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[Rodeo Clown]

If you're going to be shedding that much in salary you should go after someone better and younger than Crawford. OJ Mayo should be your target, but heck you might as well swing for Gordon too just in case.

Mayo and Gordon are RFAs, though. And I'm pretty sure somebody doesn't like OJ Mayo within the organization. He's been on the block for ever, and the Wolves have never bit even though they start Wes Johnson.

There's been a lot of smoke around Russian SG Alexey Shved for a couple weeks now, and I won't be mad picking him up. Although it will make the starting lineup all white/Euro which is weird, but I'm pretty sure not intentional.

 

[SamuraiX-]

Nice summary of reports from around the NBA:

Other draft buzz from conversations with executives and agents with the draft a little more than 48 hours away:

* After Anthony Davis goes to New Orleans with the No. 1 pick, the next four picks, in some order, will be Thomas Robinson, Bradley Beal, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes, sources say. The draft really begins with the sixth pick, with strong indications in recent days that the Trail Blazers would take Damian Lillard of Weber State. But in the past 24 hours, two other names have surfaced with respect to Portland: Dion Waiters and Austin Rivers. That could be an indication that Portland is considering trading the pick.

* Cleveland wants Beal and has offered the No. 4 pick and either the 33rd or 34th pick to Charlotte for the No. 2 pick, which would allow the Cavs to jump ahead of Washington and land the Florida guard. The hangup is that Charlotte, not in love with anyone available at No. 2, wants Cleveland's 24th pick. Cleveland also has had conversations with Sacramento (No. 5) and Golden State (No. 7), but the Charlotte deal makes the most sense and sources say there is enough momentum and desire on both sides to get it done. The Bobcats like Robinson and Barnes, and at least one of them will be available at No. 4; if Cleveland got Beal with the second pick, Washington might take Barnes at No. 3, sources said.

* Waiters is one of three players the Warriors are considering with the seventh pick.

* The Raptors would take Waiters with the eighth pick, but if he's gone, sources say Toronto would take Rivers or Jeremy Lamb.

* The Pistons would "absolutely" take Andre Drummond with the ninth pick. If he's gone, Detroit is believed to be comfortable with John Henson or Tyler Zeller.

* Rounding out the top 10, the Hornets are believed to be targeting Rivers, Lamb or Meyers Leonard, sources said. The wild card of the top 15 is Jared Sullinger based on concerns over a medical issue with his back.

The Raptors being so keen on taking a SG makes me thing they've given up on DeRozan.

 

[jordan0386]

Derozan gave up on himself. Everybody isnt destined to be a starter.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

Not sure I'm getting the Rivers to 6 hype much. How often do gunner guards who lack elite athleticism and shooting really help their team win games?

Derozan gave up on himself. Everybody isnt destined to be a starter.

DeRozan's intangibles/personality/work ethic are fine, his skill level is terrible and his BBIQ is bad which is the issue.

 

[LegendofJoe]

Mayo and Gordon are RFAs, though. And I'm pretty sure somebody doesn't like OJ Mayo within the organization. He's been on the block for ever, and the Wolves have never bit even though they start Wes Johnson.

There's been a lot of smoke around Russian SG Alexey Shved for a couple weeks now, and I won't be mad picking him up. Although it will make the starting lineup all white/Euro which is weird, but I'm pretty sure not intentional.

I've never heard of Alexey Shved, how good is he?

 

[Knux-Future]

Not sure I'm getting the Rivers to 6 hype much. How often do gunner guards who lack elite athleticism and shooting really help their team win games?



DeRozan's intangibles/personality/work ethic are fine, his skill level is terrible and his BBIQ is bad which is the issue.

Bu-but his NBA pedigree. Can't teach that yo.


I wonder if he never hit that game winner would he get as much hype? I'm glad he's rising up the board because Doug loves him. I have accepted my Jones future.

 

[Kevtones]

Torn between Barnes and Lillard. Warming up to Rivers.

 

[balddemon]

holy shit there's an offseason thread. time to cross post

edit:
Houston apparently wants to trade 14 16 18 and a top 10 pick (would be acquired from trading Lowry) to the Magic for Howard.
http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2012/st...es-send-18th-pick-houston-rockets-sources-say

 

[The Insane Dufresne]

Let the bullshit floweth:

Perry Jones III's camp has been worried he could fall out of Top 15, but sources say he had a "very, very good" workout with DET on Monday.

 

[Dominican Power]

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/21177/source-foye-interested-in-knicks


UGHHH

 

[Knux-Future]

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/21177/source-foye-interested-in-knicks


UGHHH

***** **** Future, bro.

 

[Rodeo Clown]

I've never heard of Alexey Shved, how good is he?

He's only really played the last 2 seasons, but he's been pretty productive for CSKA. He scores with some efficiency and he can handle the ball some, too.

And DX said he was looking for about 3 years, $10M, which shouldn't be discounted when it comes to Glen Taylor.

 

[Brinbe]

Don't think the Magic are going for that Rockets offer. So Morey's probably looking elsewhere to unload those picks.

Anyway, PJ3 is worth the risk outside the lottery.

 

[Jarlaxle]

If we draft Marshall I'm going to be so pissed.

 

[balddemon]

Don't think the Magic are going for that Rockets offer. So Morey's probably looking elsewhere to unload those picks.

Anyway, PJ3 is worth the risk outside the lottery.

why wouldn't they? that seems like an incredibly great deal for the magic. 5 top 20 picks? even in an pretty weak draft outside like the top 10 (edit: hell, it's weak outside the 1st pick), that's still amazing for a brand new GM coming in, asuming he makes smart picks.

 

[Dominican Power]

 

[reilo]

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Grover Cleveland]

Bu-but his NBA pedigree. Can't teach that yo.


I wonder if he never hit that game winner would he get as much hype? I'm glad he's rising up the board because Doug loves him. I have accepted my Jones future.

Nope, motherfucker will always live off of that shot.

Before that he was known as a cocky, inefficient volume scorer with a terrible penchant for committing charges. Now he's a cocky, inefficient volume scorer with a terrible penchant for committing charges BUT HE HITS THE BIGGEST SHOTS IN THE BIGGEST MOMENTS.

 

[h3ro]

lol shitty synthetic reject leather ball.

Adam, I know you're in here. Keep that **** nonsense on your team.

 

[SamuraiX-]

Torn between Barnes and Lillard. Warming up to Rivers.

How? How is this even possible? Kid is like everything you don't want in a rookie SG. Undersized, ball-dominant, average streaky shooter, and thinks he's better than he really is and ever will be.

I forgot, what team to do you root for?

 

[Brinbe]

Ha, was wondering why he was holding that shit too. What the hell?

And anyone else seeing those tweets on the Cavs and the 2nd pick? Apparently, they're fiendin for dat Beal. Willing to give all that up just to jump ahead of the Wiz.

Hearing Cavs /Bobcats talking. ‪#Cavs‬ want #2 pick..would give #4 #24 #34 ‪#NBADraft‬

 

[Bowser]

So there's an Insider article out that has players from their respective teams making the team's pick. Can only see #1 and #2 (non-Insider) and here's what Gerald Henderson said:

2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, F, Kentucky
Selected by: Gerald Henderson

"More than anything, he just plays really hard, and that's what our team could really use," says Bobcats guard Henderson, the only Charlotte player to start more than 50 games last season. "I wouldn't say he's a great ball handler or shooter or rebounder, but he's got some slashing ability. His effort and passion for the game is what really stands out." (Kidd-Gilchrist averaged 11.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg last season.)

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draf...magazine-holds-fourth-players-only-mock-draft

Yes, for a team as talent-bereft as the Bobcats, let's draft the guy that you "wouldn't say [is] a great ball handler or shooter or rebounder."

smh

edit: lololol Bradley Beal at #19 to the Magic in this Players' Draft

 

[Knux-Future]

That would be a good get for the Cats.

TRob, Quincy Miller, and some random guar (Wroten?) in the 2nd?


Not bad spot to be.

 

[SamuraiX-]

MJ's an idiot if he doesn't pull the trigger on that. If Cavs do indeed take Beal @ #2, Wiz say they're interested in taking Barnes @ #3 if Beal is gone. That means MKG and T-Rob are both still available @ #4. No-brainer.

 

[Bowser]

That would be a good get for the Cats.

TRob, Quincy Miller, and some random guar (Wroten?) in the 2nd?


Not bad spot to be.

Could potentially package #24, #31, and #34 for a late lottery selection as well...

 

[Knux-Future]

Could potentially package #24, #31, and #34 for a late lottery selection as well...

One step at a time man......

 

[reilo]

How? How is this even possible? Kid is like everything you don't want in a rookie SG. Undersized, ball-dominant, average streaky shooter, and thinks he's better than he really is and ever will be.

I forgot, what team to do you root for?

How is Rivers undersized?

 

[Bowser]

How is Rivers undersized?

I think he's a little small at 6'3". Seems to be a concern:

Austin Rivers, 6-3 guard, Duke: "My biggest concern with him is size. He's never going to be a pure point because it's not in his personality. He's a capable passer, but he hasn't been a willing passer. He's hard to play with, frankly, because he dominates the ball. It depends on who the coach is. I did not like what I saw at Duke. I thought he was spoiled and selfish. He's a streaky outside shooter, not a great one."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/seth_davis/06/25/NBA-draft/index.html#ixzz1yvVaEkpO

 

[Knux-Future]

How is Rivers undersized?

Short arms even though he's 6'5.

He also is allergic to defense anyway.

 

[LegendofJoe]

Could potentially package #24, #31, and #34 for a late lottery selection as well...

That's what I'm hoping for. Teams over the salary cap will definitely be tempted with early second round picks, especially when 1st round quality talent like Lamb, Jenkins, Wroten, etc. will be available on the cheap.

 

[reilo]

I think he's a little small at 6'3". Seems to be a concern:



http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/seth_davis/06/25/NBA-draft/index.html#ixzz1yvVaEkpO

His draft combine: 6'3.5" without shoes, 6'5 in shoes, 203lbs.

 

[Bowser]

His draft combine: 6'3.5" without shoes, 6'5 in shoes, 203lbs.

Yeah, just looked up his draft measurements. Seems fine, but as the quote mentions, scouts/GMs still seem to be concerned about his size.

 

[Dominican Power]

 

[Knux-Future]

Deron pls

 

[Kevtones]

I'm a Portland fan, Samurai.


I gues we settle on Lillard/Barnes and go for a big. Weird feeling Claver or Babbitt gets traded in a Crawford deal.

 

[Talon]

Dat Russian blood money

 

[KingGondo]

I don't feel like those kind of desperate, ass-kissing measures ever work on free agents.

Cuban can walk into the room, say "I'll pay to surround you with greatness, I've won a championship, and Dirk is already here. The Nets sure spent a lot on new logos and that birthday sign, but do they have anyone close to Dirk?"

 

[Jonm1010]

So we like Lamb, Rivers and Leonard at ten.

Fuck rivers. I don't want a selfish combo guard that is going to chase his ego and dominate the ball. Not with Eric Gordon next to him who is already better in every way then Rivers and gordon doesn't need to fight with some punk kid for touches.

I like Lamb but why? Either we're letting Gordon leave or we spent our lottery pick on a backup who will probably see ten minutes a night.

I guess Leonard then. I think his ceiling is an adequate starter but he definitely has some nice size and we have Davis there to pick up his slack defensively which he struggled with. Still don't like the idea of two front court players that need to add thirty and twenty pounds respectively to truly be NBA ready potentially starting for us......though I guess that could mean another high draft pick next year which I'm ok with.

 

[Bowser]

Tyler Zeller, 7-foot center, North Carolina: "Beast. I personally have him in the top seven. He's a 13- to 14-year NBA center. He can shoot, he's strong, he runs. Everybody complains they can never find a center. Well, here he is. There's absolutely no scenario where he's not going to succeed."

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/seth_davis/06/25/NBA-draft/index.html#ixzz1yvchNNdL

 

[squicken]

Why would Orlando take Houston's offer? Surely GMs have figured out that when losing a superstar you just let him go. Fan interest is the same in Houston's 40 win team like it would be for a 10 win team.

 

[Matrix]

Air Bud gone? Say it ain't so!

Actually I don't care, Chandler "Bing" Parsons is better.

 

[LegendofJoe]

Why would Orlando take Houston's offer? Surely GMs have figured out that when losing a superstar you just let him go. Fan interest is the same in Houston's 40 win team like it would be for a 10 win team.

Is it better? I guess it worked out for NOLA and Cleveland, but I attribute that to luck.

 

[reilo]

I'm a Portland fan, Samurai.


I gues we settle on Lillard/Barnes and go for a big. Weird feeling Claver or Babbitt gets traded in a Crawford deal.

Crawford opted out. Portland would only be doing him a favor to do a S&T.

Anyway:

Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire has been fined $50,000 by the #NBA for using derogatory language on Twitter, league office announces.

 

[ItWasMeantToBe19]

There were some rumors about the Blazers trying to get Dwight...Man LMA-Dwight would be awesome. Best paint protector and rebounder in the NBA together with one of the best perimeter and PnR defending big men in the NBA. Great mid-post game of Aldridge with potentially super effective lowpost sealoffs from Dwight. One of the best PnR players and one of the best PnP players...Never going to happen but would be a great combo.

 

[balddemon]

dwights back...
portland trainers...

lol

 

[Smokey]

Why would Orlando take Houston's offer? Surely GMs have figured out that when losing a superstar you just let him go. Fan interest is the same in Houston's 40 win team like it would be for a 10 win team.

Oh squicken

 

[squicken]

Is it better? I guess it worked out for NOLA and Cleveland, but I attribute that to luck.

As far as morning drive sports talk, no one talks about the Rockets. The only callers are people who do complain about Alexander not understanding that being in the middle is the worst place to be.

And I'm pretty sure attendance has been increasingly awful. I think that's why they don't care if they get Howard and he walks. Alexander may finally get it.

Oh squicken

I'm sure for the die hard NBA fans there is always interest. But as far as radio, there's 10x more interest in Longhorns spring practice

 

[marathonfool]

There were some rumors about the Blazers trying to get Dwight...Man LMA-Dwight would be awesome. Best paint protector and rebounder in the NBA together with one of the best perimeter and PnR defending big men in the NBA. Great mid-post game of Aldridge with potentially super effective lowpost sealoffs from Dwight. One of the best PnR players and one of the best PnP players...Never going to happen but would be a great combo.

Too bad it ain't gonna happen. #6 and #11 picks + Wes Mathews + draft rights to Freeland and/or Claver would be a decent haul for the Magic if they wanted to start a rebuild.

Blazers could have enough money left over to sign Deron Williams too. Dream scenarios like this can't happen because Portland isn't a big market like NY or LA.

 

[LegendofJoe]

As far as morning drive sports talk, no one talks about the Rockets. The only callers are people who do complain about Alexander not understanding that being in the middle is the worst place to be.

And I'm pretty sure attendance has been increasingly awful. I think that's why they don't care if they get Howard and he walks. Alexander may finally get it.

I agree, going for broke in free agency is a good idea for Houston. If you gut your team to get Howard and he walks you'll be in the lottery for the next few years while you rebuild. Houston isn't exactly a small market team either, it's the 5th largest in the country-so that should at least give you hope that Howard might be enticed to stay.

 

[Jonm1010]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/seth_davis/06/25/NBA-draft/index.html#ixzz1yvchNNdL

Zeller has been growing on me.....I like his brother better but I think Tyler can be a solid middle of the road center who won't win you any games but won't cost you any.