2007 NBA Mock Draft, Version 4

1. Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden, The Ohio State University
Done deal.

2. Seattle SuperSonics – Kevin Durant, University of Texas
Durant would have been the #1 pick in any other draft, except maybe 2003.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Mike Conley, Jr., The Ohio State University
Finally the Hawks listen and draft the top point guard in the draft.

4. Memphis Grizzlies – Al Horford, University of Florida
Memphis needs a lot more intensity (not to mention skill) down low and Horford is the most NBA-ready for that role.

5. Boston Celtics – Yi Jianlian, China
Drafting Yi will allow the Celtics to put Al Jefferson at the 4, which should allow them to dominate the paint moving forward. Also look for Corey Brewer at this spot if Danny Ainge has any intelligence.

6. Milwaukee Bucks – Brandan Wright, University of North Carolina
Many consider Wright to be the third best prospect in the draft, so this is a very nice pickup for the Bucks at #6. Wright will be able to play both the 3 and the 4, depending on where they play Charlie Villanueva. The front line of Bogut, Wright and Villanueva give the Bucks a very complimentary front court to their backcourt of Michael Redd and Mo Williams.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Joakim Noah, University of Florida
Kevin Garnett is desperate for some help and though Noah won’t be able to take over too much of the scoring load, he is an extremely good defender and rebounder, which should allow KG to rest a little bit on the defensive end. Additionally, Noah might be the only one in the draft who can match KG’s intensity and desire to win.

8. Charlotte Bobcats – Corey Brewer, University of Florida
This is an absolute steal for the Bobcats. The Celtics will take a nice hard look at Brewer, but Yi Jianlian’s potential is too much to pass up for Danny Ainge. Brewer instantly makes this team better, which is saying a lot considering last year’s pick, Adam Morrison, didn’t exactly change the team overnight. A starting lineup of Emeka Okafor, Sean May, Gerald Wallace, Corey Brewer and Raymond Felton is scary for the Eastern Conference.

9. Chicago Bulls (via New York Knicks) – Spencer Hawes, University of Washington
Chicago is looking for a low post threat and Hawes is the best available player with that type of game.

10. Sacramento Kings – Julian Wright, Kansas University
The Kings may also look at Jeff Green at this spot, but Wright wins with his versatility on the defensive end. Look for Wright to take over for Ron Artest if he is dealt, as expected.

11. Atlanta Hawks – Acie Law IV, Texas A&M University
The Hawks are desperate for a point guard, so why not draft the two best ones? They would like to draft a true center, but taking Conley with their first pick kept them from taking Yi Jianlian or Spencer Hawes. After years of passing on point guards, the Hawks take this year to over do it.

12. Philadelphia 76ers – Jeff Green, Georgetown University
Green is an extremely versatile player and should fit in well playing here. He has that point-forward mentality, which should open up Andre Iguodala for more scoring.

13. New Orleans Hornets – Nick Young, University of Southern California
Young is a heck of a scorer out of the shooting guard position, which should allow Chris Paul to penetrate and dish all day.

14. Los Angeles Clippers – Al Thornton, Florida State University
The Clippers are a little light at small forward, which should allow Thornton to get some run almost immediately. He is an extremely talented ball player and will be a solid contributor on the offensive end for the Clippers.

15. Detroit Pistons (via Orlando Magic) – Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington University
The Pistons need a little insurance in the backcourt, as Flip Murray and Lindsay Hunter aren’t exactly vying for the NBA’s Sixth Man Award. Stuckey is a classic combo guard, which is good for the Pistons, as he should be able to spell Chuncey Billups or Richard Hamilton.

16. Washington Wizards – Jason Smith, Colorado State University
The Wizards have been struggling mightily at the center position for years (can we call it the Kwame Curse?), and although Smith isn’t a tradition center, his game seems to fit in well here. He has excellent range for a big man, which should open up the middle for penetration from Gilbert Arenas or post play from Caron Butler.

17. New Jersey Nets – Sean Williams, Boston College
Looking for a little toughness in the middle, the Nets go after one of the best defensive players in the draft. Some off-court issues (including getting thrown off the team at BC) have lowered Williams’ draft position, who could have been a lottery pick had he stayed clean.

18. Golden State Warriors – Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech
The Warriors go for the best available athlete in Young, who should have no problem keeping up with the run and gun style of the Warriors.

19. Los Angeles Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech
Some believe Crittenton might be the #2 point guard behind Mike Conley, Jr. and at 6’5″ he surely seems to match up well with anyone. It won’t be easy trying to play alongside Kobe Bryant (if the Lakers keep him), but don’t be surprised if he beats out Jordan Farmar for the starting nod.

20. Miami Heat – Gabe Pruitt, University of Southern California
I could see the Heat going after someone like Tiago Splitter here, but Pruitt is a solid combo-guard who should compliment D. Wade nicely. They have had Gary Payton and Jason Williams for a little too long and it’s time to get some more youth in the backcourt down in Miami.

21. Philadelphia 76ers – Josh McRoberts, Duke University
McRoberts is an athletic big man, who moves well on the floor and is an excellent passer. This team seems to get younger by the day, but McRoberts’ time at Duke seems to have matured him faster than most players coming out after two years.

22. Charlotte Bobcats (via Toronto Raptors) – Derrick Byers, Vanderbilt University
After stealing Corey Brewer with the 8th pick, the Bobcats continue to built on the perimeter by taking Byers, who really only came on during his senior season last year. With Okafor, Brezec and May to play the center and power forward positions, the Bobcats do a good job working on the perimeter where Gerald Wallace has often been missing due to injuries.

23. New York Knicks – Daequan Cook, The Ohio State University
Cook seems a lot like Trevor Ariza when he came out, a player who clearly could use another year in school, but is hoping someone will use a first round pick on him (it didn’t work for Ariza). Isiah Thomas likes Cook’s game and given last year’s initial first round selection (Renaldo Balkman), it’s clear Isiah likes to stretch a tad during the draft.

24. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers) – Tiago Splitter, Brazil
Splitter could go much higher than this, but if he falls to the Suns, they will take him. A classic European center (i.e. good outside shooting touch, absolutely no defensive toughness), Splitter could fit in well with this team’s love of quick shots and constant movement.

25. Utah Jazz – Alando Tucker, University of Wisconsin
The only player in the nation to get Player of the Year votes other than Kevin Durant, Tucker is definitely undersized for an NBA power forward, but he may be able to find a niche playing behind Carlos Boozer and AK47.

26. Houston Rockets: Rudy Fernandez, Spain
Desperate for point guard help, the Rockets are unable to move up and have to take Fernandez, who is the best available point guard. The Rockets could also look at Oregon’s Aaron Brooks, but decide he is more of a second round talent.

27. Detroit Pistons – Marco Belinelli, Italy
Continuing the work on securing their backcourt, the Pistons draft Belinelli, who surprised many scouts with his play as of late. He may stay in Europe for another year, but he should be a solid contributor off the bench at some point. If he doesn’t work out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Joe Dumars never drafted another player from overseas again.

28. San Antonio Spurs – Ante Tomic, Croatia
This team just has too much success with foreigners to even consider an American college player in this spot. Tomic is 7’2″, which should be enough to get him drafted. He will probably stay in Europe a little longer, but will have Tim Duncan to learn from when he does join the Spurs.

29. Phoenix Suns – Aaron Afflalo, University of California – Los Angeles
An athletic and strong swing player, Afflalo should be able to add some toughness this backcourt, which already sports the tenacious defender Raja Bell.

30. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas Mavericks) – Glen Davis, Louisiana State University
The Sixers are looking for size in the middle and Davis will certainly give them that.

Kobe: I would like to be traded…

LOS ANGELES, May 30 – Kobe Bryant asked to be traded from the Los Angeles Lakers today, following up on negative comments he made earlier regarding the team’s front office. Bryant was quoted as calling the front office “a mess,” after he suggested that the team pursue Jerry West for a position.

Bryant, who signed a seven-year, $136.4 million contract the day after the team traded Shaquille O’Neal in 2004, has won three championships with the team, but has failed to make it out of the first round since O’Neal’s departure.

Bryant became incensed when a Los Angeles Times reporter quoted a Lakers insider saying that O’Neal was traded because of Bryant’s insistence on having the team for himself. Additionally, it appears that Lakers owner Jerry Buss was telling Bryant that he was committed to winning right away, while at the same time explaining to Head Coach Phil Jackson that the team would go through a rebuilding period.

“[The Lakers] obviously want to move in a different direction in terms of rebuilding,” said Bryant, who had competing offers from the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls when he re-signed with the Lakers. “Three years ago when I was re-signing they should have told me they wanted to rebuild.”

“At this point I’ll go play on Pluto,” was the response Kobe gave to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who hosted the radio show that led to Bryant’s cry for a trade.

Smith attempted to calm Bryant down by asking if there was anything the Lakers could do to change his mind. Bryant simply replied “no, I just want them to do the right thing.”

Though he does have a no-trade clause, it appears Bryant would be more than happy to waive it to get him out of Los Angeles. He had attempted multiple times to persuade the team to trade for some help, most notably for Carlos Boozer, Jason Kidd, Ron Artest and Jermaine O’Neal. The Lakers were unable to get a deal done for any of the stars, which further led to Bryant’s frustration.

“Promises made to make this team better have not been kept,” said Bryant. “So where does that leave me?”

Bryant’s enormous contract makes it difficult to move him, however, there will certainly be plenty of teams with an interest in acquiring the all-NBA star. “Maybe the Knicks can trade the whole team for him,” said Knicks super-fan Steven Eschelbacher. “I’d do it.”

Coca-Cola to Buy Glacéau for $4.1 billion

Despite the hefty price-tag, some analysts believe the deal will be worth it in the future.

Full story

2007 NBA Mock Draft, Version 3

Brandon Rush tore his ACL and immediately withdrew his name from the NBA Draft Early Entry list, so here is an updated mock draft:

1. Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden, The Ohio State University

2. Seattle SuperSonics – Kevin Durant, University of Texas

3. Atlanta Hawks – Mike Conley, Jr, The Ohio State University

4. Memphis Grizzlies – Corey Brewer, University of Florida

5. Boston Celtics – Yi Jianlian, China

6. Milwaukee Bucks – Al Horford, University of Florida

7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Joakim Noah, University of Florida

8. Charlotte Bobcats – Brandan Wright, University of North Carolina

9. Chicago Bulls (via New York Knicks) – Spencer Hawes, University of Washington

10. Sacramento Kings – Julian Wright, Kansas University

11. Atlanta Hawks (via Indiana Pacers) – Acie Law IV, Texas A&M University

12. Philadelphia 76ers – Jeff Green, Georgetown University

13. New Orleans Hornets – Nick Young, University of Southern California

14. Los Angeles Clippers – Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington University

15. Detroit Pistons (via Orlando Magic) – Jason Smith, Colorado State University

16. Washington Wizards – Al Thornton, Florida State University

17. New Jersey Nets – Sean Williams, Boston College

18. Golden State Warriors – Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech

19. Los Angeles Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech

20. Miami Heat – Tiago Splitter, Brazil

21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Denver Nuggets): Josh McRoberts, Duke University

22. Charlotte Bobcats (via Toronto Raptors): Gabe Pruitt, University of Southern California

23. New York Knicks: Daequan Cook, The Ohio State University

24. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Derrick Byers, Vanderbilt University

25. Utah Jazz: Alando Tucker, University of Wisconsin

26. Houston Rockets: Rudy Fernandez, Spain

27. Detroit Pistons: Aaron Afflalo, University of California – Los Angeles

28. San Antonio Spurs: Ante Tomic, Croatia

29. Phoenix Suns: Marco Belinelli, Italy

30. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas Mavericks): Glen Davis, Louisiana State University

2007 NBA Mock Draft, Version 2

Roy Hibbert announced yesterday that he will return to Georgetown for his senior season, whereas teammate Jeff Green said he will forego his last year of eligibility and stay in the draft. As a result, here is the new mock draft:

1. Portland Trail Blazers: Greg Oden, The Ohio State University
2. Seattle SuperSoncs: Kevin Durant, University of Texas
3. Atlanta Hawks: Yi Jianlian, China
4. Memphis Grizzlies: Corey Brewer, University of Florida
5. Boston Celtics: Brandan Wright, University of North Carolina
6. Milwaukee Bucks: Al Horford, University of Florida
7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Joakim Noah, University of Florida
8. Charlotte Bobcats: Mike Conley, Jr., The Ohio State University
9. Chicago Bulls (via New York Knicks): Spencer Hawes, University of Washington
10. Sacramento Kings: Julian Wright, Kansas University
11. Atlanta Hawks (via Indiana Pacers): Acie Law IV, Texas A&M University
12. Philadelphia 76ers: Jeff Green, Georgetown University
13. New Orleans Hornets: Nick Young, University of Southern California
14. Los Angeles Clippers: Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington University
15. Detroit Pistons (via Orlando Magic): Jason Smith, Colorado State University
16. Washington Wizards: Al Thornton, Florida State University
17. New Jersey Nets: Tiago Splitter, Brazil
18. Golden State Warrios: Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech
19. Los Angeles Lakers: Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech
20. Miami Heat: Sean Williams, Boston College
21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Denver Nuggets): Gabe Pruitt, University of Southern California
22. Charlotte Bobcats (via Toronto Raptors): Brandon Rush, Kansas University
23. New York Knicks (via Chicago Bulls): Marcus Williams, University of Arizona
24. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers): Derrick Byers, Vanderbilt University
25. Utah Jazz: Alando Tucker, University of Wisconsin
26. Houston Rockets: Josh McRoberts, Duke University
27. Detroit Pistons: Aaron Afflalo, University of California – Los Angeles
28. San Antonio Spurs: Ante Tomic, Croatia
29. Phoenix Suns: Marco Belinelli, Italy
30. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas): Glen Davis, Louisiana State University

2007 NBA Mock Draft, Version 1

1. Portland Trail Blazers – Greg Oden, The Ohio State University
The clear #1 pick, Oden’s arrival in Portland significantly changes the landscape in the Western Conference. Paired up with last year’s Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy, the Trail Blazers will be able to seriously contend against the powers of the NBA. It will be interesting to see how they play Oden with last year’s #2 pick LaMarcus Aldridge, as it appears both of them play the same position. No matter what, Portland will not pass on Oden.

2. Seattle SuperSonics – Kevin Durant, University of Texas
Though there will be much fanfare with Durant’s arrival, it will be difficult to see if he will dramatically change the win totals for the Sonics. Rashard Lewis is probably gone after this year (especially with Durant’s arrival) and the existing team doesn’t seem able to compete on a regular basis in the Western Conference. Durant will have to play a lot of time in the paint, with Ray Allen bombing away from three point land. How the two exist and play together will be very interesting.

3. Atlanta Hawks – Yi Jianlian, China
After getting pummelled for passing on Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo, the Hawks have to take a point guard, right? One would think, but you have to remember that this is the Hawks we are talking about. They probably want Mike Conley, Jr., but my guess is that they convince themselves that he will be available when they pick again at #11. I know absolutely nothing about Yi, other than he is seven feet and from China. He is supposedly the best international prospect available and the Hawks will bring him in to try to spruce up their fan base (how that will work, I have no idea).

4. Memphis Grizzlies – Corey Brewer, University of Florida
After drafting Villanova point guard Kyle Lowry last year with their second first round selection last year, I don’t think the Grizzlies will be going after another floor general. They do have a good inside presence in Pau Gasol, although he seems to be more discontent by the day. Regardless, Memphis is in need of some perimeter skill and Brewer fits that mold perfectly. He is 6’8″, long, quick, has good three point range and is an excellent defender. He can play the 2 or the 3, depending on who he is guarding and is a born winner (much like the other Florida players). Brewer will contribute immediately for the Grizzlies and they will be more than happy to take him after losing out on a top 2 pick.

5. Boston Celtics – Brandan Wright, University of North Carolina
Still devested after not getting a top 2 pick (which they desperately tried to get after tanking for much of last season), the Celtics decide to take the best player available in Brandan Wright. They wanted Yi, to allow Al Jefferson to play the 4, but with Atlanta taking him at #3, they settle for Wright at #5. Wright is an extremely versatile player and many consider him the best prospect in the draft after Oden and Durant. With a tandem of Paul Pierce, Jefferson and Wright, the Celtics should be able to compete in the weak Atlantic Division for years to come.

6. Milwaukee Bucks – Al Horford, University of Florida
Milwaukee was ravaged by injuries last year and the ability to get someone like Horford should greatly help this team going into next season. With a front court of Andrew Bogut, Horford and Charlie Villanueva, along with Michael Redd and Mo Williams in the backcourt, the Bucks look pretty formidable to compete. They could also look at Mike Conley, Jr. in this spot, but the toughness and low post presence that Horford brings to the table is too much to pass up.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves – Joakim Noah, University of Florida
Minnesota could also look at Mike Conley, Jr. at this spot, but with Randy Foye, Mike James, Trenton Hassell, Troy Hudson, Ricky Davis, Marko Jaric, and Rashad McCants in the backcourt, even Kevin McHale wouldn’t be able to talk his way out of that one. Noah will give Minnesota someone to play alongside Kevin Garnett who is just as intense and plays a somewhat complimentary game to Garnett’s. Noah’s ability to create space while rebounding should take some of the burden off Garnett, who has pretty much been doing everything for the team every year for the last decade. The Timberwolves hope that Noah and Garnett’s intensity will create a sparkplug under the rest of the team, bringing out more than what the underperforming guards have produced the last couple of years.

8. Charlotte Bobcats – Mike Conley, Jr., The Ohio State University
Though Charlotte already has Raymond Felton in the backcourt, Conley is just too good to pass up with the #8 pick. The team could also look at Kansas forward Julian Wright, or Georgetown forward Jeff Green, but many believed Conley to be a top 5 pick, so passing him up here is impossible. Felton and Conley would form one of the quickest, if not the quickest, backcourts in the league, which should allow plenty of low post opportunities for Sean May, Emeka Okafor and Primoz Brezec. Additionally, penetration from either guard will open up the outside for Gerald Wallace and Adam Morrison, the latter of which will be looking to improve on his disappointing rookie season last year.

9. Chicago Bulls (via New York Knicks) – Spencer Hawes, University of Washington
The Bulls are still in significant need of low post scoring and Hawes should be able to contribute on that front immediately. Though he is not nearly as athletic as the other big men currently on the roster (Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas), Hawes will plant himself down low and allow for Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich to get more open looks on the perimeter. This is exactly the guy the Bulls wanted and they will be more than happy to select him.

10. Sacramento Kings – Julian Wright, Kansas University
With the uncertaintly surrounding Ron Artest and whether he will be traded in the off-season, Sacramento selects Wright as his replacement. At 6’9″, Wright is extremely long and should be able to provide some defensive agreesiveness that the Kings may lose if they do trade Artest. The team could also look at Georgetown’s Jeff Green, but they select Wright based on his defensive toughness.

11. Atlanta Hawks (via Indiana Pacers) – Acie Law, Texas A&M University
The Hawks were praying that Mike Conley, Jr. would fall to this spot and not surprising, he didn’t. This may be a little high for Law, but as the second best point guard in the draft, he benefits from the Hawks’ misconception on Conley. Law is a big time player who absolutely always wants the ball in his hands with the game on the line. Additionally, he is an excellent floor general, who should be able to find the right spots for Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. With Law’s ability to run the point, look for Joe Johnson to significantly increase his scoring, possibly into the top 5 in the league next year.

12. Philadelphia 76ers – Jeff Green, Georgetown University
The 76ers took Rodney Carney out of Memphis last year to fill the void at the small forward position, but he still appears to be more athletic than basketball talented. Green is one of the most versatile players in this draft and should be able to handle the ball, allowing Andre Iguodala to score more. Philadelphia was surprisingly competitive last year, with a roster that looked more like a top 3 lottery team, and the addition of Green should be able to help them sooner rather than later.

13. New Orleans Hornets – Nick Young, University of Southern California
The Hornets seem to be pretty comfortable in every position but shooting guard and Young should be able to slip right into the starting rotation alongside Chris Paul in the backcourt. With Tyson Chandler, David West and Peja Stojakovic up front, Young’s ability to score should take some of the pressure off of Chris Paul, who is a natural distributor and who has had to take some of the scoring load with Stojakovic’s constant injuries and Chandler’s complete inability to do anything but rebound.

14. Los Angeles Clippers – Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington University
The Clippers were really hoping that Acie Law would fall to this spot, as they are unsure how Shaun Livingston will be after he returns from his greusome knee dislocation. However, with Law off the board, Los Angeles goes for Stuckey, who has been compared to Randy Foye more times than not. He is undersized as a shooting guard at just 6’4″, but that should be able to give him an advantage over smaller point guards in the league. His ability to get into the paint will help tremendously, as Sam Cassell has certainly lost a step over the past 3-4 seasons.

15. Detroit Pistons (via Orlando) – Roy Hibbert, Georgetown University
Playing with Rasheed Wallace and Chris Webber at the 5, Detroit takes the best big man available with Hibbert, who should have a relatively easy transition into the Pistons offensive and defensive schemes. Defensively he certainly helps this team, who has seemed undersized against bigger centers the past couple of years. Additionally, Hibbert’s troubles on the offensive end should not be a factor, as Chauncey Billips and Rip Hamilton usually take on a load of the scoring, with Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince picking it up if either guard is off. Hibbert’s ability to pass out of the post is also a solid plus, allowing Billups and Hamilton to have more open shots on the perimeter.

16. Washington Wizards – Al Thornton, Florida State University
Though they are perfectly fine at the small forward position with Caron Butler, Washington is forced to take the best player available. They would have LOVED to draft Roy Hibbert out of local Georgetown, but Detroit beat them to it by one pick. The team could also look at Brazilian seven-footer Tiago Splitter, but they are more comfortable with Thornton, who certainly has no problem scoring against whoever is playing him. He could see some time at the shooting guard position, creating quite a big lineup with Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, Butler and Etan Thomas.

17. New Jersey Nets – Jason Smith, Colorado State University
Still looking for a big man to play the 5, the Nets draft someone who fits more in line with Jason Kidd’s style of play than their current offerings. Jason Collins is slower than slow and even Nenad Kristic can bring the pace down a tad. Smith gives the Nets the ability to run more and he can supposedly score from anywhere on the court.

18. Golden State Warriors – Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech
Always on the move with the ball, the Warriors take the best player available in Young, who should be able to keep up with the likes of Baron Davis, Jason Richardson and Stephen Jackson. He is a little bit of a project, but has tremendous upside and Don Nelson should be able to insert him into the lineup to run and gun, while giving Richardson and Jackson a blow.

19. Los Angeles Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech
One spot after his teammate, Crittenton also moves out west where he should be able to sit a little before contributing. Jordan Farmar appears to have the point guard spot locked up, but at 6’5″, Crittenton will be able to compete and may eventually start over the slower Farmar.

20. Miami Heat – Tiago Splitter, Brazil
There are a number of questions surrounding Splitter that have taken him out of the lottery and the Heat is more than happy to take him at #20, even knowing that they may have to wait a year before he can leave Brazil. He is an athletic big man, who may be a power forward in the NBA since he is rather thin to play the five. Nevertheless, if he puts on weight and learns as much as possible from Shaquille O’Neal, he should have a solid career in the NBA.

21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Denver Nuggets) – Gabe Pruitt, University of Southern California
Pruit gives the 76ers another athletic option on the floor, to go along with Andre Iguodala and Jeff Green. He is a little undersized to play the 2, but does have the ball handling ability to play the point guard position (see Randy Foye). The 76ers are becoming significantly more athletic and may begin to play the kind of small ball that worked so well in Golden State this year.

22. Charlotte Bobcats (via Toronto Raptors) – Brandon Rush, Kansas University
Picking Rush with the 22nd pick after his freshman year would have been a steal, but he fell a little after having to play with Julian Wright and Darrell Arthur. He already has an NBA body, which will help him backdown smaller or thinner guards, similar to Baron Davis. Rush should be able to see pretty good minutes, as he can come in for Ray Felton, Gerald Wallace and the newly drafted Mike Conley, Jr.

23. New York Knicks (via Chicago Bulls) – Sean Williams, Boston College
Williams has had a number of off-court issues in the past couple of years, but there is absolutely no denying his on-court defensive abilities. Having had two games with double digit blocked shots before he was excused from the team, Williams has an uncanny ability to know where shots are going up and how to attack them. The Knicks are in desperate need of some low post defense, as Eddy Curry and Channing Frye have proven they are completely inept on that side of the floor. Williams could see some good time on the floor as part of an “energy unit” for the Knicks, alongside David Lee and Renaldo Balkman.

24. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers) – Derrick Byars, Vanderbilt University
At 6’7″, he can play the 2 or the 3, and he also has the ability to score on the run (always a plus when you play with Steve Nash). Byars was not a first round pick until his senior year and a solid showing in the NCAA Tournament solidified his spot in the first round.

25. Utah Jazz – Marcus Williams, University of Arizona
Utah has been struggling at the shooting guard position for awhile and Williams should be able to step in and play that role. He probably could have used some more time in college, but Williams will be able to learn from Deron Williams and Jerry Sloan quite quickly.

26. Houston Rockets – Josh McRoberts, Duke University
Juwon Howard won’t be able to play forever and McRoberts gives Houston a solid body in the paint with an extremely good ability to pass and create for his teammates. He probably could have been a top 10 pick last year, McRoberts stayed in school and struggled in a system that wasn’t completely fit for him. He shoots well for someone his size and should be able to get a couple of looks after Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.

27. Detroit Pistons – Aaron Afflalo, UCLA
Coming off a horrible championship game against Florida, Afflalo will need to have some pretty good pre-draft camps to get into the first round. He already has an NBA body, which should help him develop the rest of his game. Detroit lacks a viable shooting guard off the bench and Afflalo should be able to fill that void.

28. San Antonio Spurs – Ante Tomic, Croatia
I’ve never heard of this guy, but apparently he is a big time foreign prospect, which seems to fit into the Spurs draft history perfectly. At 7’2″, the Croatian will be able to find some time with the Spurs after a couple more years overseas.

29. Phoenix Suns – Marco Belinelli, Italy
Another guy I know nothing about, he is from overseas, which automatically puts him on the Suns’ radar. He is a 6’6″ shooting guard who loves to shoot the three, which means he could fit in well with the running style of the Suns. He may stay in Italy for a couple of more years, only further soldifying his chances of being picked by the suns.

30. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas) – Glen Davis, Louisiana State University
Davis will need to shed some weight, but should be able to do so while trying to keep up with Andre Iguodala, Gabe Pruitt and Jeff Green. He is an extremely talented big man, who can score, rebound and pass. Everything really comes down to whether he can keep his weight in check.

NBA Draft Prediction

Bill Simmons writes an article within the next three days about how disappointed he is that the Celtics didn’t get a top 2 pick and outlines at least five possible trades so they can move up.

2007 NBA Draft Lottery Announced

1. Portland Trail Blazers
2. Seattle SuperSonics
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Boston Celtics
6. Milwaukee Bucks
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
8. Charlotte Bobcats
9. Chicago Bulls (via New York Knicks)
10. Sacramento Kings
11. Atlanta Hawks (via Indiana Pacers)
12. Philadelphia 76ers
13. New Orleans Hornets
14. Los Angeles Clippers
15. Detroit Pistons (via Orlando Magic)
16. Washington Wizards
17. New Jersey Nets
18. Golden State Warriors
19. Los Angeles Lakers
20. Miami Heat
21. Philadelphia 76ers (via Denver Nuggets)
22. Charlotte Bobcats (via Toronto Raptors)
23. New York Knicks (via Chicago Bulls)
24. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
25. Utah Jazz
26. Houston Rockets
27. Detroit Pistons
28. San Antonio Spurs
29. Phoenix Suns
30. Philadelphia 76ers (via Dallas)

KNICKS PULL OFF BLOCKBUSTER

NEW YORK, May 11 – The New York Knicks announced the biggest trade in NBA history today, acquiring four players in a four-team, 16 player deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Seattle SuperSonics. The Knicks will acquire 2005-06 and 2006-07 scoring champion Kobe Bryant from the Lakers, rebounding champion Kevin Garnett and rookie Randy Foye from the Timberwolves, and All-Star Ray Allen from the Sonics.

“I just can’t find the words to describe how happy we are as an organization,” said Knicks Coach and General Manager Isiah Thomas. “To get players of this caliber, while giving up the junk that has plagued this team for years, it’s really something special.”

When asked how he even began to come up with the proposed transaction, Isiah Thomas attempted to keep his methods quiet, without success. “I can’t tell you guys exactly how, but let’s just say I used the ESPN TradeMachine…ooops.”

Here is a breakdown of the transaction:

Knicks receive Kobe Bryant from the Lakers, Kevin Garnett and Randy Foye from the Timberwolves, and Ray Allen from the SuperSonics.

Timberwolves receive Andrew Bynum from the Lakers, Chris Wilcox from the SuperSonics and Jared Jeffries and Steve Francis from the Knicks.

Lakers receive Channing Frye, Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford from the Knicks and Mike James from the Timberwolves

SuperSonics receive Quentin Richardson and Nate Robinson from the Knicks, and Lamar Odom and Jordan Farmar from the Lakers.

With more than $138 million in salaries just for next season, the commissioner’s office will have to approve the deal, but that is merely a formality at this point, as the trade was approved using ESPN’s TradeMachine.

2007 All-NBA Teams Announced

NEW YORK, May 10 – The NBA announced the three All-NBA teams today, with a pair of teammates making the top team for the first time since the 2003-04 season. Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash joined power forward Amare Stoudemire on the team, which also included Spurs power forward Tim Duncan, Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Nash was a unanimous selection, after averaging 18.6 points and 11.6 assists per game. Duncan is on the team for the ninth time, which is the most for any active player. Bryant finished the season as the NBA’s scoring leader for the second straight season, earning his fifth trip on the team. Nowitzki, the projected regular season MVP, is on the team for the third year in a row.

Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was named to the second team, along with Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James, Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh and Houston Rockets teammates Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady.

The third team was comprised of Miami Heat guard (and T-Mobile pitchman) Dwyane Wade, Detroit Pistons guard Chauncey Billups, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett, Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and the Orlando Magic’s center Dwight Howard.