NBA Draft Lottery Open Thread
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:09 PM PDT
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PrintI love the draft lottery. For those of you who are geeked to watch the ping pong balls this year, here's an open thread. Let's enjoy this together. Thanks to the Kap for the suggestion.
If you don't care about it this time around because the Blazers are not represented, I fully understand. Please keep it moving and allow us our fun.
The lottery begins at 5:30. Some top-of-the-head thoughts to get this pre-show discussion going....
- My top 5 prospects in order: Rubio, Griffin, Evans, DeRozan, Harden
- My top 5 most marketable in order: Rubio, DeRozan, Jennings, Evans, Curry
- My top 5 "in a dream world, I wish they become Blazers" in order: Rubio, Curry, Lawson, Jennings, Blair
- Most underrated prospect this year: Earl Clark. Most overrated: Jordan Hill.
- Given the makeup of the final four teams in the NBA playoffs, why would you draft big over small if you're sitting at #1?
- I would pick John Wall over any player in this year's draft.
-- Ben (benjain.golliver@gmail.com)
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UPDATE: That was way too much fun... here's the final order... but first, of course, a tip of the 40 to Ziller and company.
14. Phoenix Suns
13. Indiana Pacers
12. Charlotte Bobcats
11. New Jersey Nets
10. Milwaukee Bucks
9. Toronto Raptors
8. New York Knicks
7. Golden State Warriors
6. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Washington Wizards
4. Sacramento Kings
3. "Oklahoma City" "Thunder"
2. Memphis Grizzlies
1. Los Angeles Clippers
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i’m not sure this counts as “keep it moving” buddy
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions
The big news is Grizzlies with #2
If the Blazers are still/were interested in Conley…
Conley + Jaric (contract dump) for Przybilla + filler?
Watching ESPN
And I really don’t care about Michael Vick. At least he knocked Brett Farve out of 24/7 coverage. I’d much rather see a little more draft stuff. Or even NHL stuff, as opposed to a guy who won’t even be reinstated until July (at the earliest)
I like the Favre talk
"Knowledge will get you from A to B. Creativity will get you anywhere." Einstein
by Garden of ODEN on May 19, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Really Memphis?
I would think the two most likely trade partners are Sacramento (they need cap relief and players) and Washington (cap relief)
www.freeoden.com Coming soon
by 123_G.O._RipCity on May 19, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
If the Grizz wind up at #2--and griffin is off the board
would they trade the pick—or trade Conley and take Rubio?
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
+1
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Edwin Jackson(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 19, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions
my thoughts exactly
"When jumpers are outlawed only Outlaw will take jumpers"-LoadedOrygun
by DominicanAvenger on May 19, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions
What are people seeing in Rubio
beyond his stats? Seriously?! Somebody help me out here!
He’s not a particularly good scorer and turns it over more than Sergio. Help me out!
"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP
size, quicks, d, basketball iq, big game experience, upside, haircut, hilarious name, what more do you want?
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions
His haircut reminds me
of Adam Morrison.
The guy will be a bust for that reason.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
lol morrison was a fun guy to watch warmup this year… he seemed really excited that we were looking at him… as if it was the first time anyone had watched him in 2 years.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, Rubio looks like he should be on
American Idol
Each year, of course, there’s a contestant whose a prototype Backstreet Boy—smooth dance moves, a decent albeit limited voice, and dumb as a post. Last year it was David Archuleta.
It could be Ricky.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Wasn't Rubio in Y Tu Mama Tambien?
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
No, those were Mexicans
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Obviously they were Mexicans
I should have said that Rubio looks a lot like Diego Luna in that movie, I think it’s the hair.
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions
That is the comparison I favor most
Pistol Pete
Offseason:
Trade For Mike Conley Jr
Sign Antonio McDyess & Othello Hunter
Draft Kevin Seraphin/Edwin Jackson(Eurostash)
by TheGreatDane17 on May 19, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions
He's so young that you can color in the page with any picture you want...
And -——- he has a moppet haircut!!!
That means he must be the Next Can’t Miss…
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
When Sergio was in Spain
He turned it over even more often than Rubio, and he didn’t get as many assists.
Rubio is a leader, a game changer and a winner, over any detail.
"They didn't know it was impossible, so they did it"
6’8’’ PF who doesn’t play goo defense and has little offensive game?
Pritchard: "Just because we aren't at the lottery doesn't mean we won't be in the lottery."
Griffin's got the athleticism to learn defense.
I think he’s just been lazy cause he hasn’t had to figure out how to do it yet. Griffin should be a very good pro. I don’t know that he’s an all-star though.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
Reason for defense
He’s quoted as saying he didn’t play aggressive D because his team absolutely needed him on the floor the entire game. If he would have fouled out of any of their games this year you could count that as a lose right off the bat.
Blazers fan in beantown.
im wary of his hype.. im sure he will be a good pro tho.. he is a known quantity..
i have him #2, i would just take ricky #1
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Why wouldn't you trade down for the number 2 pick...
it seems like Blake is the consensus No. 1
if i already had the #1 pick i would explore that option
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Ben...
I like how you have Rubio as the better prospect than Griffin. Point guard just means more, and Rubio is as proven an point guard prospect as you’re probably going to get. It’d be really hard to pick between him and Wall. I also agree about Jordan Hill. Did I miss when that kid did anything special at all? Because as far as I remember he was pretty average for a college player.
What if OKC wins the lottery and gets Blake Griffin?
they already have a solid 1-4: Westbrook, Durant, Thabo and Jeff Green
Imagine adding Griffin to that team… scary
They’ll be a powerhouse teams in the West for years for sure
"...Lies, damned lies, and statistics."
Still need a center....
I imagine that Green becomes an excellent bench player.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions
No it would not.
Why is everyone so worried about the Thunders getting another good player? That team has more holes than a donut shop.
I think they are one good big guy from being an excellent team
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
They are going to be good (one day) but I think they are getting a little over-hyped
Even if they get Griffin they will need a center. I think if they fall outside of the top two they take Thabeet
www.freeoden.com Coming soon
by 123_G.O._RipCity on May 19, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed, which is why I am rooting for them to land #2
Rubio would be a terrible fit on that team, but I almost think they HAVE to take him at #2, and trading out of that pick is uncomfortable because they need high lottery talent to surround KD.
I still think I like Rubio more than Wall.
But I agree that Wall’s better than everyone else in this draft. I’d pick Wall over Griffin.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
WALL > Rubio
It very early to tell but I would draft Wall over Rubio 9 out of 10 drafts if given the opportunity. Just from the YouTube videos of Wall. That kid can ball.
I can’t wait for Jordan Hill to go way too high and get a GM fired.
Pritchard: "Just because we aren't at the lottery doesn't mean we won't be in the lottery."
wall or rubio...
is a great debate question…
i could chase my tail on that one for hours…
right now i would take wall but i bet if i had been at the olympics i would be swearing by rubio… that’s how it goes…
rubio. he's proven against spain's best ballers.
"Whatever...I heard Bayless uses a pillowcase as a wallet." --TiH
look how much jennings is struggling in the euro leagues.
and he’s a baller.
"Whatever...I heard Bayless uses a pillowcase as a wallet." --TiH
They've got similar stats
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I want a team with a good young point guard at #2 and a team that needs Griffin and isn't dangerous at #1
If that makes sense. Good #2 teams would be Washington, New Jersey, Memphis.
Horrible would be Phoenix moving in the top 3. Potentially dangerous is OKC of course.
Ya... Memphis at #2 would be perfect for us
They can take Rubio and we get Conley Jr at a reasonable price. That’s a win-win.
here’s the open question i think norsk or someone addressed this at some point in a fanpost but let’s consolidate…
who do you want to get the top two picks and why…
i want the clippers to get #1 and take griffin
i want the grizzlies to get #2 and take rubio because you know they will give up on getting him over here and trade that pick
I hate everyone here that wants Rubio
Because I want him that much more than anyone here ever could. Doesn’t having the best young team enough for you people!
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
if u get a top two pick you can prove your love for the prospect by starting draftrickyrubio.blogspot.com until then i’m unconvinced.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions
have you read his blog? It basically is draftrickyrubio.com
Pritchard: "Just because we aren't at the lottery doesn't mean we won't be in the lottery."
LOL Cablin
What I said but shorter and more succinct.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
There's 15 different thins
They call come to the same or similar conclusion.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
things^
They all come^
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
LOL you need to tell me these things kap that is hilarious
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Ben
I have a Kings blog that spends more time arguing Rubio over Griffin than anything. I’ll let somebody else have that spot. LOL
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Rubio would be better for the Kings than Griffin would
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
I look at it this way Elgin
Nobody’s on the court and who do you start your team with? I would go Rubio, but I’m biased against Griffin. Always have been.
That being said anybody here wants to lust over Rubio go ahead. I was really kidding. I can’t tell anybody else to stop doing what I’ve been doing for the last 5 months (at least).
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
It's cool.
We’re just mad that your team has a WAAAAAAAAY better shot of getting him than our does.
Unless KP has some good blackmail material……….compromising pictures of the Maloofs???……..anyone?
Yes! Yes! In the face!
Give me a break
You guys have the best young team in the NBA. I don’t feel a bit sorry for you guys one iota.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
And I like Bedge
And I like the Blazers. Always have on both counts.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
you're the best PG
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on May 19, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't if I was a Kings fan either.
But it’s the offseason, so we’re allowed a bit of petulance. :)
Yes! Yes! In the face!
Aren't we all Leaf
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
And great job on that Draft Lottery History on Sactown Royalty
Really impressive stuff.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
Thank You
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
> Nobody’s on the court and who do you start your team with?
A point guard. Good thinking Pook! Besides you are already getting going with Hawes and Thompson as your bigs. – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
i salute your movement and wish you the best
i’ve wasted 2 years of my life on…
draftkevindurant.blogspot.com
draftjohnwall.blogspot.com
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
who do we deal with to get next year's 1 overall pick
so we can draft Wall before anyone else does?
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
my feeling is by this time next year whoever has the #1 pick won’t be trading it… similar to the situation chicago was in last year, rejecting all offers
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
That's true this year too
Most teams would love Griffin on their team.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
and if you get #1 you should absolutely take rubio that’s not a question
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Curiousity kills the cat
Why ben?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
point guards can turn around a team faster, rubio has unlimited marketing ability and you need to sell tickets, he’s proven on a world stage, he will make your young pieces better, etc etc
i’m sure you’ve made all these arguments 100 times
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
But, is he the best player on the board? Few people are willing to argue that point right now Ben. It’s not about the best fit IMO, it’s about the best player for a team that desperately needs a franchsie player.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
i think he is a better player than griffin yes.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions
You're not the first person I've heard to say that
Eddy Rivera has mentioned that he doesn’t think Griffin is a franchise player either. I’m not the only one. Unfortunately, I wonder if Geoff Petrie believes it. Noone, not even me right now, believes that Geoff Petrie would pass Griffin for Rubio if he has the first pick.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
in an ideal situation for you guys you get the number 2 pick. then you’ll be set up like the sonics in 2007.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
That saves Geoff Petrie's hide
I’d rather him get the first overall pick and then make a real decision.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
I think part of the problem with Griffin might be that he is boring to watch. I could care less about whether or not he pans out, I just don’t like to watch him play.
I wonder how much this figures into scouts’ assessment.
"Literary Criticism is not bookkeeping." -SB
by nightbluefruit on May 19, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Not mine
It’s his lack of length that really bothers me. Every great interior player bothers shots at the rim. Griffin has neither the instincts, or the long arms to make up for that.
But, I know this too: His height is not an issue. Not that I ever really thought it was.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Yes, yes, yes—your points are good and certainly more valid than mine, but humor my naivete for just a moment and answer my schoolyard question:
Do you like watching him play? I am really sincerely curious.
"Literary Criticism is not bookkeeping." -SB
by nightbluefruit on May 19, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
He's not my favorite player to watch
But keep in mind, I love watch Tim Duncan playing basketball. So, in a sense, he doesn’t bother me in the slightest for being “boring”.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
A-HA!
I actually love watching Duncan play, too. I can watch him play defense for an entire game. Seriously, I have problems.
That said, there is something routinely clunky with Griffin. The way he regularly fails to accurately gauge a leap for a rebound and instead pulls it down flat-footed. The way his hook lacks the precision that Duncan’s has, and instead relies on sufficient back spin to find it’s way in the hole. Even his swag after alley-oops seems contrived. Try as I might, I cannot get excited about this guy.
"Literary Criticism is not bookkeeping." -SB
by nightbluefruit on May 19, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not crazy for Griffin either
To me he smells like another Beasley, but just another style of play.
To small, average athleticism, lack of skill, ability to beast 6’6" college PFs does not equal NBA dominance. I dunno.
College ball is always so bad to me though.
I haven't seen the measurements
He looks 6’8", and while dunky he seems pretty stiff and his style of play seems beast-like, but he doesn’t look big enough to beast NBA players.
I will certainly admit I am not a Griffin expert. I just didn’t think much of what I saw thus far, out of a unanimous top pick.
His beasty style works on smaller dudes
But he looks undersized to me, and thus it won’t likely work in the NBA.
BUT there are a billion undersized PFs who do very well, if he is indeed undersized.
He is 6'9'' in socks. Maybe his wingspan is not amazing
But judging how he played in the tournament, he could very well learn to beat players off the dribble. I was very down on him and Thabeet, but I think they won’t be bad. One overall, the other on defense.
In what I've seen
He just looked so stiff, and straight forward (if that is a way to describe it) with his playing style… a style that only works when you are bigger and stronger than everyone, which he won’t be.
I am not sure about his height, wingspan, all of that, but he looked small by my eye (but it’s also harder to judge it for me next to college talent).
There was just something about his game…
deceptiely quick and brutally strong. easy for him to get around people and then use his strength to seal them off and finish through contact. ready and willing to run the floor for easy transition buckets. while hes not lamarcus fast hes faster than your aerage nba big man. fights hard for eery board
In all though
I can’t confidently predict how he’ll be since I haven’t paid as much attention as years past. While I was sure Beasley wouldn’t be much special since he (to me) was a undersized PF playing with even more undersized PFs and beasting them in a way that won’t translate to the NBA, I can’t say I’ve watched enough of Griffin to feel confident in what I say.
He could be good, whatta I know.
He just seems to… blah.
How much of his game is predicated
On being bigger and stronger though?
Because he won’t be either, in the NBA.
I may have just watched in bad moments, but he seemed like a dude who used his size and strength against overmatched opponents, and those opponents won’t be nearly the same at the next level. I didn’t see much more than that.
What is his game predicated on, aside from brute strength and size? I am asking honestly.
i see griffin as similar to kenyon martin. he will be solid but i don’t think he’s ever going to be a #1 option.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
decent face up game, can make jumpers to 15 feet or so. decent handle for someone his size. he could take the ball from ou8tside the 3 point line and penetrate. while i doubt he can do that in the nba it shows a decent handle and ok quickness. excellent leaper. while his strength is his best tool he’s good at enough other things to keep defenders honest
Name the last premier point guard that led his team to a title.
Magic Johnson is the most recent I can remember.
"Respect everyone, fear no one." -TP
looks like you got your way, big fella!
Was Henry tweeting you from behind the locked doors?? – Elgin
VENTURA: It's drowning. It gives you the complete sensation that you are drowning. It is no good, because you -- I'll put it to you this way, you give me a waterboard, Dick Cheney and one hour, and I'll have him confess to the Sharon Tate murders.
Maybe it's because he dominated Gonzaga but
I like Jordan Hill a lot and think he has a great chance of being a very solid big in the NBA. He’s got a whole lot of skill and is up their with Griffin in terms of athleticism. But since it is such a weak draft he will probably go to a team that has to rely on him too much and that could really set him back.
I’m still hung up on whether or not Austin Daye will head into the draft!
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
I think Harden will be out of the league in 5 years
But yes, Jordan Hill is the most overrated.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
Couldn't disagree more
I think he will turn out to be the best player in this draft.
Has Brandon Roy not taught us anything, guys who are just flat out good at basketball are good at basketball. Toss away hype, measurements and profiling players and Harden just knows how to flat out ball.
My money is on the fact that he will be the best player in the draft. I wouldn’t take him number one, but I would not at all be sad if my team ended up with him.
However
Adam Morrison was good at basketball. Larry Bird was good at basketball. One is a bust, one is in the Hall of Fame.
Skill alone is not enough in the NBA (where “skill” refers to the mental understanding of the game and the mastery of fundamentals).
Whether Harden will be a solid pro, I dunno. It’s nice, if nothing else, to see prospects being compared to Roy—’cause we got the real thing.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
The funny thing about Brandon he meaures out a one hell of an athlete,
He just has it in cruise control so much you rarely see wasted energy on display, once he needs it he has that gear and I am sure that gives him immense confidence which boostshis overall game.
He is a far better athleted than Harden.
I think you guys would be better off with someone like Kirk Hinrich
Even though he’s pretty overpaid at this point.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
i didn’t mean for us, i just meant in general
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Clark is a very intriguing prospect honestly
I like his toolset, but I question whether his toolset is better than Donte Greene’s. We also have Cisco and Nocioni. It’s hard to justify Clark unless you’re some team like the Raptors. (I think he would be terrific there.)
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
I loved him two years ago
But I can’t get his 2-16 performance against UConn this year out of my head. He’ll impress in workouts and go top 15 though. He’s got all the tools.
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
Anyone know a place online where I can watch the lottery?
please.
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 4:25 PM PDT reply actions
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Here here I'm with you
www.freeoden.com Coming soon
by 123_G.O._RipCity on May 19, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm actually rooting for them to get the 2nd pick
Tons of pressure at that point to take Rubio… and while he is great talent, I’m not sure he meshes with that team. A ball dominating no defense point guard, lets put him next to a ball dominating no defense small forward and a ball dominating no defense SG….
Really I think OKC wants #1 or #3, they would love Griffin and at #3 they could take Thabeet.
As a gambler he is okay
He can play the passing lanes and get some easy steals.
But his on ball defense is atrocious, and he seems to get lost in the defensive rotations a LOT.
Yeah...those darn 18 year olds.
They just don’t play defense like a 25 year old.
by antediluvian on May 19, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Ben, can you twitter the lottery as it unfolds? I have to be out and won’t have access to radio or tv.
Pritchard: "Just because we aren't at the lottery doesn't mean we won't be in the lottery."
I thought the lottery started at 4:30
Yet Ben has it listed at 5:30 on the main post.
Am I dumb or did Ben just get confuzzled?
Nobody is perfect sir
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
No comprendo, Benjamin
- My top 5 prospects in order: Rubio, Griffin, Evans, DeRozan, Harden
- My top 5 most marketable in order: Rubio, DeRozan, Jennings, Evans, Curry
- My top 5 “in a dream world, I wish they become Blazers” in order: Rubio, Curry, Lawson, Jennings, Blair
- Most underrated prospect this year: Earl Clark. Most overrated: Jordan Hill.
- Given the makeup of the final four teams in the NBA playoffs, why would you draft big over small if you’re sitting at #1?
I would pick John Wall over any player in this year’s draft.
If you would pick John Wall, why are these other guys on your lists of top prospects, etc. In framing your answer (if you deign to respond), please keep in mind that I know very little concerning any team not named the Portland Trail Blazers, and I know even less about college and foreign pro players. In particular, I don’t know who John Wall is. I guess I could google him up, but this is more fun.
John Wall is the top high school prospect in the country
Going to Kentucky for next season
The NBA: Where Amazingly Bad Officiating Happens.
there was some talk wall would be eligible for this year’s draft because he was a 5th year senior. that didn’t happen.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Wall that great?
I mean he seems like a kid who doesn’t want to put in the work… almost reminds me of a short Darius Miles. Plus he is going to play with Calipair… I smell corruption.
hmmm...
what about him breaking into a house?
As if he's the 1st young famous athlete to get into trouble?
Even Derrick Rose got into a brawl at Memphis, expecting 20 year olds to act like mature adults, when even the oldest players in the league act like giant babies is ridiculous.
That Steve Nash is exactly the same as Kirk Hinrich, but worse.
by NBA Observer on Apr 8, 2009 12:23 PM CDT
by Ozzie Montana on May 19, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I don't expect them to be mature
but you would think an athlete could avoid getting caught… I mean I did plenty of stupid stuff and I never got caught.
Exactly
My theory is that kids that get caught doing stupid (and illegal and probably mean) stuff when they’re teenagers will generally grow out of it as the mature. But if they get caught, they can get a reputation and start to feel like “bad” kids. Self-fulfilling kind of fate. I’m really glad I never got caught doing all the bone-headed stuff I pulled at that age.
these guys have huge targets on their backs.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
that was overblown. a dumb decision. he’s been under a ridiculous amount of pressure. he is a good kid. not a single coach was scared off by that. i don’t think it’s a concern.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
and doesn’t reflect his work ethic in any way. and his work ethic from all accounts is phenomenal.
knocks on wall start with his jumper and go from there.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Question
Would you rather have Ricky Rubio or John Wall?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
as said above i would go around in a circle on that one for hours.
if nate mcmillan is my coach i think i would want wall.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Because Wall could fit in with a halfcourt syste better?
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
system^
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
yes and because his ability to get into the lane (his first step) is as quick as i’ve seen and that would open up a whole new dimension for aldridge and oden.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks for enduring me Ben (and everyone else)
It’s time I go back to my brethren!
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
My bad for questioning his work ethic... I stand corrected
I still have a bad vibe for some reason though
well it was a horrible time for him to have a really bad headline. caught a lot of people off guard.
but he is the truth. an absolute gamer. hard working and fearless. has a bayless love for the game. great team player.
tough situation with his father dead.
guaranteed nba all star.
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions
If you’re a Kings fan, is there anything worse for your franchise now than falling to number five and having management take Thabeet. I might swear off basketball forever, Chief Joseph style. I might give up on the idea of human goodness and convert to a life of crime. I might actually enjoy a Herman Hesse novel. Dogs and Cats, living together, MASS HYSTERIA!!!!
"Literary Criticism is not bookkeeping." -SB
Sorry, obscure Ghostbusters reference. My bad. I in no way meant to offend multiple dog-and-cat homes .
"Literary Criticism is not bookkeeping." -SB
by nightbluefruit on May 19, 2009 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't understand why everyone isn't in love with Harden
He seems like a poor man’s Brandon Roy, and I’m sorry but you could do A LOT worse than that.
I mean I have watched Rubio on numerous occassions and I just don’t see it. He is probably at least 4 years away from having any sort of impact in the NBA. He would immediately be the worst defender on the Blazers, if you thought Batum was slight Rubio is an anorexic Olsen Twin in comparison, and his court vision, while better than Sergio’s, is not “otherwordly” yet.
I’m not saying he won’t be good, but he hardly seems like a “year 1” impact guy like Rose was. Drafting Rubio is pretty much saying “our target Window is 2012-2013.” Nothing wrong with that, but DEFINITELY not where the Blazers are at.
I like Harden too...
I think he got a bad name from the tournament but teams were focusing on just him and other guys weren’t stepping up.
Just like Roy and the injury concerns
He will slip, and someone (Minnesota maybe?) will get a steal of a deal.
Minny with Harden?
That team would have all kinds of fundamentals.
Any online coverage of the lottery?
We went like this, he went like that. I say to Hollywood: Where'd he go? Hollywood says: where'd who go?
Is it a dumb idea by Jennings to use a picture of his "Young Money" back tattoo on his Twitter profile?
As his agent or a GM, that would rather concern than encourage me.
BEdgers are TERRIBLE prognosticators
Last year, youse guys (o.k., “we”) were very, very wrong about how this year’s lottery drawing would shape up. Only EIGHT percent predicted the Kings to have the most balls, er, ping-pong balls. http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/6/28/560745/counting-the-ping-pong-balls
Let's try again
One more time, I used this board’s Search function to search the phrase “counting the ping.” Here is the URL of the link to the June 28 Fanpost that the search turned up: http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/6/28/560745/counting-the-ping-pong-bal
Let’s see if that works.
by monkeysuncle on May 19, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
DAMN IT!!
I have been trying to see how many tries it will take to get us the #1 or 2 pick to get Rubio on the ESPN Lottery simulator and I just CANNOT get it!! I have been at it since 8am this morning!!
……..I think it is rigged against us this year……
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
by SpyderRyder on May 19, 2009 4:47 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Another team will be picking for us. They just don't know it yet.
by Norsktroll on May 19, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
with it being as weak as it is supposed to be
we should just buy all the picks 15-30 and trade them for Rubio…it could work.
The odds may be against us as the #5-6 pick gets the #1 a lot of the time and we do not want OK to get Griffin as that would be kinda worrisome.
I will put $ on the fact that if OK does not get #1 they will push hard and offer Green and their pick, hopefully 8th, to move up for Griffin, might not go through but I will bet it will be on the table for the #1.
"Damn the Blazers. Damn them to hell. They are working the rest of the league like a speed bag." - Bill Simmons 6/26/08
My lottery talk
Unless there is a miracle and we can trade up…
I want the Kings to get a high pick and draft Rubio. Karma owes them a big one.
So I’ll be at sactown royalty for the lottery :)
See you later
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Clippers with the #1
I think that’s everyone’s (NBA, Clippers, and Griffin) worst nightmare.
Seriously, They would have Camby, Zach, Kaman and then add in Griffin. That’s 3 imovable contracts (Kamen maybe could get moved) and shopping the #1 pick is a great way to antagonize your already pathetically small fan base.
8% chance Memphis gets #2
That, I think is the only scenario where we end up with a point guard out of this thing. 1 in 12. We’ve beat those odds before. Bring #2 to the Griz.
I was thinking a package of Travis Outlaw (SF/PF), Steve Blake (Solid Backup to Conley or Rubio)
on top of us taking one of their bad contracts. Throw tertiary players whichever way you will as well.
(Jaric) 15 Million dollars of bad contract over 2 years
seems to be plenty to help entice a team on top of giving up the players that fit needs for them.
I dunno
after the whole Miles fiasco, I think they have to throw in Rudy Gay as well.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions
here’s a question…
where do you draft beasley if you could do last year’s draft over?
is he even top 5?
oh my bad
he’s definitely outside the top 5. I’d rather have Rose, Lopez, Love, Mayo, Westbrook, Gordon, Randolph, maybe even Batum.
I dunno
Griffin’s taller, bigger and more athletic. I think Griffin is a significantly better prospect, though I did like Beasley a lot at the time.
I forgot Gordon and Westbrook
would take both those ahead of Beasely as well.
So that bumps him down to 8th.
Of course, that's just based on last year.
He could still improve greatly next season.
Yes! Yes! In the face!
Better question:
In 5 years, who will be the best player out of last years draft?
I love Rose, but I think Anthony Randolph in 5 years may be the best player in that draft. Crazy skills.
rose, mayo, lopez, westbrook all go before randolph
by Ben Golliver on May 19, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree I would move mayo into the #2 spot
"I like whatever metric makes a Blazer look better." jonestr
Reporter: Four assists tonight too, Travis. You're starting to shed that idea that you're just a shooter. You're starting to pass the ball more too...
Travis: (Deadpans) Aw, I just got tired..
ruffin from ruffin leaves ruffin
you gotta have somethin…
Here is a good link for those currently without ESPN
The dash needs to be in. Then click on popout, you can even rescale.
thanks
:)
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah thanks
"Should I ask? What's a punani?" - by annthefan on May 3, 2009 1:55 PM
by Sexual Tyrannosaurus on May 19, 2009 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Mortimer!
Put your clothes back on. I see the cops coming!
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
feels good to not see portland with odds near its name
though I miss the excitement felt on this site during these events.
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:08 PM PDT reply actions
you are the wilt chamberlain to my new york.
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
The following teams will be sending (ex) players this year (OKC sent Durant last year. Well, got them Westbrook)
Kings: Chris Webber (sent some season ticket holder last year. That defied the luck goddess, she had already used all her luck)
Wolves: Kevin Love
Knicks: Allan Houston (pretty ironic. Didn’t they have to create new cap rules to get rid of his ginormous contract in the end?)
Bobcats: D.J. Augustin
Pacers: The Real Bird
Larry Bird
Looks more puffed up and old every time i see him while Magic seems to have stopped aging completely.
Please do not feed the B-Rex
by BRoyTheNatural on May 19, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Ironically, the Allan Houston rule was never used on the man himself
NY sluffed off some other player (Jerom Williams, thanks wikipedia).
The NBA is really screwing up by not broadcasting the real lottery ball drawing
Would be even more exciting than a logo pulled out of an envelope. People could sit there with the lucky numbers on a card bingo style. Newspapers could print posters. And conspiracy theorists (myself included) would have less to worry about.
Does anybody really see it, besides Mr. Stern?
I like the whole team.
by RenoBlazerFan on May 19, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
the GM's
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions
I know. I kid.
Could be another tool for Stern to control who gets to the playoffs…
I like the whole team.
by RenoBlazerFan on May 19, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Each team has one rep
Who is not allowed to say anything (the Blazers rep said he felt horrible because he wanted to tell Roy they had #1 but could not)…
Proud member of Duck nation!
best kept sec there!!!
be like OMG are lifes are gonna change!!!
"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"
OKC with the 1st overall pick..
picks.. Blake Griffin from Oklahoma!!! ahhh shit!
"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"
terrifying
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
mysterious
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
contagious
"Brian (Outlaw is Rejector) is now on the fan saying he put this on to see what would happen " - 123_G.O._RipCity
by Outlaw is Rejector on May 19, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't matter
KP will pwn the draft anyway.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
he will rig it for the
knicks to get the number 1!!!
"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"
Too much OKC love
Here is my problem with OKC. Before Durant touched down there, they had won 31 games. In the following two seasons they produced 20 and 23 games. They do have some great talent, but they are definitely not nearly deep enough to increase their win record by the 20+ games it will take to get to the playoffs.
I am not as optimistic about OKC either
They got nice pieces but not CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE pieces. Durant isn’t as good as Roy (and his lack of playmaking ability will hurt him as a team leader), and the others aren’t as good as LMA and what Oden will become.
I worry about being ill equipped for the zombie apocalypse over the OKC Thunder hurting our chances for a title.
Show some respect for Seattle, man
There was no pro team in OKC prior to Durant. Not counting the Hornets during the Katrina season.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
About 20 minutes
Live Radio: http://sports.espn.go.com/stations/player?station=espn
Proud member of Duck nation!
The Kings break open thread records (for their site at least)
If they land #3 or #4 they will be heartbroken. Again.
Hard to suck so bad and fall so far
But we did in 05-06 and would up with Brandon Roy.
I have not yet begun to defile myself.
by EngineerScotty on May 19, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Remember the clip of Sac's radio guys broadcasting the draft lottery 2 years ago?
When they realized three teams leapfrogged them into the top 3, including Portland? They were cursing everything in sight.
The funnier thing is the draft thread from last year when StR realized they would get neither Augustin nor Bayless
And then the GM went on to draft a guy who turned out quite good but nobody had ever heard of
I read that one when you linked to it recently
I couldn’t decide to laugh, or to feel for them. We’ve been there.
I'm not buying Griffin btw
He’s a man beast but he’s not that well coordinated..
Proud member of Duck nation!
I have my Irish lucky stone around my neck. This can't go wrong.
Or is there a Brian Scalabrine in the draft? Budinger?
This is a thin but deepish draft
No real solid #1 but lots of bench players…
Proud member of Duck nation!
Simmons
Reason #235 why I can’t be an NBA/ESPN analyst: I’d spend the whole pre-Lottery show telling Bilas, “Jay, just admit it, THIS DRAFT SUCKS!”
Most overrated prospect
Step Curry without a doubt. I love the kid but I don’t think he’s big enough to be successful. This ain’t Mark Price’s NBA…
Proud member of Duck nation!
also
he didn’t really have a ton of competition in college so his numbers are way inflated. If he had been in a more competitive school he would not look nearly as good. I see him not going farther than a good role player off a bench.
Please do not feed the B-Rex
by BRoyTheNatural on May 19, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions