Post by James on Jul 1, 2008 21:25:47 GMT -5
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#1 - LA Clippers - Derrick Rose PG 19 6'3'' 195 B+ C B- C C A
Although they already have TJ Ford (locked up on $40m+ for 5 more years) and Daniel Gibson (decent back-up) at the point, it would have been stupid for them to pass up on Derrick Rose. He is such a unique player who has already drawn comparisons to BBS super-starsTony Parker and Dwyane Wade. Roses ability to score in the paint is second to none for a player his age.
The Clippers want... an 18-7 rookie campaign followed by franchise savior.
It would be funny if... LA can't get rid of TJ Ford, fail to make a big splash in free agency and Rose takes them 2 games short of the 8th seed out West with no (foreseeable) supporting cast or future.
#2 - Miami Heat - Michael Beasley PF 19 6'10'' 235 B C+ C C B- A
With Rose gone, it was inevitable that Beasley would be taken second by Miami. Andrew Bogut and Al Horford held the Miami frontcourt down last season and may again this year as it wouldn't surprise many if the Heat move Beasley to small forward. A great scorer and rebounder, Beasley should provide the Heat with a franchise player who can realistically win them a championship down the road.
The Heat want... a ROY performance, a defensive upgrade during training camp and signs of him developing into Shawn Kemp during his prime.
It would be funny if... Beasley doesn't improve defensively and becomes one of those guys teams who are a 4th/5th seed want because they will get you through the contract year but never past the Conference Finals. Kind of similar to Dirk Nowitzki.
#3 - Golden State Warriors - O.J. Mayo PG 20 6'5'' 210 B- B- B- B- C A
After luckily sneaking inside the coveted top 3 on lottery night, Golden State selected OJ Mayo to pair with Andre Iguodala this season in Oakland. Already touted by many as a 'franchise-player', Mayo should compliment the aforementioned Iguodala well and provide Warriors fans with years of exciting basketball. My tip here is that Mayo develops into the best player in this years draft class.
The Warriors want... Mayo to revolutionize the guard position by providing them with a 9apg point guard who can drop 25ppg if he plays the 2. A little unrealistic but whatever.
It would be funny if... Mayo becomes a turnover whore. I don't know, I really like Mayo.
#4 - Indiana Pacers - Jerryd Bayless PG 19 6'3'' 204 B- C+ C+ C+ D+ A
Bayless was the best player available at 4 and a wise selection by Indiana. Whilst they have made it clear Bayless is on the trade block (as they already have Rudy Fernandez who has also been made available), holding onto Bayless might prove to be a blessing. Indiana are still crying after their 12-win season and landing the number 4 pick.
The Pacers want... him to scratch the level of talent of the above 3 this season and provide them with a true point guard for the future.
It would be funny if... he struggles at the point, sucks at the 2 and winds up looking similar to a Travis Best.
#5 - Denver Nuggets - Anthony Randolph SF 18 6'11'' 220 B- C C B C+ A
I love this pick for Denver and also love what it gives them. The Nuggets now have Dwight Howard, Mike Conley, Randolph and Kevin Love (drafted at number 9) as their core. That lineup is so sick. Hopefully Denver will be able to convert their talent into wins next year unlike what happened last season.
The want... Randolph to develop defensively and become a star in a few years. Nothing outrageous but just something to compliment Dwight and Conley.
It would be funny if... this years draft doesn't help Denver win and the Ducky curse limits the Nuggets to second round exits from now until 2032. BL Dwight, Mike, Anthony, Kev etc.
#6 - Cleveland Cavaliers - Danilo Gallinari SF 19 6'9'' 212 B- B- C+ C C A (traded to Orlando)
Gallinari has promise, just like every other Euro prospect touted to be a 1 through 3 player in the last 10 years. This time however, I think this European will live up to expectation. Whilst he won't be a dominant franchise player, he could develop into a really weak version of Manu Ginobilli. Traded only a few hours after being drafted for Andrew Bynum, Danilo "Big Cock" Gallinari will look to leave his mark in Orlando alongside Monta Ellis.
The want... improvement. Any rating improvement will be reason to throw a ticker-tape parade in Florida.
It would be funny if... Gallinari goes all Euro on the Magic.
#7 - Portland Trailblazers - D.J. Augustin PG 20 6'0'' 180 C B B+ C+ D B
This is a very solid pick for the Blazers. Although he doesn't excert the immense potential the guys above do, DJ Augustin looks really solid and a majority of scouts believe he should be able to come into the BBS and contribute straight away. To me, Augustin could be a career starter.
The want... Augustin to improve as well as start and be effective right from the word go.
It would be funny if... he takes the Raymond Felton route.
#8 - New Orleans Hornets - Eric Gordon SG 20 6'4'' 220 C+ B C- C+ C- A
Although they would have preferred a top 3 pick to kick-off the rebuilding project in New Orleans, landing 6'4" shooting guard Eric Gordon at number 8 is good enough. To small to play the 2 and not a good enough ball handler to play the 1 has been the feeling amongst many scouts however Gordon could prove to be a similar player to Ben Gordon in the future.
The want... Gordon to develop into a better version of Ben Gordon who can defend. They'd also like him to go all Mike Conley on them and perform whilst not delivering wins hence landing them in the lottery again next season.
It would be funny if... he doesn't become a really great scorer. If he doesn't become a B A- guy at worst, Gordon will be a career 7th man, if that.
#9 - Denver Nuggets - Kevin Love PF 19 6'10'' 275 B C C+ C+ B- B
Love should be a nice compliment to Dwight Howard in Denver. He probably won't develop into an all-star but the Nuggets will be hoping he will improve enough to be a starter in the future. I see him as a bigger DJ Augustin in terms of production/what the future holds.
The want... Love to develop defensively and put up 15-9 in the future with 1.5bpg.
It would be funny if... he barely improves over 3 years and becomes one of those "yeah, a great pick at the time but he sucks now" lottery picks.
#10 - Golden State Warriors - Brook Lopez C 20 7'0'' 260 B C D+ B C+ B
Another solid pick. Golden State didn't want to take a chance at 10 on someone like Batum or Speights to they opted for the future 138 and a nifty 2.3bpg guy. Along with Iguodala and OJ Mayo, things are looking really nice in Golden State.
The want... Lopez to develop defensively and ask for a small resigning offer in 4 years time.
It would be funny if... Lopez develops into a really nice shot-blocking big man, opts out in his final year and the Warriors lose him to a huge bid in FA by Minnesota or Memphis (thinking of teams who over-pay here).[/center]
