1. Miami Heat: Michael Beasley (FR, PF, Kansas State) - At this point, Miami can really use just about anyone to improve this team. Last year, the debate was between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. This year, it is between Beasley and Derrick Rose. I think that the Heat will go with Beasley. You can't argue with a double-double machine.
2. Seattle Supersonics: Derrick Rose (FR, PG, Memphis) - Seattle really can't lose with the second pick for the second year in a row. They added Kevin Durant with this pick and then Jeff Green with pick five. This year, they get their point guard of the future and suddenly, the future looks really bright for this team. If they really want Beasley, they could package both of their first round picks to Miami and then scoop him up. Wonder what the team name will be if they end up moving to Oklahoma City.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: Brook Lopez (SO, C, Stanford) - With the T-Wolves adding Rashad McCants, Randy Foye, and Corey Brewer the last few drafts, I don't see them going after O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless here. Lopez is the highest rated big man after Beasley, so he will probably go here with the third pick. Minny could trade down for a few picks as well.
4. Memphis Grizzlies: OJ Mayo (FR, SG, USC) - Memphis has an army of guards with Lowry, Conley, Crittendon, Navarro, and Mike Miller. But, Mayo is the highest rated player and taking a big man with this pick would be a stretch. They have two first round picks, so I see them taking the best available player here and then hoping to address their big man situation with the pick they get from the Lakers. Mike Miller could be dealt for picks or for that big man as well.
5. Los Angeles Clippers: Eric Gordon (FR, SG, Indiana) - This team is a team that is in transition. Elton Brand could be gone this summer, Sam Cassell left during the season, Cuttino Mobley is getting older, and Shaun Livingston's health isn't very clear. With Mobley and Quinton Ross being the only shooting guards on the team, I look for the Clippers to take Gordon here for some scoring help.
6. New York Knicks: Jerryd Bayless (FR, PG, Arizona) - New York is trying to get back to winning. I'm not sure Bayless is the guy that is going to lead them, but he is capable of running the point for a team. He is a proven scorer, but can he distribute the ball like a point guard should? Maybe he is the second coming of Stephon Marbury.
7. Milwaukee Bucks: DJ Augustin (SO, PG, Texas) - Milwaukee really confuses me. They have talent at every position. They just can't win. Mo Williams had a lot of injury problems this season, so I could see the Bucks taking Augustin here. He will be a backup at first, but could steal the job away from Williams if he plays well.
8. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Randolph (FR, PF, LSU) - Michael Jordan has made a habit out of drafting players with a lot of buzz around them. Randolph is this year's version of that player.
9. Chicago Bulls: DeAndre Jordan (SO, C, Texas A&M) - The Bulls are great at picking players that don't contribute right away. Here is their opportunity to do it again this year. Jordan is a big project. But, he could pay big dividends by season's end. We will see.
10. New Jersey Nets: Danilo Gallinari (SF, Italy) - The Nets have a nice stable of big men, but they don't have much scoring depth at the 1,2, or 3. Gallinari might be a year away from playing in the NBA, but he can be a nice player for years to come.
11. Indiana Pacers: Russell Westbrook (SO, PG, UCLA) - Indiana could go with either Westbrook or Kevin Love with this pick. I think that the team really wants to establish a team leader with this pick. Westbrook could be that guy.
12. Sacramento Kings: Kevin Love (FR, C, UCLA) - Back-to-back Bruins taken here. Love and Spencer Hawes will be a nice 1-2 combo down low for the Kings. Brad Miller is a nice mentor for the two.
13. Portland Trailblazers: Chase Budinger (SO, SG, Arizona) - The draft is loaded with Pac10 talent thus far. Portland will look to take Budinger here to add depth to their team. What is Portland going to do with all of their players.
14. Golden State Warriors: Darrell Arthur (SO, PF, Kansas) - Arthur fits the Warriors style of play and he adds a great energy off the bench for this team. He is used to playing a team game, so he doesn't need the ball all the time to be successful.
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Comments
Ya, it was between Jordan and Westbrook for the Bulls. I'm sure I'll flip-flop a million times before the actual draft. Plus, it depends on the lottery order.
May 20th is a big day for quite a few teams this year.
JC niiice...I wrote that the Bulls need Westbrook this morning.
As for the rest of this, Drose in Seattle would be a dream come true for everyone. I think Miami would take him with the top pick, as Dwade is already lobbying for him, but you can't go wrong either way. Man Durant and Rose, that would be sweet.
"12. Sacramento Kings: Kevin Love (FR, C, UCLA) - Back-to-back Bruins taken here. Love and Spencer Hawes will be a nice 1-2 combo down low for the Kings. Brad Miller is a nice mentor for the two."
WHIIIIIIITE OUUUUUUT
So... Miami drafts another 4? Even though 3 of their top 4 players play the 4 already or are a 3-4 tweener...
Wright(promising), Haslem(proven solid starter), Marion(has made all star games)
seems odd to me. I thought they would fill a need at the 1 since Wade is a 2 and their best option at the 1 next season is daquan cook.
Maybe Miami would sign a PG in free agency this summer?
Wright is only 205lbs, so he isn't playing the 4 much.
With Beasley, the Heat can go with Haslem off the bench. Marion/Beasley/Wright/Wade/PG. OR, they can go with PG/Wade/Marion/Haslem/Beasley, with Cook and Wright coming off the bench.
Wade has the ball in his hands all the time. He is like Jordan and Kobe. They never really had a PG that "ran" the team. Miami is the same way with Dwayne Wade....in my opinion.
hey now.....Jason Williams, Hinrich, Ben Gordon and Deng all contributed for the Bulls immediately after they were drafted.
Westbrook won't make it past the Bulls pick.