Some people we know were surprised to find out that “40 Games in 40 Nights” doesn’t mean there’s a game every night. With no playoff action to speak of Wednesday, all the NBA talk surrounded the Lottery and the upcoming Draft. It’s good to see there’s a legit debate going on over who the Blazers should take at No. 1 between Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. When Durant exploded onto the scene last season and bullied his way into the No. 1 discussion, we always said it would depend on which team landed the pick. But after Oden showed his beasting capability in the national championship game, he seemed like a iron lock to go first. Now, with Portland on the clock, it could be either guy. As we said in our need-based mock draft, the Blazers need a wing scorer more than they need a center. But passing on Oden is real tough to do … Our mock draft was done the night of the Lottery and before one guy who was arguably the second- or third-best center in the field pulled out. Georgetown’s Roy Hibbert is reportedly going back to D.C. for his senior year. Doesn’t seem to make sense for a guy who’s probably a Top 10 pick and at least Lottery, but word is Hibbert thinks he can be a Top 3 pick if he comes out in ‘08. Even if he is — which is no guarantee considering guys like O.J. Mayo, Mike Beasley, Derrick Rose and Eric Gordon could be available. A quick look at a 2008 mock draft by our friends over at NBADraft.net shows big Roy sitting until No. 11. Obviously we know a million things could happen between now and then, but it’s something to think about … The difference in dough for Hibbert isn’t that big (if he’s looking at things from a money perspective). Last year’s No. 10 pick, Saer Sene, made $1.9 million this year and is slated to make $2.2 mill in the third year of his contract if Seattle picks up his option (don’t bank on that happening). The No. 3 pick, Adam Morrison, made $3.6 million as a rook and will pull down $4.1 mill if Charlotte picks up his option. Not like G’Town fans care (Austin is our resident Hoyas fan); they just vastly improved their chances at a return trip to the Final Four … Game 2 of Cavs/Pistons is tonight. Everyone will be looking at LeBron to see if he’s more aggressive with the ball and goes into Takeover Mode. We say he puts up bigger numbers, but seeing as the Pistons were off their game in Game 1, they’ll also come out stronger tonight … The Magic let go of head coach Brian Hill. You kinda knew this was coming when Dwight Howard dropped some ominous quotes following Orlando’s first-round playoff exit, namely indicating he didn’t like how he was being used offensively. And we still don’t think Hill played J.J. Redick enough. Arguably the best shooter on the planet, and Hill lets him rot on the bench most of the the year … Some other reported coaching moves have the Bobcats offering Mavs assistant Sam Vincent their head job, and the Wolves inked Randy Wittman to a deal to stay on as coach. Stan Van Gundy reportedly turned down the Pacers gig. He must have just looked at that roster and thought it was a no-win situation … Team USA added some new faces: Carlos Boozer, Tyson Chandler, Jason Kidd, Durant & Oden, Mike Miller, Tayshaun Prince and Deron Williams. USA Basketball boss Jerry Colangelo also confirmed that D-Wade, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Brad Miller, Lamar Odom and Chris Paul are out for this summer’s Olympic qualifying tournament … Speaking of Mike Miller, we read that he gave $1 million to a children’s hospital in his native South Dakota. We hear about guys making charitable donations all the time, but dropping $1 million at once really stands out … Hyperbole 101, by Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard on winning the Lottery: “Huge. Unbelievably huge. Franchise-making,” Pritchard told the Oregonian. “This is bigger than the Rose Garden, bigger than the organization, bigger than the city of Portland. The whole state and the whole area revolves around the Portland Trail Blazers.” Sounds like they’re not trading that pick … We’re out like B-Hill …
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May 24th, 2007 at 8:34 am
bucketz says:
hibbert messed up…its guna b a joakim noah situation which is good..
i didnt think noah was a top 3 pick last season and i dont think hibbert is a top 5 pick this season
May 24th, 2007 at 9:50 am
franky f says:
With names like Mike Miller on Team USA, it looks like another eminent beat down from the rest of the world. The American domination that we all grew accustomed to with the Dream Teams from the 80’s and early 90’s is never going to happen again. There needs to be a modern-day dream team with players like Kobe, Shaq, KG, TMac, Duncan, and other veteren superstars, but it isn’t going to happen. At least Team USA still has Mike Miller though. Who knows, maybe Team USA can also land some other former UF stars like Matt Bonner and Matt Walsh. I’m out like Team USA…
May 24th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
kudabeen says:
Team USA is tight and possibly better. Tayshaun, Boozer, Kidd, Durant, Deron Williams, Oden, Chandler, and Miller are solid pick ups. None of them are lazy defenders and Miller adds scoring punch. This team will be much better defensively and the offense will still coast. Carmelo is coming back and last I heard Kobe and Dwight was still balling. What’s to hate about? Better defensively, better overall shooting, and better idea that the comp gets real and they can be embarased.
Lose the Dream Team ideas. I don’t want to watch USA play teams content in watching us kill them then asking for autographs. I want to see our team battle and find ways to win and magnify our talent. But I guess I’m in the minority. I would rather send non-NBA pros and amatuers out there and build that way.
May 24th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Celts Fan says:
Truth be told, the reason we lost last year was lack of quality outside shooting. Mike Miller isn’t the most obvious pick in the world (Chandler, who I’d love to have in the NBA is a more curious pick for international), but the man can shoot the lights out (6th Man a few years ago anyone?) Also, props to him for giving up a mil. Lots of guys say they want to make a difference, Mike Miller just wrote a 7 figure check. Well done…
May 24th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Bron says:
at hibberts size and somewhat athletic ability he’d fit alot of teams needs…plus hes a late bloomer. i think it would be dumb since his stock isn’t going to get any higher unless he averages a double double and wins a chip.
See everyone says the world is catchin up to usa when its really we just stopped sending our best guys.. The dream team was literally a team of hall-of-famers…now were sendin 3rd string guys who just wanna go. Until the superstars start actually goin, were gonna lose games…its supposed to be the best in the world vs each other, not the worlds best vs guys who aren’t too busy spendin the summer with their family
May 24th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Bron says:
and is it not odd to anyone else how conley is completely riding oden. same high school, same college and now portland is tryin to trade up for another pic so they can draft him too…
May 24th, 2007 at 1:41 pm
jay says:
do not understand the hibbert move back to school. what can he possibely gain?? as for durant or oden…i like durant but you do not have centers anymore..i go with oden at numero uno! cp3 is not playin on team usa…shoot..who is the point…besides kidd?? i did not think kidd would be loggin major min…they goin to let kobe play point than?? ok!!
May 24th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Todd C. Balla says:
I visit nbadraft.net as much as the next man, but I can’t see Hibbert going 11th even if he has the same performance he had this season. Every year there are all these posh picks, (Yi this year, but not to the extent that there were years prior), he’s still probably the best big man availible. 7′2″ 280? That’s solid as hell. This guy is a force on D, and saying that he’s going to go 11th is absurd in a class where the tallet guy at the top of the class is 6′9″. Hibbert is going to be a top 5 pick even if he doesn’t show much improvement this year, which is unlikely to happen anyway. With his height and tools, he’s going to have a monster year, especially if Green isn’t going to be there. Not to mention that he will probably take the Hoyas to the tourney, on his back, and make his resume look even better. 11th? Hell no.
May 25th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Girlybballluver says:
Am I the only one that thinks the US needs a national team, and not a bunch of NBA ballers thrown together? There are several talented, and skilled non NBA players in this country, who would die for a chance to represent this country against the best in the world. I’d take their drive and motivation, over a bunch of spoiled, over paid, “celebrities”, for my national team anyday. While I love the NBA and it’s players, times have changed, and they’re not the men for the job anymore. If you haven’t noticed, the rest of the world is now longer star struck.