I Danilo to do

by MiledAnimal on May 10, 2008 11:39 PM PDT

Last year at this time, I played ESPN's draft calculator a lot to see whether the Blazers, picking seventh, had a shot at the #1 or #2 pick. I was pleasantly surprised to see how often it came up, so while I was shocked, stunned, and stupefied when we won the #1 pick, I wasn't terribly surprised.

This year, we have the #13 pick. Could lightning strike twice? I ran ESPN's draft calculator 50 times. It came up the #13 pick 49 times. One time out of 50, it came up as... the 14th pick. You can try it yourself at:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/lottery2008/mockdraft

Looks like KP better plan on having the #13 pick this year. If we won the lottery again, I think both Ralph Nader and I would be calling for a federal investigation.

I would like to see the Blazers draft Russell Westbrook, but he may not last to #13. The player ESPN seems to think we want at that pick is Danilo Gallinari.

Who?

The thumbnail report ESPN provides on Gallinari says that he "reminds scouts of Toni Kukoc because of his fantastic basketball IQ. He has point forward skills, can score from just about anywhere, and has excellent leadership qualities. Despite his rather ordinary athleticism and a so-so 3-point shot, he's easily the best international prospect in the draft."

That's not a very encouraging review, but the guy can't be too awful, because NBAdraft.net has him going at #9 to Chicago and DraftExpress.com has him going #6 to the Clippers.

I'll express in Italian my opinion of Gallinari: NOOOOOOO!

If we have to start adding players who are slow-footed and can't dunk, they'd better at least be able to shoot the three. And who ever heard of a Euro who doesn't like to shoot the three? We already have players at small forward (and point guard) who have weaknesses. Why add another?

Still, ESPN at least seems to think Gallinari is going to be the best player available for us at #13.

Poll

If you were KP, What would you do with the 13th pick?

1 recs | Comment 39 comments | Add your comment

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Comments

Trade the 13 and Jack or Sergio

Package the 13 and Sergio with LaFrentz and McBob. Use that package to move up high enough to grab Westbrook. Take one or two retreads with atrocious contracts to make the salaries match, and then use Paul Allen’s $$ to buy out those retreads and send them packing. As John Madden would say, “Boom.” We’ll have our defensive-minded PG of the future, and we’ll have roster openings to stash a couple of raw bruiser Millsap-type 2nd-rounders. Sit the bruisers on the bench or send them to the D league, and tighten up our rotation to 10 guys: Oden, Przy, Aldridge, Frye, Webby, Outlaw, Roy, Rudy, Jack, Westbrook. Whadya think? Easy as no-stick cupcakes?

Nature bats last.

by fisheyes on May 10, 2008 11:56 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

That...

is a really bad idea. The 13th pick and Jack alone might be enough to grab Westbrook. Why would we blow our cap space on a draft pick when we could wait a year and pick up a free agent?

I love Westbrok though. I would be a little suprised if he doesn’t end up on the Blazers somehow.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on May 11, 2008 12:49 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Rusty

Yep, I’ve been thinking that that basic scenario is the most likely—Jack + #13 to New Jersey for #10 (Westbrook), but not sure what else needs to happen for salary numbers to match. Our PG depth would suffer, perhaps, but I like the athleticism and defensive potential from Westbrook. This will be the last draft for awhile where we can get a high-level player w/o wholesale changes, so should take advantage of it. Getting a veteran PG can be addressed next summer if an upgrade is still needed.

by Sumito on May 11, 2008 1:07 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Oh don't be so mean

So I messed up on the salary cap angle. I’m just trying to be creative.

Where have all the flowers gone?

by bilingual octopus on May 11, 2008 9:07 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Derrick

By the way, I played the ESPN draft simulation, too, a few times. I hit gold on the 7th or 8th time, so I took a picture of it…and now it serves as my little ID icon. Check it out.

by Sumito on May 11, 2008 1:11 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

wow that is way cool

I have played that darn thing 100 times and I have always ended up with Budinger or Gallinari at the 13. Congratulations! Maybe the Blazers have a job for you in the front office.

Where have all the flowers gone?

by bilingual octopus on May 11, 2008 9:09 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Sweeeeeeet!

We must get the #1 pick again because, in the words of the immortal Jean Luc Picard, “Beat El Lay!”

by MiledAnimal on May 11, 2008 7:26 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Engaaaage!

"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors... and miss" Robert A. Heinlein

by 92wastheyear on May 11, 2008 8:12 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

My same old tired idea but I'm sticking with it:

13, Rudy and Outlaw for the #1 or #2 where we could grab Rose.

We already have our 2 guard so Rudy is expendable. I’d hate to give up Outlaw but other than our big 3, he is our most valuable on-board trading asset and nobody’s going to be giving Rose away for peanuts.

by TwoDeep on May 11, 2008 8:42 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

I like that idea

Although I’d mourn the loss of Outlaw and I’d hate to see AnnTheFan grieving all year over the loss of her boy, still, your proposal is excellent. Have you considered whether any teams in a position to make this deal with us would be inclined to follow through with it? I would guess that our trading partner would have to be either Miami or Seattle.

Where have all the flowers gone?

by bilingual octopus on May 11, 2008 9:14 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

#25

"We comin along." Travis Outlaw

by annthefan on May 11, 2008 4:27 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

#25

"We comin along." Travis Outlaw

by annthefan on May 11, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I like the idea of

packaging the 13 and other stuff that would work (Jack, Outlaw, R.E.C., etc) to Indy for Granger and whatever makes the salary work. Someone else mentioned Granger on a thread a while ago and it made great sense, especially considering where Indy is drafting and the fact that Granger is better than anyone we could get at 13 and arguably better than anyone in the draft as a whole.

by DrivetheLane on May 11, 2008 9:09 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Package to move up

I keep hearing suggestions that we package Rudy to move up to get Rose. Do you think Rudy would willing to give up mega bucks to come over to the States to be part of a package deal and sent off somewhere else? I’m sure KP gave him assurances that he would in fact be part of the Blazers. Also, in a league where one player (can you say Chris Paul or Lebron James) can completely change a team, do you think any general manager is going to trade a potential franchise player like Rose for a bunch average players? Would we have traded the chance to draft Oden for a bunch of roster spots? Rose may not be Paul, but he has a chance to be one of the top guards in the league. When you look at the whole history of the Blazers, we have had one backcourt guy in that echelon—Clyde Drexler. So dream on. As far as drafting Westbrook, he looks like a guy who could be a decent defender and a good finisher on a running team, but he is not a passer nor a shooter. If I were drafting I would draft one of the potential reliable backup centers. They gain in value over time. But I still think KP is ready for this team to make a move in the playoffs, and the hole in the roster is a more athletic, better distributing, veteran PG. With his ability to create deals; I see this is where KP will be going, not with another rookie to sit at the end of the bench and take several years to develop.

by Spencer on May 11, 2008 9:42 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

You say Westbrook is not a passer nor a shooter?

The pundits disagree with you.

ESPN.com: “This year’s sleeper, Westbrook can both run a team and concentrate on scoring. He’s a solid shooter, but he really excels when putting the ball on the floor and finishing at the basket. He has great length, explosive leaping ability and elite quickness and speed for a player his size. And he can be a physical ballhawk on the defensive end.”

NBAdraft.net: “Athletic and explosive combo guard with the length to make up for his lack of height … Attacks the basket with a lethal first step and crossover ability … Can handle the rock well and gets into the lane effortlessly … Finishes well at the rim and is unafraid to go up in traffic … Huge wingspan allows him to play much bigger than his 6-3 height … Gets good lift on his jumpshot and has a quick release … Solid passer with unselfishness, always looks for the open man … Has an excellent mid-range game … A gym rat, really works hard to improve … Has a great attitude, extremely coach-able … Has the potential to be a bigtime scorer when given the chance … Really excels defensively and has a chance to develop into a great defender … His anticipation for steals and his on ball defensive ability are special …Solid passer who shows the ability to play the point guard position.“

RealGM.com: “Westbrook may very well be the best athlete in this year’s draft and is probably the best defender. He won the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year award over senior Kyle Weaver and teammate Darren Collison. He is a lockdown, suffocating on-ball defender and will be so immediately upon his arrival in the NBA. He is so quick laterally and is also incredibly strong. Westbrook will also be a very good help defender, particularly as a shotblocker at the guard position.

“He needs to reel in many aspects of his offensive game, but he has shown flashes of great sophistication as a shooter, dribbler and passer. He can create space off the dribble for his jumper and can also beat his man to get into the lane at will where he is a superb finisher. When he gets the ball into the paint, he is patient and controlled.

“His closing speed when he gets closer to the basket is more impressive than any other player in this draft and he is already a YouTube dunk legend. He will never be a great perimeter shooter, but he should become a mid-range star in the Dwyane Wade mold if he just relaxes his mechanics slightly.”

If I were KP, I’d trade almost anyone on the team outside of GO, Roy, and LMA to ensure we get Westbrook.

by MiledAnimal on May 11, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Are these the same pundits that said...

Barn-yawn-ee was the best player in the same draft where KP plucked a certain Lamarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy out of the crop?

Can I buy you a fish sandwich?

by silkybrown on May 12, 2008 12:58 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Pundits are like psychics

Occasionally right and usually wrong.

by MiledAnimal on May 12, 2008 9:19 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

My favorite quote is...

NBA Draft.net: “A gym rat, works hard to improve” – sounds like LMA. And when you put someone with that strong of physical abilities (as opposed to the Adam Morrison “gym rat” label) with an overwhelming desire to improve, I think there is a better chance of that player realizing his full potential.

For this same reason, I would question a pick of DeAndre Jordan… I am not sure he wants it.

By the way, the “coachable” aspect as well draws me toward Russell Westbrook.

by The Graduate on May 12, 2008 4:21 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Except that teams like Miami

need lots of help … not just one player. Rudy may have gone as high as #5 if he were in the draft this year. So a #5, #13 and a blossoming Outlaw could go a long way at shoring up a weak team.

by TwoDeep on May 12, 2008 8:59 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I can't wait for a week from Tuesday.

Then all this discussion about ”#13” will end, and discussion on ”#1” will begin in earnest. Of course, I don’t expect that conversation to last long either. Not many (any?) are arguing for Beasley.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 11, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Agreed, but just to make it exciting...

I’ll argue for Beasley. The guy is flat-out a beast. A frontline with Beasley, Aldridge, and Oden- with Rudy and Roy in the backcourt. Yes, I think that would suit me just fine.

by The Graduate on May 12, 2008 4:16 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Draft boards

Most of the draft boards do not take team needs into account until after the lottery has been sorted out. Most sites are just ranking players by perceived talent and upside right now. I would bet dollars to donuts we dont draft Gallanari, which is a good bet considering the price of donuts these days.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on May 11, 2008 11:06 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Kosta Koufos

I know, I know… He’s a soft jump shooting center, but he has some things going for him. He will probably be there at the 13th pick, it won’t be a reach, and it sounds like he is open to playing a year in Greece if needed. Koufos was looking like a top 5 pick in 2009 according to draftexpress and nbadraft, but he needs some more refining to go that high this year. Blazers draft him, stick him in Europe were his skills are perfect for, and next year Portland has a top 5 level prospect for a trade. I think his value could reach Rudy level, while he won’t be as good, he is 7 feet tall, and has played college in the US, making him look less risky than most European players to other GMs.

Imaging a top five pick talent (Koufos), a spare 3 (Webster/Outlaw), our 2009 first, 2011 first, whatever we get in a trade for our extra seconds this year, 3 million is cash, and up to 30ish million in saving for a club (can trade with uneven salaries next year and if the club is already paying the tax it could really add up). That could get the Blazers just about anything.

Joel Freeland=Stud

by hightide on May 11, 2008 1:15 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

We don't need no stinkin' rookie

If we can’t get Rose, then we don’t need the pick. Draft a European player that cannot come over for a few year or trade towards the future. Next year we are going to be adding two top five draft picks, so we don’t need any more. Lets all just chillax on the draft. Tyler Hansbrough will be there next year.

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 11, 2008 5:53 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Sure we do!

Need one rookie a year who will need about five years to turn into a solid or better player. Got to keep that product in the pipeline. Don’t want to see current players growing old with no one coming up behind them. Guess we could wait a few years to actually start that process… AFTER we land Westbrook.

by MiledAnimal on May 11, 2008 6:57 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Maybe

Half the roster should still be in college.

"Reality is for people who can't handle Blazers Edge." - MiledAnimal

by tominhawaii on May 11, 2008 7:29 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I know, I know

I take comfort in knowing that we were only the third-youngest team in NBA history this season. Next season, we might not even be in the top ten. The Blazers are like a young red wine in a barrel that hasn’t even been sealed for aging yet. In a couple of years, it will be time to pop the cork!

by MiledAnimal on May 11, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I refuse to chillax on the draft...

This is the best time of the year for draft talk… you got to get excited… it’s like the Friday after Thanksgiving, you know? I am with MA in thinking that Westbrook might be a fine prospect for the Blazers. I certainly wouldn’t even break my piggy bank to get him, but if he ends up in black and red, I will quite excited.

The issue then of course becomes the roster logjam. My guess is that several people would have to be moved if the Blazers end up drafting a player that they want to have contribute this year.

by The Graduate on May 12, 2008 4:25 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

10 tries and...

The blazers get the #3 pick.

I stopped playing after that.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 11, 2008 8:01 PM PDT reply reply 0 recs

146 tries

and we got number one. Huzzah!

by BlazersOrBust on May 12, 2008 4:30 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

3 tries and...

Blazers get #2

by bustabucket18 on May 12, 2008 12:15 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

I'll take that over my number 3!

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 12, 2008 8:53 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

The best athlete in the draft.
The best defender in the draft.
Great attitude.
Extremely coachable.
Defensive player of the year.

How could you not love him? It’s as if all our prayers and dreams have been answered and people are still not satisfied. Derrick Rose would be great, but it’s not going to happen. Chris Paul is not going to come over as a free agent. We can’t summon Pete Maravich from the dead.

What we can do is trade up for a top ten pick and draft a guy named Russell Westbrook. I don’t know if he would start next year, but with Oden and Rudy coming in I’m not sure that will even be much of an issue.

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on May 12, 2008 12:29 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs

Pete Maravich

actually would be a pretty poor fit on these Blazers. :) You think we complain about point guard defense now?

Westbrook sounds good to me as well.

by The Graduate on May 12, 2008 4:26 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

I think,

his offense might offset his defense a bit. Plus, if we can raise him from the dead can’t we give him some magical defensive skills?

If somebody hits you with an object you should beat the hell out of them.-Charles Barkley

by Winchester on May 12, 2008 5:47 PM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

What about summoning Terry Porter from the dead?

It would be easier since he’s not actually dead. In his prime, he’d be a perfect fit. But I dream.

One of Two Official Blazer's Edge Poets Laureate for the 2008-2009 Season

"Scholars have long known that fishing eventually turns men into philosophers. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to buy decent tackle on a philosopher's salary." - Patrick McManus

by T Darkstar on May 12, 2008 7:09 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

Agreed

Although these faster point guards might blow him away.

Here's to being hated. Come on #1 pick!

by ratbastird on May 12, 2008 8:54 AM PDT up reply reply 0 recs

If KP also wants Westbrook

whut’ll it take ta git ‘im? Where do y’all reckon he’ll go in the draft? (I love talkin’ like a country boy. Factoid: The thickest southern accent I ever heard was that of two young women who were from some Oregon town so small it was a suburb of Estacada. They’d never been outside the area. But I digress.)

by MiledAnimal on May 12, 2008 9:25 AM PDT reply reply 0 recs