Who do you want to draft?

rocketblaze · Jun 7, 2011

LongTimeFan said: ↑

I'd be shocked if Toronto did that deal. I think they really like DeRozan. That said, Morey said himself that teams only trade Top 10 picks for Top 10 picks.. i.e., #2 for #5 + player.
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Yeah I really like DeRozan potential, I think he'd be a top 5 pick in this years draft. With that said I don't know how high Toronto is on Williams. So Idk how willing they are to doing that trade.

coachbadlee · Jun 7, 2011

HMMMHMM said: ↑

http://twitter.com/SamAmicoFSO/statuses/78189164897632257

How much would you be willing to give up for Varejao?

#14 ?
#14 + Hill ?
#23 + Hill ?
#14 + #23 ?
#14 + #23 + Hill?
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If it weren't for his injury, i wouldn't mind trading for him. Not now though.

LongTimeFan · Jun 7, 2011

rocketblaze said: ↑

NONE of those!!

Varejao is extremely overrated!!

Maybe Hill, but that's it... nothing more!
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Varejao is much better than Jordan Hill, but I agree that this board overrates him a bit. I'd hate giving up our #14 for him, though I think he'd be better than most players (Biyombo?) we could get there.. perhaps I'm just in love with the "promise" of someone new.

MrButtocks · Jun 7, 2011

kevC said: ↑

I don't get your argument. Because their budget got bigger, their talent also got better? Because players 5 years ago weren't getting paid as much as players now, they were worse basketball players? Suddenly, players who are coming in the Euroleague are better because they're getting paid more? Your argument would make sense if the higher budget attracted some top level NBA players to go over there but Euroleague has only taken marginal players from the NBA.

Why would a typical Euroleague player FROM Europe suddenly be better because he's getting paid 3 times more now? If the NBA was to triple the salary cap, would the talent in league be 3 times "better"? It's the same players no?
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Higher salaries draw young athletes away from other sports. Glen Davis could probably play in the NFL, but comparing the average NBA salary and length of career vs the NFL suggests it would be unwise for him to do so. Athletes can't just switch sports at the drop of a hat when they've spent their entire lives training for a different one, but many parents push their kids at a young age towards certain sports based on career potential. If the popularity of volleyball and the NBA were switched today, you'd probably see a huge talent drain in the NBA in the next 10-15 years and a huge talent gain in professional volleyball.

This obviously doesn't apply to a five year timespan in European basketball, but there's no denying that they are getting better. Five years ago, it was kind of a joke that a team like CSKA could beat a team like the Raptors or Clippers in preseason. Now, the Euro champs are beating the two-time champion Lakers, with the Lakers giving full effort in a close forth quarter.

rocketblaze · Jun 7, 2011

LongTimeFan said: ↑

Varejao is much better than Jordan Hill, but I agree that this board overrates him a bit. I'd hate giving up our #14 for him, though I think he'd be better than most players (Biyombo?) we could get there.. perhaps I'm just in love with the "promise" of someone new.
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IDK... I just don't like him on a young team that is re-building. His the type of guy that you add, when your roster is ready compete.

I think there is better talent then him at 14th(Motiejunas, Harris, Thompson) and at 23 (Vucevic, Honeycutt, Selby).

As far as Jordan Hill, I want to see him at least one year under McHale and see if he improves or at least has increase in productivity.

larsv8 · Jun 7, 2011

rocketblaze said: ↑

NONE of those!!

Varejao is extremely overrated!!

Maybe Hill, but that's it... nothing more!
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Varejao is extremely underated.

Chuck Hayes clone with more size...a true difference maker defensively.

He would be excellent on the Rockets.

theDude · Jun 7, 2011

#23+Thabeet

Varejao is honestly not worth much more than that to this team. He's 29 years old and has never averaged double digits in either points or rebounds and only gets about a block per game. I think he would make the Rockets better, but they can't afford to give up anything of value to get him that could potentially be used in a deal to land a big time player.

rocketblaze · Jun 7, 2011

larsv8 said: ↑

Varejao is extremely underrated.

Chuck Hayes clone with more size...a true difference maker defensively.

He would be excellent on the Rockets.
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He takes charges like Hayes, but that's about it. This is an insult to Hayes skill level..

Hayes can handle the ball, as well as pass from the high post. Not to mention his one heck of a defender in isolation in the post, and has even become a decent free throw shooter.

Varejao lacks in all of these departments. Varejao, is a blue collar, dirty, grind it out type of player. He takes charges and works hard to deny post entry passes and defend the post. But he lacks any type of skill, and his whole game is based on energy. His a guy you add once your competing for the whole damn thing.

Not when your trying to construct a core... His also not someone who you trade a 1st round pick for IMHO...

coachbadlee · Jun 8, 2011

http://www.nbadraft.net/team-needs-southeast-division-1

Team Needs: Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

Team Needs: SG, C

Pick: 48th

Two years ago, Jamal Crawford was a borderline pariah that no team wanted any part of. Crawford had never made the playoffs before arriving in Atlanta in 2009, having garnered a reputation as a black hole that could never buy into any team’s system.

With his contract set to expire, the Hawks are probably wondering how they’ll manage without him. After deservedly taking home Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2009-10 and following it up with a solid 2010-11 campaign, Crawford is now held as one of the league’s best bench players.

The Hawks have thus far declined to offer Crawford an extension, and neither side appears to have become more agreeable than they were a couple months ago. The Hawks are not the most efficient scoring club, relying heavily on an isolation offense that happens to highlight Crawford’s strengths. The acquisition of Kirk Hinrich certainly helped them on the other side of the ball, but if Crawford were to leave, the offense would undoubtably be affected.

Finding a complementary scorer won’t be their only priority. Two-time All-Star center Al Horford has asked Hawks management to try to find a legit center to play next to him, as he’s slightly undersized for the position and feels that he cannot exercise his true potential if he’s pigeonholed as the man in the middle.

With just one pick, a mid second rounder, the Hawks will have to address the need for another scoring guard and potential starting center through trades, with $57.5 million owed to just Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Horford, Hinrich and Marvin Williams this year. Williams and Hinrich are the only ones that they would likely be willing to part with, and it will be exceptionally hard to deal either. They would be foolish to view that second round pick as useless, however; Andrew Goudelock, David Lighty or could provide immediate help.

Charlotte Bobcats

Needs: PG, SF, C

Picks: 9, 19, 39

Few teams are as porous as the Bobcats, who not only have two distinct positions to fill (SF and C), but are not even satisfied with their strongest positions. The organization’s love/hate relationship with D.J. Augustin continues despite his respectable PER of 15.97 (better than Conley, Wall, Jennings and Holiday). Stephen Jackson is getting old, and Gerald Henderson hasn’t yet proven that he can be a starter in the league. Gerald Wallace’s mid-season departure left a gaping hole at SF, and even after signing that lucrative 5-year deal and posting an excellent PER of 18.25, Tyrus Thomas started just two games at PF. Don’t even bother wondering who their center is.

This team is a mess, but their cap space is bright: Charlotte can look forward to losing Joel Przybilla ($7.4 million) and Morris Peterson ($6.6 million) to free agency, and they have three valuable draft picks, including two in the top 20. They would be wise to target Wilson Chandler and possibly Greg Oden in free agency, though their mindset in signing players will be decided by the direction that they take in the draft.

Charlotte will have a huge decision when their turn comes at #9, as they could have the opportunity to grab a raw but potential-laden bigman (Tristan Thompson, Donatas Motiejunas, Bismack Biyombo) to team with Tyrus Thomas for the future, though it might be wise to target an impact wing player who also has considerable potential. Alec Burks and Kawhi Leonard would be excellent options, and Marcus Morris could be a great fit with the versatility to play either forward position at the next level. Considering how shallow they are at the swing, and seeing as only three teams hit fewer three-pointers last season, it would make sense to target a shooter at 19, such as Jordan Hamilton, Klay Thompson or Marshon Brooks

Miami Heat

Needs: PG, C

Picks: 31

Immediately after LeBron announced that he was joining the Heat, the biggest question concerning the NBA's new hit franchise became, "Can they bring in enough surrounding talent?" The Heat are one of the three best defensive teams in the league, but LeBron, Wade and Bosh are the only ones that can reliably create offense for themselves. Mike Miller, whom they spent most of their remaining money on, has been a bust, and Haslem and Anthony are fairly one-dimensional defensive presences.

Of the players that could conceivably be available with the 31st overall pick, Duke combo guard Nolan Smith could be the perfect fit. Smith is quick, can play both guard positions, boasts tremendous experience, has a high basketball IQ, but most importantly, he can score from anywhere. Smith is great at getting to his spots, his jumper is very refined, and he's very crafty. He's exactly what the Heat need, and there's a good chance he'll slip to them. Shelvin Mack could provide a spark offensively off the bench as well.

Orlando Magic

Needs: SG, SF, PF

Picks: 53

Unless they can miraculously coerce another team into taking on one of their many ludicrously overpaid, over-the-hill players, the Magic won’t be making any big moves this offseason. Arguably the most cash-strapped team in the league, the Magic are set to give $19.3 million to Gilbert Arenas (PER of 10.82, 51st among point guards) and $10.2 million to Hedo Turkoglu (PER of 13.5, 26th among small forwards). This team has virtually no wiggle room, and having just one mid second round pick doesn’t help their cause.

With both Brandon Bass and Ryan Anderson coming off the books next season, look for the Magic to target a big man with their pick, especially considering the good chance of Dwight Howard leaving in 2012 as well. Jordan Williams, Keith Benson and Greg Smith would be the best fits, and all would benefit from at least one year with Dwight.

Washington Wizards

Needs: SG, SF. PF

Picks: 6, 18, 34

Of all this summer’s restricted free agents, gauging what might happen with Wizards SG Nick Young is arguably the hardest. Young broke out in 2011 playing next to John Wall, averaging 17.4 points while shooting the three-ball much more efficiently than any of his fellow Wizards. The USC product would appear to be the perfect running mate for Wall, but his mediocre defense and poor rebounding are giving the Wizards pause. Jordan Crawford came on stronger than any rookie in the last month of the season, but as a high-volume shooter who gives up size almost every night, he might be seen more as a sixth man.

Even if the Wizards re-sign Young, they’ll still have a hole on the wing and could stand to find a replacement for Blatche, who might be the league’s biggest black hole on offense and one of the worst defenders; Enes Kanter would work ideally in supplanting him, however he’s highly unlikely to last until the #6 pick. Kawhi Leonard and Jan Vesely appear to be their most likely options at this point.

Another player said to be high on the Wizards list is Tristan Thompson. Thompson would give the team a young, energetic 4 with great length, athleticism and solid defensive capabilities. He's been tearing up the workout circuit and moving up on teams lists lately.

The team could also look at Jonas Valanciunas as a long term potential pick at center. Whether Ernie Grunfeld has the job security to weather a possible PR nightmare if Valanciunas is taken 6th and doesn't come over after 2-3 years (due to his contract situation) is another issue. There's a growing sentiment that he may ultimately pull out this year's draft.
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More to come...

coachbadlee · Jun 8, 2011

Continued...

http://www.nbadraft.net/team-needs-atlantic-division-2

Team Needs: Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics

Needs: PG/SG, C

Picks: 25, 55

Their core of future Hall of Famers might be getting old, but they still have plenty to learn; specifically, what it will take to topple the Miami Heat next year. Crippled by the lack of depth down low after dealing Kendrick Perkins for combo forward Jeff Green, the Celtics relied heavily on 15-year vet Jermaine O’Neal and 19-year vet Shaquille O’Neal, both of whom were all but useless in the playoffs. With a nice group of wings (Pierce, Allen, and Jeff Green, whom they’re committed to) and Garnett manning the PF position, but little depth in the backcourt, it’s clear that the Celtics will go for either a guard or a center with their first round pick.

There was a rumor floating around that Danny Ainge has made a promise to local kid: Boston College point guard Reggie Jackson, who might be a good fit even though they have last year’s first round pick, Avery Bradley, waiting in the wings. Jackson is a solid shooter, possesses great length, and could inject energy into the aging ball club.

But more likely the C's will target a big man with a number of options potentially available, such as JaJuan Johnson, Trey Thompkins, Jordan Williams and Justin Harper. Johnson would likely be the safest bet of the lot due to his experience, shot-blocking ability and versatility. If he could add another 10 pounds, he would be ready to contribute at PF or C from day one.

New Jersey Nets

Needs: SG, SF, PF

Picks: 27, 36

Even after the mega deal that netted them Deron Williams, the Nets still hold two valuable picks in this draft. While important, these picks, unlike last year’s, will not govern the Nets offseason; they have just one year to impress D-Will and $18 million in cap space, so expect them to go all out in free agency and on the phone lines.

Though he likely won’t average more than 15 points, Anthony Morrow is a legitimate starting SG for this team with their lack of spot-up shooters. Point guards love to have someone that they can reliably kick it out to on the wing, the type of player that Williams never really had in Utah. They could still use depth at SG, but their most pressing needs are at SF and PF.

Drafting Derrick Favors last year prevented them from luring big-name power forwards Amare, Bosh and Boozer, and now that Favors is gone, the need for a versatile PF to play next to Brook Lopez is even more evident. Kris Humphries had a breakout year, but he still cannot create offense for himself and the Nets might be better off taking the money that they might have spent on Humphries and putting it towards a top-tier PF. David West would have been an excellent option had he not gotten injured. Unfortunately this is a very weak PF class, with Carl Landry being the second best option. The Nets are one of the few teams in the league that have enough cap space to absorb a huge contract, so look for them to take advantage of their fiscal freedom.

The Nets will have the same mindset when it comes to small forwards as well, though the free agent pool of swingmen is much deeper. For a team that desperately needs offense, they should look at Wilson Chandler and Thaddeus Young, both of whom would be great fits and won’t command cap-crippling contracts. Veteran defensive specialists Andrei Kirilenko and Shane Battier should be in play as well.

Expect the Nets to go with the best player available at 27, because the player they take certainly won’t be claiming a starting spot. JaJuan Johnson would be an excellent fit as he is ready to score in the NBA right now and can conceivably play PF or center with his 7-2 wingspan and 38” vertical. Marshon Brooks could provide the shooting that they desperately need, and Nikola Vucevic would be a solid addition down low. With their second pick, a raw but potential-laden big man should be in their sights; that means Jeremy Tyler, Justin Harper or Jordan Williams.

New York Knicks

Needs: PG, SG, C

Picks: 17

With four roster spots to fill and no money to spend, the Knicks better make this pick count. Preparing to acquire either Deron Williams, Chris Paul or Dwight Howard next summer, the Knicks will not want to make the same mistake as the Heat and should try with all their scouting might to add a productive player with their mid first round pick. Seeing as Billups and Douglas have just one year left on their contracts, and nabbing Williams or Paul isn’t a certainty, they might want to consider every PG that could conceivably be picked in that region. Darius Morris would be a good fit and beat Jimmer Fredette head to head in their workout in front of the Knicks.

Apparently the Knicks are enamored of Kenneth Faried, who would be a handy defensive specialist for a team that currently doesn’t have any. Landry Fields looks to be a very satisfactory role player (assuming they add a big name in 2012), so they can afford to look at more one-dimensional players. It might be hard for them to pass on Jimmer considering how well he fits into D’Antoni’s system.

Philadelphia 76ers

Needs: SF, PF, C

Picks: 16, 50

Who would’ve thought that even after a disappointing season for second overall pick Evan Turner and no major acquisitions, the Sixers would be in considerably better standing than they were the year before? New head coach Doug Collins instilled in this team a new mentality on the defensive end that everyone bought into. Elton Brand had his best season since 2006-07, Iguodala grew to become arguably the league’s best wing defender, Jrue Holiday improved immensely, while Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young combined to be the league’s best bench duo.

With the exception of Young, now a restricted free agent, they’ll all be back, though this team still has a number of needs to address. Re-signing Young, who had a terrific PER of 18.46, should be their top priority. They’ll then turn their attention to PF and C; Elton Brand could use a better backup, and their weakness at center will be magnified even more with Spencer Hawes becoming a free agent.

The Sixers have already stated that they’ll be targeting big men, which makes plenty of sense considering how many valuable guards they have locked up. There will be a number of solid power forwards available around the 16 spot (Markieff Morris, Tristan Thompson, Kenneth Farried, and won’t all be gone), though they may decide to reach for a center such as Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic, who measured 7-0/260 at the combine and is known for being a great shooter for his size.

Toronto Raptors

Needs: PG, SF, C

Picks: 5, 33

Despite averaging 21.4 points per game this past season, starting center and former #1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani might have to go. It is becoming clear that this team cannot be successful with Bargnani down low; power forward Reggie Evans averaged nearly as many offensive rebounds (4) as Bargnani did total rebounds (5.2) in 10 less minutes per game, and his 0.7 blocks per game average is pathetic for a 7-footer playing 36 minutes a night. With two very promising young power forwards (Amir Johnson and Ed Davis), Bargnani has become expendable.

The Raptors would love for Enes Kanter to fall to them at #5; Kanter is more physical than Bargnani, is a legit 6-11, and possesses a nicer jumper than you might expect. They might not be willing to give up on Bargs yet, however, and this team could have as much as $14 million in cap space if Leandro Barbosa decides to opt out of the final $7.6 million left on his deal.

The Raptors will consider more players than any other team picking in the top five. They will have their eye on Kanter, but if he’s swept up by the Cavs at #4 as most are expecting, Kemba Walker would be the best available prospect. Though they have a decent veteran (Calderon) manning the position and a potential future starter (Bayless) improving at a good rate, there’s no doubt that Walker would be an upgrade and a great complement to DeMar DeRozan in the backcourt. They’ll also be looking at Brandon Knight if he slips to them, and [Player: Jonas Valanciunas is a possibility if he remains in the draft. Brian Colangelo might be one of the few GMs in the top 10 picks with the job security to draft Valanciunas and his difficult contract buyout and wait for 2-3 years for him.

Their most pressing need is at the swing, however, where they would be able to choose between Kawhi Leonard and Jan Vesely. The Raptors have proven to be one of the best drafting teams in recent years, and it will be hard for them to make a bad decision considering the variety of solid-fit talents they’ll have available to them.
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coachbadlee · Jun 8, 2011

This is it for now.

http://www.nbadraft.net/team-needs-central-division-1

Team Needs: Central Division

Chicago Bulls

Needs: SG

Picks: 28, 30, 43, 60

It’s true that Carlos Boozer’s awful performance in the playoffs left them with no shot of beating the Heat, but their most pressing need was exposed even more. This team needs a better shooting guard, a real running mate for Derrick Rose, if they’re going to win a ring in the next few years, as the reigning MVP simply can’t handle taking 30 shots a night. Keith Bogans and Ronnie Brewer combined to average just 10.6 points per game during the regular season. They may have won 62 games, but they’re nowhere near perfect.

GM Gar Forman will make a hard push for free agent sniper J.R. Smith. If they can’t manage a trade for J.J. Redick, who they were very interested in this past offseason, they should also consider free agent shooting guards Jamal Crawford, Aaron Afflalo, Michael Redd and Jason Richardson, each of whom would be a major upgrade over Bogans. Still, they should consider a wide array of guards with their two late first round picks.

C.J. Watson performed admirably as Rose’s backup, but he probably isn’t the best long-term fit off the bench, meaning they will consider point guards as well. Combo guards Charles Jenkins, Nolan Smith and Reggie Jackson would all be good fits in the backcourt, though they’ll likely have their sights set on Providence sharp shooter Marshon Brooks, the explosive, versatile scorer that they could use off the pine. Georgia Tech’s Iman Shumpert, with his ideal size (6-6/221), extraordinary athleticism (42” vertical) and defensive tenacity (2.7 steals) would also be a great fit.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Needs: PG. SG, SF, C

Picks: 1, 4, 32, 54

The Cavs are broken but are not beyond repair, as suggested by their incredible fortune in the lottery. Power forward is the only position they’re truly solid at, with promising 22-year old J.J. Hickson (13.8 points and 8.7 rebounds) and the reliable Antawn Jamison (18 points and 6.7 rebounds) in the fold, but they could stand to upgrade every other position on the floor. Despite the excellent production that they got from the trio of Baron Davis, Ramon Sessions and Daniel Gibson at the PG position, none stand out, like Hickson does, as a potential long-term starter.

Another good sign for Cavs fans is their relentless activity: they’ve already attempted to acquire Rudy Gay, Richard Hamilton, and the second overall pick. They’re expected to take Kyrie Irving with the top pick, but it’s no secret that they also covet Arizona combo forward Derrick Williams, who they know would be an impact player right out of the gate and would be a nice fit next to Hickson and Varejao in the frontcourt.

It will certainly be interesting to see which route the Cavs take, as it might be more sensible for them to take Williams first in order to fill the more pressing need at SF while allowing them more flexibility in terms of being able to choose between a point guard or a big man with the fourth pick. I would not be surprised if they went with Williams and Brandon Knight, or Williams and Enes Kanter, or Williams and Jonas Valanciunas. They will also consider Kemba Walker at #4 if they pass on Irving. If they do select Irving, it would likely get much more complicated, as one of their point guards would have to go, and they would be under more pressure to hit a home run with the #4 pick, having not yet filled a major need.

The Cavs’ pursuit of Gay and Hamilton suggests that they are really in the market for a wing, but all will not be lost if they miss out on one with their two first round picks. The 32nd pick will also be pivotal for them, especially if a highly skilled, NBA-ready scorer such as JaJuan Johnson should slip to them. They should also consider versatile role players Chandler Parsons and Malcolm Lee, both of whom have unique skill sets that could add some color to the Cavs roster. They will be forced to scout potential second rounders more thoroughly than anyone, because the players they select will essentially be guaranteed playing time.

Detroit Pistons

Needs: PG, SF, C

Picks: 8, 33

Another disastrous season under John Kuester has the Pistons reevaluating, yet again, just where the team is headed. Franchise combo guard Rodney Stuckey regressed somewhat after improving noticeably in his second and third years, and people are starting to realize that he probably isn’t a true point guard. Neither Ben Gordon nor Charlie Villanueva took steps toward living up to their ridiculous contracts, and with franchise mainstay Tayshaun Prince’s contract set to expire, they have a big hole at small forward.

The lone bright spot for the Pistons in 2011 was the growth of rookie big man Greg Monroe, who achieved a spectacular PER of 18.07 and still has great upside. Monroe’s gradual improvement throughout the season might have management so excited that they’ll heavily target another big man with the 8th pick in the hope of forming a venerable low post combo, the likes of which there are only a couple in the league today. Jonas Valanciunas and Tristan Thompson would both be great fits next to Monroe, but there’s no doubting that Bismack Biyombo, who’s very similar to Pistons legend Ben Wallace, would be a perfect match.

San Diego State’s Kawhi Leonard would also work well at the swing, possessing the toughness and versatility that the Pistons have always been so fond of. Swingmen Kyle Singler and Travis Leslie should also get looks from Detroit in the second round, while Norris Cole would be a great value as a potential rotation guard.

Indiana Pacers

Needs: PG, SG, PF

Picks: 15, 42

Coming off a successful 2010-11 campaign in which they made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and played the East’s top-seeded Bulls hard in the first round, the Pacers can take a deep breath when it comes to the draft this year. They also have $23 million in cap space with just three roster spots to fill, meaning this team has nearly as much potential as any other Eastern Conference team this offseason.

Content with their point guard, small forward and center as they continue to alter their make up, expect the Pacers to target the best player available unless they fall in love with a particular power forward. Expect for them to contact David West over the summer despite his injury, as well as savvy vets Jason Richardson and Caron Butler.

The Pacers have been searching for a solid shooting guard since Reggie Miller left, and Paul George, despite looking like a small forward, played so well as a rookie that they’ll have to fit him in the lineup somehow in the next year or two. Regardless, they will still look for help at SG and PF, while considering backups for Collison with T.J. Ford coming off the books. They will definitely nab Jimmer if he’s available, but otherwise look for them to target a tougher big man such as Markieff Morris. Among likely second rounders, Cory Joseph could be a solid long-term backup for Collison, while Fresno State PF/C Greg Smith could be the aggressive center they need off the bench.

Milwaukee Bucks

Needs: PG, SG, SF

Picks: 10,40

The basketball world was rocked when a source revealed that the Bucks are willing to listen to offers for franchise PG Brandon Jennings. But then again, should we be so surprised? Jennings has been an enigma ever since his days at Oak Hill, and it’s very hard to predict how his career will develop. The 21-year old PG had a great rookie campaign in which he scored 55 points in a game and nearly led the Bucks past the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs without All-NBA Third Team center Andrew Bogut, though he shot a disgraceful 37.1% from the floor. In his sophomore year he regressed, failing to improve his shot selection while watching his assists average drop from 5.7 per game to 4.8.

Looking past his ability to occasionally take over a game, Jennings is the type of player who probably should not have started every game his rookie year, as he’s naturally a poor decision maker who can, though, compensate with his speed, athleticism and natural talent. Milwaukee may have had enough of his inexcusably poor game management techniques, however; the Bucks finished last in the league in scoring and assists.

Nearly every offseason move the Bucks made in 2010 proved to be terrible. Corey Maggette, who’s on the books for $21 million over the next two years, averaged just 12 points, his lowest output since 2002. John Salmons, whom the Bucks re-signed for four years at $32 million, averaged just 14 points in 35 minutes after averaging 19.9 points in 30 games with the Bucks in 2010. Drew Gooden put up 11.3 points and 6.8 rebounds and played just 35 games. The lone good thing to come out of that tumultuous offseason was drafting Larry Sanders, who should be a very effective shot blocker for years to come.

The Bucks looked to have a very bright future after pushing Atlanta to seven games in the first round of the 2010 playoffs, but last year’s offseason might have set them back a couple years. This is still a very strong defensive team, though, so expect them to pass on the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Chris Singleton and Bismack Biyombo if they’re available late in the lottery. They need scorers, and Colorado’s Alec Burks would be a perfect fit. Burks is a slasher with a very mature offensive game: he knows how to get to the stripe, and when his jumper catches up, he could potentially be a solid second or third option. If Burks if off the board, Jimmer or Jordan Hamilton would be a nice consolation prize.
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Rockets4279 · Jun 8, 2011

Well i like Jimmer Fredette and Marshon Brooks. Both look good imo. Both can attack the basket which i was watching in the Youtube videos. Fredette reminds me of Mark Price imo. Guy was hitting shots with defenses collapsed all over him. And so was Marshon Brooks. This tells me they're scorers in clutch situations. Fredette also seems to run the offense much better than Aaron Brooks. And Marshon attacks like Kobe Bryant 1 on 5 like. I can see him getting to line a lot. He has a very quick, high release with his 7'1 wing span. Overall i like both players.

Now if Houston can trade up for Biyombo i'm also down with this. This guy is another Serge Ibaka with Shawn Kemp athleticism and his 7'7 wing span.

I seen many videos, but these 3 impress me the most. I seen guys hit shots, but these guys were hitting shots with defenses collapsed all over them. Brooks has a Kobe like game to him on the offensive end.

Also i believe Cleveland will draft Kanter #1 and trade him to Washington. I really hope so, so that Minnesota will have to draft and trade Williams or Irving since they already have Rubio and Beasley.

OHMSS · Jun 8, 2011

kevC said: ↑

I don't get your argument. Because their budget got bigger, their talent also got better? Because players 5 years ago weren't getting paid as much as players now, they were worse basketball players? Suddenly, players who are coming in the Euroleague are better because they're getting paid more? Your argument would make sense if the higher budget attracted some top level NBA players to go over there but Euroleague has only taken marginal players from the NBA.

Why would a typical Euroleague player FROM Europe suddenly be better because he's getting paid 3 times more now? If the NBA was to triple the salary cap, would the talent in league be 3 times "better"? It's the same players no?
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Because you have zero knowledge of anything basketball related outside of the NBA, and probably outside of the Houston Rockets. Instead of having maybe 2-3 big players, top Euroleague clubs now have 8-12 big players.

LongTimeFan · Jun 8, 2011

rocketblaze said: ↑

Yeah I really like DeRozan potential, I think he'd be a top 5 pick in this years draft. With that said I don't know how high Toronto is on Williams. So Idk how willing they are to doing that trade.
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Why can't everyone be as smart as us?

 <style type='text/css'>.bbpBox78517261454946304 {background:url(http://a1.twimg.com/images/themes/theme14/bg.gif) #131516;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block}</style> <div class='bbpBox78517261454946304'><p class='bbpTweet'>Colangelo did say he's "definitely exploring acquiring another top-10 pick," but maintains that DeRozan "won't be part of any package."<span class='timestamp'><a title='Wed Jun 08 17:42:28 +0000 2011' href='http://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/78517261454946304'>less than a minute ago</a> via <a href="http://ubersocial.com" rel="nofollow">UberSocial</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/favorite?tweet_id=78517261454946304'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/favorite.png' /> Favorite</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/retweet?tweet_id=78517261454946304'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/retweet.png' /> Retweet</a> <a href='http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?in_reply_to=78517261454946304'><img src='http://si0.twimg.com/images/dev/cms/intents/icons/reply.png' /> Reply</a></span><span class='metadata'><span class='author'><a href='http://twitter.com/DraftExpress'><img src='http://a2.twimg.com/profile_images/1230078621/254099576_normal.jpg' /></a><strong><a href='http://twitter.com/DraftExpress'>Jonathan Givony</a></strong><br/>DraftExpress</span></span></p></div>

kevC · Jun 8, 2011

OHMSS said: ↑

Because you have zero knowledge of anything basketball related outside of the NBA, and probably outside of the Houston Rockets. Instead of having maybe 2-3 big players, top Euroleague clubs now have 8-12 big players.
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Why do you always feel the need to insult someone for any argument? You must be really insecure.

I'm not denying Euroleague is getting better but to say that they are 3 times better than freaking 5 years ago just because they spend more money is just absurd. Where do these extra good players come from? Did all these European players have a meeting and decide "oh well, I wasn't really trying because they're only paying me a million euros but since they can now spend 3 million I'll get better!" The whole notion is ludicrous. 5 years! Maybe over the next 30 years they will get better with the bigger budget and I do see that as almost a certainty that they will catch up to the NBA with the money being thrown around the world becoming smaller with scouting but we're talking about 5 years, man. Be reasonable. At least admit you were exaggerating.

[OHMSS]You know nothing about basketball because I don't agree with you.[/OHMSS]

OHMSS · Jun 8, 2011

kevC said: ↑

Why do you always feel the need to insult someone for any argument? You must be really insecure.

I'm not denying Euroleague is getting better but to say that they are 3 times better than freaking 5 years ago just because they spend more money is just absurd. Where do these extra good players come from? Did all these European players have a meeting and decide "oh well, I wasn't really trying because they're only paying me a million euros but since they can now spend 3 million I'll get better!" The whole notion is ludicrous. 5 years! Maybe over the next 30 years they will get better with the bigger budget and I do see that as almost a certainty that they will catch up to the NBA with the money being thrown around the world becoming smaller with scouting but we're talking about 5 years, man. Be reasonable. At least admit you were exaggerating.

[OHMSS]You know nothing about basketball because I don't agree with you.[/OHMSS]
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Your comments prove you know nothing about basketball other than the NBA. What you just said in this post proves it.

kevC · Jun 8, 2011

OHMSS said: ↑

Your comments prove you know nothing about basketball other than the NBA. What you just said in this post proves it.
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Well then why don't you actually provide a counter point for once in your miserable life instead of dismissing it? Back up what you are saying. I have yet to see one valid point you've made in your existence on this forum. Why have you never defended yourself for saying Jan Vesley is more athletic than Griffin? Any time you're confronted with anything you can't answer you just ignore it or just say "you know nothing about basketball". It's like arguing with an autistic person.

HorneR · Jun 8, 2011

OHMSS said: ↑

Your comments prove you know nothing about basketball other than the NBA. What you just said in this post proves it.
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Does pretentiousness have to ooze out of everything you type? It's becoming clear you're just keen on securing the title of "Town Hipster."

If all you discuss on a forum dedicated to Rockets basketball is Euroleague basketball, then why the hell do you even bother posting here? If you're really so fed up with the "ignorance" of the American NBA fan, then why don't you simply stop posting here, and start posting elsewhere, somewhere like, I don't know, a ****ing forum dedicated to Euroleague discussion. Or perhaps a forum dedicated to your favorite irrelevant European team?

I'm not even sure if you're a Rockets fan or not, as the only mention of them I've seen of them out of you was something to the tune of, "The Rockets would lose 99 out of 100 games to Barcelona."

rocketblaze · Jun 8, 2011

I really like Jon Leuer with the 38th pick.

At 6'11.5 he has tremendous size for a 4, and also measured with very impressive 36.5 inch vertical. His a 4, that can stretch the floor with his 3 point shooting, and can also rebound the ball. I see him in the same mold as a Channing Frye type...

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_i9jylKet8E?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I think he'd be a steal with the 38th overall pick...

----

Here's also some Pre-Draft workout films on Vucevic, Selby, Lee, Burks and K. Thompson...

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hcgpIuD_JyQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3VnSDwlzdpY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bjFn5vujrxc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-5Uy22sVg-g?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vg0QLr9BABg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

thebender · Jun 8, 2011

OHMSSS - KevC's point makes total sense to anyone that is bothered to read it and be rationale about it.....and the point made doesn't even have anything to do with understanding anything about basketball.

I appreciate your input and insights from your knowledge of the eurogame...and it has no doubt educated me alot more on the subject. But if you can't bother responding to a valid point with decency then just don't bother. Its like the other day NBA.com released an article comparing Jan Vesely to none other than AK....but knowing your view on the matter and having heard enough from you about how anyone who makes that comparison clearly doesn't know anything I didn't bother sharing it. I love your knowledge of the eurogame...but at other times I just cringe when opening this thread.

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