July 1st: Grizzlies/Clippers Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Los Angeles:
Quentin Richardson

To Memphis:
Zach Randolph

What it does for the Clippers:
The main purpose of the deal was to get rid of Randolph. He has a huge contract for the next two seasons. He is a solid player but has attitude problems. The Clippers also had a glut of big men so at least one had to go. Quentin Richardson comes back to the Clippers, he can score that is all.

What it does for the Grizzlies:
Memphis gets another big man to play along side Thabeet and Gasol. Unlike Thabeet and Gasol, Randolph can score. I wonder why the Grizz do this with Randolph's attitude and huge contract.

Winner of the Deal:
Los Angeles

Final Remark:
The deal Can't be done until next week supposedly.
Memphis makes another odd move but who really cares about Memphis. Great move for LA, they dump randolph and save over $7 million this year and over $17 million next year.

Ben Gordon/Charlie Villanueva Set to Sign with Detroit

Charlie Villanueva Ben Gordon

Well free agency started at midnight today and as expected the Pistons were big players. With nearly $20 million in projected salary cap room this summer the Pistons were in prime position to make a move. Joe D brought in former college teammates Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva today in hopes of convincing them that Detroit was a great basketball town. (Also, I'm sure the money helped)
Obviously, Dumars convince both players to wear the red, white, and blue next year. Gordon's deal is expected to be around $55 million over the next 5 seasons and Villanueva's deal will be around $40 million over the next 5 seasons. (More than I would've liked, such as the $35 million is said earlier)

Ben Gordon is a fantastic offensive player who can get to the basket and hits the three like few others. His defense can be suspect at times but we'll just have to wait and see. I like the move, Gordon is a young up and coming scorer and will bring a lot of offense to Detroit. His arrival in Detroit likely spells the end of Rip Hamilton's Piston career. I think we'll see a move in the next couple weeks where Hamilton gets traded for a center. (Kaman...?)

Charlie Villanueva is another very talented offensive player who is a great open court player at the power forward spot. He has three point range and is a strong finisher around the rim. His rebounding is not quite as good as you would like out of a player his size but that can be worked on. He still has a ton of potential at only 25 when the season starts. Villanueva is a perfect example of a Joe Dumars type signing. Under-appreciated (not given an offer by the Bucks, said to have been drafted too high) and given up on. (see Bucks, see Raptors) He is also one of those guys I really hated coming out of high school and then really loved in college and in the pros (probably because he decommited from Illinois and went to UCONN).

All in all I think these are two solid moves for Detroit. Sure it is a move toward a more offensive approach but we'll just have to wait and see.

FINAL NOTE: Sorry no draft stuff, formatting was terrible and took hours to get about a quarter of what I had.
Also, I can't wait for Alopecia wig night at the Palace next season

June 25th: Grizzlies/Knicks Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To New York:
Darko Milicic

To Memphis:
Quentin Richardson
Cash Considerations

What it does for the Knicks:
Word is head coach Mike D'Antoni really likes Darko. He feels that he would work really well in his running offense. Darko is capable of hitting a jumper or two. This move may also be to add some protection up front in the event that David Lee doesn't come back to New York next season.

What it does for the Grizzlies:
Memphis was another failed experiment on the on going Darko saga. Darko was relegated to a backup role after being beaten out for the power forward job by rookie Darrell Arthur last season. Richardson is past his prime at the ripe old age of 29 (not really old, more funny how far he has fallen since his days with Darius Miles in LA. Horns any one) but still has the ability to hit the three fairly well. (36.5% last year) Plus Memphis got some cash out of the deal and we all like money, especially if we are a failing franchise that should just be disbanded due to are ineptitude over our life. (That's right euthanize the Griz)

Winner of the Deal:
New York

Final Remark:
I only say that New York wins this deal because I actually think Darko could succeed in D'Antoni's system. He'll be able to play more the way he was accustom to back in Serbia (where he played just as much as he did as a piston). I'm probably wrong be it's possible

June 25th: Magic/Nets Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To New Jersey:
Tony Battie
Rafer Alston
Courtney Lee

To Orlando:
Vince Carter
Ryan Anderson

What it does for the Nets:
This is a huge money move for New Jersey. They dump Carter's huge contract that doesn't end until the summer of 2012. Along with the savings of $4.6 million this upcoming season they get a promising guard in Courtney Lee another point guard in Alston. Bringing in Alston is an interesting move here with Devin Harris already in the fold. Some people around the league are saying Harris might be available for the right price.

What it does for the Magic:
Orlando is coming off a very good season, making it to the NBA Finals and all. By adding Vinsanity the Magic are adding another star to their lineup. The deal would give Orlando an even more explosive offense next season if they can bring back Hedo Turkoglu. Alston, who had a solid post season in relief of injured guar Jameer Nelson, was expendible and likely had to be moved.

Winner of the Deal:
Both

Final Remark:
This move really sets up New Jersey for the summer of 2010 giving them $16.5 million more to spend. Also, the Nets save $41 million in whole. On Orlando's end, I wonder if the added salary Carter brings will affect the resigning of Hedo. Hmm?

June 25th: Lakers/Knicks Trade Review

FYI: I failed at my attempt at putting up a final Mock Draft. Internet went down last night while working on it, all was lost. Sorry.



THE TRADE:

To New York:
#29 Pick in 2009 Draft

To Los Angeles:
$3,000,000

What it does for the Knicks:
By acquiring a late first round selection the Knicks can add another player to their roster at a low cost, $830,200 cap hold this season to be exact. New York may be looking for a big like Josh Heytvelt or Jeff Pendergraph. Sources also have said they might look for a guard like Toney Douglas or Jack McClinton, whom the Knicks showed interest in while he was at Miami. I think what they do with the picks depends on who they end up with at #8

What it does for the Cavaliers:
It appears the Lakers must've not be really impressed with any one that might be available at #29. LA will be looking to resign Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom, and Shannon Brown this off season so any extra money would be nice.(in this case $3.8 million extra) The Lakers were said to be looking at a possible guard replacement for aging pointman Derek Fisher. But with the strong play of Brown and Jordan Farmar this season they may go with what they already have.

Winner of the Deal:
Both

Final Remark:
Both New York and LA got what they wanted out of the deal. Everyone wins. YAY. (so far)

June 24th: Cavaliers/Suns Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Phoenix:
#46 Pick in 2009 Draft
$500,000
Ben Wallace
Sasha Pavlovic

To Cleveland:
Shaquille O'Neal

What it does for the Suns:
It is widely known that over the past few years the Suns have been trying to cut salary and save some money. This deal for Phoenix was basically a salary dump. The Suns save $2.3 million as soon as the deal goes down. Then you factor in the fact that Pavlovic is only guaranteed $1.5 million next year. So if Phoenix buys him out they are at a savings of $3.8 million. Then consider the prospect that Ben Wallace retires, if that happens they could save even more with a buyout of his contract. And the topper too it all is that you can double what ever they save because they are over the luxury tax.

What it does for the Cavaliers:
This move was to provide a fill for the biggest hole Cleveland had during the Orlando series, interior defense. Shaq will provide someone who will be able to bang down low with the likes of Dwight Howard. Also this move gives LeBron James a serious interior scorer, though not like the Shaq of old, that the Cavaliers sorely lacked. The move is very low risk because O'Neal's contract is up at the end of the season. So if his tenure in Cleveland is anything like his in Phoenix the Cavaliers can wipe their hands clean next summer.

Winner of the Deal:
Cleveland

Final Remark:
This deal nearly went down at the trade deadline in February before Cleveland balked on it. Seems like this may be Cleveland's all out effort to impress LeBron before he becomes a free agent. Phoenix once again is just looking to cut costs for more profit, sad.

June 24th: Hawks/Warriors Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Golden State:
Acie Law
Speedy Claxton

To Atlanta:
Jamal Crawford

What it does for the Warriors:
Head coach Don Nelson stated earlier this year his desire to trade Jamal Crawford if he were not to opt out of his contract. Nelson had an ongoing tiff with Crawford during the season and Nelson didn't see him in future plans. It has been know that the Warriors have been looking to add a point guard. They added two in this deal. The deal also will save Golden State at $2 million next season not including the insure that will pay for a good portion of, the injured guard, Speedy Claxton's contact. Oh yeah, and the Warriors were in need of point guards.

What it does for the Hawks:
The Hawks add a scoring guard with Crawford but also take on the remaining two years of his deal and $9.4 million he is owed this season. That cap figure could also hinder the ability for the Hawks to resign some of their free agents this summer. Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams are likely to be affected the most by the deal because the Hawks added nearly $2 million in payroll. Will the Hawks offer to Bibby be enough for him to resign with them? Will the Hawks be willing to match the offers Williams will get this summer? We shall see.

Winner of the Deal:
Golden State

Final Remark:
The deal is still pending because of the prospect that Crawford could opt of his contract after the deal is done. Likely the Warrior will have to get Crawford to sign a similar deal to what Etan Thomas signed yesterday to not opt out. Golden State dumps their cancer and Atlanta adds even more scoring.

June 24th: Mavericks/Trail Blazers Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Trail Blazers:
#22 Pick in the 2009 Draft

To Mavericks:
#24 Pick in 2009 Draft
#56 Pick in 2009 Draft
2nd Round Pick in 2010 Draft

What it does for the Trail Blazers:
The Trail Blazers had four second round picks this year which allowed for them to package one with their first to move up. Word is they like the same player that Sacramento likes at #23, possibly Omri Casspi.

What it does for the Mavericks:
According to team owner Mark Cuban, the Mavericks are confident that they can get their man at 24. So, I guess with that logic you might as well get a couple of 2nd rounders for the effort.

Winner of the Deal:
Wait until Draft day to see. (Likely even deal for both)

Final Remark:
This move really made a lot of sense for both teams. Might as well use your asssests if you got them and collect them if you want don't.

June 23rd: Wizards/Timberwolves Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Minnesota:
#5 Pick in the 2009 Draft
Oleksiy Pecherov
Etan Thomas
Darius Songalia

To Washington:
Randy Foye
Mike Miller

What it does for the Timberwolves:
Minnesota's primary motive for this deal was to get the 5th pick here. The Timberwolves already have the 6th pick, the 18th, and 28th pick this year before adding the fifth in this deal. This likely means that Minnesota is not done dealing. They may be looking to package the 5th with the 18th pick for the 2nd pick from Memphis. Word is Minnesota has some interest in taking Tyreke Evans at 5 or 6. Oh yeah, this trade also gives depth to the Timberwolves front court.

What it does for the Wizards:
The deal gives Washington some much needed veterans in their lineup as well as some perimeter shooting. The Wizards had several forwards on their roster allowing for the trading for some more guards. Both Miller and Foye have expiring deals.

Winner of the Deal:
Minnesota

Final Remark:
I'm really interested to see what Minnesota does with their draft picks. As of now they are on the hook for over $7.2 million in rookie contracts for next season. I would seem odd if the Timberwolves were to run with such a young team. Washington accomplished what they hoped to, bring in more outside shooting.

June 23rd: Bucks/Pistons Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To Detroit:
Fabricio Oberto

To Milwaukee:
Amir Johnson


What it does for the Pistons:
This deal was clearly done so the pistons could increase their cap room even further. Oberto will be cut and likely will rejoin San Antonio. Oberto only has $1.9 million guaranteed next season. The move will clear up even more cap space for Detroit.

What it does for the Bucks:
This seems like a lateral move for Milwaukee in a way. But it likely was a combination of things that made this deal go down. Firstly, the Bucks likely wanted to get something for Oberto other than just cutting him. Secondly, the Bucks GM, John Hammond, is a former Dumars assistant GM and he was likely doing the Pistons a favor. Could this deal signal that the Bucks are not going to resign Villanueva?
Winner of the Deal:
Detroit

Final Remark:
Seems like the Pistons truly gave up on Amir. They obviously couldn't get much for him so they just opted for more cap space. I was a big fan of Amir here in Detroit and I hope he succeeds in Milwaukee or wherever.

June 23rd: Bucks/Spurs Trade Review

THE TRADE:

To San Antonio:
Richard Jefferson

To Milwaukee:
Bruce Bowen
Fabricio Oberto
Kurt Thomas


What it does for the Spurs:
By bringing in Jefferson the Spurs are filling their need for another scorer. Jefferson has a decent jumper as well as the ability to attack the rim. He will also bring decent rebounding to the table. In giving up Bowen, Thomas, and Oberto is some expiring contracts.

What it does for the Bucks:
The Bucks were in major need of cutting costs so they could resign Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva without paying the luxury tax. Jefferson was they odd man out in Milwaukee. The Bucks will likely buyout the contracts of Oberto and Bowen, who have around $3.9 million guaranteed. The deal will save the Bucks around $15 million in 2010-2011

Winner of the Deal:
Both Teams

Final Remark:
I think both teams got exactly what they wanted. Milwaukee got cap space and San Antonio got their scorer. I expect Bowen and Oberto to return to San Antonio after they are bought out.

Tigers Brew The Brewers

Ok so it's been a few days since my last post but I'm back. And, yes, I'm aware the title for this post is weak but creativity is on a low at the moment. I had a better one lined up but Tiger Woods is still a ways back at the US Open.

The Tigers just finished playing their former division rival, The Milwaukee Brewers, in a weekend series with good results. Detroit gave strong performance in a seven inning game shortened by rain. After giving up an early bomb to Fielder the Tigers came back with 4 of their own to win the game 10-4.

Game 2 was highlighted by the debut of recently called up starting pitcher Alfredo Figaro. Figaro had a decent first game pitching through 5 and only giving up 2 runs on 8 hits. Offensively the Tigers put up big numbers for the second game in a row, scoring 9 runs to solidify the victory.

Game 3 was a much closer affair. The game featured a pitcher’s duel between Yovani Gallardo and Justin Verlander. Both pitchers had solid outings striking out 8, walking only 3, and giving up 6 hits and 5 hits respectively. All of the offense was produced off of home runs, Casey McGehee and Craig Counsell for Milwaukee and Brandon Inge for Detroit. The Tigers pulled out the 3-2 victory with a gutty effort.

And of course manager Jim Leyland got a contract extension through 2011.

Overall, the Tigers had a very good series and actually managed to score runs to support their pitching. They just need to keep up the run production as they move ahead to their series against the Chicago Cubs this week.

On another note, I apologize for not getting up another Mock NBA Draft; I've actually been fairly busy the past few days. I will do my best to have one up before the Draft Thursday.

Oh Yeah, also Wimbledon starts today so do not forget that. Should be a great tournament where we will have a new champion as Nadal has pulled out due to injury. My money is on Federer.

Thanks again to all my loyal readers. (if you're out there)

June 9th: Kapono/Evans Trade Review

Well as promised my first trade review, albeit over a week late.



THE TRADE:

To Toronto:
Reggie Evans

To Philadelphia
Jason Kapono


What it does for the Raptors:
The trade adds a rebounding big man with Evans. Evans would soften the blow if they were to trade Chris Bosh this off season. The trade also aids Toronto a bit financially because Evans will make about $1 mil less per season the next two years than Kapono.

What it does for the 76ers:
The trade fills the major need for a shooter with range in Philadelphia. Kapono is now far and away the best outside shooter on the team. Kapono will strenthen a rather weak bench. He also has a player option after this season, in affect this could become an expiring contract which helps Philadelphia financially.

Winner of the Deal:
Philadelphia

Final Remark:
Overall this deal is minor move for both teams and likely . Look for some more major deals on draft day and over the course of the summer due to teams cutting cost because of the economy.

The Lakers Win and The Off-Season Begins

The Lakers finished off the Magic last night taking their 15th NBA title. I just got the feeling Orlando put all their effort into the first 4 games and were just too worn out both physically and mentally. Congratulations to both teams on fantastic seasons. And for the record I still believe that if the Pistons had played Orlando in the first round of the playoffs Detroit would've won.

Alright, now moving on to what is one of the most exciting times of the year for serious NBA fans. The Off-Season. The off-season is jam packed with rumors and various scenarios that could play out. I love the excessive speculation and predicting. The fun starts off with all the hoopla that has been going on leading up to the NBA Draft next Thursday, June 25th. (I took work off so I'm hoping to do an up to the minute analysis of each draft pick). There has been the Chicago camp as well as the Reebok Eurocamp and today at 5 PM EST.
I have decided to do an updated Mock Draft hopefully to be done by tomorrow night.
Also to come this off season I will make an attempt at giving my analysis of each transaction that goes down. I'm already behind schedule on that and will have my analysis of the minor deal between Toronto and Philadelphia by tonight.

Edit: So the Mock Draft obviously isn't done. I'll hopefully have it up tomorrow and if not probably not until Sunday night at the earliest. Sorry.

Created by Drew Litton

Epic Fail back to the Future

Well it happened. The Red Wings lost last night to the Penguins in game 7. That's all there is to say really. Decisions on what to do with the free agents they have will be made. But to be honest this team still is an elite NHL program that will have fire power for years to come. They will be one of the favorites to win the Stanley cup again next season and I expect they will. (because I'm a homer at times). Congrats Pens (still hate Crosby), and better luck next year Wings.

Alright, the NBA, my true love. The Lakers are now up 3-1 to the Magic in, what in my opinion, has been a very entertaining series. The funny thing is that the series could easily be 3-1 with the Magic leading if not for a few clutch shots in game 2 and game 4. Something tells me that the Lakers will be closing it out tomorrow, not sure why or how but I think it's over.

Sorry for the weak post. I'm getting ready to bring the heat for the summer. NBA off-season is in many ways just as entertaining as the regular season and in some ways more entertaining. So expect Grade A free agency, trade, and draft coverage coming to a computer near you.

RG's Sportsview 2009 Mock NBA Draft

Alright, here it is the Mock Draft. The project that has kept me so occupied over the last 48 hours. (yes, I put in a good 12 hours total on this). Keep in mind that this is as of 6/9 so things could change. It is possible that I will make another one by June 25^th. Now with out further ado, The RG’s Sportsview 2009 Mock NBA Draft.

The RG’s Sportsview 2009 Mock NBA Draft.

1^st Round

#1 Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin

PF 6’10” 248lbs

Oklahoma

So.

Griffin is a logical pick for the Clippers if for no other reason than he is far and away the best prospect in the draft. Power forward is not the biggest position of need but with Blake Griffin on board the trading of a player like Chris Kaman is more realistic.

#2 Memphis Grizzlies

Hasheem Thabeet

C 7’2” 267lbs

UConn

Jr.

I think the best pick for Memphis at two is Ricky Rubio but, it sounds like Rubio has no interest in going to Memphis. As a result Thabeet will be selected to fill the need for a Center. Thabeet is a great defender but he will have to prove a lot as an offensive player in the NBA.

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder

James Harden

SG 6’5” 222lbs

Arizona St.

So.

The Thunder select Harden mainly because they have committed to Russell Westbrook at the point and Ricky Rubio has not shown any intent in playing in Oklahoma. Harden is a solid offensive guard and the best player available.

#4 Sacramento Kings

Ricky Rubio

PG 6’3” 180lbs

Spain

1990

Rubio will not slip past the Kings at #4. Sacramento is in need of a true point man after Beno Udrih underachieved this past season. There has been a lot of hype around Rubio after the Olympics. He is a great all around guard who just needs to work on his jumper.

#5 Washington Wizards

Jordan Hill

PF 6’10” 232lbs

Arizona

Jr.

The Wizards pick Hill here because he could take the place of Antawn Jamison, who is likely to be traded this offseason. Hill has range out to the free throw line and great defense but also has the tendency to turn the ball over.

#6 Minnesota Timberwolves

Tyreke Evans

PG/SG 6’5” 221lbs

Memphis

Fr.

Minnesota’s biggest weakness is in guard play. Evans is considered to be a combo guard with a fair amount of point experience. He’s good at getting to the basket but can be selfish at times which can lead to bad attempts and turnovers.

#7Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry

PG/SG 6’3” 181lbs

Davidson

Jr.

Curry is a fantastic jump shooter and should fit Don Nelson’s system well. Drafting Curry would likely signal the end of Jamal Crawford’s time in Golden State. It is still to be seen if Curry can play the point in the NBA because of his size and lack of defense.

#8 New York Knicks

Jrue Holiday

PG/SG 6’4” 199lbs

UCLA

Fr.

The Knicks would like to take a big here but that would be a stretch at 8 and with Curry already gone they should be thinking point guard. Holiday could go anywhere from 5 to 20 in this draft. His shot is his biggest knock but does provide a strong move to the rim with solid defensive effort.

#9 Toronto Raptors

DeMar DeRozan

SG/SF 6’7” 211lbs

USC

Fr.

The Raptors are in desperate need of a swingman and DeRozan is a great fit. DeMar is an athletic freak with a solid midrange game. He only shot 17% from three in one year at USC. Though DeRozan is raw he has the potential to be similar to a former Raptor, Vince Carter.

#10 Milwaukee Bucks

Jonny Flynn

PG 6’0” 196lbs

Syracuse

So.

The Bucks could easily lose Ramon Sessions this summer and will need a point guard to take his place. Jonny Flynn is a super quick and athletic point man who can take over a game. But is he going to be able to overcome his size and sometimes iffy jump shot?

#11 New Jersey Nets

DeJuan Blair

PF 6’6” 277lbs

Pittsburgh

So.

DeJuan Blair plays much bigger than his size. He has the potential to be a great interior presence on the glass and in the post. His weight and conditioning could be issues if he can’t get into better shape. Considering the needs of the Nets he is the best fit at 11.

#12 Charlotte Bobcats

Gerald Henderson

SG 6’5” 215lbs

Duke

Jr.

Henderson is hometown favorite and a swingman, which the Bobcats need for depth. Henderson is sort of a tweener. He is a bit undersized for both the SG and SF spots but lack PG skills. He’s a guy that does a lot good but little that is great.

#13 Indiana Pacers

Brandon Jennings

PG 6’1” 170lbs

USA

1989

Jennings is a player that could really star in the NBA or be a total bust. He played overseas instead of in college. He’s a very quick and athletic PG but at times he gets sloppy with the ball. His jumper is somewhat inconsistent. Pacers pick him because he is the best player available.

#14 Phoenix Suns

James Johnson

SF/PF 6’8” 257lbs

Wake Forest

So.

The Suns needs a SF and Johnson is a great fit for Phoenix. John has strong offensive game and gets to the basket. He has range out the NBA three point line but his shot is not consistent. Not the quickest defender but his massive wingspan makes up for his speed.

#15 Detroit Pistons

BJ Mullens

C 7’0” 258lbs

Ohio State

Fr.

BJ Mullens is possibly the only center left that is worthy of even being drafted. Detroit has needed a solid man in the middle for a while and Mullens has great potential. He is very raw but has all the tools to be a solid NBA center. He fits with the Pistons very well.

#16 Chicago Bulls

Earl Clark

SF/PF 6’10” 226lbs

Louisville

Jr.

The Bulls need depth and Earl Clark can potentially play both forward positions. He plays big and can get to the rim with his athleticism. His jump shot is rather ugly though, providing a very inconsistent shooting percentage. He has good potential to be a Marvin Williams type player.

#17 Philadelphia 76ers

Jeff Teague

PG/SG 6’2” 175lbs

Wake Forest

So.

Teague is another player that could go in the top 10 or drop to the second half of the first round. Philadelphia is going to need someone to replace Andre Miller or backup Louis Williams. Teague is a great scorer but is undersized at SG so PG is where he’ll have to play. His playmaking skills are sometimes questionable but had get passing skills.

#18 Minnesota Timberwolves

Sam Young

SF 6’6” 223lbs

Pittsburgh

Sr.

The Timberwolves need a SF and Sam Young if probably the best one left. He is a defensive presence which Minnesota has lacked and has also improved offensively. Young should fit in nicely on the bench behind Mike Miller.

#19 Atlanta Hawks

Terrence Williams

SG 6’6” 248lbs

Louisville

Sr.

Atlanta could use a defensive presence off the bench and Terrence Williams should be able to provide that. Williams is a very smart player and great decision maker. He does tend to lack a little in the shooting department and will need to improve to make it in the NBA.

#20 Utah Jazz

Tyler Hansbrough

PF 6’9” 234lbs

North Carolina

Sr.

With Utah likely to lose either Carlos Boozer or Paul Millsap this summer they are going to need a PF off the bench. Hansbrough has a solid 15ft jumper and is a good rebounder. He’ll likely struggle on defense due to his size and lack of athleticism.

#21 New Orleans Hornets

Eric Maynor

PG 6’3” 164lbs

VCU

Sr.

Maynor is a true PG to back up Chris Paul. He is a pure shooter with decent range and posses a very high basketball IQ. He at times can be turnover prone and isn’t the fastest of the guards but should fit the Hornet’s system well.

#22 Dallas Mavericks

Ty Lawson

PG 6’0” 197lbs

North Carolina

Jr.

Ty Lawson is the pick at 22 for Dallas where he could start or come off the bench depending on what happens with Jason Kidd. Lawson is extremely quick and possesses excellent court vision. His size makes it difficult to be effective defensively and he will need to improve his jump shooting to score in the NBA.

#23 Sacramento Kings

Chase Budinger

SG/SF 6’7” 206lbs

Arizona

Jr.

Budinger is an athletic freak with a high basketball IQ. He should give the Kings a legitimate backup for Kevin Martin. He is considered to be a liability on the defensive end and will need to improve his ball handling so he can create his own shot.

#24 Portland Trail Blazers

Omri Casspi

SF 6’9” 211lbs

Israel

1988

Omri Casspi is a very good inside/outside scorer. He knows how to get to the basket as well has hit the three. He could potentially start for Portland at SF in a couple years. Casspi’s strength is a big weakness especially when it comes to his defense. He’ll need to put on some muscle.

#25 Oklahoma City Thunder

DaJuan Summers

SF 6’8” 243lbs

Georgetown

Jr.

Summers will likely be a backup for Kevin Durant this upcoming season. He can get to the lane but prefers to settle for the three. DaJuan has potential to be a very solid defender but tends to not give all his effort on defense. Thunder could be getting a steal or a bust here.

#26 Chicago Bulls

Wayne Ellington

SG 6’5” 202lbs

North Carolina

Jr.

The Bulls will likely lose Ben Gordon to free agency this summer so Ellington will likely need to fill Gordon’s roll as a shooter. Ellington is deadly from long range but many wonder if that is all he can do. He is not all that strong and will likely struggle on defense as he tends to shy away from contact.

#27 Memphis

Derrick Brown

PF 6’8” 225lbs

Xavier

Jr.

Derrick Brown has improved greatly over the course of his college career. His shot has good consistency and he has range out to the three. He is a long player but is not quick or strong so can struggle on defense. He’s not a great distribut0r.

#28 Minnesota Timberwolves

Darren Collison

PG 6’1” 166lbs

UCLA

Sr.

Collison is a super quick and smart PG which, if he pans out, could start someday. He’s not going to be a go to guy because of his inconsistent scoring ability. He is an excellent distributer and on ball defender. He may struggle if he doesn’t get stronger. He hurt his draft stock by staying at UCLA for senior season.

#29 Los Angeles Lakers

Marcus Thornton

SG 6’4” 194lbs

LSU

Sr.

Marcus Thornton is a great offensive player coming off screens. Has a pretty good shot if not always the smartest shot. He plays hard on defense and going to the glass. Thornton is a bit undersized and not super athletic. He could be a decent role player for the Lakers.

#30 Cleveland Cavaliers

Jonas Jerebko

SF 6’9” 220lbs

Sweden

1987

Jonas Jerebko is known to play very hard and for his solid jump shot. At this point in the draft Cleveland is looking for a player who can contribute in the relative near future if not as a star. He’ll need to learn the NBA game and work on his defense. And it couldn’t hurt him to put on a bit more muscle.