Yardbarker: Rudy Gay

The Grizzlies are using a Bulls blueprint for Success!!

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:28:02 -0500

This may sound like lunacy to most die-hard NBA fans but all I ask is that you hear me out. I believe that whether the Grizzlies are, or are not aware of their personnel moves, they are shaping up to be a "bizarro" version of the Championship Bulls of old. Noooo..... i'm not saying the Grizz just got Michael Jordan in O.J. Mayo, because no one's ever going be Mike...it's just not going to happen. But take a look at the core of that first Championship team with Michael, Scottie and Horace? Mike was the ultimate competitor period, Scottie had an all-around game and Horace could nail the open jumper from the 4 spot. Not to mention, all three of them played tremendous defense together. The Grizzlies have Rudy Gay who should've won Most Improved Player of the year and he physically compares to Pippen. They traded for the rights to Darrell Arthur who has proven that he can hit the mid-range shot in college and he's also a defensive minded player. In additon they add a two guard like O.J. Mayo who offers heart and leadership that should prove an invaluable asset to a young Grizzlies team that welcomes a player with confidence. The real question is whether Mayo or Gay will take the role of Jordan? We know Gay can take and make shots in the clutch and Mayo has been an exceptional player up to this point but the answer is simple...no one can take the role of Jordan but just maybe they can become a hybrid of the Jordan and Pippen led Bulls. They also have a new player in Marc Gasol who looks like Longley and he might actually be the " tough" Gasol of the brothers. Lowry resembles a beefier version of B.J. Armstrong and Crittenton can be a young Ron Harper. There you have it....the Bulls of the Future! The Grizzlies starting lineup would look something like this: Lowry/Crittenton, Mayo, Gay, Arthur, Gasol Compared to the Old Chicago Bulls: Armstrong/Harper, Jordan, Pippen, Grant, Cartwright/Longley. Keep in mind that Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant arrived in the NBA when Jordan entered his third year in the league. Now, Mayo and Arthur have arrived while Gay is entering his third year in the league. What a coicedence, or is it? Maybe the Bulls are back but now they're back in the form of young Grizzlies!

GRIZZ ON THE RIGHT PATH!

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:51:53 -0500

Despite what many so-called experts have reported, the future of the Memphis Grizzlies looks like a bright one. Grizzly brass was routinely dragged through the mud regarding the trade they made to the Lakers because most feel they received "too little" for Gasol. I believe that Memphis believed Pau was basically "fools gold" because they didn't feel he was a player you can build a franchise around. He also lacked the toughness that the Memphis community could rally and get behind so the Grizz changed their path immediately with the trade . The pieces that Wallace and Co. have compiled since then may pay great dividends for the future of this young franchise. The Grizz received a budding talent in Javaris Crittenton, a young but experienced Marc Gasol, a great athlete in Darrell Arthur (28th pick from Lakers), cap room with the expiring of Kwame Brown's contract, and they still hold a first round pick they aquired from the Lakers in 2010. The Grizz front office made a gutsy move by trading Kevin Love for OJ Mayo. Many believe that the Timberwolves pulled the rug from under the Grizzlies once again because they had to include Mike Miller who is a gifted shooter and respected veteran as part of the deal. But, the Grizz have to believe they received a potential superstar in Mayo and they also got rid of Jason Collins a.k.a "human brick legs" and Brian Cardinal's "human bench warmer" contracts in one fail swoop. People say Memphis has a bad deal with Jaric's contract but I believe Memphis would rather overpay Jaric than overpay Cardinal who in contrast has played two games in 5 years. Memphis now has a young nucleus in Gay and Mayo they can build around and they also have several young pieces to evaluate for the future which looks like a bright one. This team could be one of the most exciting in the league and they just might do some winning along the way! Maybe the future was cloudy but it looks like Heisley and the Grizzlies are getting a little bit of sunshine as they begin their walk....Their walk down the right path!

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!
____________________________________

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…

Conley at heart of trade talk

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:57:30 -0500

The Grizzlies are working to acquire the No. 2 overall pick Thursday in the NBA draft, but they aren't willing to sacrifice point guard Mike Conley. The inclination to keep Conley, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2007 draft, was characterized Tuesday by those familiar with the discussions as an organizational decision -- meaning ownership, management and the coaching staff are opposed to a deal that would send Conley as part of a package to the Miami Heat in exchange for the presumed right to draft forward Michael Beasley of Kansas State at No. 2. Griz general manager Chris Wallace couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday but has said the franchise is exploring all options as it prepares to make the fifth pick. The first pick is expected to be University of Memphis guard Derrick Rose by Chicago. The Griz and Heat have talked for weeks about possibly swapping first-round picks. Reportedly, Miami originally sought a deal that would give them Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry and the Grizzlies' No. 5 pick. The Griz countered with a variation of that trade, only they prefer to substitute the No. 5 selection with their No. 28 pick. Both proposed trades included other players from both teams to make the deals work under the league's salary cap. Miami has expressed interest in moving Mark Blount and Marcus Banks. Memphis' longstanding preference has been to unload Brian Cardinal and the remainder of his contract. According to ESPN.com, the Heat's latest proposal wanted the Griz to send Miller, Conley and the No. 5 pick for the No. 2 pick and Daequan Cook. It's a high price tag, according to sources who acknowledge the team's willingness to part with Miller and Lowry. Another report has the Grizzlies sending Conley, Miller and the No. 5 pick to Miami for Udonis Haslim, Cook and the No. 2 selection. Miller, a veteran whom the Griz may have to consider negotiating a contract extension, can be used as an asset to help the team advance its youth movement. Lowry is considered expendable given the Grizzlies' depth at point guard. Conley is a player the franchise is counting on to develop alongside Rudy Gay on a team starved for talent. He has to develop a consistent outside shot, but the assertiveness he displayed toward the end of his rookie season provided reason for optimism. Conley began to improve his effectiveness in pick-and-roll situations and finish stronger at the rim. His quickness and athleticism are considered obvious tools for helping the Griz improve on defense. It's possible the Grizzlies will explore several different avenues if there is a roadblock with Miami. One report has the Grizzlies sending the No. 5 pick and Brian Cardinal to the New York Knicks for David Lee and other considerations. Another is the Griz sending the 28th pick along with Lowry to Denver in exchange for the No. 20 pick and possibly forward Linas Kleiza. The deal would give the Griz an earlier shot at drafting Western Kentucky guard Courtney Lee, who was impressive in his Memphis workout.

Ranking the Top 30 Small Forwards by Total Value

Mon, 26 May 2008 13:00:17 -0500

This is the third of five installments of my position-by-position rankings, where I consider the four major factors that affect a player's total value: talent (statistical performance), contract, age and potential. To see a more detailed explanation of my approach, give my point guard rankings a gander. I have also completed the first edition of my shooting guard rankings. To summarize a player's stats, I'll use the NBA Efficiency statistic, which is defined as: EFF = ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)) Essentially, the order of this list depends on the answer to the question – would you trade Player X for Player Y, assuming the goal is to win a title in the next three seasons, while also building a strong franchise for years to come? On with the rankings... 1. LeBron James, Cavaliers Age: 23 EPG: 30.6 Contract: three years, $47.3 M ($15.8 M per) What's there to say about LeBron that hasn't already been said? He's only 23 and is, at worst, the second-best wing in the NBA. He has some things to work on (i.e. post game, consistent shooting), but the sky is the limit. 2. Kevin Durant, Sonics Age: 19 EPG: 15.2 Contract: four years, $23.3 M ($5.9 M per) ROY probably should have gone to Al Horford, but Durant won it and his game is dripping with potential. I don't think the Sonics would trade Durant away for anyone on this list but LeBron. 3. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies Age: 21 EPG: 18.5 Contract: three years, $10.3 M ($3.4 M per) Gay broke out in a big way, averaging 20/6 in his sophomore season. He's young and talented, and will be the cornerstone to Memphis' rebuilding effort. (See the rest of the list after the jump.)

Dunks + 3's + Steals + Blocks - Fouls = ???

Sat, 24 May 2008 05:22:57 -0500

(Here is my follow-up article to the '07-08 Slam Dunk stats). Which players throw down lots of dunks, but still have solid 3-point range? Which players rack up steals and blocks, but don't commit a ton of fouls? The ones with the most Divergent Skills of course! The "Divergent Skills Gauge" was created by USA Today several years ago. The leaders are some of the most athletic & versatile stars in the NBA. Click below to see who made the cut. *As an added bonus, you get to see why the Warriors are the most versatile team in the league (w/ a Mac Mall song to back it up) and why the Knicks suck so bad!

Dunks + 3's + Steals + Blocks - Fouls = ???

Sat, 24 May 2008 05:22:57 -0500

2007-08 Slam Dunk Stats (Overall Leaders, Most by Rookies, Most by Players Under 6'4, etc.)

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:39:08 -0500

To the surprise of no one, D-Howard, Amare & Chandler led the NBA in dunks this past season. But what about everyone else? All 353 NBA players who recorded at least 1 dunk in '07-08 are listed below. I have included a few special categories as well: Most Dunks per Game, Most Dunks by Rookies, Most Dunks by Players Over 30, Most Dunks by Players Under 6-4, Most Dunks by a Team, and Fewest Dunks by a Team.

Top 30 NBA Small Forwards

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:23:52 -0500

When it comes to small forwards, LeBron James is king, with Carmelo Anthony right behind him. He confirmed that he's 6'9 and 260 pounds, yet he's fast and athletic. He had an MVP caliber regular season with 30 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 7.2 APG 1.8 SPG and 1.1 BPG. Unguardable 1-on-1, LeBron is only 23 years old, and is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. Player (Current Team/Former Team) PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, BPG * = Best in Category (R) = Rookie Steals 1+ Shown Blocks and Steals Shown if both are 1+ 1. LeBron James (CLE) 30*, 7.9*, 7.2*, 1.8, 1.1 2. Carmelo Anthony (DEN) 25.7, 7.4, 3.4, 1.3 SPG 3. Caron Butler (WAS) 20.3, 6.7, 4.9, 2.2 SPG 4. Shawn Marion (MIA/PHX) 15.4, 10.2, 2.2, 2, 1.5 BPG* 5. Andre Iguodala (PHI) 19.9, 4.8, 5, 2.2 SPG 6. Ron Artest (SAC) 20.5, 5.8, 3.5, 2.3 SPG* 7. Paul Pierce (BOS) 19.6, 5.1, 4.5, 1.3 SPG 8. Gerald Wallace (CHA) 19.4, 6, 3.5, 2.1 SPG 9. Corey Maggette (LAC) 22.1, 5.6, 2.7, 1 SPG 10. Rudy Gay (MEM) 20.1, 6.2, 2, 1.4, 1 11. Richard Jefferson (NJN) 22.6, 4.2, 3.1 12. Hedo Turkoglu (ORL) 19.5, 5.7, 5 13. Stephen Jackson (GSW) 20.1, 4.4, 4.3, 1.3 SPG 14. Josh Howard (DAL) 19.9, 7, 2.2 15. Mike Dunleavy (IND) 19.1, 5.2, 3.5, 1 SPG 16. Luol Deng (CHI) 17, 6.3, 2.5 17. Andrei Kirilenko (UTA) 11, 4.7, 4, 1.2, 1.5 18. Peja Stojakovic (NOH) 16.4, 4.3, 1.2 19. Ricky Davis 14, 4.3, 3.4, 1.1 20. Tayshaun Prince (DET) 13.2, 4.9, 3.3 21. Marvin Williams (ATL) 14.8, 5.7, 1.7, 1 SPG 22. John Salmons (SAC) 12.5, 4.3, 2.6, 1.1 SPG 23. Shane Battier (HOU) 9.3, 5.1, 1.9, 1, 1.1 24. Grant Hill (PHX) 13.1, 5.3, 2.9 25. Francisco Garcia (SAC) 12.3, 3.3, 1.6, 1.2 SPG 26. Travis Outlaw (POR) 13.3, 4.6, 1.3 27. Andres Nocioni (CHI) 13.2, 4.2, 1.2 28. (R) Al Thornton (LAC) 12.7, 4.5, 1.2 29. (R) Jamario Moon (TOR) 8.5, 6.2, 1.2, 1, 1.4 30. Boris Diaw (PHX) 8.8, 4.6, 3.9 31. Linas Kleiza (DEN) 11.1, 4.2, 1.2 Just Missed Out (R) Jeff Green (SEA) 10.5, 4.7, 1.5 Desmond Mason (MIL) 9.7, 4.3, 2.1 Martell Webster (POR) 10.7, 3.9, 1.2

Best of the Year 2008

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:39:27 -0500

A list of the top 5 rookies and the top 5 most improved players of the 2007-08 season.

End-of-season Basket-Blogger Rankings

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:48:13 -0500

A couple dozen basket-bloggers voted every two weeks on awards like MVP and Rookie of the Year. With the final Rookie, Coach, and Most Improved Player awards unveiled, did Kevin Durant hold off Al Horford? Did Doc Rivers win Coach of the Year over Kevin Garnett?

Hardware Time

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:09:11 -0500

Cavalier Attitude's MVP choice? It's not LeBron James. It's not Kobe Bryant, either. CA shares its choices for the postseason awards show, starting with why Chris Paul of the Hornets should be this year's Most Valuable Player.

Best of the West

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:49:18 -0500

The regular season is coming to an end, and it's been a crazy year for the Western Conference. I chose the best players and split them up into teams by divison. I also put down the ROY, DPOY and MIP for the Western Conference too. See who's the best.

Top NBA Scoring Duos

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:52:19 -0500

When it comes to duos, Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony can combine for 52 points per game. See which teams have the best duos when it comes to scoring, and see how low the Pistons are listed. 1 DEN: Allen Iverson 26.5, Carmelo Anthony 25.5 = 52 PPG 2 LAL: Kobe Bryant 28.7, Pau Gasol 18.4 = 47.1 PPG 3 CLE: LeBron James 30.4, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 14 = 44.4 PPG 4 NJN: Richard Jefferson 22.8, Vince Carter 21.5 = 44.3 PPG 5 SAC: Kevin Martin 23.5, Ron Artest 20.5 = 44 PPG 6 HOU: Yao Ming 22, Tracy McGrady 22 = 44 PPG 7 DAL: Dirk Nowitzki 23.5, Josh Howard 20.2 = 43.7 PPG 8 PHX: Amare Stoudemire 25.1, Steve Nash 17.5 = 42.6 PPG 9 GSW: Baron Davis 22.1, Stephen Jackson 20.4 = 42.5 PPG 10 WAS: Antawn Jamison 21.5, Caron Butler 20.6 = 42.1 PPG 11 NOH: Chris Paul 21.4, David West 20.4 = 41.8 PPG 12 CHA: Jason Richardson 21.4, Gerald Wallace 19.6 PPG = 41 PPG 13 UTA: Carlos Boozer 21.6, Deron Williams 19.3 = 40.9 PPG 14 ORL: Dwight Howard 21.2, Hedo Turkoglu 19.6 = 40.8 PPG 15 MIL: Michael Redd 23.2, Mo Williams 17.5 = 40.7 PPG 16 SAS: Manu Ginobili 20.1, Tim Duncan 19.5 = 39.6 PPG 17 MIA: Dwyane Wade 24.6, Shawn Marion 14.3 = 38.9 PPG 18 ATL: Joe Johnson 21.7, Josh Smith 17.1 = 38.8 PPG 19 BOS: Paul Pierce 19.9, Kevin Garnett 18.9 = 38.8 PPG 20 NYK: Jamal Crawford 20.8, Zach Randloph 17.7 = 38.5 PPG 21 LAC: Corey Maggette 22.5, Chris Kaman 15.7 = 38.2 PPG 22 IND: Danny Granger 18.9, Mike Dunleavy 18.6 = 37.5 PPG 23 POR: Brandon Roy 19.3, LaMarcus Aldridge 17.8 = 37.1 PPG 24 PHI: Andre Iguodala 19.8, Andre Miller 17.1 = 36.9 PPG 25 MEM: Rudy Gay 20.1, Mike Miller 16.4 = 36.5 PPG 26 CHI: Ben Gordon 19.1, Luol Deng 17 = 36.1 PPG 27 MIN: Al Jefferson 20.9, Rashad McCants 14.8 = 35.7 28 DET: Rip Hamilton 17.7, Chauncey Billups 17.6 = 35.3 PPG 29 TOR: Chris Bosh 22.5, Anthony Parker 12.6 = 35.1 PPG 30 SEA: Kevin Durant 20, Chris Wilcox 13.4 = 33.4 PPG