or lost. Rose will bring back a work ethic to the Bulls, trying to prove to his hometown Chicago he is worth the number one pick.

Michael Beasley, on the other hand, has a laid back personality that may not suit the Bulls as well moving forward from where they are as a team. Either way, the Bulls can’t make a wrong selection between Rose and Beasley, but Rose is the guy to take here.

No. 2 Overall Selection (Miami Heat): Michael Beasley, Power Forward, Kansas State

Not really much of a question here. The unanimous top two players in this draft are Rose and Beasley. Rose is gone, so you take Beasley.

Beasley has a tremendous skill-set. He will be big enough to bully small forwards trying to guard him away from the paint, and will be too quick for most power forwards to guard. He is a true matchup nightmare. He can finish with both hands in the lane, and is both agile and strong. His defense can improve, but his dominance scoring and rebounding are the appeal, no questions asked.

Questions about his character are valid ones, but I don’t think it will make him any less great on the court.

No. 3 Overall Selection (Minnesota Timberwolves): Brook Lopez, Center, Stanford

Lopez is a big body with above average skills. Kevin McHale could teach Lopez how to vastly improve his skills and give stud big man Al Jefferson some assistance inside.

Jefferson could move to his natural power forward position. This would also take a tremendous deal of pressure off of him defensively. The Timberwolves could also address other needs later in the draft or in a trade.

To me, getting Al Jefferson, their new franchise big man, some help is the most important issue to be addressed at this point. This is a sound pick to make, though not very flashy. Lopez is a legitimate seven-footer with a chance to be a very good NBA center.

No. 4 Overall Selection (Seattle Supersonics): Russell Westbrook, Point Guard, UCLA

If the Sonics don’t end up trading to get Kevin Durant’s best friend Michael Beasley, Westbrook is the pick here. He has tremendous upside as a scorer and distributor and is a lock-down defender—a lock-down defender in a league where lock-down defenders are very hard to come by.

The Sonics don’t have any pressure to be good now, and can let Westbrook develop next to last year’s ROTY Kevin Durant. Westbrook is climbing up most draft boards, and for very good reason. He will at the very least be a difference maker on the defensive end; anything you can get from him on offense is gravy.

No. 5 Overall Selection (Memphis Grizzlies): Kevin Love, Power Forward, UCLA

He has size, instincts, and is an extremely good positional rebounder. His passing is outstanding, and his defense may not be stellar, but it will be solid. The Grizzlies should build around Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gay, and drafting Kevin Love is certainly a good start.

He would fit in perfect as a replacement for Pau Gasol, but will be a much tougher player. This pick won’t push the Grizzlies over the hump or anything to that extent, but it will help the Grizzlies push towards respectability at least.

No. 6 Overall Selection (New York Knicks): O.J. Mayo, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, USC

Although it would be a tough maneuver to find enough shots between O.J. Mayo and Jamal Crawford, Mike D’Antoni is maybe the coach to make that work. The Knicks have a need at basically every position, and are in the middle of a complete overhaul.

The best player available to fit the system is the recipe here. Mayo’s explosiveness in the open court can help him fit the up-tempo scheme. He has star potential and is the first step in what will be a tough rebuilding process for New York.

No. 7 Overall Selection (Los Angeles Clippers): Eric Gordon, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Indiana

The Clippers have been looking to get O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, or Jerryd Bayless with this pick. They need help at guard with Shaun Livingston still recovering from a severe knee injury.

Eric Gordon is an explosive, athletic, sharp-shooting guard that will fit well with the likes of Al Thornton, Chris Kaman, and Elton Brand (if he stays that is).

No. 8 Overall Selection (Milwaukee Bucks): Jerryd Bayless, Point Guard, Arizona

The Bucks are pretty mediocre all around, and could go in more than one direction with this pick. Jerry Bayless has been compared to Gilbert Arenas and Monta Ellis and is considered by many to be a future all-star.

I’m not one of his biggest fans to be perfectly honest, as I do not care for score-first point guards. But he does have a quick first step and great athleticism. Bayless also is a decent passer and has legitimate potential at the point, but ultimately, prefers to score.

He also is an underwhelming defender, at least compared to what his athleticism would suggest. Even still, he has the potential on that end of the floor as well. His overall potential and is why I think the Bucks should take him here. This will provide a young talent and some competition for Mo Williams at point guard.

No. 9 Overall Selection (Charlotte Bobcats): Roy Hibbert, Center, Georgetown

This is the most peculiar draft pick in the first round in my opinion. You have a pretty young team with a new coach that pretty much doesn’t play young players. There is no reason to draft a project player here if you’re Michael Jordan.

Larry Brown is concerned with winning now, because he is probably on the phone negotiating his next coaching job right now. My point is that Brown will be gone before that project player is developed, so a more seasoned rookie is the recipe here.

This is undoubtedly a reach to grab Hibbert here, but what else can you do with the situation you have? Hibbert is young for a college senior, and scouts say he has actually improved compared to his senior year at Georgetown.

At the very least he is ten points per game, seven rebounds per game, and six fouls per game, now. And that’s the key word…NOW. If Kevin Love somehow falls here, he is the ideal pick for the Bobcats, but chances are his polished game won’t fall that far, so a “more seasoned” rookie is the only choice you have if you’re MJ.

No. 10 Overall Selection (New Jersey Nets): Danilo Gallinari, Power Forward, Italy

I will start by saying this. I think Danilo Gallinari is the next big European bust. He is not Dirk Nowitzki; he may not even be Andrea Bargnani. He is a very talented offensive player, but he is not a good defender and will probably be soft (like most European players not named Manu Ginobili).

The only reason Gallinari is here is the fact that he will be a top 10 pick. European players are protected by their agents and guaranteed by them they will be taken at a certain spot in the draft. Gallinari would have pulled out if he was not guaranteed a top ten spot in this draft.

The Nets are the team that is most likely to take him, so you try to build around him I guess. He needs to extend his range and improve his defense and rebounding, but everything else he seems at least pretty good at.

No. 11 Overall Selection (Indiana Pacers): D.J. Augustin, Point Guard, Texas

The Pacers have more than one need at this point, but point guard is the biggest. Jamaal Tinsley is getting older, and Travis Diener doesn’t seem like the franchise point guard-type. D.J. Augustin is a very quick, pass first point guard that can lead a team and score when he needs to.

He can be forced into bad shots at times because of his lack of size, but it is tolerable because of his play-making ability. He can also shoot fairly well, which is an important facet of being an NBA point guard now-a-days. He led Texas to a better season last year than Kevin Durant did the year before—that has to count for something.

No. 12 Overall Selection (Sacramento Kings): Mario Chalmers, Point Guard, Kansas

The top five point guards will go very early in this draft. If there is one theory you can count on going into Thursday, that’s it. Rose, Westbrook, Bayless, Augustin, and Chalmers will at the very least go in the top twenty. I believe the Kings need more at the point than Beno Udrih.

A good talent that can challenge for the starting job will help the solid wing duo of Kevin Martin and Ron Artest. Artest isn’t guaranteed to stay, but he most likely won’t opt out of his deal. Mario Chalmers can slash and shoot well, and is an above average defender who will be a spark plug for the Kings.

No. 13 Overall Selection (Portland Trailblazers): Donte Greene, Small Forward, Syracuse

Greene is a very long, athletic forward who can shoot from the midrange, take his man to the basket, defend both the small forward and power forward positions, and rebound pretty well. He is still very raw and needs to continue learning the game, however.

The Trailblazers have talent for now and down the road. Greene would make a good complimentary wing player next to Brandon Roy. If your line-up for the future consists of Roy, Greene, Aldridge, and Oden, along with a solid point guard, I think that may be your team of the future in the NBA.

No. 14 Overall Selection (Golden State Warriors): Chris Douglas-Roberts, Shooting Guard, Memphis

The Warriors are in an uncertain state as of now. Chances are Baron Davis or Monta Ellis will be gone by next year, so a running mate for who is still left will be a need. CDR coupled with either BD or Monta Ellis would be a solid combination. Douglas-Roberts isn’t a future star in my opinion, but I do think he will be a more than solid pro.

No. 15 Overall Selection (Phoenix Suns): Robin Lopez, Center, Stanford

The Suns have officially abandoned the up-tempo game instilled by former head coach Mike D’Antoni. Lopez is a high-motor big man that can rebound and defend well. He also has very good potential as a low-post scorer, which can benefit down the road when Shaquille O’ Neal eventually retires.

For now, Lopez will give valuable minutes off the bench and serve as a highly effective spell for Shaq and Amare Stoudemire.

No. 16 Overall Selection (Philadelphia 76ers): Mareese Speights, Power Forward, Florida

Speights is a big body that can score in the low-post, rebound extremely well, defend, block shots, etc. What’s the catch? He may be a little small to play center in the NBA and his conditioning has been questioned by scouts.

As long as he doesn’t go Vin Baker on everyone, drinking beer and eating more than working out, he has the talent to be a twenty points, ten rebounds per game power forward in the NBA.

No. 17 Overall Selection (Toronto Raptors): Joe Alexander, Small Forward, West Virginia

Alexander is a great talent. Despite that, he is extremely raw and needs to develop his game more. He has a great mid-range jump shot and is athletic enough to finish at the basket in the NBA. Defensively, he could be decent, but he’s so young, it’s hard to tell whether he could master rotations at the professional level.

Alexander is worth the risk as a first round pick. The Raptors can keep him on the bench for a year, or play him right now in their system if they feel he is good enough offensively. Alexander is a very flexible selection for the Raptors, if nothing else, and has good potential for down the road as an NBA scorer.

No. 18 Overall Selection (Washington Wizards): Brandon Rush, Shooting Guard, Kansas

The Wizards are facing a very real possibility in this offseason. They could (and most likely will) lose Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. It’s either both or none, as Arenas has said he will only return if Jamison does.

If that happens, the Wizards will start Andray Blatche at the power forward position. Blatche will be fine filling in, but the Wizards will have a huge need at guard. At this point in the mock, there are no point guards to take this high.

Brandon Rush is a solid and safe pick to make for the Wizards, as he will most likely start over DeShawn Stevenson at the two guard. The Wizards will also need to solve their need at point guard in the second round, because Agent Zero will most likely not be back. If you’re Washington, you have to prepare for the worst.

No. 19 Overall Selection (Cleveland Cavaliers): D.J. White, Power Forward, Indiana

The Cavaliers biggest concern at this point is keeping LeBron James happy and willing to stay in Cleveland. A project player is not even an option with this pick. Someone who can come in and help right away is the pick the Cavaliers should be making.

D.J. White is a strong post player who can rebound and play excellent defense. Ben Wallace looks very old, and Zydrunas Ilgauskus is above average; nothing more, nothing less. He is another one of those “more seasoned” rookies, and is better suited to play now.

Waiting around for a prospect to develop while LeBron goes to the new Brooklyn team in a year or two will put the Cavaliers back into the basement where they spent so much time pre-LeBron. Put White in a big rotation of Z, Big Ben, Side Show Bob, and Joe Smith, and youth will be effectively injected into that group.

No. 20 Overall Selection (Denver Nuggets): Anthony Randolph, Power Forward, LSU

The Denver Nuggets are a team in shambles. They play absolutely no defense, and are not on good terms with star forward Carmelo Anthony. In my opinion, Melo should be traded. He is a one-dimensional player, who can’t play defense to save his life.

The Nuggets need a new team identity. Anthony Randolph has a lot of potential as a face up power forward, with skills as a rebounder and mid-range shooter. He won’t be Chris Bosh, who he’s been compared to most, but he will be a difference maker at power forward.

His shot blocking will be a force to be reckoned with, but the rest of his defensive game is suspect (reminds me of another Nuggets big man). The difference between him and Camby will be his offense and ability to run the floor.

No. 21 Overall Selection (New Jersey Nets): DeAndre Jordan, Center, Texas A&M

The Nets have gotten effective production from one through three for a long time now, but have never had any big men to compliment that. Sean Williams showed signs that he would be at the very least a good defensive player in the NBA last season, but more is needed at the power forward and center positions.

Jordan has tremendous upside, and if he can be motivated enough, will be a star in the pros. That is the biggest question, however, is his motivation. This is completely an upside selection. I admit that straight-out.

If Jordan pans out, this will be huge for the Nets. Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson are getting older, and the Nets are stuck between the tail end of Carter’s and Jefferson’s prime, and are still developing their young guard Devin Harris.

I’m not sure winning now is as big of a priority for the Nets since Jason Kidd was traded. A project pick is not a problem for a team in the Nets’ situation.

No. 22 Overall Selection (Orlando Magic): Kyle Weaver, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Washington State

The Magic had a solid year considering all the hype that surrounded the team. The addition of Rashard Lewis last offseason had many feeling they could contend in the east. They lost to the Pistons in the Eastern Conference Semi Finals, so they did pretty much what was expected.

The question now is: How do the Orlando Magic improve from this point on? Kyle Weaver gives the Magic a defender who can play the point and off guard. His height is an asset and gives them depth at guard.

Weaver is a very smart player that will make the offense more efficient and will bother opposing team’s best wing player on defense. Some comparisons to Bruce Bowen have been drawn, I would say those comparisons are fairly accurate. His offense is much better than Bowen’s, however, so he will be the better pro in my opinion.

No. 23 Overall Selection (Utah Jazz): Nicolas Batum, Small Forward, France

Batum’s athleticism has certain scouts raving, but he seems inconsistent in his play. The Jazz have a need at two guard, and Batum is long, athletic, has quick feet and hands on defense, and would be a good back-up to Ronnie Brewer at the two and Andrei Kirilenko at the three.

He is very young, however, and will need to develop his offensive game. But Batum has star potential down the road. This pick will pay off in a year or two.

No. 24 Overall Selection (Seattle Supersonics): Bill Walker, Small Forward, Kansas State

I had the Sonics selecting Russell Westbrook with the number four pick, so point guard should be pretty much set. You also have Durant at the two, so positions three through five need to be addressed.

The Sonics have drafted a number of big men over the last few seasons who have, quite frankly, just not panned out (at least to date). The Sonics have six selections total in this draft, and can afford to go best player available rather than need.

Bill Walker is a big forward that can defend and jump out of the gym. He is strong enough to keep big forwards from bullying him down low, and quick enough to keep most slashers in front of him. There have been serious concerns about his knees, but he has shown lately that he can come back from injuries and still be effective out on the court.

No. 25 Overall Selection (Houston Rockets): Darrell Arthur, Power Forward, Kansas

Arthur is a scoring forward, and that’s about it. He has a good mid-range jumper and can finish at the rim good enough. He and Yao Ming would make a decent inside-outside tandem. He will have trouble getting into their line-up however, with Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, and Carl Landry at the four spot.

He is the best player available at this point in the draft though, so you can find a way to play the best talent available if that is the draft methodology you choose to use.

No. 26 Overall Selection (San Antonio Spurs): Keith Brumbaugh, Small Forward, Hillsborough Community College

An extremely athletic, hard working lefty that can flat out score. He hasn’t faced good competition but has gotten a reputation for being a hard worker. The Spurs have a need at small forward with Bruce Bowen’s advancing age and Ime Udoka’s mediocrity.

Brumbaugh may need a year, but I think he would fit in with the Spurs' system. I know some of you are saying “Who is this?” but trust me, you will know soon enough. He will make a solid pro. The Spurs are notorious for taking guys in the later part of rounds that most fans have never heard of. They are very much the Patriots of the NBA when it comes to drafting. Brumbaugh will be their next diamond in the rough.

No. 27 Overall Selection (Portland Trail Blazers): Nathan Jawai, Power Forward, Australia

Jawai is a big, physical, low-post player. He is strong going to the basket and could develop dominating post-moves if groomed correctly. Jawai also rebounds and block shots well, and looks like a significantly more mobile Kendrick Perkins.

No. 28 Overall Selection (Memphis Grizzlies): Alexis Ajinca, Power Forward, France

Ajinca has a 7’8” wingspan and stands at 7’1”. He needs to fill out before he will be strong enough to play in the NBA, but his length is certainly intriguing. He also has decent skills around the basket on both ends. The Hornets could use some depth at the four and five, and Ajinca could be a tremendous help.

No. 29 Overall Selection (Detroit Pistons): Davon Jefferson, Forward, USC

Jefferson served as O.J. Mayo’s sidekick in his one year at USC. He is ridiculously athletic and can finish at the rim in a lot of ways. His ball handling is good, and can get where he wants to go off the dribble. Jefferson is a beast on the offensive boards and runs the floor exceptionally well.

He draws a lot of comparison to Richard Jefferson in my mind. I think the Pistons pick up another Stuckey-type steal in this draft if they can get Davon Jefferson.

No. 30 Overall Selection (Boston Celtics): Courtney Lee, Shooting Guard, Western Kentucky

A college senior that draws comparisons to Ray Allen. He most likely WON’T be Ray Allen, but he has a sweet stroke, can slash, and is at his best shooting from the mid-range. That’s very Ray-like if you ask me, and of the Big Three, Allen is probably going to be the first to decline.

This is a sound pick if you’re the Celtics, as Lee will provide bench depth right away. Sam Cassell, Eddie House, Tony Allen, James Posey, and P.J. Brown could all be gone next year, so the Celtics’ bench production has to come from somewhere next season.

NBA: Top Players at Each Position

James McNamee — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 18:26:48 -0400

With another NBA season nearly in the books, I thought I'd take the time and rank the top three players at each position in the league.

Top Three Point Guards

1) Chris Paul

2) Deron Williams

3) Allen Iverson

Top Three Shooting Guards

1) Kobe Bryant

2) Dwyane Wade

3) Manu Ginobili

Top Three Small Forwards

1) Lebron James

2) Paul Pierce

3) Caron Butler

Top Three Power Forwards

1) Tim Duncan

2) Kevin Garnett

3) Amare Stoudemire

Top Three Centers

1) Dwight Howard

2) Yao Ming

3) Chris Kaman

Top 10 Overall Players

1) LeBron James

2) Chris Paul

3) Kobe Bryant

4) Tim Duncan

5) Paul Pierce

6) Kevin Garnett

7) Dwight Howard

8) Amare Stoudemire

9) Deron Williams

10) Yao Ming

I felt like expressing my opinions on who I thought were the best players in the NBA at each position and overall. I will leave the explanations and arguments to the message boards, as I know there will be blood.

NFL Draft: Make Kiper Jr. and Mayock Proud!

James McNamee — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:31:53 -0400

Consider this an open discussion about the draft. What I am going to do is put my top 10 picks as I think they SHOULD go, not how I think they WILL go.

This is for the members of the comment list, pretty much exclusively.

I will put the team, pick number and player. There will be no explanation, and I will go deeper into the draft at a later time. If you agree or disagree with my picks, or anyone else’s pick's, explain why.

I want a good, clean fight. No shots below the belt, etc.

Pick #1- Miami Dolphins- DE- Chris Long (UVA)

Pick #2- St. Louis Rams- OT- Jake Long (MICH)

Pick #3- Atlanta Falcons- DT- Glenn Dorsey (LSU)

Pick #4- Oakland Raiders- RB- Darren McFadden (ARK)

Pick #5- Kansas City Chiefs- DT- Sedrick Ellis (USC)

Pick #6- New York Jets- DE/OLB- Vernon Gholston (OSU)

Pick #7- New England Patriots- DB- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (TSU)

Pick #8- Baltimore Ravens- QB- Matt Ryan (BC)

Pick #9- Cincinnati Bengals- DE/OLB- Phillip Merling (CLEM)

Pick #10- New Orleans Saints- DB- Kenny Phillips (MIA)

New England Patriots: Stick with the Pick, or Stick to Protocol?

James McNamee — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:55:28 -0400

As the April 26 NFL Draft approaches, no one team may be watched more closely than the New England Patriots. After a loss that was nothing short of devatating to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl in February, the Patriots will look to avoid the peculiar trend of the Super Bowl loser. Every team that has made it to the final game and lost since the early 2000s has had at the very least a somewhat underwhelming follow-up the next season.

The Patriots, as everyone knows, lost their first round selection as a penalty for spygate. In addition, the Patriots have the number seven overall selection that they received in a trade with San Francisco last year. You would have to be living under a rock for the last year to not catch those two blurbs, but I guess they're worth repeating to set the premise for this article.

The question that the Patriots are faced with answering is this. Should they keep this pick, and get a blue chip stud, or trade down for multiple picks later in the first round of the draft? One scenario that seems to have stirred up some discussion is what will happen if Darren McFadden falls to New England at No. 7? This seems to be the most likely of trade scenarios for the Pats, and it takes a simple equation to explain why.

Jerry Jones loves the Arkansas guy + Jerry Jones has the No. 22 and No. 28 overall selections + the Patriots have more experience since Belichick and Pioli have been in New England drafting in the later part of the first round + Did I mention Jerry Jones loves the Arkansas guy?

Well, it at least seems to make sense that this could happen. My question is, if this were to happen, what would be the correct move for the Patriots? Let's take a look at this from both angles.

Stick with the Pick

As an almost unanimous viewpoint, the Patriots two biggest needs are at defensive back and linebacker. There are a multitude of defensive backs in this draft that can make an impact on a team now or down the road. Mike Jenkins, Leodis McKelvin, Aqib Talib, Antoine Cason, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Tyvon Branch are all cornerback prospects that will be highly sought after come draft day. Looking at linebacker, Keith Rivers and Dan Connor are the only high end linebacker prospects, except if the Patriots would be interested in converting Vernon Gholston into an outside linebacker should he fall to pick #7. The Patriots have lost Asante Samuel, Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson to free agency, so in my opinion the secondary is the first priority. Look at it from this perspective, however. With picks 1-6, a cornerback will most likely NOT be taken. If the Patriots select a corner with the #7 pick, he will be the first of probably five or six corners taken in the first two rounds, and is going to want to get paid for being the first taken out of a big, talented group of corners. That means the Pats will have to dish out money that they weren't willing to spend on keeping Asante Samuel, so what was the point in letting Samuel go if they select a corner with this pick? I know you could get younger, but you face being in the same position with this player down the road as you did with Asante Samuel this offseason.

Stick to Protocol

As I stated before, since Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have been drafting the players for the New England Patriots, they have more experience drafting in the later part of the first round, and have had one top ten pick. They drafted Richard Seymour at #6 overall, who is a staple on their defensive line. Every other first round pick the Patriots have had ( aside from one #13 selection, Ty Warren, 2003 ) has been no higher than 21. The players drafted by the Pats in the #21 to #32 pick range were Daniel Graham, Vince Wilfork, Benjamin Watson, Logan Mankins, Laurence Maroney and Brandon Meriweather. It is safe to say that many football minds would consider that a good drafting pedigree. If the Patriots get #22 and #28, they could maybe get Rivers or Conner if they fall or draft one of the corners that are left near the end of the first round for less money.

The Lowdown

I guess at this point it all comes down to the Patriots' draft board. Do the Patriots think Keith Rivers or Dan Connor could even fit the 3-4 scheme, and do they even like any of the cornerbacks in this draft to fit their system? The Patriots, along with the Chargers and Colts, are the best in the league at drafting and evaluating young talent. It will be interesting to see whether the Patriots will keep the #7 overall pick if McFadden falls to them, or trade the pick to the Cowboys for an opportunity to get right back into their drafting wheelhouse. If history repeats itself, the Patriots would trade the pick and jump on the opportunity to get a quantity of picks, instead of going for a certain quality with their draft picks. In my opinion, the Patriots should stick to protocol, and select two players that will make an impact on the team instead of drafting one player that will most likely be a star, but it's as they say, two is always better than one. Especially in the New England Patriots case.

CP3-MVP: Chris Paul Worthy of Accolades

James McNamee — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:51:17 -0400

With April drawing near in the NBA, the MVP discussion is beginning to take its form for this passing season. The voting process, and what determines an MVP (maybe I should say who), is rather chameleon-esque, with a seemingly different flavor with each individual season. Do not get me wrong, the following "formulas" for determining the MVP I am going to describe are not necessarily my opinion and I mean to only describe them in an objective fashion.

Last year, the Dallas Mavericks won 67 games, and had a great regular season, no one can argue that. Dirk Nowitzki was also the MVP of the NBA last year. So according to the logic of the voters last year, the best player on the best team should win the MVP award. Check, I got it.

The two years previous, the NBA MVP was Steve Nash, who went to the Phoenix Suns and completely altered the dynamic of the Sun's franchise. The explanation for his winning the MVP was his ability to make others around him better, and changing the fabric of a franchise and making it competitive. I would say making it a winner, but the Suns haven't won a championship, so that would be a stretch. OK, I got that too, moving on.

So how will the MVP be chosen this year? I have to ask.... If you apply the Dirk Nowitzki method, voting the best player on the best team, then you focus your attention to the Boston Celtics, who at the moment have a 56-15 record, and tonight play the New Orleans Hornets, the only team they haven't beaten this season. You could go with the Dirk method, and say KG is the MVP. Now you only have the best team to choose from, remember? So, before you go too far in one direction (and I know what direction you will go ), look at the way the Celtics play the game. They are all about team team team, and suit up for each other night in and night out. Yes, Kevin Garnett is a huge part of that, but is Paul Pierce not supposed to get any credit for this season just because he is not a newcomer and dealt with them being literally a Developmental league team for the last three to four years? You could make a legitimate argument that Paul Pierce is the best player on the Celtics, with his improved defense this season, outstanding passing, and his overall commitment to team basketball. I'm not trying to say that Paul Pierce should get the MVP over KG if this is how the voting is going to go, but at the very least Paul Pierce should win another MVP. Most valuable professional, I mean, because at any time Paul Pierce could have said I want out, and made a fuss like most stars his caliber do when they wish to be traded from a bad franchise. I give Kudos wrapped in a big gift basket to Paul Pierce for sticking with the Celtics through the good times and the bad times.

Let's say the commitee wants to take the Nash route instead, however. This would mean that more variables would be added to the equation, no doubt. You could look at how much help a player has around him, the perception as to how that one player effects the players around him, for the good or bad, and how good would the team in question be WITHOUT your MVP candidate. Well, let's start the comparison machine up again and go back to Garnett. KG came to the Celtics and brought an energy that has not been seen or felt in Beantown since the days of Larry Bird in the 80's. Garnett lays it all out on the floor everytime he plays, and is the one player who holds others accountable when they don't hold up their end of the bargain when contributing to the team winning. His positive and self-confident attitude brought a swagger back to the Celtics that became absolutely infectious, and is a key reason why the Celtics are where they are at this point in the season. He also brings outstanding, all-NBA first team level defense, and along with Tom Thibodeau and Doc Rivers, have isolated the Celtics as BY FAR the best defensive team in the NBA. The Celtics are having a truly special season, leading in almost every defensive category, and have lost only two games by twelve points or more. To boot, they have a 24-5 record against the superior western conference for the season. Now, to the detriment of Kevin Garnett when using the Nash method, the Celtics have a 7-2 record with KG out of the lineup. That is one major stat that can and probably will hurt his chances in the MVP voting.

The next candidate we look at with the Nash method is New Orleans Hornets point guard Chis "CP3" Paul, who averages 21 points per game, 11 assists per game, and his assist to turnover ratio is 4.5, another outstanding stat. No one expected the New Orleans Hornets to make the jump from a team that didn't even make the playoffs last year, to a team that is the potential number 1 seed in the so dubbed "wild wild west". Paul is without question the best player on the Hornets, and does not have nearly as much around him as the likes of other MVP candidates Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, or Dwight Howard even! Tyson Chandler is a fine defensive player, but not a great big man by any stretch. David West is indeed a 17-foot assasin, as CP3 likes to call him, but he is by no means a star either. Despite his age, Paul has a very good shot at being the MVP for this season for his consistently spectacular play. Quite frankly, the New Orleans Hornets without Chris Paul are not much of a team, and to me that is what shows true value as a player. Chris Paul is so special because he knows the game so well, and his teammates he knows better than that. When, where and how to get his teammates the basketball is what Chris Paul excels at. He also averages 2.7 steals a game, so he is no slouch on the defensive end either. I don't know what kind of Wheaties Byron Scott feeds his point guards, but whatever it is, it's working. Just ask CP3 and Jason Kidd.

Other candidates for the MVP are Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and with a very slim shot at it, Dwight Howard. Howard is not going to win it, but is worth mentioning with his great play in the post this season. Lebron James has crazy good stats for the year, but his team is currently 40-32, so in my mind he won't get any consideration for that reason along with one other. Lebron is only 23 years of age, so the voters will figure he will get another shot at it down the road.

The only other player I believe that has a real shot at winning the MVP for this season is Kobe Bryant. In his 11 year career, Kobe has (surprisingly) never won an MVP award. That certainly works in Kobe's favor, as does his usual outstanding season. Averaging 30+ points, Kobe has had to carry a heavier load due to injuries to Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol. My only objection is this... Kobe always puts up great numbers and has great seasons, but since Pau Gasol is there that means Kobe should get the award now? That is the only difference between now and when Kobe was a great player before. He has more help than before. Does that mean he should win the MVP? I just don't think so. The fact that Kobe has not won an MVP award yet in his career makes him a stronger consideration for it this year, maybe even a frontrunner, which is a sad thought because there are players who are going to get overlooked for their seasons just because of Kobe's MVP status, or should I say, lack there of.

The MVP voting has never made sense to me, mainly because there is no consistent model in which the voting for the award is based. Most Valuable Player to me means the player who means the most to his team, and without that player the team is significantly affected for the worse. A player that greatly improves the production and effectiveness of his teammates and works within the framework of winning basketball is the guy I want to win MVP. To me, what Chris Paul has done as the leader of the New Orleans Hornets is truly remarkable. For that team to make a jump that big and that fast, you got to look at the trigger of such a turnaround. For the Celtics, who have had an incredible turnaround themsleves, it is KG, but not just KG. Ray Allen, Eddie House, James Posey, Sam Cassell, Tom Thibodeau, and Glen Davis are all new players and/or coaches on that Celtics team that have contributed to the Celtics winning cause. For the Hornets, it's Chris Paul, and Chris Paul only. His maturity as a player from last year to this year is the difference between a team that didn't make the playoffs a year ago, to a team that is at the top of one of the most competitive conference races in the history of the NBA. So with all that said, my final judgement: CP3-MVP.