Official 2007 NBA Draft Thread

[Sauru]

that mock draft looks more like who you think they should pick not who they will, then again i guess thats all mock drafts are really aint they? i dont expect atlanta to make the right choices, i still think atlanta will take conley at the 3 just cause all you ever hear down here is point guard,point guard,point guard. after hearing everyones point of view i now agree that he is not worth a spot that high, but this is the hawks we are talking about and they have thrown away alot of potentially good drafts

[---]

9.) Chicago Bulls- Jeff Green (F, Georgetown)
The Bulls targeted Al Thornton and are shocked to see him go ahead of them. It is panic in the Bulls war room, but they make the right choice in Jeff Green. They could trade down, but Jeff Green is an athlete they like that gives them even more room to move Nocioni or Deng if they want to do a Kobe or Garnett type trade.

I think the Bulls definately go with Hawes if he is there, he fills the post scorer need perfectly and gives Chicago a playmaker out of the post. I don't think they will move Luol (Ben Gordon might be moved though), so Green would be behind Deng for as long as he and Deng are both in Chicago.

I would much rather see Chicago take Hawes and I think thats the route management is going barring a trade. Sacramento could really use Jeff Green once Artest is gone too.

[mvpshaq32]

His country has long held an allure fueled by secrecy and curiosity, so it is no surprise that the biggest mystery of the NBA draft is working out in the shadow of a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall divider.

Yi Jianlian, a 7-foot standout from China, has globe-trotted his way onto UCLA's campus and into its men's gymnasium, where he is deep into shooting drills. His father watches approvingly from the sidelines, his mother from a fold-up chair underneath the basket.

A group of local college players drowns out the scene with their pick-up game on the other side of the screen, but they can only dream of causing the commotion Yi has this month.

Some NBA insiders have the young Chinese star rated as high as the third-best prospect in the draft and a consensus lottery pick with his combination of athleticism and size. The 248-pounder boasts a 7-foot-4 wingspan and his name appropriately means "building together" in Chinese.

Relations between the NBA and China are at an all-time high following Yao Ming's selection as the No. 1 pick five years ago and Yi's impending arrival. The Chinese National Team will play as an entry in the Las Vegas summer league next month; the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic are scheduled for a pair of exhibition games in China this fall, and the entire world will descend upon the capital city of Beijing for the 2008 Olympics.

While the 7-5 Yao is undeniably China's biggest sports star, Yi has been billed as its Next Big Thing. He is already a celebrity back home -- sort of the hip-hop yang to Yao's old-school yin -- and insists he is unfazed as he prepares to make the transition to the NBA.

"There is no reason to be nervous," Yi says in Mandarin. "I know what I've been learning, what I've been working on. How hard (the jump is) depends on yourself. I think if you work hard enough, you'll be fine."

Impulse says to compare Yi to Yao, but their games and personalities are entirely different. Yao is a traditional post-up center with range who is perfectly suited for a half-court offense. Yi is more of a slasher and shooter, fit for an up-tempo system like Golden State's or Phoenix's.

Watch Yi shoot around and several things jump out: He has soft touch, a high release point and overall fluid mechanics. He is lanky, but not rail-thin, and gets good lift from his legs. Like most foreign players, his upper body needs work, and that has been the focus of his strength and conditioning program since he arrived two months ago.

While Yao took several years to adjust to the American lifestyle, Yi's acculturation has been quick. Home for now is a luxury apartment near UCLA a few doors down from his parents, Yi Jingliu and Mai Meiling -- former handball players turned postal workers -- who will remain in town through the draft.

In between daily workouts and English lessons, Yi has found time to walk the red carpet at several movie premieres and go out with friends. His English is impressive for someone who has been in the U.S. less than two months, as evidenced by his basketball self-analysis.

"My game is power forward," Yi says in English. "I guess I'm tall, but I can run and get down and shoot the ball and sometimes post inside. I'm working on post moves. I'm getting stronger."

He has spent much of the last seven weeks working out at the Home Depot Center under the supervision of trainer Joe Abunassar, who counts Warriors' Al Harrington and Baron Davis among his clientele. Abunassar says Yi's numbers in the traditional vertical leap, three-quarter-court sprint and lane agility drills are eye-popping.

"Usually the stronger a guy is, the less flexible he is. That's not the case with Yi," Abunassar said from Las Vegas. "His numbers for a guy his size are at the top of the charts I've seen in 13 years. He runs as well as some guards, most guards, I should say."

That does not surprise Del Harris, the 30-year NBA veteran who was hired to coach the Chinese National Team prior to the 2004 Olympics and witnessed its improved skill level. Harris says his first task was simply getting players to run properly and reshape their bodies.

But not Yi.

"Here was this young, 7-foot kid that could literally fly," Harris said in a phone interview from Dallas. "This guy could run and jump. We didn't have to teach him. His jumping made sense. And then he had this soft touch from 15 or 17 feet."

Harris raised plenty of eyebrows when he put the Chinese Basketball Association's Rookie of the Year in 2002-03 on the national team roster and then into the starting lineup alongside Yao. But Yi went on to lead his team to three straight championships and averaged 24.9 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in his recently completed fourth season with the Guangdong Tigers.

How will those numbers hold up in the NBA, and for whom?

Yi worked out for Boston, Atlanta and Chicago in Los Angeles last week and the Kings will be in town Wednesday. Warriors special assistant Mitch Richmond saw Yi practice during a session for Chinese media, and a larger contingent from Golden State could be on its way should the Warriors explore the possibility of trading up.

His agent, Dan Fegan, is largely keeping Yi under wraps. Yi was held out of the physicals portion of the predraft camp in Orlando and is only working out for selected teams. After all, nobody wants a repeat of the Darko Milicic story, where the No. 2 pick languished for two-plus years on the Pistons' bench before being traded to Orlando.

As with most many foreign players, there are also club-based complications from contract buyouts to players choosing to remain overseas, and in the case of China, government tie-ins.

When Wang Zhizhi, the first Chinese player in the NBA, defied the Chinese Basketball Association by refusing to report home for national team duties in 2002, it complicated negotiations for Yao's departure that same summer.

"There's a risk," Fegan said of Yi not being released by the government. "But my sense of it is that the teams are going to get a very clear sense before the draft."

In a world where Nike's swoosh is more ubiquitous than Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods combined, there is naturally consideration beyond basketball.

China, with its population in the billions, is a marketers' dream, as is fielding a Chinese star in a densely Asian-populated region like Los Angeles or the Bay Area.

Golden State, in fact, offered refuge to Wang during his brief rebellion five years ago. The former NBA center Wang, citing a desire to improve his skills against better competition, ignored letters to return to China following his second season with the Mavericks and latched onto the Warriors' summer league team. He played for the Clippers and Heat before eventually being allowed back onto the Chinese national team.

Yi currently has his own controversy, though it will not create any tension. He is officially listed as 19 years old, but his true age remains a mystery. His birth year has ranged from October of 1984 to 1987 on documents and stands at the latter.

He has been compared to some impressive European big men, from Dirk Nowitzki to Pau Gasol to the retired Toni Kukoc. He is also bound to be compared to Nikoloz Tskitishvili, the onetime No. 5 pick who turned out to be a bust for the Nuggets and every other team he latched onto, including the Warriors.

To Yi, the transition is about growth. He used to follow athletes like Michael Jordan religiously. Now that he plays, he has a different focus.

"When I watch a game, it's not so much who I like or who I don't like," Yi said. "It's watching the team, watching how they play, and seeing what I can learn from that."

And what the Chinese can learn as a whole. An official from Yi's Guangdong club said that on average, each of the 16 CBA teams has two foreign players, and most of those are from the United States. The mix of talent has helped increase the level of competition.

So far, the four players to come from China have all been big men. That could change next season with swingman Sun Yue among the draft hopefuls. Though Yue is 6-8, he is one of China's better ballhandlers and showed flashes the Orlando pre-draft camp.

"The impact of Wang and Yao and Mengke Bateer -- it's the Great Wall, the three of them -- they definitely had an influence on the players that are now 20 years old and younger," Harris says.

"Kids that were 12, 14, 15 back six, seven years ago had more incentive for working hard and watching NBA games to see the skill level and imitate some of the things."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Next Generation
Age: 19 (at least) Ht./Wt.: 7-0/248

Wingspan: 7-foot-4

Nickname: Next Generation

Current residence: Westwood

Playing style: Shoot or slash

'06-07 team: Guangdong Tigers

'06-07 stats: 24.9 ppg, 11.5 rpg

Honors: '02-'03 Rookie of the Year in top Chinese league; starter in 2004 Olympics

[Its_asdf]

Glad to see Yi generate the hype, his skillset is completely different from other Chinese players in the past that have flopped (Bateer, Zhi Zhi Wang, TangZheng Dong, etc.) but I think he'll definitely need to adjust to the competition. I love tweeners like Yi that are big but can put the ball on the floor.

I just wonder what happened to Sun Yue? I remember trying to get that guy on NBA Live.

[---]

Sun worked out for the Suns not long ago and was murdered by my mancrush, Javaris Crittenton. If Javaris lands on the Bulls somehow I'm gonna buy his jersey.

It's amazing how both his first and last names are so awesome, like Kelenna Azubuike.

[Indy]

I think the Bulls definately go with Hawes if he is there, he fills the post scorer need perfectly and gives Chicago a playmaker out of the post. I don't think they will move Luol (Ben Gordon might be moved though), so Green would be behind Deng for as long as he and Deng are both in Chicago.

I would much rather see Chicago take Hawes and I think thats the route management is going barring a trade. Sacramento could really use Jeff Green once Artest is gone too.

The Bulls will pass on Hawes no matter who is available. Not a Scott Skiles type player. Sure he fills a need, but he just isn't what they are looking for, and the Bulls have always taken the best player available. They are not a team that drafts for need and need only.

Hawes will not be a Bull, book it.

[---]

They are not a team that drafts for need and need only.

In a draft like this with so many players sitting at around the same level, and the major problem with the Bulls being that they don't have a low post scorer, I don't see how they don't take him. It basically goes Oden/Durant then a bunch of other guys, maybe 7-8 of them, that are all around the same level. Unless Horford, Yi, Brandan Wright or maybe Joakim Noah slips, I don't see why they would take anyone but Hawes.

They may have gone best player available in the past, but when a team is a post scorer away from really making some noise, I go with that player. It's not like Hawes is barely a lottery pick and the Bulls would reach to get him, he's a very good player with alot of potential.

As I said, unless Al Horford, Yi Jianlian or Brandan Wirght are available (and maybe Joakim Noah... maybe) the Bulls take Spencer Hawes, barring a trade.

[Matt]

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2116

[Indy]

Here is my updated mock, with 9 days remaining. I made one change to the 1-16 that I did a week ago, but most of it stays the same.

1.) Portland Trailblazers- Greg Oden (C, OSU)
The Obvious Pick here.
2.) Seattle Supersonics- Kevin Durant (F, Texas)
The other obvious pick.
3.) Atlanta Hawks- Al Horford (PF, Florida)
This is where it gets interesting. They have a lot of players to choose from, but go with the safest pick here. Horford has the body and skills to be a very good NBA player. In the mold of other Florida big bodies like Udonis Haslem, but with much better post skills. If a Horford/Williams frontline can make up for its lack of height with the shotblocking ability of Josh Smith they could be pretty scary.
4.) Memphis Grizzlies- Yi Jianlian (C, China)
This is a very tough call for Memphis. Conley would fit right in here, and Brandan Wright could flourish next to Gay and Gasol as well but Yi is a basketball and business choice. Memphis is a struggling team money wise, if Yi pans out he will bring worldwide audiences and popularity to Memphis. He's worked out well, and is not a stretch this high.
5.) Boston Celtics- Brandan Wright (F, NC)
Boston gets a super athletic, long, tall player in Brandan Wright. Definitley not what they were hoping for in Greg Oden before the lottery, but it is an OK consolation prize if they end up keeping this pick, but I expect them to trade it.
6.) Milwaukee Bucks- Corey Brewer (SF, Florida)
Brewer will be a nice player for a Bucks team that could use some wing depth. Mike Conley is attractive especially if Mo Williams is on his way out, but it isn't likely they'll take him because they are going to go hard after Chauncey Billups and the rest of the point guard market.
7.) Minnesota Timberwolves- Joakim Noah (PF, Florida)
I don't know how Joakim will fit in in Minny, but i think they like him. He'll be an improved version of Mark Madsen in some aspects, but he's a good ball handler and passer in the open court.
8.) Charlotte Bobcats- Al Thornton (F, Florida St.)
This is not one you are going to see many places, but I think Al Thonton is going to sneak up here. He fits in extremely well with this Bobcat team. He does a lot of things well on the floor and will be a great compliment to Gerald Wallace. (Notice that nbadraft.net moved Al Thornton up on their mock, just remember where you read that first. )
9.) Chicago Bulls- Jeff Green (F, Georgetown)
The Bulls targeted Al Thornton and are shocked to see him go ahead of them. It is panic in the Bulls war room, but they make the right choice in Jeff Green. They could trade down, but Jeff Green is an athlete they like that gives them even more room to move Nocioni or Deng if they want to do a Kobe or Garnett type trade.
10.) Sacramento Kings- Mike Conley Jr. (PG, OSU)
[i]Conley slips a little bit from what he was getting projected a few weeks ago, but goes to a good situation for him. The Kings have no plans to keep Bibby as the starting point guard long term. Conley and Kevin Martin forms a nice young backcourt.
11.) Atlanta Hawks- Spencer Hawes (C, Washington)
Atlanta actually uses both picks wisely and fills 2 needs. They have a really nice young frontcourt now with Marvin Williams or Josh Smith at the 3 along with Hawes, Shelden Williams, Al Horford and Zaza. A great mix of players there. Unfortunately, with Conley grabbed one spot earlier, the Hawks once again fail to get a point guard.
12.) Philadelphia 76ers- Julian Wright (F, Kansas)
Julian is another athletic youngster that came out too early, but he could actually surprise some people. He doesn't force things, so he's not going to make as many mistakes as most guys in his situation would. Andre Miller is the perfect point guard to start his career with. This would be a good situation for him.
13.) New Orleans Hornets- Thaddeus Young (G, GT)
Thaddeus impressed the Hornets, and I think they've given him a promise they'll take him if he's there. They continue to get younger and better.
14.) L.A. Clippers- Acie Law (G, Texas A&M)
With Shaun Livingston's future in question and Sam Cassell continuing to get older the Clippers need to go Point Guard. Who better for Acie Law to learn from then Sam Cassell, talk about similar players. This would be the perfect way for Cassell to end his career too, helping a guy like Law get going.
15.) Detroit Pistons- Nick Young (G, USC)
Nick Young is fast moving up, and we could see him go as high as 11 to Atlanta. By draft time don't be surprised if this is the guy like Charlie Villanueva that moved up to 7 to Toronto in the last minutes.
16.) Washington Wizards- Derrick Byars (G/F, Vandy)
Reminds me of Ruben Patterson, but more athletic. Derrick Byars will shoot a lot of free throws in the NBA, and can be a solid defender for any team he goes to.
17.) New Jersey Nets- Jason Smith (F/C Colorado St.)
Another player moving up that could be a nice compliment to Krstic when he returns next year. He'll be a bit of a project, but I think he's a guy that will flourish in a system with scorers. He will do a lot of dirty work in the NBA and knock down the open mid-range shots.
18.) Golden State Warriors- Rodney Stuckey (G, East Wash.)
Golden State would love to get a post defender here, but that's just not really here this late in the draft, and Rodney Stuckey is too good to pass on for the Warriors. He is a do it all player that can really score in transition, perfect for Don Nelson especially if Matt Barnes and/or Pietrus are gone.
19.) L.A. Lakers- Jarvis Crittenton (PG, GT)
Hopefully this will be the Pacers picking here in a JO trade, but both teams would take the same player here. LA doesn't want to have to rely on Jordan Farmar next year, they need a backup plan. The Smush era is definitley over in LA, so they really need a point. We also are in desperate need of a point, and Crittenton and Marquis Daniels could make a great young big backcourt. Along with potential frontcourt in Granger/Diogu/Bynum, we'd have one of the best young teams in the league that could get really good in a couple more years. Oh please make this trade Donnie and Larry :pray:
20.) Miami Heat- Tiago Splitter (PF, Brazil)
I hesitate to even put Splitter in here because it feels like he's been in the last 50 drafts, but he always drops out. It seems like he's actually committed to coming over this year, and the Heat would be making a pretty good pick. Miami could use a point guard, but Aaron Brooks is the best one available, and he's too much of a reach.
21.) Philadelphia 76ers- Josh McRoberts (PF, Duke)
He's definitley a gamble, a lot of debate about whether or not he'll survive on the next level. I think he'll be a decent role player, but could be better if he develops 3 point range. Will get dominated if he tries to defende the other teams best post player. Philly needs to get a banger down low to compete, if they do that, McRoberts will be free to roam around and get steals and knockaways which are the best things he brings to the game.
22.) Charlotte Bobcats- Rudy Fernandez (G, Spain)
I would love to get Rudy Fernandez on the Pacers, he's going to be a hit right away. Charlotte gets a steal this low, Rudy should have probably gone up at number 13 for the Hornets. He's not really that logical of a pick for any of the teams after 13, but what a great draft Charlotte will have had if they wind up with Al Thornton and Rudy Fernandez.
23.) New York Knicks- Wilson Chandler (F, DePaul)
There have been reports that New York promised Wilson this spot. Who knows if its true, but I believe it because it is a very Isiah type move. He likes to reach in late first round picks, and he's been on the money with the choices he's made so far. This one will be a mistake. Wilson will bring a little excitement, compete against Nate Robinson in the slam dunk comp. maybe, but not much more then that. He is Eddie Robinson with a little bit of defense.
24.) Phoenix Suns- Marco Belinelli (SG, Italy)
Phoenix loves that Marco is still here, what a player he'll be for them. Perfect fit.
25.) Utah Jazz- Arron Afflalo (SG, UCLA)
Another team thrilled with the guy they get. Afflalo is very talented, but not extremely athletic. Where else in the league is a better place for players like him? Utah will be perfect for Afflalo.
26.) Houston Rockets- Daequan Cook (G, OSU)
Houston would actually have loved for Josh McRoberts to fall here. He'd be a nice player next to Tmac and Yao. A nice young more athletic version to replace Juwan Howard. Cook will be fine though. He actually sort of reminded me of an extremely rough Tracy McGrady this year at OSU. I met him twice, and he's a good guy that's going to work hard and eventually be a nice NBA player. Not right away though, and he'll sit a lot.
27.) Detroit Pistons- Aaron Brooks (PG, Oregon)
Detroit won't make this pick if they end up taking Crittenton but if Nick Young is there at 15 he's their man. Aaron Brooks is not a bad pick here. (I'm in a hurry, so I'm going to rush these last 3.)
28.) San Antonio Spurs- Jared Dudley (F, BC)
29.) Phoenix Suns-Rayshawn Terry (F, UNC)
30.) Philadelphia 76ers- Glen "Big Baby" Davis (F/C LSU)

[maes]

Jeff Green is a pretty bold prediction for Chicago because he may the only lottery player Paxson has not worked out...he's worked for very few teams, 76ers, Bucks, Celtics. He may have a promise from a team.

I think Paxson isn't happy w/ the expected picks at his range (Noah/Hawes/etc) and that's why he's been working out guys supposedly going much lower, such as Law & Crittenton.

I think the draft is going to be pretty entertaining.

[NovU]

I think the draft is going to be pretty entertaining.

yes yes yes very interesting
oden= next olowkandi
conley= next jay williams
jianlian= next wang zhizhi

hahaha

btw, is hibbert in draft this year?

[Sauru]

you are on some good crack my friend

[---]

Here is my mock:

1. Portland - Greg Oden | C | Ohio State

2. Seattle - Kevin Durant | SF | Texas

3. Atlanta - Al Horford | PF | Florida

4. Memphis - Mike Conley Jr | PG | Ohio State

5. Boston - Brandan Wright | PF | North Carolina

6. Milwaukee - Corey Brewer | SF | Florida

7. Minnesota - Spencer Hawes | C | Washington

8. Charlotte - Joakim Noah | PF | Florida

9. Chicago - Yi Jianlian | PF | China

10. Sacramento - Jeff Green | SF | Georgetown

11. Atlanta - Javaris Crittenton | PG | Georgia Tech

12. Philadelphia - Julian Wright | SF | Kansas

13. New Orleans - Nick Young | SG | USC

14. LA Clippers - Acie Law | PG | Texas A&M

15. Detroit - Al Thornton | SF | Florida State

16. Washington - Thaddeus Young | SF | Georgia Tech

17. New Jersey - Jason Smith | PF | Colorado State

18. Golden State - Josh McRoberts | PF | Duke

19. LA Lakers - Rodney Stuckey | SG | Eastern Washington

20. Miami - Rudy Fernandez | SG | Spain

21. Philadelphia - Tiago Splitter | PF | Brazil

22. Charlotte - Derrick Byars | SG | Vanderbilt

23. New York - Sean Williams | PF | Boston College

24. Phoenix - Morris Almond | SG | Rice

25. Utah - Marco Belinelli | SG | Italy

26. Houston - Gabe Pruitt | PG | USC

27. Detroit - Daequan Cook | SG | Ohio State

28. San Antonio - Jared Dudley | SF | Boston College

29. Phoenix - Taurean Green | PG | Florida

30. Philadelphia - Marcus Williams | SG | Arizona


This draft is quite insteresting with how it reaches a plateau. Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are on the top level, but in my opinion, there are about 12 players after those two that are essentially on the same level. Those players are Al Horfod, Mike Conley Jr, Brandan Wright, Nick Young, Julian Wright, Spencer Hawes, Thaddeus Young, Jeff Green, Al Thornton, Yi Jianlian, Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer. With this plateau in talent/potential, teams might as well draft by need in this range. The large amount of guys at the same level also means some players will slip, and in my mock, Thaddeus Young and Al Thornton slip just outside of the lottery. However, after Sacramento opts to go with Jeff Green at 10, thats where the freefall starts for Young and Thornton. Atlanta needs a point guard, they take Crittenton. Philadelphia needs help in the post, they take Julian Wright. New Orleans needs an upgrade at the shooting guard spot, they take Nick Young. Los Angeles needs a point guard badly, Acie Law is the obvious choice.

Just like that, two very highly regarded players can drop out of the lottery. Al Thornton ends up in Detroit, while Thaddeus Young goes to Washington.

[Anthony15]

Denver needs to get into the draft and get a shooter, imo trade JR Smith, people in Denver don't even like him after the playoffs, and we totally agreed with Karl when he benched him. Would be great if we can get a 3 point threat with brains!

[Dean]

I think im like Shannon, and have a man love for Javaris Crittenton haha.. I really want him to go to either Chicago or Phoenix

[Indy]

I'm a big Jarvis Crittenton fan too, but I will fly to New Zealand and give you a blowjob if he goes before Acie Law.

[Dean]

Was that @ me or Shannon lol? Cos im Australia.
*Prays for Acie to fall*
kidding

[---]

I'm a big Jarvis Crittenton fan too, but I will fly to New Zealand and give you a blowjob if he goes before Acie Law.

I couldn't help but put him ahead of Acie Law. Reasons: Hometown kid, more potential, better athletically, 3 years younger, taller, same level in terms of passing and ball handling, lower IQ but that comes with age.

Acie Law is a much safer pick and does deserve to go ahead of him, I just see Atlanta taking him here.

[Sauru]

it seems atlanta is big on crittenton. not saying they will take him, knowing atlanta they will get 2 more fowards that play exactly like everyone else on thier team. i swear atlanta is trying to prove that a team full of players between 6'6 and 6'9 can win a title

[The X]

I'm really looking forward to the draft....I've taken a day off work & will be hitting the piss, while listening to Jay Bilas rave about someone's length ( ) and Stephen A. Smith lament another shoddy Knicks' pick....it should be good....

my original mock lottery that I made on 23/5/07 after the draft lottery was:

1. Por - Oden
2. Sea - Durant
3. Atl - Horford
4. Mem - Conley
5. Bos - B. Wright
6. Mil - Brewer
7. Min - Yianlian
8. Cha - Hibbert
9. Chi - Hawes
10. Sac - J. Wright
11. Atl - Law
12. Phi - Noah
13. NOK - T. Young
14. LAC- Crittenton


anyways, less than a week out from the draft, here goes my version 2 of mock draft, subject to change in days leading up to draft....

1. Portland: C- Greg Oden

A no brainer

2. Seattle: SF- Kevin Durant

Another no brainer

3. Atlanta: PF- Al Horford

I originally had Horford going to Hawks, it seemed like too good a fit for even Billy Knight to pass on. A much better pick than Conley IMHO.

4. Memphis: PG- Mike Conley Jr

Once again, another unchanged pick. The Grizzlies need a PG badly & he would team up with Lowry to make a great 1-2 PG punch. I guess Stoudamire is back from injury, so he won't need to start from day one, which is good. If Horford is still on board, I'd suggest that they take him.

5. Boston: PF- Brandan Wright

I still haven't changed this pick yet. I'm unsure of it. Wright could slide to 6-10 range. The Celtics might look for a more immediate impact player (Green, Brewer, Noah) but I can't see them passing on a top 3 talent.

6. Milwaukee: SF/SG- Corey Brewer

Sorry guys, another unchanged pick from me. I had Bucks taking Brewer from the start & the pick makes too much sense. The fact that he can play the 2 or 3 & his length & more importantly, his defensive skills to become a stopper in the future, the Bucks need that. If any of the above 2 picks drops, they'll probably take them instead.

7. Minnesota: C- Spencer Hawes

Here goes my first change. Hawes seems like the type of guy that McHale will take, spelling the end of the Garnett (& McHale) era in Minnesota. Other possibilities include Green, Noah & potentially, but unlikely Yianlian

8. Charlotte: SF- Jeff Green

I don't think Brewer will be around at 8, so I think they go the next best SF. I don't think they'll stretch on Al Thornton here, & Thaddeus isn't the type of player that I think the Bobcats would take, so Green seems like a possible pick here.

9. Chicago: PF- Joakim Noah

Noah could go as high as 5 & could drop to the lower portion of the lottery, but I really don't see the Bulls passing on him. I think this is the pick, unless a trade goes down.

10. Sacramento: PF- Yi Jianlian

I think Sacramento will take either Yi, the best available talent, or whichever player falls between Hawes, Green & Noah. They could potentially take Thornton at this pick too, although I don't see it.

11. Atlanta: PG- Acie Law

I'll stick with my original prediction, the Hawks go big in first pick, pick their PG at 11, whether it be Law or Crittenton. Seems like Law has a promise & will make more of an immediate impact. After this draft, we'll wonder what's going on with Billy Knight, he didn't pick a SF with either of his 1st Round picks. Unbelievable.

12. Philadelphia: SF- Al Thornton

This seems to be the consensus, & can't argue with it. I can't see them stretching to get Jason Smith at this pick & you'd really hope they didn't. They could go Thaddeus Young or Julian Wright also.

13. New Orleans: SF- Thaddeus Young

I'm swinging on this pick, whether it's either of the Young's or Julian Wright. So I've decided to stick with my original verdict & go with Thaddeus.

14. LA Clippers: PG- Javaris Crittenton

I'll stick with this pick. The Clippers need a PG and Crittenton is best left. If Law is available, he could go here. Am I the only person who thinks that either Law or Crittenton is going to slide all the way to the number 20 spot?!? It happens every year, but which one?

15. Detroit: SF- Julian Wright

Definitely a lottery talent who was talked about as top 5 pick material all year. This is a steal for the Pistons at this spot, whether it's Wright or either of the Young's. Let's just hope they don't pick Rodney Stuckey. They passed on the real Dwayne Wade, don't waste your time on trying to find the next one because Stuckey is not.

16. Washington: SG- Nick Young

This would be a nice pick for the Wizards if the Hornets haven't already snapped him up. If Young is gone at this pick, Julian Wright or Thaddeus Young are possibilities.

17. New Jersey - PF- Jason Smith

They need help up front, so they'll take Smith. Will he help next season, probably not, but they'll rolling the dice. Perhaps they should pick up Wright or Thaddeus Young if they drop as I don't think Smith will be outdoing what Mikki Moore is doing atm.

18. Golden State: PF- Tiago Splitter

I really don't know what the Warriors will do with this pick. You'd think they will go big, but their roster is quite full at the moment so I'll go Euro. It's either Splitter, Fernandez or Belinelli.

19. LA Lakers: SG/PG- Rodney Stuckey

Phil Jackson likes SG's who can play PG like Ron Harper. Stuckey is a combo guard & with Smush Parker out the door, the Lakers need more help at the guard spot. Stuckey can play the 1 or 2, so he's a possibility here. Maybe the Lakers look at Josh McRoberts or Nick Fazekas or Jason Smith at this pick, we'll just have to wait & see.

20. Miami: SG/SF - Derrick Byars

I'll think they'll grab Law, Crittenton or Stuckey if they drop, but under my mock, they do not. Byars can help, so they'll take a look at him with this pick.

21. Philadelphia: SG- Rudy Fernandez

They'll go a guard I'd say. Since they have three 1st Round picks, maybe they go international & get a steal in Fernandez. The Spanish have proved that they can play at the highest level & Rudy will be no exception.

22. Charlotte: SG- Morris Almond

They need a reliable SG that can put the ball in the hole, Almond seems like a logical choice. Considering they had to sign guys like Derek Anderson & start Matt Carroll, they definitely need help at this spot. Maybe it'll kick Adam Morrison into gear, you never know.

23. New York - PF- Sean Williams/SF- Wilson Chandler/SG- Daequan Cook

Who is Isiah going to pick? I've said troubled, shotblocking BC forward Sean Williams all along, & I'll stick to that. I've listed the other two as they are possibilities at this pick. I think the two players that Isiah doesn't pick out of these three possibilities have the potential to slide to the 2nd Round or in Williams' or Chandler's case, straight out of the draft completely.

24. Phoenix - SG- Marco Belinelli

If the Suns don't trade this pick, they'll draft an international prospect I'd say, Belinelli is the best on board at this point, & with one or two very good seasons in Europe, he's got a chance to be a good NBA player.

25. Utah - SG- Aaron Afflalo

While the Jazz would prefer Morris Almond, he's off the board by this stage, so Afflalo is maybe the best impact SG available. If Almond is on board, then expect the Jazz to snap him up. They could take a gamble in Cook if they think Afflalo's upside is too low.

26. Houston: PF- Nick Fazekas

The Rockets already needed frontcourt help & the trade of Juwan Howard further adds to their need. Fazekas is rising up the charts, & it can't hurt to have a deadeye shooting bigman being fed by Yao & T-Mac.

27. Detroit: PF- Glen Davis

I'm a bit stuck on this pick. They could go with Davis or Aaron Gray, or they could go with Pruitt. Who knows?

28. San Antonio: PG- Taurean Green/SF- Jared Dudley

I couldn't split this one at this stage. I'd like to see my man Dudley go in the 1st Round, & I think the Spurs could use depth at the forward positions. Whereas I really think the Spurs might go Green as they will be looking for a backup guard who make the open trey, & Green can definitely at least fill that role. Both players are winners & have good basketball IQ's (especially Dudley), so they would both fit with the Spurs. I think whoever doesn't get picked here, falls to the early 2nd Round, but potentially to a situation where they can earn more minutes.

29. Phoenix: PG- Aaron Brooks

The Suns might look to add more scoring & depth at the guard spot, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the Suns snap up a scorer at this spot.

30. Philadelphia: PF- Josh McRoberts

I thought about letting McRoberts drop to the 2nd Round, but I sense he will scrape into the 25-30 bracket, which is a steal if he turns into a decent player. The 76ers will remember that they scored alright by signing undrafted rookie Shavlik Randolph, so that might help McRoberts get selected.


Last Out: SG- Daequan Cook, SF- Jared Dudley, SG- Marcus Williams, SF- Alando Tucker



so what's everyone else doing on draft day?!?

[-Young Buck-]

Anyone think that the Blazers might actually take Durant? He looked really impressive in their workout. Plus Oden has been in the media over a buldging disc in his back. He played 75% so to speak in his workout in portland. Blazers need a good SF like Durant. Durant might even become the best player in this draft. Last time the Blazers took a big man over a SG/SF was when they passed on MJ. Im not saying Oden will be Sam Bowie, but if injuries happen, he could end up being a star with injuries like grant hill, or Penny Hardaway. Durant seems like there is no question about him being a star in the near future.

[---]

Nope.

I've been following Kevin Durant for quite a while, and I absolutely love the guys game. He's already one of my all time favorite players, I'm a big fan of him.

But you can't pass on Greg Oden.

I think Pritchard is thinking too hard. Reading into his teams' deficiencies rather than looking at what Greg Oden will do for your team, regardless of it's slight shortcomings. When it comes down to draft day, I have no doubts that Pritchard will go with Oden though. How many high scoring offensive machines are there in the league at the small forward spot? How about Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Redd, or Vince Carter?

Those guys are all incredibly talented individual players, but building around perimeter orientated scoring machines hasn't exactly gone too well over history. None of those guys have a single championship between them.

When you have the chance to draft a "can't-miss" center like Oden, you take it, even if you already have a promising frontcourt and have a hole at the small forward spot, which happens to be the position the consensus number 2 pick plays - coming off one of the most amazing seasons in NCAA basketball history, as a freshman. Now, I believe Kevin Durant is the better individual talent of the two right now and it will stay that way for quite some time. But as I said before, theres plenty of players in the mold of Kevin in this league, on good teams, that haven't seen success. How many centers in the league will be at Oden's level say, 6 years in? I don't think anyone will be at his level, and maybe only a single player will be close. Oden has far less competition at his position than Durant.

Oden has all the tools to become one of the greatest of all time. You put Kevin Durant on the floor and you get a guy that will score on practically anyone in the league and play average defence at the other end. With Greg Oden on the floor, you get a player that always be a better defender than his man is a scorer. He also is 7 feet tall, quick, athletic, has great hands, a huge wingspan, good footwork and with a few seasons in the league will also be one of the best offensive centers in the NBA.

Everyone wants to win a championship. The championship is, with no doubts, the ultimate goal. Greg Oden will lead you to the top of the league if you just sorround him with a good team. Oden's supporting cast in Portland would be far more than just 'good'.

[-Young Buck-]

hmmm, those are good points. In fact, i would take oden.

[Indy]

X, I don't think Law or Crittenton slide any lower then 19 if they do fall. Whether it's Indiana or LA making the pick, one of those guys is going.

[[Q]]

as far as PGs go, Conley won't slip past 7, Law won't slip past 11 with ATL, and Crittenton won't be available after the Clippers pick.