The draft is only one night away and here is my lottery mock draft.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers Joel Embiid
2. Milwaukee Bucks Jabari Parker
3. Philadelphia 76ers Andrew Wiggins
4. Orlando Magic Dante Exum
5. Utah Jazz Julius Randle
6. Boston Celtics Noah Vonleh
7. LA Lakers Gary Harris
8. Sacramento Kings Aaron Gordon
9. Charlotte Hornets Marcus Smart
10. Philadelphia 76ers Nik Stauskas
11. Denver Nuggets Doug McDermott
12. Orlando Magic Dario Saric
13. Minnesota Timberwolves Shabazz Napier
14. Phoenix Suns TJ Warren
Despite the injury issues Cleveland has the opportunity to draft a franchise changing center with an impact unseen since Dwight Howard ten years ago. If LeBron comes back and they don't trade the no. 1 to MN for Love we're talking about Irving, LeBron, and Embiid as the corner stones of a championship caliber team.
Jabari wants to play for Milwaukee and the Buck's desperately want an all-star caliber player that can be the face of the franchise and bring legitimacy to a franchise that hasn't contended in years.
Philly is going to sweat it up, but ultimately will get their man Wiggins with the third overall pick. Teaming him with Noel gives them a very young and athletic team led by MCW. I don't like them trading him to LA for the 7, but trying to build around solid young PG, SF and C.
It makes sense. The hype around Exum isn't proven, but having a backcourt of Exum and Oladipo gives them a chance to have Victor play the 2 and guard point guards with Exum running point and guarding 2s. Lethal.
I saw Randle play in Florida and in seeing him I knew he was ready for the NBA. He can step back to hit fifteen footers, and will mesh well with Derrick Favors in the frontcourt. Utah may have another year in the lottery, but their starting to build something.
Vonleh has high upside, and in my opinion is the best asset available at this point in the draft. The Celtics are a bit clustered on their roster, but will either make a big move or blow it up. Selecting Vonleh could be a PF to build a team around if they deal Green and Rondo.
Kendall Marshall is not a playoff Point Guard. Kobe's coming back and the Lakers are going to try to bring in forwards in free agency. A backcourt of Harris and Kobe is very good. Harris is a smart player from Michigan State that doesn't need the ball in his hands to score. His perimeter shooting will be important for drive and kick scenarios.
Boogie Cousins, Aaron Gordon and Rudy Gay in the frontcourt. Isaiah Thomas running the point and hopefully an emerging Ben McLemore at the 2. The Kings seriously may have something hear. Derrick Williams and Royce White might pan out as decent bench players, and then we're talking about a 6 seed in the West.
A backcourt of Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart. Bad-Freaking-Ass. Not to mention Al Jeff down low. The Hornets now have possibly the coolest jerseys in the league, but if they add Stephenson or a decent three that can shoot the ball, they may just have the coolest team in the entire league, and a good playoff team in the weaker East.
PG Michael Carter-Williams, SG Nik Stauskas, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Somebody, C Nerlens Noel. They won't be good right away, but this would be a young, athletic, defensive, run and gun squad that would put fans in the stands even if the wins aren't there. I want this almost as bad as Charlotte.
The Nuggets are another franchise in limbo. They have decent veterans but no star. The depth is there, but injuries have held them back and they missed the playoffs a year after being knocked out in the first round against Golden State. I believe a trade is looming, but until then they should take the best asset available in proven shooter Dougie McBuckets.
Saric isn't going to be available for another few years because of his new Europe deal, but Orlando isn't ready to be good yet. They don't seem to want to keep Afflalo, and instead are shopping him for a pick. Maybe even eleven. They've got a good center in Vucevic, and maybe the Oladipo/Exum backcourt. So stashing Saric and drafting more young talent could mean a contender in three years.
Barea sucks. SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS. By far my least favorite player. Every time he was in the game I could feel my blood pressure rising. I love Dieng and Muhammad, but we seriously missed having a backup point guard like Trey Burke. Besides teaming up both the Shabazzes, Napier just went Kemba Walker and led his team to a national title. The kid can shoot and will be a sick end of game closer. We need him. He is undervalued and will be a starter in this league. Take Napier.
I don't care about this pick. I want Phoenix to package their first round picks, Frye and Len and send them to Atlanta for Al Horford. The Hawks are building around Teague and Milsap with great shooters and players with a high basketball IQ. Their looking to build a San Antonio of the East per say, and adding Frye would give them another sharp shooting forward, Len gives them a rim protector of the future still young enough to mold into the system, and Phoenix's picks would give them the opportunity to flood their roster with elite young talent in a deep draft to begin building towards the future.
If the Suns don't trade this pick to ATL, I love Warren for them. They have the best backcourt in the league behind Dragic and Bledsoe. They have the best Heat Check guy in the league in Gerald Green. They have the Morris twins and Frye solidifying the frontcourt, and adding Warren as a scoring threat from the 3 would give them an awesome lineup moving forward. I'm thinking four seed in the West barring injuries and an Alex Len improvement.
What do you think is going to happen tomorrow night? Are Napier and Warren going too high? Are you caught up on Payton? This is what I most want to happen. Let me know what you want to happen. Comment below.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Love Dial, Who wants to trade for Love? Part 2
Kevin Love drama is heating up. I have been sitting on it for weeks, and still believe that Kevin Love to Cleveland is the best option. This deal seems to be contingent on a LeBron James signing, but I still think it would be in Cleveland's best interest. Let's take a look at what I think it could look like.
Cleveland would get:
PF Kevin Love
SG Kevin Martin
Minnesota would get:
PF Tristan Thompson
PF Anthony Bennett
SF Andrew Wiggins
SG Dione Waiters
It works for both sides. This is an obvious double positive for both sides. If this is the "deal" that is currently being offered by the Cavs, it is ludicrous that they haven't agreed to it already. If this deal goes through, here's a look at their starting lineup.
Cleveland
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Anderson Varejao
Title contender. Nobody is talking about it, but if Kevin Martin is your fourth scoring option, you are doing something right. he averaged 19 points a game as the no 2 option on what should have been a playoff team in Minnesota. The same team that had Kevin Love as a no 1 option, and again, should have been a playoff team. That 1 and 2 combo of Love and Martin now becomes your third and fourth offensive options. The Timberwolves were already one of the leagues most potent offenses and coupling their two best offensive players with Kyrie and LeBron is downright nasty. All that is left to do is sign some veterans to round out the bench. This is what I think LeBron wants. Kevin Love is better than Bosh, Kyrie is better than D-Wade/Chalmers and Cole, Martin is better than Allen, and Varejao is better than Birdman. Make the move LeBron!
Minnesota
PGs: Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine
SGs: Dione Waiters, Andrew Wiggins
SFs: Corey Brewer, Shabazz Muhammad, Glen Robinson III
PFs: Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett
Cs: Nikola Pekovic, Gorgui Dieng
This now becomes a roster loaded with athletes and young players on the rise. Dione Waiters is a shooting guard of the future poised for a breakout year. Andrew Wiggins is a future all star. Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic are top ten players in the conference at their position. Tristan Thompson averaged 11 points 9 rebounds in Cleveland, and would be a better defensive player than Love. That's solid production from a player that could still improve. Corey Brewer is a solid off the bench veteran that can provide both defense and offense. Gorgui Dieng is the perfect backup center that provides a defensive boost when he is put in. Anthony Bennett, Glen Robinson III, and Zach Lavine are all young and talented, and could develop into rotation guys or even starters if they harness their potential. This would be a very very fun roster that would reignite the people of the target center
This is the roster Minnesota fans need. This is the roster that I need.
Go Wolves. MAKE THE TRADE.
Cleveland would get:
PF Kevin Love
SG Kevin Martin
Minnesota would get:
PF Tristan Thompson
PF Anthony Bennett
SF Andrew Wiggins
SG Dione Waiters
It works for both sides. This is an obvious double positive for both sides. If this is the "deal" that is currently being offered by the Cavs, it is ludicrous that they haven't agreed to it already. If this deal goes through, here's a look at their starting lineup.
Cleveland
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Anderson Varejao
Title contender. Nobody is talking about it, but if Kevin Martin is your fourth scoring option, you are doing something right. he averaged 19 points a game as the no 2 option on what should have been a playoff team in Minnesota. The same team that had Kevin Love as a no 1 option, and again, should have been a playoff team. That 1 and 2 combo of Love and Martin now becomes your third and fourth offensive options. The Timberwolves were already one of the leagues most potent offenses and coupling their two best offensive players with Kyrie and LeBron is downright nasty. All that is left to do is sign some veterans to round out the bench. This is what I think LeBron wants. Kevin Love is better than Bosh, Kyrie is better than D-Wade/Chalmers and Cole, Martin is better than Allen, and Varejao is better than Birdman. Make the move LeBron!
Minnesota
PGs: Ricky Rubio, Zach Lavine
SGs: Dione Waiters, Andrew Wiggins
SFs: Corey Brewer, Shabazz Muhammad, Glen Robinson III
PFs: Tristan Thompson, Anthony Bennett
Cs: Nikola Pekovic, Gorgui Dieng
This now becomes a roster loaded with athletes and young players on the rise. Dione Waiters is a shooting guard of the future poised for a breakout year. Andrew Wiggins is a future all star. Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pekovic are top ten players in the conference at their position. Tristan Thompson averaged 11 points 9 rebounds in Cleveland, and would be a better defensive player than Love. That's solid production from a player that could still improve. Corey Brewer is a solid off the bench veteran that can provide both defense and offense. Gorgui Dieng is the perfect backup center that provides a defensive boost when he is put in. Anthony Bennett, Glen Robinson III, and Zach Lavine are all young and talented, and could develop into rotation guys or even starters if they harness their potential. This would be a very very fun roster that would reignite the people of the target center
This is the roster Minnesota fans need. This is the roster that I need.
Go Wolves. MAKE THE TRADE.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Underrated All NBA Team
This is my Underrated All NBA Team. I have a tendency to favor young players that haven't completely burst onto the scene yet. These are solid players to have on your hometown team, or awesome jerseys to collect. These are players that are not on the first, second, or third all NBA teams, these players are not All Stars, and are not on the all defensive teams. They're the perfect pieces to supplement a playoff roster, or begin to build a franchise around.
1st Team
G Jeff Teague
G Brad Beal
G Lance Stephenson
F Andre Drummond
F DeMarcus Cousins
2nd Team
G Mike Conley
G Kyle Lowry
G Isaiah Thomas
F Chandler Parsons
F Greg Monroe
3rd Team
G Kemba Walker
G Dione Waiters
G Avery Bradley
F Harrison Barnes
F Jeff Green
Love Dial, Who wants to trade for Love? 1
The Minnesota Timberwolves are going to trade Kevin Love. Public favor is starting to turn, and Minnesota sports fans are sick of hearing his talks of "whatever situation I end up in" and "I'm letting my agent handle it". His passive aggressive national media tour is making Minnesota sports fans feel like the girlfriend watching her boyfriend: flirt with surfer girl Golden State, the vegan chick Denver, or that snobby gal from out east that took her last boyfriend too. The offers are beginning to see light, and with only a week left before the draft, the intensity will increase until the Wolves pull the trigger on another franchise changing trade.
Hopefully this one will get them out of the purgatory that is the NBA Lottery.
Trades reported by @ NBACentral on Twitter.
Trade no 1. Boston Sends
6th overall pick
17th overall pick
Future 1st round picks
and A young player (Avery Bradley/Kelly Olynyk/Jeff Green/Jared Sullinger)
Minnesota Sends
F Kevin Love
B Trade Rating. This will infuse a lot of young talent on the Timberwolves, but no real established veteran. In the end unless you nail the draft with the 6, 13, and 17 picks MN would likely be in the lottery again next year as they wait for young talent to develop.
In order for this trade to go through, I believe Boston needs to offer Avery Bradley and Jeff Green along with the three picks. Avery Bradley and Jeff Green would be great pieces to surround a different all-star player, but are not all-stars themselves.
Trade no 2. Denver Sends
F Wilson Chandler
F Kenneth Faried
G Arron Afflalo (from Magic)
Minnesota sends
F Kevin Love
B+ Trade Rating. All three of these are proven NBA veterans. Afflalo led Orlando in scoring this season, Faried is an athletic freak that averages close to 10 and 10. A front court of he and Pekovic would be physically imposing and he and Dieng would defend well. Lastly, Chandler averaged 13 points last season, and would offer good depth at the small forward position with Corey Brewer. This trade would saturate the Wolves with average NBA players but no stars. A safer option than the Boston option, but does not guarantee a playoff spot in 2015.
Trade no 3. Golden State Sends
F David Lee
G Klay Thompson
1st round draft pick
Minnesota sends
F Kevin Love
G Kevin Martin
A- Trade Rating. I am all for combining Kevin Love and Kevin Martin to get a better deal, but this one isn't quite there. The NBA is a star driven league. For the most part the team with the best player or players wins the playoff series. In the case of the finals Miami had the best player, but SA had players 2-5. Klay Thompson gives MN a legitimate near All Star that could develop into a great shooting guard. David Lee is also a quality big man, but he and Pek together don't add any defense. What really needs to happen in this deal is Harrison Barnes. Barnes also has the ability to develop into a special player, and with Klay Thompson and Rubio could be a playoff caliber core.
Trades reported by @ NBACentral on Twitter.
Trade no 1. Boston Sends
6th overall pick
17th overall pick
Future 1st round picks
and A young player (Avery Bradley/Kelly Olynyk/Jeff Green/Jared Sullinger)
Minnesota Sends
F Kevin Love
B Trade Rating. This will infuse a lot of young talent on the Timberwolves, but no real established veteran. In the end unless you nail the draft with the 6, 13, and 17 picks MN would likely be in the lottery again next year as they wait for young talent to develop.
In order for this trade to go through, I believe Boston needs to offer Avery Bradley and Jeff Green along with the three picks. Avery Bradley and Jeff Green would be great pieces to surround a different all-star player, but are not all-stars themselves.
Trade no 2. Denver Sends
F Wilson Chandler
F Kenneth Faried
G Arron Afflalo (from Magic)
Minnesota sends
F Kevin Love
B+ Trade Rating. All three of these are proven NBA veterans. Afflalo led Orlando in scoring this season, Faried is an athletic freak that averages close to 10 and 10. A front court of he and Pekovic would be physically imposing and he and Dieng would defend well. Lastly, Chandler averaged 13 points last season, and would offer good depth at the small forward position with Corey Brewer. This trade would saturate the Wolves with average NBA players but no stars. A safer option than the Boston option, but does not guarantee a playoff spot in 2015.
Trade no 3. Golden State Sends
F David Lee
G Klay Thompson
1st round draft pick
Minnesota sends
F Kevin Love
G Kevin Martin
A- Trade Rating. I am all for combining Kevin Love and Kevin Martin to get a better deal, but this one isn't quite there. The NBA is a star driven league. For the most part the team with the best player or players wins the playoff series. In the case of the finals Miami had the best player, but SA had players 2-5. Klay Thompson gives MN a legitimate near All Star that could develop into a great shooting guard. David Lee is also a quality big man, but he and Pek together don't add any defense. What really needs to happen in this deal is Harrison Barnes. Barnes also has the ability to develop into a special player, and with Klay Thompson and Rubio could be a playoff caliber core.
MN United fall 2-0 to Sporting KC
The Loons fell to Sporting KC 2-0 in Sporting Park knocking themselves out of the US Open Cup. United was fresh off of their NASL Spring League Championship run, and hoped to play spoiler against Sporting. The teams were scoreless through the first half, but an early second half red card put United a man down; spurring KC's offense. Minnesota had a few good looks, but ultimately could not hold back the defending MLS champions. Saad and Martinez notched scores for KC.
Christian Ramirez-#21 Forward- for MN United was generating some pregame buzz. The US Open Cup promotes inter-league matchups between MLS and NASL clubs that historically were seen as quasi tryouts for NASL players looking to move up to the A league. Christian Ramirez filled in brilliantly for the injured Pablo Campos leading the team in both goals scored (5) and assists (4) during the spring season (9 games). A big game from him against a top MLS club could spark interest from the forward. Ramirez created a few good looks, but KC dominated possession in the second half and stunted the United's chances.
What's next for the Loons in their Summer of Soccer? Their next match is against the Mexican U21 team on the Fourth of July. Following that the NASL Fall Season kicks off with MN on the road against Fort Lauderdale, and another exciting friendly brings Swansea City to Blaine for a club friendly on the 19th.
Christian Ramirez-#21 Forward- for MN United was generating some pregame buzz. The US Open Cup promotes inter-league matchups between MLS and NASL clubs that historically were seen as quasi tryouts for NASL players looking to move up to the A league. Christian Ramirez filled in brilliantly for the injured Pablo Campos leading the team in both goals scored (5) and assists (4) during the spring season (9 games). A big game from him against a top MLS club could spark interest from the forward. Ramirez created a few good looks, but KC dominated possession in the second half and stunted the United's chances.
What's next for the Loons in their Summer of Soccer? Their next match is against the Mexican U21 team on the Fourth of July. Following that the NASL Fall Season kicks off with MN on the road against Fort Lauderdale, and another exciting friendly brings Swansea City to Blaine for a club friendly on the 19th.
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