Post by TSC on Oct 28, 2010 18:03:41 GMT -5
This draft class is a very talented group, mainly full of point guards. If your in need of a signal caller, this is the draft to gain one. For the first time since the 97 draft, the Knicks are in position to land the top pick. That pick landed them BBS great Kobe Bryant, who any draft choice would love to have a career like Kobe's. There are 3 players fighting for the spot of the number one pick, Tyreke Evans(Memphis), Blake Griffen(Oklahoma), and Brandon Jennings(Italy). Tyreke is a true one of a kind. He can dominate a game in many ways, whether it be scoring, assisting, or hitting the glass. He has a chance to become a triple double threat the league hasn't seen since Jason Kidd, and that's what makes Tyreke special. Blake Griffin dominated college basketball last season, with his 25 points per game and 14.4 rebounds per game. He is a rebounding machine, and looks to bring his game to the top of the BBS. Brandon Jennings is the other option for the top pick. He took his game to Europe last season instead of enrolling into college, and has experience with the top professional league in Europe. He has gone up against elite competition, and has had some matchups with fellow draftee Ricky Rubio. It will be interesting to see if Jennings can get picked before Rubio. Rubio is a flashy passing guard in the mold of Steve Nash. He doesn't need to score to be able to dominate the game. He is the purest passer of this class.
1. New York Knicks(As of Now: 14 - 53) - Blake Griffin - B D+ C- B- B A Others Considered: Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings
College: Oklahoma
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-10
Weight: 251
Age: 20
Position: Power Forward
Other Positions: Center
Why: The Knicks are a team that has many good guards, but are very weak upfront. Griffin looks to be the last piece of an intense rebuild process for GM Skillz. The Knicks already have two budding stars in Eric Gordon and Danilo Gallinari. This gives them a very dangerous core that can do damage here in the BBS. Blake will impact the game now. He has pro-ready skill set that will help him immensely throughout his rookie year. As we all know, the worst team in the league rarely ever lands the 1st pick, so we may see the Knicks drop, but Blake is the pefect piece for them.
2. Indiana Pacers(Record as of Now: 14-51) - Tyreke Evans - B+ C+ C+ C+ C+ A Others Considered: Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio
College: Memphis
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Point Guard, Small Forward
Why: The Pacers are easily the worst built team in the league. With a team full of scrubs, the Pacers need a lot of luck in the lottery. New GM Mops has barely done anything, and moves need to be made. Tyreke Evans is the slam dunk pick here. He fits right in as the franchise player, and he can do it all. He has a pro-ready game, and he has a great chance to be the rookie of the year. If Training Camp treats him right, you could be looking at the next great BBS player. He is the best player in this draft, and they are lucky the Knicks don't need a guard at number 1.
3. Miami Heat(Record as of Now: 18-48) - Brandon Jennings - C B+ B C C- A Others Considered: Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry
College: Roma (Italy)
Class: International
Height: 6-1
Weight: 169
Age: 19
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Heat are a team that is able to draft via best player available, and get lucky here with this pick. Brandon Jennings is one of the most controversial players to come out. He skipped college to play one season of basketball against elite talent throughout Europe. He is a one man show. He has the ability to take over any game, and is without a doubt a top 3 pick. Although he isn't as pro ready as the top two picks, he has loads of potential to become a monster. With the Heat having a great core of Anthony Randolph, Marvin Williams, Thabo Sefolosha, and JR Smith, Jennings can thrive with this squad. I fully expect Jennings to become a force in this league.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves(Record as of Now: 23-46) - Ricky Rubio - C+ C+ A- C+ D+ A Others Considered: Stephen Curry
College: Spain
Class: International
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Wolves have a great franchise player already in OJ Mayo, meaning they need a point guard around him. Rubio is the purest point guard in this class. He has a pro-ready game. Playing in Spain, he went up against elite talent, including Brandon Jennings. He is also the youngest player in the class. He has the talent to be a 10 point 10 assists type player, which is exactly what the Wolves need. Franchise player Mayo is one of the most explosive rookies this season, and I expect him to win the rookie of the year award this season. Rubio has the potential to win the award next season. I expect him and Mayo to become a dynamic duo.
5. Phoenix Suns(Record as of Now: 22-44)- Johnny Flynn - B- B- B- C+ C- B Others Considered: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Hasheem Thabeet
College: Syracuse
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186
Age: 20
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Jonny Flynn is the perfect point guard for the Suns offense. They need a scorer who can also pass in times of need, and that's where Flynn excels. Last season, he was known for his 6th Overtime win over UConn, with his clutch scoring plays. Flynn will be able to take over the role as Mr. Clutch for the Suns, and only Stephen Curry has the ability to play as well as Flynn can in the most crucial moments of a game. Flynn has the brash, smash mouth game that coaches love. He is very pro-ready. The Suns have a young center to mesh with Flynn in Al Horford, and I expect the Suns to go back into greatness after a 1 year hiatus from the playoffs.
6. New Jersey Nets(From Boston Celtics) - Hasheem Thabeet - C+ D+ D B C+ Others Considered: Stephen Curry, James Harden
College: UConn
Class: Junior
Height: 7-3
Weight: 263
Age: 22
Position: Center
Other Positions: Power Forward
Why: The Nets have been searching for a big man a lot throughout the past season. Thabeet is one of the biggest and baddest he can find. Although very raw, Thabeet has great size, and a great shot blocking ability. You will not be able to find someone as skilled at shot blocking with the height of Thabeet. There is no doubt he will be a defensive presence. Although, I doubt he can ever build an offensive game, GMs drool over shot blockers. Thabeet is definitely a shot blocker. The Nets will have a future of twin towers with Thabeet and McGee. That will be a defensive front court that will be almost impossible to score on, on the offensive end. Thabeet looks to be a 4 block per game big, which is valuable to any team.
7. Philadelphia 76ers(Record as of Now: 26-43) - James Harden - B- B- C B- C A Others Considered: Stephen Curry
College: Arizona State
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 20
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Small Forward
Why: The 76ers have a huge hole at the wing spot, and Harden shores that up. A pure scorer, he will have plenty of shots in Philadelphia. Lighting up opponents for Arizona State, he also has great handling ability. He can play some point guard if needed throughout the season. He has a pro-ready game. He also has the potential to be a 20 point scorer. The 76ers look to be one piece short of a great team, and it is a scorer. They have great role players, but Harden fills that hole nicely. I expect this 6er core to do damage in the very near future.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers(Record as of Now: 26-40) - Stephen Curry - C A- B- C D+ A Others Considered: None
College: Davidson
Class: Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Age: 21
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Curry is one of the most clutch college basketball players of recent memory. Leading Davidson to their first elite eight two years ago, he is the reason why they are even in the March Madness Tournament. Curry is also a sniper, as he seems to make every 3 point shot he attempts. The Cavs are a team who are in the position to grab the best player available, and land a steal here with Curry. A potential top 5 pick, it is astonishing how Curry could fall to 8. But, the way the draft is set, it's looking more and more like Curry is the draft day loser. The Cavs have a very young, talented team led by Andre Iguodala and Derek Rose. With Curry, they have a dynamic scoring team, that will be able to play a very fast tempo game. Expect Curry to prove everyone who passed on him wrong, and end up a stud in the league.
9. Utah Jazz(Record as of Now: 27-38) - Darren Collison - C B+ C+ B C- A Others Considered: DeMar Derozan, Terrence Williams
College: UCLA
Class: Senior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
Age: 22
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Jazz are in dire need of a young signal caller. Omar Cook isn't working out, and Jay Williams is starting to get older and older. DC brings a young, great energy level to the Jazz. Also pro-ready, he has a good outside shot, good handles, and plays great defense for a rookie. He will definitely make a name for himself in the BBS. I love this pick for the Jazz, as DC can go so much higher, but this draft is so talented. DC is going to stick around as a good combo guard, and the Jazz can get back to winning in a couple years with Collison as the signal caller.
10. Milwaukee Bucks(Record as of Now: 32-37) - DeMar DeRozan - A- C D+ C C A Others Considered: DeJuan Blair, Terrence Williams
College: USC
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Small Forward
Why: DeMar Derozan is an athletic freak. He has a huge vertical leap, and is very quick. He has been in many dunk contests with fellow draftee Blake Griffin, and that looks to continue at the next level. DeMar is full of potential, which is the main reason he was picked this high. He has the potential to turn into a star in this league. Although he is extremely raw, he has a great driving game. He can drive to the hole with the best of them. The Bucks are in a position where they don't need a win now player. Here they can pick up the player with the best potential in the draft, and sit on him and wait and see if he becomes a stud. He is the perfect pick for the Bucks, as he is the polar opposite of Kevin Durant. We'll see if they can work together.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder(Record as of Now: 32-35) - Terrence Williams - B- C+ B- B- C+ B Others Considered: DeJuan Blair
College: Louisville
Class: Senior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Age: 22
Position: Small Forward
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Thunder are getting very old around the wings. They only have 1 star caliber wing in Martell Webster, and TWill has a chance to become a star with the right coaching. He is a senior out of Louisville. Last season for the Cardinals, he was without a doubt the leader of the squad. He has an all around game, and is very pro-ready. He has the ability to win the rookie of the year award this season, which is surprising for a late lotto pick. With the Thunder, he will most likely be handed the starting role. As long as the Thunder keep playing well, TWill will look like a great pick. If the Thunder play terrible, TWill's maturity level will possibly stunt his growth. Overall he has a good game, that could be a lot better.
12. Denver Nuggets(Ratings as of Now: 33-32) - DeJuan Blair - B D+ D+ C+ A- B Others Considered: None
College: Pittsburgh
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-7
Weight: 265
Age: 20
Position: Power Forward
Other Positions: Center
Why: Blair is very big. Literally. He is one of the heaviest players in this class. That can be good or bad. He is also the best rebounder in this class. Last season, he was known for his rebounding ability for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He is also a very underrated post scorer. For someone his height, he has a very skilled post game. What GMs are worried about is his injury problems from the past, and his potential. Most GMs don't project Blair to get much better. He is the best pick here for the Nuggets, as they have a hole at the Power Forward spot. Next to Eddy Curry, that front court has a chance to dominate the glass like no other. Expect Blair to stay consistent as a 4th starter for the next decade.
13. San Antonio Spurs(Record as of Now: 35-33) - Jrue Holiday - C+ C+ B- C+ D A Others Considered: Earl Clark, Omri Cassipi
College: UCLA
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Jrue is the last lottery selection for this draft. Although not playing much time this season at UCLA, he has been flying up draft boards after tremendous pre-draft workouts. Holliday has a good mix of potential and actual talent. He is very talented at finding the open guy for the bucket, but needs to work more on his scoring ability. He has the perfect opportunity to sit on the bench and watch DaJuan Wagner work in San Antonio. This is more of a wait and see pick for the Spurs. They have no holes, and can always use another good bench player. I have a guy feeling we may have some controversy as Jrue has the potential to become a stud in this league.
1. New York Knicks(As of Now: 14 - 53) - Blake Griffin - B D+ C- B- B A Others Considered: Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings
College: Oklahoma
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-10
Weight: 251
Age: 20
Position: Power Forward
Other Positions: Center
Why: The Knicks are a team that has many good guards, but are very weak upfront. Griffin looks to be the last piece of an intense rebuild process for GM Skillz. The Knicks already have two budding stars in Eric Gordon and Danilo Gallinari. This gives them a very dangerous core that can do damage here in the BBS. Blake will impact the game now. He has pro-ready skill set that will help him immensely throughout his rookie year. As we all know, the worst team in the league rarely ever lands the 1st pick, so we may see the Knicks drop, but Blake is the pefect piece for them.
2. Indiana Pacers(Record as of Now: 14-51) - Tyreke Evans - B+ C+ C+ C+ C+ A Others Considered: Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio
College: Memphis
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Point Guard, Small Forward
Why: The Pacers are easily the worst built team in the league. With a team full of scrubs, the Pacers need a lot of luck in the lottery. New GM Mops has barely done anything, and moves need to be made. Tyreke Evans is the slam dunk pick here. He fits right in as the franchise player, and he can do it all. He has a pro-ready game, and he has a great chance to be the rookie of the year. If Training Camp treats him right, you could be looking at the next great BBS player. He is the best player in this draft, and they are lucky the Knicks don't need a guard at number 1.
3. Miami Heat(Record as of Now: 18-48) - Brandon Jennings - C B+ B C C- A Others Considered: Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry
College: Roma (Italy)
Class: International
Height: 6-1
Weight: 169
Age: 19
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Heat are a team that is able to draft via best player available, and get lucky here with this pick. Brandon Jennings is one of the most controversial players to come out. He skipped college to play one season of basketball against elite talent throughout Europe. He is a one man show. He has the ability to take over any game, and is without a doubt a top 3 pick. Although he isn't as pro ready as the top two picks, he has loads of potential to become a monster. With the Heat having a great core of Anthony Randolph, Marvin Williams, Thabo Sefolosha, and JR Smith, Jennings can thrive with this squad. I fully expect Jennings to become a force in this league.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves(Record as of Now: 23-46) - Ricky Rubio - C+ C+ A- C+ D+ A Others Considered: Stephen Curry
College: Spain
Class: International
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Wolves have a great franchise player already in OJ Mayo, meaning they need a point guard around him. Rubio is the purest point guard in this class. He has a pro-ready game. Playing in Spain, he went up against elite talent, including Brandon Jennings. He is also the youngest player in the class. He has the talent to be a 10 point 10 assists type player, which is exactly what the Wolves need. Franchise player Mayo is one of the most explosive rookies this season, and I expect him to win the rookie of the year award this season. Rubio has the potential to win the award next season. I expect him and Mayo to become a dynamic duo.
5. Phoenix Suns(Record as of Now: 22-44)- Johnny Flynn - B- B- B- C+ C- B Others Considered: Stephen Curry, James Harden, Hasheem Thabeet
College: Syracuse
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186
Age: 20
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Jonny Flynn is the perfect point guard for the Suns offense. They need a scorer who can also pass in times of need, and that's where Flynn excels. Last season, he was known for his 6th Overtime win over UConn, with his clutch scoring plays. Flynn will be able to take over the role as Mr. Clutch for the Suns, and only Stephen Curry has the ability to play as well as Flynn can in the most crucial moments of a game. Flynn has the brash, smash mouth game that coaches love. He is very pro-ready. The Suns have a young center to mesh with Flynn in Al Horford, and I expect the Suns to go back into greatness after a 1 year hiatus from the playoffs.
6. New Jersey Nets(From Boston Celtics) - Hasheem Thabeet - C+ D+ D B C+ Others Considered: Stephen Curry, James Harden
College: UConn
Class: Junior
Height: 7-3
Weight: 263
Age: 22
Position: Center
Other Positions: Power Forward
Why: The Nets have been searching for a big man a lot throughout the past season. Thabeet is one of the biggest and baddest he can find. Although very raw, Thabeet has great size, and a great shot blocking ability. You will not be able to find someone as skilled at shot blocking with the height of Thabeet. There is no doubt he will be a defensive presence. Although, I doubt he can ever build an offensive game, GMs drool over shot blockers. Thabeet is definitely a shot blocker. The Nets will have a future of twin towers with Thabeet and McGee. That will be a defensive front court that will be almost impossible to score on, on the offensive end. Thabeet looks to be a 4 block per game big, which is valuable to any team.
7. Philadelphia 76ers(Record as of Now: 26-43) - James Harden - B- B- C B- C A Others Considered: Stephen Curry
College: Arizona State
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 20
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Small Forward
Why: The 76ers have a huge hole at the wing spot, and Harden shores that up. A pure scorer, he will have plenty of shots in Philadelphia. Lighting up opponents for Arizona State, he also has great handling ability. He can play some point guard if needed throughout the season. He has a pro-ready game. He also has the potential to be a 20 point scorer. The 76ers look to be one piece short of a great team, and it is a scorer. They have great role players, but Harden fills that hole nicely. I expect this 6er core to do damage in the very near future.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers(Record as of Now: 26-40) - Stephen Curry - C A- B- C D+ A Others Considered: None
College: Davidson
Class: Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 185
Age: 21
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Curry is one of the most clutch college basketball players of recent memory. Leading Davidson to their first elite eight two years ago, he is the reason why they are even in the March Madness Tournament. Curry is also a sniper, as he seems to make every 3 point shot he attempts. The Cavs are a team who are in the position to grab the best player available, and land a steal here with Curry. A potential top 5 pick, it is astonishing how Curry could fall to 8. But, the way the draft is set, it's looking more and more like Curry is the draft day loser. The Cavs have a very young, talented team led by Andre Iguodala and Derek Rose. With Curry, they have a dynamic scoring team, that will be able to play a very fast tempo game. Expect Curry to prove everyone who passed on him wrong, and end up a stud in the league.
9. Utah Jazz(Record as of Now: 27-38) - Darren Collison - C B+ C+ B C- A Others Considered: DeMar Derozan, Terrence Williams
College: UCLA
Class: Senior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 160
Age: 22
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Jazz are in dire need of a young signal caller. Omar Cook isn't working out, and Jay Williams is starting to get older and older. DC brings a young, great energy level to the Jazz. Also pro-ready, he has a good outside shot, good handles, and plays great defense for a rookie. He will definitely make a name for himself in the BBS. I love this pick for the Jazz, as DC can go so much higher, but this draft is so talented. DC is going to stick around as a good combo guard, and the Jazz can get back to winning in a couple years with Collison as the signal caller.
10. Milwaukee Bucks(Record as of Now: 32-37) - DeMar DeRozan - A- C D+ C C A Others Considered: DeJuan Blair, Terrence Williams
College: USC
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-7
Weight: 220
Age: 19
Position: Shooting Guard
Other Positions: Small Forward
Why: DeMar Derozan is an athletic freak. He has a huge vertical leap, and is very quick. He has been in many dunk contests with fellow draftee Blake Griffin, and that looks to continue at the next level. DeMar is full of potential, which is the main reason he was picked this high. He has the potential to turn into a star in this league. Although he is extremely raw, he has a great driving game. He can drive to the hole with the best of them. The Bucks are in a position where they don't need a win now player. Here they can pick up the player with the best potential in the draft, and sit on him and wait and see if he becomes a stud. He is the perfect pick for the Bucks, as he is the polar opposite of Kevin Durant. We'll see if they can work together.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder(Record as of Now: 32-35) - Terrence Williams - B- C+ B- B- C+ B Others Considered: DeJuan Blair
College: Louisville
Class: Senior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Age: 22
Position: Small Forward
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: The Thunder are getting very old around the wings. They only have 1 star caliber wing in Martell Webster, and TWill has a chance to become a star with the right coaching. He is a senior out of Louisville. Last season for the Cardinals, he was without a doubt the leader of the squad. He has an all around game, and is very pro-ready. He has the ability to win the rookie of the year award this season, which is surprising for a late lotto pick. With the Thunder, he will most likely be handed the starting role. As long as the Thunder keep playing well, TWill will look like a great pick. If the Thunder play terrible, TWill's maturity level will possibly stunt his growth. Overall he has a good game, that could be a lot better.
12. Denver Nuggets(Ratings as of Now: 33-32) - DeJuan Blair - B D+ D+ C+ A- B Others Considered: None
College: Pittsburgh
Class: Sophomore
Height: 6-7
Weight: 265
Age: 20
Position: Power Forward
Other Positions: Center
Why: Blair is very big. Literally. He is one of the heaviest players in this class. That can be good or bad. He is also the best rebounder in this class. Last season, he was known for his rebounding ability for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He is also a very underrated post scorer. For someone his height, he has a very skilled post game. What GMs are worried about is his injury problems from the past, and his potential. Most GMs don't project Blair to get much better. He is the best pick here for the Nuggets, as they have a hole at the Power Forward spot. Next to Eddy Curry, that front court has a chance to dominate the glass like no other. Expect Blair to stay consistent as a 4th starter for the next decade.
13. San Antonio Spurs(Record as of Now: 35-33) - Jrue Holiday - C+ C+ B- C+ D A Others Considered: Earl Clark, Omri Cassipi
College: UCLA
Class: Freshman
Height: 6-3
Weight: 180
Age: 19
Position: Point Guard
Other Positions: Shooting Guard
Why: Jrue is the last lottery selection for this draft. Although not playing much time this season at UCLA, he has been flying up draft boards after tremendous pre-draft workouts. Holliday has a good mix of potential and actual talent. He is very talented at finding the open guy for the bucket, but needs to work more on his scoring ability. He has the perfect opportunity to sit on the bench and watch DaJuan Wagner work in San Antonio. This is more of a wait and see pick for the Spurs. They have no holes, and can always use another good bench player. I have a guy feeling we may have some controversy as Jrue has the potential to become a stud in this league.
