dlee dnight dlight
3 posts in 3 days? What the hell is going on? It must be HIATUS. I spent an awesome day reliving my childhood through Baby Bungle: playing in the fountain in Washington Square Park, walking through the village with that post-swim-shower summer coolness in the air, and finishing it up with a Rocco's Itailian ice. Couldn't have been better (except that the battery on my new phone seems to still be draining at a ridiculous rate, despite implementing the tips provided by PoCho Pete).
Anyway, today's post comes to us courtesy of DLee, who has masterfully broken down the NBA Draft once again. Here it is:
NBA DRAFT (5.0% ALCOHOL)
Okay, I know a lot of folk barely follow the NBA anymore (*much less the draft) but i have a compulsive desire to opine on this shit every year regardless. Yes, everyone says this years crop is weak (*I disagree, it just lacks guaranteed superstars) but there’s a fun narrow talent gap in picks 4 through 24 that should make things unpredictable and amusingly chaotic. Also, it's a strong year for point guards and God knows the Knicks need one (*God also knows we're guaranteed to fuck it up in spite of that fact). Anyway, maybe this post’ll help the apathetic folk in Verbungle-land get a little more caught up on this NBA crud so y’all can actually care about or watch the draft without thinking, "-who the fuck are all these players?? I kinda remember but.."
That said, here's a refresher guide to who sux and who doesn't:
PG
1) Ricky Rubio/Italy: the paisan passing Pistol Pete. I'm sure D'Antoni has a hard-on for this guy like you wouldn't believe. Some folk (namely, Brandon Jennings) say he's overrated. Some say he's a taller John Stockton. He probably falls somewhere in between. From what I've seen he's a sick passe/ballhandler with tremendous defensive potential. Just needs to learn how to shoot (*how fucking odd for a international star guard, no?). I think he's gonna start slow but eventually put it together in a big way (*assuming he doesn't crumble under the scrutiny).
upside: John Stockton
downside: Jason Williams
reality: Kirk Hinrich
2) Steph Curry/Davidson: can shoot from anywhere ..and i don't mean that in a bullshit JJRedick way. he's a real scorer who can use numerous angles and play off the dribble. only problem is i don't know if he can play D or play the point legit. Needs to be in the right situation.
Upside: bizzaro-world Tony Parker
Downside: Randolph Childress
Reality: Chris Jackson
3) Jonny Flynn/Syr: my boy! if anyone recalls how much I loved Rondo that's how I feel about Flynn this year (and maybe Lawson to smaller extent). man, i hope the Knicks "do the right thing" and snatch him up (no offense to Nate ..sorry homie). Flynn is a SICK ballhandler, knows how to run the show and has NYC size heart. Initially, i thought the one drawback would be his size but after finding out that Flynn may actually be THE best athlete in the draft (*he tested crazy good on vertical/speed/strength) I genuinely think he's a money in the bank NBA starter/winner. Unfortunately, many teams have jumped the same bandwagon. he may not even be there at 8 for the Knicks ..argh.
upside: Tim Hardaway
downside: Keyon Dooling
reality: Jameer Nelson
4) Brandon Jennings/Italy: played in Italy and didn't do shit. now he's calling ricky Rubio overrated. funny, if i was the top HS USA prospect getting mad press coverage and being paid millions to put up 10 points and 3 assists a game in Italy i'd shut the fuck up about someone ELSE being overrated. Jennings is very talented but something tells me he's a bit of a punk-ass. There's too many point guards in this draft to take a chance on a douche like this over other proven prospects.
upside: Monta Ellis
downside: Marcus Banks
reality: too tough to call.
4) Jaru Holiday/UCLA: this guy has been blasting all over the draft charts. some have him late first. some have him at 4. he was super hyped outta HS but had a weak year at UCLA. most blame the coach and sight the development of Moute & Westbrook as reasons to think Holiday will excel in the pros. he's supposed to be a good defender but his O seems a bit weak. draft at your own risk.
upside: uhh..has a guy like this ever turned out REALLY good..?
downside: Will Solomon
reality: Antonio Daniels
5) Jeff Teague/Wake: started off the year like a man on fire. kinda sputtered out as the year went on. wish he woulda stayed in school one more year. still, he's got some serious NBA skillz. just needs to keep his head on straight.
upside: Steve Francis
downside: Will Avery
reality: Rafer Alston
6) Eric Maynor/VCU: only saw this guy play in the tourney but i liked what i saw. good size. seems smart. there's usually one good point guard in every draft who comes from a small school. this could be that guy.
upside: DeLonte West
downside: Anthony Johnson
reality: Alvin Williams
7) Ty Lawson/UNC: wow. his stock is dropping like a stone because he didn't "test" well at the combine. funny, i'd think a better test is guiding your team to a national championship while playing with an injury. this guy falling is gonna be a classic case of moronic GM's passing on a known talent/winner for lame-ass reasons and having to explain their stupidity later (*ex: Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas, Tyshawn Prince, Josh Howard, etc).
Upside: TJ Ford
downside: Jaque Vaughn
reality: Avery Johnson
8) Pat Mills/St.Marys: remember the Aussi PG who was giving team USA fits with his blazing speed? that was THIS guy. still, he broke his hand this year and hasn't been the same since. a bit small and can't shoot. needed to go back to school and have a big year --too bad he didn't. coulda been somebody.
upside: Ramon Sessions
downside: suicidal regret
reality: Kyle Lowery
9) Tony Douglas/Fla St: tough guy. might have a shot to make it. plays killer D and had fastest running time at the rookie combine. still, he's more of a scorer than a point guard. he'll have a solid career somewhere..it could be in the NBA..it could be in Italy.
upside: Mike James
downside: jobless
reality: 10-11th man in NBA
10) Darren Collison/UCLA: *sigh* i thought he was gonna turn out better than this. he really had some bad breaks regarding the way shit went down at UCLA over the last couple years. personnel and coaches kinda stunted his development. now he's just trying to make it. i hope he can. he's got some nice skillz.
upside: Chris Duhon
downside: Israel
reality: Ronnie Price
OG
1) Tyreke Evans/Memph: athletic young buck. finishes. allegedly plays D. allegedly can play some point (*bullshit). jumper troubles. possibly a dickhead. super hyped outta HS. got a slow start then ended year well.
upside: Jerry Stackhouse
downside: Hasaan Adams
reality: poor man's Andre Igoudala
2) Damar DeRozen/USC: see Tyreke Evans.
upside: Kerry Kittles
downside: Julius Hodge
reality: Larry Hughes
3) Chase Budinger/Ariz: the tease. he's got a really nice game for a USA whiteboy. good hops ~check. jumper ~check. creativity ~check, just hasn't consistantly dominated at any point like he should. the fact that Arizona hasn't done shit over the last couple years despite having Budinger, lottery-pick Jordan Hill, and solid PG Wise makes you wonder what's wrong with these guys, too soft? too lazy? a good mid-late 1st pick. anywhere before that is a deadly roll of the dice.
upside: Dunleavy Jr.
downside: Drew Barry
reality: Brent Barry
4) Gerald Henderson/Duke: if he wasn't a Dukie i'd like this guy for the NBA. any GM taking this guy sooner than 15 better go to church services before the draft. he plays hard and he's got athleticism comparable to D.Wade but it could be total fools gold. Hendo's got no mid-range game, he's kinda undersized, his jumper is iffy and ...he's from motherfucking Duke. still, i was wrong about Russell Westbrook sooo..
upside: John Starks
downside: Shannon Brown
reality: Dahntay Jones
5) Terrance Williams/L-ville: could be the steal of the draft. he's a winner and competes with major cajones. understands the game, defends and plays team ball. won't be a superstar be can be a big part of a successful franchise.
upside: Paul Pressey
downside: Jeryl Sasser
reality: smarter Michael Pietrus
6) Wayne Ellington/UNC; he can shoot. he's got solid size. he's from UNC. he did well in the NCAA. still, nobody is really excited by this guy. tough call.
upside: Brandon Rush
downside: JaRon Rush
reality: Kareem Rush
7) Marcus Thornton/LSU: Jonah likes this guy. i think he's undersized and plays a college game. translation..
upside: Kirk Snyder
downside: Andre Emmett
reality: Maurice ager
SF
1) Earl Clark/L-ville: the enigma. LaBron like athlete (*oh, the blasphemy!). Now when i say that what I mean is: at 6'10" this guy moves like a freakishly strong and athletic guard. Can shoot some, pass like guard, put it on the floor and his defensive potential is through the roof. Still, he never fully dominated and a lot of folk question his heart and head. Frankly, I'd take him regardless. They said the same thing about Rudy Gay and he turned out well..
upside: Rudy Gay
downside: Eddie Griffin
reality: Boris Diaw (*I actually like him better than Rudy Gay but whatev..)
2) Sam Young/Pitt: before this year, I thought this guy didn't have a chance to make it. I"ve kinda changed my tune. He's a really good athlete who plays his ass off and can finish and hit a mid-range shot. Coaches love that shit.
upside: James Posey
downside: Brian Davis
reality: Tony Allen
3) DuJuan Summers/G-town: was viewed as potential lotto early in the year. reality and G-town's crappy year caught up to de-rail all that bullshit. I never thought much of this guy. seems kinda mediocre at everything and great at nothing. also a bit of a tweener at the forward spot.
upside: Bobby Simmons
downside: sux ass
reality: Dorell Wright
4) Austin Daye/Gonzaga: the Kalista Flockhart of the draft ..skinny and disappointing. he was all hyped at Gonzaga then didn't do shit. tested horrible at the draft combine as well. still, he's lanky with a multiple skill set so GM's are still curious. he shoulda gone back to school. i got a feeling he's gonna be a bust-o.
upside: Jonathan Bender
downside: Jonathan Bender
reality: worse than Jonathan Bender
5) Dante Cunningham/Temple: old school. he's the kind of guy you pick up at the blacktop and he just wins game after game. leaves young punks scratching their head on how they lost to a guy who lives only on smarts and fundamental team play. he'll be a second rounder but i wouldn't be surprised if he has a long 10th man bench career somewhere.
upside: Sam Mitchell
downside: Sam Mitchell's coaching career
reality: Jared Dudley
6) DaMare Carroll/Miso: remember Mizzo's big NCAA run? the guy with the sweaty dreds flopping all over the court at crunchtime? that was THIS guy. he's a weird hustle combo forward who just knows how to get the job done. doesn't have your prototypical pro game but he has a shot to be a coach's pet down the bench. could be a second round steal.
upside: Ryan Gomes
downside: smelly dreds
upside: Renaldo Balkman
PF
1) Blake Griffin/Okl: the Terminator. not human. a beast. as a Mixed Martial Arts junkie I'd love to see what this guy would do in the Octagon. Oh well, we'll just have to suffer an amazingly productive NBA career instead, This guy was my dream pick for the Knicks if he came out last year. too bad for us. the only thinkable way anything could go wrong with this guy is if he gets drafted by the Cli~.......*oh wait* ~that actually happened! pray for him.
upside: Antonio McDyess (*healthy version)
downside: Kenyon Martin
reality: Carlos Boozer
2) Jordan Hill/Ariz: warning. looks like a player but seems like there's always a guy like this in the draft who tends to disappoint. meaning: a raw athletic big man with questionable understanding of the game who suddenly becomes a hot property (*ex: Ty Thomas, C. Wilcox, Tony Battie, S Swift, etc). Considering the fact he manned an Arizona team that included Buddinger, Bayless and Wise yet STILL couldn't win at college level ..i say something's wrong.
upside: Ben Wallace with offense (*dream on)
downside: S. Swift
reality: Chris Wilcox
3) DuJuan Blair/Pitt: uh-oh. big boy. used to be fat --but now he's not! heck, he's the trimmest he's even been right before the draft! hmm. funny how that works. bet: once he gets paid --cheeseburger attack! don't get me wrong, Blair plays hard and is a beast on the boards. the thing is, guys who were once fat usually return to their Little Debbie ways down the line (*O. Miller, S. May, Eddy Curry, etc). Late first or early second, i like taking a chance on this guy ..anywhere before that = ulcer city.
upside: Paul Milsap
downside: "Tractor" Traylor
reality: Kenny Thomas
4) Tyler Hansbrough/UNC: come on. do you even have to ask? I just DON'T see it happening for this guy (*by the way: as lifelong UNC fan I have no idea how this guy is NOT from Duke ..when i see him i imagine how black people felt watching Soul Man, "..you really expect me to believe HE can pass as one of us?? JUST LOOK AT HIM!) i respect the guy plays as hard as he can and gets the absolute most of his abilities buuuut ..his shit is gonna get THROWN in the NBA. still, he'll hang around based on his hustle.
upside: Andres Nocioni
downside: Mark Madsen
reality: Brian Cardinal
5) James Johnson/Texas: i don't really know this guy. saw him once. seems mediocre. can shoot and rebound a little. supposedly showed up overweight for the draft combine. that ain't a good sign.
upside: whatever
downside: whatever
reality: whatever
6) Taj Gibson/Ga: saw him play a little. seems ok at a lot of stuff and not great at anything.
upside: NBA bench
downside: homeless on park bench
reality: China
CENTER
1) Hasheem Thabeet/UConn: danger. I really feel that people are banking waaaay too hard on Thabeet being a lock as an NBA player. Sure, he will be a phenomenal shot-blocker no matter what. So was Jim McIllvaine, Tree Rollins and Marvin Webster. I wouldn't take those guys at TWO. Also, I don't agree with the Mutumbo comparison because Dikembe was tough and had great lower-body strength that helped make him one of the best rebounders of all-time. Thabeet moves like a newborn calf (*which may lead to foul trouble) and has almost zero offensive upside (*think Sagana Diop). Yes, he'll block a shitload of shots but..
upside: Tyson Chandler
downside: Jim MCIllvaine
reality: Samuel Dalembert
2) BJ Mullens/Ohio St.: tall white hyped douchebag trailertrash. he was so hyped before coming outta HS people had him labeled the # 2 pick early last year. flash forward: he can't even got off the BENCH on his Ohio St. team. I've seen him play and viewed the potential (ie: athletic, moves well, somewhat smooth.) but he seems soooo clueless, self-entitled and unmotivated that I can't imagine this guy handling the daily waxing/pine-time he's gonna rack up his first 4 years in the league. hell, if he starts developing 4 years in, the team that drafted him won't even reap the reward due to free agency ..so what's the point?
upside: rich man's Primoz Brezec (*if such a thing exists)
downside: Eric Chenowith meets Maciej Lampe freakazoid
reality: Kwame Brown
(*forgive the type-o’s and lack of ultra high-level snark ..i did this in bit of a rush)
~dust.
dlee
Anyway, today's post comes to us courtesy of DLee, who has masterfully broken down the NBA Draft once again. Here it is:NBA DRAFT (5.0% ALCOHOL)
Okay, I know a lot of folk barely follow the NBA anymore (*much less the draft) but i have a compulsive desire to opine on this shit every year regardless. Yes, everyone says this years crop is weak (*I disagree, it just lacks guaranteed superstars) but there’s a fun narrow talent gap in picks 4 through 24 that should make things unpredictable and amusingly chaotic. Also, it's a strong year for point guards and God knows the Knicks need one (*God also knows we're guaranteed to fuck it up in spite of that fact). Anyway, maybe this post’ll help the apathetic folk in Verbungle-land get a little more caught up on this NBA crud so y’all can actually care about or watch the draft without thinking, "-who the fuck are all these players?? I kinda remember but.."
That said, here's a refresher guide to who sux and who doesn't:
PG
1) Ricky Rubio/Italy: the paisan passing Pistol Pete. I'm sure D'Antoni has a hard-on for this guy like you wouldn't believe. Some folk (namely, Brandon Jennings) say he's overrated. Some say he's a taller John Stockton. He probably falls somewhere in between. From what I've seen he's a sick passe/ballhandler with tremendous defensive potential. Just needs to learn how to shoot (*how fucking odd for a international star guard, no?). I think he's gonna start slow but eventually put it together in a big way (*assuming he doesn't crumble under the scrutiny).
upside: John Stockton
downside: Jason Williams
reality: Kirk Hinrich
2) Steph Curry/Davidson: can shoot from anywhere ..and i don't mean that in a bullshit JJRedick way. he's a real scorer who can use numerous angles and play off the dribble. only problem is i don't know if he can play D or play the point legit. Needs to be in the right situation.
Upside: bizzaro-world Tony Parker
Downside: Randolph Childress
Reality: Chris Jackson
3) Jonny Flynn/Syr: my boy! if anyone recalls how much I loved Rondo that's how I feel about Flynn this year (and maybe Lawson to smaller extent). man, i hope the Knicks "do the right thing" and snatch him up (no offense to Nate ..sorry homie). Flynn is a SICK ballhandler, knows how to run the show and has NYC size heart. Initially, i thought the one drawback would be his size but after finding out that Flynn may actually be THE best athlete in the draft (*he tested crazy good on vertical/speed/strength) I genuinely think he's a money in the bank NBA starter/winner. Unfortunately, many teams have jumped the same bandwagon. he may not even be there at 8 for the Knicks ..argh.
upside: Tim Hardaway
downside: Keyon Dooling
reality: Jameer Nelson
4) Brandon Jennings/Italy: played in Italy and didn't do shit. now he's calling ricky Rubio overrated. funny, if i was the top HS USA prospect getting mad press coverage and being paid millions to put up 10 points and 3 assists a game in Italy i'd shut the fuck up about someone ELSE being overrated. Jennings is very talented but something tells me he's a bit of a punk-ass. There's too many point guards in this draft to take a chance on a douche like this over other proven prospects.
upside: Monta Ellis
downside: Marcus Banks
reality: too tough to call.
4) Jaru Holiday/UCLA: this guy has been blasting all over the draft charts. some have him late first. some have him at 4. he was super hyped outta HS but had a weak year at UCLA. most blame the coach and sight the development of Moute & Westbrook as reasons to think Holiday will excel in the pros. he's supposed to be a good defender but his O seems a bit weak. draft at your own risk.
upside: uhh..has a guy like this ever turned out REALLY good..?
downside: Will Solomon
reality: Antonio Daniels
5) Jeff Teague/Wake: started off the year like a man on fire. kinda sputtered out as the year went on. wish he woulda stayed in school one more year. still, he's got some serious NBA skillz. just needs to keep his head on straight.
upside: Steve Francis
downside: Will Avery
reality: Rafer Alston
6) Eric Maynor/VCU: only saw this guy play in the tourney but i liked what i saw. good size. seems smart. there's usually one good point guard in every draft who comes from a small school. this could be that guy.
upside: DeLonte West
downside: Anthony Johnson
reality: Alvin Williams
7) Ty Lawson/UNC: wow. his stock is dropping like a stone because he didn't "test" well at the combine. funny, i'd think a better test is guiding your team to a national championship while playing with an injury. this guy falling is gonna be a classic case of moronic GM's passing on a known talent/winner for lame-ass reasons and having to explain their stupidity later (*ex: Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas, Tyshawn Prince, Josh Howard, etc).
Upside: TJ Ford
downside: Jaque Vaughn
reality: Avery Johnson
8) Pat Mills/St.Marys: remember the Aussi PG who was giving team USA fits with his blazing speed? that was THIS guy. still, he broke his hand this year and hasn't been the same since. a bit small and can't shoot. needed to go back to school and have a big year --too bad he didn't. coulda been somebody.
upside: Ramon Sessions
downside: suicidal regret
reality: Kyle Lowery
9) Tony Douglas/Fla St: tough guy. might have a shot to make it. plays killer D and had fastest running time at the rookie combine. still, he's more of a scorer than a point guard. he'll have a solid career somewhere..it could be in the NBA..it could be in Italy.
upside: Mike James
downside: jobless
reality: 10-11th man in NBA
10) Darren Collison/UCLA: *sigh* i thought he was gonna turn out better than this. he really had some bad breaks regarding the way shit went down at UCLA over the last couple years. personnel and coaches kinda stunted his development. now he's just trying to make it. i hope he can. he's got some nice skillz.
upside: Chris Duhon
downside: Israel
reality: Ronnie Price
OG
1) Tyreke Evans/Memph: athletic young buck. finishes. allegedly plays D. allegedly can play some point (*bullshit). jumper troubles. possibly a dickhead. super hyped outta HS. got a slow start then ended year well.
upside: Jerry Stackhouse
downside: Hasaan Adams
reality: poor man's Andre Igoudala
2) Damar DeRozen/USC: see Tyreke Evans.
upside: Kerry Kittles
downside: Julius Hodge
reality: Larry Hughes
3) Chase Budinger/Ariz: the tease. he's got a really nice game for a USA whiteboy. good hops ~check. jumper ~check. creativity ~check, just hasn't consistantly dominated at any point like he should. the fact that Arizona hasn't done shit over the last couple years despite having Budinger, lottery-pick Jordan Hill, and solid PG Wise makes you wonder what's wrong with these guys, too soft? too lazy? a good mid-late 1st pick. anywhere before that is a deadly roll of the dice.
upside: Dunleavy Jr.
downside: Drew Barry
reality: Brent Barry
4) Gerald Henderson/Duke: if he wasn't a Dukie i'd like this guy for the NBA. any GM taking this guy sooner than 15 better go to church services before the draft. he plays hard and he's got athleticism comparable to D.Wade but it could be total fools gold. Hendo's got no mid-range game, he's kinda undersized, his jumper is iffy and ...he's from motherfucking Duke. still, i was wrong about Russell Westbrook sooo..
upside: John Starks
downside: Shannon Brown
reality: Dahntay Jones
5) Terrance Williams/L-ville: could be the steal of the draft. he's a winner and competes with major cajones. understands the game, defends and plays team ball. won't be a superstar be can be a big part of a successful franchise.
upside: Paul Pressey
downside: Jeryl Sasser
reality: smarter Michael Pietrus
6) Wayne Ellington/UNC; he can shoot. he's got solid size. he's from UNC. he did well in the NCAA. still, nobody is really excited by this guy. tough call.
upside: Brandon Rush
downside: JaRon Rush
reality: Kareem Rush
7) Marcus Thornton/LSU: Jonah likes this guy. i think he's undersized and plays a college game. translation..
upside: Kirk Snyder
downside: Andre Emmett
reality: Maurice ager
SF
1) Earl Clark/L-ville: the enigma. LaBron like athlete (*oh, the blasphemy!). Now when i say that what I mean is: at 6'10" this guy moves like a freakishly strong and athletic guard. Can shoot some, pass like guard, put it on the floor and his defensive potential is through the roof. Still, he never fully dominated and a lot of folk question his heart and head. Frankly, I'd take him regardless. They said the same thing about Rudy Gay and he turned out well..
upside: Rudy Gay
downside: Eddie Griffin
reality: Boris Diaw (*I actually like him better than Rudy Gay but whatev..)
2) Sam Young/Pitt: before this year, I thought this guy didn't have a chance to make it. I"ve kinda changed my tune. He's a really good athlete who plays his ass off and can finish and hit a mid-range shot. Coaches love that shit.
upside: James Posey
downside: Brian Davis
reality: Tony Allen
3) DuJuan Summers/G-town: was viewed as potential lotto early in the year. reality and G-town's crappy year caught up to de-rail all that bullshit. I never thought much of this guy. seems kinda mediocre at everything and great at nothing. also a bit of a tweener at the forward spot.
upside: Bobby Simmons
downside: sux ass
reality: Dorell Wright
4) Austin Daye/Gonzaga: the Kalista Flockhart of the draft ..skinny and disappointing. he was all hyped at Gonzaga then didn't do shit. tested horrible at the draft combine as well. still, he's lanky with a multiple skill set so GM's are still curious. he shoulda gone back to school. i got a feeling he's gonna be a bust-o.
upside: Jonathan Bender
downside: Jonathan Bender
reality: worse than Jonathan Bender
5) Dante Cunningham/Temple: old school. he's the kind of guy you pick up at the blacktop and he just wins game after game. leaves young punks scratching their head on how they lost to a guy who lives only on smarts and fundamental team play. he'll be a second rounder but i wouldn't be surprised if he has a long 10th man bench career somewhere.
upside: Sam Mitchell
downside: Sam Mitchell's coaching career
reality: Jared Dudley
6) DaMare Carroll/Miso: remember Mizzo's big NCAA run? the guy with the sweaty dreds flopping all over the court at crunchtime? that was THIS guy. he's a weird hustle combo forward who just knows how to get the job done. doesn't have your prototypical pro game but he has a shot to be a coach's pet down the bench. could be a second round steal.
upside: Ryan Gomes
downside: smelly dreds
upside: Renaldo Balkman
PF
1) Blake Griffin/Okl: the Terminator. not human. a beast. as a Mixed Martial Arts junkie I'd love to see what this guy would do in the Octagon. Oh well, we'll just have to suffer an amazingly productive NBA career instead, This guy was my dream pick for the Knicks if he came out last year. too bad for us. the only thinkable way anything could go wrong with this guy is if he gets drafted by the Cli~.......*oh wait* ~that actually happened! pray for him.
upside: Antonio McDyess (*healthy version)
downside: Kenyon Martin
reality: Carlos Boozer
2) Jordan Hill/Ariz: warning. looks like a player but seems like there's always a guy like this in the draft who tends to disappoint. meaning: a raw athletic big man with questionable understanding of the game who suddenly becomes a hot property (*ex: Ty Thomas, C. Wilcox, Tony Battie, S Swift, etc). Considering the fact he manned an Arizona team that included Buddinger, Bayless and Wise yet STILL couldn't win at college level ..i say something's wrong.
upside: Ben Wallace with offense (*dream on)
downside: S. Swift
reality: Chris Wilcox
3) DuJuan Blair/Pitt: uh-oh. big boy. used to be fat --but now he's not! heck, he's the trimmest he's even been right before the draft! hmm. funny how that works. bet: once he gets paid --cheeseburger attack! don't get me wrong, Blair plays hard and is a beast on the boards. the thing is, guys who were once fat usually return to their Little Debbie ways down the line (*O. Miller, S. May, Eddy Curry, etc). Late first or early second, i like taking a chance on this guy ..anywhere before that = ulcer city.
upside: Paul Milsap
downside: "Tractor" Traylor
reality: Kenny Thomas
4) Tyler Hansbrough/UNC: come on. do you even have to ask? I just DON'T see it happening for this guy (*by the way: as lifelong UNC fan I have no idea how this guy is NOT from Duke ..when i see him i imagine how black people felt watching Soul Man, "..you really expect me to believe HE can pass as one of us?? JUST LOOK AT HIM!) i respect the guy plays as hard as he can and gets the absolute most of his abilities buuuut ..his shit is gonna get THROWN in the NBA. still, he'll hang around based on his hustle.
upside: Andres Nocioni
downside: Mark Madsen
reality: Brian Cardinal
5) James Johnson/Texas: i don't really know this guy. saw him once. seems mediocre. can shoot and rebound a little. supposedly showed up overweight for the draft combine. that ain't a good sign.
upside: whatever
downside: whatever
reality: whatever
6) Taj Gibson/Ga: saw him play a little. seems ok at a lot of stuff and not great at anything.
upside: NBA bench
downside: homeless on park bench
reality: China
CENTER
1) Hasheem Thabeet/UConn: danger. I really feel that people are banking waaaay too hard on Thabeet being a lock as an NBA player. Sure, he will be a phenomenal shot-blocker no matter what. So was Jim McIllvaine, Tree Rollins and Marvin Webster. I wouldn't take those guys at TWO. Also, I don't agree with the Mutumbo comparison because Dikembe was tough and had great lower-body strength that helped make him one of the best rebounders of all-time. Thabeet moves like a newborn calf (*which may lead to foul trouble) and has almost zero offensive upside (*think Sagana Diop). Yes, he'll block a shitload of shots but..
upside: Tyson Chandler
downside: Jim MCIllvaine
reality: Samuel Dalembert
2) BJ Mullens/Ohio St.: tall white hyped douchebag trailertrash. he was so hyped before coming outta HS people had him labeled the # 2 pick early last year. flash forward: he can't even got off the BENCH on his Ohio St. team. I've seen him play and viewed the potential (ie: athletic, moves well, somewhat smooth.) but he seems soooo clueless, self-entitled and unmotivated that I can't imagine this guy handling the daily waxing/pine-time he's gonna rack up his first 4 years in the league. hell, if he starts developing 4 years in, the team that drafted him won't even reap the reward due to free agency ..so what's the point?
upside: rich man's Primoz Brezec (*if such a thing exists)
downside: Eric Chenowith meets Maciej Lampe freakazoid
reality: Kwame Brown
(*forgive the type-o’s and lack of ultra high-level snark ..i did this in bit of a rush)
~dust.
dlee
posted by hans q. bungle at 02:38
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