NBA Mock Draft
The NBA draft is quickly approaching, and it's time to do a mock draft.
1. Clippers
Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
There's really no other choice. He's not the biggest need--Chris Kaman and Zach Randolph play the same position-- but he's the best player. And sometimes you have to take the best player.
2. Grizzlies
Hasheem Thabeet
The Griz have a good young point guard in Mike Conley, two athletic swing men in Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo. Now they need a big man. Thabeet, while raw offensively, can make an impact on defense immediately.
3. TRADE: The New York Knicks exchange the 8th pick and the rights to Cuttino Mobley in exchange for Oklahoma City's 3rd pick.
Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
I don't see OKC keeping this pick. The Knicks love Rubio and he's a perfect fit for their offense. Meanwhile, the Thunder get salary cap relief with the expiring contract of Mobley.
4. Kings
Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
The best pure point guard in the draft. Instant impact in Sacramento
5. Wizards
Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
A big guy to complement Gilbert Arenas
6. Wolves
Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA
He's a true scoring guard, and that's what they need.
7. Warriors
Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy
Can run up and down the floor, just like Don Nelson likes.
8. OKC (remember, trade with Knicks)
James Harden, SG, Arizona State
Adds another dynamic scorer to pair with Kevin Durant.
9. Toronto
Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
Gives them the sharp shooter they need after trading away Jason Kapono
10. Bucks
Tyreke Evans, PG, Memphis
They need a point guard, and he's the best left.
11. Nets
DeJuan Blair, PF, Pitt
They need a banger, and that's what Blair does
12. Bobcats
DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
Dynamic scorer they so desperately need
13. Pacers
Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
They need upfront scoring, but at 6-11 and room to add bulk, he can be effective in a few years.
14. Suns
Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
Similar to Lamar Odom, he can bring the ball up , and score down low. A perfect replacement for Shaq/ Stoudamire if/when they leave.
15. Pistons
Sam Young, SF, Pitt
Can score down low, and outside.
16. Bulls
Tyler Hansbrough, PF, UNC
The college all-star will play a big role off the bench.
17. 76ers
Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
Andre Miller is leaving, the need a NBA ready point guard.
18. Wolves
BJ Mullens, C, Ohio State
Although he is a few years away, he is the center they need
19. Hawks
Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
They finally get a Wake Forest point guard.
20. Jazz
James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest
They need down low help, and he can provide it.
21. Hornets
Toney Douglas, SG, Florida State
Another guy to help take the load off CP3
22. Mavericks
Ty Lawson, PG, UNC
A point guard for the future.
23. Kings
Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
A scorer to pair with Jonny Flynn
24. Blazers
Omri Casspi, SF, Spain
The Blazers love to trade picks, so this time they'll develop a guy in Europe.
25. Thunder
DaJuan Summers, SF, Georgetown
More scorers, and a guy who can shoot.
26. Bulls
Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
NBA ready 2 guard to help offset potential departure of Ben Gordon
27. Grizzlies
Derrick Brown, PF, Xavier
A tough low post presence
28. Wolves
Victor Claver, SF, Spain
A guy to develop overseas.
29. Lakers
Danny Green, SF, UNC
Someone to offset potential loss of Trevor Ariza
30. Cavs
Chase Budinger, SG, Arizona
Finally, LeBron gets a shooter.
Thanks for returning to The Blog of Champions!
Shaq to Cavs?
Although the NBA season is still going on, it doesn't stop rumors from circulating. The latest? Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavs. Again, it's a rumor, but the deal makes a ton of sense...for the Cavs. They can finally get a true inside presence to pair with LeBron James. And it doesn't just have to be him dominating. He now has help. The rumored deal is Shaq for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. The deal was discussed in Febrary before the trade deadline, but was never materialized. If Cleveland wants to keep LeBron, they have to get him a supporting cast. You saw in the Orlando series how he couldn't do it alone. Neither could Jordan. If they get Shaq, it's another step towards a championship.
Magic Lakers Game 1 Halftime Thoughts
After halftime, the Lakers are up 10. Here's what I think of the game so far: Kobe Bryant has been great. 18 points. He's carrying this team. He's impossible to guard. The big problem for the Lakers is going to be foul trouble for the big men trying to guard Howard. Gasol, Bynum have to try and stop Howard without using fouls. It's going to be hard.
For the Magic, why is Jameer Nelson still in there? I understand he's an explosive player, but he's so rusty. Rafer Alston has got them here. Nelson is okay for short bursts of energy. But not for the whole game. They're also missing threes left and right. You knew they couldn't keep up that pace. If they can hit threes at their normal pace, it's going to be trouble.
Lakers playing great defense. Lakers just look better, I think. Still, there's a lot of time left, and Howard has not been dominating. Rashard Lewis needs to drive more, mainly because Lamar Odom has been defensively sound. Kobe is going to get his points. You have to stop Fisher, Gasol etc. And the Magic have to try and get bigs in foul trouble. It should be a great second half. Enjoy it.
Magic Lakers Finals Preview
Magic Lakers NBA Finals start tomorrow. I love the NBA Finals, especially when there are two great teams. In fact, last year's finals was really where I got my blogging start. Anyway, here I am to break down the two teams, and who I think is going to win.
MAGIC:
The Magic do two things really, really well: Pick and roll, and shoot the threes. Dwight Howard is Superman, and a huge beneficiary of those pick and rolls. And if he's down low, with no where to go, he can dish out and usually someone like Turkoglu or Lewis will be open. And when they hit like they did during the Cavs series, they are hard to beat. That said, I think it will be hard to replicate that kind of success from behind the arc again. If they can't hit, they can't win. Simple as that. Defensively, the guy with the biggest role is Mickael Pietrus. He has to guard Kobe. He did a (relatively) good job on LeBron. If he can do a similar job on Kobe, the Magic have a great chance. Again, a lot of things have to go right. But it's not like they are completely overmatched. A big potential x factor is the (possible) return of Jameer Nelson. He had been hurt for a long time, and wasn't expected back. But now that he declares himself ready, is he a viable option? He'll be rusty. Rafer Alston has played well. If Nelson does play, I feel he'll be more of an emotional lift than anything. Either way, the Magic have to hit threes to stay in this series.
LAKERS:
Two words. Kobe Bryant. He's their guy. Their offense runs through him. He can play lock down defense. I'm going to assume he can play lights out. If he does, that's a huge advantage. But, like we saw with LeBron and the Cavs, you can't rely on one guy. Pau Gasol will have a tough time physically against Howard, but if he can score he will be a big help. Where has Andrew Bynum been? If he can step up, that's a big lift for Gasol. Another problem I have is who can guard Turkoglu and Lewis on the perimeter? I think Trevor Ariza is up to the task, but is Luke Walton? Sasha Vujacic? I don't see how they can guard them. I'm also resigning myself to the fact that no one in the league can guard Howard. Kobe has to be brilliant. Plain and simple. Gasol needs to be brilliant. So does Bynum. Can they all do that? I know Kobe can. I think Gasol can. Don't know about Bynum.
PREDICTION:
A lot of variables. Can Magic hit threes? Guard Kobe? Can Gasol step up? Can the Lakers guard the perimeter? After debating, I'm going to go with the Lakers in 7. I think it's going to be a hotly contested series. In the end, Kobe and experience win out. Enjoy the Finals.
LeBron Skips Out on Media
Following Saturday's game 6 loss to the Magic, LeBron walked off the court, into the locker room, and out into the real world. He didn't stop to tell the media why he was disappointed. He didn't sit behind the podium and lament the loss, complain about the lack of offensive help he has. He didn't stop to reflect on losing out on a trip to the Finals. No. Instead, LeBron did what any person would do after experiencing heartbreak: Leave, and be alone. He didn't face the music because, quite frankly, he couldn't. We forget sometimes. LeBron is only 24. And while critics will say he had an obligation to speak, as the face of the franchise, as the face of a city, I disagree. LeBron showed true emotion in the face of a shocking defeat. Lebron reminded us that it's okay to be upset after losing something important. If you or I lost someone or something important, we wouldn't have to face the media. We might sulk off, cry a little bit. LeBron might have done the same thing. It's important to realize that LeBron is ultra competitive. Maybe he was just angry that his team lost. But, I say it's more than that. LeBron didn't face the media, not because he was angry, because he was heartbroken. We 'witnessed' a great one, come crashing down to earth, reminding us that he's only human.
It’s Magic Lakers
Well, we didn't get the Finals matchup we all expected (and hoped for). But we got the next best thing. Kobe and the Lakers will take on Superman and the Magic. And if you think about it, it could be a great matchup. Two superstars. Howard should be able to feast on Pau Gasol. Howard is a tank physically, while Gasol is much skinner and carries less muscle. The Magic don't have an answer defensively to Kobe, unless Mickael Pietraus really steps up. We've said a lot that the Magic need to hit threes to win. If they do that, they'll be tough. But I don't think they can keep up the percentage of three pointers made against the Lakers. Ariza, Shannon Brown have been providing great defense on the perimeter.
It's not the matchup we wanted. But it's not bad. Can't wait for the Finals.
Don’t Panic Cleveland! It’s Not Over…Yet
So the Cavs are down 3-1. They haven't dominated a game at all, even their lone win. Every game, with the exception of Game 3, has been a nail biter. But is it over? No. Not in the slightest.
If the Cavs want to win this series, they have do a couple of things. One, distribute the basketball. You can't expect LeBron to do everything. Mo Williams, Ilgauskas, and company have to step up. If you're waiting for LeBron to take over, you're waiting too long. Basketball is five-on-five, not one-on-one. Two, force Orlando to not take threes. Sure, the Magic are not going to be as hot as they were last night, but the fact remains. If Orlando gets time and space to hit threes, the Cavs can't win. Make them play a half court, inside out game. And three, don't panic. While every game is must win, you have to take it one game at a time. And maybe, LeBron will make magic (no pun intended) happen.
King James MVP
Was there ever any doubt? LeBron James was named league MVP today. Amazingly, LeBron has been in the league for six years. Has not seemed that long. LeBron is electrifying. He is dynamic, engaging, fun to listen to and watch. I'm hoping, nay, praying for a Cavs- Lakers final. Because I know that this could be Bird-Magic all over again. The two best players in the league vying for the ultimate goal. Sure, a lot can happen between now and the finals. But do you really see anyone else overtaking them? I can't. Boston is not as good without KG. Orlando is too young. Houston doesn't have a huge scorer with McGrady hurt. Denver doesn't play defense. The stars have aligned for Cavs-Lakers, Kobe-LeBron. I can't wait.
Tim Donaghy Gets 15 Months
Tim Donaghy has gotten 15 months in jail for his role in the referee betting scandal. Good. Great. Get him out of the NBA, get him out of the public eye. He was a black cloud for the NBA, and now he can sit in jail, and the league can move on. Hopefully David Stern and the rest of league higher-ups can find a plan that eliminates betting in basketball. And hopefully they can execute it. Because basketball is a great game, a game that doesn't deserve to have this tomfoolery. If I were David Stern, I'd try to move away from this and focus on the stars of the game. Create a marketing plan that focuses on LeBron, Kobe, KG. Focus on the Olympic team. Focus on the international talent. Try to stay away from all of the troubles that surround you and use the positives. You just had a great NBA Finals. Focus on that. If you move away from the positives and try to focus on Donaghy, you'll end up hurting yourself. So David Stern, call up Kobe and LeBron. Have them pose for an ad together. Because you have the stars to divert the public's eye. So please, heed my advice. You'll be better for it.
