**Official NBA Draft Thread**

[KSB2424 3,174]

How are you going to guard Allen, Lewis, and Durant?? If the other team turns the ball over once, the game is over.

 

Lewis will get re-signed by the Sonics even if Durant gets picked. He said he is excited at the possibility of playing with Durant.

 

They could turn Luke "Da Juke" Ridnour into the next Steve Nash.

 

alsonotreally

[JT 137]

How are you going to guard Allen, Lewis, and Durant?? If the other team turns the ball over once, the game is over.

 

 

How are you going to get enough basketballs in play to keep Allen, Lewis and Durant happy?

[KSB2424 3,174]

I'm sure there are gonna be all kinds of rumors floating around, but this one actually makes alot of sense:

 

"Twenty-four hours had yet to pass on the draft lottery transformation of the Portland Trail Blazers, and general manager Kevin Pritchard and his staff already had brainstormed a most intriguing idea: If they're going to draft Greg Oden, they should take a hard look at making a trade to get Mike Conley Jr. to come with him."

 

Oden and Conley have been together through AAU and high school ball in Indiana and a Final Four season at Ohio State. Before they even won the lottery Tuesday, the Blazers had done enough research on Oden to understand that to get the most out of this mild-mannered Midwestern prodigy he needs to be comfortable. He never has played without his best friend, Conley, who happens to be the best point guard in the draft.

 

"Does Pritchard have enough with Zach Randolph, a 20-and-10 low post scorer and rebounder, and Jarrett Jack, a competent point guard, as the backbone of a major trade? As it looks now, the Blazers are determined to find out."

 

"As for the Celtics, who sit miserably at No. 5, they logically should be one of the Blazers' most promising trade partners. Without Oden or Kevin Durant, G.M. Danny Ainge is wisest to look hard at packaging his pick and a young player or two for veterans."

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amyg...o&type=lgns

[JT 137]

I'm sure there are gonna be all kinds of rumors floating around, but this one actually makes alot of sense:

 

"Twenty-four hours had yet to pass on the draft lottery transformation of the Portland Trail Blazers, and general manager Kevin Pritchard and his staff already had brainstormed a most intriguing idea: If they're going to draft Greg Oden, they should take a hard look at making a trade to get Mike Conley Jr. to come with him."

 

Oden and Conley have been together through AAU and high school ball in Indiana and a Final Four season at Ohio State. Before they even won the lottery Tuesday, the Blazers had done enough research on Oden to understand that to get the most out of this mild-mannered Midwestern prodigy he needs to be comfortable. He never has played without his best friend, Conley, who happens to be the best point guard in the draft.

 

"Does Pritchard have enough with Zach Randolph, a 20-and-10 low post scorer and rebounder, and Jarrett Jack, a competent point guard, as the backbone of a major trade? As it looks now, the Blazers are determined to find out."

 

"As for the Celtics, who sit miserably at No. 5, they logically should be one of the Blazers' most promising trade partners. Without Oden or Kevin Durant, G.M. Danny Ainge is wisest to look hard at packaging his pick and a young player or two for veterans."

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Amyg...o&type=lgns

 

I hear that all Portland's moves must first be approved by an invisible guy named Jacob, who is hoping to take the league by storm by surrounding Oden and Conley with a squad of highly trained polar bears!

 

Sadly, even 'Lost' makes more sense than this writer's speculation. You don't commit your future to a big guy with what amounts to 20 games of college experience, then tie his success to a poor shooting PG with 30 college games under his belt. If they really believe that Oden needs a security blanket to succeed, they'd be better off taking Durant.

 

I also don't see Boston as that desperate to make a deal. Much as I hate to admit anything good about he and that franchise, Ainge has assembled a good nucleus of young talent. The Tony Allen injury hurt, as he was rounding into a solid second scorer. But Jefferson, West, Green, the PF kid from the Big East school whose name escapes me...these guys all realistically appear to fall somewhere between perennial All Stars (Green) to more than serviceable pros (Gomes...isn't that it?). If you keep Pierce and Jefferson (and I think it's a given that Jefferson stays), Randolph doesn't fit. There's only one ball, and so much room on the low block.

 

This is a draft deep in the thing that NBA teams covet most: size. I don't foresee any big moves made by teams in the top 6-8.

[JT 137]

How are you going to guard Allen, Lewis, and Durant?? If the other team turns the ball over once, the game is over.

 

Lewis will get re-signed by the Sonics even if Durant gets picked. He said he is excited at the possibility of playing with Durant.

 

Ah, yes. Because NBA players are traditionally unselfish guys who set aside their own monetary gain for the chance to share the ball.

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/spor...030_soni26.html

[Ravens 03 0]

with the 1st pick in the 1995 NBA draft...the Golden State Warriors select....Joe Smith from Maryland University.

 

The University of MD.

 

 

 

Still better than Quame Brown by the DC Wizzards.

[JT 137]

The University of MD.

Still better than Quame Brown by the DC Wizzards.

 

Joe Smith doesn't even make the top 5 list when looking at NBA #1 overall busts. Smith has had a solid NBA career (12 ppg, 7 reb in 28 min). Not what you look for from the overall #1, but respectable. You can't even mention him in the same breath as guys like Larue Martin (1972), Kent Benson (77), Pervis Ellison (89), Michael Olowakandi (98), or Kwame Brown (01).

[Tarheel Boy 0]

I would love to see the Mavs pick up Sean Williams in the 2nd round. He does have some issues, but the dude is a tremendous athlete and could block shots and rebound. I think Avery Johnson could help him get rid of his attitude problems.

 

I've been reading some articles on Reyshawn Terry and hes' been performing nicely. Nothing great, but I think he'll be picked in the 2nd round. I think Wright should have stayed another year to work on his midrange jumper. He's not going to be able to get those easy offensive boards like he did in college.

 

I still can't wait to watch Josh McSuckass be a flop in the pros. Between his constant crying and mediocre game it will be nice to watch him ride the pine. Some team in the first round is going to be upset drafting him. Hello, Cherokee Parks II.

[teejay booker 0]

I would love to see the Mavs pick up Sean Williams in the 2nd round. He does have some issues, but the dude is a tremendous athlete and could block shots and rebound. I think Avery Johnson could help him get rid of his attitude problems.

 

I've been reading some articles on Reyshawn Terry and hes' been performing nicely. Nothing great, but I think he'll be picked in the 2nd round. I think Wright should have stayed another year to work on his midrange jumper. He's not going to be able to get those easy offensive boards like he did in college.

 

I still can't wait to watch Josh McSuckass be a flop in the pros. Between his constant crying and mediocre game it will be nice to watch him ride the pine. Some team in the first round is going to be upset drafting him. Hello, Cherokee Parks II.

 

Sean Williams would have a seamless transition into the NBA. He got kicked off the BC team for smoking herb. 80% of the NBA probably smokes herb. I would take him in a heartbeat. Oh, and he's the best shotblocker in the draft after Oden.

[Cdub100 3,995]

I have no idea what the Pistons are going to do with their two first round picks. I've read this draft is deep, but I almost want them to package both picks and move up. They've got two good young players in Maxiell and Amir Johnson so they have something to build around if they chose to blow it up.

[Tarheel Boy 0]

Coleman Collins looked decent in the Orlando predraft camp. These camps hold very little weight anymore since the big time players don't participate. The camps in Chicago and Phoenix hold very little value anymore.

[Tarheel Boy 0]

Reyshawn Terry is one of the biggest movers up the draft board. He's been playing well in the predraft camps even though the competition has been less than stellar. He tends to drift away at times, but he's a decent defender and I think given the right situation would be a very nice player off the bench.

[KSB2424 3,174]

A few links for the draft freaks

 

Here are the measurments and combine results: http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2095

 

Here is a breakdown from a diffrent site as to the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp:

http://www.nbadraft.net/2007predraftcamp005.asp

 

[t.j 35]

1. Al Horford

2. Corey Brewer

3. Joakim Noah

4. Taurean Green

5. Chris Richard

6. Lee Humphrey

[KSB2424 3,174]

KSB's second official Mock Draft:

 

1. Portland - Greg Oden

2. Seattle - Kevin Durant

3. Atlanta - Al Horford

4. Memphis - Mike Conley

5. Boston - Yi Jialian

6. Milwakee - Brandan Wright

7. Minnesota - Jeff Green

8. Charlotte - Corey Brewer

9. Chicago - Joakim Noah

10. Sacramento - Spencer Hawes

11. Atlanta - Acie Law IV

12. Philly - Al Thornton

13. New Orleans - Nick Young

14. Clippers - Julian Wright

15. Detroit - Rodney Stuckey

16. Washington - Javaris Crittenton

17. New Jersey - Jason Smith

18. Golden State - Tiago Splitter

19. Lakers - Josh McRoberts

20. Heat - Thaddeus Young

21. Philly - Daequan Cook

22. Charlotte - Sean Williams

23. New York - Marcus Williams

24. Pheonix - Rudy Fernandez

25. Utah - Morris Almond

26. Houston - Aaron Afflalo

27. Detroit - Marc Gasol

28. San Antonio - Jared Dudley

29. Pheonix - Reyshawn Terry

30. Philly - Aaron Gray

[Tarheel Boy 0]

Rumors flying that the Mavs are trying to get rid of Terry to Charlotte for their draft pick. Don't see that happening. I doubt Dallas makes any huge moves on draft night. I'd love to see Reyshawn Terry in a Mavs uniform.

 

Josh McSuckass is dropping faster than fatass Strike did at the WSOP. Gotta love it.

[JT 137]

Rumors flying that the Mavs are trying to get rid of Terry to Charlotte for their draft pick. Don't see that happening. I doubt Dallas makes any huge moves on draft night. I'd love to see Reyshawn Terry in a Mavs uniform.

 

Josh McSuckass is dropping faster than fatass Strike did at the WSOP. Gotta love it.

 

Don't know what kind of deal gets done, but I feel pretty certain you've seen the last of Jason Terry in a Mavs uni.

[Sparkling Wiggles 0]

Rumors flying that the Mavs are trying to get rid of Terry to Charlotte for their draft pick. Don't see that happening. I doubt Dallas makes any huge moves on draft night. I'd love to see Reyshawn Terry in a Mavs uniform.

 

Josh McSuckass is dropping faster than fatass Strike did at the WSOP. Gotta love it.

What's the deal with Terry? I pretty much missed the Warriors series but felt that Dallas was fortunate to end up with Terry after losing Nash.

 

Is Dallas intentionally downgrading at PG?

[JT 137]

What's the deal with Terry? I pretty much missed the Warriors series but felt that Dallas was fortunate to end up with Terry after losing Nash.

 

Is Dallas intentionally downgrading at PG?

 

I think they've finally realized that they're never winning a title with Terry at the point. He's one of those guys that simply goes brain dead for stretches. Worst thing about him, aside from being a mediocre ball handler and often casual defender, is that when he's 'hot', he'll do everything possible to shoot he and the team right out of the game.

[Tarheel Boy 0]

What's the deal with Terry? I pretty much missed the Warriors series but felt that Dallas was fortunate to end up with Terry after losing Nash.

 

Is Dallas intentionally downgrading at PG?

 

I personally like Jason Terry, but he's just too small to handle the bigger guards. I think he gets a bad rap for taking some bad shots, but if it weren't for him I don't know if this team would have had as much success the past couple of years. He has a winner attitude, but he can get cold in spurts that really hurts the team. I think the Mavs overpaid for him much like they did for Finley and others. The latest rumors I've been hearing is if Reyshawn Terry is available early in the 2nd the Bobcats would be interested in both Terrys for Felton and the #8 pick or whatever Charlotte has. I think that's too much and is rumors at this point, but I think Felton will continue to be a solid PG. Is he an upgrade? Not at this point, but if the Mavs can get a top 10 draft pick I say go for it.

 

I think if the Mavs want to move up that high or any spot for a lottery pick then Josh Howard will have to be involved in a trade.

 

Don't know what kind of deal gets done, but I feel pretty certain you've seen the last of Jason Terry in a Mavs uni.

 

Listening to Donnie Nelson today on the local sports talks shows I do think the Mavs will be looking for some help for Dirk. Whether that be in the form of points, toughness, whatever I'm not sure, but I do think either Terry and/or Josh Howard will be involved in a lot of trade talks over the next few days. Like I've mentioned, I really like Terry and think he has the right type of attitude, just isn't the best fit for the Mavs right now.

[Sparkling Wiggles 0]

Any way you slice it, I feel the Mavs make too many moves. How can you expect to compete for the championship when your core is different year in, year out?

 

Nash? Gone. Wins MVP twice. Finley? Gone.

 

The Mavs can learn from the Spurs. They make a change or two every year. Malik Rose was a nice role player for a while but he ended up getting replaced. Same with Vinny Del Negro. Those are the players that get replaced. Not the guys that carry the team year in, year out.

[JT 137]

Any way you slice it, I feel the Mavs make too many moves. How can you expect to compete for the championship when your core is different year in, year out?

 

Nash? Gone. Wins MVP twice. Finley? Gone.

 

The Mavs can learn from the Spurs. They make a change or two every year. Malik Rose was a nice role player for a while but he ended up getting replaced. Same with Vinny Del Negro. Those are the players that get replaced. Not the guys that carry the team year in, year out.

 

The Nash move, in retrospect, of course was a colossal blunder. Finley? Hasn't been the same player since he left. Probably dumped him at just the right time.

 

Nowitzki is a great player but, despite what they say his position is, he's more small forward than anything else. His rebounding has improved significantly, moving him more toward the PF realm. But building a team around a perimeter player that's not a 1 or 2 was a foolhardy move to begin with.

[KSB2424 3,174]

I personally like Jason Terry, but he's just too small to handle the bigger guards. I think he gets a bad rap for taking some bad shots, but if it weren't for him I don't know if this team would have had as much success the past couple of years. He has a winner attitude, but he can get cold in spurts that really hurts the team. I think the Mavs overpaid for him much like they did for Finley and others. The latest rumors I've been hearing is if Reyshawn Terry is available early in the 2nd the Bobcats would be interested in both Terrys for Felton and the #8 pick or whatever Charlotte has. I think that's too much and is rumors at this point, but I think Felton will continue to be a solid PG. Is he an upgrade? Not at this point, but if the Mavs can get a top 10 draft pick I say go for it.

 

The Bobcats are not gonna do that, it has not even been mentioned in the Charlotte area and would go against their whole philosophy. I think this is more wishful thinking from the Mavs brass/media.

 

I like the Jet, but I doubt they would even trade Raymond straight up for Terry at this point in both of their careers. Terry about to start on the decline and Raymond on the upswing.

[Willie McGee 0]

Please Danny, do not trade Big Al. Take Brewer or Green and put Pierce on the block.

[KSB2424 3,174]

Please Danny, do not trade Big Al. Take Brewer or Green and put Pierce on the block.

 

The Suns worked out Brewer, Noah, and Jeff Green yesterday. The problem is that the first pick that Pheonix has is #24, so why would they work these guys out unless the rumored Shawn Marion to Boston for the #5 pick and something else has some legs. I am assuming that Boston fans are hoping that "something else" is Gerald Green as opposed to Big Al.

 

ETA: If Boston can get Pierce, Marion, Jefferson at the 2-3-4 they could build really quickly around that and contend in the Atlantic Divison IMO.

[edjr 6,898]

Please Danny, do not trade Big Al. Take Brewer or Green and put Pierce on the block.

 

Agreed.

 

Only problem is if Ainge trades Pierce he won't be the GM of the celtics long enough to see the young guys mature. Ainge and Doc are gone within 2 years if they keep losing and they know this. A lot of pressure on Ainge to do something.

[JT 137]

The Suns worked out Brewer, Noah, and Jeff Green yesterday. The problem is that the first pick that Pheonix has is #24, so why would they work these guys out unless the rumored Shawn Marion to Boston for the #5 pick and something else has some legs. I am assuming that Boston fans are hoping that "something else" is Gerald Green as opposed to Big Al.

 

ETA: If Boston can get Pierce, Marion, Jefferson at the 2-3-4 they could build really quickly around that and contend in the Atlantic Divison IMO.

 

If I'm Boston, I wouldn't want to deal either of them, but especially Green. I really believe this guy has superstar ability and mentality. Don't know why Phoenix would want Jefferson. Doesn't seem to be the kind of guy that fits what they do.

 

If they can unload Pierce...for ANY kind of comparable value...they should make that deal so quick their heads spin. He's a millstone around the neck of that team. I don't think he's necessarily a bad guy, or a bad player. But he's the classic example of the second-tier star who has overstayed his welcome.

[Willie McGee 0]

The Suns worked out Brewer, Noah, and Jeff Green yesterday. The problem is that the first pick that Pheonix has is #24, so why would they work these guys out unless the rumored Shawn Marion to Boston for the #5 pick and something else has some legs. I am assuming that Boston fans are hoping that "something else" is Gerald Green as opposed to Big Al.

 

ETA: If Boston can get Pierce, Marion, Jefferson at the 2-3-4 they could build really quickly around that and contend in the Atlantic Divison IMO.

 

If Ainge trades Jefferson to get Marion or Jermaine O'Neal, I will committ a homicide.

[KSB2424 3,174]

If Ainge trades Jefferson to get Marion or Jermaine O'Neal, I will committ a homicide.

There are all kinds of rumors floating around, so hopefully Ainge is just blowing smoke. For all our sakes.

[DBZFan2K 0]

Agreed.

 

Only problem is if Ainge trades Pierce he won't be the GM of the celtics long enough to see the young guys mature. Ainge and Doc are gone within 2 years if they keep losing and they know this. A lot of pressure on Ainge to do something.

 

The perception of a guillotine hanging over Ainge's head is a media creation, IMO. I think Grousbeck really is that dumb, otherwise he wouldn't have green-lighted the Doc Rivers contract extension.

 

I had a discussion with a friend last night and mentioned how I wish the Celtics would've given Larry Bird what he wanted (head coach plus GM) when they had the chance. But then to Ainge's credit he's done a fine job of drafting players and we don't know that Bird would've picked those players. Ainge is good with getting solid rookies, he sucks at the veterans.

[KSB2424 3,174]

Chad Ford and Bill Simmons are currently having an interactive mock draft between the two of them. It is pretty good: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story...ockdraft/070627

 

[Signature_Athletes 0]

Any Timberwolves fans in here intrigued by them possibly having 2 top 7 picks? There has been rumor this morning on KFAN radio that there is a possibility that we could get #3 & #11 from Atlanta if the Suns move Amare to the Hawks and KG to the Suns. I would be giddy!!!

 

The Wolves have to get rid of KG. I like the guy, but we are going nowhere right now or in the near future. I would be much more willing to watch their games if we had young talent on the court, even if we take our bumps.

 

As I am typing ESPNEWS reports a proposed trade according to Jim Gray:

 

Suns Get: Garnett

 

Boston Gets: Marion

 

Timberwolves Get: 5th Pick, Delonte West, Theo Ratliff, and Kurt Thomas

 

I would definitely like the Atlanta deal more, but this may be OK. I don't know how these three have been playing, but I know Theo would be thrown in for his expiring contract.

 

TOMORROW IS GOING TO BE FUN!!!! The most exciting NBA Draft in history IMO!!!

[Willie McGee 0]

Ainge says C's unlikely to deal pick, Pierce not demanding trade

Associated Press

 

WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Boston Celtics expect to keep the fifth pick in the NBA draft despite speculation about trades for veterans Kevin Garnett and Shawn Marion, the man who will make the choice said Wednesday.

 

 

"I think it's unlikely," the pick will be traded, Danny Ainge said. "I've felt that way from the beginning, that these trades are hard to come by."

 

 

Ainge, the executive director of basketball operations, scoffed at reports of possible deals and refused to comment on any of them. What appears certain is that he knows who he'll take Thursday night depending on who's available. And he said he's convinced that player can make a major impact as a rookie.

 

 

On Tuesday, he and coach Doc Rivers were in Phoenix watching a workout involving Corey Brewer and Joakim Noah of Florida and Jeff Green of Georgetown. At least two of the three are expected to be available with the fifth pick.

 

 

"You hope to see somebody really jump off the charts and make my job a lot easier, but that hasn't been the case. They all played well," Ainge said.

 

 

He appeared unconcerned with reports that veteran Paul Pierce might ask to be traded if the Celtics don't obtain a veteran who can help sooner than a rookie. He said Pierce has not demanded a trade and that the two spoke Tuesday.

 

 

"It was a great conversation and Paul was very enthusiastic," Ainge said.

 

 Don't trade Jefferson.

[KSB2424 3,174]

It looks like all of these trade deals are falling apart. Very anti-climatic. It reminds me of my fantasy football leagues....lots of talk but nobody has the balls to make a move.

[Signature_Athletes 0]

It looks like all of these trade deals are falling apart. Very anti-climatic. It reminds me of my fantasy football leagues....lots of talk but nobody has the balls to make a move.

Pretty annoying if you ask me. Being from MN, the buzz around trade talks with KG have been amazing. If this all is for nothing and KG is on the team next season, the Wolves are in trouble. Obviously KG will opt out next season and we will be left with nothing to show for it.

 

I am sure McHale is trying to lowball every team in the league to get rid of KG, and nobody wants to deal with this idiot. If KG stays, McHale has to go. Actually, he needs to go no matter what!!!

 

With that said, when it gets to the number 3 pick tonight and I hear "With the 3rd pick in the 2007 NBA draft, Minnesota via trade with Atlanta chooses, Al Horford forward from Florida University" I will jump through the ceiling!!!! This would likely mean a 7th and 11th pick on the way as well. Might as well just go with Brewer and Noah at 7 and 11, and grab Taurean Green in the second round.........At least they all know how to play together and win. Wouldn't that be something!

[t.j 35]

nbadraft.net has Sacramento taking Corey Brewer Please let that happen!!!!@@#$#$

[RicemanX 20]

nbadraft.net has Sacramento taking Corey Brewer Please let that happen!!!!@@#$#$

After the 2nd pick, soooo many different senarios can happen. I'm excited!

 

And yes, its been a disapointing offseason so far with absolutely NO action before the draft.

[Cdub100 3,995]

Things are very quite on the Pistons front. They are holding thier cards very close to their chest. Almost makes you wonder if they are in the KG sweep stakes. If not KG then maybe they would help the trade by getting Amare. A lot of times the teams rumored to be involved in a trade aren't even close.

 

As mentioned above the Pistons already have to good young players in Amir and Maxiell so with two first round picks they could be making a move to get younger.

[DBZFan2K 0]

My shot in the dark, keeping in mind that there's a 100% chance trades will render this meaningless:

 

1. POR - Greg Oden, C, Ohio State

2. SEA - Kevin Durant, SF, Texas

3. ATL - Al Horford, PF, Florida

4. MEM - Mike Conley, PG, Ohio State

5. BOS - Yi Jianlian, PF, China

6. MIL - Brandan Wright, PF, North Carolina

7. MIN - Spencer Hawes, C, Washington

8. CHA - Corey Brewer, SG, Florida

9. CHI - Joakim Noah, PF, Florida

10. SAC - Jeff Green, SF, Georgetown

11. ATL - Javaris Crittenton, PG, Georgia Tech

12. PHI - Al Thornton, PF, Florida State

13. NOR - Nick Young, SG, Southern California

14. LAC - Julian Wright, SF, Kansas

[KSB2424 3,174]

Things are very quite on the Pistons front. They are holding thier cards very close to their chest. Almost makes you wonder if they are in the KG sweep stakes. If not KG then maybe they would help the trade by getting Amare. A lot of times the teams rumored to be involved in a trade aren't even close.

 

As mentioned above the Pistons already have to good young players in Amir and Maxiell so with two first round picks they could be making a move to get younger.

 

The only thing regarding the Pistons that I have read is that they have possibly made a promise to Rodney Stuckey that if he is there at 15 they will take him. That however was like a week ago, so who knows.