The Trailblazers IMHO got a whole lot better getting Aldridge and Roy. I also like the Magic's pick of Redick who gives them a shooter to take advantage of the open looks he'll get.
The Jazz improved quite a bit. Brewer, Dee Brown and Milsap. All three can add some much needed athleticism and speed.
memphis, Swift, Gay, Lowry, Alexander Johnson.... pretty good for a team with 2 draft picks. 3 possible starters.
and James White with the first pick of the second round. I think that was a really solid pick, but it puzzles me because it seems like Cincinatti produces a whole lot of thugs and head cases- Kenyon Martin, Reuben Patterson, Danny Fortson. Sure, that doesn't mean James White is like them but I'd sure be weary of that program if I were Portland. Moral fortitude is definitely not a trait they consider much when recruiting in Cincinatti.
I'd like to know also. If there are 3 starters there, the Grizzlies are going into the lottery next season... which is fine with me.
Portland also got Raef Lafrentz and Dan Dickau, dont' forget what they bring to the table! Seriously Roy and Aldrige are good but dont' they have Webster and Randolph there already? I know they're trying to dump Randolph, but who's going to take that contract and those off the court issues.
how about lowry fighting 45 year old bobby jackson and damon at point, than rudy gay "steps in at small forward" and swift is their new center
Portland no doubt. If the hype around Aldridge and Roy pans out, they are the winners hands down. Even if they don't 100% pan out, they are pretty much installing the youth movement and Miles and Randolph should be packing their bags by now. Orlando drafting Redick could not have been any better for both parties. Orlando filled a need for a shooting guard and Has a pretty solid lineup. If Darko ever pans out, that's a pretty good starting 5: Center: Darko Power Forward: Howard Small Forward: Hill/Hedo (whomever they choose) Shooting Guard: Redick Point Guard: Nelson Charlotte picking Morrison. Good and SAFE pick by Jordan. Center: May Power Forward: Okafor Small Forward: Wallace Shooting Guard: Morrison Point Guard: Felton Fills out pretty nicely.
I don't understand why Stephen Smith, Greg Anthony and Jay Bilas were so critical of Portland's draft. Man, they got some solid players.
While Portland picked up a lot of nice, young talent, they're probably not going to be "better" next year by a whole lot due to their lack of experience. OTOH, Chicago did very well in picking up very young talent that should be able to blend in much sooner with a Bulls team that already has playoff experience and leaders such as Ben Gordon.
Maybe Portland will trade Webster and Darius Miles.. we can give em Juwan Howard for MIles.. rather have howard than Miles, and pick up a pf through FA.
