Team by Team Draft Overview
Portland Trail Blazers - The Blazers had another extremely active draft this year and added 8 new players to their lineup. The past draft the Blazers added LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Sergio Rodriguez, Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau. This year the Blazers parted way with Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau while adding Greg Oden, Rudy Fernandez, Demetris Nichols, Steve Francis, Channing Frye, Taurean Green, Petteri Koponen, and Josh McRoberts. The interesting part of all these additions is the number of point guards that are now on the Blazers roster. The Blazers already had Rookie of the Year, Brandon Roy, Jarrett Jack, and Sergio "Spanish Chocolate" Rodriguez. Through the draft and traded they added Steve Francis, Taurean Green, and Petteri Koponen. That gives them 6 point guards on the roster. One way they may try to solve this problem is to buy out Steve Francis ridiculous contract, put Jarrett Jack on the trading block, or cut some of their 2nd round draft picks. Despite the influx of point guards the Blazers had a great draft night. The best part of their night, besides drafting Greg Oden, was ridding themselves of Zach Randolph and his cancerous attitude to allow them to have a frontline of LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden. The Blazers are the youngest team in the league and probably one of the best thanks to these past two drafts.
Seattle Supersonics - The Sonics weren't nearly as active as the Blazers on draft night but still had a very productive night. The Sonics started the night by making the easiest selection in Draft history by taking Kevin Durant #2. Durant will have an instant impact on the Sonics and could be the biggest star out of this draft class. The Sonics then also took advantage of an inept Danny Ainge and were able to trade a past-his-prime Ray Allen and Glen Davis for Jeff Green, Delonte West, and Wally Sczerbiak. The Sonics not only added quality players but they now have solid Small Forwards to step in and take over if Rashard Lewis decides to leave via Free Agency.
Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks, surprisingly, had a very solid draft. The took instant production down low with their selection of Al Horford at the third slot and added their point guard for the future in Acie Law IV at number eleven. These two players should step in immediately and improve a young, but talented Atlanta team.
Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizzlies took Mike Conley, JR with the fourth pick in the draft. Conley is heralded as the best PG in the draft and has drawn comparison to Nash and Tony Parker. He has blinding quickness, can get to the rim with the best of them, and makes superb decisions once he gets the ball into the lane. He fits in really well the new system the Grizzlies and Iavaroni are trying to adapt in Memphis. The Grizzles only had this one selection in the draft and will probably look to Free Agency to add an athletic big man to complement Gasol down low. Anderson Vareajo?
Boston Celtics - The Celtics moronically traded away their fifth pick in this draft for Ray Allen and Glen Davis. While Ray Allen was a fantastic player and still has some game left in him, he's 32 years old and has two surgically repaired ankles. Allen can't have more than one or two productive years left in him. The Celtics could have taken Jeff Green who could have not only complimented Pierce for the next couple of years but suceeded Pierce as their SF/SG for the years to come. The Celtics other addition, Glenn Davis, is basically Antoine Walker reincarnated. I'm not a fan of Davis as a player, but we'll see if he proves me wrong.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks took a huge gamble at number six by selecting Yi. Not only has Yi refused to workout against other players, but he also refused to work out for the Bucks because they don't have any Chinese people in Milwaukee. It is possible that Yi could hold out from the Bucks camp and/or demand a trade. The value teams would offer for Yi would not be nearly as much as the Bucks could have gotten with the sixth pick and could set this team back.
Minnesota Timberwolves - The Timberwolves took Corey Brewer with their first round pick. Brewer is a defensive specialist who will be a very good player in the Association. There are questions about his offensive ability, but I don't think his deficiencies on this end will hinder his career too much. I am a big fan of this pick, but I don't think he is going to make the Timberwolves a playoff team, even if they end up keeping Garnett.
Charlotte Bobcats - The Bobcats recieved a barrage of criticism from many NBA analysts for their draft day actions, but I'm going to disagree with them. The Bobcats traded Brandan Wright, their selection at #8, for Jason Richardson. The Bobcats had no need for Brandan Wright, they already have Brezec, Okafor, and May down low. The Bobcats desperately needed a SG and they got one of the most exciting ones in the league with Jason Richardson. If the Bobcats are able to resign Gerald Wallace then they will easily be a playoff team next season. The Bobcats also grabbed Jared Dudley at #22. Dudley is a very scrappy player who will hustle and do all the little things for the Bobcats. I felt there were better selections at #22 for Charlotte, but this pick wasn't that bad. I personally would have gone after Afflalo or Fernandez. The Bobcats were also able to acquire Jermareo Davidson in the Brandan Wright deal. Davidson is an intriguing prospect with a Chris Bosh type body. If he fine tunes his skills he could hang around the league.
Chicago Bulls - I was very disappointed with the Bulls draft. They took Joakim Noah. Why? The reason the Bulls weren't in the conference finals this year was because they had no post game. So they sign a guy who will be lucky to average double figures at any point during his NBA career? It makes no sense. The Bulls did select Aaron Gray in the second round who was a very proven scorer in college, but may lake the quickness and strength to be effective in the NBA.
Sacramento Kings - The Kings took Spencer Hawes. Hawes is a decent big man with some good low post moves. However, he can't rebound or play defense, two things the Kings really need. I can't criticize the Kings here because Hawes was the best available pick here considering their needs.
Philadelphia 76ers - The 76ers really surprised me by taking Thaddeus Young at number 12. Even though Young was one of my favorite players in the draft, the pick made no sense from Philly's standpoint. The Sixers already have the other AI, Carney, and Kyle Korver on the wing, so why would they take another 2/3 combo? The sixers then added another 2/3 combo in Derrick Byars in the second round. They did make on smart move in trading Daquean Cook for Jason Smith. Smith is a great scorer who could see some significant playing time in Sixer uni this season.
New Orleans Hornets - This is another team's draft that I was not thrilled with. The Hornets added to their log jam at the 3 spot. The Hornets really needed a three point threat with this pick, they have Peja but he's been injury proned as of late. I would have them expected to try out Nick Young, but Wright will be able to provide them with a stronger defense.
Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers took the best available approach to the draft and took Al Thornton at 14. Thronton wowed teams with his work out this year, but may have trouble finding a true position in the league. Thornton is a 6'9 tweeer who does not have a true post game or outside shot. However, thornton can approve on either one hang around in the NBA. The Clippers did need a PG since Livingston is constantly injured and Cassell is almost eligible for Social Security and they passed on my second favorite point guard in the draft in Javaris Crittenton. The Clippers did pick a darkhorse candidate at Pg in Jared Jordan of Marist in the 2nd round. Jordan is as fundamentally sound as any point guard in the draft and could be a servicable third point guard on any team in the league.
Detroit Pistons - The took a phyiscal point guard in Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey is described as a poor man's Dwayne Wade and will probably backup Billups next season in Detroit. The Pistons took Aaron Afflalo with their other first round pick. Afflalo is another typical Pistons player in that he is a hard worker, strong, and very team oriented. The Pistons did a great job in this draft in addressing needs and adding backcourt depth.
Washington Wizards - The Wizards also decided to go with the best available pick in this year's draft. The Wizards added Nick Young, a projected lottery selection, to bloster their 2/3 slots. Young was a great scorer at USC who can come in and make a big splash with the Wizards. He's going to be learning from one of the best, and my favorite player, Gilbert Arenas.
New Jersey Nets - The Nets took a huge gamble in selecting NCAA bad boy Sean Williams. Williams was suspended his freshman season at BC and kicked off the team in January for repeated violations of team rules. This is also a player who has publically stated that he enjoys smoking marijuana during his free time. Williams is undoubtedly one of the most athletic players and could be a huge upgrade over Mikki Moore in the Nets rotation with his tremendous potential. The Nets could end up with a huge steal with this pick or the Pac Man Jones of the NBA.
Golden State Warriors - The Warriors took Italian shooting Guard Marco Bellnellii at #19. Bellinelli fits in well with Warriors up tempo quick strike offense in that he moves very well without the ball, is quick, and has a quick shot off the dribble. Golden State is hoping that he fills the role of Monta Ellis off the bench now that Ellis will be starting in place of J-rich. The Warriors also acquired Brandan Wright from the Bobcats who would be a great fit in their run and gun style with his size and athleticism. However, it is being rumored that Wright may have been acquired as part of a bigger deal to get the Timberwolves to part with Kevin Garnett or to replace Biedrins who may be moved to get KG.
Los Angeles Lakers - Kupchak and Buss displayed more ignorance in this draft with the selection of Javaris Crittenton. While I'm enamored with Crittenton's potential in this league, I'm perplexed as to why the Lakers took him. The triangle offense the Lakers run does not require a true point guard and the Lakers drafted a PG in Jordan Farmar last year. The Lakers then wasted their 2nd round pick by taking Marc Gasol. I have personally seen Marc Gasol play numerous times and this guy is not that good. He is the laziest player in any sport I've watched. He has all the talent in the world, but refuses to trim down or get in shape to utilize it to the best of his ability. In my opinion, the Lakers had the worst draft of any team from a needs standpoint.
New York Knicks - The Knicks had a good draft day. Thomas was applauded for probably the first time in Knicks history. With his first round selection he took Wilson Chandler from DePaul. Chandler flew under the radar for many teams but he is a very talented prospect with good size. I'm a fan of this selection and expect to see Chandler having a good career in the NBA. The best part of the night for Knicks fans is they were able to trade away Steve Francis and his awful contract. Francis was part of a log jam at the point guard spot and had an atrocious contract. The Knicks were also able to get a 25 and 10 guy in Zach Randolph who will make Eddy Curry look twice as good as he really is.
Utah Jazz - The Jazz were one of the big surprised this past season and didn't really have any glaring needs to fill, at least through a pick this late in the draft. So, the Jazz picked Morris Almond, one of the best shooters available in the draft. Almond isn't going to blow by anyone in this league, or electrify the crowd, but he is going to hit down any open shot he sees. I like this pick for the Jazz and expect to see them fighting in the playoffs once again.
Houston Rockets - The Rockets drafted the scrappy Aaron Brooks with their pick. Brooks is lightning quick and is fantastic at creating shots with his quickness and ability to seperate. He has also improved his outside shooting capability and can shoot both set and off the dribble. However, he is not very strong and will have trouble guarding some of the bigger point guards in this league and is not a true point guard.
San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs drafted Tiago Splitter of Brazil. Splitter won't be in the NBA next season but will eventually join the team after a year or two. Splitter is another foreign prospect selected by the Spurs and the Spurs are hoping he turns out like their other successful draft picks. The Spurs also got Marcus Williams of Arizona with their second round selection. Williams is a 6'7" SG who came out early but is still expected to be a decent NBA player.
Phoenix Suns - The Suns took Alando Tucker with their first round pick. Tucker is an undersized SF/PF, but has a knack for scoring. He was one of the best players in the big 10 last year and lead his Wisconsin team for four years. The Suns are expecting him to provide a good scoring punch off the bench. The Suns also took a gamble on the inconsistent, yet extremely talented D.J. Strawberry in the second round.
Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs did not have any first round picks but were able to grab Nick Fazekas in the 2nd round. Fazekas is arguably the best shooter in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Steve Novak. I expect Fazekas to provide a good tall shorter for the Mavs next season.
Orlando Magic - The Magic didn't have a first round pick either but they were able to get my favorite second round selection of the draft in Reyshawn Terry. Terry has a great NBA body and skills, but he is a little inconsistent. I'm hoping Terry works hard this offseason to prove his naysayers wrong and become the Gilbert Arenas of his draft class.
Indiana Pacers - Did not have a selection
Toronto Raptors - did not have a selection
Cleveland Cavaliers - Did not have a selection
Denver Nuggets - Did not have a selection
Seattle Supersonics - The Sonics weren't nearly as active as the Blazers on draft night but still had a very productive night. The Sonics started the night by making the easiest selection in Draft history by taking Kevin Durant #2. Durant will have an instant impact on the Sonics and could be the biggest star out of this draft class. The Sonics then also took advantage of an inept Danny Ainge and were able to trade a past-his-prime Ray Allen and Glen Davis for Jeff Green, Delonte West, and Wally Sczerbiak. The Sonics not only added quality players but they now have solid Small Forwards to step in and take over if Rashard Lewis decides to leave via Free Agency.
Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks, surprisingly, had a very solid draft. The took instant production down low with their selection of Al Horford at the third slot and added their point guard for the future in Acie Law IV at number eleven. These two players should step in immediately and improve a young, but talented Atlanta team.
Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizzlies took Mike Conley, JR with the fourth pick in the draft. Conley is heralded as the best PG in the draft and has drawn comparison to Nash and Tony Parker. He has blinding quickness, can get to the rim with the best of them, and makes superb decisions once he gets the ball into the lane. He fits in really well the new system the Grizzlies and Iavaroni are trying to adapt in Memphis. The Grizzles only had this one selection in the draft and will probably look to Free Agency to add an athletic big man to complement Gasol down low. Anderson Vareajo?
Boston Celtics - The Celtics moronically traded away their fifth pick in this draft for Ray Allen and Glen Davis. While Ray Allen was a fantastic player and still has some game left in him, he's 32 years old and has two surgically repaired ankles. Allen can't have more than one or two productive years left in him. The Celtics could have taken Jeff Green who could have not only complimented Pierce for the next couple of years but suceeded Pierce as their SF/SG for the years to come. The Celtics other addition, Glenn Davis, is basically Antoine Walker reincarnated. I'm not a fan of Davis as a player, but we'll see if he proves me wrong.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks took a huge gamble at number six by selecting Yi. Not only has Yi refused to workout against other players, but he also refused to work out for the Bucks because they don't have any Chinese people in Milwaukee. It is possible that Yi could hold out from the Bucks camp and/or demand a trade. The value teams would offer for Yi would not be nearly as much as the Bucks could have gotten with the sixth pick and could set this team back.
Minnesota Timberwolves - The Timberwolves took Corey Brewer with their first round pick. Brewer is a defensive specialist who will be a very good player in the Association. There are questions about his offensive ability, but I don't think his deficiencies on this end will hinder his career too much. I am a big fan of this pick, but I don't think he is going to make the Timberwolves a playoff team, even if they end up keeping Garnett.
Charlotte Bobcats - The Bobcats recieved a barrage of criticism from many NBA analysts for their draft day actions, but I'm going to disagree with them. The Bobcats traded Brandan Wright, their selection at #8, for Jason Richardson. The Bobcats had no need for Brandan Wright, they already have Brezec, Okafor, and May down low. The Bobcats desperately needed a SG and they got one of the most exciting ones in the league with Jason Richardson. If the Bobcats are able to resign Gerald Wallace then they will easily be a playoff team next season. The Bobcats also grabbed Jared Dudley at #22. Dudley is a very scrappy player who will hustle and do all the little things for the Bobcats. I felt there were better selections at #22 for Charlotte, but this pick wasn't that bad. I personally would have gone after Afflalo or Fernandez. The Bobcats were also able to acquire Jermareo Davidson in the Brandan Wright deal. Davidson is an intriguing prospect with a Chris Bosh type body. If he fine tunes his skills he could hang around the league.
Chicago Bulls - I was very disappointed with the Bulls draft. They took Joakim Noah. Why? The reason the Bulls weren't in the conference finals this year was because they had no post game. So they sign a guy who will be lucky to average double figures at any point during his NBA career? It makes no sense. The Bulls did select Aaron Gray in the second round who was a very proven scorer in college, but may lake the quickness and strength to be effective in the NBA.
Sacramento Kings - The Kings took Spencer Hawes. Hawes is a decent big man with some good low post moves. However, he can't rebound or play defense, two things the Kings really need. I can't criticize the Kings here because Hawes was the best available pick here considering their needs.
Philadelphia 76ers - The 76ers really surprised me by taking Thaddeus Young at number 12. Even though Young was one of my favorite players in the draft, the pick made no sense from Philly's standpoint. The Sixers already have the other AI, Carney, and Kyle Korver on the wing, so why would they take another 2/3 combo? The sixers then added another 2/3 combo in Derrick Byars in the second round. They did make on smart move in trading Daquean Cook for Jason Smith. Smith is a great scorer who could see some significant playing time in Sixer uni this season.
New Orleans Hornets - This is another team's draft that I was not thrilled with. The Hornets added to their log jam at the 3 spot. The Hornets really needed a three point threat with this pick, they have Peja but he's been injury proned as of late. I would have them expected to try out Nick Young, but Wright will be able to provide them with a stronger defense.
Los Angeles Clippers - The Clippers took the best available approach to the draft and took Al Thornton at 14. Thronton wowed teams with his work out this year, but may have trouble finding a true position in the league. Thornton is a 6'9 tweeer who does not have a true post game or outside shot. However, thornton can approve on either one hang around in the NBA. The Clippers did need a PG since Livingston is constantly injured and Cassell is almost eligible for Social Security and they passed on my second favorite point guard in the draft in Javaris Crittenton. The Clippers did pick a darkhorse candidate at Pg in Jared Jordan of Marist in the 2nd round. Jordan is as fundamentally sound as any point guard in the draft and could be a servicable third point guard on any team in the league.
Detroit Pistons - The took a phyiscal point guard in Rodney Stuckey. Stuckey is described as a poor man's Dwayne Wade and will probably backup Billups next season in Detroit. The Pistons took Aaron Afflalo with their other first round pick. Afflalo is another typical Pistons player in that he is a hard worker, strong, and very team oriented. The Pistons did a great job in this draft in addressing needs and adding backcourt depth.
Washington Wizards - The Wizards also decided to go with the best available pick in this year's draft. The Wizards added Nick Young, a projected lottery selection, to bloster their 2/3 slots. Young was a great scorer at USC who can come in and make a big splash with the Wizards. He's going to be learning from one of the best, and my favorite player, Gilbert Arenas.
New Jersey Nets - The Nets took a huge gamble in selecting NCAA bad boy Sean Williams. Williams was suspended his freshman season at BC and kicked off the team in January for repeated violations of team rules. This is also a player who has publically stated that he enjoys smoking marijuana during his free time. Williams is undoubtedly one of the most athletic players and could be a huge upgrade over Mikki Moore in the Nets rotation with his tremendous potential. The Nets could end up with a huge steal with this pick or the Pac Man Jones of the NBA.
Golden State Warriors - The Warriors took Italian shooting Guard Marco Bellnellii at #19. Bellinelli fits in well with Warriors up tempo quick strike offense in that he moves very well without the ball, is quick, and has a quick shot off the dribble. Golden State is hoping that he fills the role of Monta Ellis off the bench now that Ellis will be starting in place of J-rich. The Warriors also acquired Brandan Wright from the Bobcats who would be a great fit in their run and gun style with his size and athleticism. However, it is being rumored that Wright may have been acquired as part of a bigger deal to get the Timberwolves to part with Kevin Garnett or to replace Biedrins who may be moved to get KG.
Los Angeles Lakers - Kupchak and Buss displayed more ignorance in this draft with the selection of Javaris Crittenton. While I'm enamored with Crittenton's potential in this league, I'm perplexed as to why the Lakers took him. The triangle offense the Lakers run does not require a true point guard and the Lakers drafted a PG in Jordan Farmar last year. The Lakers then wasted their 2nd round pick by taking Marc Gasol. I have personally seen Marc Gasol play numerous times and this guy is not that good. He is the laziest player in any sport I've watched. He has all the talent in the world, but refuses to trim down or get in shape to utilize it to the best of his ability. In my opinion, the Lakers had the worst draft of any team from a needs standpoint.
New York Knicks - The Knicks had a good draft day. Thomas was applauded for probably the first time in Knicks history. With his first round selection he took Wilson Chandler from DePaul. Chandler flew under the radar for many teams but he is a very talented prospect with good size. I'm a fan of this selection and expect to see Chandler having a good career in the NBA. The best part of the night for Knicks fans is they were able to trade away Steve Francis and his awful contract. Francis was part of a log jam at the point guard spot and had an atrocious contract. The Knicks were also able to get a 25 and 10 guy in Zach Randolph who will make Eddy Curry look twice as good as he really is.
Utah Jazz - The Jazz were one of the big surprised this past season and didn't really have any glaring needs to fill, at least through a pick this late in the draft. So, the Jazz picked Morris Almond, one of the best shooters available in the draft. Almond isn't going to blow by anyone in this league, or electrify the crowd, but he is going to hit down any open shot he sees. I like this pick for the Jazz and expect to see them fighting in the playoffs once again.
Houston Rockets - The Rockets drafted the scrappy Aaron Brooks with their pick. Brooks is lightning quick and is fantastic at creating shots with his quickness and ability to seperate. He has also improved his outside shooting capability and can shoot both set and off the dribble. However, he is not very strong and will have trouble guarding some of the bigger point guards in this league and is not a true point guard.
San Antonio Spurs - The Spurs drafted Tiago Splitter of Brazil. Splitter won't be in the NBA next season but will eventually join the team after a year or two. Splitter is another foreign prospect selected by the Spurs and the Spurs are hoping he turns out like their other successful draft picks. The Spurs also got Marcus Williams of Arizona with their second round selection. Williams is a 6'7" SG who came out early but is still expected to be a decent NBA player.
Phoenix Suns - The Suns took Alando Tucker with their first round pick. Tucker is an undersized SF/PF, but has a knack for scoring. He was one of the best players in the big 10 last year and lead his Wisconsin team for four years. The Suns are expecting him to provide a good scoring punch off the bench. The Suns also took a gamble on the inconsistent, yet extremely talented D.J. Strawberry in the second round.
Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs did not have any first round picks but were able to grab Nick Fazekas in the 2nd round. Fazekas is arguably the best shooter in the draft and has drawn comparisons to Steve Novak. I expect Fazekas to provide a good tall shorter for the Mavs next season.
Orlando Magic - The Magic didn't have a first round pick either but they were able to get my favorite second round selection of the draft in Reyshawn Terry. Terry has a great NBA body and skills, but he is a little inconsistent. I'm hoping Terry works hard this offseason to prove his naysayers wrong and become the Gilbert Arenas of his draft class.
Indiana Pacers - Did not have a selection
Toronto Raptors - did not have a selection
Cleveland Cavaliers - Did not have a selection
Denver Nuggets - Did not have a selection
posted by Jason Smith at 8:50 AM
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