ITS DRAFTY IN HERE

Dear Mr. Griffin: Please be good! We as the ever-dwindling number of NBA fans are tired of seeing #1 picks wasted. We are tired of highly praised, lottery big men consistently underperforming, especially in a league that is so short on imposing post players that an aging, borderline obese Shaquille Oneal is still as dominating as anyone under the basket. Mr. Griffin, for the sake of fans everywhere, for all those who are done with the most exciting thing about an NBA telecast being what Marv Albert's hair looks like, we implore you please, please be good!

As it stands I feel that Indiana may have gotten the steal of this years draft. Who says that a strong, athletic, hard worker can't be a star. Tyler Hansbrough is more talented than people think, and he can only get better. With his work ethic he could surprise alot of people in the league, including the GM's who past on him. He is already a better rebounder and as good a blocker at his size than Thabeet and guess what, he can score! He has that elusive mid-range game that can flourish in an NBA environment. The spurs also somehow got 3 first round talents all in the second round. All 3 of their picks can be immediate contributors off the bench.

As far as the Home Team, the Bobcats definitely made the most of the 12th pick by snatching Blue Devil Gerald Henderson. Henderson with his B-ball DNA is the most athletic choice of this years draft. He can be an instant game changer and should soon find his way into Larry Browns starting line up. The two G's, Henderson and Wallace have a decent chance of getting the Cats to here first playoff appearance.

By: The Scene's Philip Dorsett

Mock Draft: Mark 5

Ok so this is the last mock before the draft, once again this is what teams should do not what they will do.

1 Clippers
Blake Griffin
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 240 lbsPosition: PF/CTeam: OklahomaClass: Sophomore
No brainer

2 Grizzlies
Hasheem Thabeet
Ht/Wt: 7-2 / 260 lbsPosition: CTeam: ConnecticutClass: Junior
If Marc can move to PF they’ll be the new twin towers

3 Thunder
Ricky Rubio
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 lbsPosition: PGTeam: DKV JoventutClass: International
He’ll make the team better and I think Westbrook can play with him at sg

4 Kings
Stephen Curry
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 185 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: DavidsonClass: Junior
I saw if play live and trust me he’s the best pg left on the board

5 Timberwolves
James Harden
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 218 lbsPosition: SGTeam: Arizona StateClass: Sophomore
They need a sg so take the best

6 Timberwolves
Brandon Jennings
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 170 lbsPosition: PGTeam: ItalyClass: International
I don’t see Evans playing the point any better then Foye did so take a fast pg who can score

7 Warriors
Tyreke Evans
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 205 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: MemphisClass: Freshman
I still don’t like Evans as a pg, but he does look good with the ball in his hands

8 Knicks
Jordan Hill
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbsPosition: PFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior
It doesn’t look like the Knicks are gonna resign Lee so waste no time in replacing him

9 Raptors
Demar DeRozan
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: USCClass: Freshman
I like DeRozan a lot plus this is the Raptors weakest spot

10 Bucks
Jrue Holiday
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 200 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: UCLAClass: Freshman
Need either a pg or pf and I think Holiday has the most upside of any left

11 Nets
Earl Clark
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 220 lbsPosition: SF/PFTeam: Louisville
I’m pretty sure sf and pf are the Nets needs and Clark can help with both

12 Bobcats
BJ Mullens
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 260 lbsPosition: CTeam: Ohio StateClass: Freshman
I really think the Bobcats should trade down to the Bulls for 16 and 26. I really like the idea of signing AI for two or three years so no need to reach for a sg. Mullens reminds me of Pau Gasol which is a still at 12 even if he takes some time to develop

13 Pacers
Jonny Flynn
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbsPosition: PGTeam: SyracuseClass: Sophomore
Ford is always hurt the Pacers need to think about replacing him and who better to do it then his clone

14 Suns
James Johnson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 235 lbsPosition: PFTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore
I think it’s time for rebuilding and Johnson gives them a good start

15 Pistons
Austin Daye
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 190 lbsPosition: SF/PFTeam: GonzagaClass: Sophomore
This is also a rebuilding pick, but I don’t think the Pistons want to rebuild. Teams must forget only one team can win it every year and it’s not gonna be the Pistons year for a while

16 Bulls
DeJuan Blair
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 250 lbsPosition: PFTeam: PittsburghClass: Sophomore
Gives them needed tuffness

17 76ers
Tywon Lawson
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbsPosition: PGTeam: North CarolinaClass: Junior
Knows how to push it and how to win. Unstopable going down hill.

18 Timberwolves
Jeff Teague
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180 lbsPosition: PGTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore
Already have their pg for the future, but Teague is just to good to pass on with Mullens gone.

19 Hawks
Eric Maynor
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 165 lbsPosition: PGTeam: VCUClass: Senior
No more AC Law so maybe this time they’ll draft a good pg

20 Jazz
Tyler Hansbrough
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 250 lbsPosition: PFTeam: North CarolinaClass: Senior
Best player left and Jazz could lose at least one of their pfs in the offseason

21 Hornets
Terrence Williams
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 207 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: LouisvilleClass: Senior
Your new starting sg can even run point when Paul sits down

22 Trailblazers
Omri Casspi
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 220 lbsPosition: SF/PFTeam: Macabbi Tel AvivClass: International
The Blazers traded up for somebody and not only do I think this is who it is, but this gives them
room to trade Outlaw and Webster

23 Kings
Gerald Henderson
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 215 lbsPosition: SGTeam: DukeClass: Junior
Now the Kings will have a real honest to goodness backup sg

24 Mavericks
Chase Budinger
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 190 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior
Am I the only one left who actually likes Budinger, steal of the draft so far

25 Thunder
Taj Gibson
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbsPosition: PFTeam: USCClass: Junior
The Thunder need more help up front and I seem to like Gibson more then most people

26 Bulls
Marcus Thornton
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 205 lbsPosition: SGTeam: LSUClass: Senior
Maybe lose their best scorer in Gordon, but replace in with a proven scorer

27 Grizzlies
Patrick Mills
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbsPosition: PGTeam: Saint Mary'sClass: Sophomore
I just realized the Grizzlies have no backup pg

28 Timberwolves
Sam Young
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 215 lbsPosition: SFTeam: PittsburghClass: Senior
No centers worth taking here so go with the best player

29 Lakers
Nick Calathes
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 185 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: FloridaClass: Sophomore
Lakers don’t need another player right now so they can keep him in Greece for a year or two

30 Cavaliers
Wayne Ellington
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 194 lbsPosition: SGTeam: North CarolinaClass: Junior
I still like JJ at pf so again take the best player

Now since I like the Bobcats here is what they should do in the second round

40 Bobcats
Danny Green
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: UNC Class: Senior

54 Bobcats
Jodie Meeks
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 208 lbsPosition: SGTeam: KentuckyClass: Junior

2009 NBA Mock Draft: Mark 4

Ok with the deadline do declare for the draft gone and past we now know who the talent pool will be. Many people have said that this is one of the worst drafts they have ever seen, but I actually thought there were gonna be a lot of starters or good rotation players out of this years draft class. Unfortunately there were about 10 good player who we thought were coming out, but didn’t this year. So I’m now of the option that this is a great year to trade your draft pick. With that said I think there is still some talent to be had this year. As always this is what I think teams should do based on need not necessarily what they should do.

Updated April 27, 2009


#1 Kings
Blake Griffin
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 240 lbs Position: PF Team: Oklahoma Class: Sophomore

#2 Wizards
Ricky Rubio
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 lbs Position: PG Team: DKV Joventut Class: International

#3 Clippers
Hasheem Thabeet
Ht/Wt: 7-2 / 260 lbs Position: C Team: Connecticut Class: Junior

#4 Thunder
James Harden
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 218 lbs Position: SG Team: Arizona State Class: Sophomore

#5 Timberwolves
Demar DeRozan
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: USC Class: Freshman

#6 Grizzles
Jordan Hill
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbs Position: PF Team: Arizona Class: Junior

#7 Warriors
Brandon Jennings
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 170 lbs Position: PG Team: Italy Class: International

#8 Knicks
Stephen Curry
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 185 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: Davidson Class: Junior

#9 Raptors
Tyreke Evans
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 205 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: Memphis Class: Freshman

#10 Bucks
Jrue Holiday
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 200 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: UCLA Class: Freshman

#11 Nets
James Johnson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 235 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Wake Forest Class: Sophomore

#12 Bobcats
Gerald Henderson
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 215 lbs Position: SG Team: Duke Class: Junior

#13 Pacers
Eric Maynor
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 165 lbs Position: PG Team: VCU Class: Senior

#14 Suns
Jonny Flynn
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbs Position: PG Team: Syracuse Class: Sophomore

#15 Pistons
BJ Mullens
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 260 lbs Position: C Team: Ohio State Class: Freshman

#16 Bulls
Earl Clark
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 220 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Louisville Class: Junior

#17 76ers
Tywon Lawson
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbs Position: PG Team: North Carolina Class: Junior

#18 Timberwolves
Austin Daye
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 190 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Gonzaga Class: Sophomore

#19 Hawks
DeJuan Blair
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 250 lbs Position: PF Team: Pittsburgh Class: Sophomore

#20 Jazz
Jarvis Varnado
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbs Position: PF Team: Mississippi State Class: Junior

#21 Hornets
Terrence Williams
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 207 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: Louisville Class: Senior

#22 Mavs
Wayne Ellington
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 194 lbs Position: SG Team: North Carolina Class: Junior

#23 Kings
Jeff Teague
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180 lbs Position: PG Team: Wake Forest Class: Sophomore

#24 Blazers
Patrick Patterson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 232 lbs Position: PF Team: Kentucky Class: Sophomore

#25 Thunder
Gani Lawal
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 233 lbs Position: PF Team: Georgia Tech Class: Sophomore

#26 Bulls
Chase Budinger
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 190 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: Arizona Class: Junior

#27 Grizzlies
Damion James
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 227 lbs Position: SF Team: Texas Class: Junior

#28 Timberwolves
Darren Collison
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 165 lbs Position: PG Team: UCLA Class: Junior

#29 Lakers
Tyler Hansbrough
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 225 lbs Position: PF Team: North Carolina Class: Senior

#30 Cavs
Sam Young
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 220 lbs Position: SF Team: Pittsburgh Class: Senior

2009 NBA Mock Draft: Mark 3

Okay now that we finally know the draft order (other then the lottery of course) it seems like a good time to do my next mock. The Big names to pull out since last time are Cole Aldrich, Al-Farouq Aminu, Jerome Jordan, Willie Warren, and Greg Monroe; with Jonny Flynn now in for sure. I’ll probably be the first to put John Wall in a mock, but I think he’ll at least try to come out this year even if the NBA tries to stop him. As always team needs are what we look at and this is what teams should do not necessarily what they will do.

Updated April 16, 2009

#1 Kings
Blake Griffin
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 240 lbs Position: PF Team: Oklahoma Class: Sophomore

#2 wizards
Ricky Rubio
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 lbs Position: PG Team: DKV Joventut Class: International

#3 Clippers
Hasheem Thabeet
Ht/Wt: 7-2 / 260 lbs Position: C Team: Connecticut Class: Junior

#4 Thunder
James Harden
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 218 lbs Position: SG Team: Arizona State Class: Sophomore

#5 Grizzles
Jordan Hill
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbs Position: PF Team: Arizona Class: Junior

#6 Timberwolves
Demar DeRozan
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: USC Class: Freshman

#7 Warriors
Brandon Jennings
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 170 lbs Position: PG Team: Italy Class: International

#8 Knicks
Stephen Curry
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 185 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: Davidson Class: Junior

#9 Raptors
Tyreke Evans
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 205 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: Memphis Class: Freshman

#10 Bucks
Donatas Motiejunas
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 220 lbs Position: PF/C Team: Lithuania Class: International

#11 Nets
James Johnson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 235 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Wake Forest Class: Sophomore

#12 Bobcats
Gerald Henderson
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 215 lbs Position: SG Team: Duke Class: Junior

#13 Pacers
Eric Maynor
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 165 lbs Position: PG Team: VCU Class: Senior

#14 Suns
Jonny Flynn
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbs Position: PG Team: Syracuse Class: Sophomore

#15 Pistons
Craig Brackins
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 230 lbs Position: PF Team: Iowa State Class: Sophomore

#16 Bulls
BJ Mullens
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 260 lbs Position: C Team: Ohio State Class: Freshman

#17 76ers
Tywon Lawson
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbs Position: PG Team: North Carolina Class: Junior

#18 Timberwolves
Earl Clark
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 220 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Louisville Class: Junior

#19 Hawks
DeJuan Blair
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 250 lbs Position: PF Team: Pittsburgh Class: Sophomore

#20 Jazz
Austin Daye
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 190 lbs Position: SF/PF Team: Gonzaga Class: Sophomore

#21 Hornets
Jrue Holiday
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 200 lbs Position: PG/SG Team: UCLA Class: Freshman

#22 Mavs
Terrence Williams
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 207 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: Louisville Class: Senior

#23 Kings
Jeff Teague
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180 lbs Position: PG Team: Wake Forest Class: Sophomore

#24 Blazers
Patrick Patterson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 232 lbs Position: PF Team: Kentucky Class: Sophomore

#25 Thunder
Gani Lawal
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 233 lbs Position: PF Team: Georgia Tech Class: Sophomore

#26 Bulls
Chase Budinger
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 190 lbs Position: SG/SF Team: Arizona Class: Junior

#27 Grizzlies
Wayne Ellington
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 194 lbs Position: SG Team: North Carolina Class: Junior

#28 Timberwolves
Darren Collison
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 165 lbs Position: PG Team: UCLA Class: Junior

#29 Lakers
Tyler Hansbrough
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 225 lbs Position: PF Team: North Carolina Class: Senior

#30 Cavs
Sam Young
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 220 lbs Position: SF Team: Pittsburgh Class: Senior

2009 NBA Mock Draft: Mark 2

Updated April 7 2009

This is the hardest time of year to figure out who’s really staying and who’s going. Right after your team is disappointed in the tourney your first response can be “yeah I’m coming back and making up for this year,” but then they realize how much money they can make and that’s the end of that. So far the two major players who have said they are coming back are Jonny Flynn, Ed Davis, and Evan Turner. We’ll see how long that lasts, but until we know different they won’t be in the mock draft.

#1 Kings
Blake Griffin
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 240 lbsPosition: PF/CTeam: OklahomaClass: Sophomore

#2 Wizards
Ricky Rubio
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 lbsPosition: PGTeam: DKV JoventutClass: International

#3 Clippers
Greg Monroe
Ht/Wt: 6-11 / 250 lbsPosition: PF/CTeam: GeorgetownClass: Freshman

#4 Grizzlies
James Harden
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 218 lbsPosition: SGTeam: Arizona StateClass: Sophomore

#5 Thunder
Hasheem Thabeet
Ht/Wt: 7-2 / 260 lbsPosition: CTeam: ConnecticutClass: Junior

#6 Timberwolves
Brandon Jennings
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 170 lbsPosition: PGTeam: ArizonaClass: Freshman

#7 Warriors
Willie Warren
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 210 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: OklahomaClass: Freshman

#8 Raptors
Demar DeRozan
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 lbsPosition: SGTeam: USCClass: Freshman

#9 Knicks
Stephen Curry
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 185 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: DavidsonClass: Junior

#10 Nets
AlFarouq Aminu
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 210 lbsPosition: SFTeam: Wake ForestClass: Freshman

#11 Pacers
Jordan Hill
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 lbsPosition: PFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior

#12 Bucks
Cole Aldrich
Ht/Wt: 6-11 / 245 lbsPosition: CTeam: KansasClass: Sophomore

#13 Bobcats
Tyreke Evans
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 205 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: MemphisClass: Freshman

#14 Suns
Earl Clark
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 200 lbsPosition: SF/PFTeam: LouisvilleClass: Junior

#15 Bulls
BJ Mullens
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 260 lbsPosition: CTeam: Ohio StateClass: Freshman

#16 Pistons
James Johnson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 235 lbsPosition: PFTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore

#17 76ers
Jrue Holiday
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 200 lbsPosition: PG/SGTeam: UCLAClass: Freshman

#18 Timberwolves
Jeff Teague
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180 lbsPosition: PGTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore

#19 Hawks
Tywon Lawson
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 lbsPosition: PGTeam: North CarolinaClass: Junior

#20 Mavs
Eric Maynor
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 165 lbsPosition: PGTeam: VCUClass: Senior

#21 Hornets
Gerald Henderson
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 215 lbsPosition: SGTeam: DukeClass: Junior

#22 Jazz
Craig Brackins
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 230 lbsPosition: PF/CTeam: Iowa StateClass: Sophomore

#23 Blazers
DeJuan Blair
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 250 lbsPosition: PFTeam: PittsburghClass: Sophomore

#24 Kings
Terrence Williams
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 207 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: LouisvilleClass: Senior

#25 Thunder
Wayne Ellington
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 194 lbsPosition: SGTeam: North CarolinaClass: Junior

#26 Bulls
Tyler Hansbrough
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 230 lbsPosition: PFTeam: North CarolinaClass: Senior

#27 Timberwolves
Jerome Jordan
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 235 lbsPosition: CTeam: TulsaClass: Sophomore

#28 Grizzlies
Chase Budinger
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 190 lbsPosition: SG/SFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior

#29 Lakers
Sam Young
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 215 lbsPosition: SFTeam: PittsburghClass: Senior

#30 Cavs
Darren Collison
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 165 lbsPosition: PGTeam: UCLAClass: Junior

2009 NBA Mock Draft

This is my first mock draft and I am going to take team needs into account. I’m not plugged into any team or anything, but I’ll try to take the best players who fit a need.
We’ll assume that everyone who’s good will come out this year. We’ll include the 2nd round after the season is over.
Updated on March 5, 2009

1 Kings
Blake Griffin
Ht/Wt: 6-10 / 240 Position: PFTeam: OklahomaClass: Sophomore

2 Wizards
Ricky Rubio
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 Position: PGTeam: DKV JoventutClass: International

3 Thunder
Greg Monroe
Ht/Wt: 6-11 / 250 Position: PF/CTeam: GeorgetownClass: Freshman

4 Clippers
James Harden
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 218 Position: SGTeam: Arizona StateClass: Sophomore

5 Grizzlies
Jordan Hill
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 Position: PFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior

6 Timberwolves
Hasheem Thabeet
Ht/Wt: 7-2 / 260 Position: CTeam: ConnecticutClass: Junior

7 Warriors
Jeff Teague
Ht/Wt: 6-2 / 180 Position: PGTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore

8 Raptors
AlFarouq Aminu
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 210 Position: SFTeam: Wake ForestClass: Freshman

9 Knicks
Stephen Curry
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 185 Position: PG/SGTeam: DavidsonClass: Junior

10 Pacers
Willie Warren
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 210 Position: PG/SGTeam: OklahomaClass: Freshman

11 Bobcats
Demar DeRozan
Ht/Wt: 6-6 / 210 Position: SGTeam: USCClass: Freshman

12 Nets
Tyreke Evans
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 205 Position: PG/SGTeam: MemphisClass: Freshman

13 Bulls
BJ Mullens
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 260 Position: CTeam: Ohio StateClass: Freshman

14 Suns
Brandon Jennings
Ht/Wt: 6-1 / 170 Position: PGTeam: ArizonaClass: Freshman

15 76ers
Jrue Holiday
Ht/Wt: 6-4 / 200 Position: PG/SGTeam: UCLAClass: Freshman

16 Bucks
Eric Maynor
Ht/Wt: 6-3 / 180 Position: PG Team: VCU Class: Senior

17 Pistons
Cole Aldrich
Ht/Wt: 6-11 / 245 Position: CTeam: KansasClass: Sophomore

18 Timberwolves
Earl Clark
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 200 Position: SF/PFTeam: LouisvilleClass: Junior

19 Hawks
DeJuan Blair
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 250 Position: PFTeam: PittsburghClass: Sophomore

20 Mavs
Gerald Henderson
Ht/Wt: 6-5 / 215 Position: SGTeam: DukeClass: Junior

21 Jazz
Kyle Singler
Ht/Wt: 6-9 / 210 Position: SFTeam: DukeClass: Sophomore

22 Hornets
James Johnson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 235 Position: PFTeam: Wake ForestClass: Sophomore

23 Kings
Tywon Lawson
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 Position: PGTeam: North CarolinaClass: Junior

24 Blazers
Patrick Patterson
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 232 lbsPosition: PFTeam: KentuckyClass: Sophomore

25 Bulls
Jerome Jordan
Ht/Wt: 7-0 / 235 Position: CTeam: TulsaClass: Sophomore

26 Thunder
Jonny Flynn
Ht/Wt: 6-0 / 175 Position: PGTeam: SyracuseClass: Sophomore

27 Magic
Evan Turner
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 205 Position: SG/SFTeam: Ohio StateClass: Sophomore

28 Timberwolves
Chase Budinger
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 190 Position: SG/SFTeam: ArizonaClass: Junior

29 Cavaliers
Damion James
Ht/Wt: 6-7 / 222 Position: SG/SF Team: Texas Class: Junior

30 Lakers
DaJuan Summers
Ht/Wt: 6-8 / 225 Position: SFTeam: GeorgetownClass: Junior

Playoff Update

The Bulls lost SF Luol Deng to a stress fracture for the rest of the year. I thought that after the trade deadline that the Bulls had made themselves the best of the teams looking for the 8th spot in the east. So what we need to look at now is can the Bulls overcome the lost of someone as important to the team as Deng. They haven't played a game yet since losing Deng so I can't say what their lineup will be, but this is what I think it should be:
PG Rose/Kirk

SG BG/Kirk

SF Salmons

PF Tyrus/Miller

C Miller/Noah/Gray

I still think that they have enough to win a lot of games, but the loss of Deng will equal to losing two more games I think and that is all the other teams need to push themselves ahead of the Bulls. Well look on the bright side they could win the lottery again this year.

Playoff Push: Part 2

Now that the trade deadline is over and there are not as many injuries this time a year (look it up) the teams making that finial playoff push are set. So I’ll give you a game by game look at each teams schedule to see what each team’s finial record should be. I’ll start with the East.

Milwaukee (28-32, 8th) Milwaukee has an average schedule and should finish 8-14. That will put that at 36-46 not enough to make it this year.

Chicago (26-32, 9th) No team added more talent at the trade dead line then did Chicago, but they didn’t upgrade their coach and should finish 13-11. That will put that at 39-43 which would have got them in no problem last season.

New Jersey (26-32, 10th) The Nets have been hot and cold lately, but they seem closer to the hot side right now. They should finish 8-16 which will put them at 34-48 disappointing after a really good start to the season.

New York (24-33, 11th) The Knicks tried to make some trades to make their team better and even though I do like Chris Wilcox, Larry Hughes is just not getting it done. They should finish with a record of 10-15 and they will end up at 34-48. At least they didn’t do worse then Jersey, but still not enough.

Indiana (25-35, 12th) The Pacers just can’t get away from the injuries this season I have to say though Marquis Daniels is playing much better then I ever thought he would in this league, but the injuries it will hurt them to the tune of 9-13 and they’ll end up 34-48, seems like a popular record.

Charlotte (23-35, 13th) They can’t score they’ve never been able to score and if they don’t fix that they’ll never be any good. They have been playing good defense all year and Larry Brown teams usually play their best this time a year so they should finish at 16-8 and overall 39-43. The Bobcats will own the tiebreaker with the Bulls which would give them the right to lose to Cleveland or Boston this year.

Toronto (23-36, 14th) They’re just not as good as they should be and I still just can’t figure out why, but they’re going nowhere fast. They should finish the season at 9-14 and they’ll finish up at 32-50. Not the worse record in the world, but really bad compared to making the playoffs easy last year.

Well there you have it the Bobcats will make the playoffs this year for the first time just beating out the Bulls for the 8th and finial spot.

Tune in next time when I’ll tell you the seeding for both the East and the West.

Playoff Push

This is one year when both conferences are having a great battle for those finial playoff spots. As for the western conference if the Suns end up making the cost cutting moves that it looks like they want to make then we can safely put them in at 9th place and teams 3-8 will just be jockeying for position. As for the eastern conference now that Elton Brand is down for the season the 76ers should just get better, D Wade is gonna keep his team above water, and as bad as Detroit has looked at times there is no way they’re gonna miss the playoffs. So in the whole NBA that just leaves one playoff spot truly up for grabs, the 8th spot in the east.

Lets face it now that the Magic have lost Nelson there is only 4 teams with a real chance of winning it all this year, the Celtics, Cavs, Lakers, and maybe the Spurs. Even though the other 12 teams that make the playoffs are pretty much just playing for fun it’s still the goal of every team to at least get into the playoffs. There are still 7 teams with a real chance of locking down the 8th seed in the east, that’s right 7. With the only team with no shot being Washington (I think they’ll make it next year so they should just enjoy the high lottery pick and give the kids some playing time). So between Milwaukee, New Jersey, Chicago, New York, Charlotte, Indiana, and Toronto who has the best chance of making it? Let’s examine each team’s chances.

Milwaukee (8th)
I can’t say enough about the play of Ramon Sessions, he is almost single handedly keeping the Bucks in the playoffs, there is no way he goes back to the bench even when Luke Ridnour comes back. You can really tell that this is a Scott Skiles coached team, they play hard every game and that gives them a chance to win every game. I just think the lost of Redd and Bogut will be too much for the Bucks to handle in the long run. If any other team had lost their two best players we wouldn’t even give them a chance, that is a testament to just how hard they are playing right now. Chances 40%

New Jersey (1 game behind)
Vince Carter, Devin Harris, and Brook Lopez are all playing better then expected (I’m still having a hard time understanding why the Bobcats didn’t draft Lopez) and as a result the Nets are winning more games then expected. Here’s the catch those are the only good players New Jersey has. They live by them and they die by them, if they don’t all show up then neither do the Nets. Even worse we’re still hearing talks about New Jersey getting out from under VCs contract. This would effectively take the Nets out of the playoff race this season. Also, New Jersey has one of the tougher schedules for the rest of the year. Chances 20%

Chicago (2 games behind)
How unfair was it for the Bulls to get Rose in this year’s draft. Even with the addiction of the best player in the draft the Bulls haven’t seemed to have found themselves this year. Now if you’ve seen a Bulls game lately you’ve seen that they’ve been playing the best basketball of the season and they’re sure are doing it at the right time. It seems as though the players have finally learned how to play together. Here’s the biggest problem for the Bulls their coach sucks. In fact they have the worse coach in the league right now. As good as the Bulls can look can you really trust a team with the worse coach in the league (if you’re still debating it the answer is no you can’t). Chances 50%

New York (3 ½ games behind)
Just think if the Knicks hadn’t traded Zach Randolph for cap relief they would be in the driver’s seat for the 8th seed right now. With Coach Mike D’Antoni running things the Knicks are looking a whole lot better then they have any right to. Let me just say this team is no more talented then last year’s team and it’s not as deep. (What if the Bulls had hired D’Antoni, their GM is as bad as their coach) Who would have ever thought David Lee would be so good, he’s real good. Here’s the problem with then Knicks they’re playing above themselves right now and they’re still 3 ½ games behind and I just can’t see them making up any more ground then that. Chances 10%

Charlotte (3 ½ games behind)
Another team where the coach makes all the difference, could you really see Charlotte making the playoffs under Coach Vincent. No me neither. Coach Brown is working his magic and the Bobcats are getting better and better every game. I can’t overstate how much better I think we would be if we had drafted Brook Lopez, but I’ll just have to try to move on. The trades that Brown has asked for have all worked out great, except for DeSagana Diop who is a younger version of Nazr Mohammed (I know their games are different, but they both are about the same talent wish) stupid big contract and all. It’s clear that this team just isn’t deep enough to play without all their starters healthy. The All Star break couldn’t have come at a better time for the Bobcats this year, they should be completely healthy coming out of the break and poised for a great run. I think this team is playing as good as the Bulls right now plus their coach is a Hall of Famer so I’ll give them a slight edge. Chances 55%

Indiana (4 ½ games behind)
We’ve reached the “if they were gonna do it then why haven’t they done it yet” group. The Pacers are hitting a reasonably easy part of the schedule, but they have been under performing all season long and I don’t see that changing now. Mike Dunleavy can’t stay healthy and you can’t expect T.J. Ford to play the rest of the games this season. Danny Granger good, but he’s not yet carry a team good. Chances 20%

Toronto (5 games behind)
The Raptors are every bit as talented as they were last year if not more. Things aren’t just working out for them. I’ll say that this is not their year. If you have Chris Bosh as your best player you shouldn’t miss the playoff and especially in the east. You can just see Bosh getting unhappier and unhappier with each lost. I know how hard it is to trade Bosh knowing there’s no way to “win” that trade, but of all the good 2010 players I think Bosh is the most likely to leave. Chances 5%

Trading

Trade deadline is coming up pretty soon on February 19 I thought I’d give you a good way to come up with some trades that can work. Now the thing that most people miss when that propose a trade, because we’re all fans, is that they have to make the trade fair and make sense for both sides. Now you know I’m not plugged into the league, but I like to think that I come up with some good trades all season all. Here’s my secret I use the Trade Machine on espn.com. Here's the link http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/trademachine. It’s not gonna make us real GMs, but it sure is a fun diversion. Try it you’re self and see what you can come up with and for some motivation I’ll share some of my better trades with you.

*First trade
Phoenix Suns

Incoming Players
Mike Conley
Salary: $3,630,480 Years Remaining: 2PTS: 7.8 REB: 2.9 AST: 3.1 PER: 12.25
Outgoing Players: Leandro Barbosa
Memphis Grizzlies

Incoming Players
Leandro Barbosa
Salary: $6,100,000 Years Remaining: 3PTS: 11.9 REB: 2.5 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.38
Outgoing Players: Mike Conley

We all know how good Barbosa is he’s one of the fastest men in world, but he’s always gonna be the 6th man in Phoenix. This would let OJ Mayo move to the point and give Memphis a legit sg, plus they would still have Lowry as their backup point. Conley has really come on lately so he would be the backup to Nash that Phoenix has never had and then they would have a replacement for Nash that would know the system whenever Nash decides to leave. Plus Phoenix would save almost $3mil which I’m sure that would like.

*Second Trade
Toronto Raptors

Incoming Players
Shawn Marion
Salary: $17,810,000 Years Remaining: 1PTS: 12.0 REB: 8.9 AST: 1.8 PER: 16.08
Michael Beasley
Salary: $4,314,960 Years Remaining: 2PTS: 13.4 REB: 5.5 AST: 0.8 PER: 15.60
Outgoing Players: Jason Kapono, Chris Bosh
Miami Heat

Incoming Players
Jason Kapono
Salary: $5,784,480 Years Remaining: 2PTS: 8.0 REB: 1.9 AST: 1.7 PER: 8.99
Chris Bosh
Salary: $14,410,581 Years Remaining: 2PTS: 22.8 REB: 9.7 AST: 2.4 PER: 22.40
Outgoing Players: Shawn Marion, Michael Beasley



I really think this is a no brainer for Miami Bosh and Wade together would be awesome. There’s a very small group of players you wouldn’t trade for Chris Bosh. For Toronto I think you have to think about it like the Kevin Garnett trade you’re probably not going to get fair value for a player of that caliber, but if you can get a young PF like Michael Beasley and a lot of cap (probably a lot of that would go to resigning Marion) that seems like a better offer then they could get this year or next. If Bosh leaves for nothing it would be the worse thing ever for Toronto.

*3rd Trade
Phoenix Suns
Incoming Players
J.J. HicksonSalary: $1,329,480 Years Remaining: 2PTS: 4.6 REB: 2.7 AST: 0.2 PER: 15.04
Wally SzczerbiakSalary: $13,775,000 Years Remaining: 1PTS: 7.3 REB: 3.0 AST: 1.0 PER: 12.54Outgoing Players: Amare Stoudemire

Cleveland Cavaliers
Incoming Players
Amare StoudemireSalary: $15,070,550 Years Remaining: 3PTS: 20.8 REB: 8.2 AST: 2.0 PER: 20.16Outgoing Players: J.J. Hickson, Wally Szczerbiak

Cleveland would also give up two first round picks, but you can't put that into the trade machine. I really think this would give Cleveland a legit #2 option behind King James and would make them this years favs for the title. For Phoenix J.J. Hickson looks like he could be the real deal so he can step up now and replace some of Amare's production, plus I think Hickson will become a much better defender then Stoudemire in the near future. Wally has a great expiring deal which is what Phoenix is looking for and the though the two draft picks will be in the late first round you can still find a good player would drops or who came out too early at that point.

Now these were just three examples of what you can come up with this trade machine. Try it you’re self you wont be disappointed. I'll give my grades for all this seasons trades right after the deadline. Also, my midseason reviews for all teams come out this weekend.

We Love That Bas-Ket-Ball

Now that the BCS(Bull Crap Series) has finished, its time to get serious about our favorite collegiate sport. Imagine, a big time NCAA sport with actual playoffs, imagine still an eventual champion being decided by, not computers, but the performance of actual players. Oh yes, its NCAA hoops season, my favorite time of year. At this point in the season the powerhouses have been established, and we've had some unexpected teams pull to the head of the pack. Most notably Wake Forest. Behind the tremendous play of second year guard Jeff Teague, the Demon Deacs are 14-0 and poised to make a return to becoming a legitatmate final four contender. If wake wins their next two conference games, i don't think there will be another team more deserving of the #1 ranking. The ACC as a whole has got to be the elite conference this year, with Clemson also undefeated thus far, a prolific Duke team with only one lose, and a Tarheel team that despite two losses will be as tough as anyone in the country down the stretch. The Big East also has several teams looking to play well into March, Uconn with strong senior leadership and diaper-dandy Kemba Walker, a talented Syracuse team, and of course the Current #1 ranked Pittsburgh. Yep, there's a chill in the air and March will be here before we know it, I just love the "Madness." Who cares about foosball anyway?

By guest columnist Philip from THE SCENE

Championship Round

Okay so clearly I made my picks last week on opposite day, sorry I forgot to mention that. So since we all now know about the opposite day thing we can say I went 4 for 4. Really though I don’t know why I didn’t pick the Eagles, but I stand by the other picks.
Well this week we get to see who will meet in the Super Bowl. Should be two good games too.


NFC

Arizona vs Philadelphia — I still really want to say that the Eagles are gonna make some stupid mistake that will cost them the game, but it hasn’t happened yet so maybe it wont. So all things being equal Arizona has a great offense and Philadelphia has a great defense. Most people will tell you that defense wins championships and I will be one of those people. Defense wins championships! The Eagles defense is playing almost as good as the Super Bowl Bears the past 3 games, but they don’t have a Rex Grossman to lose the game for them like the Bears did. So as good as the Cardinals have looked in games that matter I just think the Eagles are playing too good right now. Take the Eagles Sunday.

AFC

Pittsburgh vs Baltimore — I'm just not happy with either of these two teams, they both are lacking so much on the offensive end. Of course the Steelers can be a good offensive team and if Willie Parker can run the ball then that will help the passing game a lot. So here is what we know the Ravens are going to bring it with there D. They’ll try to put Big Ben on his back as much as possible. I think the secondary is good enough to support a lot of blitzing because they should be able to hold the Pittsburgh receivers in coverage. I think Pittsburgh’s O-line will bend and then break and if that happens Pittsburgh will not score more then 13 points. I think Baltimore will have a very hard time scoring on the Pittsburgh defense, but if they just run the ball and don’t turn it over then they should win a close low scoring game. So I’ll take the Ravens.

NFL Playoffs: Round 2

Well 3 out of 4 aint bad. I’ll give the Chargers credit for playing a great game. It’s strange to think Indy played good enough defense to win, but the offense let them down. Well anyway that was then, now lets look at who the old gut thinks will win this weekend.

AFC

Titans vs Ravens — Well the Ravens really showed what they could do verses Miami, this team is a turnover machine. I don’t think the Titans played bad enough down the stretch to discount what they did all season along. Just look at Arizona, once they were in the playoffs they stopped showing up, but boy did they show up in a big why once it started counting again. I just can’t see the Titans not winning this first game. Remember it’s a lot harder to force turnovers when the team is running the ball 60% of the time and I think that’s what the Titans will do Saturday. So I’ll for sure take the Titans.

Steelers vs Chargers — After the way the Chargers played their first game you’d have to say they have a good chance of winning this game. The Steelers O line has been bad all year long and sort of thing really stands out come playoff time. I would have taken Pittsburgh if Indy would have won as I had predicted, but I just really like what I see from the Chargers defense. As good as both these QBs can be this game will be won on the defensive side of the ball. Take the Chargers in a big upset.

NFC

Panthers vs Cardinals — I still love the Panthers this year. Their first match with the Cardinals was a close come from behind win. I don’t think this one will be as close. Arizona did a good job with their running game last week, but this wont be the case this week. Can the Cardinals win with just the passing game? Can the Panthers stop Arizona’s passing game? Carolina should be about to run the Cardinals into the ground. Smart money is on Carolina.

Giants vs Eagles — The popular pick here will be the Eagles, the Giants have been playing just bad enough to lose this game. Although if you’ve seen the Eagles play this season it’s time for them to do something stupid. This is always a good game and should be a good game this weekend, but I really think that whatever the stupid thing that the Eagles do will cost them the game this weekend. So as much as I don’t believe in the Giants I have to pick them this week.