Hoops

2008 NBA Draft Thread

Okay, draft is done and dusted..
A few random facts from it.

1. Derrick Rose is nicknamed Pooh, due to his love of sweets (hopefully not due to his game, and hopefully he is better than Pooh Richardson!)

2. Beasley claimed mid week that he would go shirtless when he shook Stern's hand..( did he, I was not watching)

3. Gallinari's dad played with D'Antoni in Italy ( hence the pick, and the boos). He is also nicknmaed "The Rooster", and has his own shoe line coming out...

As mentioned on here a month or so ago, the Sixers head over to Port Lincoln tomorrow for a scrimmage and school clinics.

They'll be heading into the deep blue in a shark cage too, with a chance to see an 18' Great White.

The press release on the official site says that the 10th roster spot will be decided during the week, as will the development spots (11th and 12th men - long-suggested to be Hambour and Puddifoot on here).

The team returns on Monday next week before leaving on Friday for a pre-season game in New Zealand. After that, they will be playing in Cairns (probably the Blitz).

Maric & Bruce remained undrafted.
I still thought Maric was a chance for a late second round pick. He may get picked up as a free agent still though.
Bruce should head to Europe IMO, as should Maric and earn some big bucks.

Way to go jazz. My boys didn't address the interior D problems by drafting two white 7ft projects with zero athleticism. How predictable that Utah would pick 2 lame white 7 footers.

(HUGE reverse mockers employed here in a vain hope one of the two afore-mentioned big dumb white guys actually turns into a steal. I'd hold my breath, but, well.... i'd die.)

Trades to come you would think, esp the bucks who just traded to get the position that they also just drafted for...

Spurs have drafted two young PG's....interesting choices

Rumours of Knicks trading Lee to the Bobcats for Felton...wait and see.

TR, as a Bobcat fan, you would have to be happy with that if it goes through.

According to Draft Express, Maric had such good numbers because of his huge performances against teams lacking any size. Apparently when he came up against top notch big men he tended to struggle because of his poor athleticism. I think they also mentioned that he doesn't run the floor well enough.

So I'd say no chance. Maric is one of those guys who is a great college player, but is not seen as someone who can succeed in the NBA.

Ewing Jnr is a terrible choice. He doesn't really hold one position - an between role player - with a lot to work on. Puzzling choice really.

Beantown - that's why I a sked the question. Unless Jawai absolutely wows the Pacers management in the Summer League, he will be asked to play in Europe.

Hibbert was taken by Indy earlier, so I'd say Jawai is insurance. Not ideal for him really at the Pacers. I think they will ask him to play in Europe and develop his game

Doubtful. He's way down the list on ESPN projected picks. Although, being at a US college probably makes him a bit more visible to the teams, so who knows.

Ewing Jnr to Sac town.

Anyone think Maric will get picked up?

Jawai the Pacer!

Good stuff. I'll be updating the x-box when i get home. He should get some burn for the pacers...

Woot. Larry Bird you magnificent bastard.

Go Pacers!

Some players to watch due to the amount of chips on their shoulders;
Beasley
Bayless
Chalmers
Jordan
Arthur
and of course
CDR.

Is Indiana a good fit for Jawai?

Jawai goes to Indy!!!

Cancel the suicide watch... Amazing Chris D-R dropped so far... but NJ should be happy since they just gave up Jefferson.

Sonny Weems to Chicago? Double the CDR suicide watch.

Can we get a suicide watch set up for
Chris Douglas-Roberts?

Not wild about Danny's choice with Chris D-R, Devon Hardin and Mario Chalmers on the board.

Ainge clearly wants someone who can contribute straight away.

Would have thought D-R or Chalmers would have fit the bill, especially since they both played in the last NCAA championship game and are both 3rd years.

Obviously Danny saw something he likes in Giddens though and he has got it right quite often in the past.

So I'm hoping this is a Rajon Rondo moment, not a Gerald Green moment...

Bad luck for Nathan Jawai... still on the board by the looks.

DeAndre Jordan - Pick 35.

Could Jawai be joing Bogut???

I reckon even though Jawai will go second round, I think he will play for whoever picks him up.

Bad luck to Jawai. Let's hope if he gets drafted, they at least send him back to the NBL for a season and re-consider him.

Jawai is now looking at 2nd round. I reckon the T-Wolves will pick him. My heart wanted him in green.

JR Giddens?!?!

Well, Danny does have a habit of surprising people with late round picks...

Hmmmm, who is this guy?

Jawai is now the top ranked PF left in the draft according to ASPN.

I'd love to see him in green next season...alternatively the T-Wolves would be a good fit too I reckon.

Hoping Detroit don't want Chris D-R, since they have a guy like that in Stuckey already.

Reading Chris D-R's profile on Draft Express he would be a good pick up for Boston this low in the draft!

If not him, would be happy with Devon Hardin, Chalmers or Jawai...

2 picks left, Detroit and Boston. Jawai is at #2 on PF list according to ESPN. Jawai would be a good pickup for Detroit...

On the ESPN website, clicking the "top remaining players" Jawai is #5 in the PF category...and clicking the link has him going as mid to late first round. 10 picks left, let's hope he gets a look in.

Agreed, def thought the Heat would pull the pin on something..

I was surprised Portland went Rush at first too, but if you look at his height (6'7) and excellent 3pt% in college, might be that they want someone to push Martell, who has been underwhelming so far.

With Oden and Aldridge, they probably feel there are no big guys in this draft that would help them much, and the two best PGs have already gone.

I'd never give up Wallace for Odom, let alone adding a decent draft pick. As TR says, Odom is a choker. Looks a million dollars as long as he's playing an average team, but is shut down by good players.

Larry, don't let Michael screw the Cats (or the Celtics)!

Only minutes to the start of the 2008 NBA Draft.

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