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2008 HOF: Ewing vs. Olajuwon, Pat Riley vs. 90′s Knicks, and Dick Vitale vs. Himself

Sep 8

Posted by kit in 1992 Olympics, basketball, Basketball Rumors, Charles Oakley, college hoops, Dick Vitale, Dickie V, Eastern Conference Finals, ESPN College Basketball Coverage, ESPN Radio, Final Four, Hakeem Alajawon, Hakeem Olajuwon, Hakim Olajuwon, John Starks, Knicks Problems, Lakers Finals, Los Angeles Lakers, Madison Square Garden, Miami Heat, Modern Era Basketball, NBA, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA History, NBA stats, NBA Stats Patrick Ewing, NBA Stats Playoffs 08, NBA Trade Rumors, New York Knicks, New York Knicks 90's, Olympic Basketball, Olympic Mens Basketball, Pat Riley, Patrick Ewing, Playoffs, Postseason, Sean Connolly, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, US Mens Basketball Team, USA Basketball | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

This year’s induction ceremony into the basketball hall of fame included the biggest names in basketball in the modern era. The class included two of the greatest big men of all time in Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon, along with Ewing’s coach, Pat Riley.

Ewing vs. Olajuwon

Surprisingly in their career they were never really compared, probably because one was in the East and the other in the west, but let’s be one of the first to do so. Who’s career was better? Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points a game during his 18 seasons in the NBA compared to Ewing’s 17 points a game during his 17 seasons. All though Ewing was revered as more talented, looking at Olajuwon’s career as a whole shows that he was in fact a better player. Olajuwon holds the NBA record for blocked shots with 3840(amazing number), and most importantly has two NBA titles under his belt. Ewing has 0.

Not the best, but darn near close

Pat Riley and his 5 rings were inducted into the hall of fame this weekend along with Hakeem and Patrick. Riley ranks 3rd all-time in wins and led both the Lakers and Heat to NBA titles. His one blemish on his record was his inability to win a championship with the aforementioned Ewing, John Starks, Charles Oakley, and company. If he picked up a title or two then who knows where he would’ve ranked. Either way his coaching style has emanated throughout the NBA and he has set a style that coaches decades from now will knowingly or even unknowingly replicate.

Does Dickie V deserve to be in this class?

You betcha baby!! Sorry, had to do it. It is true though, Dick Vitale does deserve to be in the hall of fame as his, ahem, unique style brought him fame, fortune, and ultimately respect. He is the voice of college basketball and you can’t make it big in college hoops without your name being yelled out on ESPN followed by an emphatic ‘baby!!’

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Warriors to Monta Ellis: We Don’t Believe You

Sep 2

Posted by kit in basketball, Basketball Rumors, Basketball Trade Rumors, college hoops, Ellis Ankle Injury, Ellis Injury Fake, Ellis Injury Lie, Golden State Warriors, Monta Ellis, Monta Ellis Ankle Injury, Monta Ellis Injury, Monta Ellis Injury Explanation, Monta Ellis Injury Problems, NBA, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Finals 2008, NBA History, NBA Players Injury Contract Problems, NBA Trade Rumors, Playoffs, Postseason, San Fransisco, San Fransisco Chronicle, Sean Connolly, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, Uncategorized, USA Basketball, USA Basketball Rumors, Warriors Investigate Ellis Injury, What was Monta Ellis' Injury Explanation? | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

Something smells fishy. At least in San Fransisco, where the Warriors are looking deeper into Monta Ellis’s injury that he reported. After one month after signing a huge deal with the Warriors, Ellis revealed that he has an ankle injury that will keep him out for at least three months.


Reports are that the Warriors do not believe the explanation Monta gave his team and that they are launching an investigation into the situation. Maybe this is a bad idea by the Warriors to upset their most valuable asset. Ellis has been the Warriors most integral player and has shown enough promise that last month the Warriors inked him to a long-term deal.

Is this report true? The San Fransisco Chronicle says that they are not investigating and that the medical trainer who was said to look into the injury isn’t even on the same continent. This whole situation seems very confusing.

From what I learned in the past couple of months of wild sports stories, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And, something has to be up. It does seem sketchy that Ellis would conveniently report an injury for the first time after he signed a lucrative contract. Personally I think all off-season injuries should be investigated for the integrity of contracts. These players sign contracts that say you can’t do this or that or the contract will be void if you get hurt. The Warriors has to look at this from a business stand point. If a client doesn’t follow his or her contract properly you don’t look past it and say ‘just don’t do it next time’.

If this situation is under investigation and things come out saying that Ellis lied in any way, he needs to be punished. A precedent needs to be set.

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Redemption For The Redeem Team, But Did The Greeks Lose On Purpose?

Aug 14

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, 2008 Olympics Beijing, 2008 Olympics China, 2008 Olympics Kobe Bryant, 2008 Olympics LeBron James, 2008 USA Basketball Team, basketball, Basketball Rumors, Chris Bosh, Chris Bosh Olympics, college hoops, Dwayne Wade Olympics, FIBA Championship, Greece Basketball Argument Losing On purpose, Greece Losing On purpose Basketball Olympics USA, Kobe, Kobe Bryant, Kobe Bryant Closer, Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Comparison, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Dream Team, Michael Jordan Gold Medal, NBA, NBA Finals, Playoffs, Postseason, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, US Mens Basketball Team, USA Basketball, USA Basketball Olympics Rumors, USA Basketball Rumors | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

It’s been two years since the FIBA Championships in which the Greeks picked apart the US National Team to win the FIBA Championship leaving LeBron James and US disappointed. In their first challenge in this Olympics the US National team defeated Greece, holding a Greek team that put up 101 in their last meeting to a mere 69 points.

This victory by the US is more about the Greeks beating themselves than the US beating the Greeks. Greece decided to play a one-on-one type game, a game that is no match to a team that has Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh off the bench. They failed to get going offensively as Wade’s defensive gambling paid off as he had 6 steals in the game. But, is this the true Greece?

After winning the first two games, it seems as if the Greeks will make it past the group stage easily. Now, European teams have been known to do this…under perform, resting their players making it seem as if they are worse than they really are and then when the elimination round comes around, a completely different team shows up. Now, this routine has been argued about as to whether it’s really done, and whether it’s smart, unethical, or just plain stupid. Either way it doesn’t matter if you’re USA.

No team is short of any tom-foolery but if the Greeks truly did this on purpose takes the cake. Whether it will pay off or not is yet to be seen. I like the idea of resting your players for the next round to a certain extent, but to risk putting them in a bad rhythm for the rest of the Olympics is beyond me. One thing’s for sure though, Kobe Bryant, LeBron, and company are playing too well right now to be fooled by this.

So far throughout this Olympics and even exhibition games leading up to them, it seems as though the mantra of the team is not to underestimate any team at all. So I don’t see how they will underestimate a team in the latter rounds. If this move was done on purpose by the Greece national team, it will be a move done in haste as the Redeem Team will have golds around their necks.

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Kobe vs. Jordan? “Not Even a Contest” says Jordan

Aug 4

Posted by kit in 2008 Olympics Kobe Bryant, 2008 USA Basketball Team, basketball, Basketball Trade Rumors, Bulls Dynasty, Bulls Dynasty Jordan, Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 08, Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose first Pick, Derrick Rose Miami Heat, Eastern Conference Finals, Eddy Curry, Elton Brand Trade, ESPN Radio, Final Four, Game 7, Kevin Garnett, Kobe, Kobe 08 Finals, Kobe Bryant, Kobe Bryant 2007-08 MVP Season, Kobe Bryant Closer, Kobe Bryant Comeback, Kobe Bryant Free Throws, Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Comparison, Kobe Bryant NBA Stats Playoffs 08, Kobe Bryant Playoffs, Kobe MVP, Kobe MVP 2008 NBA Finals, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Basketball camp, Michael Jordan Basketball Camp video, Michael Jordan Dream Team, Michael Jordan Gold Medal, Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant One on One Video, Michael Jordan Kobe Bryant Video, Michael Jordan Kobe Video, Michael Jordan Plays kids one on one video, Michael Jordan Video, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA History, NBA Trade Rumors, Phoenix Suns Trade Rumors, Postseason, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, Uncategorized, Washington Wizards | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

If you forgot how great Michael Jordan is, just watch this video please. He’s at a basketball camp and a kid asks Jordan who would win in a one-on-one game between him and Kobe Bryant. Jordan responds, “in my prime, not even a contest.” It’s Jordan being Jordan.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqlBUj9bFC4&feature=related]

How amazing is that. I know he’s not up against NBA players but it’s obvious that he still has it. You know after that he was thinking…hmmm, maybe my Bobcats need a guard.

I just love how confident he is when he’s playing, there’s no doubt in his mind that he’s going to miss, even with his eyes closed. Earlier this season when Kobe was on a tear, I began to wonder…maybe he is good as Jordan. I’ll tell you this right now, Jordan at 45 years old is better than Kobe is now or will ever be.

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Was Signing Luol Deng A Good Move For The Bulls?

Jul 30

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, basketball, Basketball Trade Rumors, Ben Gordon, Bulls Dynasty, Bulls Dynasty Jordan, Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 08, college hoops, Derrick Rose, Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose first Pick, Eastern Conference Finals, Luol Deng, Luol Deng Signs, Luol Deng Signs Contract, Luol Deng Trade, Michael Beasley, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Dream Team, MVP 2008 Finals, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Draft Trade, NBA Draft Trade Rumors, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Stats Playoffs 08, NBA Trade Rumors, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, Tyrus Thomas, Uncategorized, USA Basketball, Utah Jazz | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

Today the Bulls signed Luol Deng to a six year deal worth up to $80 million. Now is $80 million worth it for a guy who put up 17 points a game with 6 rebounds and 2 assists? I don’t think so.

Looking at those numbers, the best you can say about them is that they’re good, not great, not worth $80 million. I understand that the Bulls have made it clear that they want Deng to be the corner stone of the franchise, but shouldn’t your cornerstone put up better numbers and play more than 63 games?

Deng has only been in the league three years and although he has shown a good deal of talent, he had injury problems all of last year and has yet to prove that he can make a significant enough impact in which the team can depend on him in crunch time. He isn’t a player that’s going to take over the game, he’s a guy who will give you points somewhere in the high teens and put up a solid shooting percentage. But, if the Bulls want to improve with the amazing amount of talent they have in Derrick Rose, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas, and more they should have traded Deng for someone more talented.

I just think the Bulls could have got two players with equal amount of talent for the price of Deng. There were talks of a trade of Deng to the Utah Jazz, but I guess the Bulls were to adamant about signing Deng to a long term deal. Since Michael Jordan retired and left the Bulls, the Bulls have had ten years of outstanding young talent that could never develop. They have the same dilemma this year and I think it’s their last shot before they run out of chances to become the dynasty they once were.

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It’s Been 8 Years, and I Want a Gold Medal

Jul 23

Posted by LoveBasketball in 1992 Olympics, 2008 NBA Playoffs, 2008 Olympics Beijing, 2008 Olympics China, 2008 Olympics Kobe Bryant, 2008 Olympics LeBron James, 2008 USA Basketball Team, basketball, Carmello Anthony, Carmello Anthony Olympics, Celtics Finals, ESPN Radio, Game 7, Kobe, Kobe 08 Finals, Kobe Bryant, Kobe Bryant 2007-08 MVP Season, Kobe Bryant Comeback, Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan Comparison, Kobe Bryant NBA Stats Playoffs 08, Kobe Bryant Playoffs, Kobe MVP, Kobe MVP 2008 NBA Finals, Lakers Finals, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Michael Jordan, Michael Jordan Dream Team, Michael Jordan Gold Medal, Mike and Mike Radio Show, Mike Golic, Mike Krzyzewski, MVP 2008 Finals, NBA, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Finals 2008, NBA History, Playoffs, Sean Connolly Basketball, Sean Connolly Sports, Sean Connolly Sports Writer, USA Basketball | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

Mike Krzyzewski said it best about developing an Olympic Basketball team…

We’re not ‘selecting a team’, you select people and hope they become a team.

Mike Krzyzewski on the USA Olympic Team

This year, I think everything is falling in place. It seems like there is a completely different demeanor on this Olympic team. Kobe Bryant and LeBron James have taken the leadership roles and they have enstilled in this team, and many basketball fans (me being one of them), that USA basketball is going to be on the top podium come Beijing.

LeBron James and Carmello Anthony

LeBron James and Carmello Anthony

An article in Sports Illustrated gave an excellent title to their article on this USA Olympic team that fits so well. “The Redeem Team.” It’s so true. They need to redeem themselves after the pathetic, unenthusiastic basketball they have played in the past decade. Sure Jordan and Magic left huge shoes to fill with the Dream Team, but if players like Carmello Anthony, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant can’t fit in those shoes, I don’t know who will.

This team is the closest to the Dream Team that dominated the 1992 Olympics and they cannot take this for granted. In an interview on the MIke and Mike show on ESPN Radio, Mike Golic asked Kobe Bryant where a Gold Medal from the Olympics would sit on the proverbial trophy case. Bryant said it would sit on top, above the NBA Finals trophy which shows just how important this medal is to him (plus, that trophy case was expecting a Finals MVP this season…). Bryant said there is nothing more rewarding than playing for your country and I hope the rest of this team feels the same way.

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Why Would Iguodala Want To Be Traded To The Clippers?

Jul 14

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, 76ers, Andre Iguodala Trade, Andre Iguodala Trade Clippers, Andre Iguodala Trade Rumors, Andre Iguodala Trade Rumors Clippers, Andre Iguodala Trade Sixers, Baron Davis, Baron Davis Trade, basketball, Basketball Trade Rumors, Eastern Conference Finals, Elton Brand, Elton Brand Iguodala Trade, Elton Brand Trade, Iguodala Trade, Madison Square Garden, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Draft Trade, NBA Draft Trade Rumors, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Stats Playoffs 08, NBA Trade Rumors, Playoffs, Postseason, Sixers Trade Iguodala, Sixers Trade Rumors Iguodala, Uncategorized | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

After the way the 76ers played towards the end of last season and also in the playoffs, Andre Iguodala and the Sixers were showing a lot of upside. They are in a weak Eastern conference and have one of the strongest, most exciting young players in the league in Iguodala. The team is young and has been showing much more promise with the acquisition of one of the best forwards in Elton Brand. So why would Iguodala want to be traded to the Clippers?

If some how Iguodala ends up a Los Angeles Clipper I will be absolutely astonished over the stupidity. First of all what is there in Clippers? Their best players are leaving in Brand and Corey Maggette and they might not even sign Baron Davis. So, what’s the point of leaving a young, talented, playoff team to go to a team who hasn’t been in the playoffs in years and unless they can perform a miracle will not make it next season? I like Andre and all but I think the answer to that question is his desire for more money.

You know, just when I think the league is getting better and more ethical, someone goes and makes a money hungry move like this. There is no better explanation. It is moronic to even think about this move if you’re Iguodala.

I really think the Sixers have a legitimate chance to do some damage next season with players like Brand, Andre Miller, and Iguodala. But, no matter what the integrity of Iguodala will be in question if he stays. Because there is no way you should even be rumored in being traded to the Clippers when you have such a talented team and a week earlier you acquired one of the best forwards in the past 20 years. Glory before money, Iguodala.

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Beasley Wins Round One Against Rose

Jul 8

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, basketball, Basketball Trade Rumors, Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 08, college hoops, Derrick Rose, Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose first Pick, Eastern Conference Finals, Final Four, Miami Heat, Miami Heat NBA Draft 08, Michael Beasley, Michael Beasley First Pick, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Draft Trade, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Finals 2008, Phoenix Suns, Playoffs, Postseason, Stephon Marbury, Steve Nash, Uncategorized | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

It’s the beginning of a rivalry. The Bulls played the Heat yesterday in a summer league game in which the two first picks in this year’s NBA draft matched up. Beasley made a statement with his play yesterday that he, not Derrick Rose should have been the first pick.

Beasley shone yesterday putting up 28 points on 9-21 shooting leading his Heat to a convincing 94-70 victory over the awful looking Bulls. Playing with a fractured sternum, Beasley made an impact immediately as he scored 9 points in his first 8 minutes. He dominated throughout showing what NBA prospects talked about pre-draft with tremendous range, an outside and inside game.

As for Derrick Rose, he didn’t do much. He did have 10 points but on 3-8 shooting and 5 turnovers. Now obviously you can’t look at this game and say that Rose was the wrong choice, but what it does show is how Rose can easily get lost in a game. He can fade at times and not be the main guy on the team. Whereas Beasley can be the go to guy throughout a game and continually draw a double team even if he’s not playing well.

Before the draft I strongly believed that the Bulls should choose Beasley. They did not. I just have a feeling that Rose won’t be the top caliber kind of player that Beasley will be. I think in today’s game Beasley’s attributes a much more important to a team in order to create a championship team. As of late, point guards don’t win championships, big men, and good shooting guards do. Just look at Nash, Kidd, Marbury, Francis, and I’ll even go far back as Stockton. I just think that Rose will fall into that category of being a great regular season player but not good enough for a championship, if he’s lucky.

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Big Names Involved In Big Moves

Jul 1

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, 76ers, Baron Davis, Baron Davis Trade, basketball, Basketball Trade Rumors, Boston Celtics, Cavs Trade Rumors, Celtics Finals, Celtics Trade Rumors, Chauncey Billubs, Chauncey Billups, Chauncey Billups Trade, Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 08, Cleveland, Cleveland Cavaliers, college hoops, Delonte West, Detroit, Detroit Pistons, Eastern Conference Finals, Eddie House trade, Elton Brand, Elton Brand Trade, Gilbert Arenas, Indiana, Jermaine O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal Trade, Kevin Garnett, Knicks Problems, Lakers Finals, Miami Heat, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Draft Trade, NBA Draft Trade Rumors, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Finals 2008, NBA History, NBA Stats Playoffs 08, NBA Trade Rumors, New York Knicks, Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Suns Trade Rumors, Pistons, Playoffs, Postseason, Rasheed Wallace, Rasheed Wallace Trade, San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Marbury, Stephon Marbury Trade, Tayshaun Prince, Uncategorized, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

The free agent season has begun. Following an exciting post-season and draft, the NBA has found another way to keep us hooked. In the next couple of weeks there are to be some big names moved around and could possibly shape next year’s championship team. The Celtics made all the right moves during last year’s free agency and ended up taking the title. So, don’t be surprised if a number of teams take a page from their book. Here are some of the big names who could make a move.

Elton Brand

Although his intentions are to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, don’t be surprised to see Elton Brand move. He has yet to be on a successful team and I’m sure he’s more than eager to cement himself as a marquee player. He is unable to do so on the lowly Clippers who will again have no chance next year in the overly competitive West. If the the right offer lands on Brand’s lap, possibly from his old team in the Bulls, or with the Knicks, Pistons, or Rockets who all need a player like Brand, don’t expect him to stay in Los Angeles.

Baron Davis

After the Warriors 06-07 run that included maybe one of the biggest post-season upsets of the Dallas Mavericks, Baron Davis could not find the same chemistry this past season. Davis has had trouble in the past season with Golden State and it seems like he may be headed out of Golden State after opting out of his contract. Davis averaged 21.8 points a game last season and would be extremely valuable to either a East or West Playoff team. The Detroit Pistons have showed interest in Davis in a possible sign and trade which may include stars Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups. This may turn into the biggest trade of the off-season. Also showing interest are the aforementioned Los Angeles Clippers. If Baron Davis signs with the Clippers this may persuade Elton Brand to stay.

Corey Maggette

Elton Brand isn’t the only Clipper on the move. Corey Maggette has also opted out of his contract and will test the open market. Maggette is more likely than Brand to leave the team and could play an integral part in next seasons playoffs. There were rumors swirling last season of a trade of Maggette to the Suns, so don’t be surprised if that deal won’t resurrect itself. Another team showing interest looks to be the Utah Jazz who are one piece away from a championship team.

Wizards Aren’t Letting Agent Zero Turn Into Free Agent Zero

The Washington Wizards are planning to invest over 150 million dollars in both Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. This seems like to much for a team who keeps getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers. I thought Washington would have to get rid of at least one of the two, but it looks as if the Wizards want to continue with Jamison and Arenas. Personally I would have let Arenas go because he did very little last year and we are still unsure about his knee. Jamison is turning himself into a fantastic player, averaging 20 and 10 last year and is bound to become better.

Here is a list of other notable names that could see themselves in different uniforms next season.

Sam Cassell- Boston Celtics- Unrestricted FA

Eddie House- Boston Celtics- Unrestricted FA

Emeka Okafor- Charlotte Bobcats- Restricted FA

Luol Deng- Chicago Bulls- Restricted FA

Ben Gordon- Chicago Bulls- Restricted FA

Delonte West- Cleveland Cavaliers- Restricted FA

Allen Iverson- Denver Nuggets- Early Termination Option

JR Smith- Denver Nuggets- Restricted FA

Steve Francis- Houston Rockets- Player Option

Jason Williams- Miami Heat- Unrestricted FA

Stephon Marbury- New York Knicks- Early Termination Option

Andre Iguodala- Philadelphia 76ers- Restricted FA

Michael Finley- San Antonio Spurs- Unrestricted FA

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Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? My 2008 NBA Mock Draft

Jun 24

Posted by kit in 2008 NBA Playoffs, Amare Stoudemire, Arizona, Atlanta Hawks, basketball, Boston Celtics, Brook Lopez, Celtics Finals, Chicago Bulls NBA Draft 08, Cleveland, college hoops, Danilo Gallinari, Derrick Rose, Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose first Pick, Derrick Rose Miami Heat, Doug Collins Bulls, Duke, Eastern Conference Finals, Eddy Curry, Elton Brand, Final Four, Isiah Thomas, James Dolan, Jason Richardson, Jerryd Bayless, Jerryd Bayless NBA Draft, Joe Alexander, Kansas, Kansas State, Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Love, Knicks Problems, Lakers Finals, Larry Brown, Los Angeles Lakers, Madison Square Garden, March Madness, Mario Chalmers, Memphis, Miami Heat, Miami Heat NBA Draft 08, Michael Beasley, Michael Beasley First Pick, Michael Jordan, Mike D'Antoni, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA Draft 08, NBA Fans, NBA Finals, NBA Finals 2008, NBA Finals Lakers Celtics, NBA History, NBA Mock Draft 08, NCAA, New York Knicks, O. J. Mayo, OJ Mayo Problems, Patrick Ewing, Pau Gasol, Paul Pierce, Phoenix Suns, Playoffs, Postseason, Ray Allen, Russell Westbrook, Shawn Marion, Southern Cal, Steve Nash, Toronto Raptors, UCLA, USC | No Comments

By Sean Connolly

With a 1.7% chance of winning the first selection, the Bulls won the first pick in one of the most talented drafts in a while. The discussion has been, should they take Derrick Rose who is the better player, or Michael Beasley who is the better fit? Rose is destined to be a star while Beasley has all the tools to become as dominant as say Amare Stoudemire. But, which college standout will they choose? Let’s see.

1. CHICAGO BULLS- MICHAEL BEASLEY- Between the better player and the better fit, you have to go with the better fit if you’re the Bulls. The Bulls were lucky enough to get the first pick and they already have a playoff team if not for the mess of a season they had last year. They are short on big men and have been for a while. Beasley will complete this team making the Bulls a legit threat in the East.

2. MIAMI HEAT- DERRICK ROSE- Now there’s no way two teams are going to pass a player this talented up in a row. The Heat will gladly take Derrick Rose in the second pick which will, like the bulls, complete a playoff team. With Dwayne Wade and Shawn Marrion already on the team, one more all-star won’t hurt. If Wade can stay healthy, Rose will work well with him and possibly create a great one-two punch that teams will find hard to deal with. A great pick up for the Heat and I expect a rivalry to develop between the Heat and the Bulls with their picks. This debate of who should go first in the draft will live on throughout both Beasley and Rose’s careers.

3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES- O.J. MAYO- With all the controversy surrounding O.J. Mayo he was destined to fall further down in the draft but it looks as if the Timberwolves have their man. Mayo is truly talented at 6’5 and has the figure to go inside and shoot the outside shot. The only worry about Mayo is his off-court problems that could hurt the way he plays on the court. Let’s just hope we get to see this kid play basketball without any distractions.

4. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS- JERRYD BAYLESS- To compliment the sensational play of Kevin Durant, expect the Sonics to choose Jerryd Bayless at point guard. Coming from Arizona he should turn out to be a solid NBA player and playing along side Durant won’t hurt a bit. Durant showed last year that he can put up over 20 points a game with no one around him, so expect his numbers to rise significantly along side Bayless.

5. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES- KEVIN LOVE- After trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers last season, the Grizzlies are down on athletic size. Kevin Love fills that void extremely well. He is capable of wearing down defenses and creating an atmosphere that Memphis will love (pun definitely intended). The sad thing though is that the rest of the Grizzlies are not good enough to make him any better. Give Love a couple of seasons before his talent begins to show, either that or another team.

6. NEW YORK KNICKS- BROOK LOPEZ- Oh, the New York Knicks. They have the highest payroll, one of the best coaches in Mike D’Antoni, and the sixth pick in the draft. How could they possibly mess up next season? I’m not sure how they’ll do it this season but a way to prevent it is drafting a big man in Brook Lopez who can actually do something with the basketball other than cry. He is a little undersized at center (7’0 245 lbs.) which could create a problem for the Knicks. But, they’ve needed a big man ever since Patrick Ewing left and maybe Lopez could develop into a player of half of Ewing’s talent and get this team back in the playoffs.

7. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS- RUSSELL WESTBROOK- The Clippers will hopefully have a 100% healthy Elton Brand next season which leaves them wondering, who else do we have? No body really, in order to compete in the West. Russel Westbrook can pass and score and has the tools that NBA teams want. There is a desire in the league now to have a point guard who can score and pass (Chris Paul, Dwayne Wade, Steve Nash just to name a few), and Westbrook is what the Clippers need in order to keep up with the competetive West. Either that or they can try and move to the Eastern Conference, where they would probably be a 4th or 5th seed in the playoffs.

8. MILWAUKEE BUCKS- JOE ALEXANDER- You haven’t heard much from the Milwaukee Bucks in the past decade and I don’t think you’ll hear more in the the next. Joe Alexander fills a void in the small forward position but even in the East the Bucks don’t have enough talent to make it. Alexander is a solid player who may find himself lost in this league on the Bucks. Only players with extraordinary talent like Ray Allen can make a name for themselves on the Bucks, and even Allen had to leave in order to be truly appreciated by the rest of the league.

9. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS- ERIC GORDON- I see a lot of upside in these Bobcats. Since forming in 2004 the Bobcats have slowly evolved into a fairly good team. They have significant talent in Emeka Okafor, Adam Morrison, and Jason Richardson. Not only that they are now being coached by one of the greatest coaches in recent years in Larry Brown. If the Bobcats can steal Eric Gordon at number nine, the Bobcats have even more to work with.

10. NEW JERSEY NETS- DANILO GALLINARI- After a disapointing season which included the departure of one of the franchise’s best players Jason Kidd, the Nets have some rebuilding to do. They have a banged up Richard Jefferson, who at times looks like one of the best players in the league, but cannot overcome the injury bug. Vince Carter should be one of the league’s elite, but fails to match the potential he showed in his Toronto Raptor years. Danilo Gallinari will be the first pick from overseas, coming from Italy, and will be expected to come off the bench for Jefferson, and soon replace Jefferson. He is one of the best players in Italy and could possibly translate to the NBA. In a couple of years this could be considered the steal of the draft. Personally though, I think the Nets will need to make a significant trade that will get rid of Jefferson and bring in one or two brand name players in order to fix this once dominant franchise.

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