| Wrapping the NBA Draft late picks | Thursday 6/26, 11:13 PM CT |
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The following players were all drafted with late picks in the second round to complete tonight's NBA Draft: Richard Hendrix (PF, Golden State), DeVon Hardin (C, Seattle), Shan Foster (SG, Dallas), Darnell Jackson (PF, Miami), Tadija Dragicevic (SF, Utah), Maarty Leunen (SF, Houston), Mike Taylor (PF, Portland), Sasha Kaun (C, Seattle), James Gist (PF, San Antonio), Joe Crawford (SG, Lakers), Deron Washington (SF, Detroit), Semih Erden (C, Boston).
Our View: Most of these players will not be seen in the NBA any time soon, starting in the NBADL or staying overseas to continue their work there. One note of worth: Mike Taylor, drafted by the Blazers, was traded to the Clippers for a 2nd-round draft pick in 2009. |
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| Suns add Hairston | Thursday 6/26, 11:07 PM CT |
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With the 18th pick of the second round of the NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns have selected Oregon guard Malik Hairston .
Our View: The Suns were looking for a reliable contributor that will meld into the NBA with ease, and that is what Hairston will provide. |
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| Walker drafted by Wiz, traded to Boston | Thursday 6/26, 11:01 PM CT |
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With the 17th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Kansas State forward Bill Walker . Moments later, they traded Walker to the Celtics for cash considerations.
Our View: Walker was a lottery pick last season but returned to the college game after his draft stock was ruined by an ACL injury. He has mad hops and is very athletic. When Walker refines his skills, he could shine. |
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| Plaisted moves to Detroit | Thursday 6/26, 10:57 PM CT |
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With the 16th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the pick traded from Seattle to Detroit, the Pistons have selected BYU center Trent Plaisted .
Our View: Plaisted has lacked consistency, but at his best he is a force. The Pistons will hope to coach him up for the seasons ahead. |
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| Spurs add Dragic | Thursday 6/26, 10:54 PM CT |
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With the 15th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs have selected Slovenia's Goran Dragic .
Our View: Dragic is a strong guard prospect that can run the point but also carries the size and skills to fill the shooting guard spot if needed. The Spurs will let him season in developemental play for now, but he could be a player to watch in the future. |
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| Heat trade for Chalmers | Thursday 6/26, 10:48 PM CT |
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He wasn't with the Minnesota Timberwolves long, for the team that drafted him just a short bit ago has traded guard Mario Chalmers to the Miami Heat in exchange for Minnesota's 2nd-round draft pick next year and cash considerations.
Our View: Chalmers may be a better fit in Miami where he can find a better opportunity to compete for a starting job. Only time will tell, but at first glance, Chalmers should be happy with the change. |
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| Tomic joins Utah | Thursday 6/26, 10:45 PM CT |
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Utah has utilized the 14th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft to add Croatian center Ante Tomic .
Our View: Tomic will need to time develop into a contributor, but his massive frame and strength are appealing to those in need of help in the post (measuring 7-2, 237 lbs). |
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| Ewing Jr. finds home with Kings | Thursday 6/26, 10:41 PM CT |
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With the 13th pick of the second round in this year's NBA Draft, the Kings have selected Georgetown forward Patrick Ewing Jr. .
Our View: The Kings are going to nurse Ewing along, hoping he can become a contributor off the bench. He touts solid all-around skills and could be a post presence any team would covet coming off the reserves list. |
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| Kings take Singletary | Thursday 6/26, 10:35 PM CT |
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With the 12th pick of the second round of this year's NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings have selected Virginia point guard Sean Singletary .
Our View: Singletary comes of four years of college play with proven leadership abilities and solid all-around skills. He carries no glaring talents or deficiencies, thus the Kings are certain he can become a role player off the bench. |
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| Pacers take Jawai | Thursday 6/26, 10:31 PM CT |
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With the 11th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers have selected Australian forward/center Nathan Jawai .
Our View: A raw talent, Jawai has a massive build and a knack for rebounds under the hoop. It will take time for him to find a spot in the NBA roster, but the potential to become a player is there. |
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| Douglas-Roberts falls to second round | Thursday 6/26, 10:24 PM CT |
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He fell much further than expected, but the Memphis Tigers entered another name into the NBA tonight as the New Jersey Nets used the 10th pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft to select guard Chris Douglas-Roberts .
Our View: It is unclear why so many teams took a pass on Douglas-Roberts (especially Boston with the last pick of the first round). He is a talent on the perimeter with great vision and solid passing skills. He is a bit of a tweener in terms of his NBA position, but he should contribute quickly if given the opportunity. |
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| Chicago adds Weems to guard group | Thursday 6/26, 10:19 PM CT |
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With the ninth pick in the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls have selected Arkansas guard Sonny Weems .
Our View: Weems is one of few seniors drafted this evening, but his leadership qualities and his athletic talents were too much to ignore. Now Chicago has a depth chart bloated with guards and there will be interesting moves made in the days ahead. |
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| Weaver joins Charlotte | Thursday 6/26, 10:15 PM CT |
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With the eighth pick in the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats have selected Washington State point guard Kyle Weaver .
Our View: Weaver has trouble hitting with consistency from the perimeter but his passing is solid and he could become a force off the bench. Weaver is extremely intelligent and coaches believe he could become a beneficial contributor with the right coaching at this level. |
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| Bucks gamble on Mbah a Moute | Thursday 6/26, 10:11 PM CT |
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With the seventh pick of the second round of this evening's NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks have selected forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute .
Our View: Mbah a Moute is a very raw talent just starting to realize his potential. He needs to be molded to score with effciency, but his work on defense is outstanding. |
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| Portland grabs Asik | Thursday 6/26, 10:08 PM CT |
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With the sixth pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Portland Trailblazers have selected foreign center Omer Asik from Turkey.
Our View: Asik is a project but was rated by some scouts as a player that could have been justified as a top-10 pick in this draft. He has a tremendous talent under the net and is noted for his immense skills in rebounding and scoring in the post. With Greg Oden on staff, Asik will be brough along slowly and is not likely to see the NBA for some time. |
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| Clippers select Jordan | Thursday 6/26, 10:00 PM CT |
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With the fifth pick of the second round of this year's NBA Draft, the Clippers have selected Texas A&M center DeAndre Jordan .
Our View: His offensive skills are on the rise and his ability to rebound is unquestionable, but his drive and heart are in question. Scouts felt he took games off in college and worry the lifestyle of the NBA will not help him change those lazy habits. |
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| Wolves draft Chalmers | Thursday 6/26, 9:57 PM CT |
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With the fourth pick in the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, the Timberwolves have selected Kansas guard Mario Chalmers .
Our View: Chalmers size demands he runs the point, meaning he will have to battle for playing time in the season ahead. However, Chalmers is a proven leader and a great passer, thus he could surprise and be a player to watch looking foward. |
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| Portland drafts Dorsey | Thursday 6/26, 9:54 PM CT |
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With the third pick in the second round of tonight's NBA Draft, Portland has selected Memphis foward Joey Dorsey .
Our View: Dorsey is a big kid with a knack for rebounding, but his overall skills are lacking. His size lacks for NBA needs and he could find trouble if he is listed as a center, but his has the athletic skills to make that position work if it is presented. He won't provide a ton offense, but Dorsey could make an impact off the bench. |
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| Trade nets Pistons UAB forward Sharpe | Thursday 6/26, 9:50 PM CT |
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The pick notes "Seattle" but was trade to Detroit, and on the Pistons' behalf, the Sonics selected UAB forward Walter Sharpe with the second pick of the second round of tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Sharpe is all about upside, a tremendous athlete with raw basketball skills that needs time to prepare for the NBA. His work ethic is questionable and he failed to impress with his academic struggles in school, but the potential to become a strong NBA player led the Pistons to make a trade and still grab a player they covet. |
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| Seattle trades picks for White | Thursday 6/26, 9:46 PM CT |
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We just noted his arrival in the NBA, originally drafted by the Pistons late in the first round, but Seattle has traded the 32nd overall pick as well as the 46th overall pick to Detroit in exchange for forward DJ White .
Our View: The draft-day trade market has been slow, but Seattle views White as their answer for needs down low. He joins a youth effort that could provide solid opportunity to make an immediate impact. This landing spot will give him a chance to play much more quickly than Detroit. |
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| Wolves tab Pekovic for the future | Thursday 6/26, 9:43 PM CT |
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With the first pick in the second round, 31st overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Our View: We wont' see Pekovic in the NBA for at least a couple of years. He's a developemental player with great strength and a presence in the post, but he is not nearly close to ready for the NBA. |
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| Boston selects Giddens | Thursday 6/26, 9:37 PM CT |
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With the 30th pick of this year's NBA Draft, the champion Boston Celtics have selected New Mexico guard JR Giddens .
Our View: The pick surprises with Chris Douglas-Roberts and others on the board, but the Celtics have added a player with strong upside. Giddens spent two years at Kansas and transfered to New Mexico for a starting gig. He is very athletic but is also very raw, and his defensive skills will need strong coaching to round into form (though this is the NBA, where it may not matter too much). He is only good around the basket with nothing to speak of in terms of a perimeter game, and for that many scouts felt he wouldn't be drafted. Instead, Boston took him in the first round and will see what he can do. |
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| Pistons gamble on White | Thursday 6/26, 9:29 PM CT |
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The Detroit Pistons have drafted Indiana forward DJ White with the 29th pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: White is a player to watch for several reasons. For starters, we are unsure where he fits into the roster. He is a force in the post but lacks the size to rebound against the powers of the NBA. His offensive skills lack from the perimeter, all but negating his potential to fill the shooting foward position. He can play at power forward, but he needs to do some work to get into shape for the game at this level. The Pistons tend to find solid contributors late in the draft, but this pick seems like a bit of a reach. |
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| Memphis selects Greene | Thursday 6/26, 9:20 PM CT |
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With their second pick in the first round, the Memphis Grizzlies have selected Syracuse forward Donte Greene with the 28th pick in the NBA Draft.
Our View: Greene has a lot of room to grow as a player. He is explosive on offense but lacks a perimeter game. He is highly athletic but lacks the knowledge to put it to use. He can play D but rarely puts himself in position to maximize his skills. The Grizzlies are betting they can find a solution to make him an option, potentially at center, and with Darko Milicic standing as his competition, the stage of opportunity is laid for a rise to contribute. |
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| Arthur falls, but Portland calls his name | Thursday 6/26, 9:12 PM CT |
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After a long and frustrating wait, Kansas forward Darrell Arthur has been selected by the New Orleans Hornets with the 27th pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: Reports from the ESPN crew indicate Arthur's refusal to submit to laboratory testing for a suspected kidney condition sent teams running in the other direction. Kansas coach Bill Self spoke with reporters and noted the Jayhawks had tested him numerous times and never had an issue, but the NBA minds found reason for grave concern. This has allowed a highly-talented player to fall into a situation that could prove highly beneficial. The Hornets are trading this pick to the Portland Trailblazers but can't give the selection directly to the team at this time, so they have made the pick on their behalf. Arthur joins a team of youth in Portland and has the game to contribute immediately. He has to fight for playing time early, but he could earning the starting job at small forward. |
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| Spurs add Hill to list of guards | Thursday 6/26, 9:06 PM CT |
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The San Antonio Spurs have drafted Purdue point guard George Hill with the 26th pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View: Hill is viewed by many as a sleeper in this year's draft. His lack of size limits him to the point where his risk-taking acumen has brought more turnovers than desired. However, he has a soft touch from the outside and he could become yet another in a long line of quality guards residing on the Spurs roster. This team is known for finding talent in this part of the draft, and that alone should be Hill in the minds of fantasy owners looking foward. |
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| Houston drafts Batum | Thursday 6/26, 9:00 PM CT |
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The Houston Rockets have used the 25th pick in this year's NBA Draft to add France phenom forward Nicolas Batum to the squad.
Our View: Batum has been a true power on the roundball circuit in France, a country that has produced more than a few solid NBA contributors. The plan is to let Batum work into the NBA, likely through summer leagues and developmental training. Essentially, Houston fans, meet your team's view of the future after Tracy McGrady. He has similar skills and the athletic ability to improve is there. |
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| Sonics gamble on Ibaka | Thursday 6/26, 8:53 PM CT |
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Seattle has drafted Congo import, power forward Serge Ibaka , with the 24th pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: This kid is not going to play in the NBA next season, and may miss another season beyond that. The Sonics will put him in a system to tutor him along and mentor him towards a role in the NBA. His size and skill earned notice from scouts and the Sonics are ready to make that gamble, but we won't see the results for some time. |
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| Jazz select Koufos | Thursday 6/26, 8:46 PM CT |
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The Utah Jazz have added a much-needed big man, drafting Ohio State center Kosta Koufos with the 23rd pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: The Jazz may have found a player currently labeled as a project that could quickly be molded into an impact contributor. The Jazz have long relied on Carlos Boozer to do the dirty work down low. Adding Koufos and coaching him into the role could ease that pain. Koufos has great defensive skills and a surprising touch on offense, especially from the perimeter. He could fill in as depth at power forward, but for the Jazz, adding an option to join Mehmet Okur at center is a gift they should be happy to add. |
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| Magic select Lee | Thursday 6/26, 8:41 PM CT |
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As promised, the Orlando Magic have selected Western Kentucky guard Courtney Lee with the 22nd pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: The Magic informed Lee he would be their guy if he was available for hire at the 22nd pick, and for good reason. He is an excellent fit for this team, a proven shooter with underrated defensive skills and athletic ability that will surprise. He could be an immediate impact player for the Magic, playing at the shooting guard spot next to Jameer Nelson. That could solidify Orlando as a force in the East next season. |
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| Nets select Anderson | Thursday 6/26, 8:37 PM CT |
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The Nets have drafted Cal forward Ryan Anderson with the 21st pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: This is a solid pick, adding a quality outside shooter and a player likely to become a reliable offensive presence off the bench. Anderson is skilled as a passer, he can hit from three-point range, and will give the Nets depth at both the shooting guard and small forward positions. There is little reason to believe he will become a force in your fantasy league, but he could become a quality backup option if the Nets put him in postion to score. |
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| Ajinca drafted by Charlotte | Thursday 6/26, 8:30 PM CT |
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The Charlotte Bobcats have added center Alexis Ajinca from France with the 20th pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View: The pick, gained via trade from the Nuggets, is the first international player the Bobcats have ever had on the roster. Unproven in quality competition, this is a pick for the future. The hope is to see Ajinca put on weight, to hit the weigth room, and to someday turn into a player worthy of starts at center. He is a gamble and we won't know if the wager pays off for some time. |
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| Cleveland takes Hickson | Thursday 6/26, 8:23 PM CT |
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have selected NC State forward JJ Hickson with the 19th pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Hickson is a strong player and could prove to be a perfect selection for the Cavs. LeBron has longed for an offensive force down low and Hickson is that player. He needs to improve his defense and rebounding a bit, but the skills to become a talent in the professional ranks is certainly there. This could be one of the better picks of the late first round. |
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| Pacers, Blazers trade new talents | Thursday 6/26, 8:19 PM CT |
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Pending league approval, the Pacers have agreed to send forward Ike Diogu and newly-drafted guard Jerryd Bayless to the Portland Trailblazers in exchange for guard Jarrett Jack and their first-round draft pick guard Brandon Rush.
Our View: The league will need time to review and are not likely to give official approval tonight, but the salaries appear to work and this should become official in the days ahead. |
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| Wiz pickup McGee to fill the post | Thursday 6/26, 8:16 PM CT |
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The Washington Wizards have selected Nevada forward JaVale McGee with the 18th pick of tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: A solid gamble for the Wiz, in need of a big man and targeting a kid with tons of upside. McGee has a huge wingspan and is very athletic, playing with a ton of heart. He can fill the center role in the NBA and could prove valuable on a team desperate for a post presence. If he plays to his potential, McGee could be a player to watch. |
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| Raptors select Hibbert | Thursday 6/26, 8:11 PM CT |
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The Toronto Raptors have selected Georgetown center Roy Hibbert with the 17th pick of this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: There are questoins abound with Hibbert. He's not very athletic and lacks proven ability on defense, though he can certainly rebound and provides a nice touch on offense. He is a veteran of the game in terms of his college experience and is rated as one of the more intelligent players in the draft, but his lack of hops is a major concern at this level. To play down low, you have to get up and challenge on D. Hibbert may lack the skills needed to provide that lift for the Raptors, but there is no doubt he'll get a shot as the Toronto depth chart is open to competition at the center position. |
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| Sixers find value in Speights | Thursday 6/26, 8:07 PM CT |
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The Philadelphia 76ers have selected Florida forward Marreese Speights with the 16th pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View: Speights may be one of the hidden gems of this draft. He is a force in the post, possessing outstanding power and a nose for the ball. He is solid in all facets of the game and will provide an immediately uplift to the defenese with the touch to become a threat on offense. The Sixers have Samuel Dalembert down low, but Speights has the game to push him for minutes and, possibly, the starting job. We've been seeing picks for the future by several teams now. This selection by Philly could give them an immediate starter. |
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| Suns add Lopez | Thursday 6/26, 8:01 PM CT |
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With the 15th pick in this year's NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns have selected Stanford forward Robin Lopez .
Our View: Lopez is going to be a bench player in his first season, but he gives the Suns an option to play down low. He is strong and carries formidable size, using both to present solid defensive skills. He lacks in his touch around the rim and is not known as an offensive force, but he can clean the glass and is more than capable of contributing at the professional level. At this point of the draft, he is a solid pick and should do the Phoenix faithful proud. |
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| Warriors add Randolph | Thursday 6/26, 7:55 PM CT |
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The Golden State Warriors have selected LSU center Anthony Randolph with the 14th pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Randolph is not going to make a difference in the NBA this season. He lacks the strength to compete with the bulk of the centers in the league and more than a few strong-bodied players in the SEC took Randolph to task in college action last season. This is a move to bolster the future and add a player that has the potential to become a monster. He needs to add weight, he needs to hire a trainer, and the Warriors will insure he does all of that and more. We doubt you hear his name much this season, but that could change in seasons ahead. |
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| Portland adds Rush | Thursday 6/26, 7:50 PM CT |
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The Portland Trailblazers have selected Kansas guard Brandon Rush with the 13th pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Rush was the best player for the Jayhawks in a storybook season and now joins a rising of youth in Portland. With Rush and last year's top pick Greg Oden leading the way, the Blazers seem destined for better days. Rush is going to battle for time at the shooting guard spot, though there is no reason to believe he can overtake the great Brandon Roy for starting honors. However, Rush gives the team a great option off the bench and could become a solid NBA contributor. |
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| Kings take Thompson | Thursday 6/26, 7:45 PM CT |
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The Sacramento Kings have selected Rider forward Jason Thompson with the 12th pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Thompson is the first senior taken in the draft and is going to be a solid contributor for the Kings, though he seems likely to struggle in the early going. He does nothing with spectacular skill but is a solid all-around contributor. He can score in the post and will battle for rebounds. With the Kings, the potential trade of Ron Artest would open a door to compete for playing time, but as it stands, there is minimal chance that Thompson will immediately jump to strong NBA numbers. |
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| Pacers select Bayless | Thursday 6/26, 7:38 PM CT |
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The Indiana Pacers have selected Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless with the 11th-overall pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: Bayless is a bit raw but is deadly from outside and can light up the scoreboard. There are concerns about his defensive skills and how well he will translate to the point in the NBA, and with Indiana picking up T.J. Ford via trade with Toronto, the Pacers suddenly have a backcourt that could be formidable if they play to their potential. Bayless seems destined to battle at the point, and that may limit his opportunities, but he gives the Pacers an option that could shine as a shooter. |
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| Nets land Lopez | Thursday 6/26, 7:34 PM CT |
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The New Jersey Nets may be feeling the rush of joy brought by a bit of luck, selecting Stanford forward/center Brook Lopez witht he 10th pick in tonight's NBA Draft.
Our View: Lopez is a great addition for the Nets. He fills the largest need and concern, filling the post and carrying the size and strength to do work down low. Lopez is only 19-years of age but plays well beyond his years and could make an immediate impact and fight for the starting job at the 4 or the 5 (especially in the East where dominating big men are becoming a distant memory). The Nets have to be happy to see Lopez fall and, with the addition of Yi Jianlian via trade with Milwaukee, are suddenly looking like one of the best post teams in the NBA. |
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| Bobcats surprise, select Augustin | Thursday 6/26, 7:29 PM CT |
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The Charlotte Bobcats have shocked more than a few of the fans of the NBA, selecting Texas point guard DJ Augustin with the 9th-overall pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: Augustin will be the team's point guard for his severe lack of size all but demands he fill that spot. The team already carries a solid Raymond Felton at that position and will face questions about the starting job at the position. Augustin has a strong defensive player and a great passer, thus he is a beneficial addition, but the decision to pass on a couple of noted big men (namely Brook Lopez out of Stanford) is a surprise. |
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| Bucks take gamble on Alexander | Thursday 6/26, 7:21 PM CT |
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His rise in draft status proved as fruitful as any player on the board as West Virginia forward Joe Alexander has been selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 8th-overall pick in this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: Alexander left his college career with minimal fanfare, but his perforrmance in workouts and further review of his performance in the NCAA Tourney brought more than a few teams to the list of interested parties, and the Bucks felt he was the man they needed to take the next step forward. Alexander is highly athletic and could find a beneficial scenario now that both Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian were traded, leaving an open situation for competition at both forward positions. |
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| Clippers take Indiana guard Gordon | Thursday 6/26, 7:15 PM CT |
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With the 7th-overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers have selected Indiana point guard Eric Gordon .
Our View: His lack of size will put him in the role of point guard for the Clippers, a position of great need for the Clips as Shaun Livingston has failed to meet expectation. However, Gordon is a bit of a worry in that role as a risk taker and a player noted for questionable passing, but the Clippers will give him a chance to ease into the role behing Brevin Knight and he could become a benefit to the rise of a strong young roster. |
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| Knicks take Gallinari | Thursday 6/26, 7:11 PM CT |
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The Knicks have proven the rumors true and have sent the crowd at Madison Square Garden into a frenzy, selecting forward Danilo Gallinari , the first foreign player taken, with the 6th-overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Our View: The crowd is more than happy to let you know they hate the pick and now the questions will come, for Gallinari has at least three to four years of schooling before he will be ready for NBA action. Little is known about the Italian import though his father played with new Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni. As is often the case with European players, he is noted for horrific defensive skills but his offensive upside proved too much for the Knicks to pass. |
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| Memphis adds UCLA forward Love | Thursday 6/26, 7:05 PM CT |
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The Memphis Grizzlies have selected UCLA forward Kevin Love with the 5th-overall pick of this evening's NBA Draft.
Our View: Love is going to be a post presence in the NBA though is lack of size is a concern. With that said, his outside touch and his athletic ability makes him a perfect candidate to fill the shooting forward spot. That presents questions as Memphis carries several solid young talents at forward, and you aren't leaving Rudy Gay off the floor. We'll see how Love fits this season as the Grizzlies seems certain to give him immediate playing time. |
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| Westbrook joining Durant in Seattle's backcourt | Thursday 6/26, 6:58 PM CT |
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The Seattle Sonics have selected UCLA guard Russell Westbrook with the 4th-overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Our View: There are questions about where Westbrook fits into the scheme of the NBA and the move to Seattle will bring more of those questions to the floor. With Kevin Durant leading the way, Westbrook seems destined to play the point and work as the floor general, a different role than he filled with the Bruins. Durant is at the draft this evening and seems overjoyed with the selection, thus it seems Seattle had this planned and is ready to make it work. |
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| Mayo gets the call from Minnesota | Thursday 6/26, 6:52 PM CT |
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With the third pick in this year's NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves have selected USC guard OJ Mayo .
Our View: Mayo has been tabbed as a player to watch since working the playground as a kid. He possesses all of the skills to come in and make an immediate impact on the floor, especially on defense where scouts have noted he could excel to become the jewel of this draft class. He joins a young team in Minny and will be a starter from Day 1, but no one may be as excited as forward Al Jefferson, giving the Wolves a strong battery of talent to build on moving forward. |
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| Miami makes Beasley their pick at #2 | Thursday 6/26, 6:46 PM CT |
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The Miami Heat have selected Kansas State forward Michael Beasley with the 2nd-overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View: The Heat were sending smoke signals earlier this week claiming they were leaning toward USC guard O.J. Mayo, possibly to lure trade offers. The teams of the NBA failed to present a trade scenario the Heat found beneficial and have taken the one player capable of earning debate as the best player in this draft. He will make an immediate impact and gives guard Dwyane Wade a perfect running mate looking forward. |
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| Bulls make it official: Rose is their man | Thursday 6/26, 6:40 PM CT |
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The Chicago Bulls have made it official, selecting Memphis guard Derrick Rose with the 1st-overall pick in this year's NBA Draft.
Our View: Rose is widely respected as the best player in the draft and is now going to be viewed as the best player in Chicago. This leaves Chicago with a plethora of talent at the guard position, thus a trade is likely to follow in the coming days. Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon (who will need a sign-and-trade deal to get sent in a trade), and Larry Hughes will all be in play as teams come calling to seek a deal. |
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| O'Neal confirms trade to Raptors | Thursday 6/26, 6:25 PM CT |
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Updating an ongoing story, forward Jermaine O'Neal is confirming reports that he is being traded to Toronto for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft and a player to be determined, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The Associated Press reports that the trade can't be finalized until July 1st, so the Raptors will likely select for the Pacers at #17 in the draft. O'Neal said that he completed his physical on Wednesday, but wasn't sure whether Ford had passed his yet. |
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| Bulls said to be sold on Rose at #1 | Thursday 6/26, 6:21 PM CT |
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We are still in front of the start of this evening's NBA Draft, but reports have come forth from sources with the Chicago Bulls, owners of the top overall pick, that indicate Memphis PG Derrick Rose will in fact be their selection, according to ESPN.
Our View: Live draft coverage has commenced and Andy Katz is the ESPN reporter filing his report that Rose will go #1, meaning the Miami Heat are all too likely to select Kansas City PF Michael Beasley at #2 (though reports indicate they are still fielding trade offers). We will updating all of the picks as they come in this evening, so stay tuned for the latest on the NBA Draft. |
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| Simmons traded to Nets | Thursday 6/26, 5:22 PM CT |
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According to multiple sources, Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian have been traded to the Nets in exchange for Richard Jefferson, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Simmons, who is due just over $20 million the next two years, had a nice finish to the year averaging 12.7 points and shooting 51.6% from the field over 10 games. He will look to continue that level of production in the Garden State. |
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| Yi on his way to Nets | Thursday 6/26, 5:16 PM CT |
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Yi Jianlian has been traded to the Nets with Bobby Simmons for Richard Jefferson, according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Yi was the sixth pick in last years draft, but never quite fit in with the Bucks. He will now get his wish and move much closer to a major market (New York) and likely be given the chance to become a major part of the rotation. |
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| Artest to opt out of contract | Thursday 6/26, 5:09 PM CT |
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Doing his best Chad Johnson imitation, Ron Artest has yet again changed his mind and now seems likely to opt out of his contract with the Kings by Monday and become a free agent, according to the Sacramento Bee.
Our View: Artest is likely to have an extremely long list of suitors for his services as team's would love to add his tenacious nature to their club, baggage and injury risk be damned. |
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| Hill to stay with Suns | Thursday 6/26, 5:06 PM CT |
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Grant Hill has decided to exercise his player option for 2008-09 a move that will ensure him $1.976 million in his 15th NBA season, according to the East Valley Tribune.
Our View: Hill will be 36 in the coming season, but he played in 70 games last season, his highest total since 1999-2000 when LeBron James was barely in high school. Hill makes a nice depth play, albeit one with risk, after scoring 13.1 points on 50.3% shooting last year. |
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| Parker could play in Greece? | Thursday 6/26, 3:42 PM CT |
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Team Olympiakos of Greece is reportedly prepared to offer Anthony Parker a lucrative deal worth $21 million over three years to leave the Raptors and the NBA, according to the Toronto Sun.
Our View: Parker is under contract with the Raptors for another year at $4.5 million. Bryan Colangelo stated that he isn't just going to let Parker walk away, who averaged 12.5 points over 82 games with the Raptors in 2007-08, with a .438 shooting percentage from long range.
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| Clippers and Sonics to swap picks | Thursday 6/26, 2:55 PM CT |
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The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as Minnesota takes OJ Mayo at number three, according to ESPN.
Our View: If Mayo isn't picked at three, the deal is off according to two sources. If the trade happens, the Sonics would move down to the seventh slot and the Clippers would move up to four.
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| Jefferson reportedly traded to Bucks | Thursday 6/26, 2:36 PM CT |
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The Nets have reportedly agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the Bucks in exchange for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: No draft picks are believed to be involved in the deal. Yi will be moving to a bigger media market in New Jersey, and Jefferson would be given a fresh start with Milwaukee following his misdemeanor assault charge stemming in January. Jefferson would also provide new coach Scott Skiles with much needed firepower at forward, as he averaged 22.6 points in 2007-08. |
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| Pacers deny O'Neal trade speculation | Thursday 6/26, 1:22 PM CT |
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The Pacers are denying the trade speculation that has Jermaine O'Neal heading to Toronto in exchange for TJ Ford, according to the Arizona Republic. Center Rasho Nesterovic, the 17th pick in the draft, and a player to be named, were also believed to be packaged for the six-time All-Star forward. Pacers' spokesman David Benner said, "There is no trade to announce. It is all speculation."
Our View: The deal was previously reported to be done, so it will be interesting to see how this one plays out. |
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| Jones has opted out of contract | Thursday 6/26, 12:33 PM CT |
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James Jones has reportedly decided to opt out of his contract with the Blazers to become a free agent, according to the Oregonian.
Our View: He would have made just over $3.1 million next season if he remained in Portland next season. He provides a strong presence in the locker room, and excels as a long-range shooter as he hit 44% of his attempts from three-point land in 2007-08. |
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| Maggette will opt out on Monday | Thursday 6/26, 10:48 AM CT |
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Corey Maggette plans to opt out of the final year of his contract by Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports. The swingman would be due $7 million next season. Maggette would like to stay with the Clippers, but the franchise might work out a sign-and-trade deal.
Our View: We'd think there would be a decent trade market for a guy with Maggette's considerable scoring talents. He's always struck us as a bit of a one-sided player, but he is darn good at that one attribute (scoring, getting to the line). The Clippers are in a weird transition period with guys like Maggette and Elton Brand, and nothing that franchise does would surprise us. |
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| Posey wants to stay in Boston | Thursday 6/26, 10:42 AM CT |
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James Posey is expected to opt out of his current contract by June 30, but he'd like to return to Boston. "Certainly he needs to listen to everyone, but he really hopes that (the Celtics) want him back as much as he wants to stay there," Mark Bartlestein informs the Boston Herald. "The bottom line is that we want to get it done. The thing (that impressed) Posey is that the fans in Boston are so educated, they understand why he’s so valuable, and how his play shows with things that aren’t on the stat sheet."
Our View: Posey would be crazy not to test the market, but he'd also be crazy not to want to stay in Boston. His strong defense and decent offense makes him a perfect role player behind stars Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Regardless, Posey is unlikely to be a good fantasy player no matter where he lands. |
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| Gallinari locked into Knicks? | Thursday 6/26, 10:37 AM CT |
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Are the Knicks locked in to Danilo Gallinari ? According to one source, they may be. "The Knicks are going to take Danilo Gallinari," Nets president Rod Thorn informs the Newark Star-Ledger.
Our View: We're only a half-day away from the draft, and, frankly, nobody seems to sure about anything after Derrick Rose at No. 1. This is probably just Thorn's way of informing Nets fans not to expect Gallinari to fall into their lap. |
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| Lee may be finished in New York | Thursday 6/26, 9:23 AM CT |
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David Lee may not return to the Knicks, even if he isn't packaged in a draft night deal to land OJ Mayo, according to the NY Post.
Our View: The Knicks have lost a lot of games with Lee on the team and there's concern that his upcoming contract extension could compromise their 2010 salary cap situation. He averaged 10.8 points and 8.9 boards over 29.1 minutes per game in 2007-08, and his fantasy value could improve with another club, and a fresh start.
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| Bobcats acquire first-round pick | Thursday 6/26, 9:12 AM CT |
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The Bobcats have added another first-round pick in Thursday's draft by sending a 2009 first-round selection to the Nuggets, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: The Bobcats now have the ninth and 20th overall picks in the first round, and may package the pair to move up higher on draft night. If they keep both picks, Georgetown center Roy Hibbert is believed to be a possible target at 20. |
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| Yao shooting for July return | Thursday 6/26, 8:59 AM CT |
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Yao Ming is shooting for a July return to participate on China's national team, according to the Houston Chronicle. He said tests on Tuesday indicated that his recovery is on schedule and his left foot is 80% healed. The remaining 20% takes a full year to heal, and he said, "I've now done everything I can possibly do to get fit. In terms of being basketball fit, the only way to do that is to play games."
Our View: There will remain concern that Yao is returning to the court too soon, but playing in games could actually be good for him. |
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| Diop could be headed back to Dallas? | Thursday 6/26, 7:15 AM CT |
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DeSagana Diop could be headed back to Dallas, according to the Dallas Morning News. Diop played nearly three seasons for the Mavericks before being dealt to the Nets in February, and Dallas may be prepared to offer him its full mid-level exception. That would mean a starting salary of about $5.5 million for Diop.
Our View: Diop was popular as a part-time starter with the fans during his three-year stint in Dallas, and only averaged 2.9 points and five boards over 16.2 minutes per game with the Nets in 2007-08. He would be best-suited to re-join the Mavericks, but his fantasy value won't likely improve. |
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