Now that we know who’s picking where, time for our first of several 2008 NBA Mock Drafts:
1. Chicago Bulls — Michael Beasley, PF, Kansas State
John Paxson must be jumping up and down along with everyone else at the United Center. The Bulls are in desperate need for a low-post scorer, and there is no better option than Beasley. Though Rose is a Windy City native, Paxson is already drafting plans for a statue of the KState forward to go right next to MJ.
2. Miami Heat — Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis
Pat Riley’s plan for eventually jacking Erik Spoelstra’s seat on the bench when the Heat are good again reportedly revolves around landing a veteran PF and banking on Rose in the Draft. This should work out well for them.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves — Brook Lopez, C, Stanford
Having a legit center allows Al Jefferson to move to his natural PF spot. Kevin McHale can envision building a young version of himself and Robert Parrish in Minnesota.
4. Seattle Supersonics — Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona
Unfortunately Durant won’t get to play with his long-time friend, but the consolation prize will be filling a giant hole in the Sonics roster. Bayless, Durant and Jeff Green is a trio that could give some Western Conference teams trouble.
5. Memphis Grizzlies — O.J. Mayo, SG/PG, USC
They need a big; it’s so bad in Memphis that Kwame Brown’s possible departure in free agency would actually hurt them. But will they reach for a project like DeAndre Jordan or Anthony Randolph if it means passing up a more proven explosive scorer like Mayo? Juan Carlos Navarro’s impending free agency also has to be taken into consideration.
6. New York Knicks — Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana
The lottery would have been a real reason for celebration in the Big Apple if the Knicks fell in the Top 5. But at number six, they’re one slot away from grabbing a fast and athletic point guard to plug into Mike D’Antoni’s system. However, D’Antoni still needs shooters, and Gordon made it rain for 20.9 points per game last year.
7. Los Angeles Clippers — Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
About the only spots where the Clips are solid are small forward (Al Thornton) and center (Chris Kaman). Everything else is a crap-shoot, between Elton Brand and Corey Maggette’s opt-out clauses and Shaun Livingston’s health. Arthur is an athletic four, who could step in for Brand.
8. Milwaukee Bucks — Kevin Love, PF, UCLA
It seems like the Bucks already have a million forwards, but they still don’t have a lot of scoring up front. Love can get points in the paint and from mid-range. He tallied 17.5 points and 10.5 boards per game despite being doubled teamed consistently.
9. Charlotte Bobcats — Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
Since Larry Brown doesn’t care much for rookies and the ‘Cats have a decent amont of talent at pretty much every position, they can afford to take a gamble here.
10. New Jersey — DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M
Even if the miraculous ‘Melo deal goes down, the Nets will still need a big man more physically imposing than Nenad Krstic.
11. Indiana — DJ Augustin, PG, Texas
During his freshman year, he proved that he can really make his teammates look good. Pacers GM David Morway’s first move since the end of the Donnie Walsh era should be to find a way to get the most out of the talent - Jermaine O’Neal, Danny Granger, Mike Dunleavy, Jr. - that’s already in Indiana.
12. Sacramento — Russell Westbrook, PG/SG, UCLA
More than any team in the lottery, the Kings desperately need a point guard. Though they might prefer Augustin to drop to them here at No-12, Westbrook would be a strong option. He’ll need to hone his ball skills, but he’ll do wonders for Sacramento out in transition.
13. Portland — Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU
Without any glaring needs, GM Kevin Pritchard will likely be looking to nab the best player available. Randolph is an intriguing player if he’s still available (how many times did Jay Bilas say that tonight?) because of his shot-blocking ability and athleticism.
14. Golden State — Donte Greene, SF/PF, Syracuse
After the Chris Webber experiment fell flat on its face, the Warriors should be looking for some help on the frontlines. After tallying 17.5 points and 10.5 boards per game despite facing consistent double teams, Greene will be able to do damage in the Warriors multi-faceted attack.
Related posts:
May 20th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
ML says:
Damn Dime. Y’all got the Internet game on lock. Keep doing what y’all do.
May 20th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
daquest?on Im Regularly Irregular says:
i think dime was right on, but what do u think happens to the heat if the bulls ignorantly decide to go with rose cuz hes a native?? Rileys plans would b foiled
May 20th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Jules says:
American Airlines Arena?
Turn in your journalism card now, please.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
DaPro says:
Heat can’t go wrong either way but Dime if I’m Paxton I’d have to go Rose. You can’t underestimate the value of a game changing PG as evident by Deron, CP3, Nash, Kidd, TP, ETC..
He can make Tyrus look like Chandler does for the Hornets. They have athletes at most positions, try to find someone to take Gordon and few other pieces to secure a decent big who can find ways to score in the system.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Chuck says:
If the bulls were smart, which Paxson has been lukewarm in proving that by 1. signing Ben Wallace to that ridiculous deal, yet he showed his intelligence by trading wallace and not signing ben gordon and lou deng to max deals, with Beasley, they would no longer need deng, they could let him go, he’s asking for too much money and Beasley is a better rebounder.
The bulls could set themselves up real sweet if they play it right. Don’t sign Gordon to a max deal, if he wants to walk, let him walk, he can’t play d worth crap and they can match any deal he’s offered anyway. hughes is a nice slashing gaurd and very effective when healthy. I like Hinrich and now Thomas wouldn’t have to worry about scoring so much he could do what he does best, block shots and get boards.
Chicago has an oppurtunity here and I hope they don’t blow it!
May 20th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
Madglove says:
I love the site but you guys are crazy with the Clips taking Arthur. That makes zero sense. The Clips are desperate for a new backcourt and Brand isn’t going anywhere either. I know the “cool” thing to do is just ignore the Clips and trash them whenever you have to deal with them, but if Dime wants to be taken seriously as sports media, maybe do a bit more homework on all 30 teams.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
ML says:
Da Pro i think you right about the Heat. But you know D-Wade is going to need big help next year.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
miamiVIS3 says:
I’m hyped up for this season I just became a season ticket holder. I’m praying that the Bulls dont swipe up Derrick Rose. Also J-Will and Ricky Davis are still down her what are the chances they stick around? (I hope they’re low)
May 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Jeffrey says:
Charlotte should trade there pick and get a scorer
May 20th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
DaPro says:
I’d go Rose and look to move Gordon and Kirk although it will be tough coming off the season they had
Hughes is still young and plays best in transition
Gooden even though I’m not a big fan is servicable as a decent rebounder and basline shooter within 15 ft
Thomas and Deng are worth keeping along with Noah
We have some pieces but I think Rose is better for the Bulls as a slasher/distributor to get everyone involved
May 20th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
GEE...? says:
DIME what about the other teams? You all saving that for later huh? Dang it! I wanted to know who you all had Houston taking.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
miamiVIS3 says:
I like the Blazers snappng up Donte Green if he’s there him Aldrige, Roy and Oden should be nice together plus although it may not be “glaring” small forward is aneed for portland.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
kobeef says:
@Madglove
If you don’t think there is a good chance Brand ends up in Miami you are kidding youself. If Chicago takes Beasley (which they probably will) and Miami gets Rose you know Brand is jumping ship to play with Wade, Marion and Rose…..sorry to break your heart.
@Dime
Don’t you know the rule? Seattle always takes a project centre. It says here they take a gamble on Javale or DeAndre and let Muhammed or Petro tutor them in the fine art of towel waiving. Seriously, Bayless is a reach at 4. Jerryd is a short 6′3 (short arms) and Mayo would be a better pick for Seattle.
Donte Green and Anthony Randolph will go before Lovehandles.
I really like the Brook Lopez pick with ‘Sota. Al has the skill to play PF and the Wolves will be tough with two true low-post players.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
ML says:
@Da Pro
Yup Be D-Rose is Jason Kidd with a Jumpshot. And that is kinda of scary if you think about it. Dude is only 19 and he is already being compared to a evenutal Hall of Fame player.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Tim says:
Is it just me, or do the Bulls get super lucky every year with the Lottery…they ALWAYS seem to get a top 5 pic.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
e says:
I will be irate if the Bulls take Beasley. How did Hakeem and Bowie over MJ work out? They didn’t “need” MJ. I’m not saying Rose is MJ, but that argument is garbage.
Just because they “don’t need” Rose is not good enough for me. I don’t see an All-Star caliber guard (point or shooting) on this roster. A franchise PG can turn a team around (see Paul, Chris). A “franchise” PF can…average 25 and 10? And then? How many titles has Garnett won? Elton Brand? Dwight won’t win a title until he gets an All-Star PG.
Draft Rose. Trade Hinrich/Gordon/whoever you need to to get a DECENT big who can score in the post (even if that means trading for another lotto pick..lopez?).
I don’t know if I can take reading all of these mock drafts saying the Bulls should take Beasley…I may need to boycott the NBA sites until after the draft.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
kobeef says:
So, big question for Chicago - do they keep Deng and pair him with Beasley or keep Gooden?
Maybe they could trade Gooden and Hinrich to NY for Marbury’s expiring contract and start Gordon and Hughes in the backcourt with Deng, Noah and Beasly.
Lots of moves coming in Chi-Town.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Homeless J says:
Would Portland drafting Anthony Randolph after finally getting rid of Zach be like the bizarro world version of Philly getting rid of Allen Iverson and replacing him with AI2?
I also remember a lot of toronto fans going on about Vince Carter and Charlie Villanueva (VC and CV) years back. that one was really reaching. should Portland draft Anthony Randolph just to cut or trade him in order to get rid of the Z-Bo stigma, like burning an effigy?
(I’m a huge Portland fan and I would be disappointed if they took Anthony Randolph unless it was for exactly that reason.)
May 20th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
kobeef says:
@e
Two words that throw your theory about PF’s in the garbage: Tim Duncan.
MJ was a tough call - most of his success was because of his personal drive…which is hard to measure. I am not convinced Rose has that personality.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
If the Bucks draft Kevin Love I will boycott them for the next 5 years.
Sucks to be a Bucks fan. John Hammond, please trade the pick along with Mike Redd for a lower pick and an unselfish vet.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Madglove says:
kobeef - Sorry to disappoint you but the Heat aren’t going to have the cap room to sign Brand because Marion isn’t opting out. There’s no way Marion gives up $17 mil when nobody will pay him anywhere near that. So my heart is fine, but if you’re a Heat fan banking on signing Brand, then get a cardiologist.
May 20th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
e says:
@kobeef
There are exceptions to every rule. My other issue with this is that the Bulls are a team without a leader. Rose is a leader. Beasley would fit right in with the rest of the team as it is right now…but I don’t consider that a good thing.
My mind keeps telling me Beasley is going to end up like Coleman/Tarpley.
But I must say, I am very happy to be having this discussion. If I wasn’t having it, it would mean CHI was picking 9!
How do you think D’Antoni is liking his decision to go to NYC now?
May 20th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Big V says:
Not sure if anyone read Chris Ford’s mock draft over at ESPN, but he has the Knicks drafting the Italian kid and is already calling it a good move, though an unpopular one. I, for one, hope to God that that doesn’t happen. It’s gonna be mayhem in the Garden on Draft Night……
May 20th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
JeffyC says:
Donte Green in Golden State?!? My God the kid had no conscience at Syracuse. He’ll shoot 20 times a game in Nellie-ball.
May 20th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
D'Antonio says:
Mike d’Antoni must be real pissed right now…
Imagine him coaching the following line up: Rose-Gordon-Deng-Thomas-Noah, with a bench as deep as Phx has ever had…
Good luck with Eddy Curry
May 20th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
D'Antonio says:
And the East will be much stronger next year: no matter who they take, Bulls and Heat are instant playoff contenders.
Sixers, Hawks and Magic will be improved next year.
The Wiz should drop out of race, but the East playoff race should be as relevant as the West.
Good luck to the Knicks
May 21st, 2008 at 1:25 am
yallallreadyknow says:
nba needs to re-think this lottery format. they should disallow a team to get a top 5 pick two years in a row. if coaches cannot coach the all star team in consecutive yrs, then no team should have a top 5 pick in consecutive years.
just think about it before you disagree.
also….after a certain win total (like say 49 for GS), a team should NOT be allowed a lottery pick. No lottery picks for a team that won over 40 games; regardless of whether they made the playoffs or not
May 21st, 2008 at 1:35 am
johnsacrimoni says:
@e-
How many all-star point guards did the Spurs have in ‘99 or ‘03? The 00-02 Lakers? ’90s Bulls? ‘94-95 Rockets? ’80s Celtics? I know point guards are all the rage right now, and most of my favorite players in the league happen to play that position, but don’t discount what Beasley brings to the table. A big man as talented as him doesn’t come along real often.
May 21st, 2008 at 1:39 am
baron says:
Deng and Captain Kirk to miami for the 2nd pick maybe?
May 21st, 2008 at 2:19 am
luckylester says:
Eric Gordon is Dwayne Wade. Many people are probably going to stick it to me for this, but Gordon is just a freshman, and he’s going to get so much better. Gordon might not be as good at attacking yet, but he’s already a better shooter than Wade is, and he’s shown some serious flashes. He had a few bad games last season, sure, but look at that situation in Indiana. Plus, I bet Wade had a couple bad games in his career. You never know, with personal will to succeed playing such a big part in this level of professional athletes, but I think Gordon will be an All-Star two to three years down the line.
But, can the Knicks really add another shooting guard? They have a team full of combo-positions. The team doesn’t have one actual point guard, Marlboro Marbury is a 2-1 (in that order) same with Crawford and Robinson.
I love Gordon, obviously, and if the Knicks are smart, they’ll take him, but I seen D’Antoni and company doing somewhere else with this pick. Maybe they’ll trade everything they have to move up and take Bayless or something.
May 21st, 2008 at 2:49 am
word says:
damn Chi town stand up, yall got lucky as hell on this one! Now I can go back to enjoying bulls games (which were actually quite a hilarious trip to watch this season with all the fuckery going down, but then again if you think about the league was plagued with fuckery since the summertime Donaghy scandal and on), derrick or michael? but I think Michael would be the best choice and work out a deal to trade the random useless mediocre players and ship them to whoever will take they asses and land a semi decent PG (god damn hinrich is fucking garbage, shit I would take TJ Ford over him) and you’re good. by the way jay-z looked like a complete moron, he has no clue about shit looking like a damn fool but I guess that shit don’t matter when your worth half a bill
May 21st, 2008 at 3:37 am
Ding Dong the Hornets are Dead says:
Don’t count on Knicks trading Marbury. He is just worth too much….as cap relief. D’Antoni does not need to get the Knicks into the playoffs in his first year, but only the appearance of improvement/changed culture, which you automatically get when you send Zeke out of the country.
May 21st, 2008 at 5:58 am
jamesinva says:
blazers going to trade the pick. book it. kevin pritchard will be making note worthy deals. look out. i want to see luol deng as the SF portland needs to sign. trade any of the following players #13 pick, jarret jack, channing frye, travis outlaw, raef lafrentz (expiring contract) and get Luol deng and fillers.
May 21st, 2008 at 9:22 am
Junio says:
@ DaPro
Yesterday we’re talking about the Chicago pick if they get the #1 remember?
Can’t agree more, I’d go with Rose, ship a couple guys and get a frontcourt scorer….
May 21st, 2008 at 9:53 am
PALakerFan says:
If Paxson knew what he was doing he could make the Bulls a top-3 seed next season. Having said that, he’ll no doubt fuck it up cause he’s a complete moron.
Mark Jackson and Avery should be in Chicago today begging for that job. 1.7% chance and they get it? Smells fishy. Portland last year, and now this? Stern sure has a way of building up the premier cities. Thanks again for Pau by the way.
The Heat will be back in the playoffs next year with either guy at #2. Rose, Wade, Marion, Haslem, 7′ filler. That’s a great line-up.
May 21st, 2008 at 10:49 am
karizmatic says:
If Chicago were to go with Rose, what would they do with Hinrich? I don’t think he’s thaaat bad. Chicago’s best bet is Beasley.
May 21st, 2008 at 11:48 am
Slutbunwallah says:
D’Antonio-
D’antoni wouldn’t use his bench if MJ was on it.
May 21st, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Sonics says:
I was pretty pissed when we fell out of the top 2. but i realized today bayless isnt that bad of a prize atleast we dont have to take brook lopez green durant bayless trade up and get deandre jordan solid starting 4 atleast
May 21st, 2008 at 2:05 pm
msquared808 says:
Trade alert
Memphis gets - Marbury, Jerome James, Q-Rich
Knicks get - Navarro, Miller, Warrick, First round picks for the next two years
I know, it’s ridiculous and the numbers probably don’t work. But if you give up Pau for Kwame, why not.
May 21st, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Desrat says:
@Sonics
Are you a an OK fan or a WA one? Sad days for those of us up here in WA, but I like Mayo more than Bayless. Is everybody saying Bayless because he is a better facilitator than Mayo? I watched Mayo play and he can score and defend. We will need defenders, even if they move to OK.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
ScoGo says:
The NBA has never seen a team with more “6th Man” candidates than the Bulls right now. How many teams in the league start Hinrich? Gooden with or without the silly beard? Hughes? TyThomas? Noah? Gordon? Deng? Nocioni?
Most teams would love to start the game with a bench full of those guys, but as starters. . . I think not.
So which guy in this year’s draft — if any — has the gift to make others around him better? Good luck, Pax. Godspeed.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Golden State says:
Hm… Gotta take issue with some of your picks.
-The Griz should not and will not take another player who in any way resembles a 1. Even if Navarro leaves, they’ll still have three–yes, three–PGs: Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry and the only decent piece from the Gasol robbery, Javaris Crittenden. They’ll take a frontcourt player of some sort. My money’s on Love. It’s too high for him, but after all the shit the Griz took around the league for giving Gasol away (to a contender in their OWN CONFERENCE?!), they’ll go with the “safe” pick.
-Do you really think the Knicks’ll pick an undersized 2 (even one with as much rain as Gordon)? They need a POINT GUARD. Bad. Really, really bad. If Bayless and Mayo are both gone, I think they’ll look to trade the pick for a legit starting PG while hopefully dumping Curry or Randolph’s contract in the process. It’s all about freeing up cap space for the ‘10 free agents.
-The one thing the Bucks absolutely do not need is another 4. Yi and Villanueva are already fighting for minutes. They need a small forward and a true PG. I think they’ll gamble on the Italian kid.
-If my Warriors take Donte Greene, kill me now. We need an interior presence, not another gunner. Green’s not bad, but we have him already. His name is Al Harrington. And he’s solid but unspectacular. Hopefully one of the better 4s or 5s (Randolph, Jordan, Arthur, or even McGee–though he’s kinda the second coming of Patrick O’Bryant) falls to us.