2009 NBA Draft - 6/25/09

[Deleterious]

The point of my post was everyone at 15 is crap. It's not like they are passing up Blake Griffin to take Mullens.

My other point was, even if a guard is slightly better then Mullens, I would rather roll the dice and gamble on Mullens. Simply because 7 footers are hard to come by. So I would take the high risk and high reward pick instead of the safer guard pick.

[sinister porpoise]

IMO there are a number of good players that will be available at #15. Starter-caliber.

[Buddha]

I really hope Earl Clark falls to them.

[Deleterious]

Cleveland looking to move up - cleveland.com

The chatter in the league is that the Cavs are very interested in moving up in the draft. They have been talking to teams just outside of the lottery (starting with the 15th pick) down into the low 20s.

[sportz4life]

Originally Posted by Deleterious

Cleveland looking to move up - cleveland.com

because Ferry and Gilbert are outstanding talent evaluators..NOT

[Deleterious]

HOOPSWORLD

NBA Finalizes Green Room Invites

The list of players that will invited to attend the NBA Draft in Madison Square Garden Theater on June 25th is slowly beginning to trickle out, and we’re here to report what we’ve found thus far. The Green Room invite list is an exclusive group of players that the NBA has done its due diligence to confirm that they will be drafted in the lottery or not far after, compiled from a poll of NBA GM’s conducted by Stu Jackson.

Being invited to the Green Room means the player will sit with his family at the front of the theater in front of the commissioner, have his name called [hopefully] early in the draft, given a hat with his new team’s logo on it, and then brought up to the podium to shake David Stern’s hand.

The day before the draft, the players invited will participate in a media session at the Westin Hotel, which will be attended and covered in great depth by DraftExpress.

Our understanding is that the League had about as tough a time as ever putting the list together this year—due to the extreme uncertainty that goes along with a draft featuring so much parity-- and that there was a great deal of back and forth that went on with teams until the list was finalized on Friday evening. Typically there are 15 players invited to attend, but the NBA reserves the right to bring in less or more at their judgment. Right now we know about 13 players that have confirmed.

Here are the invites, from what we’ve been able to gather:

1. Blake Griffin 2. James Harden 3. Hasheem Thabeet 4. Ricky Rubio 5. Jordan Hill 6. Tyreke Evans 7. Stephen Curry 8. Jonny Flynn 9. Demar DeRozan 10. Jrue Holiday 11. Gerald Henderson 12. Brandon Jennings 13. Tyler Hansbrough 14. B.J. Mullens (potentially declining) 15. James Johnson (declining invite) 16. Eric Maynor (potentially declining)

[Deleterious]

HOOPSWORLD

Bulls Trading 2 First-Rounders to Nets?

The Chicago Bulls are trying to convince the New Jersey Nets to take their 16th and 26th picks to move to No. 11, and one Eastern Conference executive says Chicago’s target is Wake Forest forward James Johnson.

Some say Johnson has been slipping and could be available at No. 16, but no one seems sure about anything in this draft.

The Nets are considering the proposal. They’ve been intrigued by Louisville shooting guard Terrence Williams at No. 11, but could be willing to drop down with the belief that North Carolina’s Tyler Hansbrough could be available at 16.

As for Johnson, if he somehow drops to No. 21, you can count on the New Orleans Hornets letting him pass. After playing pick-up ball with Johnson in Winston-Salem the past two summers, Hornets star Chris Paul(notes) has no use for him, several league sources said.

“He talked way too much trash to Chris,” one source insisted. “Bad idea.”

[Deleterious]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineSt...22#STORY_19716

Source: Rubio's DKV Buyout May be Reduced

The prospect of drafting Ricky Rubio is about to become less risky.

A source close to Rubio said the $6.6 million buyout of the Spanish point guard's contract with his current team, DKV Joventut, was likely to be reduced Sunday or today to an amount where "he knows he'll be able to make the payments."

Such a resolution will, in effect, clear a major obstacle for teams considering Rubio as their first pick in Thursday's NBA draft but that have concerns about the financial albatross to which he has been tied.

[Deleterious]

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Wizards Get Foye And Miller For 5th Pick

Wizards Get Foye And Miller For 5th Pick

The Washington Wizards have acquired Minnesota Timberwolves Randy Foye and Mike Miller in exchange for Etan Thomas, Oleksiy Pecherov and Darius Songaila and the fifth overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft, a league executive with knowledge of the deal told Yahoo! Sports.

[SuperFlew]

The talk in the Amir Trade thread got me thinking about a comparison for Earl Clark, a guy a lot of people here would like to see Detroit get at 15.

Earl Clark - Scouting Report (from NBADraft.net)
Strengths: Versatile combo forward … A mismatch offensively because he can attack effectively inside and out … Has a great combination of size, strength and speed … His athleticism and explosiveness allow him to play against bigger defenders inside or quicker ones on the perimeter… Possesses a surprisingly quick first step thanks to his extremely long and powerful strides … His highpost game has become his niche, because he can back down and outmuscle smaller players, or face up and attack the bigger ones … Has developed a nice one to two dribble pullup, he shoots it with good rhythm and he gets great elevation, making it extremely difficult to contest … With his back to the basket, he shows great patience and nice footwork … He mostly shoots fadeways from the low post, but he still gets his shoulders squared to the basket and converts at a good clip … Because of his size and athleticism, his fadeaway is almost impossible to stop, and he has also become good at utilizing the glass which widens his angles even further … He gets a lot of his offense out of energy plays and by knowing where to be in the offense … Whether it’s making the right cuts, spotting up when the help rotates or by attacking the O glass … As much as he’s improved scoring wise, he has continued to be very unselfish, looking to make the reads and distribute the ball … He is a stat filler in virtually every category, not only does he get to the glass with regularity, but he has great anticipation which allows him to get into passing lanes as well as block shots … Defensively, with his physical package, he has the potential to guard 4 positions on the floor … Playing in the Louisville system, his understanding of team concepts is very advanced, although he has not played man to man with any sort of regularity …

Weaknesses: Was able to get away with a lot at the college level because he was such a superior athlete … Many times he would simply go through or shoot over defenders, without having to make any sort of move … This might become an issue at the NBA level, because he has not show much in terms of actual go-to moves, whether it’s on the perimeter or in the post … While his jumpshot has slightly improved, it is still inconsistent and it looks just as bad (he shoots off his shoulder, with his elbow out and almost shot-putting the ball) … To compound his problems on the perimeter, if the defense is set and he is forced to put the ball on the deck and make any sort of counter move, he becomes uncomfortable and has a hard time operating … Other than the fadeway, he has very little else in his low post repertoire … Even though he can attack going both directions, he absolutely does not want to fish with his left hand, in the most extreme situations that would make a left hand finish almost the only option, he still chooses to switch back to his right hand … His freethrow shooting has continued to be a problem, which could be attributed to his form … His athleticism gets suppressed because he needs a lot of room to explode and he also does not like to attack when contact is coming from helpside (a testament to the low number of attempts at the line) … Makes a lot of careless plays, and leaves his feet frequently to make passes, to the tune of 3.2 TOs per game …

Scouting Report - Gerald Wallace
Strengths: Quite simply he might be one of the most explosive leapers and perhaps one of the most athletic players in the draft .... Excellent transition game a sky-walker who can finish with the best of them ... Can create off the dribble as evident by his ability to draw fouls by gliding in the lane ... Hustles and can play pretty good defense for a player his age thanks to his quickness and hustle ... Wonderful rebounder for a player of his size due to his quick hops ... Has the ability to hit the jumper from about 20 feet out ... Is starting to develop a solid mid range game although this is still a work in progress ... The biggest thing that will get him drafted is that he has a huge amount of potential which will make it impossible for gm's to pass him by ....

Weakness: Has still not refined his jump shot as of right now he is not a threat to hit the 3-point shot .... Could stand to tone up his body more and develop some upper body strength as he is a little on the thin side ... Turns the ball over a lot considering that he doesn't usually have the ball in his hands this speaks a little bit about his carelessness and his needed improvement when it comes to ball handling .... Shot selection still isn't all that great although he did make some improvement ....Mid range jumper has a tendency to go hot and cold must continue to work on his follow through so his jumper can be more accurate ... Gets to the free throw line but doesn't take advantage because of his poor free throw shooting although I think this has more to do with his confidence than ability as in the beginning of the year he was making his free throws .. Must become a better passer and know when to give the ball up ...

I thought this was a pretty close comparison, except for the part about getting to the free throw line. Both are super athletes. Both play pretty good defense and rebound well for a SF. Both have a little bit of range, but are still developing their jumpers.

[Deleterious]

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Blazers Move Up To 22nd Pick In Trade With Dallas

Blazers Move Up To 22nd Pick In Trade With Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks have announced they have traded the 22nd overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for the 24th and 56th overall selections in the 2009 NBA Draft. The Mavericks also acquire the lesser of Portland’s second round picks in the 2010 NBA Draft. “The depth of the second tier in this year’s draft has given us the opportunity to trade down, pick up two second round picks and not lose ground in terms of talent,” said President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Donnie Nelson. “This will give us added flexibility for the future.”

This trade was first reported by Chad Ford of ESPN.

[Buddha]

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

[sportz4life]

Originally Posted by Buddha

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

me too..I am sick about it..couldn't think of two more uselss pick than that..would pretty much finish me having faith in Dumars..but check the draft record..something isn't right..

[Deleterious]

Originally Posted by Buddha

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

I am OK with Mullens. He might end up useless, but I would prefer a useless inside player as opposed to a useless perimeter guy like Clark who turns it over every 5th time he touches it and cant get to the rim.

[Deleterious]

Another player in that boat is Earl Clark, but his production looks a bit poor for other reasons.

One of the more perimeter oriented players in this pool, Clark earns two dubious distinctions. First, he’s the most turnover prone, giving the ball away on 18.7% of his logged possessions. Second, his Points Per Possession of .85 ranks him last on our list. A bit stuck between the three and four position, Clark’s poor PPP stems from the fact that he took 5.3 jump shots per game (1st in our sample) and only managed to get fouled of only 9.3% of his possessions (23rd). Unfortunately, his ability to play the three doesn’t excuse the fact that he falls below the mean FG% in post ups (46% - even), fast breaks (54% - 16% below), pick and rolls (38% - 11% below), isolations (38% - 4% below), and basket cuts (55% - 13% below).

Given Clark’s lack of efficiency across the board, the team that picks him will be banking on him utilizing his athleticism to his advantage to create mismatches and develop the type of consistency he’ll need to be productive. Obviously players who have as many tools as Clark deserve some credit for what they could bring to the table down the road, particularly defensively, but how much remains to be seen.

Just awful. All we need is Flip back to coach him. Why people are so high on this guy is beyond me.

[InfanteIago]

Originally Posted by Buddha

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

I'm okay with Daye, not sure on Mullens but I think Mullens will be gone by 15.

[Elevate]

Originally Posted by Buddha

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

Me too. I'd much rather Maynor or even Lawson than either of those 2 bums.

If they HAVE to take a big at 15 and it's between Mullens, Daye, Johnson or Blair- I hope they take Blair. But still, Maynor is a way better pick at 15 than Blair.

[Hongbit]

Originally Posted by Buddha

I'm scared to death they're going to draft BJ Mullens or Austin Daye.

No reason to be scared. This is a horrible draft and the chances are against anyone taken outside the lottery becoming a quality NBA starter 5 years down the road.

[SuperFlew]

An article on Clark from TrueHoop.

What We Think We Know About Earl Clark - TrueHoop By Henry Abbott - ESPN

[Omaha Piston]

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jon...he-Latest-3283


Sacramento has reportedly offered Detroit the #23 and #31 picks in exchange for the #15. The Kings may target DeJuan Blair at 15 if he's available, while the Pistons like Toney Douglas and possibly DaJuan Summers. There have been rumors that Dumars is interested in Douglas. This would give Detroit one first-round pick and four second round picks. Down further on the page Givony reports of another potential offer for the 15th pick.

Minnesota supposedly may not be done making moves, and could be looking to package some assets and move up even higher in the first round. Right now they seem to be dangling the #18 pick and Nikola Pekovic, possibly to Detroit sitting at 15. Gerald Henderson could very well be their target, as he's likely gone one pick later by Chicago.

[Buddha]

Of the players that have a realistic chance to be there at #15:

1. Clark
2. Maynor
3. Blair

If someone like Flynn or Jennings falls, then grab them. But I like Clark's potential at the #15 spot.

[Omaha Piston]

The other day Chad Ford was on ESPN Radio and they asked him to name one guy in the draft that will be a bust and one guy that will be a steal

Bust: Thabeet
Steal: Maynor

[sportz4life]

Originally Posted by Omaha Piston

The other day Chad Ford was on ESPN Radio and they asked him to name one guy in the draft that will be a bust and one guy that will be a steal

Bust: Thabeet
Steal: Maynor

Chad Ford..loved Darko..

[Omaha Piston]

Didn’t pretty much everyone love Darko though? ESPN The Mag, Chad Ford, Joe Dumars etc.

[Deleterious]

He loved Delfino too. His post draft comments and grades:

ESPN.com - 2003 NBA Draft: Draft grades

Detroit Pistons
Round 1: Darko Milicic, F, Serbia-Montenegro (No. 2)
Round 1: Carlos Delfino, G, Italy (No. 25)
Round 2: Andres Gliniadakis, C, Greece (No. 58)
How many teams with the best record in their conference end up with the best big man in the draft and a draft-night steal in Carlos Delfino? By now, you know about Darko, but Delfino will also be important down the road. He's tough, a strong shooter and plays aggressive defense. He reminds me a lot of Michael Finley. He could play an immediate role on the Pistons if he stays here next year. Gliniadakis was a nice pickup at the end of the draft. He's a 7-footer who can actually play. The Pistons will leave him in Greece for a few years and bring him over when he's ready.
Grade: A+

I admit. I liked Delfino too.

[Omaha Piston]

I liked Delfino. Seems like the run on Euro's is over though.

[Deleterious]

I think more European players are just staying home to play. Money is often as good or better then NBA money. They play a more relaxed schedule over there. They don't have to come to a foreign country. Instead of being a role player on an NBA team, they can be a star in Europe.

I still think the big names will come to the NBA though.

[Deleterious]

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Knicks Say They Have Bought 29th Overall Pick

Knicks Say They Have Bought 29th Overall Pick

The Knicks are telling colleagues they have purchased the 29th overall pick from the Lakers.

The club plans on drafting a point guard with the 8th overall selection and a big at 29.

Mitch Kupchak said on Wednesday that the team intended to sell its pick and use to money to help re-sign free agents Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza.

[Sparks4Ever]

Hansbrough would be a great pick at #15. About 1000 times better than Mullens.

[Deleterious]

DraftExpress: Live Blogging the 2009 NBA Draft

-Detroit is trying to unload more salary on teams with a trade exception or cap space, in order to get further under the cap for this summer’s free agent class. Walter Sharpe is one player mentioned often in a salary cap dump.

Dont fall asleep on this rumor.

[Johnny Mac]

Originally Posted by Omaha Piston

DraftExpress: Jonathan Givony


Sacramento has reportedly offered Detroit the #23 and #31 picks in exchange for the #15. The Kings may target DeJuan Blair at 15 if he's available, while the Pistons like Toney Douglas and possibly DaJuan Summers. There have been rumors that Dumars is interested in Douglas. This would give Detroit one first-round pick and four second round picks. Down further on the page Givony reports of another potential offer for the 15th pick.

Minnesota supposedly may not be done making moves, and could be looking to package some assets and move up even higher in the first round. Right now they seem to be dangling the #18 pick and Nikola Pekovic, possibly to Detroit sitting at 15. Gerald Henderson could very well be their target, as he's likely gone one pick later by Chicago.

while I am a huge Toney Douglas fan, Im not so sure about his nba potential. He is a shooting guard stuck in a point guards body.

[djhutch]

Originally Posted by Deleterious

DraftExpress: Live Blogging the 2009 NBA Draft



Dont fall asleep on this rumor.

Bravo, Mr. Kool-Aid. Bravo.

[Buddha]

Originally Posted by Deleterious

DraftExpress: Live Blogging the 2009 NBA Draft



Dont fall asleep on this rumor.

How's Mario Chalmers doing? Or Luc Mbah a Moute?

[SuperFlew]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mac

while I am a huge Toney Douglas fan, Im not so sure about his nba potential. He is a shooting guard stuck in a point guards body.

He kind of reminds me of Ben Gordon. I'd much rather use a draft pick on Douglas, than give Gordon 10+ million a year.

Originally Posted by Deleterious

DraftExpress: Live Blogging the 2009 NBA Draft

Dont fall asleep on this rumor.

Well played, sir. Well played!

[KleShreen]

Pleeeeeeeeeeeease take Terrence Williams.

I'll even live with Austin Daye.

But PLEASE don't take BJ Mullen's. What garbage. Even Ohio State fans think he sucks.

[Deleterious]

Originally Posted by SuperFlew

He kind of reminds me of Ben Gordon. I'd much rather use a draft pick on Douglas, than give Gordon 10+ million a year.

Thats a pretty good point. Wont get the same production from Douglas. But comparing production to dollars you would come out ahead with him probably. I wouldn't be opposed to buying a pick to nab him.

[DrWho17]

Come on Dumars get a steal, he hasn't outright said who he's going to pick this time. His mighty offseason plan starts tonight, everybody else in the East is getting better.

[Deleterious]

DraftExpress - NBA Draft, NCAA/International Basketball Website.

6:56

Just spoke to Sergio Rodriguez's agent, Bob Myers. He says he was informed that the trade is done. Portland will likely target Victor Claver at 31, although there is some thought that they could be tempted to take him at 22.

6:45

We're hearing that Sacramento and Portland are closing in on a deal that would send Sergio Rodriguez and the #38 pick to Sacramento for #31.

[Deleterious]

Draftexpress is liveblogging:

DraftExpress: Live Blogging the 2009 NBA Draft

RealGM has reconfigured their front page for the draft tonight. Draft order, live blog, rumors:

RealGM: NBA Draft Night 2009

[Deleterious]

The Clippers take Griffin #1 and essentially end his career before it even started.