I’m back after a very long and exciting absence — which I may or may not tell you about later. Just so happens that I’m just in time for what has become one of the most exciting times of the year for Blazers fans in the Kevin Pritchard era: the draft. SJ and I will tag team our thoughts after each pick agreed upon. One note: this is mostly what we think teams should do, not what they will do — we’ll leave that to Chad Ford. Otherwise, it’s a mock draft, so without further ado…
In the 2008 NBA Draft, the 1st Pick…
No. 1
Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose
SJ: Chicago can’t pass up on D-Rose. They just can’t. I’m convinced. In an era where Chris Paul and Deron Williams rule the world, the Bulls can’t pass up on the talent and potential of Rose. Sorry Beasley…there’s always a big man out there. Even if Paxson can’t make a move to save his life
Coup: This decision is the perfect example of drafting for need or best player. It’s no secret that Chicago has needed a post man for years and years and years, and now they can take Michael Beasley. They shouldn’t. Even putting Beasley’s “character” concerns aside, Rose needs to be taken for the same reason Oden had to last year — players like him only come around so often, and they are rarely ever made available again. Scoring 4’s are often available, right now you can get Jermaine O’Neal, Elton Brand and Zach Randolph to name a few, but you aren’t trading for Chris Paul. The Bulls have plenty of trading assets to get another big, perhaps by giving Hinrich (who must be traded) and Tyrus Thomas, and while taking Rose puts Paxson in the position to have to make a move like that, the combo he could end up with is much more valuable than Beasley/Hinrich.
No. 2
Miami Heat
Michael Beasley
SJ: Well…this is a no-brainer. Miami has to draft Beasley at #2. They have to. That or Pat Riley has to slick his hair back and try and convince Paxson to pick Beasley. Beasley is just too good. A big man that can seemingly do everything…that makes NBA scouts drool. The big question for Miami is do they trade him? (They should for Brand if possible) Even if they don’t, a Wade-Beasley combo is not too shabby for a team who has to rebuild.
Coup: Just like taking Durant — easy as pie. All this Mayo talk just reeks of smokescreening to encourage trade offers. The real question isn’t about selecting Beasley, it’s if the Heat keep him. Wade/Beasley sounds like a nice core for the long run, but with a roster full of guys like Smush Parker and Chris Quinn, rebuilding is a must, and like SJ said, doesn’t Wade/Brand sound a tad nicer to build aroud? It’s unclear what it would take to get Brand with his current contract status, but a sign and trade for Beasley, Blount and Marcus Banks is something the Heat shouldn’t even have to think about. Of course the big monkey wrench, salary wise, or boon talent wise is Shawn Marion, who had until Tuesday to opt out of his contract. Trading or keeping, Beasley is the value pick here.
No. 3
Minnesota Timberwolves
O.J. Mayo
Coup: Another value pick. Among the combo guards, Bayless has less upside than Mayo. The fear is that Mayo may be a bit like Stephon Marbury, but even if that’s true, the younger Marbury was once traded for Jason Kidd. It’s not like the TWolves are going anywhere for two or three years, so why not let Mayo build up his value and then decide whether he works with Randy Foye or not. Of course they could always just trade the pick now, which looks like a strong possibility.
SJ: I don’t want to hear about Kevin Love, Brook Lopez or the Italian Stallion here at #3. I’d encourage them to trade the pick, but since I can’t see the future I have to say Minnesota should draft OJ Mayo. As bad as they want a center to play along with Big Al, they need a perimeter scorer more. I’m sorry but Rashad McCants being your #1 perimeter threat is just not going to get it done. With Mayo still on the board, he’s too good of a player to pass up. Remember people were talking about him as the #1 pick before the season started. He’ll inject that backcourt with some much needed O. He’s smooth in a way that could make them feel better about not having B-Roy. And you know you want to read about him getting in a fight with Marko Jaric when he looks at Adriana too long.
No. 4
Seattle Supersonics
Jerryd Bayless
SJ: Best fit for Seattloklahoma is Bayless. He’s what the Sonics need.He can handle the ball and more importantly he can score. He’s also a major league uprade over Earl Watson and seeing as how Luke Ridnour is in a doghouse inside of PJ’s doghouse, Bayless should be able to succeed with ease. He’ll also provide Mr. Durant with a bit of offensive relief something we all know he desperately needs.
Coup: The poor Sonics. Always getting the consolation prize. On a pure talent basis, Bayless is much closer to Mayo than the rest of the flock. He’s got terribly short arms, but that doesn’t keep him from scoring, and should provide a steady flow of jabs to the gut of defenses. But, even if Bayless turns into a 20-point scorer and is capable of running the point, the Sonics are going to have many holes to fill in the coming years. The biggest one of which goes by the name of defense. Ironically, they better hope another project center from Africa is available later in the round.
No. 5
Memphis Grizzlies
Anthony Randolph
Coup: This pick was the subject of much debate. Knowing the Grizzlies, they will probably draft Lopez after shooting themselves in the foot with the Gasol trade. But like the Minny/Mayo pick, the Grizz have time to spare on projects, and Randolph has the most upside of anyone remaining. SJ brought up Hakim Warrick and Stromile Swift when I first mentioned him, but Randolph has a true face up game and has more in common with Chris Bosh than just the thin frame. With Conley and Gay, this looks like a team being built on speed and athleticism, so why not add more of it?
SJ: Well….it’s Memphis’ turn and they are in a big man quandary. Lopez, Love, Randolph…you could really argue what they’re going to do for a good 20 minutes. They’ll try and play it safe with one of the big stiffs but what they SHOULD do is draft Anthony Randolph. He has a much bigger *gulp* upside then both Love and Lopez. He’s long, can protect the basket and run the floor. And it’s not like the Grizzlies are going anywhere near the playoffs anytime soon so they can play him and develop him, teach him some post moves and see if he turns into Chris Bosh or Keon Clark.
Coup: Well, we came to a nice consensus on that one didn’t we. I didn’t mention it before but we write these completely separate of each other.
No. 6
D.J. Augustin
New York Knicks
Coup: What, too high for a 5-foot-11 PG you say? Of every offense in the league, what is the one that absolutely needed a true point to succeed? Pheonix. And where is there coach now? Exactly. Other guys might have more upside, but Mike D’Antoni needs a passer, not another combo guard. Of course, I tried to convince SJ that the Knicks should take Love. I just want to see what Mike D could do with those pinpoint outlet passes. Picture David Lee pounding the boards, handing off to Love and Kevin just firing to three streaking guards. Oh, well, tradition it is.
SJ: The Knicks ne
ed a true point guard. They needed one all of last year. And now with D’Antoni running the ship they really need one. Sorry Nate Robinson you can back up and be effective but you can’t run the mothership. It’s clear Marbury isn’t going to be the guy to be able to get the most out of this team…so hand the keys to DJ Augustin. He’s a pure PG something the Knicks haven’t had in forever in a long time. I know there’s a sentiment for Westbrook but they have enough Combo’s to be a fast-food restaurant, why add another to the equation. And I know my partner-in-crime wants to see Love throwing outlets all over the Garden…but do you really wan’t him and his mini K-Fed haircut hanging with Zach Randolph? Didn’t think so.
No. 7
Los Angeles Clippers
Eric Gordon
SJ: With the departure of Corey Maggette looking more and more likely, the Clips need to draft Eric Gordon. As easy as it would be to draft Westbrook to solve the Brevin Knight, Dan Dickau, Shaun Livingston dilemma…they need to take the best player. And Gordon is the best player available. He can score in many ways and the Clippers need some offense to help their big boys (Brand, Kaman, Thornton) out. I mean come on..Quinton Ross?
Coup: I don’t know what the Clippers’ plan is, or if they even have one. Signs are pointing to them letting Elton Brand go, either through trade or free agency, and Corey Maggette has been on the block for about three years. That’s a lot of offense going out the door, and Gordon is the man to replace it. This becomes more of a no-brainer if they can get Beasley for Brand. That’s the kind of pairing any normal franchise could build around.
No. 8
Milwaukee Bucks
Joe Alexander
Coup: Teams are falling in love with Jumpin’ Joe after a series of exceptional workouts. It’s not just because of his Vince Carter-like athleticism, the kid busts his butt too. If Joe makes good on his potential in two or three years and the rest of the Bucks (particularily Yi) mature, this could be a Top-3 team in the East. That’s a lot of IF’s to be banking on, though. Remember when Andrew Bogut was taken No. 1 over Chris Paul and Deron Williams?
SJ: Milwaukee needs a small forward and at 8 they’ll be able to get a good one. I don’t think the Italian Stallion and Scott Skiles would mesh at all so throw that out of your brains. The Bucks should draft Alexander. He’s proven he’s a hard worker something that Skiles will love. He can also shoot and has athleticism out of this world. He’s upside, versatility and work ethic are too much to pass up on.
No. 9
Charlotte Bobcats
Brook Lopez
SJ: Brook Lopez. Hold your horses before you throw stuff at me. He’s already fallen this far, I don’t see him falling out of the lottery people. He’s a 7-footer who can score in the post and can move well enough. This still makes NBA scouts and execs drool all over themsleves like a 12 year old watching HBO at 2 AM. That being said…the Bobcats need a big man to complement Okafor. Preferably one who can score. Enter Mr. Lopez. Kevin Love and Darrell Arthur would give Charlotte two under-sized bigs…and they don’t want that. The caoches will give him more post-moves, he can hit a mid-range jumper and play high-low with Okafor. And come on…a frontline of Lopez and Okafor is going to a pretty good job of protecting the basket. This is what they should do. We all know MJ is going to draft someone random and have Charles Oakley intimidate anyone who questions him.
Coup: I’m not sold on either the pick or the player himself, but logistically this makes sense, as Lopez will slide Okafor over. This smells like the kind of pick Charlotte would make before MJ got there, taking the guy who had success in college. But Michael isn’t about to take another risk on a project big man like DeAndre Jordon (cough, Kwame). Not much else to say here, the Bobcats seemed destined for more than a few seasons of mediocrity.
No. 10
New Jersey Nets
Danilo Gallinari
SJ: No matter what the Nets do with Richard Jefferson, they should draft Danilo at #10. For one he wants to go there. That’s always a good sign. If they keep RJ, Danilo can slide to the 4 and play a mini-Dirk role, being the poor man’s Kukoc to Vince’s very very very poor man’s MJ. Besides the Nets need size here…I don’t like them drafting Arthur, McGee or Jordan seeing as how they already have Sean Williams. Why not go for the Italian Stallion? I bet Jay-Z calls him a ‘cool dude’ sometime within the next three months.
Coup: While he may not be as sleek a pick as NJ fans might want, Gallinari has a buffet of skills and might be able to play the 1-4 spots. The sexy pick will come in two seasons when the Nets make their push for LeBron, and for now Gallinari won’t do anything but help them as they seemingly begin a quasi-rebuilding phase. One of the safer picks in a draft full of “upside.”
No. 11
Indiana Pacers
Russell Westbrook
SJ: Pacers are taking Westbrook or Augustin…here we have Westbrook on the board. No way they pass on this guy. With Jamaal Tinsley having worn out his welcome and some, Westbrook will be the breath of fresh air this franchise needs. Very versatile he can slash, he can finish he can pass, he can defend. He’ll fit in to O’Brien’s system both offensively and defensively…and goodness gracious it’s just a slam dunk pick to take him here if he’s available.
Coup: There is zero chance Westy gets past Larry Bird. None. Nada. Goose Egg. The jury is still out on Russell’s ability to man the point full-time, but even if he isn’t he’ll be an upgrade over Tinsley. The only player on this roster that is nailed to the floor seems to be Danny Granger. Everyone else could be on the move. Everything depends on whether O’Neal gets moved or not. If he does, draft a big, if not, go with the guys who as Bill Simmons might say, “was so underrated he became overrated.” And that will be the first and last time I quote Simmons, trust me.
No. 12
Sacramento Kings
Kevin Love
Coup: Reggie Theus deserves all the credit in California for the job he did with this squad last season. While it may seem odd to give him one of the more unathletic guys in the draft for the most unathletic team in the league, Love is going to be better than many people think. He won’t be a star, but he will be a starter with some unique skills. Taking Love makes Brad Miller expendable, who will be joined on his way out the door by Ron Artest (just please, not for Lamar Odom, unless you want the cap space). Kevin Martin, Kevin Love, Spencer Hawes. It might be one of the most intimidating cores of all times, but they could make the Kings sneaky good — just not great.
SJ: No way K-Love drops out of the lottery and no way Sac-town passes up on him if he’s available. Sure they have a lot of power forwards and what not…but come on how secure can you be with Mikki Moore, Kenny Thomas, Shareef and Mr. Candace Parker? My point exactly. Love can rebound, he can score in the paint…he’s the real Brad Miller Jr. Sorry Spencer. Plus you all know you want to see a team with Spencer Hawes, Kevin Love and Brad Miller. You don’t have to admit it, you just know you do.
No. 13
Portland Trailblazers
Brandon Rush
Coup: This should come as no surprise for anyone who’s been reading the RCP for the last week or so. While KP seems to have “upside” goggles on for Westbrook and Alexander (rightfully so), Rush
might end up being the best fit of all of them, even if he’s the only option. Make no mistake, the Blazers are drafting, or trading, for now. This pick might belong to any number of teams by the time Portland is supposed to be on the clock, but Rush reminds me so much of James Posey with his defense and spot-up shooting that I would push for KP to buy another mid-round pick with say JJack and cash (wishful thinking) to get Rush. He’s not ever going to be a star, but he’s going to contribute mightily to a championship contender.
SJ: Everyone and their cousin says we should trade this pick. If we keep it we should draft Brandon Rush. Hands down. He can contribute ASAP, he can shoot…and he can defend. Two things the Blazers need. A perimeter defender…something the Blazers have needed since Travis was chosen over Ime. James Posey anyone? Plus I really want to pretend him and Brandon Roy are a wrestling tag tam from the 1980s.
No. 14
Golden State Warriors
Donte Green
SJ: Not really agreeing with those who think the Warriors should draft a big-man. They need one to help Biedrins out…but they still have Brandan Wright. No need to force Koufos, McGee or Jordan in there. They don’t have the patience to deal with the potential of Darrell Arthur…so Donte Green it is. He can give them some of the athelticism they lost when Jason Richardson was traded. He’s got versatility and he’s questionable basketball IQ won’t be strained too much in Golden State. He just seems like a good fit for the Warriors style of play.
Coup: The Warriors sort of already have a less-atheltic version of Green in Stephen Jackson, but Donte fits Nellieball just as well with his shooting ability. This is a clear upside pick, but one that could prove fruitfull if the Warriors decide to do a little rebuilding this offseason. The guy picked before, Rush, would be a good pick for GS too.
Note: Lottery over. From here on out SJ and I will alternate thoughts on picks.
No. 15
Pheonix Suns
Kosta Koufos
Coup: I know, but hear me out. The Suns obviously need a 2 or 3, but 15 is way too high to take the next best guy for that mold, Chris Douglas Roberts. They could trade down (better not sell the pick Mr. Kerr)…they could take Mario Chalmers as a back up to Nash if they dont trade for T.J. Ford as has been rumored…but at 15 the most logical choice is Koufos. The guy could’ve been a top-5 pick had he waited a year, and the Suns are rapidly approaching the time that they are going to have to rebuild around Amare without Nash or Shaq. Whether they are one or two years away from that, Koufos, who’s got the shooting ability to create a real spread-the-D threat with Amare, could give them a head start. By all accounts Kerr is trying for another pick, in which case any two of the three I listed would be good picks (likely CDR tops in that situation).
No. 16
Philadelphia 76ers
DeAndre Jordan
SJ: Philadelphia needs a big man or a shooter. They’ll snag a big with #16. Jordan wins out over everyone else. Robin Lopez isn’t a good enough scorer and isn’t even a better rebounder than Reggie Evans so he’s out. Mareese Speights supposedly had a bad workout which probably left Philly with a bad taste…so I’m going to go with Jordan here. I’m basing this off his upside and the fact that he has a lot of beastiness inside of him. A lot.
No. 17
Toronto Raptors
Robin Lopez
Coup: Lots of options here, all of them big men. Javale McGee is an option for his shotblocking ability, but I got scared off after reading a Patrick O’Bryant comparison, no thank you m’am. Alexis Ajinca is another, and the Raptors are certainly not averse to taking foreigners a little high, but Lopez gives them the rebounding they need right away. Robin could clean up the hustle stats next to Bosh and let Bargnani permanently slide over to the 3 spot, where he’s either going to mature and be good or be one of the worst draft busts ever. They could also trade T.J. for a big man and draft a guard like Batum.
No. 18
Washington Wizards
Darrell Arthur
SJ: Darrell Arthur aka Mr. Smooth. We dropped him pretty far but he is a money talent that will be a steal for the Wizards. A team who has been relying on Brendan Haywood for low post scoring. I know. Arthur’s a no brainer for the Wiz.
No. 19
Cleveland Cavaliers
Chris Douglas-Roberts
Coup: Looking ahead, I don’t see any reason the Cavs are offering LeBron that would make him stay, but CDR would at least offer a little help on the scoring end of things. There are some shooters avaliable, and a number of project-type big men, but CDR can get to the rim and finish on his own, which is partially what Larry Hughes was meant to do for them in the first place. A possible steal even this high above his “projected” spot.
No. 20
Denver Nuggets
Mario Chalmers
SJ: I know, I know…Denver has two great point guards in Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter, what am I thinking? Oh wait those guys aren’t very good. The Nugs could go with a PG or size…I think they can manage with their bigs. They can’t manage without a true PG for another year. If they were even thinking about Ty Lawson they should snatch up Chalmers in a heartbeat. Not only can he play the point, he can actually play defense something I believe is a foreign concept in Denver. Chalmers would be a steal.
No. 21
New Jersey Nets
Alexis Ajinca
Coup: First thought was Courtney Lee, but I’m going with the Bynum-perogative here. What player has the best chance of lifting the team from the sorry land of mediocrity? Ajinca is all over that. The Nets should worry less about whether they should take him here, and more whether he’ll be here in the first place. Workouts have reportedly been off the charts, and we know how much many GM’s love their workout stars.
No. 22
Orlando Magic
Marreese Speights
SJ: As much as people say the Magic need a 2, they really need another big man to help out Dwight. Because Tony Battie and Adonal Foyle aren’t getting it done yesterday, today or tomorrow. Thus Speights stays in his home state and plays for the Magic. Imagine the beastiness of Dwight and Speights? Unbelievable. Off the charts. Speights could be like a mini-Dwight.
No. 23
Utah Jazz
Roy Hibbert
Coup: Remember Jarron Collins? Hibbert could be him, but taller, and somehow slower. Ok, I don’t have high hopes for the Georgetown center who should have declared last year, but the Jazz are on the cusp of the Finals, and could use anybody who can play NOW. I can see Hibbert getting dominated by Oden and Bynum in less than 5 months. Still, Hibbert is tall.
No. 24
Seattle Sonics
Serge Ibaka
SJ: McGee is better than Ibaka but there’s no way I recommend that the Sonics draft another project big. It would make no sense to have Petro, Sene, Swift and McGee on the team. Nobody wins. Thus I said they go with Ibaka, let him flourish overseas and snag him at the right time. It’s the only solution with this pick.
No. 25
Houston Rockets
Bill Walk
er
Coup: Many GM’s probably scratched him off their boards when they heard Walker had more knee problems during a workout, but at 25, it’s worth the risk for the Rockets who needs someone who can slash and create their own offense — essentially the same reason CDR went to the Cavs.
No. 26
San Antonio Spurs
Courtney Lee
SJ: Lee isn’t the best of defenders but he can shoot the lights out of the ball. And tha’s something the Spurs really lacked this season. Lee makes even more sense given that the gas tank is running low for Barry and Finley. Why not give yourself a much needed infusion of youth. Lee’s also a guy who stayed all 4 years of college and should not have a problem fitting in with the Spurs.
No. 27
New Orleans Hornets
Nicolas Batum
Coup: The Hornets look up, see Batum is still on the board, send in their card, and push the autopilot button for the second round. He’s a year or two away from being useful, but this is one of the best value picks of the entire draft.
N0. 28
Memphis Grizzlies
JaVale McGee
SJ: We think Memphis should get more athletic and long…why not team up McGee with Randolph. McGee’s got the size, athleticism and he’ll get to develop and become a monster n a couple years. Drafting McGee could stopped those blues in Memphis. Actually…who am I kidding they are still gonna blow next year but still.
No. 29
Detroit Pistons
Nathan Jawai
Coup: Believe it or not, the big bad Pistons need a little muscle down low. They’ve got plenty of shooters to spread the floor, now they need some bangers. Jawai looks like he could be a hidden gem coming from Australia in the Paul Millsap mold.
No. 30
Boston Celtics
Ryan Anderson
SJ: Do the C’s really need to do anything with this pick? Not really. They could draft Sue Bird’s niece and Boston fans wouldn’t mind. A piece like Anderson can only add to the core giving them another shooter off the bench. Besides it’s a lot better than picking some Croatian guy and keeping him overseas. Let Scot Pollard and Scalabrine have a new friend.