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
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