The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Kevin Garnett underwent successful right knee arthroscopy and removal of posterior knee bone spurs today at the
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Garnett has successful surgery
NBA sets dates and times for 2009 Finals
New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NBA Finals will begin on June 4 and will end, if a Game 7 is necessary, on June 18.
Dates and times for all seven games of the NBA's championship series were announced Tuesday.
The opener of the best-of-seven series is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. (et) on Thursday, June 4. The teams will then have two days off before Game 2 on Sunday, June 7 at 8 p.m. (et).
Game 3 is set for Tuesday, June 9, with Game 4 two days later. Both are scheduled for 9 p.m. (et) tips.
If necessary, Game 5 would take place on Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m. (et). Games 6 and 7, also if necessary, are scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18, respectively. Both game times are 9 p.m. (et).
2009 NBA unrestricted free agents
2009 NBA Unrestricted Free Agents
From The Sports Network
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Zaza Pachulia | C | ATL | ||
| Mike Bibby | G | ATL | ||
| Ronald Murray | G | ATL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Eddie House (P) | G | BOS | ||
| Stephon Marbury | G | BOS | ||
| Mikki Moore | F | BOS | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Juwan Howard | F | CHA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ben Gordon | G | CHI | ||
| Lindsey Hunter | G | CHI | ||
| Jerome James (P) | C | CHI | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Zydrunas Ilgauskas(ETO) | C | CLE | ||
| Joe Smith | F | CLE | ||
| Wally Szczerbiak | G | CLE | ||
| Anderson Varejao (P) | F | CLE | ||
| Lorenzen Wright | C/F | CLE | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Brandon Bass | F | DAL | ||
| Devean George (P) | F | DAL | ||
| Gerald Green | G | DAL | ||
| Jason Kidd | G | DAL | ||
| James Singleton | F | DAL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Chris Andersen | F | DEN | ||
| Anthony Carter | G | DEN | ||
| Jason Hart | G | DEN | ||
| Steven Hunter (ETO) | C | DEN | ||
| Dahntay Jones | G | DEN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Kwame Brown (P) | C | DET | ||
| Allen Iverson | G | DET | ||
| Antonio McDyess | F | DET | ||
| Rasheed Wallace | F | DET | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Jamal Crawford (ETO) | G | GSW | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ron Artest | G | HOU | ||
| Brian Cook (P) | F | HOU | ||
| Dikembe Mutombo | C | HOU | ||
| Von Wafer | G | HOU | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Maceo Baston | C/F | IND | ||
| Marquis Daniels (T) | F | IND | ||
| Travis Diener (P) | G | IND | ||
| Stephen Graham | G | IND | ||
| Rasho Nesterovic | C | IND | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ricky Davis (P) | F | LAC | ||
| Fred Jones | G | LAC | ||
| Brian Skinner (P) | F | LAC | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Trevor Ariza | G/F | LAL | ||
| Kobe Bryant (ETO) | G | LAL | ||
| Lamar Odom | F | LAL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Chris Mihm | C | MEM | ||
| Quinton Ross | G | MEM | ||
| Mike Wilks | G | MEM | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Mark Blount (ETO) | C | MIA | ||
| Luther Head | G | MIA | ||
| Jamaal Magloire | C | MIA | ||
| Jermaine O'Neal (P) | F/C | MIA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Malik Allen (P) | G/F | MIL | ||
| Keith Bogans | G | MIL | ||
| Francisco Elson (P) | C | MIL | ||
| Damon Jones | G | MIL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Rodney Carney | G/F | MIN | ||
| Jason Collins | C | MIN | ||
| Kevin Ollie | G | MIN | ||
| Shelden Williams | F | MIN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Maurice Ager | G | NJN | ||
| Trenton Hassell (ETO) | F | NJN | ||
| Jarvis Hayes (T) | F | NJN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ryan Bowen | F | NOH | ||
| Devin Brown (P) | G/F | NOH | ||
| Melvin Ely | F | NOH | ||
| Sean Marks | F/C | NOH | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Eddy Curry (ETO) | C | NYK | ||
| Al Harrington (P) | F | NYK | ||
| Quentin Richardson(ETO) | F | NYK | ||
| Chris Wilcox | F | NYK | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Damien Wilkins (ETO) | F | OKC | ||
| Desmond Mason | F | OKC | ||
| Malik Rose | F | OKC | ||
| Robert Swift | C | OKC | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Adonal Foyle | C | ORL | ||
| Anthony Johnson (P) | G | ORL | ||
| Tyronn Lue | G | ORL | ||
| Hedo Turkoglu (ETO) | F | ORL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Royal Ivey (P) | G | PHI | ||
| Donyell Marshall | F | PHI | ||
| Andre Miller | G | PHI | ||
| Theo Ratliff | C | PHI | ||
| Kareem Rush | G/F | PHI | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Matt Barnes | F | PHO | ||
| Grant Hill | F | PHO | ||
| Stromile Swift | C | PHO | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Raef LaFrentz | F | POR | ||
| Shavlik Randolph | F | POR | ||
| Michael Ruffin | F | POR | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Calvin Booth | C | SAC | ||
| Bobby Jackson | G | SAC | ||
| Cedric Simmons | F | SAC | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Michael Finley (P) | F | SAN | ||
| Drew Gooden | F | SAN | ||
| Ime Udoka | F | SAN | ||
| Jacque Vaughn | G | SAN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Shawn Marion | F | TOR | ||
| Anthony Parker | G | TOR | ||
| Jake Voskuhl | C | TOR | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Morris Almond | G/F | UTA | ||
| Carlos Boozer (P) | F | UTA | ||
| Jarron Collins | C | UTA | ||
| Brevin Knight | G | UTA | ||
| Kyle Korver (ETO) | F | UTA | ||
| Mehmet Okur (ETO) | C | UTA | ||
| Ronnie Price | G | UTA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Juan Dixon | G | WAS | ||
| Mike James (P) | G | WAS | ||
| Etan Thomas (ETO) | C | WAS | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| (T) - Team Option | ||||
| (P) - Player Option | ||||
| (ETO) - Right to termina | te cont | ract | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| 05/21 14:15:05 ET |
Notes: * - Player was released by team
As of May 21, 2009, at 02:15 PM ET
2009 NBA restricted free agents
2009 NBA Restricted Free Agents
From The Sports Network
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Thomas Gardner | G | ATL | ||
| Othello Hunter | F | ATL | ||
| Mario West | G | ATL | ||
| Josh Childress | F | Greece | ||
| Solomon Jones | C | ATL | ||
| Marvin Williams | F | ATL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Glen Davis | F | BOS | ||
| Leon Powe | F | BOS | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Raymond Felton | G | CHA | ||
| Cartier Martin | G | CHA | ||
| Sean May | F | CHA | ||
| Sean Singletary (T) | G | CHA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Aaron Gray | C | CHI | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ryan Hollins | C | DAL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Linas Kleiza | F | DEN | ||
| Johan Petro | C | DEN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Walter Herrmann | F | DET | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Rob Kurz | F | GSW | ||
| C.J. Watson | G | GSW | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Jarrett Jack | G | IND | ||
| Josh McRoberts | F | IND | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Alex Acker (T) | G | LAC | ||
| Steve Novak | F | LAC | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Shannon Brown | G | LAL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Juan Carlos Navarro | G | MEM | ||
| Hakim Warrick | F | MEM | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Joel Anthony | C | MIA | ||
| Yakhouba Diawara (P) | F | MIA | ||
| Jamario Moon | F | MIA | ||
| Chris Quinn (P) | G | MIA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ramon Sessions | G | MIL | ||
| Charlie Villanueva | F | MIL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Bobby Brown (P) | G | MIN | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| David Lee | F | NYK | ||
| Nate Robinson | G | NYK | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Marcin Gortat | C | ORL | ||
| Jeremy Richardson | F | ORL | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Louis Amundson (T) | F | PHO | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Channing Frye | F | POR | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Ike Diogu | F | SAC | ||
| Rashad McCants | G | SAC | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Joey Graham | F | TOR | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Paul Millsap | F | UTA | ||
| Kyrylo Fesenko (T) | C | UTA | ||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| (T) - Team Option | ||||
| (P) - Player Option | ||||
| Player | Pos | 2009 | 2010 | Details |
| 05/21 13:48:12 ET |
Notes: * - Player was released by team
NBA returns to Mexico
-Courtesy of the National Basketball Association
NEW YORK, May 26, 2009 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today
announced that as part of the league’s ongoing commitment to growing the
game in Mexico, preseason basketball will return to the country when the
Phoenix Suns face the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 18 in Monterrey. This
marks the NBA’s second visit to Monterrey and the 18th game in Mexico
overall, the most NBA games held in any country outside the United States
and Canada.
NBA Mexico Game 2009 will give fans in Mexico the chance to see two
exciting teams and some of the league’s biggest stars compete in the
state-of-the-art Arena Monterrey. Currently, the Phoenix Suns’ roster
features four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, two-time NBA Most
Valuable Player Steve Nash, and the 2006-07 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and
Brazilian native Leandro Barbosa. The Philadelphia 76ers, who made the
2008-09 NBA playoffs, are a young team on the rise, whose lineup currently
features Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Tickets will be on
sale as of June 1st at www.arenamonterrey.com.
“We're thrilled about the opportunity to bring some of the NBA's most
exciting teams and accomplished players to Monterrey," said NBA Senior Vice
President of International Development and Partnerships Emilio Collins.
"Our fans in Mexico are some of the most passionate in the world, and this
year's NBA Mexico Game is sure to provide them with an unforgettable NBA
experience.”
The league first visited Monterrey in 2006, when the Golden State Warriors
defeated the Denver Nuggets in front of a sellout crowd at the Arena
Monterrey. Mexico is the only international country other than Japan and
Canada to ever host an NBA regular-season game, when the Houston Rockets
defeated the Dallas Mavericks in front of the sold-out Palacio de los
Deportes on Dec. 6, 1997 in Mexico City. The WNBA also staged an exhibition
game at Arena Monterrey in 2004, when the Detroit Shock defeated the San
Antonio Silver Stars.
NBA Mexico Game 2009 is the second preseason game the NBA has announced
that will be played outside the United States and Canada this October. The
Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz will play in London, UK on Oct. 6 as part
of NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS. To date, the NBA has
staged a total of 93 games outside of the U.S. and Canada in 31 cities in
16 countries and territories.
During the 2008-09 season, a record 66 games per week were available for
fans in Mexico via television and broadband. NBA merchandise is currently
sold at retail outlets throughout the country and the annual NBA Gatorade
3x3 interschool league and tournament tipped of on April 20 and is expected
to have a record number of teams participate. At the end of the 2008-09
NBA season, NBA rosters featured 17 Latino players, including New Jersey
Nets forward and Mexican-born Eduardo Najera.
For additional informational about NBA Mexico Game 2009, please visit
www.nba.com/espanol.
NEW YORK, May 26, 2009 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today
announced that as part of the league’s ongoing commitment to growing the
game in Mexico, preseason basketball will return to the country when the
Phoenix Suns face the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 18 in Monterrey. This
marks the NBA’s second visit to Monterrey and the 18th game in Mexico
overall, the most NBA games held in any country outside the United States
and Canada.
NBA Mexico Game 2009 will give fans in Mexico the chance to see two
exciting teams and some of the league’s biggest stars compete in the
state-of-the-art Arena Monterrey. Currently, the Phoenix Suns’ roster
features four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, two-time NBA Most
Valuable Player Steve Nash, and the 2006-07 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and
Brazilian native Leandro Barbosa. The Philadelphia 76ers, who made the
2008-09 NBA playoffs, are a young team on the rise, whose lineup currently
features Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Tickets will be on
sale as of June 1st at www.arenamonterrey.com.
“We're thrilled about the opportunity to bring some of the NBA's most
exciting teams and accomplished players to Monterrey," said NBA Senior Vice
President of International Development and Partnerships Emilio Collins.
"Our fans in Mexico are some of the most passionate in the world, and this
year's NBA Mexico Game is sure to provide them with an unforgettable NBA
experience.”
The league first visited Monterrey in 2006, when the Golden State Warriors
defeated the Denver Nuggets in front of a sellout crowd at the Arena
Monterrey. Mexico is the only international country other than Japan and
Canada to ever host an NBA regular-season game, when the Houston Rockets
defeated the Dallas Mavericks in front of the sold-out Palacio de los
Deportes on Dec. 6, 1997 in Mexico City. The WNBA also staged an exhibition
game at Arena Monterrey in 2004, when the Detroit Shock defeated the San
Antonio Silver Stars.
NBA Mexico Game 2009 is the second preseason game the NBA has announced
that will be played outside the United States and Canada this October. The
Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz will play in London, UK on Oct. 6 as part
of NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS. To date, the NBA has
staged a total of 93 games outside of the U.S. and Canada in 31 cities in
16 countries and territories.
During the 2008-09 season, a record 66 games per week were available for
fans in Mexico via television and broadband. NBA merchandise is currently
sold at retail outlets throughout the country and the annual NBA Gatorade
3x3 interschool league and tournament tipped of on April 20 and is expected
to have a record number of teams participate. At the end of the 2008-09
NBA season, NBA rosters featured 17 Latino players, including New Jersey
Nets forward and Mexican-born Eduardo Najera.
For additional informational about NBA Mexico Game 2009, please visit
www.nba.com/espanol.
Mock Draft version 1.0
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The NBA Draft Lottery is safely in the rearview mirror, so the annual rite of passage that is the mock draft has to be tackled.
I was far too busy in Secaucus cozying up to my first ever man-crush, the great Reggie Jackson, to give the draft much thought but a thrilling Thursday night at the Samuel Yellin middle school's annual recital gave my mind plenty of time to wander and get the juices flowing.
The only certainty is that the Los Angeles Clippers will take Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick, and hope he's closer to the next Dwight Howard rather than the next Michael Olowokandi.
Then the fun starts...
1. - Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma), Power Forward - Griffin combines a rare work ethic with outstanding athleticism. He lacks polish on the low post, however, and isn't a can't-miss franchise guy like a LeBron James or Howard.
Think: Carlos Boozer
2. - Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio (DKV Joventut), Point Guard - The Grizzlies were the big winner at the draft lottery, vaulting from the sixth spot all the way up to No. 2. Mike Conley Jr. hasn't been the answer as the quarterback on Beale Street and Rubio has conjured up images of playmakers like the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash.
Think: Nash
3. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn), Center - The 7-foot-3 Thabeet has a long way to go on the offensive end but should be a defensive intimidator and upper-echelon shot-blocker out of the blocks.
Think: Dikembe Mutombo
4. - Sacramento Kings - Jordan Hill (Arizona), Power Forward - Sacramento fell from the top spot to No. 4 in the lottery and will have to make a decision between Hill and Arizona State shooting guard James Harden. Since Kevin Martin figures to be healthy next year, Hill looks like the obvious choice.
Think: Chris Bosh
5. - Washington Wizards - James Harden (Arizona State), Shooting Guard - Another big loser in the lottery, the Wizards need talent, and this draft falls off after the top five players. Harden may be the most NBA-ready player in the draft and should be a steady and consistent wing player very early in his career.
Think: Brandon Roy
6. - Minnesota Timberwolves - DeMar DeRozan (USC), Shooting Guard - The Wolves annual hard-luck in the lottery continued as the team fell to the sixth slot. I think they go Kevin Garnett here and take the talent with the huge upside, and that's DeRozan. An incredible leaper and explosive finisher, DeRozan already has an NBA body and may end up being the best player in this draft five years down the road.
Think: A young Vince Carter
7. - Golden State Warriors - Tyreke Evans (Memphis), Combo Guard - Evans is the type of ball-handling combo guard that will eventually thrive in Don Nelson's scheme.
Think: A more talented John Salmons.
8. - New York Knicks - Stephen Curry (Davidson), Shooting Guard - You know defense is on the pay-no-mind list for Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks want a shooter and Curry may have the best pure stroke in the draft.
Think: Allan Houston
9. - Toronto Raptors - Earl Clark (Louisville), Combo Forward - The 6-foot-10 Clark is more of a small forward who has great vision and strong interior passing ability.
Think: Rashard Lewis
10. - Milwaukee Bucks - DeJuan Blair (Pitt), Power Forward - The Bucks need help at the point and more toughness inside. Since the team seems to like Ramon Sessions, you have to look to the frontcourt, and who better to provide an inside presence than a 6-foot-6, 287-pound banger like Blair.
Think: Anthony Mason
11. - New Jersey Nets - Gerald Henderson (Duke), Shooting Guard - Henderson is the type of wing player that will excel running the floor next to Devin Harris.
Think: Latrell Sprewell
12. - Charlotte Bobcats - B.J. Mullens (Ohio State), Center - Mullens has the size and soft hands to develop into a legit center and complement Emeka Okafor in Larry Brown's frontcourt.
Think: A raw Brook Lopez
13. - Indiana Pacers - Brandon Jennings (Lottomatica Roma), Point Guard - Jennings struggled mightily overseas but has lottery-type skills and would be a nice gamble at this point in the draft. Like many young point guards, Jennings needs to develop a more consistent jumper so he can take advantage of his speed and ability to penetrate.
Think: Rajon Rondo
14. - Phoenix Suns - James Johnson (Wake Forest), Small Forward - Johnson is the rare college player with a solid mid-range game, and should fit in nicely now that Phoenix has reverted back to an up-tempo offense.
Think: Corey Maggette
15. - Detroit Pistons - Terrence Williams (Louisville), Small Forward - The Pistons need to get more athletic in the frontcourt and Williams is a great athlete with a solid basketball IQ, something that Joe Dumars usually looks for.
Think: Derek Smith
16. - Chicago Bulls - Austin Daye (Gonzaga), Combo Forward - Daye's skill set and 6-foot-10 frame have NBA scouts intrigued, but he lacks physical strength. If Daye stays in the draft, the Bulls may take the plunge since they could use a frontcourt player that can space the floor.
Think: Mehmet Okur
17. - Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Point Guard - Andre Miller looks like he wants out of Philly and Lou Williams is a turnover machine so the Sixers need a legitimate point. Lawson has the speed and quickness to rival a Rondo or Devin Harris but his size will be a detriment on the defensive end.
Think: T.J. Ford
18. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Jrue Holiday (UCLA), Point Guard - Somebody is going to take a flyer on the talented UCLA freshman and Minnesota looks like a good fit.
Think: Delonte West
19. - Atlanta Hawks - Jonny Flynn (Syracuse), Point Guard - The point guard run continues, as Atlanta takes the heir apparent to veteran Mike Bibby, who is a free agent and on the downside of a very good career.
Think: Damon Stoudamire
20. - Utah Jazz - Eric Maynor (Virginia Commonwealth), Combo Guard - Maynor would fit in nicely as a third guard that could play with and also spell Deron Williams.
Think: Andre Miller with a jumper.
21. - New Orleans Hornets - Chase Budinger (Arizona), Swingman - The Hornets could use a weak-side shooter that can knock down the three consistently off Chris Paul's penetration.
Think: A more athletic Kyle Korver.
22. - Dallas Mavericks - Jeff Teague (Wake Forest), Combo Guard - The aging Jason Kidd is a free agent while Jason Terry and J.J. Barea are limited on the defensive end. Teague can give Rick Carlisle minutes at both guard positions and would have no trouble playing with any of the incumbents. Teague is a point guard that thinks shot first.
Think: Kevin Johnson
23. - Sacramento Kings - Omar Casspi (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Small Forward - Casspi is a shooter that can handle the ball very well for a wing player. Anybody who can put the ball in the basket should be considered by the Kings.
Think: Hedo Turkoglu
24. - Portland Trail Blazers - Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech), Power Forward - The Trail Blazers are very deep and will likely go the best player available route and that's Lawal, a big guy with great length that can play minutes at both center and power forward.
Think: Joakim Noah
25. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Power Forward - Hansbrough is not going to be a star at the NBA level but his energy level will be great fit for a young team like Oklahoma City.
Think: A more skilled Mark Madsen.
26. - Chicago Bulls - Marcus Thornton (LSU), Shooting Guard - It's unlikely Ben Gordon will be back in the Windy city so Thornton would be a nice insurance policy.
Think: Ronnie Brewer
27. - Memphis Grizzlies - Sam Young (Pitt), Combo Forward - A tough, athletic guy who likes to bang in the paint and has a plus jumper.
Think: Trevor Ariza
28. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Wayne Ellington (North Carolina), Shooting Guard - The Wolves probably don't want to pay three No. 1 picks but they need the talent so my pick would be Ellington, a great college player that projects as a 20-minute guy in the pros.
Think: Aaron McKie
29. - Los Angeles Lakers - Darren Collison (UCLA), Point Guard - Normally I would expect the Lakers to take a European player and leave him overseas but anybody who has seen Derek Fisher in the postseason knows this team really does need a legit point, so why not keep Collison in town?
Think: Anthony Johnson
30. - Cleveland Cavaliers - Sergio Llull (Real Madrid), Point Guard - No use paying luxury tax on the 30th pick, so expect the Cavs to take a Euro player and leave him overseas. Llull could be a solid point guard in a few years.
Think: Jose Calderon
 |
I was far too busy in Secaucus cozying up to my first ever man-crush, the great Reggie Jackson, to give the draft much thought but a thrilling Thursday night at the Samuel Yellin middle school's annual recital gave my mind plenty of time to wander and get the juices flowing.
The only certainty is that the Los Angeles Clippers will take Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick, and hope he's closer to the next Dwight Howard rather than the next Michael Olowokandi.
Then the fun starts...
1. - Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma), Power Forward - Griffin combines a rare work ethic with outstanding athleticism. He lacks polish on the low post, however, and isn't a can't-miss franchise guy like a LeBron James or Howard.
Think: Carlos Boozer
2. - Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio (DKV Joventut), Point Guard - The Grizzlies were the big winner at the draft lottery, vaulting from the sixth spot all the way up to No. 2. Mike Conley Jr. hasn't been the answer as the quarterback on Beale Street and Rubio has conjured up images of playmakers like the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash.
Think: Nash
3. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn), Center - The 7-foot-3 Thabeet has a long way to go on the offensive end but should be a defensive intimidator and upper-echelon shot-blocker out of the blocks.
Think: Dikembe Mutombo
4. - Sacramento Kings - Jordan Hill (Arizona), Power Forward - Sacramento fell from the top spot to No. 4 in the lottery and will have to make a decision between Hill and Arizona State shooting guard James Harden. Since Kevin Martin figures to be healthy next year, Hill looks like the obvious choice.
Think: Chris Bosh
5. - Washington Wizards - James Harden (Arizona State), Shooting Guard - Another big loser in the lottery, the Wizards need talent, and this draft falls off after the top five players. Harden may be the most NBA-ready player in the draft and should be a steady and consistent wing player very early in his career.
Think: Brandon Roy
6. - Minnesota Timberwolves - DeMar DeRozan (USC), Shooting Guard - The Wolves annual hard-luck in the lottery continued as the team fell to the sixth slot. I think they go Kevin Garnett here and take the talent with the huge upside, and that's DeRozan. An incredible leaper and explosive finisher, DeRozan already has an NBA body and may end up being the best player in this draft five years down the road.
Think: A young Vince Carter
7. - Golden State Warriors - Tyreke Evans (Memphis), Combo Guard - Evans is the type of ball-handling combo guard that will eventually thrive in Don Nelson's scheme.
Think: A more talented John Salmons.
8. - New York Knicks - Stephen Curry (Davidson), Shooting Guard - You know defense is on the pay-no-mind list for Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks want a shooter and Curry may have the best pure stroke in the draft.
Think: Allan Houston
9. - Toronto Raptors - Earl Clark (Louisville), Combo Forward - The 6-foot-10 Clark is more of a small forward who has great vision and strong interior passing ability.
Think: Rashard Lewis
10. - Milwaukee Bucks - DeJuan Blair (Pitt), Power Forward - The Bucks need help at the point and more toughness inside. Since the team seems to like Ramon Sessions, you have to look to the frontcourt, and who better to provide an inside presence than a 6-foot-6, 287-pound banger like Blair.
Think: Anthony Mason
11. - New Jersey Nets - Gerald Henderson (Duke), Shooting Guard - Henderson is the type of wing player that will excel running the floor next to Devin Harris.
Think: Latrell Sprewell
12. - Charlotte Bobcats - B.J. Mullens (Ohio State), Center - Mullens has the size and soft hands to develop into a legit center and complement Emeka Okafor in Larry Brown's frontcourt.
Think: A raw Brook Lopez
13. - Indiana Pacers - Brandon Jennings (Lottomatica Roma), Point Guard - Jennings struggled mightily overseas but has lottery-type skills and would be a nice gamble at this point in the draft. Like many young point guards, Jennings needs to develop a more consistent jumper so he can take advantage of his speed and ability to penetrate.
Think: Rajon Rondo
14. - Phoenix Suns - James Johnson (Wake Forest), Small Forward - Johnson is the rare college player with a solid mid-range game, and should fit in nicely now that Phoenix has reverted back to an up-tempo offense.
Think: Corey Maggette
15. - Detroit Pistons - Terrence Williams (Louisville), Small Forward - The Pistons need to get more athletic in the frontcourt and Williams is a great athlete with a solid basketball IQ, something that Joe Dumars usually looks for.
Think: Derek Smith
16. - Chicago Bulls - Austin Daye (Gonzaga), Combo Forward - Daye's skill set and 6-foot-10 frame have NBA scouts intrigued, but he lacks physical strength. If Daye stays in the draft, the Bulls may take the plunge since they could use a frontcourt player that can space the floor.
Think: Mehmet Okur
17. - Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Point Guard - Andre Miller looks like he wants out of Philly and Lou Williams is a turnover machine so the Sixers need a legitimate point. Lawson has the speed and quickness to rival a Rondo or Devin Harris but his size will be a detriment on the defensive end.
Think: T.J. Ford
18. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Jrue Holiday (UCLA), Point Guard - Somebody is going to take a flyer on the talented UCLA freshman and Minnesota looks like a good fit.
Think: Delonte West
19. - Atlanta Hawks - Jonny Flynn (Syracuse), Point Guard - The point guard run continues, as Atlanta takes the heir apparent to veteran Mike Bibby, who is a free agent and on the downside of a very good career.
Think: Damon Stoudamire
20. - Utah Jazz - Eric Maynor (Virginia Commonwealth), Combo Guard - Maynor would fit in nicely as a third guard that could play with and also spell Deron Williams.
Think: Andre Miller with a jumper.
21. - New Orleans Hornets - Chase Budinger (Arizona), Swingman - The Hornets could use a weak-side shooter that can knock down the three consistently off Chris Paul's penetration.
Think: A more athletic Kyle Korver.
22. - Dallas Mavericks - Jeff Teague (Wake Forest), Combo Guard - The aging Jason Kidd is a free agent while Jason Terry and J.J. Barea are limited on the defensive end. Teague can give Rick Carlisle minutes at both guard positions and would have no trouble playing with any of the incumbents. Teague is a point guard that thinks shot first.
Think: Kevin Johnson
23. - Sacramento Kings - Omar Casspi (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Small Forward - Casspi is a shooter that can handle the ball very well for a wing player. Anybody who can put the ball in the basket should be considered by the Kings.
Think: Hedo Turkoglu
24. - Portland Trail Blazers - Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech), Power Forward - The Trail Blazers are very deep and will likely go the best player available route and that's Lawal, a big guy with great length that can play minutes at both center and power forward.
Think: Joakim Noah
25. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Power Forward - Hansbrough is not going to be a star at the NBA level but his energy level will be great fit for a young team like Oklahoma City.
Think: A more skilled Mark Madsen.
26. - Chicago Bulls - Marcus Thornton (LSU), Shooting Guard - It's unlikely Ben Gordon will be back in the Windy city so Thornton would be a nice insurance policy.
Think: Ronnie Brewer
27. - Memphis Grizzlies - Sam Young (Pitt), Combo Forward - A tough, athletic guy who likes to bang in the paint and has a plus jumper.
Think: Trevor Ariza
28. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Wayne Ellington (North Carolina), Shooting Guard - The Wolves probably don't want to pay three No. 1 picks but they need the talent so my pick would be Ellington, a great college player that projects as a 20-minute guy in the pros.
Think: Aaron McKie
29. - Los Angeles Lakers - Darren Collison (UCLA), Point Guard - Normally I would expect the Lakers to take a European player and leave him overseas but anybody who has seen Derek Fisher in the postseason knows this team really does need a legit point, so why not keep Collison in town?
Think: Anthony Johnson
30. - Cleveland Cavaliers - Sergio Llull (Real Madrid), Point Guard - No use paying luxury tax on the 30th pick, so expect the Cavs to take a Euro player and leave him overseas. Llull could be a solid point guard in a few years.
Think: Jose Calderon
Thursday, May 21, 2009
WWE moves Raw to Staples Center
-Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment®
World Wrestling Entertainment® announced today that due to the debacle caused by Kroenke Sports Enterprises regarding Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs, WWE is moving the May 25, 2009 edition of Monday Night RAW® from the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The event will begin at 5:30 PM PT.
In addition, due to the overwhelming support shown by the Staples Center, Los Angeles Lakers and the California WWE Fans, WWE will hold back-to-back nights of action at the Staples Center, with a second event on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 PM PT. Both shows go on sale tonight at 11 PM EST/8 PM PT through Ticketmaster.
WWE will be returning to Denver for an event at the Denver Coliseum on Friday, August 7. Refunds for the Pepsi Center event can be obtained by returning tickets to the place of purchase.
“WWE is extremely grateful to the Lakers and the Staples Center for the hospitality and professionalism shown to WWE during this whole situation,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment. “We apologize to all of the WWE fans in the Denver area who have been inconvenienced by Kroenke Sports Enterprises. We look forward to bringing two consecutive nights of WWE excitement to Staples Center this Monday and Tuesday night.”
World Wrestling Entertainment® announced today that due to the debacle caused by Kroenke Sports Enterprises regarding Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs, WWE is moving the May 25, 2009 edition of Monday Night RAW® from the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The event will begin at 5:30 PM PT.
In addition, due to the overwhelming support shown by the Staples Center, Los Angeles Lakers and the California WWE Fans, WWE will hold back-to-back nights of action at the Staples Center, with a second event on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 PM PT. Both shows go on sale tonight at 11 PM EST/8 PM PT through Ticketmaster.
WWE will be returning to Denver for an event at the Denver Coliseum on Friday, August 7. Refunds for the Pepsi Center event can be obtained by returning tickets to the place of purchase.
“WWE is extremely grateful to the Lakers and the Staples Center for the hospitality and professionalism shown to WWE during this whole situation,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment. “We apologize to all of the WWE fans in the Denver area who have been inconvenienced by Kroenke Sports Enterprises. We look forward to bringing two consecutive nights of WWE excitement to Staples Center this Monday and Tuesday night.”
Nuggets lack the look of a champion
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Leave it to Vince McMahon to clear things up.
Until the World Wrestling Entertainment chairman's little dust-up with Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, I couldn't explain why I picked the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.
In case you missed it, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, the parent company of the Nuggets, leased the Pepsi Center to McMahon's WWE for a live airing of the company's flagship television show, Monday Night Raw, on May 25, the same night as Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals.
The arena booking was made way back in August of 2008 by WWE, and it will likely cost KSE in the high six-figures to make McMahon take his traveling circus down the road to Colorado Springs.
The double-booking can only be interpreted in two ways, incompetence or expectation of failure. Since Kroenke and his staff have been doing this kind of thing for years and the Pepsi Center is a regular stop for WWE, I'm betting on the latter.
The only way there would have been a conflict with Monday Night Raw taking place in the Pepsi Center next Monday is if the Nuggets advanced to the conference finals, thought to be a daunting task since they have been annually bounced in the first round. So, by booking the date, Kroenke seems to have been saying his team wasn't good enough.
To be honest, when the contract was signed, they weren't.
But the minute Chauncey Billups was acquired in the Allen Iverson deal, Kroenke should have been on the phone, rescheduling WWE.
"Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game," the always shy McMahon said. "Stan Kroenke is just a bad businessman."
McMahon's feigned outrage was all shtick. A phenomenal promoter, McMahon saw an opportunity to garner some free publicity and put the squeeze on Kroenke for a bigger settlement check. Monday Night Raw will draw a 3.5 cable rating whether it emanates from Denver or Colorado Springs.
In reality, Kroenke was being a good businessman. The guaranteed revenue of Monday Night Raw back in August of '08 certainly looked like the far better bet than a Nuggets home game.
However, it also points to the Nuggets' fatal flaw.
With the notable exception of Billups, I get the feeling Denver doesn't believe it belongs on this level.
The Nuggets have looked like a far better team than the Lakers since the playoffs began, and sure enough they outplayed Phil Jackson's club in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night.
But, after 48 minutes of basketball, those staring up at the Staples Center scoreboard saw...Lakers - 105, Nuggets - 103.
Missed free throws, Kenyon Martin's rookie-like reach-in fouls in the waning moments, along with Anthony Carter's ridiculously lazy inbounds pass to Billups in the final minute enabled LA to take back a game Denver should have had in its back pocket.
"We lost out on a great opportunity to steal this game," said Billups. "We played probably good enough, but I think we lost the game on poor free throw shooting. We missed 12 free throws and it comes back we lost by two points."
The Nuggets just don't have the look or feel of a champion.
It took the bombastic Vince McMahon to point that out.
| |
Until the World Wrestling Entertainment chairman's little dust-up with Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, I couldn't explain why I picked the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.
In case you missed it, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, the parent company of the Nuggets, leased the Pepsi Center to McMahon's WWE for a live airing of the company's flagship television show, Monday Night Raw, on May 25, the same night as Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals.
The arena booking was made way back in August of 2008 by WWE, and it will likely cost KSE in the high six-figures to make McMahon take his traveling circus down the road to Colorado Springs.
The double-booking can only be interpreted in two ways, incompetence or expectation of failure. Since Kroenke and his staff have been doing this kind of thing for years and the Pepsi Center is a regular stop for WWE, I'm betting on the latter.
The only way there would have been a conflict with Monday Night Raw taking place in the Pepsi Center next Monday is if the Nuggets advanced to the conference finals, thought to be a daunting task since they have been annually bounced in the first round. So, by booking the date, Kroenke seems to have been saying his team wasn't good enough.
To be honest, when the contract was signed, they weren't.
But the minute Chauncey Billups was acquired in the Allen Iverson deal, Kroenke should have been on the phone, rescheduling WWE.
"Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game," the always shy McMahon said. "Stan Kroenke is just a bad businessman."
McMahon's feigned outrage was all shtick. A phenomenal promoter, McMahon saw an opportunity to garner some free publicity and put the squeeze on Kroenke for a bigger settlement check. Monday Night Raw will draw a 3.5 cable rating whether it emanates from Denver or Colorado Springs.
In reality, Kroenke was being a good businessman. The guaranteed revenue of Monday Night Raw back in August of '08 certainly looked like the far better bet than a Nuggets home game.
However, it also points to the Nuggets' fatal flaw.
With the notable exception of Billups, I get the feeling Denver doesn't believe it belongs on this level.
The Nuggets have looked like a far better team than the Lakers since the playoffs began, and sure enough they outplayed Phil Jackson's club in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night.
But, after 48 minutes of basketball, those staring up at the Staples Center scoreboard saw...Lakers - 105, Nuggets - 103.
Missed free throws, Kenyon Martin's rookie-like reach-in fouls in the waning moments, along with Anthony Carter's ridiculously lazy inbounds pass to Billups in the final minute enabled LA to take back a game Denver should have had in its back pocket.
"We lost out on a great opportunity to steal this game," said Billups. "We played probably good enough, but I think we lost the game on poor free throw shooting. We missed 12 free throws and it comes back we lost by two points."
The Nuggets just don't have the look or feel of a champion.
It took the bombastic Vince McMahon to point that out.
Clippers get a silver anniversary gift
By John McMullen, NBA Editor
Secaucus, NJ (Sports Network) - The NBA Draft Lottery is one of David Stern's better ideas.
Pre-lottery, the first pick in the league's annual draft was determined by a coin toss between the two teams in each conference with the worst records.
Stung by accusations that the Houston Rockets "tanked" their 1984 season in order to obtain Hakeem Olajuwon, Stern and the NBA instituted the lottery system in 1985.
The Draft Lottery was at first a chance drawing for the top seven draft picks among the seven non-playoff teams, with each team having an equal chance of landing the number one pick.
The New York Knicks won the first lottery and the prize was Patrick Ewing. Meanwhile, the worst team that season, the Golden State Warriors, drew the seventh and final lottery draft position. That result ignited the Oliver Stone crowd and conspiracy theorists abounded, accusing the NBA of rigging the lottery in order to send Ewing to the nation's No. 1 media market.
In fact, video of the event has become the NBA's own version of the Zapruder Film with thousands of Jim Garrisons breaking it down frame-by-frame, looking for the dinged envelope.
Since then, things have evolved into a "weighted lottery" where teams with fewer wins have a greater chance at selecting higher in the draft.
Through it all, the event has become must-see television where the fans of the league's moribund clubs cling to hope like a proverbial powerball ticket.
The 25th anniversary edition of the lottery was held at the NBA Entertainment studios Tuesday night and Los Angeles' red-headed stepchild was the "big winner."
The Clippers came into the lottery with a 17.7 percent chance of jumping up and grabbing Willy Wonka's golden ticket, Oklahoma's Blake Griffin. Sure enough, as their Staples Center co-tenants prepared to hit the floor for the opener of yet another Western Conference finals series, the Clips' number came up, as the club vaulted over Sacramento and Washington to land the No. 1 pick.
"It's a great day for Clipper fans," said Clipper president Andy Roeser, who represented the franchise. "We're going to get a great player who will help our franchise for a long, long time."
Of course, Roeser never mentioned Griffin by name, but the former Sooners power forward is the consensus top pick in the June 25 draft and regarded as a potential All-Star.
Griffin is the type of player that combines rare athleticism with a tremendous work ethic but I can't help thinking that this is just the start of another disappointing chapter in Clippers history. In fact, Griffin reminds me of a silver anniversary present.
It's nice, but silver isn't gold.
And, Griffin is no surefire superstar like a LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal or Dwight Howard.
Former Kings star Chris Webber didn't hide his disappointment when he failed to deliver the No. 1 pick for his old team but he wasn't exactly devastated either. The Kings, who were an NBA-worst 17-65 and will now pick fourth, had the best statistical chance of landing the No. 1 pick at 25 percent.
"Although I didn't come away with the No. 1 pick, which is what I came for, I still think it's a good system," Webber said. "I think it's fair. The worst team shouldn't always get the best player. That's not the way it should always be. You don't want to reward losing."
It's a lot easier for the "losers" to be gracious in a year where dropping from one to four doesn't mean as much. With the fourth selection, Sacramento will likely have its choice of Arizona State shooting guard James Harden or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill.
Asked to compare the games of each player to current NBA players, one prominent scout told me Harden reminded him of Brandon Roy, while Hill compared to Chris Bosh. Asked about Griffin, the same scout brought up a series of names from Hall of Famer Karl Malone all the way down to Antonio McDyess, certainly a nice player but not worthy of the No. 1 overall selection.
In the last 15 years, only three teams with the worst record have ended with the top overall selection. The Chicago Bulls defied substantial odds last year, overcoming a 1.7 percent chance to land the top overall selection. They swept up dynamic guard Derrick Rose, who helped change the culture of the franchise and was named Rookie of the Year. The Clips have crossed their fingers hoping the same kind of thing happens with Griffin.
I can't help thinking the night's real winner may have been the Memphis Grizzlies, who jumped from the six-hole to the second pick, giving them an uncontested shot at star Spanish guard Ricky Rubio.
Rubio, a playmaker that has conjured up images of the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash, will likely arrive on Beale Street without all the expectations heaped upon Griffin.
Now that's a nice gift.
| |
Pre-lottery, the first pick in the league's annual draft was determined by a coin toss between the two teams in each conference with the worst records.
Stung by accusations that the Houston Rockets "tanked" their 1984 season in order to obtain Hakeem Olajuwon, Stern and the NBA instituted the lottery system in 1985.
The Draft Lottery was at first a chance drawing for the top seven draft picks among the seven non-playoff teams, with each team having an equal chance of landing the number one pick.
The New York Knicks won the first lottery and the prize was Patrick Ewing. Meanwhile, the worst team that season, the Golden State Warriors, drew the seventh and final lottery draft position. That result ignited the Oliver Stone crowd and conspiracy theorists abounded, accusing the NBA of rigging the lottery in order to send Ewing to the nation's No. 1 media market.
In fact, video of the event has become the NBA's own version of the Zapruder Film with thousands of Jim Garrisons breaking it down frame-by-frame, looking for the dinged envelope.
Since then, things have evolved into a "weighted lottery" where teams with fewer wins have a greater chance at selecting higher in the draft.
Through it all, the event has become must-see television where the fans of the league's moribund clubs cling to hope like a proverbial powerball ticket.
The 25th anniversary edition of the lottery was held at the NBA Entertainment studios Tuesday night and Los Angeles' red-headed stepchild was the "big winner."
The Clippers came into the lottery with a 17.7 percent chance of jumping up and grabbing Willy Wonka's golden ticket, Oklahoma's Blake Griffin. Sure enough, as their Staples Center co-tenants prepared to hit the floor for the opener of yet another Western Conference finals series, the Clips' number came up, as the club vaulted over Sacramento and Washington to land the No. 1 pick.
"It's a great day for Clipper fans," said Clipper president Andy Roeser, who represented the franchise. "We're going to get a great player who will help our franchise for a long, long time."
Of course, Roeser never mentioned Griffin by name, but the former Sooners power forward is the consensus top pick in the June 25 draft and regarded as a potential All-Star.
Griffin is the type of player that combines rare athleticism with a tremendous work ethic but I can't help thinking that this is just the start of another disappointing chapter in Clippers history. In fact, Griffin reminds me of a silver anniversary present.
It's nice, but silver isn't gold.
And, Griffin is no surefire superstar like a LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal or Dwight Howard.
Former Kings star Chris Webber didn't hide his disappointment when he failed to deliver the No. 1 pick for his old team but he wasn't exactly devastated either. The Kings, who were an NBA-worst 17-65 and will now pick fourth, had the best statistical chance of landing the No. 1 pick at 25 percent.
"Although I didn't come away with the No. 1 pick, which is what I came for, I still think it's a good system," Webber said. "I think it's fair. The worst team shouldn't always get the best player. That's not the way it should always be. You don't want to reward losing."
It's a lot easier for the "losers" to be gracious in a year where dropping from one to four doesn't mean as much. With the fourth selection, Sacramento will likely have its choice of Arizona State shooting guard James Harden or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill.
Asked to compare the games of each player to current NBA players, one prominent scout told me Harden reminded him of Brandon Roy, while Hill compared to Chris Bosh. Asked about Griffin, the same scout brought up a series of names from Hall of Famer Karl Malone all the way down to Antonio McDyess, certainly a nice player but not worthy of the No. 1 overall selection.
In the last 15 years, only three teams with the worst record have ended with the top overall selection. The Chicago Bulls defied substantial odds last year, overcoming a 1.7 percent chance to land the top overall selection. They swept up dynamic guard Derrick Rose, who helped change the culture of the franchise and was named Rookie of the Year. The Clips have crossed their fingers hoping the same kind of thing happens with Griffin.
I can't help thinking the night's real winner may have been the Memphis Grizzlies, who jumped from the six-hole to the second pick, giving them an uncontested shot at star Spanish guard Ricky Rubio.
Rubio, a playmaker that has conjured up images of the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash, will likely arrive on Beale Street without all the expectations heaped upon Griffin.
Now that's a nice gift.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
NBA Draft Combine invites
The following players will participate in the 2009 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
PLAYER COLLEGE/CLUB
Jeff Adrien
Rodrigue Beaubois
DeJuan Blair
Jon Brockman
Derrick Brown Xavier
Chase Budinger
Nick Calathes
DeMarre Carroll
Omri Casspi Maccabi Elite (
Dionte Christmas
Earl Clark
Darren Collison UCLA
Dante Cunningham Villanova
Stephen Curry Davidson
Austin Daye Gonzaga
DeMar DeRozan USC
Toney Douglas
Wayne Ellington
Tyreke Evans
Jonny Flynn
Taj Gibson USC
Danny Green
Blake Griffin
Tyler Hansbrough
Luke Harangody Notre Dame
James Harden
Gerald Henderson Duke
Josh Heytvelt Gonzaga
Jordan Hill
Jrue Holiday UCLA
Joe Ingles
Damion James
James Johnson
Gani Lawal Georgia Tech
Ty Lawson
Eric Maynor VCU
Jack McClinton
Jerel McNeal
Jodie Meeks
Patrick Mills Saint Mary's
BJ Mullens
Jeff Pendergraph
AJ Price
Tyler Smith
DaJuan Summers
Jermaine Taylor
Jeff Teague
Hasheem Thabeet
Marcus Thornton LSU
Greivis Vasquez
Terrence Williams
Sam Young
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