It's time to look at tonight's draft a mere 105 minutes before Anthony Davis is taken #1. Too many trades are unknown and probably going to happen to do a full mock draft, which, I love because I have a deep affection for trades, but when the #2 pick has a 50-50 chance of being traded, it will ruin a mock draft pretty quickly. I am ranking my top 10 players and will throw in some more takes on tonight.
My Top 10
1. Anthony Davis -- Love his game. Few things are better than a good post player. I think he sacrificed his offensive game at Kentucky and can have a good to great offensive game in the pros. Watch Andy Katz's interview, he was recruited as a 3-point shooter before he grew 7", the man is going to be a great professional for a long time.
Best fit: Any where, Nola is going to be very happy
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist -- I watched a lot of Kentucky games and MKG always leaped out of the television. He can do it all and should be the #2 pick (I'll get to Beal next). Versatility on defense and rebounding will ensure a long career in this league, add his motor and a good offensive game and you're getting a future star.
Best fit: I like him in Washington but Charlotte would be smart to take him as well
3. Bradley Beal -- He can shoot and take it ball to the hoop off of a ball fake. I think comparing him to Ray Allen is a little much but I do agree that judging him fully on his time at Florida is wrong. It wasn't a good fit, he was surrounded by ball hogs and played out of position, hard to judge a player (especially a freshman) solely on what he does in this type of situation.
Best fit: Any where because he can shoot and plays the 2, Washington would be a great fit though
4. Thomas Robinson -- This man works his a** off and can rebound. Those two qualities will keep you in the league, add a good offensive game and you're golden. I see him as a sure thing and would be a great fit in Charlotte whether they draft him at #2 or if they can drop back and get him at #4.
Best fit: Charlotte
5. Harrison Barnes -- People are comparing him to MKG and I see the similarities but he's not on his level. Great shooter who needs a good PG is a decent combination but shouldn't be in the top 4. He has a clutch gene and that is something you cannot coach. If he goes 5th however, I hate the fit with him and Sacramento.
Best fit: Cleveland, he would flurish with Kyrie
6. Damian Lillard -- He won't go this high but a 6' 3" experienced PG who can score is a rare find and should be valuable to any team. You could switch my picks 6, 7, and 8 on any given day but I put him here because Portland would be smart to take him.
Best fit: Portland
7. Dion Waiters -- It's amazing to me that a guy who never started in college will be drafted in the top 10 but that's what's going to happen. I put him and Lillard on the same level and could see Portland taking either but Lillard gets the nod since he is a truer PG.
Best fit: Portland
8. Austin Rivers -- Love his game, it fits the NBA, it didn't fit Duke. Simple as that. I think he goes high and I think he has everything he needs to be the best player on a playoff contender. I don't see him as the best player on a championship team but he should be able to take any of these teams with early picks to the playoffs in a couple years. If he falls to the Hornets at #10, it would ensure them of a bright future. I'm leaning towards wanting this to happen but it probably shouldn't.
Best fit: Nola
9. Andre Drummond -- You can't coach height nor athleticism. Drummond has both and that's the only reason he's this high. Disappointing season at UConn is overshadowed by great potential. He would be a great choice for Houston to trade up for whether for themselves or for Orlando in exchange for Dwight Howard. Golden State wouldn't be a bad choice because they have lacked the size to compete for the last couple of years though a great trade for Andrew Bogut might have fixed that.
Best fit: Houston (or Orlando)
10. Meyers Leonard -- I think this kid can play. I watched him at Illinois and I really like what he can do as a 7 footer. I know this is too high for him to go tonight but I like him enough to take a flyer on him in my top 10. I think he can be a solid starter on a contending team.
Best fit: Boston, Rondo makes everyone better
Grab Yourself a 7 Footer
This draft has four 7 footers that could go in the first round. I definitely see Fab Melo going late in the first. There are 2 or 3 more that could go in the second round. The Heat erased the notion that you need a big man to win a championship on the surface. But Bosh was necessary for them to win and a solid 7 footer on any team will only be an asset. So go get yourself one tonight.
Second Round Steals
Watch for Doron Lamb because, simply, the kid can shoot. He got overshadowed on a stacked Kentucky team but, if John Wall's Kentucky team had Lamb on it, Wall would have himself a championship ring. Shooting was the only thing that team lacked. It makes bad teams good and good teams great. Someone will get a steal when they draft this Lamb.
Other notables: Festus Ezeli, Jeff Taylor, John Jenkins, Robbie Hummel
Five Tool Players
Royce White and Draymond Green -- You're heard of five tool players in baseball, well these guys are the equivalent of five tool guys for baseball. They're big, they play hard, they rebound, they post, they pass, they can dribble, they can shoot... They're coaches' dream players. Two organizations will hit homeruns mid to late in the draft by picking one of these guys.
Draft Night MVP
Houston -- Whatever happens tonight, Houston is my MVP of this draft. Best case scenario: get Dwight Howard and Deron Williams. Medium case scenario: get Andre Drummond and a good verteran. Worst case: draft 3 players with picks in the teens of a loaded draft. It is going to be hard for them to screw it up and I can't wait to see how they finish this exciting week for them.
Sneaky Potential: Boston -- two picks in the 20's, watch out for some interesting movement
Bowtie Perdictions
Most wanted #1: Meyers Leonard -- big man, little tie
Most wanted #2: Austin Rivers -- looks like a man who can pull it off (P.S. I hope his dad is able to be with him in the green room)
Most wanted #3: Draymond Green -- won't be in the green room but I hope he is either in the stands or is wearing one at home
Sneaky pick: Damian Lillard -- Weber State represent!
Highest Drafted: Bradley Beal -- that outfit during during interviews screamed bowtie potential
Least wanted: Tyler Zeller -- don't ruin this trend
The Frattiest NBA Draft Blog in the World. We dedicate this blog to the NBA Draft, love of bow ties, and the brave who mix both.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wrapping up 2011
Before I get into this year's draft I need to spend some time reflecting on 2011. Like I said, I went 3 for 30 on picks and I hope I don't lose too much of my non-existant draft-cred by have two of the three correct perdictions coming off of picks made by David Kahn and the Timberwolves. They did start the season looking like they could make the playoffs thanks to one Ricky Rube. Anyways, let's get this wrapped up so we can move on...
Best Draft:
UTAH JAZZ -- It's easy to pick a team who had two picks but the Jazz legitimately picked two solid players that should help them for many years. They took Enes Kanter at 3 and Alec Burkes at 12. Burkes contributed more during the season but Kanter and Favors set the Jazz up for a potentially great front line for years too come.
Notible Mentions:
NJ NETS -- This is part hindsight but turning the #27 pick in JuJuan Johnson into a trade for Marshon Brooks was huge and a no-brainer if you're the Nets front office.
WASHINTON WIZARDS -- I had Chris Singleton going high in this draft and the Wizards got him at with the 19th pick. That alone is worthy of a good draft grade but it looks like Jan Vesely will be a solid player and getting his girlfriend courtside for every game is a must.
Head Scratcher:
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -- I don't understand taking Tristian Thompson at #4. I get you need a big man and you hit a homerun with Irving but trading back would have been a solid option or at least getting someone more save. I was shocked when I heard this pick announced and will wait a couple years to say, "I told you so," but it doesn't make sense a year later much less that night.
I Told You So:
KAWHI LEONARD -- I will not wait a couple years beforing labeling this pick my "I told you so pick." In my mock draft, Leonard went to Washington at #6. I understand them taking Vesley because he fell to them but I don't understand Leonard dropping to #15 and apparently neither did the Spurs. They jumped in for a trade sending George Hill to Indiana for Leonard (not a bad trade for Indiana). Leonard only went on start for the team with the best record in the league, hit several clutch 3's in the playoffs, and as good as a rookie could probably do in guarding Kevin Durant in the playoffs. How did he drop all the way to #15?
My Worst Perdiction:
JOSH SELBY -- I had a couple bad calls but I was about 20 picks off on this one. He saved some face by getting more minutes than some who were drafted ahead of him but this perdiction was atrocious and I will admit it.
Second Round Love:
CHANDLER PARSONS -- Loved him before the draft and he showed up this year. He has a bright future in this league (I can't claim he'll be great in Houston because who knows who will be on their roster after tonight?) and will be a good player for years to come.
Rookie Of The Year:
KYRIE IRVING -- Great season. Hope the concussion issues don't bother him in the future. And a great YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DnKOc6FISU
My Favorite Rookie:
RICKY RUBIO -- This man can BALL and I love it. I hope he and Kevin Love play together for 10+ years and become the best pick-and-pop combo ever. I've never fully considered buying a legit NBA jersey (for the main fact that it doesn;t work well for white people) but one day I might buy Rubio's.
Best Draft:
UTAH JAZZ -- It's easy to pick a team who had two picks but the Jazz legitimately picked two solid players that should help them for many years. They took Enes Kanter at 3 and Alec Burkes at 12. Burkes contributed more during the season but Kanter and Favors set the Jazz up for a potentially great front line for years too come.
Notible Mentions:
NJ NETS -- This is part hindsight but turning the #27 pick in JuJuan Johnson into a trade for Marshon Brooks was huge and a no-brainer if you're the Nets front office.
WASHINTON WIZARDS -- I had Chris Singleton going high in this draft and the Wizards got him at with the 19th pick. That alone is worthy of a good draft grade but it looks like Jan Vesely will be a solid player and getting his girlfriend courtside for every game is a must.
Head Scratcher:
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS -- I don't understand taking Tristian Thompson at #4. I get you need a big man and you hit a homerun with Irving but trading back would have been a solid option or at least getting someone more save. I was shocked when I heard this pick announced and will wait a couple years to say, "I told you so," but it doesn't make sense a year later much less that night.
I Told You So:
KAWHI LEONARD -- I will not wait a couple years beforing labeling this pick my "I told you so pick." In my mock draft, Leonard went to Washington at #6. I understand them taking Vesley because he fell to them but I don't understand Leonard dropping to #15 and apparently neither did the Spurs. They jumped in for a trade sending George Hill to Indiana for Leonard (not a bad trade for Indiana). Leonard only went on start for the team with the best record in the league, hit several clutch 3's in the playoffs, and as good as a rookie could probably do in guarding Kevin Durant in the playoffs. How did he drop all the way to #15?
My Worst Perdiction:
JOSH SELBY -- I had a couple bad calls but I was about 20 picks off on this one. He saved some face by getting more minutes than some who were drafted ahead of him but this perdiction was atrocious and I will admit it.
Second Round Love:
CHANDLER PARSONS -- Loved him before the draft and he showed up this year. He has a bright future in this league (I can't claim he'll be great in Houston because who knows who will be on their roster after tonight?) and will be a good player for years to come.
Rookie Of The Year:
KYRIE IRVING -- Great season. Hope the concussion issues don't bother him in the future. And a great YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DnKOc6FISU
My Favorite Rookie:
RICKY RUBIO -- This man can BALL and I love it. I hope he and Kevin Love play together for 10+ years and become the best pick-and-pop combo ever. I've never fully considered buying a legit NBA jersey (for the main fact that it doesn;t work well for white people) but one day I might buy Rubio's.
Monday, June 25, 2012
2011 Reality vs. Mock
2011 NBA Draft
In my first try of a mock draft, I went 3 for 30. Here is a list of the picks. Mine will be italicised
1. CLE: Kyrie Iving, Kyrie Irving***
2. MIN: Derrick Williams, Derrick Williams***
3. UTA: Enes Canter, Brandon Knight
4. CLE: Tristan Thompson, Enes Kanter
5. TOR: Jonas Valanciunas, Jan Vesley
6. WSH: Jan Vesly, Kawhi Leonard
7. SAC: Bismack Biyombo (sent to CHA for Fredette), Kemba Walker
8. DET: Brandon Knight, Alec Burkes
9. CHA: Kemba Walker, Jonas Valaciunas
10. MIL: Jimmer Fredette (sent to SAC for S. Jackson), Jordan Hamilton
11. GS: Klay Thompson, Tristan Thompson
12. UTA: Alec Burkes, Chris Singleton
13. PHX: Markieff Morris, Jimmer Fredette
14. HOU: Marcus Morris, Nikola Vucevic
15. IND: Kwahi Leonard (sent to SA for G. Hill), Bismack Biyombo
16. PHI: Nikola Vucevic, Marcus Morris
17. NY: Iman Shumpert, Klay Thompson
18. WSH: Chris Singleton, Marshon Brooks
19. CHA: Tobias Harris, Josh Selby
20. MIN: Donatas Motiejunas, Donatas Motiejunas***
21. POR: Nolan Smith, Reggie Jackson
22. DEN: Kenneth Faried, Tobias Harris
23. HOU: Nikola Mirotic, Darrius Morris
24. OKC: Reggie Jackson, Kenneth Faried
25. BOS: Marshon Brooks (sent to NJ for J. Johnson), Jordan Williams
26. DAL: Jordan Hamilton, Markieff Morris
27. NJ: JaJuan Johnson (sent to BOS for M. Brooks), Nikola Mirotic
28. CHI: Norris Cole (sent to MIA), Tyler Huneycutt
29. SA: Corey Joseph, David Bertans
30. CHI: Jimmy Butler, Norris Cole
In my first try of a mock draft, I went 3 for 30. Here is a list of the picks. Mine will be italicised
1. CLE: Kyrie Iving, Kyrie Irving***
2. MIN: Derrick Williams, Derrick Williams***
3. UTA: Enes Canter, Brandon Knight
4. CLE: Tristan Thompson, Enes Kanter
5. TOR: Jonas Valanciunas, Jan Vesley
6. WSH: Jan Vesly, Kawhi Leonard
7. SAC: Bismack Biyombo (sent to CHA for Fredette), Kemba Walker
8. DET: Brandon Knight, Alec Burkes
9. CHA: Kemba Walker, Jonas Valaciunas
10. MIL: Jimmer Fredette (sent to SAC for S. Jackson), Jordan Hamilton
11. GS: Klay Thompson, Tristan Thompson
12. UTA: Alec Burkes, Chris Singleton
13. PHX: Markieff Morris, Jimmer Fredette
14. HOU: Marcus Morris, Nikola Vucevic
15. IND: Kwahi Leonard (sent to SA for G. Hill), Bismack Biyombo
16. PHI: Nikola Vucevic, Marcus Morris
17. NY: Iman Shumpert, Klay Thompson
18. WSH: Chris Singleton, Marshon Brooks
19. CHA: Tobias Harris, Josh Selby
20. MIN: Donatas Motiejunas, Donatas Motiejunas***
21. POR: Nolan Smith, Reggie Jackson
22. DEN: Kenneth Faried, Tobias Harris
23. HOU: Nikola Mirotic, Darrius Morris
24. OKC: Reggie Jackson, Kenneth Faried
25. BOS: Marshon Brooks (sent to NJ for J. Johnson), Jordan Williams
26. DAL: Jordan Hamilton, Markieff Morris
27. NJ: JaJuan Johnson (sent to BOS for M. Brooks), Nikola Mirotic
28. CHI: Norris Cole (sent to MIA), Tyler Huneycutt
29. SA: Corey Joseph, David Bertans
30. CHI: Jimmy Butler, Norris Cole
Getting back to it...
Well, the draft is Thursday and I haven't written a post since last draft. But the wait is over for all of my imaginary readers out there, I plan on cramming for the draft by going a little post crazy the next couple of days. Early on, I blamed my absence on the lockout but then Grad School and a new job started and I never got back into it. I have no good excuse and regret letting last season get away from me.
I did still watch the NBA and loved this postseason that finished with my Miami Heat winning the championship. In the theme of this blog I have to mention Norris Cole... Did you watch this kid this season? He had the Miami crowd chanting "M-V-P" during the first game of the season. I predicted the Bulls taking him #30 overall in my mock draft because of his offense, they took him #28 and then sent him to Miami. (Why the Bulls ever send good players to Miami is another conversation for another blog, especially when they are still hurting so much for offensive help.) I figured this kid could play but what surprised me was that he was most regarded for his defense once the postseason rolled around. Really happy for Cole and hope he has a long career in Miami.
I'll have more on my mock draft and how it compared to the real thing later, however, I can tell you I went 3 for 30 which is pretty bad. A couple players I liked, teams didn't and some players I didn't like, teams did. We will not be able to tell who was right or wrong until a couple years have passed but there is one player that I can say I was right about so stay tuned. I'll even get into a second round pick or two because there is one I loved before the draft and he showed up this year. I was also disappointed on the lack of bowties during the draft, hopefully that will get fixed this year.
I did still watch the NBA and loved this postseason that finished with my Miami Heat winning the championship. In the theme of this blog I have to mention Norris Cole... Did you watch this kid this season? He had the Miami crowd chanting "M-V-P" during the first game of the season. I predicted the Bulls taking him #30 overall in my mock draft because of his offense, they took him #28 and then sent him to Miami. (Why the Bulls ever send good players to Miami is another conversation for another blog, especially when they are still hurting so much for offensive help.) I figured this kid could play but what surprised me was that he was most regarded for his defense once the postseason rolled around. Really happy for Cole and hope he has a long career in Miami.
I'll have more on my mock draft and how it compared to the real thing later, however, I can tell you I went 3 for 30 which is pretty bad. A couple players I liked, teams didn't and some players I didn't like, teams did. We will not be able to tell who was right or wrong until a couple years have passed but there is one player that I can say I was right about so stay tuned. I'll even get into a second round pick or two because there is one I loved before the draft and he showed up this year. I was also disappointed on the lack of bowties during the draft, hopefully that will get fixed this year.
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