NBA Draft Thread

[ChambersWI]

With the Finals now out of the way, thought I'd make an official draft thread for all rumors, mocks etc.
I'm gonna make another mock like a did a couple weeks ago, but first I was gonna post some rumors

We have, it appears, our first known promise of the draft. Multiple sources say that UCLA's Westbrook has shut down all workouts and has a promise in the mid-lottery range.


Apparently the promise isn't coming from the Knicks. They like Westbrook at No. 6, but they're also looking at Mayo, Bayless, Alexander and Eric Gordon.


The promise isn't coming from the Bucks or Pacers; neither team was able to get him in for a workout.


That leaves the Clippers at No. 7 and the Bobcats at No. 9. As noted above, the Clippers are trying to move up to get Mayo, so I doubt it's them. That leaves the Bobcats as the most likely to have made a promise to Westbrook.


One other possibility: The Seattle SuperSonics have taken a strong interest in Westbrook, according to sources. Although No. 4 is a little higher than expected for him to go, one source said it's possible that the Sonics will trade down a few spots and take Westbrook.

The hottest rumor of the day has the Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets talking about a swap that would send Kyle Lowry and the No. 28 pick to Denver for the No. 20 and Linas Kleiza

The Suns and a number of other teams are talking to the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers and Nets about trading up in (or out of) the draft.


The Wolves seem especially ready to make a deal if Michael Beasley isn't on the board at No. 3. They like several of the bigs in this draft, including Brook Lopez, Kevin Love and Danilo Gallinari, but none of them is worth taking at No. 3.

Small forwards on the market include Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks, Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons.

Numerous teams we spoke with today discussed the rumors of a potential draft-night trade that is making the rounds in NBA circles. Presuming that Derrick Rose goes #1, Miami would select Michael Beasley at #2 regardless, and wait to see if O.J. Mayo were to fall to the 5th overall pick. If that indeed was the case, Memphis would select him, and then trade him to Miami along with Mike Miller in exchange for Mark Blount and Beasley.

Seattle is also reportedly trying hard to move up to #2, and is dangling Chris Wilcox as bait (in exchange for the cumbersome contract of Mark Blount). The Supersonics would also take Beasley there. This is all assuming that O.J. Mayo doesn’t go third to Minnesota, which is not something teams should take for granted just yet based off what we know so far

Other picks that we’re hearing rumors about include #6 (New York, trying to move up, or back), #19 (Cleveland, possibly to move up and take Brandon Rush), and #29 (Detroit, who supposedly isn’t enamored by anyone in this area). Two teams that are reportedly looking to acquire an additional first round pick are the Spurs (who unfortunately have very little to offer) and the Suns. The Wizards wouldn’t mind moving out if someone would offer them a good deal involving a point guard, but at this point that doesn’t seem likely to happen. Cleveland is trying to buy their way into the mid-first round, but unlike in years past, it won’t be Phoenix that is selling.

Look for the Los Angeles Lakers to try and land an early second round pick (possibly from Seattle) in order to draft IUPUI’s George Hill. He worked out in Los Angeles and reportedly was very impressive. His college team actually ran the triangle offense, and that is always a big factor in the Lakers’ workouts.

Players that might find themselves being drafted a bit lower than they hoped include DeAndre Jordan, JaVale McGee, and possibly even Anthony Randolph. If Sacramento selects Darrell Arthur at #12 like many NBA sources we spoke with anticipate (this was his last workout stop before cancelling numerous workouts), then Randolph could be in for quite a tumble, as he would likely continue to slip past Portland at #13, Golden State at #14, Phoenix at #15, until reaching Philadelphia at #16. That’s about 10 spots lower than some mocks have him projected right now, but isn’t out of the question depending on how things play out next week. Randolph is not helping himself reportedly with the way he’s working out, being very average so far according to numerous people who’ve watched him, looking “laid back” or even “out of shape.” Compounding the problem is that he may have recently hurt his shoulder.

Another player who could crash the lottery unexpectedly and even shockingly go just one spot below his twin brother is Stanford center Robin Lopez. Lopez reportedly canceled all his remaining workouts (with the Pacers, Kings, Sixers, and more) with a supposed “sprained ankle” after working out for the New Jersey Nets this past week. Although the tenth pick is widely believed to be Danilo Gallinari’s, no one would know better about where the Italian small forward will get drafted than his agent Arn Tellem, who also happens to represent the Lopez twins. Robin being promised to go tenth (a speculatory rumor that is definitely making the rounds) almost surely means that Gallinari is going sixth to the Knicks. The Nets can’t expect to wait and pick Lopez at #21, as there is very little chance he gets past Phoenix at 15, or at the very worst (if Donte Greene slips past Golden State), Toronto at 17, where he is extremely coveted.

While DeAndre Jordan and JaVale McGee are refusing to conduct workouts with certain teams drafting outside of the lottery (McGee’s mother foolishly won’t let him visit anyone past 12 from what one frustrated team told us), there is no shortage of workout warriors on the prowl looking to take their spot in the teens portion of the draft. One of those is Alexis Ajinca, who may be working himself into that 12-14 range, based off the workouts he’s having.

One executive who recently watched him expressed shock at his combination of physical tools (7-1 in shoes, 240 pounds, with a near 7-7 wingspan), coordination and agility. “If he were in college, let’s say at Nevada instead of JaVale McGee, he would be a sure-fire top 10 pick,” the executive noted. “He’s bigger than McGee, and he’s also more skilled…with that length, he is going to be able to bother some people for sure” Ajinca is answering question marks about his toughness by not backing down from anyone he’s faced so far, particularly in an outstanding workout in Charlotte where he matched up with Jordan, McGee and Roy Hibbert. His experience playing against grown men all season long in the French league is certainly showing in workouts so far it seems.

The safest pick amongst players being projected to go from 13-19 is likely Brandon Rush. He could seemingly be picked by any of those teams, and be able to find a way to be productive thanks to his size, shooting ability and defensive skills. He’s probably not going to be a star, but as you’ll be able to read in the research conducted by Heather N. Allen and Paul Gearan tomorrow, that’s not such a bad thing in this range.

those are the rumors I got, and am working on a new/final mock right now.

 

[ChambersWI]

1.Bulls-Derrick Rose PG, Memphis Looking at the current Chicago team, IMO they should take Beasley, but Rose is the hometown guy. No reason why he shouldn't become one of the top PGs in the league.

2.Heat-Michael Beasley PF, Kansas State Whether or not Beasley remains a member of the Heat is up for debate, and I'm gonna say he won't, but Beasley is the top player available. If teh Heat really want Mayo, they might just have to man up and take him at two.

3.TWolves-Kevin Love PF/C, UCLA I think the Heat get luck with the Timberwolves passing on Mayo. The Wolves really want a big man so they'll probably trade back, but they love Love. Mayo is a possibility, but word is they really want to go big so a trade would need to happen. BTW some might see this as a reach, but the reports are Love is now a top 5 lock.

4.Sonics-Russell Westbrook PG, UCLA First true surprise. Westbrook has cancelled all of his workouts with teams picking outside the top 7 so many believe he has a promise. The Sonics have shown the most interest. Although he is not a true PG, neither is the alternative (Bayless), and Westbrook brings NBA caliber defense right away.

5.Grizzlies-OJ Mayo SG, USC Both the Heat and Grizz luck out here, and they'll do their little trade. The Heat will get Mayo, and Mike Miller while the Grizz will get Beasley and take on Mark Blount's contract.

6.Knicks-Jerryd Bayless PG, Arizona Word is DAntoni wants a PG that can run his system, and he likes Bayless or Westbrook the most. With Westbrook gone, the Knicks will look to build around Bayless.

7.Clippers-Eric Gordon SG, Indiana The Clippers want OJ Mayo almost more than the Heat do so don't be shocked to see them pull a blockbuster deal to get him, but since I have already addressed that, the Clips look to address their SG need.

8.Bucks-Joe Alexander SF, West Virginia Bucks are apparantly zoning in on Alexander and Anthony Randolph, but they want a guy who can pay immediate dividends; that would be Alexander

9.Bobcats-Brook Lopez C, Stanford falls due to a poor combine, but has had amazing workouts. Allows Okafor to play PF.

10.Nets-Danillo Gallinari SF, Armani Jeans Milano Gallinari wants to play in the New York area, but the Knicks reportedly aren't enamored with him, but the Nets might be. If Gallinari isn't picked here, don't be suprised to see him stay in Europe.

11.Pacers-DJ Augustin PG, Texas The Pacers are ready to get a new PG since Tinsley can't stay healthy.

12.Kings-Darrell Arthur PF, KansasMany within the Sacramento community believe Arthur has recieved a promise from Petrie. This would not be shocking as Arthur had a workout with the Kings and promptly cancelled all workouts with the teams picking after SacTown

13.Trailblazers-Anthony Randolph SF/PF, LSU Honestly, I doubt the Blazers keep this pick, but I haven't heard any trade rumors for them (other than dangling Travis Outlaw and Jarrett Jack) so IMO they go BPA

14.Warriors-Alexis Ajinca C, Hyeres-Toulon Ajinca is a late riser and has been given a late lotto grade by some. Warriors are looking to add more size

15.Suns-Brandon Rush SG, Kansas Phoenix wants to get another first and with good reason. The love Brandon Rush, but the REALLY want Nicolas Batum. This is with Batum, is more readily admit that he won't be ready to contribute as a rookie and the Suns want help now.

16.76ers-DeAndre Jordan C, Texas A&M Not a need, but with no pure shooters worth taking right now, the 6ers take the young C to develop

17.Raptors-Robin Lopez C, Stanford The Official Team of Canada wants to get either a wing player that can create his own shot or a low post guy that will do dirty work. With Rush off the board, the Raptors will not reach for the other SGs they like (though they may trade TJ Ford for a late first). The Raps do love Robin Lopez who is a defensive minded C that fits their style of play

18.Wizards-Donte Green SF/PF, Syracuse Raw player that could develop into a younger version of Antawn Jamison

19.Cavaliers-Kosta Koufos C, Ohio State Cavs want to add another big man, and Koufos is a local kid that also helps with their outside shooting problem.

20.Nuggets-Nicolas Batum SF, Le Mans Sarthe Basket The Nuggets coveted Ty Lawson, but he went back to school. Word is they aren't thrilled with Mario Chalmers, the next top PG prospect. Remember, this is a pick that could be traded to the Grizz and the Grizz do need more players of Batum's talent level, but the Nuggets could also use a guy off the bench who can create his own shot.

21.Nets-Marreese Speights PF, Florida Josh Boone and Sean Williams have good energy, but neither can score down low, and Nenad Kristic hasn't been teh same since his injury.

22.Magic-Courtney Lee SG, Westen Kentucky Lee reportedly blew everybody out of the water during his workout, and word is that anybody who wants him has to trade past the Magic.

23.Jazz-Roy Hibbert C, Georgetown Hibbert easily could go a lot higher, but he won't get past the Jazz

24.Sonics-DeVon Hardin C, California After drafting 3 C in the past 4 years, only Johan Petro has been somewhat productive. Hardin is young, and solid defensively on a team lacking defensive big men.

25.Rockets-Chris Douglas-Roberts SG/SF, Memphis Rockets want another wing that can create his own shot

26.Spurs-Kyle Weaver SG/SF, Washington State Spurs are also looking to get more picks as they want young players that can help now (especially with Splitter signing a 4 year contract with Tau). While they could easily go big depending on who is available, they really need some young swingmen. Weaver fits teh Spurs system perfectly

27.Hornets-Serge Ibaka PF, CB L'Hospitalet A young team that doesn't need much so they draft a young defensive minded big man with unlimited potential.

28.Grizzlies-Nathan Jawai C, Cairns Taipans Grizz add a strong tough presense to play inside.

29.Pistons-JJ Hickson PF, NC State Rumors are Pistons are looking to make a lot of trades, but they take the young PF.

30.Celtics-Mario Chalmers PG, Kansas The Champs add a back up PG to take pressure off Rando.

 

[Tx Dolfan]

D'antoni may have pulled a Cam Cameron drafting the son of a friend

 

[ChambersWI]

Richard Jefferson was traded to the Bucks for Bobby Simmons nad Yi Jianlian. Good trade for the Bucks and pairing him with Joe Alexander (I don't think Michael Redd and/or Mo Williams will be in Milwaukee much longer) is a great beginning for a Scott Skiles team.

Jermaine O'Neal and the draft rights to Nathan Jawai were traded to Toronto for TJ Ford, Rasho, Maceo Basteon, and the draft rights to Roy Hibbert. Good trade for both teams. JO reminds me a lot of Vince Carter. Like Carter he was unhappy where he was, and started to get injury problems. He goes to a place where, for the first time since Brad Miller, he has another guy in Chris Bosh and Toronto gets another scorer (if healthy). Plus with the trade, the Raptors fit what Sam Mitchell wants to do.

GIve me props for the Westbrook pick. I got DeVon Hardin to Seattle right, just wrong round.

 

[King Felix]

basically jack and rush for bayless? HA steal! got our franchise pg!! aw yeah be scared NBA!

 

[dreday]

:knee: at Portland in this draft...Now make the playoffs!