1. Chicago- Michael Beasley, PF Kansas State

Most people think Derrick Rose will be the pick here, but if the Bulls are smart, they will take Beasley. Many are concerned with Beasley’s measurements in Orlando, but his standing reach is 8′11”, almost ideal for a power forward. He can score the ball inside and out, while Rose doesn’t really have an outside shot to speak of (Beasley, a power forward, had a better three point percentage than Rose, a point guard, this season). Also, a post player is a bigger need for Chicago than a guard. There have been rumors that Chicago could trade this pick to the Heat for Dwayne Wade, but the Bulls would have to give up more than just this pick, so if there is any deal on the table right now I think it will die by Thursday.

2. Miami- Derrick Rose, PG Memphis

Like mentioned earlier, Rose needs to improve his outside shot if he wants to be a superstar at the next level. Many people want to make the comparison to Chris Paul because Paul was not a great shooter coming into the league, but Rose does not have the passing skills that Paul has, and that is what makes Paul so effective. That said, I believe Rose’s athleticism is too impressive to be passed up at No. 2. He has great size at 6′3” for a point guard and his strength and quickness is going to give NBA point guards fits trying to keep him out of the paint. He must improve his shot to become a great player though.
continue reading "2008 NBA mock draft"

Cream of the Crop

Derrick Rose – A wonderful prospect who thinks he could be a franchise player. Questions persist about his outside shot and his defense but overall he seems like he will at least provide a significant upgrade for either the Bulls or the Heat at the point with his insane athleticism and ability to create for others.

Michael Beasley – Dominant offensive player who was a great rebounder at the college level. He measured at only 6’7” ½ after having been listed at 6’10” during his year at Kansas State. Height is of course no indication of skills but it would make him a bit undersized to play in the post for the NBA and I believe that he will have a hard time guarding quick small forwards because of a lack of commitment and foot speed on the defensive end. With that said he looks like he has the ability to score on anyone, I feel like he may be in the Carmelo Anthony mold which is not to shabby.

The Next Cut

O.J. Mayo – a shooting guard with a sweet stroke and great athleticism. Looks like an NBA player and he might be a good player to bet on to win the rookie of the year award next year. He should be an immediate impact player as a wing and will get some time at point guard.

Brook Lopez – A solid big man with relatively few wholes in his game. Not great athletically but he seems to use his size well on both ends of the court. Has good and polished post moves. Projects to be starting center though I would put his ceiling as a good Chris Kaman.

Russell Westbrook – My favorite of the combo guards. Thrives on the defensive end with the ability to disrupt the game reminiscent of Rajon Rondo using his quickness and instincts to get in passing lane and pressure the ball handler. His intensity is another exciting quality which I think will help ease his transition. If he can continue to grow as a point on the offensive end could end up being a top 3 or 4 players in this draft.

Some Questions
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Does anybody know where Bill Walton has been during this year’s NBA Playoffs? Its not that I want him calling games; he might be harder to listen to than a Reggie Miller/Dick Vitale hybrid. Despite being a terrible announcer, Bill definitely provides very high quality entertainment. So here’s a top five list my favorite Bill Walton commentaries that leave you scratching your head.

Top 5 Quotes

Found here.

5.”Greg Ostertag is one of the top centers on this planet!”

4. Exchange between he and Tom Hammond: “John Stockton is one of the true marvels, not just of basketball, or in America, but in the history of Western Civilization!” Tom: “Wow, that’s a pretty strong statement. I guess I don’t have a good handle on world history.” Bill: “Well Tom, that’s because you didn’t go to UCLA.”

3.”Manu Ginobli is one of the greats. Not just of this generation, but of all time.”
continue reading "Where is Bill Walton? Top 5 Quotes and Top 5 video clips"

Post game thoughts:

Well, I was wrong. The usually reliable third quarter at home for the Hornets turned ugly for them in Game 7. They couldn’t hit the backside of a barn in the third quarter. David West was very disapointing in the second half. Tyson Chandler did a great job on Tim Duncan in the second half when New Orleans stopped doubling him, but everyone on the Spurs stepped up down the stretch. Michael Finley hit two threes, Robert Horry hit a big three, Bowen hit some shots, Parker hit shots when the Spurs needed him to, and Ginobli played great the entire game. The Hornets didn’t show up coming out of the locker room in the third, and when the shots started falling in the fourth it was just too late to knock off the defending champions.
continue reading "Live Blog: San Antonio at New Orleans (game 7)"

There is one certain fact that will always be true in any competitive field: Copycatting will be utilized. The easiest way to stay viable in an industry is to figure out what is successful for your competitors and copy them. We see this especially in sports. You see that other teams in the NFL are having success with two running backs, you start using two RBs. You see that other teams in the MLB are working their bullpens with a designated 8th inning set-up man and a designated closer, you design your bullpen the same way.This usually is a good thing for the caliber of play in sports. Teams are able to see what works and eventually adopt strategies that will make everyone better. No one team will continue to have a competitive advantage based on one strategy (at least assuming other teams are smart enough to learn what they can from the more successful franchises).

However, this approach can have terrible consequences as well
continue reading "The Danger of the Spurs"

Since Connor hates the NBA, I’m trying to step up and give the readers of this website some balance. Anyway I am going to break down both the Western and Eastern Conference races for the last playoff spots.

continue reading "NBA Playoffs Race"