After the Anthem: NBA draft

Now I know, I know this Lakers flavor on ATA needs to end soon. I mean it has to end soon no? Especially considering that the NBA Season has now concluded. I just had to make one more comment, just because its so much fun supporting a player who really shoots too damn much for his own good. So, I was looking through the NBA Draft results and came across this article:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-lakers27-2008jun27,0,1934112.story

In it, Mitch Kupchak talks about his draft pick Joe Crawford. He seems decent, considering it "slipped" so low. But in reality, this Laker's team is so deep that he really has no place, especially if last year's draft pick, China's Sun Yue, comes over to the United States next season. Here's a clip:

So anyways, the real point of this post is because I wanted to highlight how free agency begins at 9 P.M. tomorrow. Mitch Kupchak knows this too. He's a good GM. Here's what Mitchie said about Sasha:

They are particularly interested in re-signing Sasha Vujacic, a restricted free agent.

"I intend to contact him at 9:01 on Monday night," Kupchak said.

Then pray tell
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE DOING AT 9:00 PM???

Mitch better be on that horse by 9:00 PM.
Thanks to loljocks.blogspot.com for the picture.

Read/Discuss >>

1 Chicago Derrick Rose 6'4 195 G Memphis
Easy pick for Chicago. Derrick Rose will follow in the path of Deron Williams and Chris Paul and prove how an athletic 1-guard can lead a team to success. Added benefit: Chicago can begin unloading their crowded (and overpaid) backcourt (Hinrich @ 11million, Hughes @ 12mil) and trade for legitimate front court players, veteran leadership, or cleared cap space.

2 Miami Michael Beasley 6'9 235 F Kansas St.
Miami would have loved Rose here, but instead they got the NCAA's top scorer last season (dammit all). Hopefully Mr. Beasley can mature quickly and prove how impressive his offensive arsenal is in the NBA; it would definitely make it easier on Wade. Oh, one more thing Miami, I heard NY and Chicago both have too many guards, all of whom are better than Jason Williams and Marcus Banks.

3 Minnesota O.J. Mayo 6'5 215 G USC
I have to be honest, I am not a big fan of OJ Mayo, nor do I believe in his potential. But he's athletic, has a lot of offensive moves, and people can't stop talking about him. In the future he's going to be one of those Larry Hughes type of players, always decent but never reaching perceived potential.

4 Seattle Russell Westbrook 6'3 180 G UCLA

Young gun from UCLA displayed tons of potential in the Final Four game, displaying poise, athleticisim, speed, defense, and offensive capabilities. He might have been picked pretty high but Westbrook brings defense, strength and intensity, skills Seattle definitely needs.

5 Memphis Kevin Love 6'10 250 C UCLA
People can't stop raving about the big man's full court chest passes but other than that, I havn't heard much else. He's a power player going into the NBA (uh-oh) and he actually lost weight (uh-oh), but he has a decent midrange shot, will play scrappy, and his height and overall girth should make him a rebounding force.

6 New York Danilo Gallinari 6'9 209 F
From what I hear, this kid is good. Great shooter and plays at a high level on the Italian team, but on a team as screwed up as New York with Marbury, Randolph and Curry, I believe his talents will go under the radar.

7 LA Clippers Eric Gordon 6'4 215 G Indiana
Love this pick for the Clippers. With Livingston returning from injury (once again), Elton Brand, Al Thornton, and Chris Kaman manning the front line, the best shooter in the draft should definitely help create interior space and provide security for when Corey Maggette finally leaves the Clippers.

8 Milwaukee Joe Alexander 6'8 225 F West Virginia
Joe Alexander was amazing in the NCAA tournament and continued to wow scouts in pre-draft workouts. This guy is explosive, aggressive, and oh yeah, he has a silky shot. Too bad he won't see too much playing time with the arrival of Richard Jefferson.

9 Charlotte D.J. Augustin 5'11 175 G Texas
I truly enjoy watching small guards such as Augustin but the height and length of the NBA is too much for them. Unless Augustin can prove to become an outstanding shooter, I don't expect much from this 1-guard.

10 New Jersey Brook Lopez 7'0 240 F Stanford
Always great to find a 7 footer who's not 100 pounds. Brook Lopez is decently sized, posesses a strong offensive game, and will help out on the defense end. Poor man's Tim Duncan.

11 Indiana Jerryd Bayless 6'3 193 G Arizona
This was only about the lottery picks, but this man should be top 10. Bayless is absolutely explosive and displays great elevation on his jumpers and drives. Great scorer, great intensity, a bit of a steal at the 11 spot.

Rookie of the Year goes to...
OJ Mayo. Contrary to my doubts about him, he's in the best position to display his talents. With no one to challenge him for a starting position at the 2-guard, he should eclipse the other rookies with the playing time he receives; not fair but that' s how it's going to go. Beasley a close second.