Yardbarker: Jason Collins

Those Collins Brothers Sure Do Suck

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:00:34 -0500

Good Ole John Hollinger comes out with his magical formulaic player efficiency ratings at the start of each year. He effectively ranks every single player in the NBA from number 1 to number 319. He always seems to ignore any contributions non-statistically to defense so this year Amare Stoudemire ranks in at #3, just behind Lebron and Chris Paul.

Anyway, while most people focus on the top of the list and argue how in the world Lebron or Kobe do not rank as the best player in the NBA, I immediately sift to the bottom of the list and see if the bane of my existence Brian Scalabrine ranks dead last. And just like last year Mr. Scalabrine was thwarted from his attempt of being the worst player in the NBA by one Jason Collins. But 2009 was a special year for the Collins brothers as Jarron joined Jason in all the fun of the last page of the Hollinger rankings as he snatched up the ranking of #4 worst player in the NBA.

I guess being 7 feet plus and a twin somehow keeps you employed in the NBA despite being horrible. Here's hoping that A) Scalabrine takes the title next year and B) the Lopez brothers somehow manage to join the Collins brothers last page party.

Jason Kidd's 100th triple-double: A chance to be apart of history

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:43:38 -0500

February 10, 2008.

Purchased tickets a couple of days ago for the afternoon game (thanks Hon!) featuring the New Jersey Nets versus the Dallas Mavericks game at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The last time I was there, roughly 22 months ago, it was still known as Continental Airlines Arena.

A lot has changed since. Aside from the renaming of the facility, the Nets are set relocate to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York by 2010. Former Denver Nuggets Kiki Vandeweghe is now part of the Nets front office (Did you know that Vandeweghe helped broker the deal for Kenyon Martin to move to Denver at the end of 03'-04'? And with the deteriorating condition of the knees of the latter, didn't Vandeweghe just help the Nets out with that one). Longtime Net Jason Collins (along with cash considerations) has relocated to Memphis in lieu of Stromile Swift. And of course the rumors that Vince "VC" Carter may be headed to Indiana for their injured star, Jermaine O'Neal. And Jason Kidd to a number of teams--among them--their opponent tomorrow, The Dallas Mavericks.

This is probably my last chance to watch "The Big Three" of Kidd, Carter, and Richard Jefferson for the last time before the February 21, 2008 NBA trading deadline.

It is my chance to say goodbye.

This may be the last game where the Nets will be running their vaunted Princeton Offense with "The Big Three." And despite their somewhat dismal (21-29) record in the Atlantic, they still show glimpses from time-to-time of the class that propelled them to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003.

This is also my opportunity to be apart of NBA History.

With Jason Kidd's 19-point, 11-rebound, and 13-assist effort for his 99th career triple-double in Nets' 104-90 win Friday nighthttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif against the Bobcats in Charlotte, Kidd has the chance to be only the third NBA player to amass triple-doubles in triple digits (with 100. Oscar Robertson is the all-time leader with 181, followed by Earvin "Magic" Johnson with 138) when his squad plays again the Mavericks tomorrow night.

Wow.

Now I'm hoping for just that tomorrow.

Notes:

It's a bit late, but congratulations to the 6'4'' Jason Kidd for surpassing the great Michael Jordan last February 2, 2008 for second place on the NBA career list of rebounds by a guard. Kidd began the game against the Hawks with 6,672 and finished with 6,682 to move past Jordan.

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Now playing: Jars Of Clay - Crazy Times
via FoxyTunes

Gift wrapped for Brooklyn: The 2008-2009 New Jersey Nets

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:43:35 -0500

I have always been resistant to change.

Even if I knew it was coming a mile away.

Last February, I got the opportunity to see the Nets at their best for what turned out to be their last time together against a major opponent.

And with the trade deadline looming, there were already some notable changes on their roster as the Nets shipped forward/center Jason Collins to Memphis for underachieving forward Stromile Swift. A few days later, team captain Jason Kidd followed suit when New Jersey sent him back to the very team that drafted him (Dallas Mavericks) for Devin Harris and other players.

Change was coming.

I just didn't know how fast.

Nets Team President Rod Thorn and the rest of the Nets brain trust have been very busy this off-season. Having traded away their franchise's second all-time leading scorer—Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks for China's Yi Jianlian and underachieving forward Bobby Simmons.

The Nets also did very well for themselves in the 2008 NBA Draft after they bagged Stanford's 7'0'' center Brook Lopez at #10, 6'10'' forward Ryan Anderson at #21, and arguably the steal of the draft at #40—Memphis scoring guard-forward Chris "CDR" Douglas-Roberts.

Rod Thorn didn't stop there as he also allowed forward Bostjan "Boki" Nachbar to sign with a Russian team and sent guard Marcus Williams to the Golden State Warriors for a future lottery-protected 1st round pick.

With that said, the only Nets left from last season's roster are Darrell Armstrong, Josh Boone, Nenad Krstic, Sean Williams, Vincent Lamar Carter and his $61.8 million dollar extension. Of those five players, only Boone, Williams, and Carter are certain to make the final roster.

The New Jersey Nets have certainly positioned themselves well for the unrestricted free agent boon of 2010 that will feature the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr., Steve Nash, Joe Johnson, Walter Ray Allen, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady, and for what it's worth, Shaquille O'Neal. This list can further increase if players who hold Early Termination Options (ETO) in their existing contracts decide to exercise them. They are Amare Stoudemire, Michael Redd, Tyson Chandler, Richard Jefferson, Yao Ming, and Dirk Nowitzki.

If the Nets don't land LeBron James in 2010.

They are not short on alternatives from the wealth of talent on that list.

Kudos to the Nets brain trust on their foresight.

Brooklyn may not only be getting a team two years from now.

But a solid contender.

Addendum:

- DeSagana Diop and the Dallas Mavericks agreed on a five-year, $31 million deal (the team's full midlevel exception) last July 9, 2008. It will be Diop's second stint with the Mavericks after being a part of the Jason Kidd-Devin Harris deal six months earlier

- What exactly did the Nets get in the Marcus Williams deal? Fred Kerber of nypost.com shares that "if the Warriors are in the playoffs in 2011, the Nets get their first round pick. So it's lottery-protected in 2011.

He adds "if the Nets are still waiting for the pick in 2012, they get G. State's first rounder, as long as it's not 1-through 11. If they're still waiting in 2013, they get the first rounder as long as it's not 1-through-10. But 2013 is the cutoff. If they haven't gotten the pick by then they get two second rounders, in 2013 and 2015."

Sounds as shady as Marcus Camby being dealt for a 2nd round pick, if you know what I mean.

- Lastly, at the age of 40, guard Darrell Armstrong won't be back with the Nets for the upcoming 2008-2009 NBA season.

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Now playing: Jack Johnson - Never Know
via FoxyTunes

Rumors and Free Agent Updates - Freak Accident Edition

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:41:35 -0500

Much speculation has been going around about Monta Ellis' injury that apparently happened outdoors and not on a basketball court. Here's one for the freak accident file. The Timberwolves new center, Jason Collins,injured a triceps tendon in his elbow when his golf cart skidded on wet ground and tipped over. You can't make stuff like that up. The Delonte West Saga is finally over in Cleveland. The restricted free agent has agreed to a 3 year contract that will play him around $12 million. The third year is at the option of the team. Details are coming out that they team wanted to limit him to 2 guaranteed years because like many other teams, they are trying to keep as much money as possible free for the 2010 free agent bonanza. It is being reported that only $500,000 is guaranteed for the 2010-11 season if they decide to let him go. I have been watching Delonte, Ryan Gomes and Big Al because I really like those 3 players and was hoping that maybe the Celtics could get them back but with all three signing multi-year contracts with their teams, that won't happen for awhile anyway. Chris Quinn is another restricted free agent who finally came to terms with his team. The Heat have re-signed guard Chris who was one of the few bright spots last season for the team, averaging 14.4 points and 5.9 assists in their final 17 games. Quinn will have a chance to compete for the starting PG job with the team against Marcus Banks and Mario Chalmers. He should have a good shot at it because Banks has been a disappointment with every team who have seen his potential and taken a chance on him and Chalmers is a rookie who is already off to a rocky start in the league. Magic forward Pat Garrity has decided to hang up his sneakers and retire. Garrity had been with the Magic longer than any current player on the roster. Garrity is 32, the same age as the Celtics star players, but his playing time has dwindled in recent years and even though there are teams with some interest in him, is ready to get on with his life beyond basketball. On the other hand, the Magic signed much traveled veteran PG Mike Wilks who will be insurance behind Jameer Nelson and Anthony Johnson. Former Celtic Raef LaFrentz will have shoulder surgery later this month. Gosh, I thought he had retired but I guess he is still hanging in there. I think he has spent more time on the injured list in his career than he has playing. It was a masterful stroke for Danny to trade Raef, whose bloated contract is still going for Theo Ratliff, whose expiring contract was instrumental in bringing KG to Boston. Raef is finally in the last year of his contract so may finally be useful as an expiring contract. The Blazers may need it, too, if Darius Miles is able to play 10 games this season and put them back on the hook for the $18 million the team still owes him. Another former Celtic with a bloated contract is finally at the expiring contract stage of his career and that is Wally Szczerbiak. Wally, one of the best pure shooters in his prime, has spent more time on the injured list than playing between his fragile ankles and bone on bone knees. He is being rumored as a prime candidate to be traded by the Cavs this season because his 13 million expiring contract finally will make him attractive to another team. Larry Bird is still trying to dump Jamaal Tinsley on some unsuspecting team. Pacers fans don't need to worry that they will be stuck with him because Bird has told the Pacer's NBA blog that Tinsley will not be with the team this season. So, either he has a trade brewing that he is certain he can pull off or he will finally relent and buy him out but he is pretty adamant that Tinsley will be gone before the season starts. One deal that has been rumored has the Heat offering Marcus Banks for Tinsley. He is also firm on the fact that they will keep Granger for the future, even though they haven't extended his contract yet. The Pacers wisely took Granger over Gerald Green in the draft allowing the Celtics to grab Green, who still hasn't gotten his potential anywhere near matching his production. Shaun Livingston is still looking for a team willing to take a chance on signing him. He worked out for the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves in the past week. The Miami Heat are also very interested in signing the 6'7" point guard who is fighting his way back from a devastating injury. There have also been rumors that Danny Ainge is interested in Livingston, but I take those rather skeptically at this point with the admission from Ainge that he plans to bring Sam Cassell back. The Celtics will have plenty of point guards. He might consider a non guaranteed training camp contract like he gave Miles, but word is that Livingston is looking for a guaranteed contract and with 3 other teams interested, he will probably get it. The Blazers are the frontrunners at this point but the Wolves are also sold on him after the workout so it will depend on who is willing to give the most. The Lakers have signed yet another player, bringing their total number of players to 20. That gives them 5 more than the league maximum going into camp. This time, they signed C.J. Giles, a forward out of Oregon State. This comes one day after signing Brandon Heath. Of all the players the Lakers have signed this summer — Dwayne Mitchell, Josh Powell, Sun Yue, Joe Crawford, Heath and Giles, only Powell's and Sun's contracts are guaranteed. Sun Yue will wear #9 with the Lakers should he be lucky enough to make the final cut. I wonder if that is in honor of Rajon Rondo who outplayed all the Lakers' point guards in the finals last year.

Team Preview #27: Minnesota Timberwolves

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:08:02 -0500

Can Big Al & Kev-Love both average double-doubles? LAST SEASON The Timberwolves went 22-60, missing the Playoffs for the 4th year in a row. Randy Foye missed over half the season, but Minnesota simply wasn't a very good team. They ranked 6th in field goals attempted, but just 25th in threes made, 26th in scoring, 26th in assists, 29th in blocks, and 29th in free throws attempted. OFFSEASON MOVES Key Additions: Mike Miller, Kevin Love, Jason Collins, Brian Cardinal, Rodney Carney, Booth, Pekovic Key Losses: Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, Greg Buckner, Kirk Snyder The T-Wolves definitely improved over the summer, trading away their top pick (OJ Mayo), a washed-up former All-Star (Antoine Walker), and two bad contracts (Jaric + Buckner) for Mike Miller, Kevin Love, Jason Collins, and Brian Cardinal. Cardinal still has 2 years and $13 million remaining on his contract, but Minnesota got the prospect that they wanted, an excellent offensive player in Miller, and a veteran big man. In a separate trade, they also picked up the athletic swingman Rodney Carney, the 7-footer Booth, and a future 1st rounder from Philly for just a 2nd round pick and a trade exemption. Carney will likely replace Kirk Snyder, who played a key role off the bench for Minnesota last season. In the draft, they also chose the Serbian Nikola Pekovic at #31, who is 6-foot-11 and put up excellent stats in the Euroleague (16.4 points on 58.4% FG). The Wolves also managed to re-sign Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, and Sebastian Telfair, 3 key players from last season. ROTATION / PLAYING TIME Point guard is the biggest question mark for Minnesota. Randy Foye has flashed some potential, but he missed a big chunk of last season due to a kneecap injury (31 starts, 32.3 mpg) and has yet to really prove himself in the NBA (unlike Brandon Roy, the man he was traded for on draft night). They need Foye to step up, because Telfair (51 starts, 32.2 mpg) has improved, but he's clearly a backup and nothing more. If both are healthy, I'll project 32-34 minutes for Foye and 16-18 minutes for Telfair. Rashad McCants (75 starts, 27.0 mpg) played surprisingly well last season, but he's headed back to the bench with Mike Miller now in town. I'm projecting 34-36 minutes for Miller and just 16-18 minutes for McCants, while Carney is limited to garbage time. At small forward, there's a battle for minutes between Ryan Gomes (26 years old, 29.7 mpg) and Corey Brewer (22 years old, 22.8 mpg). Gomes is a much better offensive player and more reliable to boot, but Brewer is the better defender. Since Minnesota could use some defense in their lineup, I'm predicting Brewer to start and get 24-26 minutes of action. Meanwhile, Gomes would be an excellent 6th man who can play 30+ minutes backing up both forward spots. Kevin Love should immediately step into the starting lineup and get 28-30 minutes off the bat, and possibly more as the season progresses. Al Jefferson is a lock for 36 minutes at center, while Craig Smith will get around 18 minutes as the first big man off the bench. The veteran crew of Jason Collins, Calvin Booth, Mark Madsen (yes, he's still around!), and Brian Cardinal will fight for the remaining minutes. DON'T SLEEP ON: Kevin Love Two months ago, I called out Rotoworld for naming Craig Smith the starter and underestimating Kevin Love's fantasy potential. The former Bruin is going to flirt with double-doubles on a nightly basis, is an excellent passer, and should post solid shooting %'s. Here's what I said about Love's free throw shooting in particular: 25 NBA players averaged 9+ boards last season (Love pulled down 10.6 in college), but only 9 of those 25 shot 75% or better from the line (Love shot 76.7% FT). Now of those 9, only 5 averaged 4.5 or more free throw attempts per game (Love averaged 6.6 FTA at UCLA and had 11 games with 10+ attempts). Their names? Amare Stoudemire, Kevin Garnett, Yao Ming, Chris Kaman, and Antawn Jamison. Clearly, Love has a very good chance of joining a select group of big men who can provide you with lots of rebounds while also helping out (or at least not hurting) your overall FT%. That makes the rookie very valuable in my mind. BE CAREFUL OF: Al Jefferson I'm high on Love, but I'm down on Big Al. Jefferson was the ONLY player to average 21+ points and 11+ rebounds in '07-08, but he'll have trouble duplicating those stats with the addition of Love. Last season, only 3 other players averaged 4+ boards for Minnesota: Gomes (5.8), Craig Smith (4.6), and Kirk Snyder (4.2). Gomes played a lot of power forward, but now he's going to slide over to SF to accomodate Love, who is a vastly superior rebounder. At shooting guard, Mike Miller (career 5.3 boards per 36 mpg) is also a superior rebounder compared to McCants (career 3.6 boards per 36 mpg). Now consider Telfair's career average of 11.9 points per 36 minutes vs. Randy Foye's career average of 15.4 points per 36. A healthy Foye is capable of scoring in bunches and Miller is also an excellent offensive player, which means fewer shot attempts for Jefferson in '08-09. The 20 & 10 club is still pretty exclusive, but it's not the same as 21 & 11. Big Al is still one of the top fantasy centers, but I don't suggest using a Top 30 pick on him. ROUND BY ROUND TARGETS (Where you should draft these guys in an 8-cat Roto league with 12 teams and 14 man rosters) Click on the link to find out!

Gift wrapped for Brooklyn: The 2008-2009 New Jersey Nets

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:14:49 -0500

I have always been resistant to change. Even if I knew it was coming a mile away. Last February, I got the opportunity to see the Nets at their best for what turned out to be their last time together against a major opponent. And with the trade deadline looming, there were already some notable changes on their roster as the Nets shipped forward/center Jason Collins to Memphis for underachieving forward Stromile Swift. A few days later, team captain Jason Kidd followed suit when New Jersey sent him back to the very team that drafted him (Dallas Mavericks) for Devin Harris and other players. Change was coming. I just didn't know how fast. Nets Team President Rod Thorn and the rest of the Nets brain trust have been very busy this off-season. Having traded away their franchise's second all-time leading scorer—Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks for China's Yi Jianlian and underachieving forward Bobby Simmons. The Nets also did very well for themselves in the 2008 NBA Draft after they bagged Stanford's 7'0'' center Brook Lopez at #10, 6'10'' forward Ryan Anderson at #21, and arguably the steal of the draft at #40—Memphis scoring guard-forward Chris "CDR" Douglas-Roberts. Rod Thorn didn't stop there as he also allowed forward Bostjan "Boki" Nachbar to sign with a Russian team and sent guard Marcus Williams to the Golden State Warriors for a future lottery-protected 1st round pick. With that said, the only Nets left from last season's roster are Darrell Armstrong, Josh Boone, Nenad Krstic, Sean Williams, Vincent Lamar Carter and his $61.8 million dollar extension. Of those five players, only Boone, Williams, and Carter are certain to make the final roster. The New Jersey Nets have certainly positioned themselves well for the unrestricted free agent boon of 2010 that will feature the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr., Steve Nash, Joe Johnson, Walter Ray Allen, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Manu Ginobili, Tracy McGrady, and for what it's worth, Shaquille O'Neal. This list can further increase if players who hold Early Termination Options (ETO) in their existing contracts decide to exercise them. They are Amare Stoudemire, Michael Redd, Tyson Chandler, Richard Jefferson, Yao Ming, and Dirk Nowitzki. If the Nets don't land LeBron James in 2010. They are not short on alternatives from the wealth of talent on that list. Kudos to the Nets brain trust on their foresight. Brooklyn may not only be getting a team two years from now. But a solid contender. Addendum: - DeSagana Diop and the Dallas Mavericks agreed on a five-year, $31 million deal (the team's full midlevel exception) last July 9, 2008. It will be Diop's second stint with the Mavericks after being a part of the Jason Kidd-Devin Harris deal six months earlier - What exactly did the Nets get in the Marcus Williams deal? Fred Kerber of nypost.com shares that "if the Warriors are in the playoffs in 2011, the Nets get their first round pick. So it's lottery-protected in 2011. He adds "if the Nets are still waiting for the pick in 2012, they get G. State's first rounder, as long as it's not 1-through 11. If they're still waiting in 2013, they get the first rounder as long as it's not 1-through-10. But 2013 is the cutoff. If they haven't gotten the pick by then they get two second rounders, in 2013 and 2015." Sounds as shady as Marcus Camby being dealt for a 2nd round pick, if you know what I mean. - Lastly, at the age of 40, guard Darrell Armstrong won't be back with the Nets for the upcoming 2008-2009 NBA season.

Wolves Send Mayo To Memphis, Beasley Trade Coming?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:20:50 -0500

In a move that cleared a lot of salary, the Timberwolves shipped O.J. Mayo, Antoine Walker, Marko Jaric, and Greg Buckner to the Memphis Grizzlies. In a move that added a lot of salary, the Memphis Grizzlies shipped Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Jason Collins, and Brian Cardinal to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Who won the trade? Memphis. But [...]

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.
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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.
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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)
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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)
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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.....
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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?
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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.
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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)

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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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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)
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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?
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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
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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)
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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.
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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?
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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.....
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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!
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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.

Does this blockbuster equation make sense to you?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:32:32 -0500

In case you haven't heard this blockbuster trade of epic proportions: Kevin Love + Mike Miller + Brian Cardinal + Jason Collins for OJ Mayo + Marko Jaric + Antoine Walker + Greg Buckner. WOW! My initial reaction is that Minnesota made a sweet deal and Memphis got fleeced once again. Kevin McHale gets the power forward that he coveted to team up with Al Jefferson (Love studied tapes of McHale growing up, so there's a nice connection there). The T-Wolves also get rid of Marko Jaric's contract (3 years, $21.3 million remaining) and get to replace him with Mike Miller. I'm shocked that Miller is being mentioned as a mere afterthought in this deal. The last time I checked, he was one of the top shooters in the league and an extremely versatile offensive weapon. I'm still not sold on Randy Foye, but a starting five of Foye, Miller, Corey Brewer, Love, and Big Al is pretty solid. Telfair, Snyder, and Gomes are all restricted free agents, but if retained, could form with McCants to give Minnesota a decent bench. Collins' contract expires in 1 year and Cardinal's ($13.05 million left) expires in 2. Is this really the best Memphis could get in return for Love & Miller? I realize that they need a player with star power to sell some tickets, but I'm not convinced that OJ Mayo is going to be a guaranteed superstar like some people think. Remember, Mayo had (arguably) more talent around him at USC, but Beasley's Kansas St. squad beat them soundly in Round 1 of the tournament. Memphis really needed a talented big man, but they must have figured that Love was expendable when they traded for Darrell Arthur. Jaric is a decent player, but I certainly wouldn't want to owe him $21 million over 3 years. Walker's contract expires after this season (he might get bought out), but according to Hoopshype, Buckner has 3 years and $12.06 million remaining if he exercises a player option. The Grizzlies have a lot of talent in their backcourt now (Mayo, Conley, Lowry, Crittenton), but none of those guys are proven (in the NBA at least). Rudy Gay is a stud, but he really needed some help up front. I don't like this trade for Memphis, but there are rumors that Mayo could be traded once again. We shall see…

Blockbuster Trade Caps Interesting Draft Night

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:46:55 -0500

According to ESPN and several league sources, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies have agreed on a trade that will send the rights to OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins. BJ Pickard

Wolves Draft/Trade Retrospect

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:12:09 -0500

I don't know how I feel about the trade. The Wolves do bring in Kevin Love who will play great with Al Jefferson and Mike Miller who is just a sharpshooter if there ever was one. And an added bonus you've got to love white people playing basketball. Bless their hearts for trying. But, I was really liking OJ Mayo. I hope this doesn't come back to haunt the Wolves, I really do. In addition, Memphis has Mike Conley to go along with Mayo at guard, a little scary. In addition to bringing in Miller and Love, the Wolves bring in Jason Collins. A center! Thank God, they finally addressed that. It's not like Collins is going to be an all-star any time, but he is someone you can put at the 5 and not feel like you're wasting your best player there. (See All Jefferson's 2007 season.) We can just write-off Brian Cardinal as an insignificant part of the deal, sorry Brian. On top of that, the Wolves dump the enormous contracts of the oft disappointing Marko Jaric and Antoine Walker. (Note, that Jaric was the only disappointment. Walker did all he could for the team in his limited time here and I respect him for that. Jaric was just a drain on the team's pocket book.) Sadly, the write-off on this side of the deal is veteran Greg Buckner. I like the guy, he's good people. I wish him the best. All in all, a solid deal for both sides. I will reiterate that I just hope the trading of Mayo doesn't come back to haunt Minnesota. But, the future looks a little brighter for both teams and the Wolves have filled needs. As far as the rest of the draft is concerned, Nikola Pekovic was a great pick. As an analyst said during the draft, like Derrick Rose was a lock at 1, Pekovic was a lock at 31. Since he had issues with a contract he has with a Greek team for the next 3 years, teams shied away from him in the first round. But once the second round came around, the Wolves pounced on the 7 foot center from Serbia. This is a great pick for down the road. It also give Collins a few years to prove his worth to the team. Now that draft has come and gone I am feeling very confident in the future of this Wolves squad. All they need to do now is solidify their bench and they could potentially be contenders in a year or two.

Winners and Losers: NBA Trades and Signings of 2008

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:32:44 -0500

So with the trade deadline passing at 3PM yesterday and a flurry of blockbuster trades and signings in 2008, it is time to look at the winners and the losers.

Jason Kidd's 100th triple-double: A chance to be apart of history

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:02:21 -0500

February 10, 2008. Purchased tickets a couple of days ago for the afternoon game (thanks Hon!) featuring the New Jersey Nets versus the Dallas Mavericks game at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The last time I was there, roughly 22 months ago, it was still known as Continental Airlines Arena. A lot has changed since. Aside from the renaming of the facility, the Nets are set relocate to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York by 2010. Former Denver Nuggets Kiki Vandeweghe is now part of the Nets front office (Did you know that Vandeweghe helped broker the deal for Kenyon Martin to move to Denver at the end of 03'-04'? And with the deteriorating condition of the knees of the latter, didn't Vandeweghe just help the Nets out with that one). Longtime Net Jason Collins (along with cash considerations) has relocated to Memphis in lieu of Stromile Swift. And of course the rumors that Vince "VC" Carter may be headed to Indiana for their injured star, Jermaine O'Neal. And Jason Kidd to a number of teams--among them--their opponent tomorrow, The Dallas Mavericks. This is probably my last chance to watch "The Big Three" of Kidd, Carter, and Richard Jefferson for the last time before the February 21, 2008 NBA trading deadline. It is my chance to say goodbye. This may be the last game where the Nets will be running their vaunted Princeton Offense with "The Big Three." And despite their somewhat dismal (21-29) record in the Atlantic, they still show glimpses from time-to-time of the class that propelled them to the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. This is also my opportunity to be apart of NBA History. With Jason Kidd's 19-point, 11-rebound, and 13-assist effort for his 99th career triple-double in Nets' 104-90 win Friday night against the Bobcats in Charlotte, Kidd has the chance to be only the third NBA player to amass triple-doubles in triple digits (with 100. Oscar Robertson is the all-time leader with 181, followed by Earvin "Magic" Johnson with 138) when his squad plays again the Mavericks tomorrow night. Wow. Now I'm hoping for just that tomorrow. Notes: It's a bit late, but congratulations to the 6'4'' Jason Kidd for surpassing the great Michael Jordan last February 2, 2008 for second place on the NBA career list of rebounds by a guard. Kidd began the game against the Hawks with 6,672 and finished with 6,682 to move past Jordan.

Jason Collins- Stromile Swift Trade Fantasy Fallout

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 08:19:40 -0500

The Jason Collins for Stromile Swift trade might seem like it doesn't have big fantasy implications, but don't tell that to Hakim Warrick. We explain why the fellow blogger is going to rack up the numbers and minutes.

Daily Babble: Memphis Deal Represents End of an Era

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 03:21:32 -0500

The Commercial Appeal has reported that, come Monday, the Grizzlies and Nets will finalize a deal that will send Stromile Swift to Jersey and Jason Collins to Memphis. What this means is that this could be one of the last opportunities for folks to have the impetus to discuss one of the quietest mysteries over the last seven years: how the Twin Era lasted as long as it did in New Jersey.