NBA Draft. [Archive] - Broncos Forums

BroncoAV06

06-09-2008, 01:30 PM

In preparation for the NBA Draft, teams began in earnest this week to hold player workouts.

The value of workouts is much debated. Some teams use the workout as a piece of the puzzle, believing that what happens in one 24-hour period isn't usually enough to trump a season's worth of scouting. Other teams rely on the workouts move heavily in judging prospects.

Usually players are matched up against other prospects at the same position. They usually go through a series of drills and end up playing against each other, while a few of the elite players in the draft work out alone.

After the workout the players are measured, often given psychological evaluations and interviewed with the coach and general manager. Dinner is usually involved as well.

You can't read too much into the first few workouts, but it is interesting to see which players teams bring in on the first day they can work guys out. Sometimes scheduling takes precedence over everything else, but other times it's an agent and a GM seeing if there's a quick fit.

Here's a look at who's been working out where over the past few days:

Lopez
Stanford's Brook Lopez was in Minnesota on the first day of workouts. While I think Minnesota's No. 3 pick is too high for Lopez, there's no question he fits a need and is in the equation.

The Knicks, who desperately need a point guard for the future, brought in UCLA's Russell Westbrook. O.J. Mayo was supposed to be in New York on the first day as well, but postponed the workout until later in the month. Two other great athletes, Joe Alexander and JaVale McGee, were also in New York.

The Pacers brought in Texas' D.J. Augustin and North Carolina's Ty Lawson. There's no question the team is on the hunt for a point guard, and our first two mock drafts had Augustin as the Pacers' choice.

Arthur
Kansas' Darrell Arthur and Indiana's D.J. White were in New Jersey. The Nets are looking for a power forward, and I think they have Arthur very high on their list. White might be a possibility with the No. 21 or No. 40 pick. McGee and Robin Lopez followed them on Thursday.

The Suns brought in two players who look like great fits in their system -- LSU's Anthony Randolph and Syracuse's Donte Greene.

Georgetown's Roy Hibbert was in Utah on the first day of workouts. We've had Hibbert going to the Jazz at No. 23 in all three of our mock drafts.

Brandon Rush, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Courtney Lee were all in Orlando on Wednesday. The Magic remain desperate for an athletic 2-guard after blowing their chance to get Ronnie Brewer in the 2006 NBA Draft.

The Raptors have been busy, too. On Wednesday, Stanford's Robin Lopez and Ohio State's Kosta Koufos were in Toronto. It's no secret that the Raptors are looking for a center to pair with Chris Bosh. On Thursday, they brought in swingmen Rush, Bill Walker and Douglas-Roberts to work out together.

Detroit, always looking for a tough guy, brought in Israel's Omri Casspi. He definitely has the blue collar approach the Pistons love.

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I continue to get a lot of e-mail from my recent columns on the official measurements and combine results from the Orlando pre-draft camp.

I spoke to a number of NBA executives about the results to get their views.

The overwhelming majority disregard height (with or without shoes). They now focus on how far a player can extend: standing reach (vertical) and wingspan (horizontal).

Augustin
So while some fans are worried that Augustin is only 5-foot-10 in socks, that's not the key for NBA front offices. They want more info. What is his wingspan? What is his standing reach? How explosive is he athletically? All of those variables factor into the equation.

In Augustin's case, he measures out as a legitimate point guard prospect with a standing reach that exceeds Chris Paul's by an inch and a half and matches Mike Conley's and Jordan Farmar's. I did speak with one executive who thought Augustin would fall because of his measurements. Remember, both Paul and Conley went No. 4 in the draft.

The same logic holds true for players like Michael Beasley as well. Beasley's standing reach was longer than Joakim Noah's and Drew Gooden's, and the same as Al Horford's. I couldn't find an executive who thought Beasley's measurements would hurt his draft stock enough to dent his top-two status.

Gordon
Indiana's Eric Gordon was the only player at the top of the draft who fell significantly short in one of these measurements for his position -- in particular, his standing reach was short for a 2-guard. But his athletic explosiveness, long wingspan and nice shooting touch should protect him from slipping much in the draft.

The players that get hurt in the measurements are the ones with short arms and long necks (meaning their standing reach and wingspan is less than expected). For instance, Trent Plaisted stands 6-foot-10 but has the wingspan and standing reach of a 6-foot-7 guy in the NBA.

As for the combine scores, teams take these less seriously. In 2007 the draft's top-ranked athlete was D.J. Strawberry. Only two lottery picks landed in the top 10 -- Mike Conley (ranked No. 4 at the combine) and Thaddeus Young (No. 7). Kevin Durant ranked 78 out of 80.

In 2006, it wasn't any different. The draft's top athlete was David Noel. Only two lottery picks were in the top 10 at the combine -- Ronnie Brewer (ranked No. 2) and Randy Foye (No. 7). One of the best players in the draft, LaMarcus Aldridge, ranked No. 68 out of 81.

In 2005, Joey Graham ranked as the draft's top athlete. Again, only two players in the lottery ranked in the top 10 at the combine -- Rashad McCants (ranked No. 3) and Deron Williams (No. 10). Andrew Bogut, who went No. 1 overall, ranked 60th. Monta Ellis ranked 70th.

I could go on. But I don't want to totally dismiss the testing results. When I talked to NBA executives, some things did stick out.

There's no question that Brook Lopez, for instance, is going to get a more skeptical look because of his poor results. And at the other end of the scale, Alexander, Gordon and Mayo created some buzz by their strong performances.

The player who will likely benefit the most from the combine is Kevin Love. While his measurements weren't great, his solid testing results from the combine can help a GM justify taking Love high in the draft.

Everyone knows Love has skills. The question has always been about his size and athleticism.

Since the camp, I have had several executives tell me that the combine allowed them to evaluate Love's upside anew. Said one GM, "Love looked as trim and lean and agile as I've ever seen him. And he could still lose more [weight]. I don't know how you don't consider him at the top of the draft. He's so talented and so competitive, you have to give him another look."

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

Philly took Jason Smith last year in the first round and I think he can be a solid big man for the Sixers. Randoplh would be interesting to add to an up tempo attack, he can score in the post and does rebound but his attitude has always been the problem, not 100% every night.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-09-2008, 01:35 PM

I like Jason Smith myself, I dont think Cheeks played him enough last year. Maybe he was inconsistant in practice or something. But being that he does have potential to be a solid PF if he can learn to rebound. He runs the floor well and has a great mid range shot. Thats why i think we need a SG or PG like Mayo. Because im not a big Igoudala fan as him being a "Star" Hes not a shooter. PLus i want Thad to play SF where he belongs. I feel hes being played out of position at PF. Even though Mayo has so call off the court problems do you all actually think he would be there at pick 6?

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-09-2008, 01:36 PM

One thing for sure were running and playing defense next year. Thats our identity. Took 6 years to get an identity. Lol that was pretty pathetic.

CoachChaz

06-09-2008, 01:59 PM

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-09-2008, 02:11 PM

Augustine is pretty small though. About 5'11 i think.

CoachChaz

06-09-2008, 02:18 PM

Augustine is pretty small though. About 5'11 i think.

His size is the biggest knock on him, but Chris Paul isnt exactly a giant. DJ also has a prett long reach for his size

BroncoAV06

06-09-2008, 02:51 PM

Augustine is pretty small though. About 5'11 i think.

I spoke to a number of NBA executives about the results to get their views.

The overwhelming majority disregard height (with or without shoes). They now focus on how far a player can extend: standing reach (vertical) and wingspan (horizontal).

So while some fans are worried that Augustin is only 5-foot-10 in socks, that's not the key for NBA front offices. They want more info. What is his wingspan? What is his standing reach? How explosive is he athletically? All of those variables factor into the equation.

In Augustin's case, he measures out as a legitimate point guard prospect with a standing reach that exceeds Chris Paul's by an inch and a half and matches Mike Conley's and Jordan Farmar's. I did speak with one executive who thought Augustin would fall because of his measurements. Remember, both Paul and Conley went No. 4 in the draft.

Alot of factors go into evaluating a player.

honz

06-09-2008, 03:48 PM

It should be noted that most small PGs (including Paul...don't tell me he gets a lot of steals or was an the All Defensive Team, because he is a BAD defender) are defensive liabilities. It's just harder for them to keep bigger PGs off the post and fight through screens on pick and rolls.

Smaller PGs can get by on the offensive side of the ball, but they will tend to get eaten up on D. Needless to say, I'm not a big Augustin fan.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-09-2008, 03:58 PM

Right Paul is by far the best PG in the NBA. But he does not play defense. I love him though as a player. Its not really DJ size im worried about. Its him fitting what we do. I think Mayo or Gordon would fit alot better. Or Bayless who is pretty special also if he can learn to pass.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-09-2008, 04:18 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhTAQwmDs3E&feature=related

Gordon in action^^ That boy is nice.

BroncoAV06

06-11-2008, 01:00 PM

Alexander looking good, McGee not so much:

Update June 10th
Who has played well and who has struggled one week into team workouts? Getting reliable info isn't easy.

NBA agents often pick up the phone and call immediately following workouts, saying something to the effect of, "My client kicked someone else's client's butt in the workouts."

NBA GMs and scouts aren't much better at this point. They tend to say they like everyone -- partly out of fear of offending the prospect's agent and partly because they don't want to show their hand this close to the draft.

The other source of information is the players themselves. While they usually tend to overstate how well they personally played in a workout, they can be pretty accurate about how the other players in the gym performed.

So while the information that follows shouldn't be taken as 100% fact, I've tried my best to filter out the garbage and get the best possible read on the situation.

Here's what we're hearing:

The Hot List

Alexander Joe Alexander, F, West Virginia
Alexander had workouts in Milwaukee and New York, and both went well. His toughness and shooting ability have made quite an impression.

I originally thought Alexander would struggle to crack the top 10 because of his lack of big-time experience, but now I can see how Alexander would appeal to coaches who like toughness (Scott Skiles) and coaches who like athletes who can get up and down the floor (Mike D'Antoni).

We've had Alexander at No. 13 for a while, but it's entirely possible that he finds his way into the middle of the lottery.

Hickson J.J. Hickson, F, NC State
It shouldn't come as a huge shock that Hickson has wowed a few people in early workouts -- he's a very skilled big man who has an NBA body. Plus, he had an excellent freshman season.

"He's just incredibly strong for his age," Suns GM David Griffin said of Hickson after he worked out for the Suns. "He has a naturally thick body. He can bang on the perimeter, and he's also got a pretty quick face-up game."

We've had Hickson pegged in the 20s for the past several months, but I'm starting to hear more buzz that he could move into the teens if he continues to have strong workouts.

Hickson has worked out for the Suns, Sixers, Sonics and Blazers so far.

White D.J. White, F, Indiana
It was surprising that White skipped the Orlando predraft camp, but it appears that move isn't hurting him. He has worked out for the Nets, Magic and Wizards and has more than held his own against some of the more heralded big men prospects in the draft -- Darrell Arthur and Marreese Speights.

He measures well at 6-foot-9 in shoes with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, and he's tested very well in some of the athletic drills. And while talk of a four-year senior being hot is odd these days, remember that White is still just 21 years old -- only a few months older than O.J. Mayo.

The Not List

LawsonTy Lawson, PG, North Carolina
Lawson had a couple of very good workouts in Cleveland and Indiana. And he had an impressive Orlando predraft camp. But then he got busted for driving after consuming alcohol (he's underage). At a time of year when teams are super sensitive to character issues, this won't help his cause.

How can a team like the Pacers (who had him in to workout against D.J. Augustin) take him now after all of the legal nightmares the team has endured recently with its players?

On top of that, Lawson twisted an ankle in a workout with the Wizards on Monday.

McGeeJaVale McGee, F, Nevada
McGee is long and athletic. But it's not a good thing when the best praise he gets from those who have seen him work out is, "You can't teach height." That's usually code for: "He stinks, but he's big." McGee got a lot of buzz this year after an excellent performance against North Carolina. And his basketball pedigree -- his mom played in the WNBA -- and perimeter skills helped justify the hype. However, his so-so numbers at the combine and lukewarm reviews from his workouts have several GMs wondering if he's worth a mid-first-round selection.

• A number of top international prospects are in Treviso, Italy, performing in front of NBA scouts at the Reebok Eurocamp.

ESPN's Fran Fraschilla is in Italy covering the camp and will have a full report later. But through the first few days, I've spoken with a couple of scouts who have attended the camp.

Here's what we're hearing about the top players there:

IbakaSerge Ibaka, F, Congo
Most NBA teams got a good look at Ibaka at the Nike Hoop Summit, where he played well against some of the top high school players in the country. But he didn't blow anyone away.

He has good size and is an explosive leaper, but the rest of his game is still raw. He doesn't have the strength or inclination to play in the paint, but he also lacks great quickness, limiting his ability to guard small forwards. And for someone who likes to play on the perimeter, he isn't a dead-eye shooter. As a physical prospect, Ibaka is very interesting. But as a basketball player, he still has a lot of question marks.

Ibaka played well on the first and third days of Eurocamp, but he struggled at other times. He's a likely late-first-round pick if he stays in the draft.

Nicolas Batum, G/F, France
Batum, who once was considered a potential lottery pick before a so-so year in France, played in a game Monday in an effort to create some draft buzz. He shot 6-for-18, and 1-for-7 from 3. I don't think that was the impression he was hoping to make.

Goran Dragic, G, Slovenia
A number of scouts love Dragic. He's a big point guard with good athleticism, but his lack of a perimeter game and his so-so court vision have kept him out of the first-round talk.

According to scouts, he played well in a private workout Sunday and again in game action Monday.

Omer Asik and Semih Erden, C, Turkey
With their team in Turkey failing to clear them for 5-on-5 play, Asik and Erden showed up to play in a workout. While both players are big and athletic, there is an interesting split among scouts about who's the better prospect. Asik is raw on the offensive end. Erden is more polished, but has a reputation for being immature.

• Later this week, we'll have an in-depth look at the top international prospects in the draft and examine their waning influence at the top of the draft.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

BroncoAV06

06-16-2008, 12:43 PM

Draft will start to take shape this afternoon:

Updated: June 16, 2008

The deadline for underclassmen to withdraw from the NBA draft is Monday at 5 p.m. ET. A total of 91 players have declared for the draft, but typically at least a third of that group will decide to return to school or to their international teams.

A number of top prospects have already hired an agent, ending their college eligibility, while others are in the process of hiring an agent. Every underclassman in Insider's Top 20 is in the draft: Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless, Anthony Randolph, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez, D.J. Augustin, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Darrell Arthur, Joe Alexander, Donte Greene, DeAndre Jordan, Marreese Speights, Kosta Koufos, JaVale McGee, Brandon Rush, and Robin Lopez.

And a number of other underclassmen are also in for good despite not being projected as a top-20 pick, including Mario Chalmers, J.J. Hickson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Trent Plaisted, Davon Jefferson and George Hill.

On the flip side, a handful of prospects on the list have already dropped out of the draft and are returning to school: Antonio Anderson, Josh Carter, Alonzo Gee, Danny Green, Stefon Jackson, Leo Lyons, Jerel McNeal, Josh Shipp, Lee Cummard and Lorenzo Wade.

And a few others are also leaning toward pulling their names out, including Jeremy Pargo, Robert Dozier, Ronald Steele, John Riek and DeMarre Carroll.

That leaves some interesting names still on the fence going into the last day.

Of the fence-sitters, Chase Budinger and Ty Lawson are likely to stay in the draft, according to sources.

Budinger has been told by teams he's in the 15-25 range, and that seems to be good enough for him.

As for Lawson, rumors abound that Denver has made a promise to him at No. 20, but Lawson and the Nuggets both deny it. He has been very good in workouts, I've been told, and has even impressed a couple of lottery teams with his shooting and toughness. His off-court issues and lack of size make him one of the biggest wild cards right now, but I'd say the odds are in favor of his staying in the draft.

There are also rumors that Bill Walker has gotten a promise from a team late in the first round. However, ESPN.com's Andy Katz is reporting that Walker has hurt his knee again, which puts his draft status seriously in doubt.

Richard Hendrix seems likely to stay in the draft. He has already graduated from school and stands to gain little by returning to Alabama for a final season. The biggest knock on him is his height, but another season of college ball won't help that.

Ryan Anderson and Jamont Gordon both have a good shot of getting a commitment from a team late in the first round. Anderson has been praised at workouts for his shooting ability despite questions about what position he'd play in the pros. Meanwhile, teams that think Gordon can make the transition to the point believe he has first-round potential.

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is a defensive presence, but he probably needs another year at UCLA to have a chance to solidify his status in the first round. The same holds true for Wayne Ellington -- teams like his jump shot, but he's most likely not cracking the first round this year.

Robert Vaden and Lester Hudson are wild cards. Both are coming off huge seasons and both have age issues that could push them into the draft now.
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One international player could make some serious noise at the deadline on Monday. Over the weekend, several sources said Italy's Danilo Gallinari might withdraw from the draft despite his projection as a lottery pick. According to sources from two teams, Gallinari's American agent, Arn Tellem, is telling teams that if he doesn't have a guarantee by Monday from a team drafting in the top 10, he'll withdraw.

Tellem denied the rumors on Sunday evening, telling ESPN.com via text message that Gallinari is "staying in the draft."

Does this mean Gallinari has received a promise from a team?

The Knicks and Nets -- the two teams Tellem has been targeting -- got private workouts with Gallinari last week, and both were impressed with his size and shooting ability. But as of Sunday, two sources, one close to each team, said they told Tellem they were not willing to commit to drafting him.

Two other teams got a look at Gallinari in Los Angeles -- the Clippers and Grizzlies -- but a source said neither team got as much access as the Knicks and Nets. The Clippers are high on Gallinari, but I don't think Gallinari is targeting them.

There are rumblings that the Timberwolves got a look, too. But I think the No. 3 pick is too high for Gallinari to get a guarantee. Plus, Minnesota is talking with a number of teams about trades right now.

So where did the promise come from?

Knicks president Donnie Walsh doesn't give promises, especially this early in the draft. So it's conceivable the Nets have made a promise, despite their denials.

But if not, why would Gallinari pull out? Clearly, Tellem wants him to avoid a similar situation to that of Yi Jianlian last year. Yi wanted to go to a big-market team but ended up being drafted by the Bucks, and it took protracted negotiations to get Yi to Milwaukee. Tellem may decide it's better for Gallinari to wait a year and have him try for next year's draft, where he could possibly be in the conversation for the No. 1 pick, given the relative weakness of the '09 class.

Meanwhile, two other international players projected in the second half of the first round -- Nicolas Batum and Alexis Ajinca -- are staying in the draft, according to their agent, Bouna Ndiaye, who spoke with ESPN.com.

As for the rest of the young international players, it appears many of their agents are following the new thinking that getting drafted in the second round is preferable to getting drafted in the first round because international players can actually make more money going in the second round since teams are no longer encumbered by the first-round rookie salary cap.

This means that most of the top young international players -- including Serge Ibaka, Ante Tomic, Victor Claver and Giorgi Shermadini -- are leaning strongly toward staying in the draft despite not having first-round guarantees. In fact, in most cases their agents don't want them going in the first round.

The only international players who seem likely to pull out are the ones who might go undrafted. That means it's likely that Rudy Mbemba (who was injured in workouts over the weekend), Nando De Colo and Luc Louves will withdraw before the deadline.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

honz

06-16-2008, 03:45 PM

The word is Hibbert has been very impressive in his pre-draft workouts. I originally was hoping that my Jazz would not draft him, but I have been warming up to him a little bit...however, it looks like he may not even be there at #23.

BroncoAV06

06-17-2008, 01:04 PM

Ford's Mock 5.0
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080617

Few big names among International prospects:

In 2002, Yao Ming became the first international player to go No. 1 in the NBA draft. Yao's arrival -- combined with the emerging games of young international players like Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol -- held the promise of the league being flooded with international prospects from around the world.

In 2003, NBA teams drafted a record eight international players in the first round and another 12 in the second round. Fueled by Euro fever, Darko Milicic was taken ahead of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Mickael Pietrus and Zarko Cabarkapa went ahead of David West. Of the 2003 group, only two players -- Boris Diaw (21) and Leandro Barbosa (28) -- have had a significant impact in the league.

Since that high point, international draft prospects have had a somewhat smaller impact in the draft and the league.

In 2004, six international players went in the first round. In 2005, there were just four. In 2006, six were drafted in the first round, including the No. 1 overall pick. In 2007, the number was five.

The draft hasn't produced an international All-Star since 2002. Since Yao, there have been a few solid players, such as Andris Biedrins and Anderson Varejao, but there hasn't been anyone who has dominated the league the way international scouts had hoped.

International scouts have been sifting through the rubble to figure out what went wrong. Had they strip-mined the world by identifying and drafting young players too soon? Did the success of international teams against Team USA in international tournaments have more to do with teamwork and style of play than it did international talent?

Whatever the explanation, the effect has been noticeable. Scouts even have a name for the dwindling number of international players coming into the league: the Darko backlash.

In 2003, international players were viewed with rose-colored lenses, with scouts gliding over weaknesses and overemphasizing strengths. The opposite is taking place now.

"I'm shocked at the high level of scrutiny that the international prospects are now getting," one American who scouts overseas told ESPN.com. "It's back to the dark days now. Even when a player has major success in Europe, GMs are skeptical. The pendulum has really swung to the other side. It used to be a bonus if you had a passport and a jump shot. Now it's a detriment."

Complicating things is a recent trend toward international prospects choosing to stay in Europe over playing in the NBA. Five years ago, international players would pay massive buyouts out of their own pockets to get to the NBA. Now? With the American dollar weak, the Euro surging and European teams gaining more financial resources, more and more international players are choosing to stay overseas.

That trend burned the Magic in 2005 when they selected Fran Vazquez at No. 11 despite numerous reports that Vazquez didn't want to leave Spain. The Magic thought the allure of being an NBA player would be enough. Instead Vazquez signed a big deal in Spain and hasn't been seen since.

Brazilian big man Tiago Splitter just pulled the same move on the Spurs. The Spurs selected Splitter with the 28th pick in the 2007 draft with an expectation that they'd bring him to San Antonio a year later. Instead, Splitter signed a two-year deal with Tau Ceramica last week that will pay him more than twice as much as the Spurs could offer under the rookie salary cap.

Had the Spurs drafted Splitter in the second round, the rookie salary cap wouldn't have applied and they could've offered Splitter up to $5 million per season to come, though they may not have been willing to pay that much. This combination of factors has more and more teams, along with player agents for international players, eyeing the second round of the draft as a more appropriate place to take international projects.

"It used to be that teams in the 20s could take a young international prospect, stash him overseas for a few years and then, if he developed, bring him over," one GM said. "Those days are over. European teams are getting more aggressive about keeping their top young players. If you draft them late in the first round, the NBA team is at a disadvantage financially. We just can't keep up. I think teams are going to abandon the practice completely. We'll start taking guys in the second round. At least that way we can compete financially if we need to."

That sets up a very interesting scenario this year. There is actually quite a lot of international talent in this year's draft, though much of it is unproven. In other years, we'd be talking about five to seven first-round picks. This year? One international player is a lock for the top 15. Everyone else becomes questionable for the first round completely because of buyouts and related concerns.

With that background, here's my take on the top 15 international players in the draft, based on conversations with a number of international scouts and NBA executives.

I agree with teams being picky with Euros outside of the lotto and even in it. They want to go to the big markets, they can get more money overseas and those facotors would make it tricky. It turns into a wasted pick, even if you are the Spurs that still had a good season but just think if they had that younger big man in the paint? But still you can not overlook them and I guess you have to take that chance?

BroncoAV06

06-17-2008, 01:05 PM

Top 15 prospects:

1. Danilo Gallinari, F, Italy*
Only 19 years old, Gallinari has already had a significant impact on European basketball -- in both the Euroleague and the Italian league. He plays very hard, possesses great leadership skills and has an extraordinary basketball IQ for a player his age.

There are some questions about his NBA 3-point range and what position he'd play in the NBA. He can play the point-forward role on offense, but scouts don't believe he has the lateral quickness to guard 3s. A few GMs see him as a skilled 4, similar to Lamar Odom.

Right now, Gallinari could go as high as No. 3 to Minnesota; I doubt he slips past Portland at No. 13.

2. Nicolas Batum, G/F, France*
Batum looked like a lock for the 2007 lottery after last year's scintillating Hoop Summit performance. But inexplicably, Batum decided against entering the draft. And he has fallen under much harsher scrutiny this year.

Batum has the athleticism, size and skill set to thrive in the NBA. But he lacks the assertiveness (or confidence) to live up to his potential right now -- he struggles to create offense for himself. An unimpressive performance at the Reebok Eurocamp this month didn't help his cause.

A lot of teams will look at him closely from No. 15 on down, but who will pull the trigger? As it stands, there's no guarantee Batum goes in the first round; teams later in the draft will worry about getting Batum to come to the NBA on the cheap.

3. Serge Ibaka, F, Congo*
Ibaka is an NBA athlete all the way. He is an explosive leaper who can perform jaw-dropping dunks a la Tyrus Thomas.

But it's unclear if he really knows how to play the game. Despite being just an OK shooter, Ibaka often settles for perimeter shots. And he hasn't developed anything resembling a low-post game yet.

He has significant upside, but he's a real project at this point, which casts his draft status in uncertain terms. I could see a team with multiple first-round picks -- like the Nets, Sonics or Grizzlies -- taking a flier on Ibaka in the first round. But if they were not to bring him over right away, they would run the risk of him blowing up in Spain and never coming to the NBA.

4. Alexis Ajinca, F/C, France*
An athletic big man who runs the floor well and has a certain smoothness to his game that most big men lack, Ajinca has been on the NBA radar since he was 16. He was the best international player at this year's Hoop Summit and won over some fans.

His production in France has been inconsistent. He's considered project with significant upside, but at age 21, how much longer can he be discussed in terms of potential.

5. Ante Tomic, F/C, Croatia*
Another very productive player in Europe, Tomic has the size and skill to be an excellent high-post center in the pros. On talent, he's a late lottery pick.

But he is paper-thin, and scouts worry he'll get pushed around in the pros.

Even more troubling for NBA teams is the fact that Tomic still has two years left on his existing deal, without an NBA buyout. If he continues to play well in Europe, a late-first-round salary just won't cut it. Therefore, he might be better off as an early second-round pick. That way, if he develops, a team can afford to pay him.

Some teams believe Tomic will pull out of the draft, but don't count on it. His agent Marc Cornstein has scheduled a big team workout for him in New York after the pullout date.

6. Nathan Jawai, F/C, Australia
With huge hands and a long wingspan, Jawai is a load in the paint. He also moves well for a big man and shows a solid perimeter game. He had a big year in the Australian pro league and has had solid reviews in workouts so far.

Jawai also isn't a risk for teams because players make significantly less in the Australian league, so he won't refuse to come to the NBA after being drafted.

7. Omer Asik, C, Turkey
Asik is a long, physical big man with good athleticism and a great motor -- he can be relentless on both ends of the floor.

Unlike most other European players, Asik isn't highly skilled. He relies on hustle and energy, which has made him a really intriguing prospect.

Asik has two more years on his contract in Turkey and doesn't have an NBA buyout. Teams will likely want to take him in the second round so they can afford to bring him to the NBA in the future if he continues to develop.

8. Omri Casspi, F, Israel*
Casspi is the latest in a line of athletes to earn the designation as the best NBA prospect in Israel. He is a tough, aggressive player. If his shot develops, he could be a serious first-round contender.

A few teams like the Pistons will give him a look because of his toughness and grit.

But it's unclear whether Casspi is in the draft for good or he'll pull out by the deadline.

9. Victor Claver, F, Spain*
Claver is a young prospect who probably has first-round talent. But a subpar year at Valencia has hurt his stock a little. He has been playing better lately, and he is currently in the United States going through draft workouts.

A team could take a flier on him late in the first round, but that would come with the risk of being unable to pay him if he were to pan out. He would most likely be a second-round pick this year, which means he'll probably pull out of the draft.

10. Nikola Pekovic, F/C, Serbia
Pekovic has dominated in Europe this year, averaging 17.6 ppg in the Euroleague this season. He's a tough, physical player with a great motor, but he lacks the ideal size and athleticism to be a great NBA big man.

Pekovic is another player who might be considered for the first round, but he just signed a lucrative deal with Greek powerhouse Panathanikos. His agent, Jeff Schwartz, has been telling teams not to draft him in the first round to ensure that, if he wants to come to the NBA, he won't have to take an unfavorable contract to do so.

Said Schwartz: "He's going to make too much money in Europe to take such a huge pay cut to come to the league given the first round rookie salary scale restrictions."

11. Rudy Mbemba, PG, Sweden
Mbemba might be the toughest player in the draft to project. He is a great athlete -- very quick, with an NBA body. In the past few Reebok Eurocamps, he's been quite impressive.

But his lack of size and playing experience at a high level, along with questions about his floor management skills, have a lot of GMs asking questions about his long-term future in the pros.

I think Mbemba has a chance to be a real talent in the NBA, but someone is going to have to roll the dice on him in the second round.

12. Goran Dragic, G, Slovenia
The athletic, Slovenian guard plays with aggression and intensity. But teams question his shooting ability and aren't sure he's a pure point guard.

He's one of those players, like countryman Beno Udrih, who is a better player in games than he is in workouts. He is a second-rounder, but he could turn out to be one of the better international players in this draft.

13. Semih Erden, C, Turkey
Erden has been on the NBA radar for years. He's slowly progressing as a player, but right now it's fair to say he's still a project.

A team might be willing to draft him in the second round and keep him overseas for the next few years to see if he develops.

14. Giorgi Shermadini, F/C, Georgia*
The mystery man from Georgia isn't much of a mystery anymore. I saw the Mr. Bean lookalike in Las Vegas a few weeks ago and didn't come away all that impressed.

He is skilled and plays hard, but he lacks the physical strength or athleticism to be a surefire NBA player. Still, a lot of teams are interested in him as a second-round project.

15. Nando De Colo, PG, France*
De Colo is a crafty combo guard who is really fun to watch -- he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve as a playmaker. But teams question his athleticism and his ability to guard quicker players.

He probably will pull out of the draft, but teams are watching his development closely.

Best of the rest: Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France; Anton Ponkrashov, G, Russia; Mantas Kalnietis, PG, Lithuania; Luc Louves, F, France; Uros Tripkovic, G, Serbia; Peja Samardziski, C, Macedonia; Vladimir Gulubovic, F, Serbia; Nikita Shabalkin, F, Russia.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-17-2008, 01:57 PM

Any syracuse fans or watcher on here? Because i fell in love with Donte Greene. That man has talent. I only seen his highlights though and well you know how that goes...

Ziggy

06-20-2008, 06:24 PM

lex

06-21-2008, 02:52 AM

I'd love to see my Nuggets pick up Mario Chalmers. 6'1" PG that shoots the lights out and loves to play D. He isn't the prototypical floor general, but where we're drafting, you can't have everything.

Where is Denver drafting? Unless things have changed THAT much since the last time I checked, he very well could be there in the bottom 1st or early 2nd.

BTW, I really hope my Bulls take Rose. And then I would actually like to see Chicago, try to trade some combination of Deng, Gordon, and Heinrich for a scorer. I wonder if we could get Wade for that. Deng, Gordon and Heinrich is a pretty decent package.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-21-2008, 06:57 AM

Your not going to get a super star for role players. Unless that team needs role players. Miami has nothing. Getting rid of Wade for Deng, Kirk and Gordon is not going to work. Your going to have to give up That number 1 pick to get Wade. From reports that i have read is Bulls was considering giving up the pick for Wade anyway. Miami would then be able to draft Rose and Beaseley and have a solid building block, While Chicago gets a Super Star in Wade surrounded by good role players. That deal would work for both teams. But noway in hell do you get Wade for t hose role players. Who exactly would Wade have to play with on the Bulls if they got rid of Gordon Kirk and Deng?

Ziggy

06-21-2008, 10:14 AM

Where is Denver drafting? Unless things have changed THAT much since the last time I checked, he very well could be there in the bottom 1st or early 2nd.

The Nuggets draft 20th in the 1st round, and they have no 2nd rd pick. Chalmers might be there later in the 1st, but unless the Nuggets trade down they'll have to take him at 20 to get him.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-21-2008, 08:40 PM

Chalmers would be a great pick for the Nuggs. Great defender and leader. Also hits big shots.

BroncoAV06

06-24-2008, 01:55 PM

Ford Mock 1-30:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-080623
Round 2:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-Round2-080623

So more rumors heading towards draft day:

It's looking clearer and clearer that the Bulls will be taking Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick, so much of the attention in the draft is turning to the Miami Heat, who are slated to select second.

Michael Beasley is the obvious choice at No. 2, but the Heat's words and actions behind the scenes continue to point to a possible trade if Rose goes No. 1.

Sources said Heat president Pat Riley made a number of phone calls on Monday trying to gauge what was available to the Heat at No. 2 after finding out that Shawn Marion will not opt out of his contract.

One source told Insider that the Heat are revisiting trade talks with the Grizzlies. Insider reported several weeks ago that there was talk that Memphis would give up Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry and the No. 5 pick as part of a package for the No. 2 pick. The same source said the Heat are asking the Grizzlies to sweeten the deal by substituting Mike Conley for Lowry. The deal would be Conley and the No. 5 pick to Miami for the No. 2 pick and Daequan Cook.

That trade would land Riley the point guard he covets and still get him a high lottery pick in the draft. The Heat would likely choose between Kevin Love or Brook Lopez at No. 5.

While the price is high for the Grizzlies, they have great depth at the point guard position and could afford to lose Conley. Memphis' biggest need is at the power forward position, and Beasley appears to be a once-in-a-decade talent at the 4 -- a perfect fit for a young and upcoming Memphis team.

The Heat are also talking to the Timberwolves, Sonics and Clippers. The problem is the Wolves don't have much to offer. The Sonics can offer Chris Wilcox and the No. 4 for a deal that brings them the No. 2 and Mark Blount. That could save the Heat cap space. But it may not be enough.

The Clippers have a player that Riley covets deeply in Elton Brand. A deal that swaps Brand and the No. 7 pick for Marion and the No. 2 pick could be another alternative for Riley if he isn't comfortable with Beasley.
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Think you've got the Rose-Beasley debate figured out? One respected NBA general manager who's drafting in the second half of the first round said the Bulls and virtually everyone else is getting it wrong.

"Michael Beasley is far and away the best player in this draft," the GM said. "He's going to dominate in this league. How could you pass on him? I know everyone is talking about character this and character that, but come on, he's not a bad kid."

As for Rose, the GM says he thinks he's overrated: "Derrick Rose is a good player, I get that. But he's not a franchise player. I don't think people are getting with Rose what they think they're getting. He's athletic and plays really hard. But he has just decent court vision and can't take over a game offensively."

When asked about the Heat possibly passing on Beasley at No. 2, the GM said, "It's a joke. He's so much better than anything the Heat are going to get offered. I don't understand it."
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Some veteran GMs drafting later in the first round are scratching their heads at our last mock draft -- especially some of the high risers in the draft.

"Russell Westbrook is a role player who probably is a sixth man on a good team," one GM said. "How has he risen to a top-10 pick? I'd take Leandro Barbosa over him any day of the week. Westbrook is athletic, fast and plays defense, but a top-10 pick? I don't see it."

Here's another GM on Robin Lopez: "Can you name the last time a guy who averaged five rebounds per game in college was suddenly labeled a rebounder in the draft? Robin Lopez is a backup, not a lottery or mid-first-round pick."

Said another GM: "Name one international player who has made [it] in our league who's averaged five points per game or less in his home country. Alexis Ajinca is a workout wonder, but there is no precedent for a player with his poor production making it in the league. He's going in the lottery?"
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One potential deal that could have an interesting impact on both teams? Sounds like the Suns and Clippers are talking about a deal that would send the No. 7 pick and Corey Maggette to Phoenix for Barbosa and the No. 15 pick.

That deal only works if Maggette decides not to opt out of his contract this week. If he opts out, Maggette couldn't be signed-and-traded until mid-July.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It looks like French swingman Nicolas Batum is ready to hit the workout circuit again. Batum's agent, Bouna Ndiaye, told ESPN.com (and every team in the league) that Batum was cleared this morning by the respected Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute.

As we reported late last week, Batum ran into some trouble during stress echo testing -- a treadmill test that measures the health of the heart -- in Toronto and New Jersey, raising fears that he may have a heart issue.

Ndiaye said teams will get a full medical report on Tuesday morning detailing his physical. If teams are satisfied with the results, it should put Batum (who slipped to No. 33 in our last mock draft) back into the first round.

He works out for the Spurs in San Antonio on Tuesday.
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The NBA released its Green Room invitations Monday. No huge surprises there. Sixteen players were invited. My advice is that three of them decline. Robin Lopez, Darrell Arthur and DeAndre Jordan are predicted to go anywhere from No. 12 to No. 28.

There's a very real chance that one of those guys sits in the room a long time before hearing his name called. My gut tells me Jordan is the most likely candidate to have a long night in the Green Room.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-24-2008, 04:38 PM

I think Rose goes #1 and Mayo goes #2

BroncoAV06

06-25-2008, 12:52 PM

Updated: June 25, 2008, 12:51 AM ET

The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Hornets to acquire the 27th pick in Thursday's NBA draft for cash considerations, a Blazers source told ESPN.com.

The deal was agreed to verbally between the two teams on Tuesday night, according to the source. The teams have scheduled a trade call with the league in the morning to make the deal official.

Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard has been very active in the past few drafts acquiring picks. Armed with the financial might of owner Paul Allen, the Blazers acquired the 23rd pick in the draft last year and drafted Rudy Fernandez. They also used cash to acquire Sergio Rodriguez in 2006.

It's unclear who the Blazers are eyeing at No. 27. One possibility is Croatian big man Ante Tomic, whom the Blazers have coveted for years.

Other potential targets are French swingman Nicolas Batum, who has slipped in the draft because of concerns about his heart, and Memphis swingman Chris Douglas-Roberts.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

Tha Blazers have 13, 27, 33, 36, and 55. Plenty of ammo to say go after a vet to add to the mix, since I have heard that Webster and Outlaw are names they would deal as well, and I think LaFrentz has an expiring, so the Blazers are definitly going to be market movers tomorrow and if they hit on a couple of thier picks, Oden, Aldrige, Roy+vet and lotto pick, looking good for them.

lex

06-25-2008, 01:09 PM

I think Rose goes #1 and Mayo goes #2

Yeah, word around Chicago is that it will be Rose...part of this is driven by a comment by Paxson that suggests the guy theyre learning towards may struggle initially...and later he goes on to say that he thinks Rose may struggle...or something like that.

BOSSHOGG30

06-25-2008, 01:15 PM

76ers better get Elton Brand or another good forward and draft a big guy who can contribute... He better be at least 6' 11" or more! I can also see them trading Andre Miller this offseason. Oh, and if the 76ers trade Iggy I will be pissed.

lex

06-25-2008, 02:24 PM

BOSSHOGG30

06-25-2008, 02:44 PM

What about Gordon/Hinrich for Iguadola?

no! :D Iguadola is the next Michael Jordan:D ;)

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-25-2008, 06:38 PM

Well the nuggets wont be drafting Chalmers, They just traded there pick for a pick next year or the year after lol. I think that was stupid. Sixers are going to sign Josh Smith, That solves the PF problem. Igoudala will remain a Sixer, Lou will remain a Sixer. I think they will trade Andre Miller also for a pick between maybe 9-16. Sixers would then be able to draft Augustine if they want a pure PG and still pick up another player to come off the bench.

DallasChief

06-25-2008, 06:52 PM

I think Rose goes #1 and Mayo goes #2

Probably so but there's no way Mayo is better then Beasley.

BroncoAV06

06-25-2008, 08:17 PM

Well its no surprise, Nuggs dont like pics. Guess they are hoping for a poor season from the cats and a lotto pick. Wont kill the Nuggs. Know they have worked out some guys that will go undrafted. Is it a rumor about Smith to Philly or just wanting him?

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-25-2008, 08:47 PM

I heard the Smith and Philly thing on the NBA Draft Preview Show yesterday from there insiders. You cant really talk to agents yet but he reported Philly will be ready to throw him 11 million per year. And how Atlanta does not want to do that. Sixers will probably be aggresive in moving up in the draft also.

MOtorboat

06-25-2008, 08:55 PM

Indiana has reportedly traded Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors for the 17th Pick and T.J. Ford.

MOtorboat

06-25-2008, 08:56 PM

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-25-2008, 08:57 PM

Nuggets are pretty crazy for not keeping that pick though. Bobcats are not gonna be a horrible team next year in the east. They should make a playoff push they have talent. Nuggets could have had a Brandon Rush or Chalmers with that pick. 2 guys who are NBA ready and dominate on defense. Nuggets Guards cant defend worth crap.

MOtorboat

06-25-2008, 08:57 PM

That's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If it's a lottery pick, they don't get jack shit.

WTF?

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-25-2008, 08:58 PM

Indiana has reportedly traded Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors for the 17th Pick and T.J. Ford.

Yup thats true. Bad trade for Toronto, Great trade for the Pacers though.

Ziggy

06-26-2008, 07:51 AM

MOtorboat

06-26-2008, 08:20 AM

Being a Nuggets fan during the NBA draft really blows. I have no idea why we disdain the draft so much, especially with an aging team. (Camby,Iverson, Martin). Son of a............

....and we still need a shooter.

Flatinum

06-26-2008, 09:39 AM

Yup thats true. Bad trade for Toronto, Great trade for the Pacers though.

TJ Ford is a decent guard, nothing more and a headcase (Calderon is better), Nesterovic is a bench player and the 17th pick is????

The Raptors need an inside presence.

Looks like a wash to me.

D1g1tal j1m

06-26-2008, 10:40 AM

If the Spurs pick another Euro I will do spill nothing but hateful rage on all the Spurs Forums I can find. Seriously, it's time for them to pick a player that will actually make their roster next year. They have had nothing put trouble getting their International picks to sign deals when the time comes. We need a youth overhaul. No more 32+ year old "Veterans".

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 01:11 PM

Ford Chat Part 1:

Chad Ford: (1:00 PM ET ) Aloha everyone. Well it's finally here. Happy Draft Day everyone. It's my favorite day of the year. For one day, every team is a contender. Everyone has hope. There's so much trade chatter, draft talk, etc. I'll try to share everything I have. Be patient. My phone is ringing constantly and I'll try to pass along any information I get ... let's roll.

John (Providence, RI): Do you think that Pat Riley is playing a "Jedi mind trick" on John Paxson and the Bulls in that they really want Beasley and they don't want him going #1?

Chad Ford: (1:03 PM ET ) Ummm ... I don't think so. But it's an interesting theory. Pat Riley has really played poker on this. Ditto for John Paxson. I think Rose is going No. 1 ... but it would be funny if, by dogging Beasley, he somehow influenced the Bulls. Interesting.

Ric Andrews (Lindenhurst, IL): Chad, What would the Bulls have to give up for Wade? Would the #1 pick be necessary, or could they get a deal done without it?

Chad Ford: (1:04 PM ET ) I don't think the Bulls are getting Dwyane Wade, though it certainly is a rumor that has been making the rounds among NBA GMs. They'd have to give up No. 1, Tyrus Thomas, Drew Gooden's expiring contract and filler to get him. I'd do it if I were the Bulls. But I think the Heat aren't that crazy.

Dave (Menomonee Falls, WI): Chad - I keep hearing this rumor of the Bulls making a play for #2. First, could it really happen and second, would some combination of Hinrich, Deng and Gordon get it done?

Chad Ford: (1:06 PM ET ) If they really wanted to make that play for Beasley, they'd have to wait until the summer and then talk sign-and-trade with Deng or Gordon. You couldn't do it right now. I'm sure Pat Riley would listen.

Matt (Boston): Lets say Bulls take Rose. Heat take beasley. Which team will be better off next year?

Chad Ford: (1:07 PM ET ) Heat. First, they have Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion. Two All-Stars. Second, Beasley will have a bigger impact in year one. His game is just more ready. That's why I didn't understand why the Heat wouldn't do this trade.

Jarred (DC): Chad, Please tell me the Heat aren't going to get any suitable offers so the "have to" hold onto the pick and take Beasley?

Chad Ford: (1:09 PM ET ) So far ... that's how it looks. They don't have a trade yet. I think they'd be happy with a deal that nets them either O.J. Mayo or Jerryd Bayless and gives them some cap relief by taking Mark Blount off their hands. Seattle could reciprocate (they could send Chris Wilcox). So could Minnesota (they could send back Antoine Walker's expiring deal). If I were Minnesota or Seattle, I'd do that deal in a heartbeat. But as of right now ... sounds like the Heat and Wolves and Sonics are all playing chicken.

Jason (TN): Mr Ford, do you see the Heat trading Marion, and if so, will it be primarily for another lottery pick (and filler), or would Riley look to grab another established star (ala Odom, Brand, or Boozer)?

Chad Ford: (1:12 PM ET ) No one is trading a lottery pick for Marion with the possible exception of the Clippers in a larger Elton Brand deal. Marion is a free agent next summer and he wants A LOT of money. Most teams won't give it to him which means they'd lose him in a year. More likely the Heat find a trade partner like the Lakers (for Lamar Odom) or the Sixers (for Andre Miller and change) etc.

Rikki (Minneapolis): What is the latest trade talk concerning the 3rd and the Wolves? Please tell me McHale will just take Mayo and run..

Chad Ford: (1:14 PM ET ) That's what the Wolves are saying. They're taking Mayo. I'm not sure whether that's true or whether it's a negotiating ploy. I know the are enamored with Kevin Love. If they take Mayo, they could try to pick up an asset and select him later ... though with all the trade talk swirling it sounds like Love not be on the board after No. 5.

Steve, Omaha: The sonics continually have gotten burned by taking centers high in the draft. Brook Lopez looks like a perfect fit for this to happen again. What points to Lopez working out any better than Swift, Sene, etc...

Chad Ford: (1:17 PM ET ) He's much more experienced and skilled than either Robert Swift or Saer Sene. He averaged nearly 20 ppg in the Pac 10. I think it's a safe pick. I think their heart is with Russell Westbrook however. They have an offer from the Clippers that would give them No. 7 and a future first. I think they should take it and then draft either Lopez or Westbrook or Bayless ... whoever's left on the board.

Chase, Memphis: What is the likelihood the Grizzlies pick 5 and 28? In other words will the myriad of trade rumors yield nothing?

Chad Ford: (1:20 PM ET ) I think the likelihood is HIGH that they trade their pick. I just posted a story on ESPN.com about it. They are in talks with the Nets about a swap that would send No. 5 to NJ for the No. 10 pick and a future first rounder from NJ. They are also talking to the Blazers about a swap that would give them No. 13 and a player like Travis Outlaw. From what I can gather, the Knicks trade talk is dead after David Lee's agent basically told Memphis he wasn't interested in signing with them when he hits free agency next summer. And yes ... there's still a possibility they could get No. 2 from Miami. But from what I hear, it looks like it's a longshot.

With the exception of the Beasley deal the one thing all of the proposed deals has in common is that the Grizzlies save money. I think they have accountants analyzing their draft now.

Knicks(NY): what is the knicks going to do with the 6th pick?? any ideas??

Chad Ford: (1:23 PM ET ) Donnie Walsh has played it close to the vest. I think they are deciding between three players: Gallinari, Westbrook and Eric Gordon. I think I've listed them in the correct order.

Pete, NJ: Do the Knicks have the possibility of trading up? Or even down if they can get rid of some salary in the process?

Chad Ford: (1:26 PM ET ) They are trying to get up a few spots in the draft. But right now it's tough. They have two chips. They have two expiring contracts (Marbury and Malik Rose's) and are willing to take back a contract as long as it expires in the summer of 2010. Their other asset is Lee. But Walsh has to be careful how he uses it. Once it's gone, the Knicks don't have a lot of chips to work with.

Mark: Chad, what offers have the Clippers made to try and move up in this draft?

Chad Ford: (1:27 PM ET ) They've been trying to get up to 3 or 4 to select O.J. Mayo, or if he's off the board, Eric Gordon. But so far, no cigar. If they stand pat I think they'll take either Gordon, Bayless or Westbrook.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 01:17 PM

Part 2:

John (WISC): What are the Bucks looking to do with their pick? Any news on Redd being dealt?

Chad Ford: (1:29 PM ET ) I think if Kevin Love is on the board, they'll have a tough time passing on him. If he's gone, Joe Alexander is the likely pick. As for Redd, they don't have a good deal yet. The Cavs are interested in Redd, but the y don't have anything but expiring contracts to offer back in return. I think the Bucks want more.

Mike (Charlotte, NC): The Bobcats just picked up #20. Is the plan to package with #9 and try and move up, or sit back and hope Hibbert falls to them at 20?

Chad Ford: (1:31 PM ET ) They have been trying to move up as well, but I'm not sure how far #9 and #20 can get them. Their targets are Kevin Love or Russell Westbrook. They'll be stuck if both of those guys are off the board at No. 9 and could just swing for the fences and try to grab Anthony Randolph here. At 20 ... they'll go Roy Hibbert if he's there. If he's gone, I've heard Jason Thompson of Rider or Alexis Ajinca.

Jon (NYC): Chad, who would the Nets be targeting at #5?

Chad Ford: (1:35 PM ET ) Kevin Love I think. They also like Gallinari and Russell Westbrook. Their fear is that none of the guys they like will be there at No. 10. I think it's a legitimate fear. If they had to include No. 21 in the deal, I'd do it to get to No. 5. At 21 I think they'll go either Hickson or Anderson.

Sean (Spokane): What do you think of the Raptors-Pacers deal?

Chad Ford: (1:39 PM ET ) I think it's a win-win deal. I think the Pacers walk away with three things: a great player (Ford), a young prospect (17th pick) and lots of cap space in 2009. That's the holy trinity in a trade. And I think the Raptors get a potentially dominating big man if Jermaine O'Neal is healthy. This is cleary a case of one man's trash is another man's treasure. I think this trade will make both teams much better next year. So much for all of those haters that said Larry Bird doesn't have game as a GM. This was a very sophisticated move. Better than I thought the Pacers could get for O'Neal.

Justin (Indy): How do you see the Pacers draft unfolding...can fans expect any trades to move up in the draft?

Chad Ford: (1:40 PM ET ) I think everything is on the board now. I'd expect them to go big at 11 ... maybe Kosta Koufos, Darrell Arthur or Robin Lopez. Personally, I'd take Brandon Rush here, I think he'd be a great fit next to T.J. in their backcourt. As for 17 ... if they go big at 11 I think they'll get a point guard like Mario Chalmers at 17. If they go guard, they'll look at the best big on the board: Arthur, Lopez or maybe Roy Hibbert.

Don, Sacramento: Does the Pacers trade for TJ Ford mean that Augustin will be available to the Kings?

Chad Ford: (1:42 PM ET ) There's a great chance of that. The Blazers are trying to move ahead of Sacramento to get him, but if they can't pull off a deal, then he falls in the Kings lap at 12. Also there's an outside chance that Jerryd Bayless could be there. They'd love that. If both guys are gone I hear it's between Roy Hibbert and Donte Greene.

Tyler (Woodland, WA): What are you hearing about the Blazers this morning? Any activity?

Chad Ford: (1:44 PM ET ) Yeah .. Kevin "Dr. Deal" Pritchard is talking to everyone. Honestly, he has as much energy and creativity as any GM I've ever met. The guy is constantly trying to make his team better. His philosophy of gathering assets is a good one. It sets him up for bigger deals down the road. I suspect they'll get something done to move up a few spots and get Augustin or Westbrook. At 27, look for them to go international with either Nicolas Batum, Ante Tomic or Serge Ibaka.

Leilani (Kappa, Kauai, HI): Aloha Chad. Any chance the Warriors use that big trade exemption and the #14 pick to land someone or move up in the draft?

Chad Ford: (1:50 PM ET ) There's my girl from Hawaii representing right there. A quick shout out to all of my ohana in the islands. Great memory on that huge trade exception ... I don't think they use it. I think they go Koufos or Greene or Lopez or Thompson here. Obviously that's kind of vauge. Shows you how strong my sources in Golden State are.

H.B. (Tempe, AZ): Chadwick - any moves for the Suns with Barbosa or Diaw? Or just sticking at 15 and hoping for Rush or the "other Lopez."

Chad Ford: (1:54 PM ET ) They've been trying to move Barbosa and Diaw but they're struggling to get a deal that works. Hearing they want Brandon Rush and have been trying to move up to make sure they get him. Robin Lopez is a possibility. So is Anthony Randolph.

Cory, Philadelphia: What is the best option for the Sixers at 16?

Chad Ford: (1:54 PM ET ) ???? tough choice. I like Darrell Arthur there personally if he's still on the board. I hear they're flirting with DeAndre Jordan ... but I'm becoming more and more skeptical about that.

Ken (New Braunfels, TX): Is there any truth to the rumor that the Rockets are trading their pick at 25 along with Luther Head, to the Wizards for their pick at 18??

Chad Ford: (2:01 PM ET ) The Wizards and Rockets have had talks but nothing is done. I do think the Wizards are trying to move this pick ... they're talking to several teams in the 20s but Rockets look like their best option right now.

Matt , Cleveland: Hope you voice is better today than last night on ESPNEWS. Danny Ferry sounds like there is a lot of pressure on tonight to get something done. Are the Cavs sticking around 19 or will they be able to make a bigger move? I am not really interested in these big man projects at this point in the draft and would rather see them take someone who could score or defend like CDR

Chad Ford: (2:04 PM ET ) Yeah ... my voice is going. They've tried to move up to get Kosta Koufos. He could be here at No. 19 or Brook Lopez or Roy Hibbert. In other words I think they go big. Only guard that would entice them is Chalmers.

Ignacio (San Juan, PR): Hey Chad, Any news on the Orlando Magic. They really need a PG and a PF. Who are they targeting at 22, any chance of a trade that nets them a solid vet?

Chad Ford: (2:09 PM ET ) Sounds like they love Courtney Lee. But they're also looking at bigs like Marreese Speights.

Andy (Savannah): Hey Chad, hear anything about the Jazz? Who do they take today? Any chance they move up?

Chad Ford: (2:09 PM ET ) They're hoping Hibbert falls to them there. I don't think he will. It will be between Ante Tomic, Alexis Ajinca and maybe DeAndre Jordan and JaVale McGee. In other words, they're going big.

Gerardo (Tempe, AZ): Professor, where does N. Batum go? Any chance he falls to the Spurs at 26?

Chad Ford: (2:10 PM ET ) I think there's a good chance that Batum is the Spurs pick at 26. Unlike Tiago Splitter, he can come and play in the NBA now. They also really like Cal's Ryan Anderson.

Tom (Worcester, MA): Hey Chad, what's in store for the Hornets after trading their pick?

Chad Ford: (2:11 PM ET ) Look for them to make a run at a two guard in free agency. I'm sure Ben Gordon is near the top of their list, but he's a restricted free agent so it would have to be some sort of sign-and-trade.

Micho (Lansing, MI): Hey Chad, any word out of Detroit on what the Pistons will do tonight? Any trades brewing?

Chad Ford: (2:12 PM ET ) They flirted with moving up, but it sounds like they are standing pat at 29 as we speak. I think they hope Jason Thompson falls to them. If he doesn't, maybe they'll take a flier on one of these young bigs like Jordan or McGee. Hickson is another possibility if he's there.
Joe (NY): Chad what can the Celtics do to improve their scoring off the bench?? Will CDR or Lee be there at 30??

Chad Ford: (2:13 PM ET ) I think one of them could be there and it would be a great pick up for the Celtics. Either one of those guys could play now. Danny Ainge is a great drafter. I think you're in good hands.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-26-2008, 01:47 PM

TJ Ford is a decent guard, nothing more and a headcase (Calderon is better), Nesterovic is a bench player and the 17th pick is????

The Raptors need an inside presence.

Looks like a wash to me.

Oh no im not saying it was a great trade overall, But it was great for the Pacers. They get a chance to have a starting PG. Never heard of Ford being a (headcase). Nesterovic is a bum im not really including him lol. But with that 17th pick they get a chance to add another guard such as a Chalmers or Brandon Rush....2 guys im sure could have helped the Nuggs.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 02:02 PM

I think Toronto is happy to role out Bosh, O'Neil, Bargnani, Calderon, and Kapono, Moon or Brezec. O'Neil and Bosh are going to be expected to put up points and maybe that opens up more shots for Kapono and Bargnani on the perimiter but still seems like they could use 1 perimiter scorer. But in the east with some chemistry the Raps will not have a hard time making the play-offs, it will be making that push past round one.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 03:22 PM

The New Jersey Nets and Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of a trade that will send Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the deal has been agreed to and submitted for league approval in advance of Thursday night's draft. No draft picks are involved in the trade, sources said.

Such a swap would create an estimated $10-plus million in long-term savings for the Nets as they continue to re-shape their team after trading another mainstay -- point guard Jason Kidd -- to Dallas in February.

The trade would also enable Yi to make a move to the larger media market he was hoping for this time last year, when Milwaukee drafted him out of China with the sixth overall pick. Kiki Vandeweghe, New Jersey's new general manager alongside team president Rod Thorn, is a longstanding Yi fan who has frequently likened the 7-footer's perimeter skills and potential to Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki.

The Bucks, meanwhile, would be supplying new coach Scott Skiles with a veteran player coming off his best season to fill a problem position. Jefferson averaged 22.7 points per game last season and played all 82 games after an injury-plagued 2006-07 season.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here.

Well Bucks get Jefferson, to pair with Redd, and still could get Alexander or a big in the lotto.

Info by the min:

Two big deals have just gone down in the past few minutes that could change the face of the draft.

The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3. If Mayo isn't drafted at 3, the deal is off according to two sources close to the information.

With the No. 4 pick, expect the Clippers to take Eric Gordon of Indiana. They've coveted him as the type of dominant scorer they've been looking for.

The Sonics will take Brook Lopez or Jerryd Bayless at No. 7. However it seems Lopez will be the guy.

The Bucks and Nets have also done a deal that could have a big impact on the draft. The Bucks are sending Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersey for Richard Jefferson, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein.

That means the Bucks may be less likely to take Joe Alexander at No. 8. He's a small forward like Jefferson and they may decide to go with a guard now -- either Russell Westbrook or Jerryd Bayless.

The Nets have the No. 10 and No. 21 picks. Look for them to make a run at Joe Alexander if he's on the board at 10. He'd be the perfect complement to Yi and Sean Williams in the frontcourt.

The Bucks have been eyeing Alexander and still could take him at No. 8. However, sources say it's more likely that they'll add another guard. My guess is that Russell Westbrook doesn't slide past the Bucks unless Kevin Love somehow drops to them at 8.

The Spurs sent an e-mail to every team in the league at 3:30 p.m. saying that they were willing to move the 26th pick. The e-mail asked league executives to "E-mail us your interest and your offers to 26."

That's the first time I've heard of something like this in all of my years covering the draft. Make your Spurs pitch below in our comments section.

The Wizards have been talking with several teams about trading down in the draft.

Talks with the Pistons last night ended up going nowhere.

The latest has them talking about a swap with the Rockets that would send No. 18 to Houston and No. 25 to Washington.

The Memphis Grizzlies like Eric Gordon and Kevin Love. But it is looking more and more likely that they will trade away their No. 5 pick on draft night.

The New Jersey Nets and the Grizzlies are in talks about a trade that would send the No. 5 pick to New Jersey for the No. 10 pick and a future first-round pick.

If the Nets move to No. 5, it appears they are looking at two guys who might not be on the board at No. 10: Danilo Gallinari and Love.

The Nets are big fans of both players and were hoping one of them would fall to No. 10. Gallinari would give the Nets a sharpshooter with great passing skills and good experience in Europe.

However, Love is more NBA ready. He has great strength and skills, although some teams worry about his lack of size.

It's unclear what the Grizzlies are thinking if they move to No. 10. They need a power forward and could look at LSU's Anthony Randolph. They also could scoop up Gallinari if the Nets pass on him at No. 5 and the New York Knicks pass on him at No. 6.

However, the Nets aren't alone in their pursuit of the Grizzlies' pick. The Portland Trail Blazers also have been talking to the Grizzlies about a deal that would send the No. 5 pick to Portland. The Blazers have a number of assets, including Travis Outlaw, that they could throw the Grizzlies' way. The Blazers covet Russell Westbrook and Love.

The other team that seems to be hot for the Grizzlies' pick is the Knicks. Earlier in the week, they discussed a deal that would send David Lee and Malik Rose to the Grizzlies in return for the No. 5 pick and Brian Cardinal. However, Lee's agent might have scuttled that deal for the Knicks when he told Memphis that Lee, who will become a restricted free agent next summer, has no interest in signing a long-term deal in Memphis. The Knicks were trying to pick up multiple lottery picks to jump-start the rebuilding process.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

Colors are just there so that you can tell the seperate stories.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-26-2008, 03:24 PM

Oneal misses like 55 games a year and then some. I think his career been on the down side.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 03:35 PM

Yes that is a key to the deal his health but it is a I would say medium risk, high reward deal.

As for Rush and Chalmers I don't think either would be available at #20 anyways and Mario seemed to be really the only one that was on the Nuggets radar.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-26-2008, 07:47 PM

Dang all my guys are dropping off the board.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-26-2008, 07:50 PM

Rush went high and deservingly. So i guess Nuggets had no shot at Rush to begin with. If Chalmers goes before 20 then the Nuggets trade might make sense.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 07:58 PM

How about the Pacers. Looks like they have an extra gaurd on their hand with Tinsley, he won't be to happy. But the draft has layed out so far, Rider to the Kings was high but man from what I hear about that kid does not seem like a bad pick at all.

Jefferson, Redd, Alexander looking interesting for the Bucks.

Devilspawn

06-26-2008, 08:23 PM

Man do I miss Mel Kiper. There is NO draft like the NFL Draft.

Glad the Knicks got the Italy guy.

SmilinAssasSin27

06-26-2008, 09:07 PM

The Spurs FINALLY get an American born player. Good athelete who can play the 2 spot. I like it. Don't know too much about him, but it's hard to argue w/ their talent scouts given their track record...they also drafted Barbosa and Scola originally.

*Atwater*

06-26-2008, 09:32 PM

The Miami heat picked Michael Beasley hell yeah.

Thats is all.

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 10:10 PM

Nets looking good, CDR at 40. My boy Giddens to Boston at 30!

SmilinAssasSin27

06-26-2008, 10:39 PM

And the Spurs get another foreigner who won't play in SA for 2-3 yrs...why am I not surprised?

BroncoAV06

06-26-2008, 11:07 PM

And the Spurs get another foreigner who won't play in SA for 2-3 yrs...why am I not surprised?

Why are you upset? They build winners.

Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal

06-26-2008, 11:49 PM

Sixers got a very good big athletic kid. Marreese Spieghts. 6'11 250 pound, Great post game with both hands. Can shoot the 18 foot shot consistantly. Runs the floor great, rebounds also. Sky is the limit for him i hope he works hard so he can crack the line up early lie Young did... Sixers didnt expect Young to play last year either but he worked so hard on his game Moe had to play him. Ended up All Rookie 2nd team with just one half of the season.

lex

06-27-2008, 10:02 AM

The Miami heat picked Michael Beasley hell yeah.

Thats is all.

Not only that but they also added Chalmers...not bad at all. I really like Chalmers' combination defense, quickness, and outside shooting. Dwyane Wade will love him if he can get steals in the NBA anything like he did in college...should be a lot of breakaway dunks.

BTW, it was interesting listening to Riley. Reading between the lines, Riley didnt want him because he's a goofball but his personnel people got on the table for him.

BroncoAV06

06-27-2008, 01:18 PM

Bayless beside Roy, Oden beside Aldrige, and Batum which I don't know much about Blazers have very nice pieces in place.
Seattle is building around Durant, Green, Westbrook, interesting front court, loaded up inside and got defense, still a few years away but they can only get better.
The Wolves Love/Jefferson inside, Miller outside, Foye still has alot of buzz around him to be an above average gaurd, Brewer....
The Northwest can only get better, if the Nuggets do not sort things out they could fall behind fast in a couple of years.

Agree on the Heat good draft.
I like the players the Nets got, CDR at 40 was a steal, they are pretty forward heavy so it will be interesting to see who will win the mins.
Pacers set themselves up good from what I hear, they will have alot of cap relief next year and added Rush and Hibbert.
I just like Joe Alexander, wonder if he will get looks at the 4, with Jefferson at 3, Redd at 2, but then you have Charlie Villanueva which would seem to block Alexander? Bucks have good offensive forwards, get an inside pressence and decent gaurd play, could be interesting.

Here are some quick grades from Ford:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftGrades-080627

Ziggy

06-27-2008, 03:17 PM

The Nuggets are already falling behind. I like Iverson, but I think they fell behind the minute they traded for him. 2 years later, same playoff results. One and done. Except now they have no young studs from the draft the last 2 years and are in salary cap hell. I applaud thier gamble, but it looks like it was an unsuccessful one.

Scarface

06-29-2008, 11:54 AM

SmilinAssasSin27

06-29-2008, 05:14 PM

Why are you upset? They build winners.

Not upset, just not surprised either.

Anyone know if Splitter is definitely playing in SA this year?

SmilinAssasSin27

06-29-2008, 05:16 PM

Scarface

06-29-2008, 05:30 PM

Tiago Splitter

2007, first round (28th overall)

Spurs drafted Splitter knowing they’d have to wait at least a season to sign him away from his Spanish League team. Wait got longer this summer when Splitter agreed to a four-year deal with Tau Ceramica. Regarded as one of the top players in Europe, but future with Spurs remains cloudy for now.

That really pissed me off but I can't blame him. He's going to make 10 times as much scratch playing there.

Ian Mahinmi will be on the squad though! The 1st rounder from France had a year of seasoning in the D-League last year. With him, Hill, and whatever FA's we sign we're going to be more athletic next year.

http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/i_mahinmi_300_080124.jpg

honz

06-29-2008, 05:44 PM

That really pissed me off but I can't blame him. He's going to make 10 times as much scratch playing there.

Ian Mahinmi will be on the squad though! The 1st rounder from France had a year of seasoning in the D-League last year. With him, Hill, and whatever FA's we sign we're going to be more athletic next year.

http://www.nba.com/media/dleague/i_mahinmi_300_080124.jpg

I hate the Spurs!

This guy has got game for sure. You know how old he is?

BroncoAV06

06-29-2008, 07:25 PM

Already looking forward to next year:

The 2009 NBA draft doesn't appear to have the sex appeal of this year's draft. So far there are no Rose- or Beasley-type players. In fact, many NBA scouts are saying the upcoming draft could be the weakest in several years.

Still, there are some very good players in next year's draft.

The '09 draft should be richer in point guards than the '08 draft. Led by Arizona's Brandon Jennings and Spain's Ricky Rubio, 11 point guards are ranked in my top 30.

The crop of small forwards also seems enticing. Eight of the 30 slots in my first-round projections are occupied by small forwards, led by Gonzaga's Austin Daye.

But the center and power forward positions are terrible. I have only four power forwards and four centers in my top 30 at the moment.

To see how everyone stacks up, check out my 2009 Top 100.

Here's why the class appears to be weaker than usual:

1. There are fewer high-quality college holdovers

UConn's Thabeet's defensive presence alone will get him drafted in the first round.
Thanks in part to the NBA's new eligibility rules, a record number of "one-and-done" freshman hit the draft this year.

Only a small handful of talented players decided to skip the draft this year and return to college. Only one of them -- Oklahoma's Blake Griffin -- could have been a lottery pick this year.

A few others, including UConn's Hasheem Thabeet, Gonzaga's Austin Daye and Arizona's Chase Budinger, likely would have been first-rounders had they decided to declare.

Had players such as DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Hickson, Kosta Koufos and Donte Greene stayed in school, next year's draft class would be much deeper.

Given the drain on this year's freshman class, there aren't a lot of other up-and-coming college players. But a few, like Louisville's Earl Clark, Arizona State's James Harden, Florida's Nick Calathes, Tulsa's Jerome Jordan, Arizona's Jordan Hill and Kansas center Cole Aldrich, look like they could make a splash.

In short, this class isn't brimming with returning college players who look destined to be great.

2. The incoming freshmen class is weaker

In 2007, a record six freshmen -- Greg Oden, Kevin Durant, Mike Conley, Brandan Wright, Spencer Hawes and Thaddeus Young -- were drafted in the lottery.

In 2008, seven freshmen -- Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Jerryd Bayless and Anthony Randolph -- went in the lottery.

This year I'm projecting only four high school prospects as lottery picks -- USC's Demar DeRozan, Ohio State's B.J. Mullens, Arizona's Brandon Jennings, and UCLA's Jrue Holiday.

One of those four, Jennings, is still trying to qualify academically. If he doesn't, he may have to skip college and head to Europe or the D-League. That would potentially hurt his stock and push him out of the lottery.

Several other freshmen, including Wake Forest's Al-Farouq Aminu, Memphis' Tyreke Evans, West Virginia's Devin Ebanks and Tennessee's Scotty Hopson, are possible first-rounders, but most scouts think they really need at least two years on the college level.

3. The international crop remains thin

Danilo Gallinari was the hot name in 2008, but the rest of the international class was subpar. In the end, only four international players went in the first round and only two -- Gallinari and probably Nicolas Batum -- are expected to play in the NBA in the upcoming season.

In 2009, the talent is even weaker. Spanish point guard sensation Ricky Rubio is widely seen as a top-10 pick, but no one else is a lock for the first round.

A few interesting international prospects, such as Spain's Victor Claver, Israel's Omri Casspi and Lithuania's Dontas Motiejunas, will get close looks. But they'll need big seasons with their clubs to move off the first-round bubble.

Overall, the draft class of 2009 will probably be better than it looks now. Some players that we're not talking about will rise -- they always do. Russell Westbrook, for example, wasn't in my top 50 a year ago. Ditto for Anthony Randolph.

As the Nike and ABCD camps and international tournaments get underway, look for further reports, including my stock watch.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.