MVN - Most Valuable Network

Hold the Mayo

I refer you to this article from Taking it to the Rack’s Steve Weinman and this video from YouTube on O.J. Mayo’s last dunk in high school:

That’s just disgraceful. He’s lucky that nobody on the other team had any balls. I wouldn’t have put up with that display at all. I know the story that he was trying to throw it to his Dad, but that’s just a Michael Vick move right there. As Mayo enters his freshman season at USC, it’s hard to fathom a season where he doesn’t spawn some controversy. All eyes will be watching.

Derrick Rose Highlights

Lakers Library’s Ed Ziti highlighted Derrick Rose as a top pick of the 2008 draft. Many people feel he will be the number one pick after playing one year in college. As Rose enters his freshman season at Memphis as the starting point guard, take a look at this video montage on YouTube. **WARNING** If you’re like me and despise techno music, you’ll want to turn your volume all the way down first!

Yi Jianlian and O.J. Mayo in one article

If you’re like most people, you start reading a column by the headline.  Here on NBA Draft University, we’ll give you two articles for the price of one.  What common denominator connects Yi Jianlian and O.J. Mayo?  They will be the most controversial draft picks in two consecutive drafts.

Yi finally signed with the Bucks after all the posturing between the Bucks, Yi’s camp and his agent - Dan Fegan.  It was a bizarre situation from the moment he was selected sixth in the NBA Draft by a team that was not invited to watch him in pre-draft workouts.  To further complicate matters, the following awkwardness was met with silence by Yi himself. 

The AP report from Colin Fry kept referring to Yi’s “handlers” in talking about the decision makers on Yi’s end, but in the eyes of this fan who saw the public relations nightmare for both parties unfolding, perhaps the term “mishandlers” should be applied.  Rather than being hung up on concerns about the city of Milwaukee and the lack of diversity, the reports indicate that the primary issue for Yi is playing time as Team China prepares to medal in Beijing next summer behind Yi, Yao, Sun Yue and Wang Zhizhi. 

The initial thought from Yi’s camp was that Milwaukee was taking the best player available, but not presenting much of an opportunity for him with Villaneuva and Bogut on the roster.  Villaneuva and Bogut were the eighth and first picks of the 2005 draft, respectfully.  The addition of Yi and a firm commitment to his development, however, raises questions about the man who was acquired in a trade for T.J. Ford, who himself was the eighth pick of the 2003 draft.  Charlie Villaneuva is known to possess tremendous talent, but now finds himself in the same situation that he was in with Toronto and Chris Bosh. eventually leading to his departure.

I’m looking forward to many more thoughts on Yi coming out as we approach the beginning of a new season.  My colleague at Taking it to the Rack has his own take on the situation, I’m sure.  Our Bucks writer considers the combination of Yi, Charlie and Andrew to be one of the most athletic frontcourt combos in the league.  That’s debatable, as I would hesitate to use the word “athletic” in describing athletes.  I would definitely agree with “versatile”.  It will be interesting to see what develops. 

Another great site I’ve found that’s been keeping tabs on the Yi situation all along is “Just Another Bucks Fan.”  David Stern appears to be relieved that Yi will be doing for Bucks basketball what Yao did for the Rockets.  While it’s clear he is their power forward of the future, it’s not so clear if he’ll be given the opportunity to start right away.  I suspect that he’ll be worked in similar to how Andrew Bogut played behind Jamaal Magloire and Joe Smith when he first entered the league.  It will be a struggle for Yi, but he has the support in place to have a successful NBA career.

Finally, the O.J. Mayo piece comes courtesy of Steve Weinman’s Tuesday column on Taking it to the Rack.  It spurred an interesting discussion about the mercurial star who is entering his freshman season at USC.  Mayo already figures to be one and done, as he’ll be turning 20 in November and possesses the talent to make the jump.  Will he channel that talent to make it a success?  That’s the question.  Controversy and dumb decisions have followed him throughout his high school career.  As we close the books on the controversial Yi Jianlian draft selection, here’s to predicting that Mayo will be the next draft controversy as he takes the NBA by storm - for better or for worse.  Stay tuned…

Undrafted rookie free agents

There are a few players who went undrafted and impressed enough in summer league play to earn a free agent contract.  The highest profiled player to do so is Coby Karl, son of Nuggets coach George Karl.  Coby played well for the Lakers summer league team and signed with them on July 30th.

For those who don’t know his story, Coby starred at Boise State and averaged 15 points per game as a senior while shooting 37% from deep after averaging 17.2 points per game as a junior.  Over the past two years, he’s undergone chemotheraphy and numerous surgeries to treat papillary carcinoma, a form of thyroid cancer.  Despite his health concerns, he still managed to play and start in 60 games over the past two seasons.

I don’t know about you, but a Coby-Kobe backcourt would be something to root for.  You know a coach’s son would be a good choice to run the triangle.  Should Jordan Farmar or Javaris Crittendon struggle or need a breather, Karl will be ready.

On July 10th, the Boston Celtics signed South Carolina forward Brandon Wallace.  Wallace averaged 9.9 points and 9.4 rebounds per game.  He might turn out to be a player in the mold of his former college teammate - Renaldo Balkman.  With the Garnett trade later in the month, minutes in the frontcourt are available to be spread around to Wallace, Leon Powe, Kendrick Perkins, Brian Scalabrine, and rookie Glen “Big Baby” Davis. 

Also signing after going undrafted is UNLV center Joel Anthony.  The 6′9″ 240 pounder signed with the Heat on July 5th.  Anthony doesn’t really have much of a shot.  After transferring from Pensacola Junior College, he only started 9 of 68 games with the Running Rebels over the past two seasons.  He did post 109 blocks his senior season, which is really the only reason he’s a pro prospect.  With Shaq and Zo on board, perhaps working with them will give Anthony the confidence he needs to take the next step.  If only he was a couple inches taller…

Worst active lottery pick team

Here’s your game card again.  I didn’t get much response to picking the best active lottery picks 1-14, in which I inadvertently stumbled upon a formula for putting together Team USA.  For every superstar though, there’s an equally impressive dud.  Had these guys broken in when the D-League was established, they would have wiped the floor with the scrubs.  Instead, they just suck.  Here’s the extremely bad luck of the draw - the worst selections of picks 1-14 in recent memory:

1. Michael Olowokandi, Clippers (class of ‘98) - The Candy Man causes so many cavities, every team he plays for needs a root canal.  The fact that the Clippers made this pick is even sweeter.  Kwame Brown of ‘01 just barely gets by here and hopefully distances himself a little more from this unwanted distinction.

2. Marvin Williams, Hawks (class of ‘05) - Marvin Williams was taken ahead of Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Raymond Felton (in order).  He’s never lived up to the hype and is only a serviceable bench player at best.  Jay Williams of ‘02 is no longer active, due to injuries sustained from his devastating motorcycle injury in ‘03.  Stromile Swift of ‘00 is no longer relevant.  Shawn Bradley of ‘93 was one of the worst picks of all time, but you can’t coach height.

3. Darius Miles, Clippers (class of ‘00) - It was a weak draft class, and this forward straight out of high school brought his street ball game to L.A.  He had a good year with the Blazers, but on a bad team it was smoke and mirrors.  Now, he’s had microfracture surgery and it’s doubtful he’ll ever get back to form.  Miles was in it for the dough and now his body’s taken the same shape.

4. Marcus Fizer, Bulls (class of ‘00) - Fizer couldn’t stay in the league after starring at Iowa State.  He had some scoring ability, but no defense.  There’s really not much to say about him other than he would have been a pretty good fourth pick if taken in the second round.

5. Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Nuggets (class of ‘02) - After Nowitzki had some success, Tskitishvili was considered of the same mold and destined for similar success.  Instead, he was more like Christian Welp.  The rail thin 7 footer struggled to shoot 30% from the field and had no idea what the NBA game was about.  Tony Battie of ‘97 and Jonathan Bender of ‘99 also didn’t live up to the hype.

6. Marvin Webster, Trail Blazers (class of ‘05) - The shooting guard out of Seattle Prep has remained strictly the adjective infront of guard - shooting.  While he is a threat from three, he’s still a bit too streaky and hasn’t developed any other facets to his game.  It’s also worth mentioning the sixth pick of the 1998 draft - Robert Traylor.  The Bucks traded up from the tenth pick to get him and the Mavs ended up with Nowitzki.  Traylor never developed and turned out as a second round talent.  The most memorable numbers Traylor brought to the court ended up being his weight.  DerMarr Johnson of ‘01 also failed expectations, but at least he’s still in the league and he’s shown some improvements in his game.

7. Lorenzen Wright, Hawks (class of ‘96) - He can thank his size for the fact that he remained in the league.  His best years came with the Grizzlies, but he never developed more than backup talent.  Chris Mihm of 2000 is an honorable mention.  R.I.P. Eddie Griffin.

8. Rafael Araujo, Raptors (class of ‘04) - He was taken one spot ahead of Andre Iguodala and hasn’t delivered anything of consequence other than foul trouble.  This is a bad pick for centers, as DeSagana Diop of ‘01 and Adonal Foyle of ‘97 have also taken up space.  At least Diop is a valuable defender for the Mavs and Foyle had some productive years in limited duty.

9. Michael Sweetney, Knicks (class of ‘03) - The Georgetown forward was a low post machine in college, but his lack of work ethic led to being dealt to the Bulls for Eddy Curry.  The Bulls desparately need a low post scorer, and Sweetney still can’t get time on the court.  He’s a more skilled Traylor, but doesn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.  Rodney White of ‘01 also had a short-lived career, and before long, Patrick O’Bryant of ‘06 very well might surpass Sweetney here.

10. Keyon Dooling, Clippers (class of ‘00) - He only played one year for Missouri before taking his shot in the NBA, but he never learned how to play point guard and didn’t have the skill to play the two.  He’s bounced around as a combo guard and is currently with the Magic.  Luke Jackson had this spot until he finished last year with a 30 point performance for the Raptors against the 76ers.  We’ll see where he goes from here.

11. Jared Jeffries, Wizards (classes of 02) - Jeffries possessed unique skills as a 6′10 small forward who could handle the ball, shoot from outside, and post up smaller forwards.  He’s a solid defender as well.  However, he never developed consistency from the perimeter and he spent way too much time away from the basket to develop his post skills.  Still, the Knicks signed him to a big contract in the hopes that he’ll figure it out.  So far, he’s considered another free agent bust alongside the likes of Jerome James.  The Celtics earned themselves some recognition here with their awful selections of 2000 and 2001.  Kedrick Brown (’01) was a community college player who impressed in workouts and Jerome Moiso (’00) had some success in college at UCLA. 

12. Robert Swift, SuperSonics (class of ‘04) - The Sonics took Swift straight out of high school in Bakersfield, California.  He’s got that uncoachable size, but has yet to make an impact with it.  He missed all of last year with a torn ACL.

13. Sebastian Telfair, Trail Blazers (class of ‘04) - This is a second high schooler taken by the Blazers on this list.  Telfair went 7 spots ahead of the NCAA Player of the Year, Jameer Nelson.  Telfair possessed the point guard skills that made him a first round selection, but lacked development of his own offense.  He possesses no outside shot and hasn’t shown the work ethic to develop one.  After his abyssmal season with the Celtics last year, he was traded to the Timberwolves in the Kevin Garnett deal.

14. Kris Humphries, Jazz (class of ‘04) - Humphries came out of Minnesota too early and never learned how to be a team player.  If he gets the ball, it’s going up to the rim.  He was traded for equal value when the Jazz exchanged him for Araujo.

That’s my all-time scrubs team!  What’s yours?  Calling all D-League all-stars, give it your best shot.

Top active NBA players lottery selections

This game is fairly simple.  I go back through the most recent drafts and select who I feel is the best active player who was drafted #1, then the best among players who were selected #2, and so on.  I’m only doing the lottery selections and I’m pretty sure that nobody selected before 1980 would make this list.  Therefore, this is your game card.  We are not including this last draft class, since they haven’t played an official NBA game yet.  Feel free to try your hand as well and leave me your choices in the comments.  Here I go:

1. LeBron James, class of ‘03 (close second is Tim Duncan, class of ‘97)

2. Jason Kidd, class of ‘94 (amazing how bad #2s are…in my house, #2 means something bad too)

3. Carmelo Anthony, class of ‘03 (there some others who deserve consideration - Deron Williams of ‘05 is still getting better and Jerry Stackhouse of ‘95 was pretty good in his prime)

4. Chris Bosh, class of ‘03 (more love for 2003, but Stephon Marbury of ‘96 and Antawn Jamison of ‘98 are the next closest competition)

5. Kevin Garnett, class of ‘95 (close call, Ray Allen of ‘96, Vince Carter of ‘98, and Dwayne Wade of ‘03 were also #5 picks)

6. Brandon Roy, class of ‘06 (this isn’t a good group, so I’ll give it to Roy immediately…Battier is next best)

7. Rip Hamilton, class of ‘97 (next best is Luol Deng of ‘04, but Randy Foye of ‘06 will blossom this year in Minnesota)

8. Andre Miller, class of ‘99 (Rudy Gay of ‘06 has the potential)

9. Dirk Nowitzki, class of ‘98 (Dirk beats out Tracy McGrady of ‘97 and Amare Stoudemire of ‘02)

10. Paul Pierce, class of ‘98 (the next best are Joe Johnson of ‘01 and Caron Butler of ‘02)

11. Robert Horry, class of ‘92 (there is no competition here, unless Allan Houston of ‘93 makes a comeback)

12. Austin Croshere, class of ‘97 (ya, it’s that bad…Nick Collison of ‘03, Melvin Ely of ‘02 and Vladimir Radmanovic of ‘01 can give it a run…but does it matter?)

13. Kobe Bryant, class of ‘96 (Richard Jefferson of ‘01 and Corey Maggette of ‘99 have also panned out well)

14. Peja Stojakovic, class of ‘96 (Troy Murphy of ‘01 is probably the next best bet, although the jury is still out on Rashard McCants of ‘05 and Ronnie Brewer of ‘06)

There you have it.  Here’s an interesting thought - take the top 11 and Kobe Bryant to form your Team USA.  Tim Duncan replaces Dirk Nowitzki and you’re all set!

MVN draft reaction

Welcome to the aftermath of the NBA Draft.  How did you survive?  Most draft mocks got killed, but our very own Sam Panayotovich got ten of the first eleven picks right.  He even beat out Chad Ford, who tried to update his after the 7 p.m. deadline.  I tried to tell him that Billy King would screw things up, but getting past Danny Ainge and Michael Jordan is no small feat.  Congratulations to Sam and many thanks for his expertise in lending some credibility to my analysis on NBADU’s inaugural draftcast.

Another guy who deserves mad props is another NBADU colleague, Paul Perdichizzi.  Paul was right there every step of the way with live reaction in the comments of our draftcast and also hosting a live blog on Father Knickerbocker.  There’s a whole New York sports sections’ worth of material over there on reaction to the Zach Randolph trade and more.  My favorite reaction from Paul came at the news that Golden State traded Jason Richardson and Jermareo Davidson to Charlotte for Brandan Wright.  Says Paul,

“What a bad deal for Charlotte…This may end up being as bad as Michael Jordan trading Richard Hamilton away for Jerry Stackhouse.”

While we’re on the topic of NBADU colleagues, Steve Weinman discusses the abortion of the youth movement strategy that was starting to pay dividends for Boston with the development of Al Jefferson and Gerald Green.  Delonte West was a popular player in Boston and will be missed.  All things considered, Boston is now a contender for the division and Paul Pierce can shred his walking papers.

Some sleep did me good on Thaddeus Young.  The Sixers needed a 6′8″ shooter with upside and that’s what they got.  He was on a level playing field with Kevin Durant when their freshman seasons started last fall.  The Derrick Byars pick at 42 sealed the deal as a good draft for Billy King.  My long-term idea is to play Iguodala and Byars in the backcourt together with Thaddeus at the 3.  I can’t seem to find anyone who agrees…

Around the rest of MVN, End of the Bench’s Chris Clarke was live from Toronto.  Check out these gems:

Wally Szerenfskkdgt is a Sonic…[Detroit - RODNEY STUCKEY] Everyone who wrote a mock draft, take a drink…[Houston - AARON BROOKS] Called it! Woot. Check my mock…this might be the only one outside the lotto that I guess, er, predicted…wondering who the Spurs will get. If they get Splitter, we’ll be upset. That just wouldn’t be fair…Portland? Are you trying to get younger than birth or something? How many draft picks can one team stockpile in Europe? Fernandez I understand, Koponen too. But McRoberts? Or is it McRobertsovich?…I bet Darius Miles is almost literally given away with all the players they have acquired…

Below the Rim’s Eric Thibault was also live with reaction to his version of a mock draft…mocking the actual draft!  According to his view, Oden must be related to Bill Russell.  Kevin Durant is a nerd.  Dunking from the foul line stopped becoming impressive when Brent Barry did it with a jacket on in 1996.  Finally, I’ll give the best quote to Eric on this:

“I’m ecstatic about Yi potentially developing a northern Wisconsin accent. “Ha-low? Could I get some chawp-sticks to eat that saw-sage? No? Ooo-k.”

Impending Firestorm’s Chase Kuech is ecstatic, and who can blame him?  The Hawks landed Al Horford and Acie Law IV with picks 3 and 11.  Atlanta’s Billy Knight finally listened to the “experts” and took the right players.  Congratulations, Chase!  For the record, I like the new jerseys.  Chase likes the old Ronald McDonald ones.

Celtics 17’s Thomas Halzack is puzzled by Danny Ainge trading a top pick for the second year in a row.  The draft is supposed to be one of his strengths.  T asks a bunch of questions and figures that another deal is imminent.  At this point, it’s hard to deny that the Celtics got better after the draft.

Bobcat Bonfire’s Serena Hays must be so shocked about the Jason Richardson trade, that she’s stuck on writers block at the moment.  Jared Dudley was a good addition at 22.  Don’t blame my Sixers, blame the Heat! Will Gerald Wallace opt out of Charlotte?

Bull Riding’s Matt Kolsky loves the Bulls additions of JamesOn Curry and Aaron Gray in the second round.  He’s come to grips with Joakim Noah in a Bulls uniform.  Will Kobe Bryant join him? 

Cavalier Attitude’s Amar Panchmatia can’t believe the Cavs didn’t make a move when they are so clearly far from championship caliber right now.  If Steve Francis could land Zach Randolph, what can Larry Hughes bring Cleveland?  Phoenix sells the 24th pick for $3 million and the team who least needs it in Portland buys it up.  Where is Danny Ferry’s foresight?  He was supposed to have come from the San Antonio school for General Managers!

Crazy from the Heat’s Vivek Wallace says that Jason Richardson is a baller.  He dreams of what a Dwayne Wade - Daequan Cook backcourt will do for the Heat.  With Wade and Shaq, Cook should get some pretty good looks.  It’s about time they add some youth around Wade.

Believing in Magic’s Brendan Sorrone sees a clear strategy from Magic GM Otis Smith - free up cash to land a big free agent.  Can somebody say Chauncey Billups?  They actually come out of the draft with the player rights to Milovan Rakovic to boot.

Les Bullez‘ Gregg Kanner called Nick Young the perfect pick for the Wizards.  If last year’s pick Oleksiy Pecherov is ready to help in the middle, the Wiz are set with a fab four of Nick Young, Butler, Jamison, and Arenas.  He’s a huge upgrade over DeShawn Stevenson and Jarvis Hayes.

Showboating’s Matt Carter gives the Mavericks high grades for finding value picks in the second round.  Nick Fazekas gives them another shooting big man to compliment Nowitzki.  They passed on Marc Gasol and Glen Davis to take the NCAA leader in rebounds per minute.  20 points per game on 57% shooting and 43% from deep ain’t bad either.  He was also live during the draft.  For the biggest night of his life, Carter says that Noah decided to get dressed in the dark!  Good one, but still not better than Eric’s sausage comment.  Another valid point from Matt: Thornton is older than LeBron James.  Witness that!

Solid Gold’s Nate Taylor showed up, but the Nuggets got shut out.  Sorry!

Rockets Blast’s Kurt Nordquist didn’t get the Aaron Brooks pick, but the Rockets acquired two second rounders.  54th pick Brad Newley was acquired from Orlando for cash considerations.  The Aussie’s got some raw talent and is basically Bob Sura-lite.  The Rockets acquired 31st pick Carl Landry from the Sonics.  Landry is an undersized power forward, just like Chuck Hayes.  No Big Baby in Houston!

Beale Street Beat’s Thomas McKee loves Conley and he picked him at four for the Grizzlies about a month before the draft.  However, he wasn’t happy with just that pick.  Tarence Kinsey was a successful undrafted free agent last year and McKee already starts searching through the remains of who can be added for the summer league.  I’m going with Kyle Visser and Zabian Dowdell as the best of the rest at this point.

Wolves Watch’s Anthony Hall is out of town, but he comments on the Brewer pick as a no brainer.  They stay at seven and take the best player on the board.  It was going to be whoever was left between Brewer, Jeff Green, and Yi going at five and six.  As of the typing of this column, Kevin Garnett is still a T’wolf.  For now…

Born and Raised’s Matthew Kitchen likes the Suns going for ready-made players who will have a Daniel Gibson effect for the Suns.  I asked him if it meant that Raja should be on notice.  Instead, it seems like Raja now has more help and won’t have to do more than he’s capable without any other defensive-minded help on the wing.  That includes you, James Jones.

Congratulations to the fellas on The Inferno for acquiring the franchise foundation for the next NBA dynasty!  Unfortunately, they combine that slam dunk with the shortsighted trade of Zach Randolph and draft an entire team in the process.  Didn’t they draft nine picks last year?  Will Josh McRoberts be a steal or a bust?  Greg Oden really likes him, so I say he’ll be Jack Haley to Oden’s Dennis Rodman.  Faris Tanyos gives Kevin Pritchard a solid A and Rob Houston breaks the grade down pick by pick.

Spur of the Moment’s David Thiessen also passes out his draft grades and the Spurs get a B- overall.  The strength of that grade rested on the selection of Tiago Splitter at 28.  We envision a day when he is paired with Tim Duncan…and shudder.  If Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili weren’t enough…is it any wonder why they’ve won all those championships?

BONUS: Outsider Radio’s Bijan Bayne was sold on Green at five.  After all is said and done, we’re left to wonder what half these GMs are thinking.  Oddly enough, Atlanta’s Billy Knight isn’t one of them.  Kudos to Bijan for shedding some light on how the draft goes down.  We’ll let him have the last word here.

Setting the table: NBA Draft 2007

Welcome to the big event!  NBA Draft University is live with analysis, reactions, and rumors.  Atlanta has been involved in talks between Phoenix and Minnesota for Kevin Garnett.  According to news out today, the Hawks balked at a deal that would have brought Amare Stoudemire to Atlanta.  Another third party that entered the discussion is Charlotte.  It involves Marcus Banks as well.  Minnesota would be getting the eighth pick from Charlotte and a player on their roster.  Will KG be moved today?  We discuss this and other rumors as well in our NBA Draft preview show here.

Other news and views can be found all throughout MVN.  The Buzz ’round N’awlins has a rundown of the Hornets’ draft history as well as prospect profiles on Rodney Stuckey, Derrick Byars, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young, and Al Thornton.  Father Knickerbocker speculates on the 23rd pick and endorses darkhorse candidates Daequan Cook and Taureen Green, while also admitting that the draft is a crapshoot.  Motoring is hoping the Pistons avoid a Darko Milicic or Rodney White type flop.  Passion and Pride says the Sixers will trade up from the 12th position.  Money from the Parking Lot says that guys like Brandan Wright and Spencer Hawes should have returned to school.  And finally, our NBADU colleague - Steve Weinman - gives his final babblings before the draft.

Things really get interesting with the Celtics pick at five.  Seattle’s choice at two will be made by Portland and Memphis’ selection at four will be determined by the third pick.  Do the Hawks pass on Conley for Al Horford?  Do they trade the pick?  Those are just some questions for starters.  Be ready for anything.

UPDATE (2 p.m.) - Larry from Father Knickerbocker reported that the Magic trade their two second round picks to Houston.  What they receive in return in yet to be determined.  It’s small potatoes in the whole scheme of things.  **UPDATE (6:30PM) - Houston received Orlando’s 54th pick for cash**

Also, the Lakers are a mess and it is this bloggers’ opinion that a good deal would be sending him to Chicago.  The Bulls would get Kobe for Ben Gordon, Ty Thomas, and the number 9 pick.  Kolsky will analyze that one over on Bull Riding.  He doesn’t want Joakim Noah or Spencer Hawes for the Bulls at nine.

A special shoutout goes to Chris Clarke for starting off the comments.  He’ll be hanging out with Ryan McNeill at the Air Canada Center in Toronto during the draft.  Toronto has no picks, but they are rumored to be offering Jose Calderon for something.  In the meanwhile, Chris has his mock draft posted over at End of the Bench.  In addition, he also reports that Greg Oden will be wearing #52 for the Blazers.  That’s because #20 is retired for Maurice Lucas.  #35 is not retired by the Sonics, in case you were wondering…

UPDATE (4 p.m.) - I’m hearing that the Sixers like Yi even better than Jeff Green.  Oh no!  My stomach is churning now… 

UPDATE (6 p.m.) - Matthew Kitchen asks the question, “Who’s going to be the last player in the green room?”  As much as it pains me to say it, I’m going with Acie Law.  I think Crittendon might end up going ahead of him.

UPDATE (7:15 p.m.) - The Bucks are in a trading position at 6.  The candidates are two of these three - Yi Jianlian, Jeff Green, and Corey Brewer.  There’s a market for that group…

UPDATE (7:37pm) - No surprise there, Greg Oden goes #1

UPDATE (7:43 pm) - Durant goes #2 and now it gets interesting…

UPDATE (7:48 pm) - Al Horford is going down to Georgia.  Now, if he can be as good as Amare, then who cares who the ownership is?

UPDATE (7:53 pm) - Mike Conley goes to Memphis at 4, as expected.  Time for Kyle Lowry to go elsewhere.  Ray Allen is coming to Boston and the fifth pick goes to Seattle?

UPDATE (7:58 pm) - Jeff Green is the fifth pick.  Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak, pack your bags!  I called Steve Weinman and he’s stunned with the idea of trading the pick for Ray Allen.  That move is to appease Paul Pierce.  It doesn’t fit with their youth movement.  Ray Allen was already playing with an all-star in Rashard Lewis and they found themselves in the lottery.

UPDATE (8:03 pm) - Yi Jianlian is the sixth pick.  I’m feeling a trade.  Right now, millions of Chinese people are asking themselves, where’s Milwaukee?

UPDATE (8:10 pm) - Corey Brewer is the consolation prize at 7.  Charlotte’s up with Brandan Wright on the board.  Do they pass?

UPDATE (8:15 pm) - Right now, Sam Panayotovich is 7/7.  Serena Hays is part of the live bloggers collaborating on True Hoop.  We’re rollin’!  Bobcats take Brandan Wright…

UPDATE (8:25 pm) - Joakim Noah goes to the Bulls at #9.  He’s a great pick for them!  Sam P is now 9/9.  Kings trade down?

UPDATE (8:31 pm) - Spencer Hawes goes to the Kings.  Brad Miller get help or gets replaced.  Atlanta to take a point guard…

UPDATE (8:38 pm) - Acie Law goes to Atlanta.  Pretty good draft for them.  Now my Sixers are up.  Please don’t take Julian Wright over Thornton!

UPDATE (8:48 pm) - Billy King does his Isiah Thomas impression!  Thaddeus Young from Georgia Tech has the most upside other than maybe Nick Young.  Potential goes over best player available (Thornton).  I didn’t see this coming at all.  Now, how about a trade?

UPDATE (8:52 pm) - Julian Wright goes to the Hornets instead of Al Thornton.  I’m surprised he’s dropping this far.  I’m still in shock over Thaddeus.  At least I’m going to get a lot of hits on my Sixers site.  I should type something over there that Billy King needs to be fired…

UPDATE (8:59 pm) - Al Thornton goes to the Clippers.  They are still swiss cheese at point.  They go for best available over need and potential.  Billy King, take note!

UPDATE (9:02 pm) - Rodney Stuckey had a promise and Joe Dumars delivered.  They won’t miss Chauncey Billups one bit.  Great pick.

UPDATE (9:11 pm) - Nick Young goes to the Wizards as the best available player.  He’s a big upgrade over Deshawn Stevenson.  If Young becomes anything like Caron Butler, the East will be on notice.

UPDATE (9:16 pm) - Knicks trade Steve Francis to Portland for Zach Randolph.  Ok, Billy King, your turn!

UPDATE (9:19 pm) - Sean Williams was a no brainer to New Jersey.  He’s exactly what they need.  Now, he can light up with Uncle Spliff Robinson!

UPDATE (9:25 pm) - The Golden State Warriors went overseas and got Marco Belinelli.  Monta Ellis on the move?  Now it’s time for us to see if the Lakers play GM Kobe.  The Lakers have reportedly promised Rudy Fernandez.  What does Kobe think?

UPDATE (9:30 pm) - Lakers pass on Fernandez and take the point guard of the future - Javaris Crittendon.  He’s still learning the position and now, he’ll have to learn the triangle.  He’s better than Smush Parker, for sure.  I guess they don’t believe in Farmar.

UPDATE (9:36 pm) - Miami takes Jason Smith from Colorado State.  Zo and Shaq are getting old, so this makes sense.  The Sixers need help in the middle too.  They’re up!

UPDATE (9:44 pm) - Billy King takes Daequan Cook and trades him with cash to Miami for Smith.  Cook will be a nice addition to Dwayne Wade.  Zo and Shaq better get back out of that retirement home!  Smith is a good consolation prize for the Sixers, who missed out on Spencer Hawes.

UPDATE (9:50 pm) - Charlotte wanted Cook, but with him off the board, they take Jared Dudley.  Wow!  Can Isiah Thomas top this?

UPDATE (9:53 pm) - Wilson Chandler had that promise.  Remember - they acquired Zach Randolph, Fred Jones, and Dan Dickau earlier in the evening for Steve Francis and Channing Frye.  Phoenix goes for Rudy?

UPDATE (9:57 pm) - Nope, Phoenix trades the pick to Portland…but it is Rudy.

UPDATE (10:03 pm) - Utah goes for a shooting guard.  Morris Almond will contribute right away.  He’s a perfect fit for the up-and-coming Jazz.

UPDATE (10:12 pm) - Houston passes on Glen Davis (sorry, Kurt!) and takes Aaron Brooks from Oregon.  Rafer Alston’s job is up for grabs, apparently. 

UPDATE (10:17 pm) - The Pistons take Arron Afflalo with 27.  We are not sure why.  This pick was for Derrick Byars or Josh McRoberts.

UPDATE (10:25 pm) - The Spurs take a flyer on another foreigner - Tiago Splitter.  The guy finally gets drafted after all the declaring and withdrawing over the decade.  He’ll stay in Spain for another year and then come over and be the perfect fit.  Typical Spurs move.

UPDATE (10:32 pm) - The Suns take Alando Tucker from Wisconsin.  He’s an undersized small forward type.  It will be interesting to see how he fits in there (not).

UPDATE (10:34 pm) - It’s the last pick of the first round.  Derrick Byars, Josh McRoberts, Nick Fazekas, Aaron Gray, Kyrylo Fesenko, Taureen Green, Marc Gasol…any of those guys excite you?

UPDATE (10:39 pm) - All those guys above have been relegated to the second round.  The Sixers picked Petteri Koponen, the point guard of the future.  I’m sure the Flyers can use him on the power play.  It’s about time the Sixers test the international flavor.

UPDATE (10:46 pm) - The Sonic go for a power forward in Carl Landry.  They’ve already got Jeff Green and Kevin Durant.  Landry will have a hard time finding minutes, but he was one of the best power forwards in college basketball last year.  Sam Panatoyovich called him a sleeper and this is right about where you’d expect to find one. 

UPDATE (10:50 pm) - Gabe Pruitt went to the Celtics at 32.  He’s a good player and should have been chosen ahead of Aaron Brooks.  He’ll take the spot vacated by Delonte West.

UPDATE (11 pm) - As the draft is picking up speed, my connection is slowing down. The Spurs took Arizona’s Marcus Williams with the 33rd pick. Nick Fazekas goes to Dallas at 34. He’ll be the next Keith Van Horn or Austin Croshere. The 35th pick was Big Baby Davis. Jermareo Davidson went with the 36th pick, but the Warriors traded him to Charlotte with Jason Richardson for Brandan Wright!  Josh McRoberts finally goes at 37 to Portland. Wow!

UPDATE (11:07 pm): The Sixers traded Koponen to get out of three guaranteed contracts.  I saw that happening.  They take Kyrylo Fesenko at 38.  The Ukraine Train is a good fit and they can stash him in Europe to develop.  Check that, Utah will stash him in Europe.  They acquire him for cash considerations and the 55th pick.

UPDATE (11:12 pm): Davis got traded to Boston at 35 as part of the Ray Allen deal.  Miami took Stanko Barac with the 39th pick and traded him.  He’s got some developing overseas to do.  Then, the Lakers at 40 took Sun Yue.  What?  With Derrick Byars still on the board?  Are you kidding me?  Kobe wants out again!

UPDATE (11:18 pm): Chris Richard joins his Florida teammate for the Timberwolves at 41.  He even went ahead of Taureen Green.  I wonder if half the GMs in the game know what they’re doing.  I’m going to say no.

UPDATE (11:21 pm): Derrick Byars finally went at 42.  Amazing!  The Sixers get him for Koponen.  That’s more like it.  Now, I’m done.  Goodnight and enjoy the rest of the second round.  Thanks to all of you for your comments and especially to Paul for keeping the dialogue going.  That’s a wrap.