Yardbarker: DeAndre Jordan

NBA Draft Day Excitement: Open Thread

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:10:35 -0500

There's nothing else really going on in the Sports Media department so I'm just going take this spot to add any draft day items and post another mock draft. I have nothing to do but watch Soccer and count down to live-blog and the Bulls going on the clock.

Our First Item:

Yi to the Nets for Richard Jefferson!!!!

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed in principle to trade Yi Jianlian to the New Jersey Nets for Richard Jefferson, two league sources told SI.com.

The Bucks also are sending Bobby Simmons to the Nets. He has $20.5 million left on a contract that expires in the summer of 2010, when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh could become free agents.

Well that's interesting isn't it? Add that to Jermaine O'Neal moving to the Raptors and we've got two pretty big moves. That doesn't mean that Toronto and Milwaukee aren't being idiotic for making these trades though. We're one step closer to LB23 coming to the East Coast.

Nets dealing Jefferson to Bucks for Yi (SI.com)

Our Second Item:

Michael Beasley is considering pulling a prank on David Stern....

Our Third Item:

Unsubstantiated Rumors From ESPN.....

1. David Lee to Portland
2. Leandro Barbosa to Portland for Martell Webster, the No. 13 overall pick
3. Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3
4. The Bobcatas looking to trade Adam Morrison

AA's Final Mock Draft:

1. Bulls- Derrick Rose, PG (Memphis)
2. Heat- Michael Beasley, F (Kansas State)
3. Wolves- OJ Mayo, PG/SG (USC)
4. Sonics- Brook Lopez, C (Stanford)
5. Grizzlies- Kevin Love, PF/C (UCLA)
6. Knicks- Eric Gordon, SG (Indiana)
7. Clippers- Russell Westbrook, PG/SG (UCLA)
8. Bucks- Joe Alexander, SF/PF (West Virginia)
9. Bobcats- Danilo Gallinari, SF (Italy)
10. Nets- Jerryd Bayless, PG/SG (Arizona)
11. Pacers- D.J. Augustin, PG (Texas)
12. Kings- Kosta Koufas, C (Ohio State)
13. Blazers- Anthony Randolph, SF/PF (LSU)
14. Warriors- DeAndre Jordan, C (Texas A&M)
15. Suns- Brandon Rush, SG (Kansas)
16. 76ers- Robin Lopez, C (Stanford)
17. Pacers- Mario Chalmers, PG (Kansas)
18. Wizards- Darrel Arthur, PF (Kansas)
19. Cavaliers- JJ Hickson, PF (NC State)
20. Charlotte- Roy Hibbert, C (Georgetown)
21. Nets- Donte Greene, SF/PF (Syracuse)
22. Magic- Courtney Lee, SG (Western Kentucky)
23. Jazz- JaVale McGee, PF (Nevada)
24. Sonics- Mareesse Speights, C (Florida)
25. Rockets- Ante Tomic, C (Croatia)
26. Spurs- Nicolas Batum, SF (France
27. Trail Blazers- Alexis Ajinca, PF/C (France)
28. Grizzlies- Jason Thompson, PF (Rider)
29. Pistons- DJ White, PF (Indiana)
30. Celtics- Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG (Memphis)

2008 NBA Draft Live-Blog

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:10:34 -0500

Well here we are folks. It's one of the most enjoyable nights of the year and it's become a fun tradition here at AA. There will be photos, videos, analysis and fun all evening long, so comment early and comment often. We'll get underway around 7pm but in the meantime feel free to click through last year's draft.

Last Year's NBA Draft Live-Blog

Great it's only 6:30pm and Dickie V is already yelling about the age limit and CDR being underrated. It's going to be a long night.
_________________________

And we're live from NYC and MSG! Stu Scott is on the mic and the camera is showing fat people running into the building. Eric Gordon is wearing a white suit and has the early nod as the Jalen Rose Award Winner for the night.

"It's also a diaper Draft."- Jay Bilas

Huh?

"Teenagers in their early 20s"- Stuart Scott starting off early (Via Judderman)

Hahahahahaha. Ric Bucher is the Chris Mortensen of the NBA. I swear the guy just makes up trades throughout the day in his head. "Lebron, Wally, and Z for Ben Gordon? Sounds good!"

"He can get up and down the court like running at full speed."- Jay Bilas on Rose

Ugh....here we go. ESPN is already trying to ruin picks before they happen. Please, please stop this!!! We all know they're taking Rose, but we like the mysticism! In case you care there's a stellar WNBA matchup on ESPN2. Colleen Dominguez weird me out for some reason. Not sure why.

"I saw a guy in the bathroom just before the show....."- Stuart Scott

It doesn't really matter what the end of that sentence is.

Popeye Jones + Hair = David Amber (Via Anon)

The Chicago Bulls are on the clock!!!!! Okay David Stern....stop rambling. It always amazes me when a team that has the first pick takes the full five minutes.
______________________________

1. Derrick Rose
PG, 6'4", 195lbs
Memphis

O.J. Mayo is really "Waldo," Eddie's friend from "Family Matters." (Via Anon)

Haha...good pull. I love the glasses he's sporting too.

"He can dunk with his elbows when they throw him a lob."- Jay Bilas

Someone get him in the dunk contest right now!

"This is a guy with a bounce in his swagger."- Mark Jackson

I'm not going to be able to keep up tonight. Oooooh and a Screamin' A interview right off the bat. I'm not going to lie....I kind of like him in this roll. Oh and Doris Burke is on the mom interviews. Awesome duo.

Before the 1st pick "Jays Best Available" Um...everyone? (Via Lammy742)
______________________________

2. Michael Beasley
F, 6'9", 235lbs
Kansas State

"He's got arms that extend past normal human limits."- Jay Bilas

"What will be the pick? Only one man knows for sure, David Stern."- Stuart Scott

Umm, what about the people who MADE the pick? (Via Jay)

Good point. These draft hats are actually pretty badass. David Amber also weirds me out in the way that Dominguez does. Don't know what it is.

How many times did Bilas say "score" in that hightlight of Beasley? (Via Anon)

Had to be at least 10....I stopped counting.

"He's bouncy."- Jay Bilas

Is he gunna star in the Clueless remake? (Via BK)
______________________________

3. OJ Mayo
G, 6'5", 215lbs
USC

S.A.S. just isn't asking the hard questions tonight. I'm bored with him already.

"What went into you alls decision?"- Stuart Scott

"I thought he was a pre-packaged guy."- Jay Bilas (Via Lammy)

What does that even mean? He just confuses the hell out of me. And the rumored trade that ESPN was talking about is off. The Sonics are picking.....
______________________________

4. Russell Westbrook
G, 6'3", 180lbs
UCLA

Annnnnnd there's our first stretch of the night! Seattle needs a PG, but I think they could have traded down and still have gotten Westbrook.

"What are you Russell Westbrook?"- Stephen A. Smith

Great question. Hey, Kevin Durant is here! Stu Scott mentions the Knicks and the place goes crazy. What's up with that weird lite bright lattice that's above the arena?
______________________________

5. Kevin Love
C, 6'10", 250lbs
UCLA

Does anyone else think the full court shot from Kevin Love is like the Kyle Boller throw from his knees?

I'm surprised Kevin Love went so high. Usually the NBA hates on big white guys. (Personally, I think he's got mad skills.) (Via Jay)

I concur. There's a difference between a hard nosed big guy like Love and one that looks weak and plays weak like Andrew Bogut. Annnnnnnd I'm already sick of the Doris Burke family interviews.
______________________________

6. Danilo Gallinari
F, 6'9", 209lbs
Italy

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

God I love it. Fran Fraschilla says that his nickname is "The Rooster" but we all know it's "The Big Cock". Oh and he already has a shoe. That's nice.

"You hear the Knicks fans and they are sleeping on you."- Stephen A. Smith
"I would like the team to win and I play hard. New York City is the best city in the World. I like to win and play hard and stay with my teammates and play with my skills."- Danilo Gallinari

"Don't get caught up in the people booing, they don't know you."- Mark Jackson

Good advice actually.

It's OK, kid. They're not saying, "Boo," they're saying, "Booollissimo." (Via Anon)

______________________________

7. Eric Gordon
G, 6'4", 222lbs
Indiana

"He's got an elongated reach."- Jay Bilas

Come on Jay...what are you trying to pull on us? Stuart Scott keeps talking about this freshman record....can someone please tell him it's because of the age limit? It's not some crazy feat or something.

JVG for the second time admitted he didn't know much about a player. You gotta love ESPN's choice of analysts for the draft. You know, the people who are supposed to analyze things. (Via Jay)

"He's a unique package because of his size."- Donnie Walsh (Via Anon)
______________________________

8. Joe Alexander
F, 6'8", 225lbs
West Virginia

"He's got great spring in his legs."- Jay Bilas

Stephen A. Smith just seriously turned in to Elmer Fudd there. Wow. He is out of his element.
______________________________

9. DJ Augustin
PG, 5'11", 172lbs
Texas

Hahahahaha. I knew someone would stretch for him. How the Bobcats can pass on Lopez is beyond me and they obviously have no faith in Felton.

Michael Jordan's biggest decision is which golf course he's going to play tomorrow and not the Bobs draft pick. (Via Anon)

Brook Lopez is the Aaron Rodgers of this draft and I couldn't be happier. Slip to the Wizards! I've also typed Brook Lopez's info into the last two picks so I'm pretty sure I'll never forget his stats.
______________________________

10. Brook Lopez
C, 7'0", 240lbs
Stanford

Damn....I was hoping for much more of a slip. Now we just need his brother to drop into the second round.

"His arms stretch out to 7'5""- Jay Bilas

Seriously Jay?

We need a Steve Young of the NBA Draft so we can hear someone go nuts over a stupid pick. I could see JVG but he knows nothing about college players. (Via BK)

"It's great to have the guy out of my hair."- Robin Lopez

Please slip....pleeeeeease slip. Why is he even there?

"The Nets got an absolute steal, they should put a mask on." - Jay Bilas (Via SS Reporters)

I swear I don't hear these as they're said. I must tune him out.
______________________________

11. Jerryd Bayless
G, 6'3", 195lbs
Arizona

F'ing steal! I'm so glad the Pacers didn't end up with Augustin here. I don't know why I'm openly rooting for them, but I love when teams get players like Bayless without trying. We also learn that Jerryd shot a hole-in-one at the age of 10. Good info. Also Jer is wearing a pimp ass white suit with white shoes.

I would hate to be Jamaal Tinsley right about now.
______________________________

12. Jason Thompson
PF, 6'11", 250lbs
Rider

Ummmm.....wow. I don't really have anything else to add.

"Jason is not here."- David Stern

No shit.

Who is Jason Thompson? And why is he going in the lottery? If only there were a group of analysts who could tell us more than he's "solid... really... solid"... Thanks Jay! (Via Anon)

That about sums that pick up. Let's pretend that never happened. Also, quick trivia question....name the last Kings first round draft pick who contributed to the team.
______________________________

13. Brandon Rush
G, 6'7", 205lbs
Kansas

Awesome pick. They are just loaded with talent. Unbelievable team. (Apparently I'm channeling my inner Jay Bilas)

It really makes you appreciate Kiper a lot more, doesn't it? (Via Anon)

A-f**king-men. This group is giving us nothing. Jeff Van Gundy doesn't know anything about the college game and Mark Jackson seems lost. Bad idea ESPN.

Did SAS just ask Brandon Rush how he feels about playing with Brandon Rush? (Via Anon)

Yes....yes he did.
______________________________

14. Anthony Randolph
F, 6'10", 197lbs
LSU

"Arms that go forever."- Jay Bilas

"Randolph is only 197 pounds and makes Brandan Wright look like Mr. America."- Jay Bilas

Dickie V is talking about Kevin Love now and says you can always pick up guards later in the Draft. Ummm.....have you looked at the rest of the prospects list? And he throws in an Italian restaurant joke. Kill me.

______________________________

15. Robin Lopez
C, 7'0", 245lbs
Stanford

"He's more defensive orientated and he has bigger hair."- Jay Bilas

Wow....that was sort of a shock. It's a good pick though because he can run.

Ford is reporting that Portland is sending Rush and Jarrett Jack to Indiana for Bayless. (Via Anon)

I hate Robin Lopez already.

Robin Lopez. Must Improve: Goofy hairstyle (Via Lammy)
______________________________

16. Marreese Speights
C, 6'10", 250lbs
Florida

"This guy can shoot. He shot 62% from the field...that's ninth in the NBA."- Stuart Scott

Are you f**king kidding me?!?!?! How does that even compare?
______________________________

17. (Via Toronto) Roy Hibbert
C, 7'2", 278lbs
Georgetown

"He's a big man, 7'2", 278 pounds. What the best thing about him Jay Bilas?"- Stuart Scott
"His size and his skill level."- Jay Bilas

Okay as long as the Wizards don't pick Kosta Koufas....I'm good. Oooh and we get a montage of cry baby Brook Lopez being bored at the draft. Fuck you millionaire.

"Robin is someone who can defend at the defensive end."- Terry Porter
______________________________

18. JaVale McGee
C, 7'0", 240lbs
Nevada

Enh....I'm not against this pick but I would have rather have had Hickson or Arthur. I pleaded for the Wizards to take a similar player in Paul Millsap.

Ike Diogu and Jerryd Bayless head to Portland for Jarret Jack and Brandon Rush go to Indiana.....Wow. That seems pretty pointless for all involved.

JaVale McGee's mom played in the WNBA? Seriously? And sadly, I can't come up with a good joke for this. I admit, I choked. (Via Anon)

What was Roy Hibbert's nickname again? (Via SS Reporters)

Thanks for asking! Brendan Haywood 2.0....thank god they didn't draft him.

"J.J. Hickson is just a horse down low."- Jay Bilas (Via BK)
______________________________

19. JJ Hickson
F, 6'9", 235lbs
NC State

Man watching those highlights I wish he was going to the Wizards. I love this pick for the Cavs. They need an athletic guy like Hickson.

With the 19th pick in the NBA Draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers just lost LeBron James. (Via BK)

Hahahahaha. So true. Hey, JVG is there! I had no idea until he just spoke. He seriously goes a good 35 minutes without saying a word.
______________________________

20. Alexis Ajinca
C, 7'0", 220lbs
France

"He makes Basketball. He makes Basketball look like he's playing nerf basketball."- Fran Fraschilla

Thank God he's there. Oh and the Bobcats suck ass. That's all I have to say.

Another player going to Indiana from Portland.....JOSH MCROBERTS!!!!!!!! Hey a Duke Player!!! Good times.

"It's a whole hat switching thing. Proposed trades, teams, and guys changing hats."- Stuart Scott

God I hate you. Hey Arthur is still there! Who predicted that the other day?
______________________________

21. Ryan Anderson
C,6'10", 235lbs
California

WOW!!!! That is by far the worst pick of the draft. I don't even have to watch the rest. Ridiculous. Who's running the Nets???

90-90 Liberty and Fever- 2OT....Wait...where Am I???

Okay I'm back! I'm feeling Courtney Lee here.....
______________________________

22. Courtney Lee
G, 6'5", 205lbs
Western Kentucky

BAM! Perfect pick for the Magic. I reached with Dontae Green in the first mock draft, but Lee is the ideal guy for them.

"He used to drive and beat me up at the same time, so he was my ride but he would also beat me up so. All I know is that he hasn't let go of that buffet down there in Orlando."- Jeff Van Gundy on Stan Van Gundy

AA, grade ESPN's coverage so far...I'm giving it a solid D. (Via SS Reporters)

Yep....spot on.

Yes Stu, we know the Pac-10 isn't a basketball school that's because it's a conference. (Via BK)
______________________________

23. Kosta Koufos
C, 7'0", 265lbs
Ohio State

Can the Jazz re-draft Greg Ostertag? Because they should after that pick.

Utah selects Kosta Koufos (as I giggle again)... and really, this is the perfect match of player, team, and city... the only way this would be better is if Kosta was a Morman. (Via Anon)

Is it just me or is this Draft going insanely slow?

Kosta Koufos. Must Improve: Ear Shape (Via Lammy)

Hilarious.
______________________________

24. Serge Ibaka
C, 6'10", 228lbs
Congo

Yaaaawwwwwwwwn. God I cannot stand Fran Fraschilla. Can we just get rid of the International position?

Must Improve: Experience

"How do you improve your experience?"- Jeff Van Gundy

Mr. and Mrs Ibaka
Must Improve: Birth control (Via Anon)

17 kids?!?!?! Good lord.

"You've always got your finger in one of your old teams don't you?"- Stuart Scott

Whoa....that's nasty
_________________________

25. Nicolas Batum
F, 6'8", 210lbs
France

"I compare him to Rudy Gay in terms of what he could end up being."- Fran Fraschilla

Ummm....a nothing? And the orange Ric Bucher gives us the info on an Arthur kidney issue. That sucks.

Are we not gettign the SAS interviews with the foreign players? Why must the WWL deprive us of this hilarity? (Via Anon)

Seriously....where the hell did SAS go?

I'm not convinced that the Spurs will draft Arthur... given the new report on his Kidney... well, Sean Elliot's not doing anything, right? Too soon? (Via Anon)

Wow.
___________________________

26. George Hill
G, 6'2", 181lbs
IUPUI

Ummmmmmmm.....I would never question the Spurs Draft strategy, but....yeah. WHO?!

"The Hornets are on the clock but they're making the trade, the pick, basically from Portland pending a trade."- Stuart Scott

What in the world is he talking about?

"On the clock now...the...Charlotte Bob....uh the New Orleans Hornets."- Stuart Scott
___________________________

27. Darrell Arthur
F, 6'9", 230lbs

HEY!!!! Good for Arthur and he's headed to Portland. This team is just freakin' staked now. Amazing.

"Doris is with ya mama."- Stephen A. Smith
"Thank you Stephen A. Sondra, as soon as your son was picked the tears started to flow, those tears are reflective of what?"- Doris Burke
"I'm sorry say that again?"- Mama Arthur

When did Doris Burke turn into James Lipton? Fran Fraschilla talks about Marc Gasol and I fall asleep.
___________________________

28. Donte' Green
F, 6'9", 220lbs
Syracuse

This seems like a waste of a pick to me but we're in best available territory. Rudy Gay now has a clone.

"He's got a lot of tools, he just can't find the keys to the toolbox right now."- Jay Bilas

"We breek in ESPN's Ric Bucher."- Stuart Scott

Stu is having the worst broadcast of his life and I'm loving every minute.
___________________________

29. DJ White
PF, 6'9", 251lbs
Indiana

Whoooo! I got one right on my Mock Draft!!! He's a perfect fit for the Pistons. The Bill Walker talk was nonsense.

"The last time the Pistons took a player from Indiana in the first round was a guy named Isiah Thomas back in '81."- Stuart Scott
"Booooooooooo!"- MSG Crowd
"Come on don't boo Isiah."- Stuart Scott

"You have to have the disease of greed."- Mark Jackson

I actually kind of like that phrase. Damn you Mark Jackson.

I'd love Chalmers as a backup to Rondo, and even play in the same backcourt with him when they go small. (Via Anon)

Interesting. Your thoughts intrigue me....I would like to subscribe to your newsletter. What the hell happened to the clock too? The Celts have been up for about 15 minutes now.

Okay, Stuart Scott just denigrated the sale of the gatorade-soaked shirt... the proceeds from which went to charity. What a dick. (Via Heef)

Stuart Scott just told someone that donated $50,000 to charity to get a life. You Stuart Scott need a life and a bitch slapping. (Via Anon)
__________________________

30. JR Giddens
G, 6'4", 208lbs
New Mexico

Very interesting choice. He wasn't on anyone's board in the first round but he'll fit in nicely. Great....Dick Vitale is back. He's looking haggard at this late hour. He's still bitching about the age limit....I love you Dick, but shut the hell up. He also blows Mark Jackson for a good 5 minutes....I'm done with him.

According to Ford, Detroit and Seattle swapped picks. Detroit picked D.J. White for the Pistons, and Seattle will pick twice in the 2nd round for Detroit. So...keep your eye on CDR being picked by the Sonics. (Via Anon)

I'm so confused. This is why I love the NBA Draft!
____________________________

Round 2:

Way to start off the second round MSG! Someone yells "Where's Steven A?!" as the coverage kicks off. Good times. The hecklers are getting rowdy.

31. Minnesota- Nikola Pekovic

Ummmmm.....who? Here comes Fran...

"He's big....is he good?"- Stuart Scott
"He's mid-lottery talent. He's a mean nasty joker."- Fran Fraschilla

What the hell are they talking about? I'm getting pissed now. It's official....DJ White is heading to Seattle.

32. Detroit- Walter Sharpe (F, UAB)

Ummm right. Okay.....where are we again? Larry Brown is getting booed by MSG and they're just looking for things to be pissed off at.

"What satisfies you most about what you've done so far."- Larry Brown
"I'm satisfied I got a job."- Larry Brown

He just doesn't even care anymore. Hahhahahaha and the crowd starts chanting, "JEFF VAN GUNDY...CLAP CLAP CLAPCLAPCLAP!"

33. Memphis- Joey Dorsey (F, Memphis)

"He's an absolute man."- Jay Bilas

Wait... so Joey Dorsey was at the draft too? Now I'm confused. (Via Anon)

Dude....just drink. I have no idea what' going on either. The main stage team is stupid, there are random players in the stands........IT'S THE NBA DRAFT! I love it.

34. Minnesota- Super Nintendo Chalmers (G, Kansas)

Again, who the hell is Nikola Pekovic?! DeAndre Jordan is a steal at this point. CDR is a tweener so that's not surprising.

35. Los Angeles Clippers- DeAndre Jordan (C, Texas A&M)

Good pick.

I really, really want a team to draft a foreign player, and just some random guy in the MSG audience/stands/bleachers/whatever to come down and get his picture taken. (Via Anon)

Oh it's coming! The highlight of every Draft.

37. Milwaukee Bucks- Luc Ricard Mbah A Moute (F, UCLA)

I love how ESPN still hasn't told us who went at #36 during the commercial break. We're waiting....

36. Portland- Omer Asik (Turkey)

Thanks ESPN. And I have no idea who that is....pointless.

"Asik in Turkish means lover."- Stuart Scott

38. Charlotte- Kyle Weater (G, Washington State)

The Blazers just drafted a Turk, and someone very audibly cracked open a can of soda (I hope!) on the set. (Via Jay)

Heard it too! I bet it was Stephen A. Smith....wait he's not on the main stage?

39. Chicago- Sonny Weems (F, Arkansas)

Not a bad pick there. He's a good player, but can't shoot.

Sonny Weems? I'm calling shenanigans. That's the made up name, right? (Via Anon)

I wish it was my name. The Nets are up....

40. Chris Douglas-Roberts (G, Memphis)

Amazing pick. After the smoke has cleared the Nets are doing big big things. Add Lebron in 2010 and you have the #1 Seed in the East. Is Calipari drinking Vodka and Crans? That's awesome.

"If we had drafted like that when I was at the Nets, I'd still be coaching the Nets."- John Calipari

F it... I love that CDR pick to the Nets too.. he might not be a starter, but backing up VINSANITY, and, you know, being the guy who plays defense when Vince just gives up. He'll be perfect. (Via Anon)

Agreed, although I felt the same way about Lawrence Moten back in the day.

Jeff Van Gundy
Must Improve: Knowledge of well...other things besides how to bag Alyssa Milano.
(Via SS Reporters)

That's a winner.

41. Indiana- Nathan Jawai (F, Australia)
42. Sacramento- Sean Singletary (G, Virginia)

Damn I was hoping Singletary would somehow make it to the Wizards and he could replace Roger Mason Jr. Oh well.

@AA... wow, a Lawrence Moten name drop... impressed! (Via Anon)

I've been trying to tell you this has been my life for over 20 years.

43. Patrick Ewing Jr. (F, Georgetown)

Interesting. He could pan out but it's not likely to happen. The guy can jump but he has no shot, offense, or rebounding. Hey Larry Bird via satellite with the most boring commentary ever!

Larry Legend may have had too many Vodkas and not enough Red Bulls. (Via Three Bean Salad)

So, basically, we're waiting for Bill Walker to get taken now, right? He would have been a lottery pick next year if he'd gone back, right? (Via Anon)

Ummmm maybe last year. Don't know about next year. He just seems lazy to me.

If Larry Bird and D-Wade had a conversation...... (Via SS Reporters)

Kill me.

44. Utah- Ante Tomic (C, Croatia)
45. San Antonio- Goran Dragic (G, Slovenia)

ESPN should know that Bird couldn't comment on proposed trades, yet their guys focused on that anyway. Still not sure if that was as inane as Stu's 2-question interview with Doc Rivers...and one of those questions was about his Gatorade-soaked shirt being auctioned. (Via Anon)

I can't describe how terrible this broadcast has been.....just plain boring. Great video of Tomic making wide open layups too. He's a winner. It's funny that Chad Ford decided to break up with the Euros this year, but they're getting scooped up all over.

46. Detroit- Trent Plaisted (F, BYU)

I'm surprised that ESPN has footage of these people. I saw him play in one game last year and.....well Jay Bilas just mentions it. Good job Jay. He did well against UNC last season.

47. Washington- Bill Walker (F, Kansas State)

I FUCKING LOVE IT! Piss towels and popcorn for everyone!!!! That just made my night. I don't think I've ever been happier for a second round Wizards pick outside of Gheorghe Muresan and/or God Shammgod.

48. Phoenix- Malik Hariston (F, Oregon)
49. Golden State- Richard Hendrix (F, Alabama)

This just proves Simmons' point about how important chemistry is on the set of a live/studio show and outside of JVG and Jackson these guys don't have it. This broadcast just proves that these shows totally depend on the host and Stu, you didn't have it tonight. (Via BK)

That theory certainly holds true most of the time but not always. I don't think Mike Tirico adds anything to a broadcast but he doesn't screw up like Stu. Scott is just lost tonight.

50. Sonics- DeVon Hardin (C, California)

Adam Silver tells about a trade that already happened and Hardin is a good pick. I'm dragging now people. And wow, ESPN even throws in an ad for its video conferencing software. Good times.

51. Mavericks- Shane Foster (G, Vandy)

USHAH! USHAH! Why did I know that was his nickname even before Stu mentioned it? That's right the NBA Draft song! I forget the name of the Ad Firm that sent that song to me, but bravo for getting it on ESPN.

"I do listen to Usher, it's on my Ipod right now."- Jay Bilas

52. Miami- Darnell Jackson (F, Kansas)
53. Utah- Tadija Dragicevic (F, Serbia)

Utah is just stocking up on foreigners now.

54. Rockets- Maarty Leunen (F, Oregon)

Is it just me or is the worst second round ever?

Somebody just... just needs to put Stu down... maybe just for the night, maybe for longer, but he needs to go. (Via Anon)

And Super Nintendo Chalmers goes to the Heat.

55. Portland- Mike Taylor (G, Iowa State)

Wait.....you can draft people from the D-League?!?!?! People are just making up shit now. This is crazy.

"He's a hungry player, has a terrific motor, and really goes after it."- Jay Bilas

Shut up Jay....you have no idea. Mark Jackson just said something about the NBDL but my brain shut off.

56. Seattle- Sasha Kaun (C, Kansas)

"SASHA Kaun, SASHA Kaun, SASHA Kaun SASHA Kaun, Let me love you SASHA Kaun."- Stuart Scott

Didn't see that coming AT ALL!

"Over seas, where he's from"- Jay Bilas

... shut up Bilas... Just shut the fuck up. (Via Anon)

I'm just done at this point. Someone carry me through the final four picks please.

57. San Antonio- James Gist (F, Maryland)

Hey yo! I didn't even think he was going to be drafted!!! Good times.

Dagger AA! Dagger! Bill Walker is gone...(Via Anon)

The Wizards trade Bill Walker to the Celtics for cash?!?!?! Dammit. This Draft officially sucks. I was stoked about that pick. So pointless.

58. Los Angeles- Joe Crawford (G, Kentucky)
59. Detroit- Deron Washington (F, Virginia Tech)

Well if you want someone to teabag players....he's your guy. Too bad he can't shoot worth shit. Mike Taylor goes to the Clippers............ahhhhhh who cares?! Adam Silver thanks some people who he calls his "friends" at MSG and.....

60. Boston- Semih Erden (C, Turkey)

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
____________________________________

My god that was borderline unbearable. Thanks everyone for seeing me through that nonsense and please ESPN.....NEVER PUT THOSE FOUR TOGETHER AGAIN!!! I knew it was a bad idea to begin with, but the final product was even worse than I had imagined. Mark Jackson has absolutely nothing to say, Jeff Van Gundy also has nothing to say but adds knowing nothing about College players (and openly admits it), Jay Bilas just makes up words the whole time but who can blame him with that supporting cast, and Stuart Scott.......Worst. Host. Ever.

Ugh. Thanks for all of the comments, jokes, and love tonight. More videos, analysis, and grades tomorrow. Cheers!

UPDATE: Well this is interesting. Via ESPN....

The Minnesota Timberwolves aren't holding on to O.J. Mayo for long.

Two league sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that will send the draft rights to Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

AA's 2008 Mock Draft

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:42:07 -0500

Hey why not right? Thursday is one of my favorite days of the year and there isn't much going on today outside of a bunch of apologies. Below is my attempt at a Mock Draft but before I get into it here are a few thoughts....

Thought #1: I don't know why, but this draft looks even weaker than the Kwame Brown Draft. If I was picking past spot seven or eight I would just put the names on a dart board and fire randomly.

Thought #2: Most Drafts are heavy on guards but there are about 40 Glen Davis' just sitting at the end of the first/beginning of the second. After the Top Ten there isn't a good NBA point guard out there.

Thought #3: Candidates who could slip: Gallinari, Darrel Arthur, Roy Hibbert and any foreigner that Chad Ford puts in the first round.

Alrighty, now that we've got that out of the way....here's how I see it going down.....

2008 Mock Draft:

1. Bulls- Derrick Rose, PG (Memphis)
2. Heat- Michael Beasley, F (Kansas State)
3. Wolves- OJ Mayo, PG/SG (USC)
4. Sonics- Jerryd Bayless, PG/SG (Arizona)
5. Grizzlies- Kevin Love, PF/C (UCLA)
6. Knicks- Eric Gordon, SG (Indiana)
7. Clippers- Russell Westbrook, PG/SG (UCLA)
8. Bucks- Joe Alexander, SF/PF (West Virginia)
9. Bobcats- Brook Lopez, C (Stanford)
10. Nets- Danilo Gallinari, SF (Italy)
11. Pacers- D.J. Augustin, PG (Texas)
12. Kings- Anthony Randolph, SF/PF (LSU)
13. Blazers- Mario Chalmers, PG (Kansas)
14. Warriors- Alexis Ajinca, PF/C (France)
15. Suns- Brandon Rush, SG (Kansas)
16. 76ers- DeAndre Jordan, C (Texas A&M)
17. Raptors- Kosta Koufas, C (Ohio State)
18. Wizards- JJ Hickson, PF (NC State)
19. Cavaliers- Robin Lopez, C (Stanford)
20. Nuggets- Mareesse Speights, C (Florida)
21. Nets- Darrel Arthur, PF (Kansas)
22. Magic- Donte Greene, SF/PF (Syracuse)
23. Jazz- JaVale McGee, PF (Nevada)
24. Sonics- Roy Hibbert, C (Georgetown)
25. Rockets- Chris Douglas-Robers, SG (Memphis)
26. Spurs- Ante Tomic, C (Croatia)
27. Hornets- Courtney Lee, SG (Western Kentucky)
28. Grizzlies- DJ White, PF (Indiana)
29. Pistons- Jason Thompson, PF (Rider)
30. Celtics- Jamont Gordon, SG (Mississippi State)

Feel free to agree/disagree and/or provide your own mock in the comments.

2008 NBA Draft Odds

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:47:47 -0500

Sportsbook and BetUS have minimal, boring odds up on Thursday's draft. Luckily, Bodog comes through with an extensive selection.

While I am trying to determine what is and isn't a good bet, please be advised that my knowledge of the situation comes from reading this Chad Ford column, and looking at DraftExpress and NBADraft.net.

It should be noted that Ford, while having the most accurate mock last year, only called 12/30 picks correctly. This stuff is really hard to call, especially when you get past the first few picks.

Unless otherwise specified, these props are regarding who will be taken in each slot, regardless of who is picking there. The actual props don't have the team name (except for #2 and #10), which I have added in parenthesis.

Who will be the #1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft? (Bulls)
Michael Beasley, +375
Derrick Rose, -600

We've been slowly moving in this direction for almost two months now, since it was essentially a coin flip. All indications are that Rose will be the guy, but I wouldn't want to pay -600 to find out.

What will Miami do with the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft?
Draft Michael Beasely and Keep him, 2/7
Trade Pick or Draft Michael Beasley and Trade him, 4/1
Draft O.J. Mayo, 9/2
Draft Any Other Player, 3/1

This is kind of surprising, isn't it? This obviously isn't exactly insider information, but Ford says:

We continue to hear that the Heat will probably trade the No. 2 pick if Rose is off the board.

Seems pretty straight forward, doesn't it? I suppose that we probably tend to overrate the possibility of guys getting traded, but +400 on that seems like a pretty good price here. I certainly wouldn't take the other side at -350.

Who will be the #3 pick? (Timberwolves)
Mayo, 2/5
Kevin Love, 9/2
Jerryd Bayless, 7/1
Brook Lopez, 3/1
Other, 8/1

Given the uncertainty of the Draft, I don't think there's a whole lot I would take at -250, and certainly not this. All three mocks have Mayo going here, but Bodog is obviously prepared for that scenario.

Might "Other" be a decent choice here? I am asking--I have no idea. Is there a scenario where the Heat keep their pick and select someone other than Beasley? It seems like maybe the Heat to trade their pick at +400 and "Other" at +800 would be a good combo, with one hedging the other.

Who will be the #4 pick? (Sonics)
Bayless, 5/6
Russell Westbrook, 3/2
Lopez, 3/1
Eric Gordon, 5/1
Other 8/1

Ford has them taking Westbrook, NBADraft.net has Bayless, and Draft Express has Lopez. I get the impression that the Sonics themselves have no idea who they are going to take.

I wouldn't bet on any of the players here, but what about "Other"? I know this is getting repetitive, but are we that sure that Rose-Beasley-Mayo are going to go 1-2-3?

Who will be the #5 pick? (Grizzlies)
Love, 5/9
Gordon, 3/2
Lopez, 5/1
Other, 13/4

Sounds like they're either going to take Love or Gordon. I have nothing to add here.

Who will be the #6 pick? (Knicks)
Bayless, 5/6
Westbrook, 5/6
Danilo Gallinari, 3/1
Joe Alexander, 6/1
Other, 9/2

This is interesting. As you may remember, there was a time that Gallinari was the heavy favorite here, at -150. A lot has transpired since, apparently. Ford says:

We had Danilo Gallinari at the Knicks in our first mock draft, but dropped him when a Suns source said that Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni wasn't a big fan. Apparently Gallinari's workout, combined with some research, has changed that opinion. Gallinari has worked out well everywhere and it sounds like the Knicks are comfortable with him here.

So, there you have it. Chad Ford endorses Gallinari at 3:1.

Who will be the #7 pick? (Clippers)
Gordon, 10/13
Westbrook, 3/1
Alexander, 11/2
D.J. Augustin, 8/1
Other, 2/1

Sounds like this will probably be Gordon, although there's no way I'd pay -130 for it, especially since Ford has Bayless going here.

Who will be the #8 pick? (Bucks)
Alexander, 1/2
Lopez, 7/2
Westbrook, 11/2
Augustin, 8/1
Other, 3/1

The whole world thinks they are taking Joe Alexander. Unfortunately, that includes Bodog.

Who will be the #9 pick? (Bobcats)
Lopez, 10/11
Augustin, 11/2
Donte Greene, 11/2
DeAndre Jordan, 10/1
Other, 10/11

Man, wasn't Lopez expected to go #3 at one point? That didn't last.

The three mocks have Westbrook, Lopez, and Love going here. Other seems like a decent value.

What will the Nets do with the #10 pick?
Draft Danilo Gallinari, 1/1
Draft any other player, 10/13
Trade pick, 4/1

"Any other player" at -130 has to be the play here. It's the 10th pick in the draft, how can they be so confident that a) Gallinari will be available, and b) they'll take him?

Who will be the #11 pick? (Pacers)
Augustin, 13/10
Anthony Randolph, 4/1
Brandon Rush, 11/2
Greene, 15/2
Other, 1/1

John Hollinger would not take Randolph here.

Ford has them taking Augustin. Not at +130 though.

Who will be the #12 pick? (Kings)
Randolph, 5/4
Rush, 7/2
Darrell Arthur, 9/2
Roy Hibbert, 5/1
Other, 6/5

They are supposedly looking at Hibbert; NBADraft.net has him going here, and Ford mentions him as well (although he has them taking this guy).

Who will be the #13 pick? (Trail Blazers)
Rush, 6/5
Greene, 3/2
Nicolas Batum, 10/1
Other, 5/6

Ford thinks the Blazers will either trade this pick (they do that a lot), take Rush, or take some French guy named Alexis Ajinca. DraftExpress has Ajinca going here as well, while NBADraft.net has Rush.

13th pick, only three non-field players, a team that loves to trade, and two of three mocks having a guy in the field selected. Other at -120 seems like the way to go here, does it not?

Who will be the #14 pick? (Warriors)
Kosta Koufos, 1/1
Arthur, 5/2
Greene, 9/2
Marreese Speights, 8/1
Other, 6/5

It is Koufos or Greene here, apparently. I liked it better when the lottery was only 13 teams.

Bodog has some more props, about whether guys will get drafted in the first or second round, and which players will get traded in the offseason. Go check them out, if you want, but those are categories I can't even fake knowledge in.

NA Basketball Player Prop Betting [Bodog]

Photo: NBA.com

2008 NBA Mock Draft

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:12:22 -0500

Below is The Sports Muffin's 2008 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Chicago Bulls Derrick Rose
2. Miami Heat Michael Beasley
3. Minnesota Timberwolves OJ Mayo
4. Seattle SuperSonics Jerryd Bayless
5. Memphis Grizzlies Eric Gordon
6. New York Knicks Anthony Randolph
7. Los Angeles Clippers Kevin Love
8. Milwaukee Bucks Joe Alexander
9. Charlotte Bobcats Brook Lopez
10. New Jersey Nets Danilo Gallinari
11. Indiana Pacers DJ Augustin
12. Sacramento Kings Russell Westbrook
13. Portland Trail Blazers DeAndre Jordan
14. Golden State Warriors Donte Greene

The West Region, Ben Howland, Brian Dohn, and the #2 Center in the Country

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:21:33 -0500

I seriously think Texas A & M is going to be UCLA's hardest game until the Final 4. I'm sure you all know that Kevin Love was the #1 Center in the country coming out of high school last year. Do you know who #2 was? I do. He goes to A & M. And He's a beast inside.

Preview for Thursday`s NCAA Tournament Games

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:08:01 -0500

With the NCAA Tournament officially underway with an opening round win by Mount St. Mary`s over Coppin State, let`s look ahead to some intriguing matchups on Thursday, the first day of the First Round: (12) Temple at (5) Michigan State: What a way top start off a tournament with a classic 5-12 game with potential for an upset. Temple comes out as out of the hottest teams in the country and are finally playing to their ability. Dionte Christmas and Mark Tyndale are two very underrated players in the NCAA`s and will be the keys to the Owls success in this game. On the Spartans side, no question that guard Drew Neitzel is what makes this team go. He needs to run his Michigan State squad against a tough Temple defense. If Temple can slow down the game and slow down Michigan State`s offense, an upset may occur. SFB Prediction: Temple wins 69-63 (9) Kent State at (8) UNLV The 8-9 matchup has produced some very good games and these teams are usually the most evenly matched. UNLV won the Mountain West title this year and Kent State won the Mid-American. The Golden Flashes of Kent State were very impressive in their Bracket Buster win over fellow tournament team, St. Mary`s, and perhaps is the game that put them into the NCAA Tournament. With four starters averaging in double figures, Kent State is a dangerous squad. However, the Rebels of UNLV are just as capable to win this game. Wink Adams averages over 16 points per game and is a great playmaker. SFB Prediction: Kent State wins 85-83 in overtime (13) Oral Roberts at (4) Pittsburgh So the Pittsburgh Panthers come into the Big East Tournament as the #7 seed and win the whole thing and get a #4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They have players like Levance Fields, Sam Young and DeJuan Blair. So they have a great team with great momentum, right? Well remember in 2005, Syracuse went along a similar path and were upended by feisty #13-seeded Vermont in the First Round. Could this happen again with Oral Roberts pulling off an upset? Robert Jarvis is a phenomenal guard for the Golden Eagles and this team has been to the tournament before (similar to Vermont when they beat Syracuse). A lot of comparisons to that matchup in 2005, so don`t be so sure the Big East post-season champs will move in so easily. SFB Prediction: Pittsburgh wins 78-69 (11) Kansas State at (6) USC When sports fans saw the Kansas State Wildcats will be playing the USC Trojans in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, everyone thought of the matchup between the Wildcats` Michael Beasley and USC`s O.J. Mayo. Both these players are outstanding and will most likely be Top 5 picks in this year`s NBA Draft. However, I say look at the supporting cast matchups for this game. USC`s Taj Gibson, Davon Jefferson and Dwight Lewis versus Kansas State`s Bill Walker and Jacob Pullen may be what determines the outcome of the game. USC is more deep and balanced than the Wildcats, but Beasley can potentially just take over the game. SFB Prediction: USC wins 75-62 (9) Texas A&M vs. (8) Brigham Young Gotta love these 8-9 matchups. The Texas A&M Aggies started off the year very solid and were ranked in the Top 25, but have tailed off towards the end of the year. The Aggies have 6 players averaging more than 8 points per game starting with leading scorer Josh Carter and ending with center (and NBA prospect) DeAndre Jordan. The BYU Cougars were the runner-up in the Mountain West Conference and they have 3 players averaging more than 13 points per game. Center Trent Plaisted is a monster inside and an on the glass scoring 15.6 points per game and pulling down just under 8 rebounds per game. This is another great 8-9 matchup. SFB Prediction: Texas A&M wins 71-67 (10) Arizona vs. (7) West Virginia The Arizona Wildcats are one of those teams that many think do not belong in the tournament. Well, even though their Pac-10 Conference record does not show it, this team is battle-tested (#2 strength of schedule) and talented. Potential 1st round NBA Draft pick Jerryd Bayless scores just over 20 points per game and forward Chase Budinger is a great all-around player. But the West Virginia Mountaineers have a forward named Joe Alexander, who had 34 points against Connecticut in the Big East quarterfinals. The key to this game will be whether Alexander can score for the Mountaineers and if Budinger can stop him. SFB Prediction - West Virginia wins 83-82 in overtime (12) George Mason vs. (5) Notre Dame Everyone picking their bracket this year remembers how the George Mason bracket absolutely tore the bracket apart 2 years ago in 2006 with their Final Four run. Will Thomas and Folarin Campbell are still left over from that starting lineups that beat Michigan State, North Carolina and Connecticut in the Big Dance. But this still is not the same team from 2 years ago and they can thank William & Mary for upsetting Virginia Commonwealth in the Colonial Semi-finals in order for Mason to make it to the tournament once again. The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have forward Luke Harangody leading the way, averaging about 21 points and 10 rebounds per contest this season. Harangody may be a little too much for the Patriots to handle, but don`t be surprised to see Mason bust another bracket. SFB Prediction: Notre Dame wins 78-68 Enjoy the games on Thursday and fill out your bracket on Sports Fan Base.com!