X's T'wolves (NBA 2K11)

[Valor]

Interesting dilemma with Flynn now that Rubio is coming. Can't wait to see what you do in the draft and the rest of the off-season

[The X]

Sorry about lack of updates. Been watching NCAA Tourney. Actually I won't apologise for that

I will post the final mock draft today and start prepping NBA Draft coverage. I think some of you will like/love what I do on Draft day, some won't but I think most will understand

The final mock draft I am posting more or less encapsulates what I learnt from doing pre-draft workouts for those wondering why I'm doing another one. First mock was just based off scouting during season & team needs.

[Lamrock]

Looking forward to the draft coverage. Anything will be better than Hova's draft moves

[The X]

Looking forward to the draft coverage. Anything will be better than Hova's draft moves

Trust me, Kahn's moves make hova look like an amateur (sorry hova )

[The X]

2011 OFF-SEASON RECAP - MOCK DRAFT (PRE-DRAFT)

X's MOCK DRAFT v2.0 (FINAL PRE-DRAFT)

1. Atlanta: SG- Perry Buchanan (UCLA), Soph

It’s still a two horse race, either Buchanan or Bradley. Word from pre-draft workouts is that Perry Buchanan has looked brilliant in his visits to Atlanta, Golden State and Toronto (he only worked out for the top 3 teams). I believe. Buchanan is a high pedigree player, coming through the top private schools and then starred for two years at UCLA. He doesn’t have many weaknesses. Hawks say they will take the best player available and if that is true, they will take Perry Buchanan.


2. Golden State: SG- Chuck Smith (Oregon State), Jr

There is word that the Warriors may trade out if the player they want is not there. I’m not so sure about that. They want a wing with size to play the small forward position. With Buchanan now gone, Oregon State swingman Chuck Smith is more than capable of playing at the 3 in the Warriors’ offense, with his slashing style. Furthermore, Chuck Smith has looked very impressive in workouts and could make an impact from day one.


3. Toronto: PG- Floyd Bradley (Maryland), Soph

The Raptors would love for this to happen. Since trading Jose Calderon to the Portland Trailblazers last season, the Raptors have been lean at point guard and relied on Jarrett Jack to run the show. Drafting Bradley would be an immediate upgrade at the position for the franchise. But hey, you never know with Toronto, they may take a long look at Swedish PF Johan Svensson.


4. Philadelphia: PF- Johan Svensson (Sweden)

The 76ers need help inside, so if Svensson is still available at this spot, then I really think they’ve got to jump on him. He would help immediately on the boards and at the defensive end.


5. New Jersey: SG- Ciro Nunez (Argentina)

The Nets appear to be looking at a starting shooting guard so they shouldn’t look past Argentina’s Ciro Nunez, who is the best player left on the boards at that position and overall.


6. Minnesota: SG- Dillon Stevens (Miami [FL]), Sr

The T'wolves are in an awkward drafting position and they know it. They don’t need a point guard (no point upsetting Rubio again) in Nebraska’s Mo Bosh. They really need a quality shooting guard as they see Wesley Johnson as their SF moving forward. Problem is DePaul’s Leslie Berry apparently looked very poor when working out in Minnesota. That’s why I’ve got them pegged to reach at Dillon Stevens, who is a solid shooting guard who had a great run in the NCAA Tournament. Not the sort of home run GM David Kahn was hoping for.


7. LA Clippers: PG- Mo Bosh (Nebraska), Sr

This pick makes a lot of sense. Clippers want a young, heady point guard to come in and push Baron Davis out of town, so Bosh is their man.


8. New Orleans: SG- Leslie Berry (DePaul), Soph

Hornets want Bosh to backup Chris Paul. There is a good chance Bosh is gone so Hornets will look for help at shooting guard and reach a little at DePaul’s Leslie Berry, who may get some burn in New Orleans.


9: Cleveland: SF- Richie Strickland (Baylor), Jr

I think the Cavs will try and fill the vacant SF spot and huge void left by Lebron James. Obviously they aren’t going to fill this shadow in this Draft, but they can get a solid player who is rising and really help their ball club in Baylor’s Richie Strickland.


10: Indiana: PF- Dion Baylor (Ole Miss), Soph

The Pacers are reportedly looking at going big with their pick, so Ole Miss’ Dion Baylor is probably the SEC bruiser that they are after.


11: Milwaukee: PG- Lambros Washburn (Washington), Fr

Bucks reportedly have a promise with Lambros Washburn and Jennings does need a solid, heady backup.


12: Utah: SF- Art Burks (Vanderbilt), Fr

After leaving college after only one season at Vanderbilt, perhaps Art Burks left too early. Burks has been one of least impressive players in workouts. This is a shame since he’s been pegged as a top 5 pick all season long.


13: Sacramento: SF- Jin Lam (China)

Lam has been impressive in his workout circuit and will go in the lottery, it’s just uncertain where that may be. Sacramento may look to add another young, exciting player to their fold.


14: Memphis: C- Chuck Long (West Virginia), Sr

Grizzlies could go a variety of ways with this pick. Possibly nabbed falling tweener forward Rickey Harper (Memphis), add a sparkplug backup point guard in William Witt (SMU) or go with another big for insurance in case Marc Gasol leaves during free agency. Of the three quality bigs left (Fordham, Long and Schultz), Long provides the most flexibility to play next to Gasol if he elects to stay in town.

[The X]

DON'T WORRY, WE'RE KAHN-TASTIC


Meanwhile, inside the Timberwolves' War Room moments before the Draft....

"Sir, I just got off the phone with....they've offered us....for...."

"They offered us what? Interesting."

"So I take it you're interested in doing the deal?"

"I really like him though. He's going to be a good player."

"But is he going to be a great player? An All-Star calibre player?"

"Perhaps, maybe, maybe not. But he's still going to be good."

"Excuse me for the abruptness sir, but you don't win titles without swinging for the fence."

"Son, I told the media recently that I was happy with our players and we weren't going to be rebuilding anymore and I meant every word of it." (Source: http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211054/Kahn_Believes_Rebuilding_Phase_Now_Complete)

"Sir, they're pushing for the decision. They said they have other offers on the table. If we wait too long, we may miss out on this opportunity. This is a good deal sir."

"Hmm, I don't like being pushed on decisions like this son. Okay, do it. Make the deal, let their GM know then confirm it with the League Office. Hmm, I guess the ball is in motion now. You better be right son, if you're not, you're out of a job and out of the League for good."

"Yes sir, I'll make the call right now."

And with that phone call, the ball was set in motion for what is to become one of the most interesting Draft nights in the franchise's history.

[Lamrock]

Milwaukee again? Oh deer. Fingers crossed the Clippers reach and take me. Interested to see what the deal is. Based on Kahn's track record, I'll guess it's a guy like Andray Blatche

[The X]

Milwaukee again? Oh deer. Fingers crossed the Clippers reach and take me. Interested to see what the deal is. Based on Kahn's track record, I'll guess it's a guy like Andray Blatche

You have to remember that he's got a young intern trying to guide him in the right direction

[The X]

If I hadn't said it already, obviously it's continuing under the assumption that there is no lockout in this Association. Players and owners agreed to 50/50 BRI split, no change to cap structure, length of contracts etc

[hova-]

You're really in a draft position that is not very great. Maybe some franchises will try to get your 6th pick during the draft, I don't know about Stevens, but it sounds like you're doing everything to get a SG. Sometimes it's better to take the best guy available. You could take Bosh and try to deal him to the Hornets or Clippers.

Would make more sense for me than trying to get a solid SG.

[Fresh8]

Witt for LA

[The X]

You're really in a draft position that is not very great. Maybe some franchises will try to get your 6th pick during the draft, I don't know about Stevens, but it sounds like you're doing everything to get a SG. Sometimes it's better to take the best guy available. You could take Bosh and try to deal him to the Hornets or Clippers.

Would make more sense for me than trying to get a solid SG.

It's an objective mock, not what I would do in that pick. Honestly, to give you an insight of how pre-draft workouts went, SF's Richie Strickland and Jin Lam were more impressive than SG's Leslie Berry and Dillon Stevens

[hova-]

Then I hope you rather try to get those guys who impressed you and don't go all in just to find a shooting guard that could fill your void.

[The X]

It's all good. A few unexpected twists and turns.

I apologise in advance for the upcoming NBA Draft (which I'm still prepping, probably 2-3 days away due to the length, maybe I'll split it into 1st & 2nd Round so it won't be as long) since it's going to be a long ass read. If you plan on reading it, set aside a little bit of time. Hopefully I can make it epic.

Hmm, maybe I should break it down into 3 parts, first part being lottery, second part being rest of the first round and third part being second round and draft analysis/reaction etc.

Thoughts? Just wondering if people's heads will spin if I don't split it up like that.

[Fresh8]

Keep it all in one man with headings. It's going to be Epic. Winning.

[hova-]

Me personally, I don't mind bout reading a longer article, but it's always a good idea to divide it into a few posts, it's just easier to read.

[mp3]

Me personally, I don't mind bout reading a longer article, but it's always a good idea to divide it into a few posts, it's just easier to read.

Pretty much feel the same , not to long but broken down a bit.

[Houndy]

Me personally, I don't mind bout reading a longer article, but it's always a good idea to divide it into a few posts, it's just easier to read.

Pretty much feel the same , not to long but broken down a bit.

Same.

[puttincomputers]

I believe long and epic is the best way to go! (unless you want to get more posts in your association )

[Lamrock]

I'm looking forward to the draft coverage. Was one of my favorite parts of your Live stories. Hopefully Stephen A and NLSC Insider return. You should split it up into three posts but post them all at the same time.

[kibaxx7]

* prepares a coffee *

[The X]

It's not going to be for a couple of days Thierry If I wasn't working then maybe it would be a day away

As for now, I'm liking hova and Lamrock's idea of splitting it. It's going to be long and hopefully epic, so probably split into 3 or 4 posts but will post at same time so if anybody wants to they can read all at once or bit by bit when they can.

[The X]

I'm looking forward to the draft coverage. Was one of my favorite parts of your Live stories. Hopefully Stephen A and NLSC Insider return. You should split it up into three posts but post them all at the same time.

Forgot to answer your query. Stephen A. Smith will return

The Insider will not, to be replaced by X

[hova-]

Seems that you're pretty busy right now, goddam, I'm keen on reading the draft article

[Lamrock]

I concur with Hova's sentiments