Off Season Overview- Cleveland

Now we take a stop in Cleveland for the Off Season Overview

CLEVELAND CAVS

Last Season: 61-16 1st in the Central and 1st in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland had their best season in franchise history last year and in the end the team was a disappointment.  After claiming the league’s best record the Cavs were ready to storm through the playoffs and get to the finals again. After dismissing Detroit like a red headed step child the Cavs beat up on the flightless Hawks in the second round. The Magic didn’t play any tricks on the Cavs in the conference finals, they just exploited their weakness.  Cleveland had a great year and nothing should be discredited. Although I don’t see where this franchise is going. The biggest off season Cleveland’s history is next year and we do not know where they are going.

Re- Signings:

Resigned Jawad Williams – terms undisclosed

Resigned Anderson Varejao for 6 years and 50 million

They had to sign Varejao back, but this much?  The Cavs needed to keep their energy. Varejao is probably the starter at forward. He is a good player as we all know but a 50 million dollar player? I don’t think so.

NBA Draft:

Christian Eyenga- 1st Round Pick 30

Danny Green- 2nd Round Pick 16

The first pick is a stash pick and kind of an interesting one. At the time of the draft the Cavs still needed some bench players. With Sam Young and DeJaun Blair on the board Cleveland passed on them and selected a pick to stash in Europe to develop. I didn’t like that move at all. I do like the pick of UNC’s Danny Green. He is a gamer and he can shoot. Again Cleveland didn’t hurt themselves with the draft but they also didn’t make themselves much better than they could have with a pick of Sam Young or DeJuan Blair.

Other Off Season Moves:

Shaq now the King's protector

Traded Ben Wallace and a second round draft pick to Phoenix for Shaquille O’neal

Signed Jamario Moon terms of deal undisclosed

Signed Anthony Parker to 2 years and 6 million

Signed Leon Powe  to 2 year and 1.77 million

I love the signing of Powe. He is injured and most likely won’t be healthy until February. He is a great player off the bench, he can score, get tough rebounds and play good defense. Moon and Parker were necessity moves. They both are decent players and will be good off the bench adding depth. I understand the trade for Shaq, but through all the hype lets look at it. It doesn’t help them, it just doesn’t hurt them either. How did the Cavs get beat last year? Terrible pick and roll defense. Orlando used the pick and roll and then kicked out to wide open shooters. Well Shaq’s biggest weakness on defense is defending the pick and roll. Through all their moves this off season I don’t think they got better or took the next step.

Projected Starters:

PG- Mo Williams

SG- DeLonte West

SF- LeBron James

PF- Anderson Varejao

C- Shaquille O’Neal

Bench:

Daniel Gibson

Zydrunas Ilgauskas

JJ Hickson

Anthony Parker

JaMario Moon

Jawad Williams

Daniel Gibson

Darnell Jackson

Leon Powe

2009-2010 Projection:

As hard as I have been on Cleveland I do think they are in for another season around  60 wins. The Cavs are definitely a title contender, they are deep and they can rebound with their front court depth. I think they make a return trip to the conference finals. Lebron has taken that next step and now his teammates need to. Mo Williams showed why he was passed up on the All Star team twice before he got on the team. When the big moment came he was no where to be found.  But this team’s biggest weakness still remains. The plus is that they are more athletic than they were last year. They still have a consistent shooter from the outside other than Mo Williams.

I see the Cavs winning 60 games next year and making a deep run. Anything else is a disappointment.  This is the Cavs title run year. Next year Lebron maybe gone and the rest of the team will be gutted. To insure the King keeps his castle in Cleveland his teammates need to step up this year and help him win the title he craves.

Off Season Overview- Chicago

Now with team number four the Chicago Bulls

CHICAGO BULLS

Last Season: 41-41 2nd in the Central and the 7th in the Eastern Conference

Chicago faced Boston in the first round of the playoffs and gave us one of the best playoff series of all time. Led by rookie Derrick Rose the Bulls into the playoffs and gave the defending champs all they could handle. The streaky shooting of the now departed Ben Gordon is what ultimately put the Bulls on the chopping block. A mid season trade for John Salmons and Brad Miller helped Chicago out big time. After the draft it seems like Chicago has a surplus of young forwards. The big rumor is the Tyrus Thomas fell out of favor of the Bulls inept coach Vinny Del Negro. Thomas showed that he is finally coming into his own. Athletically there is no one in the league better. Instead Del Negro favors the limited Joakim Noah.

Re-Signings:

Qualifying offer extended to backup center Aaron Gray.

The Bulls decided not to try and sign Ben Gordon back.  They didn’t have any other players to re-sign and they actually did themselves a favor by waiving inconsistent journeyman Tim Thomas.

NBA Draft:

James Johnson- Wake Forest- 1st Round Pick 16

Taj Gibson-USC-  1st Round Pick 26

This is one of the teams I thought they would pick DeJaun Blair. I still like their draft.  Both Johnson and Gibson are athletic big guys. Gibson may have a harder time adjusting to the NBA but James Johnson should come in and provide the Bulls with rebounding and decent shooting for a big guy, he is known to hit some three pointers.

Other Off Season Moves:

Pargo returns to the NBA and Chicago this year

Signed Jannero Pargo to a 1 year deal for $2 million.

The Bulls didn’t have much cap room or roster availability for this free agent class. They signed PG Jannero Pargo who played last year overseas. The Bulls look like they are content on keeping their roster intact. Don’t be surprised if young PF Tyrus Thomas is moved before or during this season.

Projected Starters:

PG- Derrick Rose

SG- John Salmons

SF- Loul Deng

PF- Joakim Noah

C- Brad Miller

Bench:

Kirk Hinrich

Tyrus Thomas

Jannero Pargo

James Johnson

Taj Gibson

Lindsey Hunter

Jerome James

2009-2010 Projection:

I think the Bulls will make a return to the playoffs this year, but it will be around the seventh seed again. They lost a bunch of depth when they let Ben Gordon walk, though it maybe better for the team.  Hinrich can score and Pargo is a decent backup at PG.  There is a lack of depth is at the small forward position. The only thing I can think of is that they move rookie James Johnson to SF to backup Deng and eventually start because Deng cannot stay healthy. The Bulls also need a coach. Del Negro is terrible. He makes to many mistakes and dumb play calls and has bad time out timing.

The Bulls can win over 40 games next year and they should, especially if Loul Deng stays healthy. I expect Derrick Rose to show us he is the second best PG in the league behind Chris Paul this year. I hope they don’t trade Tyrus Thomas unless they get a player like Amare Stoudemire in return. Chicago maybe the most athletic team in the league and that’s an advantage for them. The Bulls are a good defensive team as well. If they find any consistency on offense Chicago can become dangerous. I would love to see an Atlanta-Chicago playoff match up.

Off Season Overview- Charlotte

Now on to Charlotte’s overview

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

Last Season: 35-47 4th in the Southeast and 10th in the Eastern Conference. Missed playoffs by 4 games

Last season the Bobcats shook up their team. Surprisingly they showed they can win.  Trading star player Jason Richardson for Raja Bell and Boris Diaw. Diaw started to play like he did two years ago in Phoenix. Gerald Wallace emerged as the Bobcats new leader by providing tough defense and leading the team in scoring.  The Bobcats have talent at the point guard position with DJ Augustin. With Veterens Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic the Bobcats look to make a playoff push this year for the first time in the franchise’s history.

Re-Signings:

None yet

The Bobcats are in discussions with PG Raymond Felton. With Allen Iverson signing apparently with Memphis the Bobcats need to lock down Felton. Without him they do not have a chance at the post season this year.

NBA Draft:

Gerald Henderson- Duke- 1st Round Pick 12

Derrick Brown- Xavier- 2nd Round pick 10

I wasn’t a big fan of Charlotte’s draft. I don’t know how well Henderson will do at the NBA level. If I was Charlotte, Earl Clarke would have been my pick here. Brown is a tough player who can become a good role player. Unfortunately I think that’s all Henderson will be also. But if Henderson finds his role it could help this team.

Other Off Season Moves:

Charlotte traded for Chandler this off season

Charlotte trades Emeka Okafor to New Orleans for Tyson Chandler

Charlotte made a head scratching move when they traded their franchise center piece for Tyson Chandler. Chandler is a better rebounder and defender.  It isn’t a bad move but they didn’t get better, they kind of just stayed where they are at.

Projected Starters:

PG- DJ Augustin

SG- Raja Bell

SF- Gerald Wallace

PF- Boris Diaw

C- Tyson Chandler

Bench

Vladimir Radmanovic

DeSagana Diop

Gerald Henderson

Derrick Brown

Dontell Jefferson

Nazr Mohammed

Alexis Ajinca

2009-2010 Projection:

Without Raymond Felton Charlotte’s depth is terrible.  For any sort of run at the playoffs Charlotte needs Felton. They should be better on defense with the addition of Chandler. I am looking for Gerald Wallace to have a breakout year and lead this team. DJ Augustin had a good year last year. He should take that next step.  The questions surrounding the Bobcats are, How much does Raja Bell have left? Can Radmanovic finally become a good role player? and Who will become the number two scorer?

If those questions are answered right, this team can make the playoffs. They need Raymond Felton to do that. I see the Bobcats winning around 37-40 games. In the east that record maybe enough to vault them into the playoffs.  Most likely they will not make the playoffs. Charlotte needs to figure out who they want to build around and then do it.

Off Season Overview- Boston

Continuing the offseason overview up next is the Boston Celtics.

BOSTON CELTICS

Last Season: 62-20 1st in Atlantic 2nd in Eastern Conference

Boston started their title defense on fire last year, At one point winning 19 straight games.  But the Celtics limped into the playoffs. Their unquestioned leader Kevin Garnett suffered a season ending knee injury.  Even with an injured Garnett the Celtics gave us one of the classic first round playoff series we have ever seen.  Chicago took the defending champs to the seventh game where the Celtics prevailed. The next series the injured Celtics took the eventual East champion Orlando Magic to a hard fought 7 games. After the season ended Boston’s off season was filled with rumors of the team wanting to trade PG Rajon Rondo who carried the team in the playoffs.  The trade never happend and the Celtics look to try and get back to the finals again this year.

Re-Signings:

Glen Davis for 2 years & 6 million

I didn’t understand why the team let Leon Powe go. Yes he is injured but when healthy he was their best backup big man. After putting a tender offer on Davis no team decided to sign him to an offer sheet. Davis eventually resigned with the Celtics. Davis will be the second big man off the bench for the Celtics.

NBA Draft:

Lester Hudson- Tennessee Martin- 2nd round pick 28

Hudson can score, but with a summer league injury it is most likely he will not make the team this year.  Hudson can score but he is a project player.

Other Off Season Moves:

Rasheed Wallace is this season's big acquisition

Celtics sign Rasheed Wallace for 3 years and 18 million

Celtics sign Marques Daniels  terms of deal undisclosed

Celtics sign Sheldon Williams  terms of deal undisclosed

The Celtics didn’t sign Leon Powe because of an injury. They went out and used their full mid level exception on Rasheed Wallace.  Wallace brings tough defense and the ability to stretch the floor to the Celtics. He also helps a bench that isn’t very good on offense. Marques Daniels is coming off a career high in points scored last year. He also will help the bench score. The Celtics have taken two risks with two of the league’s bigger unknown’s attitude wise.  If it pays off we could see the Celtics making another title run

Projected Starters:

PG- Rajon Rondo

SG- Ray Allen

SF- Paul Peirce

PF- Kevin Garnett

C- Kendrick Perkins

Bench:

Rasheed Wallace

Eddie House

Marques Daniels

Glen Davis

Bill Walker

Brian Scalibrine

Sheldon Williams

Tony Allen

2009-2010 Projection:

Many Celtic fans think and believe that if they were healthy last year they would have repeated.  I’m not so sure that would have happened and we will never know. What we do know is that this year is up in the air for Boston. How will Rondo react to all the off season rumors? Can KG keep Wallace and Daniels in check the entire year? Will the big 3 break down again? This team is old. KG, Paul Peirce and Ray Allen are all over 31. The biggest concern is Ray Allen who is 34. 34 year old shooting guards aren’t known to hold up for an entire year.

If all goes well and no serious injuries the Celtics are probably the second favorite to win the East (I think the Magic got better than the Celtics). This team won’t make big mistakes, you will have to out play them. When Rasheed and Garnett are on the court together this team may have the best low post defense in the league. Ray Allen can still shoot and no one can guard Rondo with his speed. Pierce has found a new living by becoming a good jump shooter and getting to the basket when needed. With Daniels coming off the bench the Celtics have a bench who can actually help this team. Look for the Celtics to finish in the top 3 in the east again and return to the eastern conference finals.

Off Season Overview- Atlanta

Today I am starting my NBA off season team by team overview. Yes football season has just started but it’s time to keep talkin NBA.  I will start with Atlanta and end in Washington. In the overview’s I will cover key signings, the draft and what it means for each team. Also an estimated depth chart and a season preview for each team. Let’s start with the Atlanta Hawks.

ATLANTA HAWKS

Last Season 47-35 2nd in the Southeast and 4th in the Eastern Conference

The Hawks made a big leap last year. After taking the Celtics to a seventh game the year before, the Hawks had big expectations last year. They finished where most people thought they would. With the fourth best record in the East and a playoff series win over the Heat, Atlanta had a great year. Most people thought that the Hawks not being able to re-sign Josh Childress would be disastrous.  It wasn’t and they became a better team without him.

Re-Signings:

Mike Bibby for 3 years & 18 million.

Zaza Pachulia  for 4 years & 19 million.

Marvin Williams for 5 year & 37.5 million.

I like all 3 signings. The Bibby signing is a bit much for a 31 year old point guard, I mean 3 years for a player that maybe has two good years left in him. He is this team’s leader and will help incoming draft pick Jeff Teague learn the ropes. Pachulia is a good backup. He isn’t the worst option out there. He is as good as Marcin Gortat who got the full mid level exception from Orlando when they matched Dallas’ offer. Williams really came into his own this year, unfortunately he wasn’t healthy all year.  I like the signing though, Williams is young and has finally figured out what he does good and then goes and does it.

NBA Draft:

Jeff Teague- Wake Forest- 1st round pick 19

I love Jeff Teague. He can score. The one thing he needs to learn is to become a better distributor.  He can get to the basket at will and is a good defender. I would have liked to see VCU’s Eric Maynor go to Atlanta because I think he is a little better of a fit, but Teague can become a great point guard for the Hawks.

Other Off Season Moves:

Jamal Crawford now a Hawk

Atlanta trades PG’s Acie Law and Speedy Claxton to Golden State for SG Jamal Crawford.

Hawks sign PF Joe Smith- terms of deal not disclosed

Hawks sign C Jason Collins- terms of deal not disclosed

I love this move, especially since they picked a point guard with their pick in the draft. I have always loved Jamal Crawford’s game. He can score at will and plays decent defense. He didn’t have to in Golden State but he can. In Atlanta he will be an after thought and get a ton of open looks and kill opposing teams. I also like the Joe Smith signing. It gives them another big man in the front court who can rebound and score sparingly.

Projected Starters:

PG- Mike Bibby

SG- Jamal Crawford

SF- Joe Johnson

PF- Josh Smith

C- Al Horford

Bench

Marvin Williams

Zaza Pachulia

Joe Smith

Maurice Evans

Jeff Teague

Jason Collins

Randolph Morris

2009-2010 projection:

I think the Hawks have got better. The do not have much depth at guard. I think they will start Crawford and Johnson. Johnson played small forward in Phoenix. I don’t know how much the Hawks can move up in the east. Boston, Cleveland and Orlando all got better along with the Hawks. I think they can keep their fourth seed. I also think they are capable of winning the east but it is a slim chance that can happen.  They have added much needed depth to their front court with Smith, Collins and the resigning of Pachulia. Bibby was a good resigning but I think it was for to long.

I see the Hawks winning between 45-50 games this year and winning another playoff series, possibly two.  They will have to mature on offense and become a team who can run a half court offense. Crawford will help that, but right now when you force them to go into half court sets they fail and just give Johnson the ball and watch him take a bad shot.  Once they become a team who can operate the half offense they will become dangerous. They also need to defense a little more organized. They play aggressive on defense, which I love. It hurts them though. Atlanta tires easily on defense and try and just rely on Josh Smith to block shots. For the Hawks to take the next step Josh Smith needs to become a better shooter. Once he does that, this team will fly and become unstoppable.

NBA Draft grades and Draft week Review

What a crazy week and Free Agency hasn’t yet begun. With the economy and some teams trying to get under the luxury tax and some trying to win titles, this off season will be active.

Last night’s draft was just bizarre. Grades will be based on a combo of the pick, how good the player is for that pick, if the team made trades and if the trade was good for them. Lets get to the grades!

Atlanta Hawks

19th (19th) Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest

19th (49th) Sergiy Gladyr SG Ukraine

I like the pick of Jeff Teague. He has a great first step and can score at any time. He has a lot of upside and can grow. I would have liked to see VCU’s Eric Maynor here. He is a distributor first. I think he would have helped the team a little more. And with aquiring Jamal Crawford from the Warriors they don’t need more scoring. The second round pick will stash in Europe.

Grade: B+

Boston Celtics

28th (58th) Lester Hudson SG Tenn. Martin

I don’t know a whole lot about Hudson. I know he can score and I know he probably won’t be making this team. Unless Eddie House isn’t returning and the Celtics feel charitable. Though they don’t have a 1st rounder because of the Garnett trade. So they still get a good grade because well they won a title and stole KG away

Grade: A

Charlotte Bobcats

12th (12th) Gerald Henderson SG Duke

10th (40th) Derrick Brown PF Xavier

24th (54th) Robert Vaden SG UAB- Sending pick to OKC

I don’t like their draft what so ever. Henderson is maybe the worst pick in the lottery. He is not that good of an athlete for the NBA. Look how he did against UNC with true athletic guards. He couldn’t handle them. He can’t shoot and is an alright defender. Brown is a nice pick. He can play both the 3 and 4 but he isn’t developed. He should have stayed in school. I would like to see them pick outside the ACC. Earl Clarke from Louisville should have been the pick.

Grade: C

Chicago Bulls

16th (16th) James Johnson PF Wake Forest

26th (26th) Taj Gibson PF USC

I like the Bulls draft. Johnson is a stud. He has a motor and a lot of energy. He is super athletic too. I like the Gibson pick too. But I would have liked to see DeJuan Blair here. He would have added the toughness the bulls need

Grade: B+

Cleveland Cavaliers

30th (30th) Christian Eyenga SF Congo

16th (46th) Danny Green SF North Carolina

I like the Danny Green pick a lot. Another wing to hit outside jumpers. I hate the Eyenga pick. Your going to hear this a lot from me. Why didn’t they pick Blair? seriously. The need a PF Varejeo may leave. Then there is the Shaq trade. IT WAS A BAD MOVE. Yes I said it in caps. Shaq only played half the year last year and so did Big Z. They will not get any better. Heck the Cavs are worse. Howard didn’t beat them. Lewis and the outside shooters did. Cleveland didn’t add a wing precense to close out or counter. There must be more for the Cavs to be good.

Grade: C-

Dallas Mavericks

24th (24th) B.J. Mullens C Ohio State- going to OKC for R.Beaubois

26th (56th) Ahmad Nivins PF St. Joseph’s

The also aquired Nick Calathes, who will stash away in europe next year. Beaubois will too, but some say he as quick as the Spur’s Tony Parker. I like the Nivins pick a lot. He is one of those under the radar bigs that the Mavs seem to find (Think Diop, i know he wasn’t drafted by DAL but he was a cheap FA). Nivins can rebound and get garbage points that you need to win. Look for him to make the team. Not a bad draft.

Grade: B

Denver Nuggets

4th (34th) Sergio Llull PG Spain – traded to HOU for cash.

They traded Llull to the Nuggets after they traded a future 1st round pick to Minnesota for Ty Lawson. I love what Denver did. The got a legit backup PG. I love Lawson, I think he can be a really good PG in the league and he gets to learn from Chauncey Billups. Lawson’s speed and quickness is unmatched in this year’s PG class.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons

15th (15th) Austin Daye SF Gonzaga

5th (35th) DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown

9th (39th) Jonas Jerebko SF Sweden

14th (44th) Chase Budinger SG Arizona traded to HOU for cash.

I kind of like Detroit’s draft. Daye does have upside but he should have stayed in school. He is a twig. But he does play tough defense and he has range on offense. He needs to refine his game. He could also bust here too. DaJaun Summers is a great pick. He can play the 3 and 4. He can shoot too. I wonder if Tayshaun Prince is on the trading block. Daye and Summers play close to Prince and they are younger and cheaper. I think Detroit moves Prince before the season starts. He is making 9.5 million next year and more the next two years. I have no credible sources but look at their moves. I think Prince is gone, maybe a sign and trade to Utah? Boozer is high on Detroit’s list.

Grade: B+

Golden State Warriors

7th (7th) Stephen Curry PG Davidson

I love this pick, for their team or to parlay into Amare Stoudemire. The Rumor is that Curry, Andris Biedrins, Brandon Wright and maybe Marco Bellinelli to Phoenix for Amare SStoudemire. If they keep Curry I would love to see the Monta Ellis/Curry backcourt. Defensivly they will get killed but offensively they compliment each other nicely. Ellis can slash to the hole and Curry can be the spot up shooter to kick out to. Regardless Golden State will be my West darkhorse to make the playoffs.

Grade: A

Houston Rockets

Aquired- SG Jermaine Taylor from Washington for cash

Aquired- PG Sergio Llull from Denver for Cash

Aquired- SF Chase Budinger from Detroit for Cash

Houston had zero picks in this draft. Yet they spend six million on aquisitions of 3 players who will all eventually be on their team. Exoect Taylor and Budinger to make the roster and Llull will go play in europe for another year or two. I like Taylor a lot, this kid can shoot. He is a sleeper of this draft. he can score, handle the ball and rebound good for a guard, Don’t forget he is 6′5″ and 207 lbs. great NBA body for a guard. He needs to improve his defense. Budinger is an enigma. He can score also, he has great range and can get a shot off at anytime. I don’t think in the NBA he will be a good rebounder he needs to get better and I don’t think he has ever played defense. But I like the pick ups both players can contribute next year.

Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers

13th (13th) Tyler Hansbrough PF North Carolina

22nd (52nd) A.J. Price PG Connecticut

I hate the Pacers draft. First they draft a player who will never be that good.  Tyler Hansbrough is Chris Anderson without the tattoos. And to spend a lottery pick on that is a bad pick, especially when they passed on a PG they desperately need. So they draft Uconn’s AJ Price in the second round. Don’t they already have a PG on the roster with character issues? Indiana you already have Jeff Foster on the roster why did you draft him again? Heck Hansbrough won’t be any better than Eric Montross. And with Price around in Indy don’t leave your laptops out

Grade: F

LOs Angeles Clippers

1st (1st) Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma

They are only getting a B. Why? well it was a no brainer pick. Griffin is a good talent and will be good, but I think this is the only team he can’t impact right away. They are loaded at the 4/5 position and they have to play Zach Randolph because of his expensive contract. Kaman or Camby has to be on the block. I imagine teams are going to want Camby for his contract expiring next year.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Lakers

29th (29th) Toney Douglas SG Florida State- traded to NYK for cash

12th (42nd) Patrick Beverley PG Ukraine- traded to MIA for cash

29th (59th) Chinemelu Elonu PF Texas A&M

Here’s my issue with the Laker’s draft. They could have had DeJaun Blair, I think Blair would bring toughness to the frontline and he is better than DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell. Yes they got 3 million from New York to spend signing Ariza and Odom back, but They are going to be over the luxury tax regardless if they sign both of those guys back. Why not get a good young player who can help your team for atleast 3 years? I don’t get it. Now their biggest threat lands him. The second round pick they didn’t trade will never make the team he will be cut after camp, heck maybe before. But they get a C for not hurting themselves but not improving either.

Grade: C

Memphis Grizzlies

2nd (2nd) Hasheem Thabeet C Connecticut

27th (27th) DeMarre Carroll PF Missouri

6th (36th) Sam Young SF Pittsburgh

Surprisingly I like the Grizzlies draft. I don’t like the Thabeet pick, especially when there is better talent at the board and a center is not what they need. If they were not going to pick Rubio pick Flynn or Curry here. I DeMarre Carroll pick. He is an energy guy, who can get rebounds and play defense. He will be a great asset off the bench. Sam Young will play major minutes for Memphis. He is ready to play now. Young is old, 24 to be exact. But Sam Young is versitile, he can play more than one position, he can rebound and he runs the floor nice.

Grade: B+

Miami Heat

13th (43rd) Marcus Thornton SG LSU – traded to NOLA for cash

30th (60th) Robert Dozier SF Memphis

Yes Miami did aquire Beverley from the Lakers. I doubt he ever gets into the league. He will be stashed in europe for a couple of years. They should have kept Thornton. He is a very good offensive player. He can get the ball in the hole from inside or outside. He doesn’t play that bad of defense either. Dozier might make this team. Dozier really doesn’t have a position though. He is a little small for the PF and isn’t much of a shooter or ball handler for the SF position. But he has raw abilities and good defensive skills that may make it in the league.

Grade: D

Milwaukee Bucks

10th (10th) Brandon Jennings PG Italy

11th (41st) Jodie Meeks SG Kentucky

I like the Bucks’ draft is nice. I like Jennings for a gamble. He has a lot to prove. He has an NBA game. They may have drafted their next second round steal in Meeks. He can score and any way he wants. I like This draft. They drafted need and players who can play next year. Good Draft Milwaukee. Unfortunatley they got raped in the Jefferson trade. I don’t see them anywhere near the playoffs this next year

Grade: B+

Minnesota Timberwolves

5th (5th) Ricky Rubio PG Spain

6th (6th) Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse

18th (18th) Ty Lawson PG North Carolina- traded to DEN for Future 1st rd pick

28th (28th) Wayne Ellington SG North Carolina

15th (45th) Nick Calathes PG Florida- traded to DAL for Future 2nd Rd pick

17th (47th) Henk Norel PF Netherlands

‘Sota you’re in a pickle. Your drafted 4 PG’s and traded two of them. If you take Rubio, why take Flynn? Take Curry or Jordan Hill. Curry compliments Rubio and I don’t think Rubio would have got so mad if Minnesota picked Curry. Now they have to trade Rubio and they won’t get a high return on him. I do like the pick of Ellington. Good shooter can play with Flynn or Rubio and will come of the bench. Norel is a stash pick.

Grade: D+

New Jersey

11th (11th) Terrence Williams SG Louisville

I love this kid! He maybe inconsistant shooting the ball, But he is athletic, he can play the 2 or the 3, he can handle the ball, great rebounder and plays tough defense. He is a little “out there” though. He is known to wear spongebob pajama pants and carry a barbie back pack around the Louisville campus. He will be fun to watch with Courtney Lee and Devin Harris. I understand why they traded Vince Carter and heck they got a good young SG in return. I still like their draft.

Grade: B

New Orleans Hornets

21st (21st) Darren Collison PG UCLA

They also aquired Marcus Thornton which is a nice pick up. But drafting Collison? Why? What is the logical explanation here? They want a good back up PG? They can sign a one for the vet minimum. They could have drafted DeJuan Blair here. They need front court help desperately. Terrible draft New Orleans, I dont think they make the playoffs next year.

Grade: F

New York Knicks

8th (8th) Jordan Hill PF Arizona

And they aquired Toney Douglas from the Lakers for cash. I love the Knicks draft. Hill and Douglas will play this year and help them a lot. Both can play in D’Antoni’s system. The Knicks also traded Quentin Richardson for Darko “The Human Cigar” Milicic. I think they traded Richardson to try and break away from the Zeke days in New York. Darko actually gives them a big guy who can stretch the floor. This is Milicic’s last stop though.’

Grade: A

Oklahoma City Thunder

3rd (3rd) James Harden SG Arizona State

25th (25th) Rodrigue Beaubois PG France – Traded to DAL for BJ Mullens

I like Harden’s game. I don’t know if I like his attitude. I saw him play a lot this year. He gives me the feeling of having the “I’m not always going to show up” attitude. Look at the pac 10 tournament or the NCAA tournament. He was a non factor. Early in the year he was playing great. Harden does fit in with this team really well. Mullens I doubt will do anything in the league. Heck he couldn’t start at Ohio State. I would have kept Beaubois.

Grade: B-

Orlando Magic

No picks

I love their draft week. The Vince Carter trade will help them a lot. Why did the lose to LA? 2 reasons. 1. They could not guard LA’s bigger guards and 2. They could not create their own shot in the half court shot. Orlando missed a lot of pull up and spot up shots. Vince will create his own shot when he needs to for the team. Giving up Lee isn’t bad when you get better. They also traded Rafer Alston. We saw how he handles Jameer Nelson playing more. It would have been ugly next year. The get an Incomplete though because they didn’t draft anyone.

Grade: INC.

Philadelphia 76ers

17th (17th) Jrue Holiday PG UCLA

Not a bad pick but they could have got a more “sure thing” pick. Holiday is a great athlete. There were reports of him being intimedated at the Pac 10 level. What will this do to his confidence? I would have liked to see Erc Maynor go to Philly. He would have fit perfectly in there. That why they get a mid grade. Not bad but could have done better.

Grade: C+

Phoenix Suns

14th (14th) Earl Clark SF Louisville

18th (48th) Taylor Griffin PF Oklahoma

27th (57th) Emir Preldzic SF Slovenia- Traded to CLE

I love the pick of Earl Clark. He is the next coming of Lamar Odom. Heck he has the head too. If he can figure it out this is a money pick. Griffin won’t play in the league. He is not that good at all. this is name recognition.

Grade: B-

Portland Trailblazers

22nd (22nd) Victor Claver SF Spain

3rd (33rd) Dante Cunningham PF Villanova

8th (38th) Jon Brockman PF Washington- traded to SAC for Jeff Pendergraph

25th (55th) Patrick Mills PG St. Mary’s (CA)

I like the Claver pick for the reason of they can stash him for a few years. Cunningham won’t every play for Portland. I like the aquisition of Pendergraph. He may make the 12th man spot. But he can add toughness to this frontline that needs it bad. I love Patrick Mills’ game. I don’t know if he will make Portland’s roster but he will play next year. Mills is so good, I cannot believe he fell this low. The Blazers don’t get a high grade for the same reason the Lakers did, They didn’t help or hurt themselves

Grade: C

Sacramento Kings

4th (4th) Tyreke Evans SG Memphis

23rd (23rd) Omri Casspi SF Israel

1st (31st) Jeff Pendergraph PF Arizona State- Traded to POR for Serio Rodriguez

I like the Kings draft. I would have kept Pendergraph. He’s better than Brockman and they already have a bad foreign PG. I like Tyreke Evans but he is a SG not a PG in the NBA. Cassipi should be playing over here this year. His game is limited. He can get to the hole but doesn’t shoot to well. But he maybe the toughest foreign player to come into the league. The Kings made a good leap forward in the draft to becoming a better team.

San Antonio Spurs

7th (37th) DeJuan Blair PF Pittsburgh

21st (51st) Jack McClinton SG Miami

23rd (53rd) Nando De Colo PG France

I am not a fan of the Spurs at all. But what they did this week is why they are so good year in year out. The pick of DeJuan Blair is by far the best value for pick there was in the draft. He fills the tough guy low post player that they lost when Kurt Thomas was traded. But then a very sneaky pick in SG Jack McClinton. He has the “Bowen Corner 3″ down pat. He can shoot. But he can also slash to the hole too. He is a scorer. San Antonio will need to teach him good defense but he can come off their bench and be an instant asset. De Colo is suppose to be another diamond in the rough. They will stash and develop him. Lets now get to the Jefferson trade. WOW is all I can stay. They are going to be in the championship mode. They got a player in Jefferson who will know what to do in the playoffs. I respect the Spurs a lot and I absolutely love what they did this week to make their team a legit title contender again. They win the draft and in my mind it is not close

Grade: A+

Toronto Raptors

9th (9th) DeMar DeRozan SG USC

DeRozan is the draft’s biggest enigma. I think he is a young Vince Carter, which Toronto is familar with. He can shoot but it’s very inconsistent. He is an athlete, dunker and a decent defensive player when he sets his mind to it. If he pans out this is a great pick, if he doesn’t well it won’t shock anyone

Grade: B+

Utah Jazz

20th (20th) Eric Maynor PG VA Commonwealth

20th (50th) Goran Suton C Michigan State

The Maynor pick came as a shocker. But it is a good pick. I liked Maynor for Philly and Atlanta. They both passed, now the Jazz have a great situation at PG. WIth Williams starting Maynor can come off the bench and there will be little drop off. Maynor is a pass first PG, he can also score and in bunches. He does need to add some size but he plays good defense. Suton probably won’t ever play for Utah, he will probably get stashed in Europe to play.

Grade: B+

Washington Wizards

2nd (32nd) Jermaine Taylor SG Central Florida- Traded to HOU for Cash

They get an Incomplete for trading away Taylor. They are set at guard. Especially since they got Foye and Miller for the 5 pick and bad contracts. I like how they look this year and may make a run at the eastern conference crown.

Grade. INC

Edit: check out the podcast now. I started with the draft grades http://b2th3myth.podbean.com/admin/post.php

What a crazy week and Free Agency hasn’t yet begun. With the economy and some teams trying to get under the luxury tax and some trying to win titles, this off season will be active.

Last night’s draft was just bizarre. Grades will be based on a combo of the pick, how good the player is for that pick, if the team made trades and if the trade was good for them. Lets get to the grades!

Atlanta Hawks

19th (19th) Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest

19th (49th) Sergiy Gladyr SG Ukraine

I like the pick of Jeff Teague. He has a great first step and can score at any time. He has a lot of upside and can grow. I would have liked to see VCU’s Eric Maynor here. He is a distributor first. I think he would have helped the team a little more. And with aquiring Jamal Crawford from the Warriors they don’t need more scoring. The second round pick will stash in Europe.

Grade: B+

Boston Celtics

28th (58th) Lester Hudson SG Tenn. Martin

I don’t know a whole lot about Hudson. I know he can score and I know he probably won’t be making this team. Unless Eddie House isn’t returning and the Celtics feel charitable. Though they don’t have a 1st rounder because of the Garnett trade. So they still get a good grade because well they won a title and stole KG away

Grade: A

Charlotte Bobcats

12th (12th) Gerald Henderson SG Duke

10th (40th) Derrick Brown PF Xavier

24th (54th) Robert Vaden SG UAB- Sending pick to OKC

I don’t like their draft what so ever. Henderson is maybe the worst pick in the lottery. He is not that good of an athlete for the NBA. Look how he did against UNC with true athletic guards. He couldn’t handle them. He can’t shoot and is an alright defender. Brown is a nice pick. He can play both the 3 and 4 but he isn’t developed. He should have stayed in school. I would like to see them pick outside the ACC. Earl Clarke from Louisville should have been the pick.

Grade: C

Chicago Bulls

16th (16th) James Johnson PF Wake Forest

26th (26th) Taj Gibson PF USC

I like the Bulls draft. Johnson is a stud. He has a motor and a lot of energy. He is super athletic too. I like the Gibson pick too. But I would have liked to see DeJuan Blair here. He would have added the toughness the bulls need

Grade: B+

Cleveland Cavaliers

30th (30th) Christian Eyenga SF Congo

16th (46th) Danny Green SF North Carolina

I like the Danny Green pick a lot. Another wing to hit outside jumpers. I hate the Eyenga pick. Your going to hear this a lot from me. Why didn’t they pick Blair? seriously. The need a PF Varejeo may leave. Then there is the Shaq trade. IT WAS A BAD MOVE. Yes I said it in caps. Shaq only played half the year last year and so did Big Z. They will not get any better. Heck the Cavs are worse. Howard didn’t beat them. Lewis and the outside shooters did. Cleveland didn’t add a wing precense to close out or counter. There must be more for the Cavs to be good.

Grade: C-

Dallas Mavericks

24th (24th) B.J. Mullens C Ohio State- going to OKC for R.Beaubois

26th (56th) Ahmad Nivins PF St. Joseph’s

The also aquired Nick Calathes, who will stash away in europe next year. Beaubois will too, but some say he as quick as the Spur’s Tony Parker. I like the Nivins pick a lot. He is one of those under the radar bigs that the Mavs seem to find (Think Diop, i know he wasn’t drafted by DAL but he was a cheap FA). Nivins can rebound and get garbage points that you need to win. Look for him to make the team. Not a bad draft.

Grade: B

Denver Nuggets

4th (34th) Sergio Llull PG Spain – traded to HOU for cash.

They traded Llull to the Nuggets after they traded a future 1st round pick to Minnesota for Ty Lawson. I love what Denver did. The got a legit backup PG. I love Lawson, I think he can be a really good PG in the league and he gets to learn from Chauncey Billups. Lawson’s speed and quickness is unmatched in this year’s PG class.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons

15th (15th) Austin Daye SF Gonzaga

5th (35th) DaJuan Summers SF Georgetown

9th (39th) Jonas Jerebko SF Sweden

14th (44th) Chase Budinger SG Arizona traded to HOU for cash.

I kind of like Detroit’s draft. Daye does have upside but he should have stayed in school. He is a twig. But he does play tough defense and he has range on offense. He needs to refine his game. He could also bust here too. DaJaun Summers is a great pick. He can play the 3 and 4. He can shoot too. I wonder if Tayshaun Prince is on the trading block. Daye and Summers play close to Prince and they are younger and cheaper. I think Detroit moves Prince before the season starts. He is making 9.5 million next year and more the next two years. I have no credible sources but look at their moves. I think Prince is gone, maybe a sign and trade to Utah? Boozer is high on Detroit’s list.

Grade: B+

Golden State Warriors

7th (7th) Stephen Curry PG Davidson

I love this pick, for their team or to parlay into Amare Stoudemire. The Rumor is that Curry, Andris Biedrins, Brandon Wright and maybe Marco Bellinelli to Phoenix for Amare SStoudemire. If they keep Curry I would love to see the Monta Ellis/Curry backcourt. Defensivly they will get killed but offensively they compliment each other nicely. Ellis can slash to the hole and Curry can be the spot up shooter to kick out to. Regardless Golden State will be my West darkhorse to make the playoffs.

Grade: A

Houston Rockets

Aquired- SG Jermaine Taylor from Washington for cash

Aquired- PG Sergio Llull from Denver for Cash

Aquired- SF Chase Budinger from Detroit for Cash

Houston had zero picks in this draft. Yet they spend six million on aquisitions of 3 players who will all eventually be on their team. Exoect Taylor and Budinger to make the roster and Llull will go play in europe for another year or two. I like Taylor a lot, this kid can shoot. He is a sleeper of this draft. he can score, handle the ball and rebound good for a guard, Don’t forget he is 6′5″ and 207 lbs. great NBA body for a guard. He needs to improve his defense. Budinger is an enigma. He can score also, he has great range and can get a shot off at anytime. I don’t think in the NBA he will be a good rebounder he needs to get better and I don’t think he has ever played defense. But I like the pick ups both players can contribute next year.

Grade: B+

Indiana Pacers

13th (13th) Tyler Hansbrough PF North Carolina

22nd (52nd) A.J. Price PG Connecticut

I hate the Pacers draft. First they draft a player who will never be that good.  Tyler Hansbrough is Chris Anderson without the tattoos. And to spend a lottery pick on that is a bad pick, especially when they passed on a PG they desperately need. So they draft Uconn’s AJ Price in the second round. Don’t they already have a PG on the roster with character issues? Indiana you already have Jeff Foster on the roster why did you draft him again? Heck Hansbrough won’t be any better than Eric Montross. And with Price around in Indy don’t leave your laptops out

Grade: F

Los Angeles Clippers

1st (1st) Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma

They are only getting a B. Why? well it was a no brainer pick. Griffin is a good talent and will be good, but I think this is the only team he can’t impact right away. They are loaded at the 4/5 position and they have to play Zach Randolph because of his expensive contract. Kaman or Camby has to be on the block. I imagine teams are going to want Camby for his contract expiring next year.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Lakers

29th (29th) Toney Douglas SG Florida State- traded to NYK for cash

12th (42nd) Patrick Beverley PG Ukraine- traded to MIA for cash

29th (59th) Chinemelu Elonu PF Texas A&M

Here’s my issue with the Laker’s draft. They could have had DeJaun Blair, I think Blair would bring toughness to the frontline and he is better than DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell. Yes they got 3 million from New York to spend signing Ariza and Odom back, but They are going to be over the luxury tax regardless if they sign both of those guys back. Why not get a good young player who can help your team for atleast 3 years? I don’t get it. Now their biggest threat lands him. The second round pick they didn’t trade will never make the team he will be cut after camp, heck maybe before. But they get a C for not hurting themselves but not improving either.

Grade: C

Memphis Grizzlies

2nd (2nd) Hasheem Thabeet C Connecticut

27th (27th) DeMarre Carroll PF Missouri

6th (36th) Sam Young SF Pittsburgh

Surprisingly I like the Grizzlies draft. I don’t like the Thabeet pick, especially when there is better talent at the board and a center is not what they need. If they were not going to pick Rubio pick Flynn or Curry here. I DeMarre Carroll pick. He is an energy guy, who can get rebounds and play defense. He will be a great asset off the bench. Sam Young will play major minutes for Memphis. He is ready to play now. Young is old, 24 to be exact. But Sam Young is versitile, he can play more than one position, he can rebound and he runs the floor nice.

Grade: B+

Miami Heat

13th (43rd) Marcus Thornton SG LSU – traded to NOLA for cash

30th (60th) Robert Dozier SF Memphis

Yes Miami did aquire Beverley from the Lakers. I doubt he ever gets into the league. He will be stashed in europe for a couple of years. They should have kept Thornton. He is a very good offensive player. He can get the ball in the hole from inside or outside. He doesn’t play that bad of defense either. Dozier might make this team. Dozier really doesn’t have a position though. He is a little small for the PF and isn’t much of a shooter or ball handler for the SF position. But he has raw abilities and good defensive skills that may make it in the league.

Grade: D

Milwaukee Bucks

10th (10th) Brandon Jennings PG Italy

11th (41st) Jodie Meeks SG Kentucky

I like the Bucks’ draft is nice. I like Jennings for a gamble. He has a lot to prove. He has an NBA game. They may have drafted their next second round steal in Meeks. He can score and any way he wants. I like This draft. They drafted need and players who can play next year. Good Draft Milwaukee. Unfortunatley they got raped in the Jefferson trade. I don’t see them anywhere near the playoffs this next year

Grade: B+

Minnesota Timberwolves

5th (5th) Ricky Rubio PG Spain

6th (6th) Jonny Flynn PG Syracuse

18th (18th) Ty Lawson PG North Carolina- traded to DEN for Future 1st rd pick

28th (28th) Wayne Ellington SG North Carolina

15th (45th) Nick Calathes PG Florida- traded to DAL for Future 2nd Rd pick

17th (47th) Henk Norel PF Netherlands

‘Sota you’re in a pickle. Your drafted 4 PG’s and traded two of them. If you take Rubio, why take Flynn? Take Curry or Jordan Hill. Curry compliments Rubio and I don’t think Rubio would have got so mad if Minnesota picked Curry. Now they have to trade Rubio and they won’t get a high return on him. I do like the pick of Ellington. Good shooter can play with Flynn or Rubio and will come of the bench. Norel is a stash pick.

Grade: D+

New Jersey

11th (11th) Terrence Williams SG Louisville

I love this kid! He maybe inconsistant shooting the ball, But he is athletic, he can play the 2 or the 3, he can handle the ball, great rebounder and plays tough defense. He is a little “out there” though. He is known to wear spongebob pajama pants and carry a barbie back pack around the Louisville campus. He will be fun to watch with Courtney Lee and Devin Harris. I understand why they traded Vince Carter and heck they got a good young SG in return. I still like their draft.

Grade: B

New Orleans Hornets

21st (21st) Darren Collison PG UCLA

They also aquired Marcus Thornton which is a nice pick up. But drafting Collison? Why? What is the logical explanation here? They want a good back up PG? They can sign a one for the vet minimum. They could have drafted DeJuan Blair here. They need front court help desperately. Terrible draft New Orleans, I dont think they make the playoffs next year.

Grade: F

New York Knicks

8th (8th) Jordan Hill PF Arizona

And they aquired Toney Douglas from the Lakers for cash. I love the Knicks draft. Hill and Douglas will play this year and help them a lot. Both can play in D’Antoni’s system. The Knicks also traded Quentin Richardson for Darko “The Human Cigar” Milicic. I think they traded Richardson to try and break away from the Zeke days in New York. Darko actually gives them a big guy who can stretch the floor. This is Milicic’s last stop though.’

Grade: A

Oklahoma City Thunder

3rd (3rd) James Harden SG Arizona State

25th (25th) Rodrigue Beaubois PG France – Traded to DAL for BJ Mullens

I like Harden’s game. I don’t know if I like his attitude. I saw him play a lot this year. He gives me the feeling of having the “I’m not always going to show up” attitude. Look at the pac 10 tournament or the NCAA tournament. He was a non factor. Early in the year he was playing great. Harden does fit in with this team really well. Mullens I doubt will do anything in the league. Heck he couldn’t start at Ohio State. I would have kept Beaubois.

Grade: B-

Orlando Magic

No picks

I love their draft week. The Vince Carter trade will help them a lot. Why did the lose to LA? 2 reasons. 1. They could not guard LA’s bigger guards and 2. They could not create their own shot in the half court shot. Orlando missed a lot of pull up and spot up shots. Vince will create his own shot when he needs to for the team. Giving up Lee isn’t bad when you get better. They also traded Rafer Alston. We saw how he handles Jameer Nelson playing more. It would have been ugly next year. The get an Incomplete though because they didn’t draft anyone.

Grade: INC.

Philadelphia 76ers

17th (17th) Jrue Holiday PG UCLA

Not a bad pick but they could have got a more “sure thing” pick. Holiday is a great athlete. There were reports of him being intimedated at the Pac 10 level. What will this do to his confidence? I would have liked to see Erc Maynor go to Philly. He would have fit perfectly in there. That why they get a mid grade. Not bad but could have done better.

Grade: C+

Phoenix Suns

14th (14th) Earl Clark SF Louisville

18th (48th) Taylor Griffin PF Oklahoma

27th (57th) Emir Preldzic SF Slovenia- Traded to CLE

I love the pick of Earl Clark. He is the next coming of Lamar Odom. Heck he has the head too. If he can figure it out this is a money pick. Griffin won’t play in the league. He is not that good at all. this is name recognition.

Grade: B-

Portland Trailblazers

22nd (22nd) Victor Claver SF Spain

3rd (33rd) Dante Cunningham PF Villanova

8th (38th) Jon Brockman PF Washington- traded to SAC for Jeff Pendergraph

25th (55th) Patrick Mills PG St. Mary’s (CA)

I like the Claver pick for the reason of they can stash him for a few years. Cunningham won’t every play for Portland. I like the aquisition of Pendergraph. He may make the 12th man spot. But he can add toughness to this frontline that needs it bad. I love Patrick Mills’ game. I don’t know if he will make Portland’s roster but he will play next year. Mills is so good, I cannot believe he fell this low. The Blazers don’t get a high grade for the same reason the Lakers did, They didn’t help or hurt themselves

Grade: C

Sacramento Kings

4th (4th) Tyreke Evans SG Memphis

23rd (23rd) Omri Casspi SF Israel

1st (31st) Jeff Pendergraph PF Arizona State- Traded to POR for Serio Rodriguez

I like the Kings draft. I would have kept Pendergraph. He’s better than Brockman and they already have a bad foreign PG. I like Tyreke Evans but he is a SG not a PG in the NBA. Cassipi should be playing over here this year. His game is limited. He can get to the hole but doesn’t shoot to well. But he maybe the toughest foreign player to come into the league. The Kings made a good leap forward in the draft to becoming a better team.

San Antonio Spurs

7th (37th) DeJuan Blair PF Pittsburgh

21st (51st) Jack McClinton SG Miami

23rd (53rd) Nando De Colo PG France

I am not a fan of the Spurs at all. But what they did this week is why they are so good year in year out. The pick of DeJuan Blair is by far the best value for pick there was in the draft. He fills the tough guy low post player that they lost when Kurt Thomas was traded. But then a very sneaky pick in SG Jack McClinton. He has the “Bowen Corner 3″ down pat. He can shoot. But he can also slash to the hole too. He is a scorer. San Antonio will need to teach him good defense but he can come off their bench and be an instant asset. De Colo is suppose to be another diamond in the rough. They will stash and develop him. Lets now get to the Jefferson trade. WOW is all I can stay. They are going to be in the championship mode. They got a player in Jefferson who will know what to do in the playoffs. I respect the Spurs a lot and I absolutely love what they did this week to make their team a legit title contender again. They win the draft and in my mind it is not close

Grade: A+

Toronto Raptors

9th (9th) DeMar DeRozan SG USC

DeRozan is the draft’s biggest enigma. I think he is a young Vince Carter, which Toronto is familar with. He can shoot but it’s very inconsistent. He is an athlete, dunker and a decent defensive player when he sets his mind to it. If he pans out this is a great pick, if he doesn’t well it won’t shock anyone

Grade: B+

Utah Jazz

20th (20th) Eric Maynor PG VA Commonwealth

20th (50th) Goran Suton C Michigan State

The Maynor pick came as a shocker. But it is a good pick. I liked Maynor for Philly and Atlanta. They both passed, now the Jazz have a great situation at PG. WIth Williams starting Maynor can come off the bench and there will be little drop off. Maynor is a pass first PG, he can also score and in bunches. He does need to add some size but he plays good defense. Suton probably won’t ever play for Utah, he will probably get stashed in Europe to play.

Grade: B+

Washington Wizards

2nd (32nd) Jermaine Taylor SG Central Florida- Traded to HOU for Cash

They get an Incomplete for trading away Taylor. They are set at guard. Especially since they got Foye and Miller for the 5 pick and bad contracts. I like how they look this year and may make a run at the eastern conference crown.

Grade. INC

This draft wasn’t top heavy, But the second round was loaded with talent that should play next year.  We probably see a Kevin Durant in this class but there are a lot of players who will eventually start and there are several who will be contributing role players for years to come.

Deadline and Oscar’s

I have had a few people ask what I am waiting for to do my trade deadline review. Well I wanted to wait for the Oscars to finish. Why? Well it gave me a great theme for this deadline. So let’s dip into this review.

 

With all the buzz of the Amare Stoudemire deal that never happened and all the pure hype of this trade deadline, it became a dud. There was a lot of talk but a little walk. The first category is the losers of the deadline. These teams either didn’t make a deal to make their team better, made a deal to hurt their team or didn’t make one to clear up cap space for the future.

 

Portland Trailblazers

They have a huge piece with Raef Lafrentz’s contract. What did they do? Nothing. Maybe Kevin Pritchard isn’t a genius but a con artist. How the heck does he have the audacity to ask for Ramon Sessions with Richard Jefferson when he is only offering LaFrentz, Outlaw and Sergio Rodriguez? Honestly Richard Jefferson would have had made this team very dangerous this year. But Pritchard must think Outlaw and Sergio are gold to ask for Sessions. Sessions since Ridnour was injured is playing among the best point guards in the East. Portland got greedy and may have hurt their chances of ever winning a title. Remember Chicago a couple of years ago? They over valued their young players and now they haven’t gone anywhere, they could have had Kobe Bryant and they didn’t do the deal. I’m not saying Jefferson is Kobe but he would help put this team over the top. He would have helped make them a legit contender next year.

 

Washington Wizards

They aren’t going anywhere even when they are healthy. Why not trade Jamison or Butler? Arenas’ contract is immovable and he is injured. They had takers for Jamison and Butler and wouldn’t do it to free up cap space. I am shocked in how good their management thinks they are. Even when healthy they are a second round and done playoff team. Why not get some draft picks, young players and cap room?

 

The team that shall not be spoken

You rescind the Tyson Chandler trade? Why? Turf Toe? So instead you get Thabo Sefolosha and Malik Rose? They managed to get worse. I like Sefolosha but why trade Wilcox for Rose? Wilcox can contribute now and Rose hasn’t done anything in five years. The team managed to get worse. That’s hard to do.

 

The next category is for the teams that didn’t make a huge impact but helped themselves one way or the other. This category is kind of like the action movie blockbusters. They are going to make a ton of money but they will never win best picture.

 

Sacramento Kings

They go rid of a lot. Why not? They are already the worst team in the league and they weren’t going anywhere. So they unloaded a lot of contracts so they can basically get under the cap and start over. They have some good young pieces in Jason Thompson and Kevin Martin. I’m not a fan of Martin’s but you can’t knock his production. Now if they can convince someone Beno Udrih is worth that god awful contract.

 

Chicago Bulls

They got Miller and Salmons from Sacramento. But then they traded Larry Hughes, which wasn’t bad but they took Jerome James contract on.  I think they make the playoffs for sure now. With a pretty good center and a good rotation, the Bulls can make some noise this year.

 

Miami Heat

You traded Marion which was huge, but it was for Jermaine O’Neal. Who gives them a legit big man but did they get better? Not really. They need some depth. The plus is they go rid of Marcus Banks and got another starter in Jamario Moon. But they didn’t get much better. Wade needs some more help around him.

 

Toronto Raptors

You got Marion for a half of year, What if you stayed healthy and O’Neal panned out? This franchise is falling fast. Expect the Raptors to trade Bosh in  the summer. Bosh is as good as gone. They need to figure out how to keep stars. McGrady, Carter and now Bosh are all going to be gone. Yet they haven’t brought any impact players in.

 

Orlando Magic

Jameer Nelson is hurt and they knew Tyronne Lue and Anthony Johnson weren’t the answer. So they made a small deal to bring in Rafer “Skip to my Lou” Alston. He can score when they need him too and he has experience playing with a good big man. Though this one he is with now is better and can stay healthy. Good move for Orlando but they still aren’t contenders.

 

Best picture went to a relatively unknown film name “Slumdog Millionaire”. I highly recommend the movie it is a great movie. This next team isn’t really an unknown team but their moves were unknown and impacted the team big time. They cleared space and yet made the team good enough for the playoffs. My deadline winner is…

 

New York Knicks

The days of Isiah Thomas are over. Donnie Walsh some how got Chicago to take Jerome James contract in the Larry Hughes deal. Then they flip Malik Rose for a very underrated Chris Wilcox. Wilcox and Hughes should be fine in D’Antoni’s system. I really like what the Knicks did. They cleared another contract for 2010.  They made room this year to sign David Lee this summer. I don’t think Lebron is coming to New York in the 2010 summer, but I do think a player like D-Wade or Chris Bosh will, maybe both or maybe Amare? Whatever it is the Knicks positioned themselves for this year and next.

 

If you are a movie fan you need to catch “Slumdog Millionaire” it is a great movie. Also the other movies I enjoyed from this year were “Gran Torino”, “Defiance”, “Frost Nixon” and “Milk”.  Of course there always are they comedies and action movies that are fun to watch but those four movies were all great. This was a special trade deadline and Oscar’s day. I hope you enjoyed and have a great week.

Welcome to today’s dish. What an amazing weekend. Today I will recap it and share my thoughts overall on the week. Let’s get to it.

 

It all started off with the Rookie-Sophomore game. This game was a good one. It kicked off the weekend in great fashion. Both teams came out and competed hard. A lot of times in these games, especially this one, players want to get noticed by throwing flashy passes and ally oops. The Rookies controlled the game for about two thirds of it. The Kevin Durant decided he wasn’t going to lose. Kevin Durant had 46 points and most of them were from beyond the arc. This wouldn’t be the last of Mr. Durant. The rookies started turnover the ball and then missing shots. You can’t do that in this atmosphere. In a very good game the sophomores extend the streak to seven straight years.

 

The H-O-R-S-E competition was fun to watch. It’s an idea that has needed to be in the All Star weekend for a long time. Now I can’t argue the three players that were chosen (OJ Mayo, Joe Johnson and Kevin Durant). I think they need to have either a really old vet say… Sam Cassell, someone who has been in the league from 10-15 years, where they don’t have the youth and athleticism that they used too. Or use a legendary player like Dr. J or someone like that. We just need someone who has to use their creativity to win. Someone who can rely on through the leg lay-ins. Someone who need to shoot the shot off the top of the backboard and in. With that said, the competition was fun to watch. Durant started out really cold, getting 4 letters before the other two got one. But then Durant heated up. He didn’t go into the stands like OJ Mayo or sit down at a computer and shoot like Joe Johnson. What did Durant do? He shot deep three pointers and drained them. Nothin’ but net like in the Jordan and Bird commercials. Once Joe Johnson was eliminated, Mayo had a “G” to Durant’s  “G-E-I-C”, It took Durant five shots (because he missed one) to take Mayo down. It was impressive and so far it had been Kevin Durant’s weekend.

 

All Star Saturday night is one of the best nights in sports. It is the best skills night of any all star weekend.  In years past this night was the talk of the weekend, the theatrics of the night are remembered until the next year. This year was no different. The night started off with the Playstation Skills Challenge.  I had predicted a Derrick Rose- Devin Harris finals, I had predicted right. But I chose Harris to win because of his superior shot. Well young Derrick Rose proved us wrong. Winning the competition because he hit his shot quicker than Harris did. Harris missed about six shots form the top of the key before he could make one, costing him too much time. Rose hit the same shot, only taking two shots then finishing the course with a fanatic dunk. The next event was the shooting stars competition. This event is always the bore of the night. They need to replace it with H-O-R-S-E.  Detroit won the event because the Phoenix team couldn’t hit the half court shot with 45 seconds left to beat Detroit.  The 3 point competition had some hype with Toronto’s Jason Kapono going for the three-peat. My early pick was Roger Mason from San Antonio. Boy was I wrong, he only made seven shots. Miami’s Daequan Cook, Jason Kapono and Orlando’s Rashard Lewis made it to the finals. Kapono started off with a 13 in the final round. Lewis came in with a 14. As Cook got to the third rack it looked like Lewis was going to win. Cook need his last four shots to fall to tie Lewis, he did just that. The finals came down to a shootout. Lewis put up a measly 7 and Daequan Cook passed that in the second round becoming the new three point king.

 

The main event of the night was up next. All I could think of was what is going to happen tonight? I could only wonder what we would see, how would we be amazed? What would Dwight Howard do? My initial pick was Nate Robinson to win. I foolishly took the late replacement in JR Smith. He didn’t have time to properly prepare. But his first dunk was nice, he caught a lob off two bounces and then did a thunderous windmill. I think going first was a disadvantage. Rudy was up next, he did a marginal behind the back off the backboard one handed slam. Nate came up with a lob and a full windmill. Mr. Howard came out with a lob from behind the backboard, and jumped from one side of the basket caught the ball and slammed it home. The second set of dunks is where the competition became a two man show. Every player has to use another NBA player. This rule use to be teammate. But apparently Rudy Fernandez doesn’t like his Portland teammates. He used fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol of the LA Lakers. While everyone else used an actual teammate Rudy did not. Rudy‘s dunk was nice a pass off the backboard and he finished the reverse.  He originally wanted to do a 180 and finish it but he can’t jump high enough to do it and settled for the dunk he did. JR Smith’s was a failed attempted just ended up having his teammate throw it from the stands. Nate brought out a teammate and  literally jumped off his back. But the most impressive dunk of the round was done by Dwight Superman Howard. He brought out a 12 foot hoop and then went into a phone booth and changed into “superman”. Nelson threw the passed off the backboard and Howard slammed it home on a 12 foot hoop with ease. The finals were set and when they started Nate Robinson came out in all green and became “KrypotNate” His first dunk was a lob, he went up and got the ball, pulled it down and threw it down. An explosive dunk for how small he is he showed off his power. But Dwight threw his first dunk off the side of the backboard and jumped from outside the key calked back the ball and slammed it down. It was very impressive from where he had to catch the ball and then throw it down. Nate had to do something big and he did. With Dwight Howard’s participation “Kryptonate” literally jumped over superman. He brought down the building. The competition was over. Dwight jumped from just inside the free throw line but it was too little too late. The fan’s voted KrytoNate the winner and the right choice it was. But the big announcement for now is that LeBron James wants to be apart of the 2010 contest,

 

Here is a video recap of the entire contest. In case you missed it.

 

 

Now to the actual game itself, if you remember I predicted a West victory with Kobe garnering the MVP. Well the west won and Kobe got the split MVP with Shaq, who did deserve the Co-MVP. From the dance below to the give and go through Dwight Howard’s legs to Chris Paul then Paul back to Shaq for a huge dunk.

 

 

Kobe came out shooting and he was on fire from deep the entire game. This game was competitive from the go, But the addition of Mo Williams killed the east. When you have Rashard Lewis guarding Shaq, you don’t have much of a chance at winning. The game became a blowout for the reason of the West’s bigs were too big for the East’s.  It was a great show and the NBA needs to realize how great their product is right now. People care about this All Star game because the players care and want to win it.  

 

Now we do have some news. Terry Porter has been fired from the Suns and Alvin Gentry will take over. Gentry reportedly said he will run Mike D’Antoni’s offense. The seven seconds or less offense is back in Phoenix. Now the question is, do the Suns move Amare Stoudemire now? Only time will tell.

 

That’s today’s Dish. Hope you enjoyed the recap. Wednesday’s dish will address all the rumors and break down any of the trades that happen if they do.

NBA Dish ‘N Swish All Star Weekend Preview

Welcome to the dish today. We are officially at the All Star break. Today is my All Star weekend preview. So let’s get started.

 

The rookie-sophomore game is first up. This is actually one of my favorite events. Why? Well it gives the young players something to strive for in the first two years of their career and it gives them a taste of the All Star weekend. Since they started the game back up the rookies have won twice, 2000 and 2002. The sophomores have won six straight. But there is a lot of hype around this draft class. Some are saying it’s the best ever. I disagree with that. (a) It is too early to tell that and (b) They are still young. I think this class has a chance to be one of the best though. Here is a blog by my friend and basketball cohort talking about why it’s ludicrous to say the rooks are already the best class.  Here are the rosters for the game on Friday night.

 

 

Rookies

Michael Beasley- Miami

Rudy Fernandez- Portland

Marc Gasol- Memphis

Eric Gordon- LA Clippers

Brook Lopez- New Jersey

OJ Mayo- Memphis

Greg Oden- Portland

Derrick Rose- Chicago

Russell Westbrook- The team that shall not be spoke of.

 

Sophomores:

Aaron Brooks- Houston

Wilson Chandler- New York

Kevin Durant- The team that shall not be spoke of.

Jeff Green- The team that shall not be spoke of.

Al Horford- Atlanta

Luis Scola- Houston

Al Thornton- LA Clippers

Rodney Stuckey- Detroit

Thaddeus Young- Philadelphia

 

Prediction:

I’m taking the rookies. I think they are better. Especially up in the front court where I imagine the rooks will start Beasley, Lopez and Oden with Rose and Mayo in the backcourt. The sophs should roll out Stuckey, Chandler, Durant, Scola and Horford.

Two things other than Horford and Durant none of the other Sophs could be on the Rookie roster and the sophs are going to get killed at the guard position. Gordon, Mayo, Rose and Westbrook.?  Unstoppable with the roster the Sophs have. I think the Rookies win 132-107. Game MVP OJ Mayo with a stat  line that looks something like this 25-30 points, 3-7 assists , 0-5 rebounds and 2 -4 steals. It should be a fun game to watch

 

 

H.O.R.S.E competition

 

OJ Mayo- Memphis

Kevin Durant- The team that shall not be spoke of.

Joe Johnson- Atlanta

 

I am absolutely pumped for this contest. Now I wish they had it during the actual All Star Saturday night broadcast but it is early starting at 5pm Eastern. I am picking Joe Johnson. Why? Well both Mayo and Durant are playing the night before in the Rookie-Sophomore game. Then probably go party afterwards. They will be tired. It’s starting around 2 pm on the west coast. Joe Johnson has the natural advantage here. OJ Mayo will be the most creative I think, while Durant I think will pull the toughest shots something really only someone his size can make and Johnson is a good mix of the two anyway he will hit some shots that look impossible. I’m calling it now!

 

 

Shooting Stars Competition

 

Team San Antonio- Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Becky Hammon

Team Detroit- Arron Afflalo, Bill Lambeer, Katie Smith

Team Lakers- Derek Fisher, Michael Cooper, Lisa Leslie

Team Phoenix- Leandro Barbosa, Dan Majerle, Tangela Smith

 

San Antonio is the defending champs. They are the odds on favorite. The key in this is usually for the WNBA player to hit her shot.  That’s where San Antonio won last year. Hammon hit her shots and one of the half court shots. I like Team Phoenix’s shot to challenge San Antonio in the finals. Any team with “Thunder” Dan Majerle gets a rooting interest from me. Having Barbosa helps too. I don’t know about Phoenix’s WNBA player never heard of her before. But my pick is San Antonio. Duncan has range, so does Robinson. But the key is Hammon’s, if she hits her two shots its over.

 

 

Skills Challenge Competition

 

Devin Harris- New Jersey

Tony Parker- San Antonio

Derrick Rose- Chicago

Mo Williams- Cleveland

 

I have loved the addition of this event, since they started it in 2003. It seems like all the top guards usually want to be in it. The four guys in it this year are all having good years. I think Tony Parker maybe people’s favorite. But he has struggle with the passing in this event. Rose may win it as a rookie and he would be the first rookie to win it. Mo Williams is filling in for Jameer Nelson. I think Williams finishes last. He is the slowest of the 4 and the worst passer. I am taking Devin Harris. I have a man crush on him. He is the best passer, can hit every shot on the court, he maybe the fastest and he has the best handles of all of them too. I say a Harris- Rose Finals. With Harris winning because Rose’s outside shot is shaky.

 

 

3 Point Shootout

 

Mike Bibby- Atlanta

Daequen Cook- Miami

Danny Granger- Indiana

Jason Kapono- Toronto

Rashard Lewis- Orlando

Roger Mason Jr- San Antonio

 

Kapono is made for this event; he is by far the hands down favorite.  He has a quick release and a great pure shooter. But karma is going to play a factor in this event. Kapono said this week he is the greatest shooter ever on The Dan Patrick Show. He isn’t even in the top 10, heck top 20 or even maybe 30. I’m taking Roger Mason. The kid is on fire this year. He is shooting 45% on 229 shots attempted this year. That’s a great percentage. Bibby is shooting 40% this year but so is Portland’s Steve Blake. Bibby doesn’t belong there. I’m not sure Cook does either. A Mason- Kapono finals and I have Mason winning but 2 points.

 

 

Slam Dunk Contest

 

Dwight Howard- Orlando

Nate Robinson- New York

J.R. Smith- Denver

Rudy Fernandez- Portland

 

Howard is the favorite. But he is going to have to top the “Superman” dunk which maybe to hard to impossible to do. People are expecting something they have never seen before with Howard, that’s a huge disadvantage. Before Gay got injured Robinson was my pick. He was the champion of the worst dunk contest championship round ever between him and Chris “Birdman” Anderson. I think Robinson learned from that. He had some great dunks in the prior rounds in that contest. But the addition of JR Smith is dangerous. Smith is my new pick, he is so creative, athletic, agile and he can jump out of the gym.  Fernandez doesn’t belong here. See the fans screwed something else up. I wanted Russell Westbrook here. He is nasty. But that is my pick the late entry JR Smith

 

 

The All Star Game

 

East All Stars

 

Starters

G- Allen Iverson- Detroit

G- Dwayne Wade- Miami

F- LeBron James- Cleveland

F- Kevin Garnett- Boston

C- Dwight Howard- Orlando

 

Bench

Joe Johnson- Atlanta

Ray Allen- Boston – Filled in for Jameer Nelson

Danny Granger- Indiana

Paul Pierce- Boston

Mo Williams- Cleveland- Filled in for Chris Bosh

Devin Harris- New Jersey

Rashard Lewis- Orlando

 

 

West All Stars

 

Starters

G- Chris Paul- New Orleans

G- Kobe Bryant- LA Lakers

F- Amare Stoudemire- Phoenix

F- Tim Duncan- San Antonio

C- Yao Ming- Houston

 

Bench

Dirk Nowitzki- Dallas

Brandon Roy- Portland

Chauncey Billups- Denver

Pau Gasol- LA Lakers

David West- New Orleans

Tony Parker- San Antonio

 

This game will be very interest due to one thing. The East has no backup bigs. Garnett and Howard are the only two true bigs  on the East and the West doesn’t have a true small forward on the roster. David West should be taken off and put Carmelo Anthony in there.  But I think the West wins for the big man mismatch all game. I think it will be a close game but I am taking the West. Any team with Kobe should be the favorite. He gets real competitive in these games. He is my favorite for Game MVP. Either Kobe or Chris Paul, if the West wins. If the East wins it will be on the shoulders of Wade and Lebron expect them to either one to get MVP.

 

So that is my 2009 All Star weekend Preview and Predictions. The NBA by far has the best All Star event out of all the sports. This weekend should be a great one and a great way to start the stretch run of the season. What is great about this All Star event is all the stars want to be here. They want to play in the game.  The league showcases its younger talent in a great way too. Monday I will have my thoughts and video links to my favorite dunks and moments of the weekend. Next week I will also address the trade deadline and all the rumor. There maybe up to five posts just for rumors and potential trade ideas next week. Enjoy the festivities and have a great weekend, that is today’s dish.

NBA Dish ‘N Swish 2-11-9

Welcome to today’s Dish N Swish. Today is the “At the Break” Special. I’m going to do a “State of the League”, 1-30 Power rankings and the top 10 rookies update. We have a lot on our plate today.

 

“State of the League” Address-

The NBA has fully come in to a resurgence. Let’s face 9 years ago this league was hurting. Hurting for stars and hurting for good competitive teams.  Look at the All Star game roster from 2000. The West is stacked. But look at the east. Stackhouse, Glenn Robinson and Dale Davis, really? Those guys aren’t all stars. Heck Stockton and Finley really didn’t deserve much either. Stockton was a shell of himself and was in on name alone. We should be thankful for 2000 for one thing and that is Vince Carter’s magical Saturday night performance that over shadowed the actual game itself. Now lets fast forward to now. We have 4 legit contenders. Two from each conference, the west has 9 teams with winning records. Coming off a year where all 8 playoff teams from the year before had 50 wins. The east is on a bounce back too. They have 7 teams with winning records and I think all 8 teams in the east may have winning records to get in the playoffs. Right now though we have some great teams and some big stars. Led by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. There are other legit headliners though, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony come to mind right off the top of my head. The golden age of the NBA was the 80’s. You had Magic, Bird , Jordan and Dominique, along with teams like Boston, LA. Atlanta, Detroit, Portland, Houston and Chicago. The 90’s hit and as great as Jordan was the competition wasn’t the greatest. Don’t believe me? Look at the draft classes from ’93 through ’98.  Outside of ’96 those classes aren’t that good. There are some good players but there are a lot of mediocre players. Really not until the summer of 2003 is when the league hit started hitting upside and really since 2005 the league has been at its best since the run of from 1984-1988. Starting with the 2005 playoffs. The first two rounds were amazing. Each year and that year’s playoffs have progressed since.  Right now we are hitting arguably the best time in the NBA easily the second best time in the league’s history. I like the fact that I can watch almost  any game on league pass and see a good game. No one wants to see two bad teams play like Washington and the Clippers, but ever era had bottom feeders. This year I think is going to be the best year in the league in the last 20 years.  The height of competitiveness has been unmatched so far (at least in the last 15 years).  The NBA needs to be happy, we are seeing great players, teams and match ups every night. Right now the league is riding high and its been a great ride so far this year. I can’t wait to see how it’s going to finish.

 

Power Rankings

 

1. LA Lakers- 42-9 – The 6-0 road trip was nice. But the injury to Andrew Bynum does raise some questions, But this is the same team to make it to the finals last year and now they are showing some toughness. Watch out for them

 

2. San Antonio- 35-15- The Win in Boston showed SA is alive and well. They added some youth in Mason and the rookie George Hill.  But it’s the big 3 doing big things again.

 

3. Boston- 42-11- Tough losses at home to LA and SA. The Celtics are slipping defensively. I think they are maybe pushing to hard for the regular season.  Take a page out of SA’s book do what you need to do to secure home court in the first round and your good. Boston is old. They need to rest their big 3 more.

 

4. Cleveland- 39-11- The injuries are adding up. Rumors are Sasha Pavlovic is out up to 6 weeks. With Delonte West already injured they are running out of quality guards to play. Big Z returning does help a lot.

 

5. Denver 35-17- With a now Healthy Billups and Melo the nuggets are clicking. This team is becoming more dangerous. In my book Chauncey Billups is 3^rd in MVP voting right now. Under his leadership they are going to be an extremely tough out in the playoffs.

 

6. Orlando- 38-12- Jameer’s injury is the reason to #6. I just want to see them in 3-5 weeks to see how much they miss him. They have the shooters. But can Tyronne Lue and Anthony Johnson really run the show?

 

7. Atlanta- 30-21- Horford is healthy. They maybe the most over looked team in the NBA. Not only does JJ get looked over as a star but no one realizes what Josh Smith can do.

 

8. Portland- 31-19- They are winning. But lets face it., they beat NOLA when CP3 got injured and folded. It took a last second up and under lay-in thing from Roy to beat the Knicks and they lost to OKC in a stinker last Friday.

 

9. New Orleans- 30-19- I think they are better than the blazers, but injuries are killing them. Rumors are they are binging in Marion for Chandler, that may hurt them way to much. I like the team they have. They just need to get healthy.

 

10. Dallas- 31-20- Is there a more up and down team than Dallas? They have either been blown out lately or blowin teams out. They need to make a move to become real contenders again.

 

11. Houston- 31-21 They are getting healthy. They have some good role players. But McGrady and Artest’s heads maybe to much for them to over come. You never know if McGrady is caring much or if Artest is going to go crazy.

 

12. Utah- 29-23- D. Will is averaging 33.5 pts and 7.8 assists in his last 5 games. They are on 3-2 in those games. This team needs to put a 6 or 7 game win streak together. If they do, their pre season expectations can be expected again.

 

13. Miami- 27-24- Yes right now they are better than Detroit. Miami is one of those teams that can compete with anyone in the league but loses to most top dogs because of depth. If they have to give up Beasley to get Amare, I say no go on that trade.

 

14. Detroit- 27-23- Another week another week wondering why they traded Billups this year.  They could be contenders with Billups. Now they are a one and done. So sad to see this team’s management throw this year out the window.

 

15. Phoenix- 28-22- Really this is about as high as I can have them right now. At the end of next week this team will be blown up. I still think the Shaq trade was dumb.  Again another team taking themselves out of contention of a bad trade,

 

16. Philadelphia- 26-24- This team is better without Elton Brand. Hopefully next year Brand can learn to play with the team and vice versa they can be good. Right now its best for their playoff hopes that he doesn’t play.

 

17. New Jersey- 24-29 I really hope to see this team make a good run and make the playoffs. With Milwaukee’s injury woes the door is open for this surprise Nets team. Harris got the All Star nod now he needs to prove everyone right by coming out after the break and leading this team to the playoffs

 

18- Milwaukee- 25-29- Michael Redd, Luke Ridnour and Andrew Bogut all injured for a while. Ridnour’s injury may have been a blessing in disguise. Ramon Sessions has played great all year and really is stepping it up. They still have some talent on the roster, just not a lot of depth. If they make the playoffs you may have to give Scott Skiles the Coach of the year.

 

19. Chicago- 23-29- A big win over Detroit. They are major players in this year trade deadline rumors. As I hear they are front runners for Amare Stoudemire. If they don’t give up Deng or Rose for him which likely they won’t. They will make the playoffs

 

20. New York- 21-30- Even though we know they don’t play defense. They did just give up 144 to GS. They have 21 wins. Look at that roster. 21 wins with that roster? They are over achievers.

 

21. Indiana- 21-32- Nice win over Cleveland. Granger didn’t foul Lebron. They deserved that win, I am glad to see them get the call on the other end. They are another sleeper team. So many here in the east.

 

22. Charlotte- 20-31- They are making trade. All be it small but they have improved Boris Diaw has looked great. I think they miss Shannon Brown though with that trade with the Lakers. I don’t think they make it.

 

23. Golden State- 18-35- 144 points in one game? They are getting healthy. Well besides Biedrins getting injured now. They will have an affect on the Playoffs. They will beat playoff teams and affect the seeding.

 

24. Toronto- 20-34- They just lost to Minny without Big Al. Maybe they looked past them? Heck maybe they looked past this season when I predicted them in the finals as my super upset scenario

 

25. Minnesota- 17-34- Losing Big Al hurts… A lot! Expect Kevin Love to get more minutes. Expect the wins to come more sparingly now too. Maybe they can make a deadline deal, now that McHale isn’t the GM

 

26. Memphis- 15-36- Is there a more exciting team that is so bad? I love watching OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay when he is healthy. Mayo is going to be a dominate player in this league.

 

27. The team in which we shall not speak of- 13-39- Nice win over the Blazers? That was an ugly game. I have not seen an uglier game in a long time. At least Durant and Westbrook are lookin good.

 

28. LA Clippers- 12-40- When the positive is they have the tools to make a trade to be good next year, you know your in trouble. Last time I checked they were the Clippers and look they are still bad.

 

29. Sacramento- 11-42- The sad thing is they aren’t heavily injured. The good thing is that they have Brad Miller to trade and some good young players. Well a good young player in Jason Thompson. They need to trade Kevin Martin while people still think he can play.

 

30. Washington- 11-41- They are so injured. They have 6 injuries to rotation players. Its like the NBA has a JV team playing. Honestly they have to be #30 because they are so injured they could barely compete in the NBDL.

 

 

Top Rookies

 

1. Derrick Rose- Chicago- I know he cried on Friday but the C-Webb impersonation of the tin man from “The Wiz” alone puts him at the top. But he has the most responsibilities of any rookie. That’s why he get my top spot

 

2. OJ Mayo- Memphis- I love watching OJ Mayo. Especially without Gay in the lineup he doesn’t have much to work with. He can shoot it from outside or take you off the dribble. He doesn’t mind playing defense either

 

3. Brook Lopez- New Jersey- I love him. He is what a big man should be, a good rebounder, a defensive presence, able to consistently run an offense through him and hit a 10 foot jumper.

 

4. Russel Westbrook- The team in which we shall not speak of- He’s playing great. He is one of the reason’s KD is getting the looks he is getting.

 

5. Eric Gordon- LA Clippers- This kid can shoot! I wish he played on another team so I could stand watching his team play.

 

6. Marreese Speights- Philadelphia- Is it a scary thought that he has out performed their $84 million dollar free agent? I think it is.

 

7. Marc Gasol- Memphis- I love him too. He is the first overly aggressive foreign big man. He is a good big man

 

8. George Hill- San Antonio- He is gaining Coach Pop’s respect and trust. He maybe seeing more minutes here late to keep Parker-Longoria fresher

 

9. Mario Chalmers- Miami- He gets overlooked in the guards with Hill, Rose, Mayo and Westbrook but Chalmers is setting up an MVP candidate and makin him look good.

 

10. Rudy Fernandez / Jerryd Bayless- Portland- Since Blake has been injured, Bayless has broken out. Fernandez has helped with that load too. I couldn’t decide between the two. Both are playing great.

 

That is today’s Dish enjoy. What rookies are on your list? Who are your top teams?