NBA Mock Draft 2012

We finally almost know the order of the 2012 NBA Draft. With the completion of the lottery last night, we know how the top of the draft will shake down before trades. In this mock draft, I will depend on my own thoughts and opinions, as well as expertise from the experts at @DraftExpress and @ESPN.  Yikes, 2400 words is a lot, but I love the NBA Draft!

ROUND ONE

1.     New Orleans Hornets: Anthony Davis, Forward, UK

It doesn’t get any more obvious than this pick. No matter how much you may think the NBA Draft Lottery was rigged, that David Stern gave Tom Benson the #1 pick as a thank you for buying the Hornets, this is still a huge blessing for the Hornets. They played really hard for Monty Williams last year, and Anthony Davis will be an immediate starter and contributor to this team. He can block shots, rebound the basketball, and will blossom under the constant tutelage of an NBA coaching staff.

2.     Charlotte Bobcats: Bradley Beal, Shooting Guard, UF

The Bobcats needed the #1 pick more than anyone, but they will have to settle for second best on this draft. Some pundits are calling for Thomas Robinson in this spot, but I don’t think the Bobcats need another undersized player on their front line. Beal will bring an excellent outside shooting stroke and an improving attacking mentality to the court. He should immediately start beside Kemba Walker and make up the Charlotte backcourt for years to come.

3.     Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Small Forward, UK

Gilchrist will help John Wall play at the fastest pace possible…constantly. ThisUK grad is an extremely hard worker, runs the floor like a demon, and defends with a passion. He will bring an excellent mindset to the Wizards, and should help this franchise get on an upward path. The largest questions with him is his lack of a jumpshot. He will definitely need to improve in that area.

4.     Cleveland Cavaliers: Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, UNC

The Cavaliers would probably have drafted Barnes last year at the 4 spot if he were available. He has some limitations in his driving game, but his stroke is smooth and Kyrie Irving will get him the ball in places to score. He will need to improve his explosiveness, but will help the Cavs continue to grow into one of the most exciting young teams in the league.

5.     Sacramento Kings: Thomas Robinson, Power Forward, KU

The Sacramento King’s have a toughness problem. Thomas Robinson solves it. The Sacramento Kings have a problem with hard work. Thomas Robinson solves it. The Sacramento Kings have a lack of leadership. Thomas Robinson provides it. This is a great pick for a team that needs intangibles more than anything else.

6.     Portland Trailblazers: Andre Drummond, Center, UCONN

Riskiest pick of the draft so far. The Blazers already struck out with one big man this decade, but they will give Drummond a shot to develop into a quality center. He has explosion, skill, and size, but he needs to develop a work ethic and visible passion to blossom into the player he could be. I think Lamarcus Aldridge could be a key leader in his development.

7.     Golden State Warriors: Jeremy Lamb, Shooting Guard, UCONN

I though about Sullinger here, but adding Sullinger to David Lee is reasonably repetitive in my opinion, so the Warriors will add the shooting guard with the highest ceiling in the draft. Jeremy Lamb has a smooth jumpshot from midrange and really showed that he could put the ball in the basket in his sophomore season at UCONN. He needs to prove that he is a leader and can be aggressive all the time, but he has a chance to be a really solid shooting guard in the NBA.

8.     Toronto Raptors: Jared Sullinger, Power Forward, OSU

The Raptors would have loved for a slashing shooting guard to fall to them here, but they will make do with a long term fix at the power forward spot. Amir Johnson simply isn’t going to cut it for very long, and Sullinger complements Andrea Bargnani and future center Valanciunis nicely.

9.     Detroit Pistons: Arnett Moultrie, Power Forward, MISS ST.

Super bouncy, good jumpshot, solid shotblocker. This pick makes a lot of sense for the Pistons. Pairing Moultrie with Greg Monroe gives them a very solid frontcourt for the next decade. Moultrie really showed himself to be a good low block option, and he can also stretch the floor to give Monroe room under the basket.

10. New Orleans Hornets: Damian Lillard, Point Guard, Weber St.

The draft junkies on the internet got this one right. Jarret Jack is not the best long term answer at the point guard for the Hornets. Lillard is the best scoring point guard in this draft. He has great quickness, a really solid shot, and his decision making and passing are underrated. He really fits the new NBA mold of a scoring point guard, and he makes this a fantastic draft for the New Orleans Hornets.

11. Portland Trailblazers: Dion Waiters, Guard, Syracuse

Some very optimistic bloggers are comparing Waiters to Dwayne Wade. I think a better possible career comp could be Brandon Roy. What’s that? The Blazers just lost Brandon Roy forever because of knee issues? Well, that makes this a nice fit. Waiters can play the 2 or the 1, can get to the basket at will, and would really excel at the 6^th man role that he had in college. Good pick.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Perry Jones, Forward, Baylor

The Bucks have some pretty solid pieces in place. They have a tiny, explosive back court, some proven veterans in the forward slots, but one thing they need is a small forward who can contribute. This, after the Andre Drummond pick, is one of the bick chances in this draft. Perry Jones has enormous skill and fantastic potential. However, his less than fiery demeanor is well documented, and GM’s are unsure if he will be able to give consistent effort and production in the NBA. Here’s hoping he can.

13. Phoenix Suns: Terrence Ross, Shooting Guard, Washington

As much as we all love him, Michael Redd is probably not the shooting guard of the future for Phoenix. Terrence Ross could be. He is athletic, a great shooter, he can get to the rim, an he runs hard. He could end up moving up the board some during workouts, but for now we slot him at 13.

14. Houston Rockets: Tyler Zeller, Center, UNC

The Rockets are always short on big bodies, and Zeller possesses one of those. He runs the floor well, can finish over either shoulder, and has proven himself to be a very hard worker. He isn’t a franchise changing player, but if his jumper stays solid and he develops a counter post move or two, he will be a league average starting center.

15. Philadelphia 76’ers: Meyers Leonard, Center, Illinois

Lavoy Allen and Spencer Hawes battled valiantly against the Celtics this year, but one big problem for the Sixers is that they can’t protect the rim. Leonard is a custom built center for this team. He can run the floor, his frame is perfect for adding muscle, and he is really althetic for a tall, white kid. He should complement Elton Brand nicely, and could be a starter for years if he develops well.

16. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Austin Rivers, Shooting Guard, Duke

The Rockets will need a scorer off the bench if they lose Courntey Lee in free agency. Rivers does nothing but score. It is encoded in his DNA, and he will do it well for whatever team drafts him. He will need to develop his passing and mature a bit, but he has sixth man of the year written all over him for 2015.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Kendall Marshall, Point Guard, UNC

How do you replace one of the best passing point guards of all time? Draft one of the best passing college point guards in the last 25 years. Marshall’s old man game fits in perfectly with the old men that are currently on the Mavericks. He is a decent consolation if Deron Williams doesn’t sign, and a great backup if he does. Once his 3 point shot comes along, Marshall’s shiftiness will be plenty to get him into the lane in the NBA.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Jazz): John Henson, Forward, UNC

Quick, name one high flying shot blocker on the Timberwolves…you can’t. Nicola Pekovic and Kevin Love are fantastic rebounders and bruisers, but sometimes you need to block someone. Henson weighs roughly 73 pounds, but he is a great shot blocker and rebounder, and he could even hit a jumpshot or two. He fits in nicely with a rising young Timberwolves team.

19. Orlando Magic: Terrence Jones, Forward, UK

Eventually, talent will get snatched up. It will be a miracle of Jones drops this far, but if he does the Magic should pick up this multi-talented forward. I actually think he fits on this roster rather well. He is way more explosive than Hedo Turkoglu, and could fill in at the power forward slot without a problem. The only knock on Jones is inconsistency, but the NBA beats that out of a lot of players. I say he does well.

20. Denver Nuggets: Moe Harkless, Small Forward, St. Johns

This young man has flown under the radar at St. Johns for most of the year, but offseason workouts will reveal the talent he really is. The Nuggets are two deep at most positions, so they will take the best talent available. Harkless has a chance to be a really dynamic 3 in the NBA. He has great motor and athleticism, and a really solid jumpshot with improving range.

21. Boston Celtics: Fab Melo, Center, Syracuse

Kevin Garnett isn’t a center. Brandon Bass isn’t a center. However, those two gentlemen currently make up the starting frontcourt of the Boston Celtics. Melo was a fantastic shot blocker and rebounder in college, and his offensive game is growing by leaps and bounds. He hasn’t been playing basketball for that long, so his improvement is impressive and encouraging.

22. Boston Celtics (via Clippers): Evan Fournier, Shooting Guard, France

The Celtics have never been a team to grab overseas prospects, but their current off-guards are both in the twilight of their careers. Fournier is the best player in a week international crop this year, and he reminds a lot of people of a more athletic Gallinari. He could be a really good investment in a year or two.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Jeffery Taylor, Small Forward, Vandy

Taylor is a junior who has steadily improved each year in college. NBA people love to see that. Add that work ethic to very nice athleticism and a developing 3 point shot, and you can see a really good replacement for Marvin Williams in a year or three when he is gone. Good, safe pick here.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Festus Ezeli, Center, Vandy

The Cavs already got the player they really wanted in this draft, so adding some size to the frontcourt is a great way for them to end the round. Ezeli has some health problems this last year, but he is a legitimate center who knows how to use his size effectively. At the very least, he provides someone who can defend the 5, which this team lacks outside of Varejao.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: John Jenkins, Shooting Guard, Vandy

I didn’t mean to have three Vanderbilt players in a row, but they are filling needs. Jenkins was the best 3 point shooter in college basketball last year, and the Grizzlies desperately need someone to stretch the floor. He has looked really good in workouts so far this spring, and he could move up a bit.

26. Indiana Pacers: Royce White, Forward, Iowa St.

White is a top 10 talent in this draft, but his documented anxiety problems could drive some teams away. White is a ball handling, passing, rebounding, inside scoring, 6’9” point guard type of player. He has a very unique skill set, and I think the young and improving Indiana Pacers is a great place for him to find himself as a player.

27. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, Forward, MSU

We could all see this coming. Green is one of the most mature players in the college game, and he makes the people around him better. He could fill a facilitating role off the bench for the Heat, and can even take on some offensive responsibilities, which is really important for this team.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Quincy Miller, Small Forward, Baylor

The Thunder are right on the cusp of greatness, maybe they have already reached it. They have some needs, but they will take a reacher on a really talented player in Quincy Miller. He showed that he could be really versatile at Baylor last year, and he should be ready to dominate after finally reaching 100% comfort level with his healing ACL injury.

29. Chicago Bulls: William Buford, Shooting Guard, Memphis

I have the Bulls reaching a little bit here, as Buford may not quite be a first round talent. However, he really fills the wing scoring role that the Bulls have had empty for several years. He can create his own shot, hit those shots, and finish at the rim. He needs to get stronger, but he could be a very important player in a championship push.

30. Golden State Warriors: Tony Wroten, Point Guard, Washington

Tony Wroten is widely regarded as a top 10 talent in this draft. However, he has big problems that make him a really risky pick. His jumper is broken, and he sometimes seems to be uninterested in getting his teammates involved in the offense. If this young man can be challenged by a coaching staff, then the Warriors could have made the steal of the draft.

ROUND TWO

Are you serious? How about I just list a couple of good players…Thanks

Andrew Nicholson, Marquis Teague, Kevin Jones, Doron Lamb, Scott Machado.

Well, there is the 1^st round Mock for the 2012 NBA Draft. I am reasonably sure that 75% of my picks are wrong, but they make sense to me, so I am cool with it. Let me know how I screwed your team over, and who makes more sense. Thanks!

Rebuilding the Bobcats

There are some really interesting things about a team that is down on its luck. For a team like the Charlotte Bobcats, who don’t even know what luck is, literally the only way to go is up. They finished this last season with the worst record in the NBA, and the worst winning percentage EVER for a regular season. That is not good. The Bobcats are in a market that has historically not supported an NBA team very well, they have a bunch of horrible players/contracts, and their owner seems to be incapable of stringing together a series of good basketball decisions. “However, while there’s light, there’s hope my father used to say” (The Hobbit) and the Bobcats should have some hope for the future. As General Manager Richard Cho and Owner Michael Jordan try to bring this team back to relevance, let me give them some suggestions!

Regular Season Record: 7-59 (.106)

2012 Payroll: $56,424,050

There are several things that should be done this offseason to put the Bobcats on the correct path:

1.     Hire a player’s coach who specializes in player development

2.     Jettison veteran players with large contracts

3.     Draft Well

4.     Spend intelligently in the free agent market

Let’s address these issues one at a time, starting from the beginning, and ending with the ending.

First, the Bobcats obviously understand that they are humongous steps away from contending for a playoff spot, let alone winning a playoff series. Therefore, it is important that they find and hire a coach who is not focused on getting to the playoff either. The goals of the coaching staff for the 2012-2013 season should be to develop their young players and instill a winning attitude in the organization. There are a few coaches who could fit this kind of bill. The Bobcats are currently interviewing, among others, Jerry Sloan, Stan Van Gundy, and assorted assistant coaches from around the league. At this point, I know that Jerry Sloan isn’t really a player’s coach, but he is the kind of tough-minded and old school coach who can discipline this team while his staff does the confidence building thing. Possible fit? Maybe.

Second, the Bobcats need to get rid of veteran players who won’t be a part of this team long-term. They have a couple of players who fit that mold in my opinion. First of all, from what I saw last season, Corey Magette is not interested in helping this team get better. He is out on the court looking to score and nothing else. Granted, he is the best person to do that on the current roster, but he is owed 10.9 Million dollars for the 2012-2013 season. If the Bobcats can’t trade him, they should seriously consider using the amnesty clause on him. Desagna Diop also deserves to be cut immediately, but there are only so many large people to stand in one place for 13 minutes per game I suppose. Eduardo Najera is the other player that the Bobcats should be done with. He can fill some minutes as a weirdly consistent SF/PF, but he is taking minutes that younger players need to develop. Let him walk.

Thirdly, and incredibly obviously, the ‘Cats need to find out how to draft impact players. They have a history of poor draft picks and poor fortune in the last 5 years. Adam Morrison and Sean May have been historically poor picks, while players like Raymond Felton, DJ Augustine, Kyle Weaver and Gerald Henderson just haven’t lived up to first round pick status.

In the 2012 draft, the best case scenario is that the Bobcats pick first. They NEED to draft Anthony Davis from Kentucky with that pick. He is a franchise player in the making, there are no scouts who see any risk in this kid, and he fills a playmaking void. I have a horrible comparison for you Bobcats fans: Combine Tyrus Thomas and Boris Diaw and you kinda get Anthony Davis. He is an intelligent player who can pass and dribble, he can rebound and block shot, and he will eventually have range out to the NBA 3 point line. I know that we don’t like those players, but think of them in their primes.

The Bobcats also would have the 1^st pick in the second round as well. There should be some very attractive players to fill some needs there. John Jenkins  and Doron Lamb from Vanderbilt and Kentucky respectively are both dead eye shooters who could fill in at the wing, or they could go for another SF and pick up Draymond Green from MSU. He is seriously the same as Boris Diaw, just less lazy at this point. The options are endless for an intelligent GM who ignores Michael Jordan’s advice.

Finally, the Charlotte Bobcats need to be intelligent buyers on the free agent market. Obviously, this team is a year or three away from competing, even in the Eastern Conference. Therefore, they don’t need to buy high priced veterans, unless they are proven team players who can set an example for the young guys. Here are some players that could be worth a little bit of the Bobcats free cap room:

 Ian Mahinmi, Dallas: 7 footer with a decent jumpshot and rapidly improving overall game. Dallas will probably re-sign him, but he would be a nice player.

 Ersan Ilyasova, Milwaukee: This stretch PF will probably demand more money in the open market than the Bobcats are willing to give, but he plays hard every night, he can shoot the three, and he rebounds with abandon.

 Kris Humphries, Brooklyn: Large, rebounds, dunks, runs.

CJ Miles, Utah: I really like him. Athletic shooting guard who can slash and shoot the three. He has been really solid for the Jazz, but they have his replacement in Alec Burks, so he may be ready to move on.

The Charlotte Bobcats are the worst team in the NBA, no questions asked. However, they are not a lost cause, nor will they be in the cellar forever if they spend their money and draft picks wisely. Let me know what you think!

UEFA Champions League Game Notes

UEFA Champions League

Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich

Game Notes:

·      The announcers have all picked Munich to win this match. They are closer to home, and they have the crowd behind them, as well as a fantastic offensive ball club.

·      Ashley Cole opens up the first minute for Chelsea with a reasonably dirty tackle, free kick for Bayern

·      Quick yellow  card for an intentional hand ball for Schweinsteger for Munich in the first 2 minutes as well.

·      First corner kick of the match to Bayern Munich at the 4 minute mark. Well handled by Chelsea.

·      Solid counter by Chelsea, ends with a harmless cross that boundes out of bounds on the far side of the pitch.

·      12 minute mark sees a dangerous cross by Robben into the middle, but Munich cannot finish the chance. High and wide on the header.

·      Munich is dominating possession through the first 15+ minutes of play, but that was to be expected. Chelsea is sticking with the swarming, conservative, countering game plan that brought them to the League championship.

·      2^nd corner for Bayern at 17:45 (quickly followed by another) and followed by another after a horrible Chelsea defensive play. All 3 are empty.

·      Robben gets the first legitimate shot on goal from about 7 yards out. Deflected by the goalie off the post for yet another empty corner kick. Really legitimate scoring chance there. The question now seems to be, when will the Bayern Munich pressure break the Chelsea wall? They are putting constant pressure on the defense.

·      Chelsea free kick at mid field at the 25:47 mark. Silly challenge in the air from the Munich defender. But, the threat is short, as Chelsea turns the ball over quickly.

·      Munich player takes a dive just outside the 18 yd box @28:00 and is rewarded with a free kick. Robben takes it and smashes the kick into the wall of defenders. Threat ended again for a time.

·      Robben gets his second shot on goal, a chopper off of a deflection. Easily smothered by the keeper.

·      Same spot, other side, as Chelsea gets a free kick just outside the 18 for their first dangerous set piece. The shot is well over the crossbar.

Kalou with a fantastic shot on goal to finish off a Chelsea counter, but the keeper manages to scoop it up. Great team speed by Chelsea on the counter led to a great shot on goal.

·      Gomez gets an unguarded attempt at the 15 yd mark and sends it into the stratosphere. He has not done much with his touches yet today.

We will go into the first half 0-0. As expected, Munich dominated the ball, passed well, attacked with creativity. Chelsea responded with solid defense, quick counters and a stolid disposition. In the 2^nd half, I expect more of the same. Bayern Munich has had some really solid chances. Robben has had two great chances on goal, Gomez had a perfect look, and neither player was able to score. Chelsea’s counter attacks were quick when they had room, but often time turned into a weak attempt that was countered by Munich’s defense. Also, as expected, 60-40 time of possession in favor of Bayern Munich.

2^nd half bullets:

·      Drogba launches a long distance shot that misses the mark 5 minutes in to the second half.

·      Just an observation, but the striker for Munich, Gomez, is a massive person compared to the average soccer player. He is huge.

·      Chelsea is saved from a 1-0 hole by a timely offsides call as the Chelsea defense gets outnumbered but Ribery was offsides.

·      Seems like a pretty sluggish first 10 minutes to the second half. Neither team seems very sharp or assertive at the moment.

·      The 60 minute mark sees the first Munich corner of the 2^nd half. Still no score.

·      Pace definitely picking up as Malouda comes in for Bertrand on the Chelsea side. Both teams, but especially Bayern, picking up the pressure.

·      Chelsea’s gameplan is reminding me of American soccer, just with way better defense.

·      In the 82^nd minute, Muller gets a header on goal, great chance, but again the Chelsea goalie is where he should be.

·      Immediately after OUR FIRST GOAL! MULLER scores for Bayern Munich! A cross to the far side just sneaks over Ashley Cole and Muller puts in the bouncing header. Munich takes the first lead of the game and makes it 1-0 over Chelsea with 12 minutes to play. Chelsea responds with Fernando Torres subbing in for Salomon Kalou for the final stretch.

·      Chelsea is now if full offensive mode. They are no longer the defensive wall that they were, giving Munich an opportunity to counter if they get the chance.

·      AND DROGBA TIES THE GAME! Off of a corner kick, Drogba violently heads the ball into the goal! A fantastic display of talent there. Amazing, as Chelsea continues their run of opportunistic and well timed goals. (88^th minute)

·      The stadium is so crazy loud as both the Chelsea and the Bayern Munich fans are in full throat.

·      And stoppage time ends with the 1-1 tie. Extra time upcoming

Extra Time

·      Wow, Chelsea has taken all of the initiative, and Bayern looks lost at the start of the first 15.

·      And Drogba fouls Ribery in the box! It will be a penalty kick for Bayern at the 3 min mark. Ribery does appear to be hurt at this point, and is being carried to the sideline. Ian Robben will take the kick…and blocked! Excellent guess by the Chelsea goalie. Reasonably poor PK attempt by Robben

·      For all the crap he got the last two years, Fernando Torres is still a really creative player. Still no goals in Extra Time, first 15 minutes over.

2^nd Extra Period:

·      Olic misses a perfect opportunity! Van Buyten had a chance to touch the shot as well, and both players come up empty for Bayern Munich. I think God is officially on Chelsea’s side today.

·      8 minutes more, then we go to penalty shots. It is a shame if this match can’t be won in 11 on 11 style. And we go to penalties

Final: Neuer blocks the 1^st Chelsea attempt, Cech blocks the 4^th Munich attempt, Munich misses their 5^th, Didier Drogba scores the final PK to win the UEFA Champions League Championship for Chelsea Futbol Club. AMAZING!

Chelsea was absolutely a team of destiny this year. Amazing stuff.