Post by Martinez on Sept 17, 2010 10:06:14 GMT -5
The 2007 BBS Draft will bring us a change of tides in the league with the Eastern Conference dominating the top picks in the lotto(the top 7 picks are all owned by Eastern Conference teams, though, the potential number five pick is from Houston but owned by Milwaukee) and another potential superstar in Kevin Durant into the league he is the undisputed number one pick and is bound for success. At just 19 years of age he already plays at the level of a matured veteran and will only improve. This is an overused cliché but Kevin Durant’s ceiling is so high no one yet knows what he’s capable of. The rest of the draft does not have a player remotely close to the level of Durant but with that being said it’s a very deep draft where any team from 1 to 29 can come up with a potential important piece to their team. A player like Thaddeus Young has the ability to one day become an all-star player. His athleticism alone will make him a key defensive player, if he can improve his offense we can see a potential Lamar Odom clone. Other players such as Greg Oden and Al Horford offer both defensive and offensive abilities. Greg Oden offensively isn’t as polished as Horford but Oden is a much better shot blocker. Horford is a bit better offensively with some range and has a decent post game. At the point three guys stand out they are Mike Conley, Aaron Brooks and Ramon Sessions. All three can break the starting point guard one day for their teams. Mike Conley is more of the prototypical point guard. A floor general at it’s finest he will no doubt be a starter in this league, perhaps even from day one. Aaron Brooks is more of a two guard in a point guards body. His ability to get off shots against bigger competition will make him successful in this league, I do expect a move to the 2 in his future is likely. Ramon Sessions is a very underrated player he will need to work to ever get a starting spot in this league but if he works hard in Training Camp he can no doubt achieve that as he does have all the tools to accomplish that.
1.
Charlotte Bobcats (Record as of this article 14-47 .230) – Kevin Durant SF 6'9'' 215 19 B- B+ C- C C A – Potential other candidates: None
Why?: I think there is very little doubt as to whom the number one pick in this draft should be and that is Kevin Durant. Charlotte or any team for that matter would love to land Kevin Durant day one he will bring instant impact to the team. Charlotte already has two potential future stars in Devin Harris and Josh Smith. If Bobcats get lucky come lottery day this trio could potentially be among tops in the league in 2-3 seasons, perhaps even sooner. Kevin Durant will become a top 5 player in this league. There is no question about that. He will win Rookie of the Year and help the Bobcats win some games next season. I can see the Bobcats being a top 5 team in 2-3 seasons with Kevin Durant, Josh Smith, and Devin Harris. The Lottery is a cold cold game so if the Bobcats fall out of the #1 spot, or any team for that matter, they will undoubtedly be floored. With that being said though the Bobcats should be happy they have a sound foundation in Josh Smith and Devin Harris at the current moment so if they lose out on KD it won’t be as bad as other teams.
2.
Philadelphia 76ers (Record as of this article 12-43 .218) - Thaddeus Young SF 6'8'' 220 19 B C C B- C A – Potential other Candidates: Greg Oden
Why?: After Kevin Durant, a numerous amount of players can interchange spots between number two and number six. If the Philadelphia 76ers do indeed land number two I think the choice should be Thaddeus Young. Much like the Charlotte Bobcats, the 76ers already have a two promising youngsters in Rajon Rondo and Paul Millsap. The 76ers are in no hurry to compete so taking a potential project player with extreme upside in Thaddeus Young is obvious here. The combination of Young and Rondo will cause headaches for opposing offensive players as I feel that Rondo will eventually be a perennial all-defensive team player and while Young will need to a ton of work to achieve that, I think he will be tops in the league in steals someday. Also like the Bobcats, the 76ers are one of the few teams who if they do not land Durant they should not be to upset as they have two nice pieces already.
3.
Milwaukee Bucks (Record as of this article 13-38 .255) - Greg Oden C 7'0'' 250 19 C+ C D B+ B A – Potential other candidates: Marc Gasol, Thaddeus Young
Why?: The Milwaukee Bucks started the season tops in the league and decided to end that and re-build completely. At the number three spot they end up taking Greg Oden. With shot blocking big men being such a premium in this league I think that automatically bumps up Oden’s value. While not as offensively gifted as Marc Gasol, Oden could still be one of the top big men in this league.. Defensively he is sound and is an excellent shot blocker but his injuries, lack of an offensive game and questions about potential will hurt his stock a bit. Unlike the 76ers and Bobcats, the Bucks do not have a lot of pieces right now outside of future superstar Rudy Gay whom is a great player to have but the Bucks also have two potential top five picks in this draft which is huge. The Bucks are currently predicted to pick at the number three and number five spot so even if
4.
Detroit Pistons (Record as of this article 16-41 .281) - Wilson Chandler SF 6'8'' 220 20 B- C C- B C A – Potential other candidates: Al Horford, Brandan Wright
Why?: The Detroit Pistons will surprise a few people and take Wilson Chandler with the #4 pick which I think could end up being one of the steals of this draft. Already having Al Jefferson at the five I think Detroit passes on Marc Gasol and takes Wilson Chandler who has the athletic ability to play two or three different positions. The combo of Martell Webster and Wilson Chandler will cause offensive and defensive headaches respectively. A great pick up for Detroit whom albeit does not have any franchise youth pieces just yet but undoubtedly is on the way to building a very sound team. The youngsters that currently stand out are Al Jefferson, Martell Webster, and Guillermo Diaz adding Wilson Chandler to this mix will sure pay it’s fruits in the future.
5.Houston Rockets - *Owned by Milwaukee*(Record as of this article 16-40 .286) – Julian Wright SF 6'8'' 225 20 B- C C- B C A – Potential other candidates: Al Horford, Brandan Wright
Why?: The Milwaukee Bucks can thank Houston’s loving general manager Pig for the headscratcher of a trade that landed them with this pick. Having already taking Greg Oden with the number three pick I think they also pass on Marc Gasol and take Julian Wright a player very similar to Chandler’s attributes. Wright can play three different positions on the floor and brings all the intangibles you look for in a player. He is ready to start from day one and while he will never be a superstar he can be a top-tier complimentary player in this league one day. The Bucks would then potentially have a core of Greg Oden, Rudy Gay and Julian Wright to continue building on. A solid two picks for them.
6.
Chicago Bulls (Record as of this article 17-40 .298) - Al Horford C 6'10'' 245 21 B- C C- B+ B B Potential other candidates: Marc Gasol, Brandan Wright
Why? Marc Gasol again and Chicago ends up taking Al Horford with this pick. Horford can slide to the 4 and play alongside Andrew Bogut. Out of all the teams in the lottery I am most impressed with the current core Chicago has of Monta Ellis, Andrew Bogut, Jameer Nelson and Andrea Bargnani. This moves also allows Bargnani to the three where I feel he is better suited and this Bulls line-up immediately becomes one of the biggest in the league. Horford will contribute from day one. Questions do arise if he’s reached his ceiling and if he will ever improve but certainly he’s a low-risk high-reward at this stage of the game.
7.
New Jersey Nets (Record as of this article 16-36 .308) – Marc Gasol C 7'1'' 265 22 B C- C- C B- A Potential other candidates: Brandan Wirght, Yi Jianlin, Mike Conley
Why? After some disastrous general managing by the Nets after giving up a ton of pieces and first for two players arguably well past their prime the Nets find themselves back in the lotto in danger and in their contract year next season. Thankfully Marc Gasol falls out of the top 5 and lands right in New Jersey’s lap. Gasol will be a contributor from day one and add some much needed offensive power up front. I do see the Nets potentially dealing this pick though in some sort of package to add veteran players to their squad for next season. Already having Joakim Noah and Chris Paul I think the Nets should be okay for this season and can potentially hold on to Gasol and make a contending team surrounding those three but the way things have gone this season I think the obvious choice is to trade this pick in a bigger package for someone who can contribute much more right now.
8.
Memphis Grizzlies (Record as of this article 17-35 .333) Brandan Wright PF 6'9'' 205 19 B C C B C A – Potential other candidates: Yi Jianlin, Mike Conley, Jarvaris Crittenton
Why? The tandem of Dwight Howard and Brandan Wright could eventually become the best shot blocking duo in this league in 3-4 seasons, with that being said Wright isn’t very strong so a move to the three is more than likely. At this point he’s a project player and the Grizzlies can live with that as they are not in danger of the contract year just yet. In terms of youth outside of Dwight Howard they do not have anyone intriguing. Andre Miller is a veteran point guard who should be traded for some youth and picks while his value is high. If the Grizzlies elect to hold on to Andre Miller they will potentially have a $40mill+ contract that is impossible to trade. In any case a solid low-risk pick here at the number 8 spot.
9.
Toronto Raptors (Record as of this article 21-32 .396) – Mike Conley PG 6'1'' 180 19 C B- B- C+ D+ B – Potential other candidates: Yi Jianlin, Al Thornton
Why? A rare sight to see the Toronto Raptors in the draft lottery, a franchise that is usually a perennial contender finds itself looking to improve via the draft. Toronto will be looking to quickly improve and get back into the playoffs and will do so by taking BBS-ready player Mike Conley with the 9th pick in the draft. The tandem of Mike Conley and Dwayne Wade is a great duo to build around. Wade is currently entering his prime and clamoring for some help to get this team back into the playoffs and contending for a title immediately. DJ delivers that here by bringing in floor general Conley.
10.
New Orleans Hornets (Record as of this article (25-34 .414) Yi Jianlian PF 7'0'' 238 19 B- B- D+ C C+ A – Potential other candidates: Al Thornton, Jarvaris Crittenton, Spencer Hawes
Why? The Hornets are in rebuild mode and looking to surround future superstar LeBron James with some help. They take a player with the most upside in Yi Jianlian and hope they can develop him into the promising offensive player that he has shown signs of that he could be. The Hornets GM, aar, is known for being able to groom young players into stars and should have no problem steering Yi Jianlian in the right direction here. In no hurry to win the Hornets can afford to sit and develop Yi Jianlian rather than take a more BBS ready player such as Al Thornton.
11.
. Golden State Warriors (Record as of this article (28-30 .483)- Ramon Sessions PG 6'3'' 190 21 C+ C+ B- B+ C- B – Potential Other Candidates: Corey Brewer, Spencer Hawes
Why? The Warriors went into the season with the mindset of playoffs and find themselves in the lottery. A disappointing season to this point sees Golden State back in the lottery once again, though General Manager CC (who has currently taken a leave of absence from the team due to his addiction to Halo: Reach and masturbating) wants these Warriors back in the playoffs as soon as possible and will take Ramon Sessions here. Al Thornton is probably the best player available at this point but with Ron Artest and Brandon Roy already on the squad and a need for a point guard Ramon Sessions becomes the best pick. Amare Stoudemire, Ron Artest, Brandon Roy and Ramon Sessions with a bit of luck and proper training in camp could and should be a playoff team come next season in the very competitive Western Conference.
12.
Minnesota Timberwolves - *Owned by San Antonio Spurs* (Record as of this article (25-26 . 490) – Aaron Brooks PG 6'0'' 161 22 C A- B- C D+ B Potential other Candidates: Corey Brewer, Jarvaris Critteton, Al Thorton, Spencer Hawes
Why? The San Antonio Spurs have the luxury of owning a lotto pick thanks to the extremely disappointing season the Minnesota Timberwolves are currently encountering. The Wolves can go many ways with this pick but decide to go with Spencer Hawes here. The Spurs are stacked with Pau Gasol at the 5, Elton Brand at the 4, Tayshaun Prince at the 3, Joe Johnson at the 2 and Dajuan Wagner at the 1 and youngsters Travis Outlaw and Martynas Adrieskivcus off the bench. This is why they also pass on Al Thornton and Spencer Hawes and take youngster Aaron Brooks whom they can develop behind Dajuan Wagner. The Spurs can be satisified with any choice they make here but Brooks gives them even more weapons off the bench at perhaps the only position on the team that is weakest with depth the point guard position.
13.
Dallas Mavericks (Record as of this article (29-29 .500) – Spencer Hawes C 7'0'' 245 19 B- C C B- C+ B Potential other Candidates: Jarvaris Critteton, Corey Brewer
Why? A log jam at the three with Raef LaFrents and Caron Butler and a great point guard in Tony Parker the Dallas Mavericks choose Spencer Hawes who has the potential to be a very solid big man in this league. The Mavericks will be happy with Hawes who already has a very sound offensive game and should develop into a decent rebounder and defender with the right training in camp.
1.
Charlotte Bobcats (Record as of this article 14-47 .230) – Kevin Durant SF 6'9'' 215 19 B- B+ C- C C A – Potential other candidates: NoneWhy?: I think there is very little doubt as to whom the number one pick in this draft should be and that is Kevin Durant. Charlotte or any team for that matter would love to land Kevin Durant day one he will bring instant impact to the team. Charlotte already has two potential future stars in Devin Harris and Josh Smith. If Bobcats get lucky come lottery day this trio could potentially be among tops in the league in 2-3 seasons, perhaps even sooner. Kevin Durant will become a top 5 player in this league. There is no question about that. He will win Rookie of the Year and help the Bobcats win some games next season. I can see the Bobcats being a top 5 team in 2-3 seasons with Kevin Durant, Josh Smith, and Devin Harris. The Lottery is a cold cold game so if the Bobcats fall out of the #1 spot, or any team for that matter, they will undoubtedly be floored. With that being said though the Bobcats should be happy they have a sound foundation in Josh Smith and Devin Harris at the current moment so if they lose out on KD it won’t be as bad as other teams.
2.
Philadelphia 76ers (Record as of this article 12-43 .218) - Thaddeus Young SF 6'8'' 220 19 B C C B- C A – Potential other Candidates: Greg OdenWhy?: After Kevin Durant, a numerous amount of players can interchange spots between number two and number six. If the Philadelphia 76ers do indeed land number two I think the choice should be Thaddeus Young. Much like the Charlotte Bobcats, the 76ers already have a two promising youngsters in Rajon Rondo and Paul Millsap. The 76ers are in no hurry to compete so taking a potential project player with extreme upside in Thaddeus Young is obvious here. The combination of Young and Rondo will cause headaches for opposing offensive players as I feel that Rondo will eventually be a perennial all-defensive team player and while Young will need to a ton of work to achieve that, I think he will be tops in the league in steals someday. Also like the Bobcats, the 76ers are one of the few teams who if they do not land Durant they should not be to upset as they have two nice pieces already.
3.
Milwaukee Bucks (Record as of this article 13-38 .255) - Greg Oden C 7'0'' 250 19 C+ C D B+ B A – Potential other candidates: Marc Gasol, Thaddeus YoungWhy?: The Milwaukee Bucks started the season tops in the league and decided to end that and re-build completely. At the number three spot they end up taking Greg Oden. With shot blocking big men being such a premium in this league I think that automatically bumps up Oden’s value. While not as offensively gifted as Marc Gasol, Oden could still be one of the top big men in this league.. Defensively he is sound and is an excellent shot blocker but his injuries, lack of an offensive game and questions about potential will hurt his stock a bit. Unlike the 76ers and Bobcats, the Bucks do not have a lot of pieces right now outside of future superstar Rudy Gay whom is a great player to have but the Bucks also have two potential top five picks in this draft which is huge. The Bucks are currently predicted to pick at the number three and number five spot so even if
4.
Detroit Pistons (Record as of this article 16-41 .281) - Wilson Chandler SF 6'8'' 220 20 B- C C- B C A – Potential other candidates: Al Horford, Brandan WrightWhy?: The Detroit Pistons will surprise a few people and take Wilson Chandler with the #4 pick which I think could end up being one of the steals of this draft. Already having Al Jefferson at the five I think Detroit passes on Marc Gasol and takes Wilson Chandler who has the athletic ability to play two or three different positions. The combo of Martell Webster and Wilson Chandler will cause offensive and defensive headaches respectively. A great pick up for Detroit whom albeit does not have any franchise youth pieces just yet but undoubtedly is on the way to building a very sound team. The youngsters that currently stand out are Al Jefferson, Martell Webster, and Guillermo Diaz adding Wilson Chandler to this mix will sure pay it’s fruits in the future.
5.
Houston Rockets - *Owned by Milwaukee*(Record as of this article 16-40 .286) – Julian Wright SF 6'8'' 225 20 B- C C- B C A – Potential other candidates: Al Horford, Brandan WrightWhy?: The Milwaukee Bucks can thank Houston’s loving general manager Pig for the headscratcher of a trade that landed them with this pick. Having already taking Greg Oden with the number three pick I think they also pass on Marc Gasol and take Julian Wright a player very similar to Chandler’s attributes. Wright can play three different positions on the floor and brings all the intangibles you look for in a player. He is ready to start from day one and while he will never be a superstar he can be a top-tier complimentary player in this league one day. The Bucks would then potentially have a core of Greg Oden, Rudy Gay and Julian Wright to continue building on. A solid two picks for them.
6.
Chicago Bulls (Record as of this article 17-40 .298) - Al Horford C 6'10'' 245 21 B- C C- B+ B B Potential other candidates: Marc Gasol, Brandan WrightWhy? Marc Gasol again and Chicago ends up taking Al Horford with this pick. Horford can slide to the 4 and play alongside Andrew Bogut. Out of all the teams in the lottery I am most impressed with the current core Chicago has of Monta Ellis, Andrew Bogut, Jameer Nelson and Andrea Bargnani. This moves also allows Bargnani to the three where I feel he is better suited and this Bulls line-up immediately becomes one of the biggest in the league. Horford will contribute from day one. Questions do arise if he’s reached his ceiling and if he will ever improve but certainly he’s a low-risk high-reward at this stage of the game.
7.
New Jersey Nets (Record as of this article 16-36 .308) – Marc Gasol C 7'1'' 265 22 B C- C- C B- A Potential other candidates: Brandan Wirght, Yi Jianlin, Mike ConleyWhy? After some disastrous general managing by the Nets after giving up a ton of pieces and first for two players arguably well past their prime the Nets find themselves back in the lotto in danger and in their contract year next season. Thankfully Marc Gasol falls out of the top 5 and lands right in New Jersey’s lap. Gasol will be a contributor from day one and add some much needed offensive power up front. I do see the Nets potentially dealing this pick though in some sort of package to add veteran players to their squad for next season. Already having Joakim Noah and Chris Paul I think the Nets should be okay for this season and can potentially hold on to Gasol and make a contending team surrounding those three but the way things have gone this season I think the obvious choice is to trade this pick in a bigger package for someone who can contribute much more right now.
8.
Memphis Grizzlies (Record as of this article 17-35 .333) Brandan Wright PF 6'9'' 205 19 B C C B C A – Potential other candidates: Yi Jianlin, Mike Conley, Jarvaris CrittentonWhy? The tandem of Dwight Howard and Brandan Wright could eventually become the best shot blocking duo in this league in 3-4 seasons, with that being said Wright isn’t very strong so a move to the three is more than likely. At this point he’s a project player and the Grizzlies can live with that as they are not in danger of the contract year just yet. In terms of youth outside of Dwight Howard they do not have anyone intriguing. Andre Miller is a veteran point guard who should be traded for some youth and picks while his value is high. If the Grizzlies elect to hold on to Andre Miller they will potentially have a $40mill+ contract that is impossible to trade. In any case a solid low-risk pick here at the number 8 spot.
9.
Toronto Raptors (Record as of this article 21-32 .396) – Mike Conley PG 6'1'' 180 19 C B- B- C+ D+ B – Potential other candidates: Yi Jianlin, Al ThorntonWhy? A rare sight to see the Toronto Raptors in the draft lottery, a franchise that is usually a perennial contender finds itself looking to improve via the draft. Toronto will be looking to quickly improve and get back into the playoffs and will do so by taking BBS-ready player Mike Conley with the 9th pick in the draft. The tandem of Mike Conley and Dwayne Wade is a great duo to build around. Wade is currently entering his prime and clamoring for some help to get this team back into the playoffs and contending for a title immediately. DJ delivers that here by bringing in floor general Conley.
10.
New Orleans Hornets (Record as of this article (25-34 .414) Yi Jianlian PF 7'0'' 238 19 B- B- D+ C C+ A – Potential other candidates: Al Thornton, Jarvaris Crittenton, Spencer HawesWhy? The Hornets are in rebuild mode and looking to surround future superstar LeBron James with some help. They take a player with the most upside in Yi Jianlian and hope they can develop him into the promising offensive player that he has shown signs of that he could be. The Hornets GM, aar, is known for being able to groom young players into stars and should have no problem steering Yi Jianlian in the right direction here. In no hurry to win the Hornets can afford to sit and develop Yi Jianlian rather than take a more BBS ready player such as Al Thornton.
11.
. Golden State Warriors (Record as of this article (28-30 .483)- Ramon Sessions PG 6'3'' 190 21 C+ C+ B- B+ C- B – Potential Other Candidates: Corey Brewer, Spencer HawesWhy? The Warriors went into the season with the mindset of playoffs and find themselves in the lottery. A disappointing season to this point sees Golden State back in the lottery once again, though General Manager CC (who has currently taken a leave of absence from the team due to his addiction to Halo: Reach and masturbating) wants these Warriors back in the playoffs as soon as possible and will take Ramon Sessions here. Al Thornton is probably the best player available at this point but with Ron Artest and Brandon Roy already on the squad and a need for a point guard Ramon Sessions becomes the best pick. Amare Stoudemire, Ron Artest, Brandon Roy and Ramon Sessions with a bit of luck and proper training in camp could and should be a playoff team come next season in the very competitive Western Conference.
12.
Minnesota Timberwolves - *Owned by San Antonio Spurs* (Record as of this article (25-26 . 490) – Aaron Brooks PG 6'0'' 161 22 C A- B- C D+ B Potential other Candidates: Corey Brewer, Jarvaris Critteton, Al Thorton, Spencer HawesWhy? The San Antonio Spurs have the luxury of owning a lotto pick thanks to the extremely disappointing season the Minnesota Timberwolves are currently encountering. The Wolves can go many ways with this pick but decide to go with Spencer Hawes here. The Spurs are stacked with Pau Gasol at the 5, Elton Brand at the 4, Tayshaun Prince at the 3, Joe Johnson at the 2 and Dajuan Wagner at the 1 and youngsters Travis Outlaw and Martynas Adrieskivcus off the bench. This is why they also pass on Al Thornton and Spencer Hawes and take youngster Aaron Brooks whom they can develop behind Dajuan Wagner. The Spurs can be satisified with any choice they make here but Brooks gives them even more weapons off the bench at perhaps the only position on the team that is weakest with depth the point guard position.
13.
Dallas Mavericks (Record as of this article (29-29 .500) – Spencer Hawes C 7'0'' 245 19 B- C C B- C+ B Potential other Candidates: Jarvaris Critteton, Corey BrewerWhy? A log jam at the three with Raef LaFrents and Caron Butler and a great point guard in Tony Parker the Dallas Mavericks choose Spencer Hawes who has the potential to be a very solid big man in this league. The Mavericks will be happy with Hawes who already has a very sound offensive game and should develop into a decent rebounder and defender with the right training in camp.
