Draft Night
OJThe NBA Draft is always one of the Dime crew’s favorite nights on the NBA calendar. Although a lot of us were dog-tired by the time this year’s festivities popped off due to running the Dime/Levi’s 501 Draft Suite throughout the week, we weren’t missing going to the draft for anything … Taking the shuttle bus from the Westin hotel in Times Square to Madison Square Garden, some of us were sitting next to Eric Gordon’s family. The whole ride they were talking about the (at the time) rumored Clippers/Sonics trade and what it meant for EG … Rolling up to the arena, we saw Bulls fans wearing old Jalen Rose jerseys — one guy even made a “D” out of tape to put in front of “Rose,” and at least 100 kids from the DC Assault AAU program wearing Michael Beasley t-shirts … With the Knicks having their highest pick since 2005 (the Channing Frye year), the crowd was lively, almost rabid. All during the day we’d heard it was almost certain New York would take Danilo Gallinari at #6, and when Gallo was shown on-camera for the first time the fans booed him loudly … ESPN did the “bad draft suits” video montage, and once again Erick Dampier and his Suge Knight/Kool-Aid red suit got a free pass … When Derrick Rose went first overall, his Gigantor diamond watch and equally-huge bracelet on the other wrist were lighting up the arena on their own … Michael Beasley’s hands are literally bigger than David Stern’s head. He showed up to MSG followed by a posse about 45-deep, which included Kevin Durant and Dorell Wright … Good move by ESPN to have Stephen A. doing the post-pick interviews instead of on the panel trying to pretend like he knows anything about college basketball … With his grown-up glasses and suit, O.J. Mayo looked like a 40-year-old professor of African-American History up there. And his shoes were some kind of weird style dress shoes that might have been Pumas. When O.J. heard his name attached to Minnesota, he let that Steve Francis-to-Vancouver look wash over his face momentarily before getting it together … Sitting in the front row a few feet from the Green Room (which isn’t actually a room, more like cordoned-off area next to the stage with heavy security) Durant and Wright gave Russell Westbrook a standing O when he was chosen #4 by Seattle. KD took time to get suited-n-booted for the draft; Dorell wore a t-shirt and jeans. The crowd was ooh-ing and ahh-ing at Westbrook’s highlight reel … The guy whose job is was to escort the picks to the stage looked a lot like Charlie Murphy … Shortly after the Beasley pick, the New York fans booed Pat Riley for some reason when he appeared on screen for an interview. Yeah, all he did was take you to the 1994 Finals and have a big hand in constructing the ‘99 Finals team … Before the Grizzlies picked at #5, a helpful ESPN graphic informed us that, yes, the team stunk before AND after the Pau Gasol trade … Good call by Kevin Love to go with the black suit (it’s thinning), which luckily matched well with the dark-blue Grizzlies hat. After Love’s name was called, we watched Stern. He stood there stone-faced and looking even slightly annoyed while K-Love hugged his family and friends, then slapped the TV smile on as soon as Love approached him … Great dramatic pause by Stern before announcing the Knicks’ pick — Gallinari — which of course set off a riot-level reaction. No matter how good the experts say Gallinari is, the fans absolutely didn’t want a guy whose highlight reel involved multi-colored basketballs, high school-looking gyms and frayed nets. The booing was crazy-loud when the pick was announced, and continued throughout the post-pick interview to the point where you couldn’t hear Stephen A. or Danilo. Which was probably a good thing, but still. We actually feel bad for the kid. It’s not his fault that he got drafted when he did and by that particular team. But on the Knicks’ management end, this was a mistake. When you’re starting a new regime in a wounded basketball city, just pick someone the fans have heard of (they were chanting for D.J. Augustin and Joe Alexander beforehand). If Danilo does become the next Dirk, fine. But the risk factor is too great that you turn your fans against you before Game 1 … And lo and behold, the fans were booing Donnie Walsh when he appeared on screen for an interview after the Gallinari pick, then later booed Mike D’Antoni … How about Eric Gordon, the quietest kid throughout the week, being the one to come through with a white blazer? We figured he’d end up with the Clippers by hook or by crook — ironically, he’s not an “L.A. guy” in the least. Gordon has said all along he thinks he’s a point guard, but we see him as a two in the League … The first real surprise of the night came when the Bobcats took D.J. Augustin at #9. We assumed they’d go big, not for someone who’s guaranteed to be a backup (unless a Ray Felton trade that we don’t know about is in the works). Augustin also gets the distinction of being the first guy who’s eye-level with Stern … After Brook Lopez (who may have been crying following the Augustin pick) was chosen at #10 by the Nets, he stood up next to a guy who looked EXACTLY like him but was significantly shorter. For a second we thought it was Robin Lopez with a haircut, but it wasn’t. Was it their dad? Is there a Lopez triplet? (Then when Robin got picked #15 by Phoenix, we saw a FOURTH guy who looked exactly like the twins, and their mom looks like them, too. Apparently everyone in this family looks exactly alike.) … Of the top-top-level prospects, no one took a bigger fall than Jerryd Bayless, who slipped to the Pacers at #11 when he was projected to go as high as #4 as recently as two days ago. At the end of the day, though, it’s probably better for Bayless to go to a team that is on the cusp of being a playoff team. Still, it never feels good to sit in the Green Room longer than expected … But Jerryd’s drop doesn’t compare to Darrell Arthur’s. When a mysterious kidney ailment creeped into some team’s reports for Arthur, he dropped all the way to #27 (New Orleans), being the last guy in the Green Room by far. The fans and Stern even gave him an ovation when he was finally picked … Right after Bayless was the first “Who?” selection: the Kings taking Jason Thompson at #12. Does it matter that Thompson did his dominating at Rider in front of crowds 500-strong? Apparently not. The NY crowd didn’t react at all, even though Thompson — who wasn’t in the building, by the way, never a good sign for Lottery picks — is technically one of their own local tri-state kids (born and raised in New Jersey) … Kareem Rush was in the building with Brandon Rush. We didn’t see JaRon, though … Most predictable moment of the night: Dick Vitale railing on the Wolves for bypassing his adopted son Kevin Love. Can you imagine if K-Love had gone to Duke? Dickie V might have just retired when he left school … After all the trade rumors we heard all week, nothing happened concerning the top picks until the Blazers and Pacers swapped Bayless/Ike Diogu (to Portland) and Rush/Jarret Jack/Josh McRoberts (to Indiana). Remember once upon a time when Ike was an untouchable player for the Warriors? Now he’s destined to be another Tony Massenburg-type who gets traded 10 times; that is if he’s even in the NBA in two years … Do you think LeBron was fired up at all to see the Cavs take J.J. Hickson at #19? We’re sure he was dying to get a 19-year-old skinny power forward who might be totally one-dimensional. That’s the stuff championships are made of … We were almost certain the Celtics would take DeAndre Jordan (who was actually dis-invited from the Green Room beforehand) at #30 as a safe-bet backup for Kendrick Perkins, or perhaps Mario Chalmers to give Rajon Rondo a legit backup, but they went with J.R. Giddens. The kid is a crazy athlete and can shoot, but how does he really help them? Of course you won’t get a C’s fan to criticize Danny Ainge any time soon, so it won’t matter too much. But it doesn’t bother anyone that for Giddens’ breakdown it said, “Must improve: Professionalism.”? … Second round highlights: Joey Dorsey, Mario Chalmers and DeAndre Jordan going back-to-back-to-back to the Blazers, Wolves and Clips … The Mayo/Love trade … CDR going to the Nets WAY too late … Pat Ewing Jr. going to the Kings WAY too early … Bill Walker getting picked by Washington and traded to Boston … NCAA Senior of the Year Shan Foster getting picked 51st. That’s your reward for staying 4 years … We’re out like Tony Massenburg …
June 27th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Coach T-sun says:
Well the Blazers just robbed everyone again. They are on a roll, OJ mayo is gonna be a stud not sure if love is the right guy bigs with no foot speed is gonna be troublesome in the west @ the 4. NJ also did well stealing CDR, Lopez, cap space ahead of the knicks for LBJ
June 27th, 2008 at 7:07 am
AB_40 says:
if by 10 the nets still have yi and get lebron on their team. They are gonna have some of the highest international ratings EVER. now just hope yi works on his handles cuzz he looked a little too sloppy with the ball this season.
houston is hoping donte green will pann out and add some muscle this summer. and another undersized pf/c who’s great at D where have we seen that before.
I don’t think lebron likes anything his team is doing these days. I wanna see bassy in a cavs uni. And thrade whomever for michael redd that will make him smile…
If Deandre Jordan would’ve been invited in the green room would this be a worse scene then rashard lewis a few years back?
June 27th, 2008 at 7:40 am
sans says:
Yeah, I feel Bassy in a Cleveland uni…he can pass way better than anyone else in their squad, other than Bron (who needs, desperately, to catch passes from someone).
I was wondering what Indy was doing taking Bayless, best player available, after they traded for TJ Ford. Now, we know. Is Kevin Pritchard the smartest, most capable GM alive, or what. First, he caught Brandon Roy, Aldridge, Fernandez–now he gets Bayless? Damn, way to be worth your position. What the hell is Nawlins doing? Selling picks, then trading away there one pick for nothing in return? I guess George Shinn is still alive and well, as unfortunate as that my be.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:02 am
92021SpurMD says:
I’m SO tired of seeing the Spurs do NOTHING in drafts. I’m sure Hill is a good player, but this is getting really old…
June 27th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Coach T-sun says:
yeah Yi has too much to work on first he has to adapt to 82 games a season and stay durable,Yao is still having troubles sustaining even though hes got his condition up. Darell Arthur should be solid i guess the grizzlies knew what they were doing they ate 3 bad contracts in walker, buckner, jaric just to get mayo and now they nabbed a PF they lost in Love to replace it with arthur who many thought a top 10 prospect. The Gasol trade def helped them eat those bad contracts they wern’t going anywhere with or without him anyways so the ownership is ready to cut salaries. I really like Mayo/Gay duo its gonna be exciting
June 27th, 2008 at 8:29 am
josh says:
i love CDR as much as the next guy, but for some reason the name miles simon keeps coming to mind.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:30 am
dana says:
I just heard that he hook up with a cow girl on a hot dating place named: http://www.riderlove.com ,many fans know this thing.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:40 am
miamiVIS3 says:
First dime you gotta block these wierd dating sites. But more importantly the heat did great last nigt getting Beasley and Chalmers now we just need a free agent center (most likley Diop) and we’re good.
June 27th, 2008 at 8:49 am
shake&bake says:
Eventful draft. Draft night is one of my favorite nights of the year. However, everytime Stuart Scott and Jay Bilas talked, I wanted to punch my tv. There were multiple times that Stu made a joke and nobody laughed and he just looked around. I like that VanGundy asked how someone can improve on experience. That’s like saying you need to improve on your wingspan.
Just a feeling, but I think this draft is going to have a bunch of busts.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Truth says:
Congrats Blazers, they got some real mature guys and good picks, Bayless, Dorsey and Arthur, they just bolstered a front line that was already ridiculous. F*ck the Knicks management! They can’t do sh*t right. I almost said f*ck minnesotta until that trade. Kevin love and Mike Miller are some nice pickups for Jefferson. Too bad both teams had to exchange bums. Cardinal, washed up walker, and the rest of that wack a*s posse of his jaric and more BUMS!BUMS!BUMS!
Thank you Riles for not f*ckin up the Heats future. Paxson you better hurry up and trade hinrich FAST!! Dudes stock is fallen faster than a ghetto roach just smashed by a shoe!
June 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Brown says:
I was shocked to see how far CDR dropped, and pissed he was picked one spot before the Raptors could scoop him up.
Sadly, the Warriors did nothing to improve for next year. They needed some muscle and picked the skinniest guy in the draft. Well, maybe Anjinca is skinnier.
This was a great draft, just not so much for my teams.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Truth says:
@shake&bake
I agree with you, I see a lot of busts in this draft too. They keep tryin to compare this draft to the MJ, Barkley draft! Dumba*s analyst!
June 27th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Brown says:
The thing that worries me the most about this draft is what Dickie V said at the end of the first round “This draft is all about potential, potential, potential!”
I hate when teams draft based solely on potential. If the guy isn’t much of a ballplayer right now, envisioning what he “might” be able to do a few years from now if he just learns how to “use his athleticism, length, size, etc.”, he’s probably not going to be that good no matter how long you wait. A lot of the players who are good right now get shit on all night long. That’s why second-rounders are able to survive in the league; they know how to play the game already and are closer to reaching their full potential. They have all the tools, they just need a little more experience and fine tune their games. These projects don’t know much about the game, but they have “skills” that GMs think may translate to basketball. You can only teach a player so much. He has to have some semblance of basketball IQ in order to actually succeed.
Every draft is filled with busts though, and this year is no different.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Kobeef says:
My draft observations:
- Really surpised Minnesota didn’t take a flyer on DeAndre Jordan in the second round. Al Jefferson really needs a Centre to help out down low (the guy is under 6′10)
- You have to respect NBA legends like MJ and Bird but damn…those guys look like the don’t have a clue on draft night. Indiana should have kept Bayless to bring along behind Ford and DJ Augustin? A solid player but not worth the 8th pick and Anjinca is an injury wating to happen.
- The truth really came out with the #2 pick. All the work Miami was doing to convince people they didn’t think B’easy was the man was smoke and mirrors. After the pick Spolestra told the media B’easy was the guy all along.
- NJ was the king of draft day this year. One part luck and one part smarts turned the team completely around. As someone said above, they are now poised to have a young, elite PG (Harris) a solid defensive Centre (Lopez) and a massive global audience by 2010 when Lebron makes his decision. MJ and Bird need to visit the Jay -Z school of building an NBA team.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:30 am
nerditry says:
No one else saw Shan Foster’s “I want to play in the NBA song”?
Best part of the draft, by far.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:41 am
D says:
Giddens will be surrounded by the Big 3. If that can’t make him more ‘professional’…..well, go hang with Gerald Green I guess (sorry Green)
June 27th, 2008 at 9:41 am
shake&bake says:
Haha, that song was awful. If you are already a good team, you can afford to risk a pick on potential if you don’t need someone to come in and help right away. I want to use the Pistons taking Darko as an example but that obviously didn’t work out, but the Pistons are still in the East Finals every year.
The Celtics got a couple freak athletes in Giddens and Bill Walker (if he can stay healthy). I think they just want to have good dunk contests in practice with them and Tony Allen.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Dennis Castro says:
Didn’t the Nets learn their lesson by drafting a twin TWICE? O’Bannon and Collins anyone????
June 27th, 2008 at 9:55 am
rell says:
I did not like the JR Giddens either for the Celtics and I rather had a big man. I thought Dorsey would have been a good pic even though we have Big Baby and Powe. He is more athlete and a better defender than both of them and since we are probably losing PJ this would have been a good pick up. I happy we bought the Bill Walker pic from the Wizards though. This allow us to get more athlete and the two and allow Walker and Giddens to fight for playing time behind Ray Ray. I guess that mean Tony Allen is gone. I believe the reason the Celts didn’t draft Chalmers because Ainge like Gabe Pruitt. We still need a backup center and hopefully we sign Posey back.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Hollowhustla says:
What about the SHUNNED:
Chris Lofton – UT
Jamont Gordon – Miss State
Davon Jefferson – USC
Pat Calathes – St Joes
Gary Forbes – UMass
Richard Roby – Colorado
DeMarcus Nelson – Duke
Marcelus Kemp – Nevada
Drew Neitzel – Mich State
Longar Longar – Oklahoma
Jamar Butler – Ohio State
June 27th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Dennis Castro says:
Not really feeling the Speights pick for the Sixers. Kid’s got “potential”, but I never like it when everyone is questioning this kid’s work ethic and motor. That’s the one thing that separates the good players from the Tony Massenburg’s.
Also, as hard as it is to admit this, I like that Boston gave up nothing and got Bill Walker. I think he can be a player in the league.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Jeudit says:
Hinrich to NY for Z. Randolph
June 27th, 2008 at 10:12 am
Big Freeze says:
“MJ and Bird need to visit the Jay -Z school of building an NBA team.”
Wow, I’m pretty sure Jay-Z hasn’t done dick to build an NBA team. He is a (small) part owner, and that’s it. The Nets are just an investment to him. He’s not the team president, he’s not the GM, and he’s not the coach. If Jersey starts winning, I’m sure a bunch of dumbasses are gonna give Jay-Z all the credit.
Did anyone else see Big Lopez holding back tears when he dropped to 10. If he can’t handle adversity on Draft Night, then that kid won’t stand a chance in the league. I think his brother Robin might end up being the better player after it’s said and done.
And Dime Mag, how stupid would Knicks management have to be if they made picks based on what the KY fans wanted? If teams listened to the dumb ass fans, Eli manning would have been sent packing years ago. The worst thing Walsh could do is give in to the “rabid” NY Fans and make safe picks just to avoid boos. All NY fans want to see is wins, and if the Italian kid plays well and the Knicks start winning, then the fans will come around.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:15 am
rell says:
I actually didn’t like what the Nets did last night especially in the first round and with the trade. The Nets now have a front court of Simmons, Brook Lopez and Yi. That definitely don’t scare me. And you know Vince is about to go into full tank mode now. They need to try and move Vince but who’s going to take on that contract. I guess they are tanking for next year number 1 and for Lebron in 2010. I like the Douglas-Robert pick in the second though.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:19 am
doc says:
My new team is Sactown baby.Sean Singletary taking over.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
92021SpurMD says:
Wow, Chris Lofton was in the draft? And no one picked him up?
June 27th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Yoooo says:
What are u talking about fam? the Nets have way more frontcourt options than that. Go look at there roster genius
June 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
daques?on says:
@ kobeef brook lpez is not a defensive center. he is an “offensive” post move center
June 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
rell says:
@Yooo
Ok Josh Boone, Ryan Anderson, Swift, and Shawn Williams…scary. The Nets are mostly likely not going to resign Diop or Kristic. Plus where is the offense coming from the 4 and 5th spots. Yi, Boone, and Lopez. Lopez is not going to be good and combo of Simmions/Nachbar is just not good at the 3. Plus Simmions is injury prone. Vince is going to do the same thing he did in Toronto to force his way out of Jersey.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Truth says:
Yeah MJ Augustine that early? GTFOH
My favorite picks-
Courtney Lee- dude is a hard worker and verstaile.
Bayless is gone be nice in portland
The obvious (Beasley) That dude is going to have a MONSTER season.
I like Mayo in Memphis wit Gay and Conley. Them dudes is gone be running cats out the gym!!
Gordon in LA, if he can learn to run the point (to short yo defend SG at 6′2) he’s gonna be a beast.
I’m not big on Rose, I think dude is overrated myself, but hey i could be wrong. Dude is athletic and all, pretty good court vision too, I’m just not a fan.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:39 am
daques?on says:
i would hate 2 DeAndre Jordan, he was supposed to b a lottery pick and he fell all the way down to the second round. I also feel bad for chris lofton he dint even get picked
June 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
Portland is building a DYNASTY. Mark it down (though I think they jumped the gun trading Darrell Arthur, though if Batum’s as good as advertised and ever actually comes over, I could be wrong.) I mean, Bayless, Batum, and Joey Dorsey (and Omer Asik if he ever comes over.) GREAT DRAFT.
I like what Minnesota did too. OJ Mayo’s nice, but he didn’t fit. They dumped bad contracts and picked up Kevin Love and Mike Miller. Next year they can start Foye, Miller, Brewer, Love, and Big Al. that’s a solid nucleus.
Miami did well too. Adding Beasley and Chalmers to Matrix and Flash. WOW
I don’t mind what we did (pumped to get Bill Walker at 47) but at 30, we passed on CDR (only the best player on Memphis last year, a 6′7″ 2 guard that’d be a PERFECT bench scorer even if he can’t defend) and DeAndre Jordan (coulda been perfect for a team w/ no backups over 6′8″ that are either under 38 or not named Scal. His ?s were mainly not being ready and motivation, but I woulda rolled the dice – it’s no risk at that point – and if KG can’t motivate him, no one could.) Essentially, I like what we did, but I think we could’ve done better based on who was there (Chalmers too!) No complaints though, I assume Danny knows more than I do, but had he known we were gonna trade for Bill Walker, I’d bet the 30th pick is Jordan or Chalmers. As long as Giddens can keep himself out of the Police Logs though (Wyc will not put up w/ that crap,) he should be a solid player…
June 27th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Xavier Garcia says:
Hey, what about the OJ and Arthur trades? You guys haven’t caught up to that yet?
June 27th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
oh, and as a Bostonian, I’m not usually the biggest fan of NYers, but the “We want Russ!” chants for most of the 2nd round as poor Adam Silver was running his first draft were GREAT.
June 27th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Truth says:
@daques?on
Lofton did play like sh*t his last year? I mean I know dude was sick and all, but he maybe shoulda just sat out instead of playing?
June 27th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
oh, and I gotta say, usually the scouts are right. Most guys that drop like crazy on draft night (not guys like Redd who were projected low the whole time, guys like DeAndre who plummeted on draft night after being projected highly) end up being bums (see Loren Woods, Omre Cisse, Omar Cook) or at least not living up to whatever hype it was they had, so maybe CDR isn’t gonna be much and we should reevaluate DeAndre’s potential as maybe he’ll be as good as DeSagana Diop instead of Dwight…
June 27th, 2008 at 11:06 am
MSkittle says:
Of course the Knicks fans would boo Pat Riley!! Remember the way he left them? By faxing in his resignation?
June 27th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Truth says:
@Celts
Me and you both know Deandre Jordan ain’t gone be sh*t! LOL!!
Not a Dwight Howard anyway. Dude couldn’t even f*ckin dominate at the college level, WTF makes people think this bum is gonna be a Howard!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Kobeef says:
@Big Freeze
You can’t say that the Jay-Z connection hasn’t had an influence on the future of the Nets. They are clearly making a serious run at LeBron which is only realistic because a) they are going to Brooklyn and in NY LeBron can be the billionaire he wants to be and b)because his buddy Jay-Z can get him on side.
The office rats did the research for NJ but Jay-Z is steering this ship.
@Rell
NJ made some really nice moves last night. You are sleeping on this starting lineup:
PG: Devin Harris/Armstrong
SG: Vince/
SF: Simmons/CDR (awesome pick)
PF: Yi/Anderson/Williams
C: Lopez/Diop/Swift
Lopez is projected to be a Chris Kaman type Center and We’ve seen that Yi has the tools to be special. If anything there is a lot of young talent on this roster and the Nets will be interesting to watch. I think Vince will step-up because he need to if he wants to team with LeBron.
@Daquestion
Lopez is long and strong. He’ll block some shots and get plenty of rebounds because that’s what he’ll be asked to do on this team.
I was never interested in the Nets before yesterday but now they really intrigue me. Lots of potential on this roster….just need some new uniforms to complete the new-look nets concept.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:12 am
jamesinva says:
portland traded dorsey AND arthuer for batum. good move. go for potential, didnt have enough room on their roster anyway. getting bayless at that number was a STEAL !!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Arno says:
“Anjinca is an injury wating to happen”
Actually, alexis Ajinça made the whole French pro season (which is a little bit more physical than the NCAA…) without any major trouble, playing on a weekly basis against 6′10 28 y old centers and PF. He can shoot the 3 and could easily get something around one block for every 6 or 8 minutes playing time.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Joe Cozi says:
It was funny when Stuart Scott was talking about the Lopez twins and there athletic family then slid in “and there mother is an athlete too in her own right” *while he was thinking-she must be an athlete to give birth to them two big ass twins!!*
June 27th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Arno says:
“portland traded dorsey AND arthuer for batum. good move”
Well, Nicolas Batum might be potential for the next five or six years to come. Of course, he’s a hell of an athlete, a remarkable passer and he can handle the ball. But I don’t see any mental toughness in him. His French team tried to give him the keys during money time, but it was too much for him and his commitment has been unpredictable all year.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:33 am
rell says:
@Kobeef
I think Diop will not be resign and Swift have not done anything in a while. If Lopez turn out to be Kaman did this is a good pick but most people think his brother will be better. I like the CDR pick but Simmons is just not that good anymore. His minutes and number have been going down the last 3 years and he always have some nagging injury. The thing with Vince is he will be 33 years old by the time Lebron is a free agent. He will probably only get to play with Lebron (if Lebron decide to come) for only 1 year because the Nets are not going to exercise a $17 million option on a 34-35 year old. I don’t think he will be motivated to play for 2 years on a losing team. However, this is the East and a team with a losing record can make it to the playoff.
June 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am
rangerjohn says:
you know the only complaint i had all night, every pick the spurs had came during a damn commercial! i watched the begining because hell it was the top10 picks but then i watched the rest to see how the spurs and rockets faired and what happens, FALLING AWAY played during all 3 picks the spurs had! i mean DAMN can we get at least 1 on freaking tv? i hate espn now!
and for the record, the only thing i like about the nba off season, NO MORE FALLING AWAY sprite commercials! i mean damn!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Knicksinsix says:
Don’t know why the Knick fans were booing. Galinari sounds like Chris Mullin to me – Good shooter, can put ball on the floor, passes, not athletic, tough, high basketball IQ. Maybe Mike D. will implement RUN-DMC with Danilo, Marbury & Crawford. We can still try to move Z-Bo or Curry to get a shot-blocker (maybe free agent pool). David Lee could have screwed himself out of serious money. If the Knicks aren’t going to commit to him financially long term (evident by proposed trade) he should have went to Memphis and had his agent negotiate a big bucks extension striking while the iron is hot. Say he gets exposed under Mike D.’s system. Also, DG probably has the least amount of pressure on him of the top ten picks (certainly the top six).
June 27th, 2008 at 11:41 am
rangerjohn says:
@arno
the only thing about your post is batum is only 19, maybe the damn dirty french gave it to him to early? how many nba players have been “handed the keys” at 19 and been successful? i can think of maybe 2-3 in recent memory
June 27th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
didn’t realize the Blazers trader Arthur AND Dorsey for Batum. Don’t like that. One of them shoulda been kept as a backup IMO…
June 27th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
oh, and I bet NO is kicking themselves for selling off that pick now. Coulda had Chalmers, CDR, DeAndre, Bill Walker, or anyone else. That’s why you don’t pull that shit til you see who’s there. For a team that’s not very deep, that coulda helped. So dumb, I’d be PISSED if I was CP3
June 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Big Freeze says:
Actually, David Lee is going to flourish in Mike D’s system and he will be on their starting 5 next season.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Yoooo says:
Kobeef you may be a genius bruh…
A Kobe fan who sees a good bball player as just what he is. And I feel the EXACT same way about the Nets booty ass uniform. As a Jersey dude, they need to think about changing the interior design of the IZOD stadium. Its ugly. They should be playing in Newark at the New Prudential Center.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
K Dizzle says:
@ post 44
Kid’s playin in new york for the knycks as their highest draft pick in 3-4 years for a team that neds to make the playoffs and you don’t think he got any pressure?
D.J. Augustine got no pressure. If he don’t work out, MJ’s track record as a gm is hot garbage at best. Brown, May, Morrison, etc
Austin
needin more info on what the deal was with Darrell Arthur. It’s nasty if rumours dropped the dude into the twenties when he got top 10 talent. He’ll be startin for Memphis cuz his only comp is Warrick, Milicic and Brown?
and Lebron might not like Hickson as the pick but at least he has a dimension unlike the rest of the cavs who can’t do what they supposedly “known for” roster full of dudes that can’t shoot, rebound, defende, pass or dribble is weak
June 27th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
garbageman33 says:
Apparently, the better you were as a player, the worse you are as a GM. Bird, McHale, Jordan and, the poster child for bad GMs, Isaiah Thomas. Meanwhile, a no-name player like Otis Smith is making some pretty decent moves in Orlando.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
John Starks says:
Best line of today’s smack:
With his grown-up glasses and suit, O.J. Mayo looked like a 40-year-old professor of African-American History up there
Worst line of today’s smack:
“New York fans booed Pat Riley for some reason when he appeared on screen for an interview. Yeah, all he did was take you to the 1994 Finals and have a big hand in constructing the ‘99 Finals team”
Obviously not written by any kind of real Knicks fan. Riley basically got up in the middle of the night and dissapeared to Miami. If you think New York fans would forgive that for “constructing a finals team” and taking 1 team to the finals, you’re seriously delusional.
Maybe after winning a chip.
MAYBE.
June 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
I like what Memphis did too.
Their potential starters:
Mike Conley
OJ Mayo
Rudy Gay
Darrell Arthur
Darko (4 outta 5 ain’t bad)
also, count me in as another person EXTREMELY disappointed Chris Wallace had to go and trade away the 2nd piece of the Gay-Love era (and the millionth guy to make that joke, but it’s a good one!)
June 27th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Big Freeze says:
Why does everyone assume that Lebron is going to the Nets in a couple years? Unless you guys are Lebron or Nostradamus, you don’t know what the fuck is going to happen until it happens. It’s funny how all these Nets fans talk all this shit like the it’s set in stone. He might stay in Cleveland, he might go to the Knicks, or he might the Nets, or he might go to another team. No one really knows, so quit actin like he is a Net already.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
AB_40 says:
ey with the nets in ‘rebuilding’ mode can the VC to phoenix sweepstakes begine please? thank you. Shaq said he wanted him last summer. And as hard as I like to admit it Nash elivates almost everyone who plays beside him. He should’ve never got those mvp awards though but that’s a whole notha story:D
June 27th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
@big freeze – well, besides the fact he’s a perfect fit in NYC (all superstars are,) the Nets are moving to Brooklyn, Jay-Z may be the only guy that’s as cool as LeBron and he owns the Nets, LeBron has something built into his shoe deals that adds TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS to his deal if he plays in NYC, LA, or CHI, Jigga jumped into the DeShawn Stevenson bashing, he’s good friends w/ LeBron, they’re trading away stars for pennies to clear cap space, and LeBron’s currently playing on a team that could best be described as LeBron and a few average NBA players, who knows why people would think that…
June 27th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Kobeef says:
@Celts
well said….
June 27th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
K Dizzle says:
What Celts said:
Lebron is gone….He’s been watchin how teams played KG, AI, Pierce until this season. NOBODY wins on their own and Cleveland’s in that nasty place where they ain’t bad enough(cuz of Bron) to get a high pick and they ain’t good enough(Smith, Wallace, Wally, Jones, Boobie, AV – this team is garbage) to make anything happen in the playoffs. He might stay to be a 1 team dude like Mike(I blocked out washington) Magic, Isiah, Bird, Kobe or cuz he’s the only nba guy to be a dominant player in his hometown, but that ish is done. Guys don’t stay with one team anymore and the Nets right now without Bron are way better than the Cavs without Lebron.
Cavs coulda had Arthur. I hope that kid makes about 20 teams pay for passin on him
June 27th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Big Freeze says:
I’m gonna laugh my ass off at all the bummed out Nets fans when Lebron goes to the Knicks or someplace else besides Jersey/Brooklyn.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Austin Burton says:
It sounds weird, but even though we were sitting damn near under the ESPN TV stage, we couldn’t really hear what the announcers were saying too well. So I don’t know exactly what was being said about Darrell Arthur, only bits and pieces about a supposed kidney ailment that came up in his medical tests.
Worst insult of the night: Larry Brown popped up on screen for an interview, and of course everyone starts booing him. When it got kind of quiet, one guy screams, “Hey Larry, how’s your 40 million?!?” That’s an INSULT?
June 27th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Anthony Mason says:
Dime,
That Knicks analysis was weak.
If new management were to make picks based off what the fans chant for, the team would never crawl out of its hole.
Most Knick fans, esp the ones that attend the draft (i.e. the ones that can’t afford game tickets), are morons. Its embarassing actually. The last thing Walsh and D’Antoni should be doing is catering to them.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Austin Burton says:
I don’t think NY should always do what the fans want, but for your first draft under new management, it’s not exactly the ideal outcome when your fans have already turned against you. But as one of the Knicks fans in the office said, “As soon as Gallo drops 20 in his first game and they win, everyone will love him.”
June 27th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
BxBaller says:
Still can’t believe the Knicks blew thier pick on Galli whatever his name is. Passing on both Augustin & Bayless was plain dumb, unless they resign Steph next summer, which is highly unlikely. At least by then we could have seen what Augustin or Bayless could have brought to the table. Plus I agree with what someone said earlier about drafting on potential. I hate that, draft dudes that are ready to help you’re team now, and let the undeveloped losers stay in school or go oversees. Especially since they say the Galll kid is not going to be ready for another 3 years. NY fans will not wait that long. I’m telling you guys I believe Walsh was pressured into that pick by the Italian mafia, I’m dead serious.
No Anthony Mason, those Knick fans know basketball and only want their team to succeed. Ny fans are some of the most knowledgeable fans in the world. And Walsh should at least take a small amount of what the fans want, we’re paying for the tickets, merchandise, etc. Plus we know whats been going on here like forever, we know what the team needs.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Big Freeze says:
^^ Yo BxBaller, the last thing the Knicks need is another ball-hog undersized guard. The Italian kid is goin to be a solid pick.
June 27th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
doc says:
yall NY fans are crazy.Now the mafia made them pick dude.Thats who yall GM and coach wanted and if he become a 15-20 pt a game scorer yall gonna be all on his hammer.Everybody yall woulda got at 6 would be based on potential.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
doc says:
Trade him to the sixers for Willie Green.Or to Sac-Town for John Salmons or Beno to get out my youngin way.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Dagomar says:
Yeah Dime, you’re right: GM’s should always listen to the fans. It’s not as though they have a staff to scout players or know anything about the game themselves.
Wins sell tickets. If this kid can help them win, the pick is good.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
BxBaller says:
Na, Augustin would have been fine for us at 6. Everybody that has seen this kid play say “he’s solid” etc. They were saying the same things about Bargnani, and what has he done? They should draft on need and not on potential. He might have the potential to be real good, or he could have the potential to be the next Darko/Bargnani.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
doc says:
And Augustine isnt potential?He just the shit huh.Cut it the fuck out,he got as much chance to be a bust as the Italian. not to mention he played in a tougher league than any of these cats and averaged 19.So if anything his potential was showed on a higher level.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
doc says:
And everybody aint been call DJ solid.I been seeing people call MJ every name in the book for picking dude.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Anthony Mason says:
Dime, I can see your point that management shouldn’t make their first move be one that alienates fans. But honestly, the knuckle-draggers in attendance last night would’ve booed any pick not named OJ Mayo. Most NY fans that know basketball understand Gallinari was probably the best pick available at #6.
Gallinari > Bayless, Gordon, Augustine. The Knicks have too many players like Bayless and Gordon already. Augustine could probably be a great back-up, but not an answer at PG.
Gallinari will take time, but not 3 years like someone said.
doc, you’re on point about Augustine, and comparing the Italian League to the NCAA.
And the Knicks still need a PG, but no one in this draft other than D.Rose would’ve solved that problem. Better to find a more legitimate answer either through trade, or next year’s draft (b/c let’s face it, the Knicks will be in the lottery again next year… which I can handle as long as they make intelligent moves from here on out.)
June 27th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
BxBaller says:
They’re calling MJ every name in the book cause he picked another point guard instead of a big.
June 27th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
GEE...ain't the one that'll pay fo ya phone says:
My draft experience via ESPN.
Wife says O.J. Mayo’s suit is too tight LOL.
Thought: I know it’s tradition to have the draft in NY, but I think it would be better for the L to have it in other places too. NY fans ain’t the only ones that can boo lol.
So happy for Westbrook and hope he does well. Love the dude’s swag.
Think Knick fans were looking to boo at whoever was pick regardless somewhat. That is just what they do. They possibly would have been happy with Joe Alex or Thompson or Randolph. Don’t they call dude the Rooster? Ill nickname lol and got shoes.
Charlotte makes the most confusing pick. Why take that good pg from another team Charlotte why? Just didn’t make sense.
Lopez boys really seem to have the right mindset going in and might be ok.
Think Roy Hibbert might shock some. At least hoping he will. Always good to have a G-Town dude in the top 20.
Houston waist what could have been a steal in the first round by not choosing CDR and getting some Batum dude who looks sorry.
Wife starts praying for Darrell Arthur thinking how sad she would be if it was her child lol. Soon as she prays dude gets picked no lie lol. I was like wow.
J.R. Giddens can dunk but what else consistently? Curious on that one Boston.
Can’t imagine CDR didn’t go first round.
2nd round wasn’t special. Houston’s GM proves his brain cells are dying fast by choosing Marty Luuen…who? But weiredst funniest moment of the night when Shane Foster was singing with the Fisher Price Keyboard. Wife was like he prolly singing on a tune already programmed in the keyboard.
To many foreign and overseas dudes in the draft for my taste.
Then wake up today to find that Houston some how has gotten Green and Dorsey…perhaps dude’s brain cells weren’t dead as I thought or either Tracy choked the GM and threw him to the ground lol. Anyway so now I am real cool with Houston’s picks cause Green can score and Dorsey can defend and rebound. Now just have to hope that the Batum dude doesn’t turn out to be the bomb…he won’t.
Dang Darrell Arthur to Memphis..Memphis and Jersey did real well this year.
Wondering who was up for the draft that didn’t get picked. That has to be a jacked up feeling.
Now bring on Olympic basketball!
June 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Big Freeze says:
^^ damn son, u should write a novel
June 27th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
GEE...ain't the one that'll pay fo ya phone says:
lol
June 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Mil says:
Lopez twins are incredible bitches. Who cries??? Damn! Sideshow is the better one, yes, but still those (seemingly) home-taught mama’s boys (?) are ripe for Shaq’s elbows. Or anyone’s, really. Scott Pollard Kings era-like. Hey N-e-w Jerz, let me know when sideshow starts talking big in Yi’s face, after repeatedly stuffing him at the bucket! His mom would be so proud.