Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,
The concert last night was amazing...as far as cultural events go filled with classical masterpieces. Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra really outdid themselves and provided an evening full of a little dignified humor, great music...and for some reason they even threw in "My Heart Will Go On" and that's when I resorted to texting. JL Clyde apparently went to a special presentation of a movie that was so horrible that just checking out the preview for it...made me cringe a bit. It's called "Black Devil Doll" and apparently it's this independent blaxploitation horror flick that's touring around the world (kid you not, it's next stop is LONDON) and...well, just check out the preview if you dare. It's rated NC-17 and I think that's only because they couldn't give it a worse rating. Check it out...if you dare.
Other than that, of course, Basketball's Christmas 2009 Edition was last night with the NBA Draft...and I'm VERY happy with what my Spurs have done over the past few days...but here's a little review (and critique and random thoughts) of what went down last night...and what I believe the future holds for some of these players. Hope you enjoy.
2009 NBA Draft
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma) - Even the Clippers couldn't screw up this pick. Hands down he was the best player in this draft and honestly...at this point, seems like the only one that has the potential to be a great player...though I hope that I'm proved wrong. It's just that the draft now seems to be all about potential instead of current skills because they're drafting teenagers instead of seasoned players in their early twenties. This guy's a great inside scorer, rebounder, even defender, so yeah...as soon as he gets away from the Clippers he could be something great...but as long as he stays there, he'll probably be the victim of some freak accidents like it seems this cursed franchise is destined for...but I hope that streak is changed too. Good luck, Blake!!!
2. Memphis - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn) - You can't teach big...and this guy is 7-foot-3 with the relative wingspan of a f**king condor. He has the potential to be a great shot blocker & rebounder...and as long as they don't try to run the offense through him, they should be fine. He can clean up the boards and put back dunks or something. I see him as a clone of Samuel Dalembert, who plays for the 76ers. Imposing on defense...but let him take the shot and grab the rebound on offense. The major question with him...is that he's as skinny as rail...and he doesn't want to play in Memphis (I have no idea why) but both of those can be handled with one thing...and that's BARBECUE!!! After a year of that sweet Memphis BBQ on Beale Street, the guy will gain about thirty pounds and fall in love with the city (check out some of the sights) and be happy being the big man in town. Get this, Hasheem. You won't even have the pressure of being the biggest star...or having the funniest name...because your new teammate O.J. Mayo takes care of both. Did you know his full name is Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo? Now you do. Enjoy Memphis...and quit being such a whiny b**ch about living the dream. (I despise people who complain about where they get to play ball. It's probably the one reason I would move to Detroit...or Beirut...for $30,000 a year, not the millions that these douches are gonna get)
3. Oklahoma City - James Harden (Arizona State) - Some people were a little surprised by this pick...but they shouldn't be. He was really the third best player in this draft and a great scorer on an average team in college. His offensive skills are unquestioned (except for being a little shorter than the prototype) but it's defense where he's going to have to improve to be a great player. Also takes some of the weight of Kevin Durant's shoulders in running that team. They also drafted one of the best big men in the draft with B.J. Mullens (Ohio State) who has a lot of potential...but is just a young'un so it may take a few years for this team to really turn the corner. They're REALLY bummed that they didn't get the number one pick to get hometown Sooner hero Blake Griffin...but they'll deal with it.
4. Sacramento - Tyreke Evans (Memphis) - Really wanted to stay in Memphis with that number two pick...but yeah, that wasn't going to happen. Sacramento may prove to be a nice fit for him though. he's a big athletic guard who likes to run & score and not play a whole lot of defense...and that's perfect for this team. Okay, he's a better defender than that...but still. He has a lot of potential...but is another one of those one-and-done players, so who really knows. It may take a year or two before he develops into a star. The Kings also got a great big to help him out with Jon Brockman (Washington) in the second round. They still seem to be far away from making the playoffs...but they have a few key players if they can stay healthy.
5. Minnesota - Ricky Rubio (Spain) - I didn't understand why this guy was so hyped. Okay, he's played pro in Spain for a few years and is 18 years old. He played on the Olympic team (allegedly though I don't recall seeing him) and he throws a few behind-the-back passes and they're saying he's the next Pistol Pete Maravich. First off, HOW DARE YOU??? You have to have some BALLS to compare this kid to the Pistol. Maravich broke every single scoring record in NCAA history...and revolutionize the game of basketball. He also did it against the pinnacle of competition. This kid didn't even shoot around against a player in a workout. It was a few one-on-none drills...and nothing too impressive. He also requires a $4-6 million buyout from his Spanish team, he's learning English, he's shy and introverted, and just a host of other things that scream, "Don't waste a lottery pick on this guy." Yet the T'Wolves picked him. They do need a point guard...so maybe they're just hoping this guy blossoms into a fantastic player in a few years...or at least puts some asses in seats in the Great White North.
6. Minnesota - Jonny Flynn (Syracuse) - And then with the next pick, they completely boggle my mind. Another point guard? Do they play on working them out and then trading the lesser of the two? See, that's what happens when little Ricky Rubio won't work out against a player. It's amazing what a lot of mystery, a few video clips and a great manager can do for a nobody that played in Europe. Anyway, Flynn's a pretty good guard. He's a little undersized but plays with a lot of heart, a lot of skill...and has no problem with taking it right to anybody in the lane, no matter how big they are. I like those kind of players. That's how you have to play the game. In the long run, I see Minnesota sticking with Flynn and trying to trade Rubio away. Rubio, at best, may be the next Jason Williams (the fancy passing one).
Side note: Is it just me, or does the name Jason Williams seem to be cursed when it comes to the NBA? Observe. First, there was Jayson Williams who played with the Nets in the 90's and was one of the league's favorite guys. A great role player with a booming, fun-loving personality and a favorite on NBA Inside Stuff (which I watched religiously as a kid). He even battled through knee injuries with just a huge smile on his face. Then he accidentally shot a limo driver while showing off a shotgun...and tried to cover it up...and has managed to stay out of jail...but isn't the ball of passion that he once was. Every time I see him in the courtroom footage, I cry a little inside for seeing that passion die. Be careful with guns out there everybody. It's not just Jayson either. That was followed up by the aforementioned Jason Williams (hereafter referred to as J-Dub) who played high school ball with Randy Moss, college at Florida and then was drafted into the pros and was called the next Pistol Pete. Well, once he realized that the NBA actually plays defense once in a while, his fancy passing turned into turnovers, everybody realized he couldn't shoot, and he was a third string point guard for the Heat when they won the championship a few years ago...but never reached his potential. Not sure what he's doing now. Then there was Jason Williams (went by Jay to try to break this curse) who had an amazing collegiate career with Duke and was taken with the second overall pick by the Bulls in 2002 (only behind Yao Ming) and was on his way to resurrecting the Bulls franchise since Jordan left. Then he got in a motorcycle accident in the offseason...and his career was over. He's a broadcaster now on ESPN but who knows what he could've been as a professional player. He had some major skills and the right attitude...but a major mistake...and it's all over. I hope he goes on to win multiple awards for his broadcasting. He seems like a great guy. They all seemed like great guys (though J-Dub was kind of a West Virginia hillbilly) so it may just be mere coincidence that these horrible events and memories of lackluster careers feel upon these three gentlemen...but then again, everything happens for a reason, right? Who knows the mysteries of the universe? Anyway, back to the draft...
7. Golden State - Stephen Curry (Davidson) - This guy is just an amazing shooter. The son of former outstanding NBA role player Dell Curry, this guy can shoot from anywhere within 40 feet with pinpoint accuracy. He was the nation's leading scorer...while also learning to be a point guard and distribute to his teammates. If he were about three inches taller, there'd be no question that this guy would be a superstar really...but that's not the case, so he's got a lot of question marks. Personally, I think he'll make a great fit at Golden State because they have plenty of ball hungry shooters already...so he can get a lot of practice in distributing the ball...and when they're covered, they can kick it out to him for a three-pointer to spread out the defense. It could be a great fit...as long as they don't expect him to be a 25 point a game scorer. That probably won't happen in the NBA for this guy...but if he can distribute & hit the three when needed, he can have an long, productive career like his dad did.
8. New York - Jordan Hill (Arizona) - Great player. Seemed a little undersized but played hard and has great potential. He can shoot, play D, very quick and athletic for a big guy. I don't really see him as a superstar or anything...but a solid role player at least. I was also really impressed that the Knicks were able to get Toney Douglas (Florida State) in a trade with the Lakers. Douglas is another player that I really like watching during ACC action on ESPN. He's a great shooter, defender and all around player. Again, the only real downside seems to be his stature...but not a bad gamble with a late first round pickup. Hate to say it...but the Knicks may have had the best draft this year. Oh and don't worry, that's not what he looks like gentlemen. I just found it funny that there was another Jordan Hill out there.
10. Milwaukee - Brandon Jennings (Italy) - Okay, I saw this guy play in a McDonald All-American game last year and he was okay. Not amazing, just okay. Originally, he signed a letter of intent for Arizona...but decided to just go pro. Because of the "one-and-done" rule, he couldn't go straight to the NBA from high school...so he went to Rome to play for a year...and played very mediocre. Then during the pre-draft interviews, he called out Ricky Rubio as all hype...which I'll admit was a little warranted, but seeing interviews and stuff with this guy, I don't particularly care for his attitude. That being said, this isn't a game of attitude...and I hear he's supposed to be pretty good. Haven't been able to see him thanks to Italian League games only being played in some parts of Italy...but we shall see. I'm also a little curious why the Bucks drafted Jodie Meeks (Kentucky) for the exact same position in the second round...but hey, they're the Bucks. They haven't been relevant since Lew Alcindor played for them in the early 70's. (By the way, brownie points if you know who Lewis Ferdinand Alcindor, jr is and what classic comedies & kung fu movie he has starred in)
13. Indiana - Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina) - "Experts" have been giving the Pacers a lot of flack for picking him...and they're kind of warranted because they really needed a point guard more than a forward...but they went with the best player in the draft at this point in my opinion. The same experts were saying that he'd fall to #20 with the Jazz (which would've been awesome) but instead Indiana gets a great rebounder, defender and post scorer who plays with a lot of heart & grit...and sure, this guy may not become a huge megastar...but it's very unlikely that anybody else available. I was REALLY hoping this pick would drop...and I hope that he's the steal. He's a great player with a great attitude...but I can understand that a lot of people are hesitant about the white boy with a great college career (that's right, I said white boy) because of past infractions like Todd Fuller, Mark Madsen, Danny Ferry, Rex Chapman, Adam Keefe, Bryant Reeves, Keith Van Horn, Chris Mihm, and a host of others who were top 10 picks and didn't amount to much...at least until they got into the team's front office and set up championship-caliber teams. So either way, maybe that four-year education will come in handy. Also, the best nickname in the draft with "Psycho T", how can that not be a good sign? (Please forget about Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen)
18. Denver - Ty Lawson (North Carolina) - My opinion...the best point guard in the draft...up until he broke his ankle senior year. That's why he fell this far...but has a great situation on a championship-caliber team in the Nuggets playing backup to Chauncey Billups for a year or two while the ankle heals...and who knows what then? This guy reminds me a lot of Derek Fisher, who may not go into the Hall of Fame...but is a great guy playing a long career.
20. Utah - Eric Maynor (VCU) - Loved watching this guy play with VCU a few games...but may be a little short for the league. Not sure how he works in Jerry Sloan's system...but really the best talent available at the time...and a lot of upside as a scorer on the perimeter and slashing penetrator to create opportunities for others. They also drafted a big guy in Goran Suton (Michigan State) to help out. Had to mention the hometown team.
37. San Antonio - DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh) - STEAL OF THE DRAFT!!! Great rebounder, inside presence, interior defender, fits in perfectly with a championship caliber team that just added a scorer in Richard Jefferson by trade and was looking to fill in the rebounders that they gave up for him. Perfect situation coming in off the bench to start...and can rebound Manu Ginobili's misses when he's the only offensive option weapon on the court. I can't tell you how excited I am with this pick...and he definite should've been a top 20 pick...but angels were smiling down on the great state of Texas. A lot like Carlos Boozer...just not quite the offensive threat. Undersized a little...but yeah, great pickup for the Spurs...and then they drafted a few unknown foreigners with their other second round picks...including a French guy. Maybe he'll be another Tony Parker...some day.
45. Minnesota - Nick Calathes (Florida) - I really only mention this guy because one of my new coworkers, we'll call him Gator, kept bringing him up. Apparently he went to college...and then decided to leave early to go pro...in Europe. He left his name in the NBA draft...and now can choose between Minnesota (by the way, he's a point guard too...and they just drafted those two earlier...so they'll probably trade him too) or go to Europe. Just an interesting situation where the guy left early to go pro in Europe is all. Apparently Florida wasn't nice enough...so he'll go to Greece or Spain or Italy or something. Not a bad situation, just different. Good luck, Mr. Calathes.
Anyway, that's what I think about the Draft...and of course there are still trades to come and contracts to be signed...so we'll see what happens over the summer...but barring something major, you probably won't hear from me about the NBA until around Halloween when the season starts again. I realize most of you don't care about basketball as much as I do...but these are just my thoughts and I thought I'd keep them down to check later and see if I predicted the busts or surprise players. It's what I do. Oh...and I think I saw something on the news about Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett passing away. Don't know if anybody else caught that. Rest in peace y'all. However, on that note, when I'm watching CNN...and it's nothing but them waiting for a coroner's report for six hours...that's not news. "Breaking news: "King of Pop" was major influence on younger artists" or "Lisa Marie: Michael was afraid he'd die like Elvis" Really? Is that breaking news? I'm afraid that I'll die like Elvis...but we all die...some of us on the crapper with a peanut butter & banana sandwich in our hand. That's life. Enjoy it while you got it. What does Obama think? "My condolences to his family. Now if you'll excuse me, Iran is trying to start another war...and I have a job to do."
The concert last night was amazing...as far as cultural events go filled with classical masterpieces. Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra really outdid themselves and provided an evening full of a little dignified humor, great music...and for some reason they even threw in "My Heart Will Go On" and that's when I resorted to texting. JL Clyde apparently went to a special presentation of a movie that was so horrible that just checking out the preview for it...made me cringe a bit. It's called "Black Devil Doll" and apparently it's this independent blaxploitation horror flick that's touring around the world (kid you not, it's next stop is LONDON) and...well, just check out the preview if you dare. It's rated NC-17 and I think that's only because they couldn't give it a worse rating. Check it out...if you dare.
Other than that, of course, Basketball's Christmas 2009 Edition was last night with the NBA Draft...and I'm VERY happy with what my Spurs have done over the past few days...but here's a little review (and critique and random thoughts) of what went down last night...and what I believe the future holds for some of these players. Hope you enjoy.
2009 NBA Draft
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma) - Even the Clippers couldn't screw up this pick. Hands down he was the best player in this draft and honestly...at this point, seems like the only one that has the potential to be a great player...though I hope that I'm proved wrong. It's just that the draft now seems to be all about potential instead of current skills because they're drafting teenagers instead of seasoned players in their early twenties. This guy's a great inside scorer, rebounder, even defender, so yeah...as soon as he gets away from the Clippers he could be something great...but as long as he stays there, he'll probably be the victim of some freak accidents like it seems this cursed franchise is destined for...but I hope that streak is changed too. Good luck, Blake!!!
2. Memphis - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn) - You can't teach big...and this guy is 7-foot-3 with the relative wingspan of a f**king condor. He has the potential to be a great shot blocker & rebounder...and as long as they don't try to run the offense through him, they should be fine. He can clean up the boards and put back dunks or something. I see him as a clone of Samuel Dalembert, who plays for the 76ers. Imposing on defense...but let him take the shot and grab the rebound on offense. The major question with him...is that he's as skinny as rail...and he doesn't want to play in Memphis (I have no idea why) but both of those can be handled with one thing...and that's BARBECUE!!! After a year of that sweet Memphis BBQ on Beale Street, the guy will gain about thirty pounds and fall in love with the city (check out some of the sights) and be happy being the big man in town. Get this, Hasheem. You won't even have the pressure of being the biggest star...or having the funniest name...because your new teammate O.J. Mayo takes care of both. Did you know his full name is Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo? Now you do. Enjoy Memphis...and quit being such a whiny b**ch about living the dream. (I despise people who complain about where they get to play ball. It's probably the one reason I would move to Detroit...or Beirut...for $30,000 a year, not the millions that these douches are gonna get)
3. Oklahoma City - James Harden (Arizona State) - Some people were a little surprised by this pick...but they shouldn't be. He was really the third best player in this draft and a great scorer on an average team in college. His offensive skills are unquestioned (except for being a little shorter than the prototype) but it's defense where he's going to have to improve to be a great player. Also takes some of the weight of Kevin Durant's shoulders in running that team. They also drafted one of the best big men in the draft with B.J. Mullens (Ohio State) who has a lot of potential...but is just a young'un so it may take a few years for this team to really turn the corner. They're REALLY bummed that they didn't get the number one pick to get hometown Sooner hero Blake Griffin...but they'll deal with it.
4. Sacramento - Tyreke Evans (Memphis) - Really wanted to stay in Memphis with that number two pick...but yeah, that wasn't going to happen. Sacramento may prove to be a nice fit for him though. he's a big athletic guard who likes to run & score and not play a whole lot of defense...and that's perfect for this team. Okay, he's a better defender than that...but still. He has a lot of potential...but is another one of those one-and-done players, so who really knows. It may take a year or two before he develops into a star. The Kings also got a great big to help him out with Jon Brockman (Washington) in the second round. They still seem to be far away from making the playoffs...but they have a few key players if they can stay healthy.
5. Minnesota - Ricky Rubio (Spain) - I didn't understand why this guy was so hyped. Okay, he's played pro in Spain for a few years and is 18 years old. He played on the Olympic team (allegedly though I don't recall seeing him) and he throws a few behind-the-back passes and they're saying he's the next Pistol Pete Maravich. First off, HOW DARE YOU??? You have to have some BALLS to compare this kid to the Pistol. Maravich broke every single scoring record in NCAA history...and revolutionize the game of basketball. He also did it against the pinnacle of competition. This kid didn't even shoot around against a player in a workout. It was a few one-on-none drills...and nothing too impressive. He also requires a $4-6 million buyout from his Spanish team, he's learning English, he's shy and introverted, and just a host of other things that scream, "Don't waste a lottery pick on this guy." Yet the T'Wolves picked him. They do need a point guard...so maybe they're just hoping this guy blossoms into a fantastic player in a few years...or at least puts some asses in seats in the Great White North.
6. Minnesota - Jonny Flynn (Syracuse) - And then with the next pick, they completely boggle my mind. Another point guard? Do they play on working them out and then trading the lesser of the two? See, that's what happens when little Ricky Rubio won't work out against a player. It's amazing what a lot of mystery, a few video clips and a great manager can do for a nobody that played in Europe. Anyway, Flynn's a pretty good guard. He's a little undersized but plays with a lot of heart, a lot of skill...and has no problem with taking it right to anybody in the lane, no matter how big they are. I like those kind of players. That's how you have to play the game. In the long run, I see Minnesota sticking with Flynn and trying to trade Rubio away. Rubio, at best, may be the next Jason Williams (the fancy passing one).Side note: Is it just me, or does the name Jason Williams seem to be cursed when it comes to the NBA? Observe. First, there was Jayson Williams who played with the Nets in the 90's and was one of the league's favorite guys. A great role player with a booming, fun-loving personality and a favorite on NBA Inside Stuff (which I watched religiously as a kid). He even battled through knee injuries with just a huge smile on his face. Then he accidentally shot a limo driver while showing off a shotgun...and tried to cover it up...and has managed to stay out of jail...but isn't the ball of passion that he once was. Every time I see him in the courtroom footage, I cry a little inside for seeing that passion die. Be careful with guns out there everybody. It's not just Jayson either. That was followed up by the aforementioned Jason Williams (hereafter referred to as J-Dub) who played high school ball with Randy Moss, college at Florida and then was drafted into the pros and was called the next Pistol Pete. Well, once he realized that the NBA actually plays defense once in a while, his fancy passing turned into turnovers, everybody realized he couldn't shoot, and he was a third string point guard for the Heat when they won the championship a few years ago...but never reached his potential. Not sure what he's doing now. Then there was Jason Williams (went by Jay to try to break this curse) who had an amazing collegiate career with Duke and was taken with the second overall pick by the Bulls in 2002 (only behind Yao Ming) and was on his way to resurrecting the Bulls franchise since Jordan left. Then he got in a motorcycle accident in the offseason...and his career was over. He's a broadcaster now on ESPN but who knows what he could've been as a professional player. He had some major skills and the right attitude...but a major mistake...and it's all over. I hope he goes on to win multiple awards for his broadcasting. He seems like a great guy. They all seemed like great guys (though J-Dub was kind of a West Virginia hillbilly) so it may just be mere coincidence that these horrible events and memories of lackluster careers feel upon these three gentlemen...but then again, everything happens for a reason, right? Who knows the mysteries of the universe? Anyway, back to the draft...
7. Golden State - Stephen Curry (Davidson) - This guy is just an amazing shooter. The son of former outstanding NBA role player Dell Curry, this guy can shoot from anywhere within 40 feet with pinpoint accuracy. He was the nation's leading scorer...while also learning to be a point guard and distribute to his teammates. If he were about three inches taller, there'd be no question that this guy would be a superstar really...but that's not the case, so he's got a lot of question marks. Personally, I think he'll make a great fit at Golden State because they have plenty of ball hungry shooters already...so he can get a lot of practice in distributing the ball...and when they're covered, they can kick it out to him for a three-pointer to spread out the defense. It could be a great fit...as long as they don't expect him to be a 25 point a game scorer. That probably won't happen in the NBA for this guy...but if he can distribute & hit the three when needed, he can have an long, productive career like his dad did.
8. New York - Jordan Hill (Arizona) - Great player. Seemed a little undersized but played hard and has great potential. He can shoot, play D, very quick and athletic for a big guy. I don't really see him as a superstar or anything...but a solid role player at least. I was also really impressed that the Knicks were able to get Toney Douglas (Florida State) in a trade with the Lakers. Douglas is another player that I really like watching during ACC action on ESPN. He's a great shooter, defender and all around player. Again, the only real downside seems to be his stature...but not a bad gamble with a late first round pickup. Hate to say it...but the Knicks may have had the best draft this year. Oh and don't worry, that's not what he looks like gentlemen. I just found it funny that there was another Jordan Hill out there.
10. Milwaukee - Brandon Jennings (Italy) - Okay, I saw this guy play in a McDonald All-American game last year and he was okay. Not amazing, just okay. Originally, he signed a letter of intent for Arizona...but decided to just go pro. Because of the "one-and-done" rule, he couldn't go straight to the NBA from high school...so he went to Rome to play for a year...and played very mediocre. Then during the pre-draft interviews, he called out Ricky Rubio as all hype...which I'll admit was a little warranted, but seeing interviews and stuff with this guy, I don't particularly care for his attitude. That being said, this isn't a game of attitude...and I hear he's supposed to be pretty good. Haven't been able to see him thanks to Italian League games only being played in some parts of Italy...but we shall see. I'm also a little curious why the Bucks drafted Jodie Meeks (Kentucky) for the exact same position in the second round...but hey, they're the Bucks. They haven't been relevant since Lew Alcindor played for them in the early 70's. (By the way, brownie points if you know who Lewis Ferdinand Alcindor, jr is and what classic comedies & kung fu movie he has starred in)
13. Indiana - Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina) - "Experts" have been giving the Pacers a lot of flack for picking him...and they're kind of warranted because they really needed a point guard more than a forward...but they went with the best player in the draft at this point in my opinion. The same experts were saying that he'd fall to #20 with the Jazz (which would've been awesome) but instead Indiana gets a great rebounder, defender and post scorer who plays with a lot of heart & grit...and sure, this guy may not become a huge megastar...but it's very unlikely that anybody else available. I was REALLY hoping this pick would drop...and I hope that he's the steal. He's a great player with a great attitude...but I can understand that a lot of people are hesitant about the white boy with a great college career (that's right, I said white boy) because of past infractions like Todd Fuller, Mark Madsen, Danny Ferry, Rex Chapman, Adam Keefe, Bryant Reeves, Keith Van Horn, Chris Mihm, and a host of others who were top 10 picks and didn't amount to much...at least until they got into the team's front office and set up championship-caliber teams. So either way, maybe that four-year education will come in handy. Also, the best nickname in the draft with "Psycho T", how can that not be a good sign? (Please forget about Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen)
18. Denver - Ty Lawson (North Carolina) - My opinion...the best point guard in the draft...up until he broke his ankle senior year. That's why he fell this far...but has a great situation on a championship-caliber team in the Nuggets playing backup to Chauncey Billups for a year or two while the ankle heals...and who knows what then? This guy reminds me a lot of Derek Fisher, who may not go into the Hall of Fame...but is a great guy playing a long career.
20. Utah - Eric Maynor (VCU) - Loved watching this guy play with VCU a few games...but may be a little short for the league. Not sure how he works in Jerry Sloan's system...but really the best talent available at the time...and a lot of upside as a scorer on the perimeter and slashing penetrator to create opportunities for others. They also drafted a big guy in Goran Suton (Michigan State) to help out. Had to mention the hometown team.
37. San Antonio - DeJuan Blair (Pittsburgh) - STEAL OF THE DRAFT!!! Great rebounder, inside presence, interior defender, fits in perfectly with a championship caliber team that just added a scorer in Richard Jefferson by trade and was looking to fill in the rebounders that they gave up for him. Perfect situation coming in off the bench to start...and can rebound Manu Ginobili's misses when he's the only offensive option weapon on the court. I can't tell you how excited I am with this pick...and he definite should've been a top 20 pick...but angels were smiling down on the great state of Texas. A lot like Carlos Boozer...just not quite the offensive threat. Undersized a little...but yeah, great pickup for the Spurs...and then they drafted a few unknown foreigners with their other second round picks...including a French guy. Maybe he'll be another Tony Parker...some day.
45. Minnesota - Nick Calathes (Florida) - I really only mention this guy because one of my new coworkers, we'll call him Gator, kept bringing him up. Apparently he went to college...and then decided to leave early to go pro...in Europe. He left his name in the NBA draft...and now can choose between Minnesota (by the way, he's a point guard too...and they just drafted those two earlier...so they'll probably trade him too) or go to Europe. Just an interesting situation where the guy left early to go pro in Europe is all. Apparently Florida wasn't nice enough...so he'll go to Greece or Spain or Italy or something. Not a bad situation, just different. Good luck, Mr. Calathes.Anyway, that's what I think about the Draft...and of course there are still trades to come and contracts to be signed...so we'll see what happens over the summer...but barring something major, you probably won't hear from me about the NBA until around Halloween when the season starts again. I realize most of you don't care about basketball as much as I do...but these are just my thoughts and I thought I'd keep them down to check later and see if I predicted the busts or surprise players. It's what I do. Oh...and I think I saw something on the news about Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett passing away. Don't know if anybody else caught that. Rest in peace y'all. However, on that note, when I'm watching CNN...and it's nothing but them waiting for a coroner's report for six hours...that's not news. "Breaking news: "King of Pop" was major influence on younger artists" or "Lisa Marie: Michael was afraid he'd die like Elvis" Really? Is that breaking news? I'm afraid that I'll die like Elvis...but we all die...some of us on the crapper with a peanut butter & banana sandwich in our hand. That's life. Enjoy it while you got it. What does Obama think? "My condolences to his family. Now if you'll excuse me, Iran is trying to start another war...and I have a job to do."
That'll do it for today. Tomorrow it's the Arts Festival and some fun late night activities, so until then, have a great weekend & enjoy your round-the-clock Jacko coverage. If he comes back in two days, please don't form a religion around him. Peace!!!
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