Chicago Bulls: NBA Draft

NBA: Must-Watch Rookie Team

Hoopsworld — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:24:13 -0700

When Kevin Garnett averaged 10 points and six rebounds 13 years ago during his rookie season we knew there was something special about him. Despite the low numbers it was apparent that he was going to develop into the dominant force he is today. The same could be said for Amare Stoudemire after he produced 13 points and eight boards a game his first season. They didn't produce on a nightly basis then like they do now, but they were extremely exciting to watch. The 2008 draft class has several players that will warrant special attention as well. While it's not a guarantee that they will develop into dominant forces like KG and Amare eventually did, you'd be foolish to pass up watching these guys when you get a chance to this upcoming season. Here's a look at this year's must watch rookie team:

Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls
In March we watched Rose develop into the best point guard in the country at Memphis. In June we watched him struggle significantly against fringe NBA talent at the Orlando Summer League. How good he'll be in year one is a major question mark right now, but Rose has had ample time to rest his knee that was giving him trouble in Orlando. He should be 100% healthy now and with all the weapons the Bulls have he's going to be worth your time to check out. He's going to be splitting time early on, but the Bulls drafted Rose to be their point guard and the plan is to eventually hand the reigns over to him. Very few point guards in the league have the talent that Rose does, and once he gets acclimated to the NBA game he should put himself among the elite.

Jerryd Bayless – Portland Trail Blazers
After a disappointing slip on draft night Jerryd wasted no time on proving people wrong at the Las Vegas Summer league by earning MVP honors. He's projected to be the backup point guard right now in Portland, and Bayless has the skills to contribute right away. He's a lot like Tony Paker in the sense that he's a better scorer than passer, and also like Tony he has speed that is uncontainable. Bayless is a fiery competitor that will bring the intensity this young Trail Blazer squad needs to make the playoffs in the West. Portland is overflowing in young talent that will help open Bayless up to do what he does best: score. However, don't be surprised to start seeing his assist numbers climb up as the long term expectations are for him to become a full time point guard.

Michael Beasley – Miami HEAT
There may be questions about his work ethic, intensity, and maturity level, but Beasley is undoubtedly going to be a rookie to watch this season. He's an elite level talent, even at this level. He's slated to be the 6th man this season in Miami, which is scary when you think about what he's capable of. There's very little Beasley cannot do on the basketball court. We should see him at both forward spots this year, giving him a chance to showcase his extensive skill set. If Beasley produces consistently early on the HEAT could start to seriously consider trading Udonis Haslem or Shawn Marion to open up time for him. Before the draft the HEAT were said not to be very high on him, but watch how quickly that becomes a complete afterthought.

Anthony Randolph – Golden State Warriors
If you missed out on getting to watch Randolph at the Vegas or Salt Lake Summer Leagues you're in for a treat. At 6'11 Randolph is extremely athletic and possesses more than adequate perimeter skills. Randolph will thrive in Golden State's up tempo offense and should eventually turn into one of the tougher players to match up with in the league. The big problem for Randolph though is his slight frame, and in the very physical NBA he could have some issues early on with injuries. Offensively he's a lot like Lamar Odom, but on the defensive end he is much more active. He has the potential to be a fantasy powerhouse because he can impact the game in so many ways. Randolph will have people thinking right away that the Warriors got an absolute steal at 14.

Greg Oden – Portland Trail Blazers
We have been waiting for Oden's rookie season since he was a sophomore in high school. Microfracture surgery pushed it back a year, but Oden is finally ready to start what many believe could be a Hall of Fame career. Incase any of you have forgot, Oden is a freakishly athletic 7 footer with an incredible wingspan and a frame similar to Dwight Howard's. Reports and players out of Portland say he's lost nothing in terms of athleticism despite the surgery. Oden is going to be a force defensively and on the boards, but in order to establish himself as a dominant center his offensive skills are going to need to improve. We saw what sitting out a year did for Amare's overall game, and if it has any kind of similar impact for Greg – watch out for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Honorable Mention:

Rudy Fernandez – Portland Trail Blazers
It was tough to fight off the urge to put him on the first team after how great he was in Beijing. Fernandez is a terrific offensive player that also appears to be a major part of Portland's rotation this season. How well he plays on the defensive end could dictate how much he plays, but offensively Fernandez is already ready for the NBA.

O.J. Mayo – Memphis Grizzlies
Mayo would probably make a lot of other people's first team, but after Vegas Bayless earned a slight edge in this writer's mind. Memphis presents a great opportunity for Mayo, and with Mike Conley Jr. and Rudy Gay there he won't be expected to do too much offensively. If Mayo really focuses in on the defensive end the Grizzlies could win more games than people expect.

Eric Gordon – Los Angeles Clippers
While the signing of Baron Davis definitely takes minutes away from Gordon, it's going to make him a much better player. The two players have similar builds and are incredible offensive players, but Gordon needs help developing into a point guard. Baron has established himself as one of the league's best, and his guidance should make Gordon a much better player.

Brook Lopez – New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets have obviously embraced the rebuilding process and Brook Lopez is going to be a big part of that. The hope is that Lopez will provide some offensive punch inside that they have been lacking for years now. During summer league he showed signs of being able to produce just that, and with expectations being so big he will certainly see a lot of minutes.

Kevin Love – Minnesota Timberwolves
There's nothing like some gold old hard work to turn your doubters into believers. People have questioned how good Love would be in the NBA from day one, but thanks to his incredible work ethic he appears to be ready to be a solid pro. Alongside Al Jefferson Love will only be expected to defend, rebound, and help the flow of the offense. Hey may never be an all-star, but he will contribute significantly to the Timberwolves.

Summer League Player Grades: Top Ten Picks

Hoopsworld — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:34:27 -0700

By: Yannis Koutroupis

Now the Las Vegas has come to a close we have gotten our first look at the top ten picks of the 2008 draft against other NBA players. Some disappointed, some excelled, and some did as we expected. Summer league success/failure has never been a true indicator of pro success, but it does give us an idea of what the player's strengths and weaknesses are. With just one player on this list still actively playing in the summer, here are the grades for how the top ten picks played in their respective summer leagues:

Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls
Noteworthy Performance: Nine points, eight assists against the Indiana Pacers
Grade: D
Review: Rose's performance in Orlando was not exactly the start he wanted to his Bull career. At times Rose looked out of control and despite having some legitimate weapons he never found his comfort zone running the team. Towards the end of the Orlando Summer League news broke that he had a mild case of right knee tendinitis holding him back. If Rose didn't just get done dominating at Memphis a few months ago there would be reason to be concerned in Chicago, but he did and it's just two summer league games. Don't expect to see the same Derrick Rose come the start of the regular season that you did in Orlando.

Michael Beasley – Miami HEAT
Noteworthy Performance: 25 points, eight rebounds against the Orlando Magic.
Grade: B
Review: In his few games at Orlando Beasley showed the exact same things he did at Kansas State last year: the ability to create his own shot, a wide offensive arsenal, and solid rebounding skills. The biggest issue that Beasley had at Orlando was efficiency. Beasley shot 38% from the field largely due to poor shot selection. Beasley had the freedom to do as he pleased offensively at the camp, but that won't be the case once the regular season starts. Beasley did show some very encouraging signs and with Shawn Marion on the block the HEAT have to feel pretty content with what they got with the number two pick.

O.J. Mayo – Memphis Grizzlies
Noteworthy Performance: 26 points, five rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Grade: B-
Review: Like Michael Beasley, you came away saying the same things about Mayo after summer league that you did after his freshman year. Mayo is adept at scoring the basketball, but his shot selection is questionable, and he turns the ball over at an extremely high rate. Considering that he spent a lot of time playing with a true point guard in the backcourt with him you would have hoped Mayo shot the ball better and turned it over less. Still, his overall talent was on full display and Mayo made people's jaws drop with plays like the 69-footer he nailed, or the vicious dunk he had over Hilton Armstrong. Mayo knows what areas he needs to work on, but it's obvious Memphis got a player.

Kevin Love – Minnesota Timberwolves
Noteworthy Performance: 18 points, 17 rebounds, two blocks against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Grade: A
Review: Reports that Kevin Love got in the best shape of his life leading up to the NBA Draft were definitely not false. The hard work that Love put in after the end of his college season continued to pay off as he was one of the best player at Las Vegas. Love treated every rebound like it was his and would let nothing get in his way. Offensively he was extremely impressive as well, but it will be his work on the glass that is really important alongside Al Jefferson. Jefferson can provide the points, but what the Wolves really need is consistent rebounding, and it appears they got it in Kevin Love.

Russell Westbrook – Oklahoma City Thunder
Noteworthy Performance: 18 points, five rebounds, four assists against the Indiana Pacers
Grade: B-
Review: There were some questions about how well Westbrook would play since this was his first time playing at the point guard position exclusively. He looked like a seasoned point guard though alongside Jeff Green and Kevin Durant. Westbrook handled the point extremely well and looks ready to play the position full-time. The only issue in Orlando was Westbrook's jump shot mechanics, which need some work. Other than that Westbrook play really impressed the Sonics, until they saw Jerryd Bayless earn MVP honors in Las Vegas. As good as Westbrook may be, Bayless should have been the pick.

Danilo Gallinari – New York Knicks
Noteworthy Performance: 14 points, six rebounds, two assists against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Grade: B
Review: Due to lower back pain Gallinari played in just one game at Las Vegas. In that one game it took him a half to get a feel for the style, but after that he looked really good. He showcased an impressive touch on his jumper and some very nice ball-handling skills. It would have been really nice to see him go against the better players in Vegas, but we'll just have to wait another couple of months to get another glimpse of the Italian sensation.

Eric Gordon – Los Angeles Clippers
Noteworthy Performance: 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists against the Dallas Mavericks.
Grade: B+
Review: Gordon played in just two games at Las Vegas due to a strained hamstring, but that was all Clippers fans needed to see. Gordon looked ready to contribute offensively right away. His jump shot wasn't falling like it typically does, but Gordon can score in a bunch of other ways. In the open court he was great, and he also got to the line 10 times a game. Defensively he struggled to stay in front of the quicker players. Gordon didn't just focus on offense either; he rebounded, made plays for others, and caused turnovers on the other side of the court. With Baron Davis as his mentor, sky is the limit for Gordon.

Joe Alexander – Milwaukee Bucks
Noteworthy Performance: 10 points, seven rebounds, three blocks against the Denver Nuggets.
Grade: C-
Review: Alexander's play in Milwaukee was not stellar to say the least. If anything he made the Bucks really happy that they pulled off the Richard Jefferson trade, because he does not appear to be ready. Alexander looked timid at times throughout Vegas and didn't assert himself like he should have. Alexander looks a year away from being able to handle the speed, physicality, and athleticism of the NBA game. His rookie year looks like it will mainly be a learning opportunity. Make to mistake about it though, he has the ability to play this game and play it well - just not right now.

D.J. Augustin – Charlotte Bobcats
Noteworthy Performance: 30 points, six rebounds against the Golden State Warriors.
Grade: A-
Review: It's really tough being a true point guard on a team with very little weapons, but that was Augustin's situation in Las Vegas. Augustin made plays for others; they just weren't capable of finishing. Four assists total in three games for a point guard of Augustin's caliber gives you an idea of how much of a struggle it was for his teammates. Augustin showed in his last game against the Warriors though that he was capable of getting his own offense when he needed to. Before the draft nine appeared to be too high to take Augustin, but it's not looking that way anymore.

Brook Lopez – New Jersey Nets
Noteworthy Performance: 22 points, eight rebounds, three blocks against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Grade: B+
Review: Lopez had an awful debut for the Nets, but after that first bad game he really looked like a steal for at 10. For years now this team has been looking for someone who can score for them inside the paint, and it looks like they finally found that player in Brook. Lopez left the impression on everyone in Orlando that he is ready to contribute offensively right now. Defensively he did average nearly two blocks a game, but the rebounds weren't as high as you would like. Rebounding has always been an area where Brook needs to improve, but overall the Nets have to be extremely pleased with him. Lopez is the only player on this list who is still playing, as the Nets are participating in the Rocky Mountain Revue.

Outside of Joe Alexander and perhaps Danilo Gallinari everyone on this list is going to see extensive minutes during their rookie campaign. Michael Beasley, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Love all looked like viable rookie of the year candidates. While the three of them looked poised to have big years – don't expect the award to go anywhere but to Portland for Jerryd Bayless or Greg Oden.

- Part Two Coming Soon!

Will Daniels Joins Bulls Summer League Team

Press Release — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:13:52 -0700

KINGSTON, R.I. -- Will Daniels is set to play with the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 Orlando Pro Summer League at the RDV Sportsplex from July 7-11.

"The Bulls are a well-known organization and I'm excited for this opportunity," Daniels said. "I'm looking forward to getting on the floor, competing, and playing the best basketball I can."

The 15-game event will feature squads from the Bulls, host Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, and Seattle Sonics. Three of the top four picks from the 2008 NBA Draft are expected to participate - Derrick Rose (Chicago), Michael Beasley (Miami), and Russell Westbrook (Seattle).

Chicago will finalize their Summer League roster in a mini-camp, held July 3-6 at the Berto Center - the Bulls' practice facility in Deerfield, Ill.

Daniels is coming off a stellar senior season for the Rams, averaging 18.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, becoming the first URI player since Tyson Wheeler (1996-97, 1997-98) and just the third URI player all-time to earn First Team All-A-10 honors in consecutive seasons.

The Poughkeepsie, N.Y. finished his career with 1,678 points and 662 rebounds and was named the Rhode Island Men's Division I Co-Player of the Year, after helping lead the Rams to a 21-12 overall record and a berth in the National Invitation Tournament. Daniels also landed a spot on the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District I First Team as well as the United States Basketball Writers Association All-District team and was a national finalist for the prestigious Naismith Award - named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, founder of the game of basketball, and awarded annually to the National Player of the Year - as well as the Lowe's Men's Basketball Senior CLASS Award, which is presented each year to the outstanding senior NCAA Division I Student-Athlete of the Year.

Draft: Top 10 Picks

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:45:57 -0700

An hour and a half into the 2008 NBA Draft, and ten guys have been picked. Nothing too extraordinary so far, though Charlotte's selection of DJ Augustin is a head-scrather.. replacing Ray Felton with another smallish point guard makes little sense. The Sonics/Clippers trade fell apart, and the Sonics took Russell Westbrook with the fourth pick. I've been down on him for weeks, a product of a good NCAA Tournament run in my opinion..

2008 NBA Draft - Top 10 Picks

1. Chicago - Derrick Rose
2. Miami - Michael Beasley
3. Minnesota - OJ Mayo
4. Seattle - Russell Westbrook
5. Memphis - Kevin Love
6. New York - Danilo Gallinari
7. LA Clippers - Eric Gordon
8. Milwaukee - Joe Alexander
9. Charlotte - DJ Augustin
10. New Jersey - Brook Lopez

Unsubstantiated Speculation: Team by Team Draft Rumors & Links

Jason Tomassini — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:21:55 -0700

Team by team 2008 Draft links and rumors:

1. Chicago Bulls
It's becoming more and more apparent that Chicago will take Rose, even though I don't think they should. Although those ready to put Miami on the clock should be wary that Rose is openly politicking for his hometown team to pick him just a week before the draft. The one thing I don't like is this idea that Rose is a better pick because he acts serious and professional in interviews and Beasley does not. These kids are 19, neither of them are professional. Rose is shy, Beasley is not. Can Rose do his taxes better than Beasley or something? Is Rose more proficient in Excel? No. They are both really good at basketball but happen to have different personalities. Derrick Rose is going to be freaking great but give me Beasley this year. That is all. Now, the idea that Rose should be the pick because he is by far the best true point guard for a league that covets them more than ever -- that works.

2. Miami Heat
This is probably where Beasley is going to go, whether it's by Miami or not, so let's talk about him. First, ESPN is cashing in on this whole, "The Next Arenas" thing by capitalizing on Beasley's personality even while its writers bash his draft prospects. They have him blogging. They have an "in-depth" feature on him, which tries to overtake that old Wash Post feature as the "link all Internet writers must provide when discussing Beasley's character issues." They have some ESPN Digital Video things (part 1, part 2) of him, which are pretty tame but awesome for a Philly native like me because he hangs out in the city all day. For the record, he does not stab anyone in the videos nor does he give anyone a wedgie. Rose did work out for Miami so if you're the type of person that likes to make blind leaps of faith (and as someone writing about the Draft, I am), that's another sign that Chicago hasn't made up its mind.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
They hold the key to the rest of the Draft. Not only does their pick affect those after it but it apparently affects those in front of it. If Miami thinks they can get Mayo at No. 4 or No. 5, they may be inclined to trade the No. 2. The T'Wolves seem to be all over the board. Mayo should be the pick but they have brought in Eric Gordon and Jerryd Bayless recently. Brook Lopez and Danilo Gallinari were in there too. As Ian Thomsen at Sports Illustrated writes, this is one of the toughest drafts to predict in recent memory and a lot of it rests on Miami and Minnesota's uncertainty. Thomson says it's down to Mayo and Love. Mayo has been neglecting small markets (although given that he worked out in Minny, his tune may have changed), and Love is a white person. You do the math.

4. Seattle Supersonics
Another team that long seemed to be locked in on a player (Jerryd Bayless), but now could go any number of directions. It appears Brook Lopez and Russell Westbrook (who Chad Ford has the Sonics taking -- now who is the one with the crazy man crush on Russ?), are very real possibilities. Apparently my man Westbrook has shut down workouts and according to Ford, has a promise in the mid-lottery, possibly at No. 4.

5. Memphis Grizzlies
Many reports have the Grizz trading this pick along with Mike Miller (good) and Brian Cardinal (and his franchise crushing contract). It seems like the Grizzlies best bet is if Mayo falls to them so Miami or another teams that wants him will come calling. Otherwise they will probably take Kevin Love. Some are reporting "Chubby Bryce Drew" Gordon is high up there, but others are reporting he doesn't want to play there. Also, this made me laugh out loud, although I'm sure that wasn't the writer, or Chris Wallace's, intention.

6. New York Knicks
Another pick that seems to be way up in the air and also seems to affect all that comes after it. Danilo Gallinari worked out there recently and supposedly balled, which is good because he said he won't play anywhere besides the Knicks or the Nets. Obviously with Donnie Walsh at the helm, who is very much unlike Isiah Thomas, trades are distinct possibilities if the right vet is available.

7. Los Angeles Clippers
It's highly possible that none of the current Clippers besides Al Thornton and Chris Kaman will be on the team next year. It looks like they will be going small, which assumes they are for some reason optimistic that Thornton, Brand, Kaman will be their front line for more than another month or so.

8. Milwaukee Bucks
Another team that will likely look far different next season. With Scott Skiles now at the helm you can be certain that the pick will be boring. Joe Alexander seems about right. I'm not entirely sure why DJ Augustin isn't an option here, seeing as how Mo Williams stinks and is a shoot-first PG on a team with a glut of shot-hoisting forwards, but then again, it's the Bucks so I guess I should be surprised they won't be taking Sasha Kaun.

9. Charlotte Bobcats
If it was up to Larry Brown he would try to take Aaron McKie, but alas, there is no such option. I haven't read much about the Cats trading this pick which means they most certainly will. But if they do pick, it might be someone that hasn't worked out for them, because no one wants to. I suppose playing for Michael Jordan and Larry Brown has lost its luster. Besides you can wait one more spot and play for Jay-Z!

10. New Jersey Nets
Speaking of Hov, he is about to make a new friend. Who that friend could be is completely impossible to predict however. Logic says another big man for NJ, but then again logic has no place in the Meadowlands. Gallinari seems to be a lock if he is available because, you know, he doesn't want to play anywhere else, but a "rich man's Bostjan Nachbar" probably isn't too appealing to a future Brooklyn fanbase. They can barely understand the dude who sells Gyros on the corner.

11. Indiana Pacers
With the rumors surrounding a makes-too-much-sense deal involving TJ Ford and Jermaine O'Neal, DJ Augustin might not be the surefire pick here anymore. I guess Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are long-term options so one of those wacky, athletic bigs will probably go here if Augustin does not.

12. Sacramento Kings
Not a lot of action on this pick. It seems like they will just keep it and probably take Augustin if he's available. Otherwise a Wheel O' Big Man will be spun and any of the Speights/McGee/Jordan mess will be chosen.

13. Portland Trailblazers
Some have them trading this thing for sure, others have them keeping it and taking something called Alexis Ajinca. One thing is for sure, the Blazers have options and probably don't need to get any younger.

14. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the team that every prospect seems tailor-made for, which is funny because Don Nelson hates youth. Apparently Jason Thompson, a guy who has been underrated throughout this process, is in play. A 7-footer who can run and shoot? Doesn't sound like something thing that would interest Nellie at all. Initially an upside big man like Koufos, McGee or Randolph would seem to make sense, but don't they already have Brandan Wright and Patrick O'Bryant? (Yes, they do).

-Read more of Jason's Draft coverage at the Super, Scintillating, and Sarcastic blog

Chicago Bulls: NBA Draft Team Needs

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 07:59:26 -0700

2007-08 Record: 33-49; 4^th Central

Draft Picks: 1, 39

Key Free Agents

F Luol Deng (restricted)

G Ben Gordon (restricted)

G Chris Duhon

How they got here and what they need

Coming off of another playoff run with this young roster, the Bulls were thought to be a player in the East heading into the 2007-08 season. But the players essentially tuned out head coach Scott Skiles and the acquisition of Ben Wallace turned into one of the worst in recent free agent history. Still without a low post threat to relieve some of the scoring pressures on Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, the Bulls struggled to the point of no return, ending with the firing of Skiles and the departure of interim head coach Jim Boylan. Now Vinny Del Negro takes over in his first head coaching gig at any level, and there are some needs.

Most importantly, there the absence of a back to the basket scorer, a man who can demand double teams and as a result set up open looks for the guards. But with the race for the top pick being between two players who aren't going to provide that (Michael Beasley can score to his back to the basket, but he will not be a forward who simply stays on the block), I doubt they head in that direction. Either Gordon or Chris Duhon (or maybe even both) will be allowed to leave this off-season, meaning that they'll need another body in the backcourt. And without a true point guard who can lead a franchise to a title on the roster right now, Memphis PG Derrick Rose may be the better option in this slot.

Who they take

I say at this point that the Bulls bring the hometown kid back to the Windy City and select Rose with the first pick. With Del Negro and GM John Paxson both playing guard in the NBA for years, Derrick will have a couple references to turn to while learning how to run a team at the NBA level.

Draft History (since 2000)

- 2000: Marcus Fizer (4^th); Dalibor Bagaric (24^th); AJ Guyton (32^nd); Jake Voskuhl (33^rd); Khalid El-Amin (34^th)
- 2001: Eddy Curry (4^th); Trenton Hassell (30^th); Sean Lampley (45^th)
- 2002: Jay Williams (2^nd); Roger Mason (31^st)
- 2003: Kirk Hinrich (7^th); Mario Austin (36^th); Matt Bonner (45^th)
- 2004: Ben Gordon (3^rd); Luol Deng (7^th); Chris Duhon (39^th)
- 2005: No picks
- 2006: Tyrus Thomas (4^th); Thabo Sefalosha (13^th)
- 2007: Joakim Noah (7^th); Aaron Gray (49^th); JamesOn Curry (51^st)

Bull Market: 2008 NBA Draft Lottery Results

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:04:08 -0700

The 2008 NBA Draft Lottery was held Tuesday night, May 20th. The Bulls were the big winner, moving up to the 1st despite owning less than 2% of the ping pong balls. Seattle was the biggest loser as they fall down to the 5th spot.. a frontcourt of Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley will no longer be possible.

Actual order:

#	TEAM	RECORD
1	Chicago	33-49
2	Miami	15-67
3	Minnesota	22-60
4	Seattle	20-62
5	Memphis	22-60
6	New York	23-59
7	L.A. Clippers	23-59
8	Milwaukee	26-56
9	Charlotte	32-50
10	New Jersey	34-48
11	Indiana	36-46
12	Sacramento	38-44
13	Portland	41-41
14	Golden State	48-34

Here are the odds leading up to the Lottery:

TEAM	RECORD	COMBOS	1st	2nd	3rd
Miami	15-67	250	25.00%	21.47%	17.72%
Seattle	20-62	199	19.90%	18.78%	17.07%
Minnesota	22-60	138	13.80%	14.24%	14.54%
Memphis	22-60	137	13.70%	14.16%	14.48%
New York	23-59	76	7.60%	8.44%	9.47%
L.A. Clippers	23-59	75	7.50%	8.33%	9.37%
Milwaukee	26-56	43	4.30%	4.93%	5.77%
Charlotte	32-50	28	2.80%	3.26%	3.87%
Chicago	33-49	17	1.70%	2.00%	2.40%
New Jersey	34-48	11	1.10%	1.30%	1.57%
Indiana	36-46	8	0.80%	0.95%	1.15%
Sacramento	38-44	7	0.70%	0.83%	1.01%
Portland	41-41	6	0.60%	0.71%	0.87%
Golden State	48-34	5	0.50%	0.59%	0.72%

Unsubstantiated Speculation: Monday's NBA Draft Rumors

Jason Tomassini — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 11:29:05 -0700

Speculation season has come early this year with the Spurs mercifully ending the Finals and beginning all the draft hype sooner than usual, which is probably a relief to most basketball fans. Last week I predicted a deluge of links once the Finals ended and, unfortunately for me, I was correct. So we’ll go heavy on the links and light on the side comments today (well, I’ll try at least).

· Let’s stay with this idea that NBA fans are relieved the Finals are over so the focus can switch to the Draft, which this year, seems to garner more interest. Bill Simmons tackled the subject this week, offering some ideas to salvage the credibility of the playoffs. Ken Berger of Newsday wrote a great piece, suggesting the quicker the focus can switch to the draft, the better so fans can get this miserable season out of their memory. From 1984-1998, the NBA Finals gave fans a chance to see some of the best basketball ever played, so it’s sad to say that Simmons and Berger are right about the state of the game. This year, the Finals were the low point on an overall terrible season of basketball and, with two franchise players available, this draft is so interesting because it provides the few casual NBA fans left with the exact thing that might save the popularity of the league: a change. It’s a chance for a whole new brand of players, two that could potentially change the face of the league, to inject some life into the NBA when it needs it most. Major League Baseball had the home run chase and fans (David Stern as well) are hoping Durant and Oden will strike the same chord. It’s pretty lucky that Durant and Oden are coming into this league after one of the worst years in memory, hopefully they don’t provide the NBA with yet another disappointment.

· Portland GM Kevin Pritchard claims he is still undecided on the No. 1 pick and will have a better idea after Oden comes to Portland tomorrow and Durant visits Friday. Apparently everyone in Portland wants Oden, which is funny because up until the national championship game, the “Greg Oden is overrated” bandwagon was nearly full. Something tells me that stupid bench press carries more weight (no pun intended… I swear) than it should. Pritchard’s best quote regarding the decision: "Look at the first half of Durant's game against Kansas. Watch that game and tell me it's an easy choice." I love this guy.

· On the Durant front, Adidas and Nike are apparently in a bidding war for the young man’s services. Durant’s agent is apparently asking for something in the ballpark of 50 million but Durant is interested in going the Stephon Marbury route (with shoes, not incompetence) and offering a cheap pair of shoes so kids can afford them. He is a lock for world domination, I’m sure of it. On a sad note, Durant visited Seattle this week to get a look at his probable first NBA city. He is expected to announce his retirement shortly.

· Today marks the deadline for undecided players to announce their intentions for the draft. I’m sure the final list of draft entrants will be readily available today, but we’ll cover that Wednesday. The great Andy Katz is all over several players decisions and, more importantly, what it means to their respective college teams. In case you’re reading this before the official list comes out, here’s what we know so far:

· Dominic James is making the right choice and going back to Marquette.

· JamesOn Curry is making the wrong choice and staying in the draft. He thinks Chicago is taking him at No. 49 but not everyone is so sure. He may pull a Randolph Morris and not hire an agent at all so he could head back to school and become a free agent after the season.

· Ramon Sessions is supposedly killing his workouts and will stay in the draft.

· I, probably like most people, know little about Dominic McGuire from Fresno, but here’s a Q & A with Gary Estwick of the Fresno Bee to enlighten us all. McGuire hired an agent and is in the draft.

· DeVon Hardin from Cal is staying in the draft, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Katz reported Hardin’s goal was to be in the top 20 and supposedly New Jersey has interest at No. 17 (didn’t they want McRoberts also?) and Golden State at No. 18 as well.

· Katz said draft longshots Maureece Rice (George Washington) and Charles Rhodes (Mississippi State) are heading back to school.

· Wilson Chandler appears to be staying in the draft and he just skipped a workout in Chicago. He claims it was due to injury but at the bottom of this article it says he is staying in the draft and has shut it down because Isiah Thomas, in his infinite wisdom, has promised the No. 23 pick to Chandler. Last week I read an article that Thomas promised he’d take Derrick Byars if he could. I don’t know what is going on in that man’s head but I know, given the precedent he showed last year, a ~~devastatingly awful~~ strange decision will be made.

· The most interesting draft article I read this week was from SI.com’s Luke Winn, who wrote about the incredible rise and ubiquitous presence of Internet draft services, most notably NBADraft.net and DraftExpress. It’s pretty fascinating how these sites began from such modest foundations and turned into resources that both players and NBA executives frequently consult. In a year where Joakim Noah bashed mock drafts and their “basement-dwelling creators,” Winn’s article smashes some of the preconceived notions about the Internet draft movement’s shaky legitimacy. It quickly becomes evident how serious these guys are. As far as the mock draft debate, the founders of the sites admit they are pretty unreliable at the end of the day, but Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress, in one of the better quotes in recent memory, knows why: "If it was up to me, we'd just scout players and not have a mock draft at all. How am I supposed to predict the stupidity of 30 NBA GMs an entire year in advance?" He is my hero. Ryan White of The Oregonian takes his own look at the Internet’s unique way of following the draft, finding some interesting stuff regarding Portland’s pick at No. 1.

· Mike Conley (along with Daequan Cook) is staying in the draft. He worked out for the Bulls the other day and while it’s a long shot he’ll end up there, his dad wouldn’t mind it.

· Chad Ford has some rumors. It’s Insider only so I’ll just tell you what he said. Apparently the Wolves are really interested in Spencer Hawes at No. 7. I’m not sold on Hawes because nearly every power forward in the NBA is either stronger or more athletic than him, but he seems to have a lot of suitors. Only time will tell if I’m truly smarter than most NBA GMs. Ford thinks Thaddeus Young is staying in the draft, citing an interest in being in the top 20. That shouldn’t’ be a problem.

· Speaking of Hawes, he worked out for the Sixers and Celtics to pretty decent reviews.

· Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times took on the unenviable task of speaking with Sixers GM Billy King. They appear to be high on Nick Young.

· The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Sekou Smith continues to lord over this draft with an iron fist, turning in another great feature, this time of Al Horford. Featured inside: Joakim Noah has something to say!

· I’ve always been interested in the effects that undecided draft entrants’ decisions have on their college’s incoming recruits. Luckily Whitelaw (not making that name up) Reid of the Daily Progress in Charlottesville has me covered with this feature on Sean Singletary and how his decision on the draft will affect Sam Zeglinski, an incoming point guard for the Cavaliers.

· It’s looking more and more like Al Horford and Brandan Wright will go, in some order, at No. 3 and No. 4 so the Celtics pick at No. 5 may be the key to the rest of the lottery. The Boston Herald’s Mark Murphy takes a look at the options, which basically include a trade or any of up to eight players.

· Aaron Brooks is one of the more likable players in the draft as evident by this feature assessing his draft chances. His lack of size and his scoring mentality probably have him destined for the second round but Brooks has always been confident.

· Al Thornton has come a long way and after working out for the Celtics, Danny Ainge thinks he’s the second-best offensive player in the draft. Hopefully his long journey will contain a Sixers jersey.

· So I guess Brandan Wright, being the masochist that he is, had an incredible workout with Milwaukee Friday. The joke is once again on the hapless Bucks, who have no chance at getting him. That didn’t’ keep the local columnists, like Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, from wishing. After the recent diss from Noah, who refused to work out for the Bucks, and the defections from all their stars of the recent past, the Bucks appear to be the NBA’s least desirable franchise right now. Michael Hunt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel hopes this offseason helps Milwaukee bring back the old days.

· Good to see some features on a few of my favorite mid-major players last season:

· When I covered Delaware and the CAA in college, one of my favorite players to watch was Loren Stokes, who is highlighted in this well-done feature from Brian Hendrickson of The Columbian. Hopefully he gets a shot somewhere.

· The Nets and Knicks worked out Jared Jordan. Isiah Thomas apparently really likes Jordan, raising the tally of players he’d like to draft to 14.

· Jamaal Tatum is one of the better defensive guards I have seen in awhile and apparently NBA teams are taking notice. Whoever drafts him is getting a lot of value.

· I’ve heard next to nothing about the Clippers pick at 14 but they seem to be looking for a point guard. Acie Law and Javaris Crittenton worked out for the Clips Wednesday. They must not be optimistic that Shaun Livingston will locate his left knee any time soon.

· Oh, and Yi Jianlian has a blog on NBA.com. The entire concept baffles me. I know bloggers don’t get a lot of credit but I will say this of them. They speak fluent English. That seems to be a prerequisite. Yi Jianlian, breaking the ethnic barrier of blogging. Maybe our government ccan learn from the blogosphere and repair our poor relationship with China.

Wow, that was exhausting. Back with hopefully much less on Wednesday.