Post by aaron2344 on Jan 31, 2007 14:14:21 GMT -5
After conducting numerous interviews with agents, front office personnel, and league sources, I have accumulated a mock draft
1. Warriors – Yao Ming
- Franchise centers don’t come along too often, and Yao Ming will be the best center in the league within five seasons. His height, shot blocking ability, and inside game give the Warriors a solid foundation to build upon in the upcoming years. Much like the upcoming NBA draft, size wins out over skill.
2. Raptors – Dwayne Wade – Though the Raptors have Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady at the 2/3, passing up Wade is unthinkable. If Ming was not in this draft, Wade is the easy number one pick. Wade should step in from day one and make the Raps a legit playoff threat; the fans should be happy as there will not be anymore tanking in Toronto with this incredible lineup.
3. Heat – Gilbert Arenas – With Rip Hamilton as the only legit player in South Beach, the Heat take the best player available and Arenas fills the role. Though there won’t be much defense in the backcourt, they will, in time, be one of the highest scoring duos in the league.
4. Pistons – Pau Gasol – Like the Heat, the Pistons take the best player available, and Gasol fits the bill. Though Shaq and McDyess have many years left, Gasol will fill the void as the primary backup of both positions. The Pistons won’t lose much scoring when he plays either position.
5. Rockets – Zach Randolph – Since the Rockets have all wing players, taking a big in this draft is extremely important. Though Chandler is an option, Randolph gives the Rockets the inside/outside combination with Rashard Lewis. The balanced offense won’t propel them into the playoffs anytime soon, but it should help get things moving more quickly.
6. Pistons – Joe Johnson – In most drafts, Joe Johnson is a top four pick, but with the amount of talent and team needs, Johnson falls to the six spot, and the Pistons will welcome him with open arms. Due to the lack of a legit two guard, Johnson may step in from day one and start for the Pistons. His ball handling, shooting ability, and versatility will be a strong asset for the Pistons.
7. Jazz – Tyson Chandler - The Jazz strike gold, taking the Cavs pick and draft Tyson Chandler. Chandler completes the starting lineup, giving them the missing link; a tough, defensive minded four. Pairing him with Brad Miller will give teams headaches and should be a force in the upcoming years.
8. Pistons – Richard Jefferson – The Pistons take Richard Jefferson to be the backup three, until he develops into a full time starter. Jefferson’s defensive ability fits the Piston mold. Also, with Jason Kidd, his ability in transition will get him easy baskets.
9. Knicks – Jason Richardson – Jason Richardson falls into Outlawz’ lap, as he gets a number one option at pick 9. Though, there isn’t much to cheer about at the Garden, Richardson and Ben Wallace give him a decent nucleus to build around. The Knicks should be in the thick of things in another few seasons.
10. Pistons – Memo Okur – Finishing off their draft, the Pistons select Memo Okur. Though the Pistons have three all star bigs, a team can never have enough. Memo will ride the pine for a few seasons, but once Dice and Shaq are slowing down, Memo will start entering his prime. Also, being one of the top two shooting big men will complement Shaq very well.
11. Heat – Eddy Curry – With the backcourt filled, the Heat decide to take Eddy Curry to fill the center void. The Heat fill the two most important positions in this draft, and now have a very serviceable trio in Rip/Curry/Arenas. Still years away, Kev has assembled promising picks and cap space to start making noise.
12. Pacers – Shane Battier – The Pacers are in a real quagmire. Kevin Garnett is too good to let his team become a high lotto team, but too bad to be a legit championship threat. With no cap space and not many assets, this pick is extremely important. The Pacers take Shane Battier, whom fills the void at the 2/3. Battier’s defensive prowess and outside shooting complements Garnett’s terrific inside game. With a little luck, the Pacers can be a legit contender in no time.
13. Lakers – Kwame Brown – The Lakers are in the same position. Having two studs in Kobe Bryant and Jermaine O’Neal, the Lakers will never be a high lotto team or championship contender, at least for another few seasons. After speaking with Assistant GM, Jeremy, he assures us that the Lakers are taking their time and building slowly, through the draft. Kwame Brown makes perfect sense. A great complement to O’Neal, Kwame, with some TC’s, has the chance to emerge as a top big man in BBS.
BBS Rumblings
- Shawn Marion – New Orleans Hornets
For some time now, Chris Martinez has been shopping Shawn Marion, promising to trade him “at the end of the night” for a few days. As of now, there haven’t been any moves, but a number of teams are breaking the bank for this defensive standout. Rumor has it Basone’s Blazers are on top, but a dark horse in the Lakers is said to be making a strong move to acquire him.
- Grant Hill/Isiah Rider – Memphis Grizzlies
Two legit SG/SF, but not much interest. Throughout the year, D2A’s asking price has been too high for most teams, but his recent block, asking for only one first for each, should get him much more interest at the deadline. Teams like Boston, Orlando, Minnesota, or the Clippers can really use a player with Hill’s ability, if they plan on contending.
- Glenn Robinson – Cleveland Cavaliers
There has been rumors out of Cleveland that franchise player Glenn Robinson is about to pack his bags and head to a conference foe. Robinson’s ability to stretch the defense, yet post up, gives the potential team a real shot to win the championship.
- Allen Iverson – Orlando Magic
GM Habes has put Iverson on the block throughout the year, but no offers have enticed him enough. After numerous reports, Iverson seems to be staying in Orlando for the remainder of the season. With so many old veterans, Habes may be able to get some future firsts, but, instead, he’s going for the championship.
1. Warriors – Yao Ming
- Franchise centers don’t come along too often, and Yao Ming will be the best center in the league within five seasons. His height, shot blocking ability, and inside game give the Warriors a solid foundation to build upon in the upcoming years. Much like the upcoming NBA draft, size wins out over skill.
2. Raptors – Dwayne Wade – Though the Raptors have Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady at the 2/3, passing up Wade is unthinkable. If Ming was not in this draft, Wade is the easy number one pick. Wade should step in from day one and make the Raps a legit playoff threat; the fans should be happy as there will not be anymore tanking in Toronto with this incredible lineup.
3. Heat – Gilbert Arenas – With Rip Hamilton as the only legit player in South Beach, the Heat take the best player available and Arenas fills the role. Though there won’t be much defense in the backcourt, they will, in time, be one of the highest scoring duos in the league.
4. Pistons – Pau Gasol – Like the Heat, the Pistons take the best player available, and Gasol fits the bill. Though Shaq and McDyess have many years left, Gasol will fill the void as the primary backup of both positions. The Pistons won’t lose much scoring when he plays either position.
5. Rockets – Zach Randolph – Since the Rockets have all wing players, taking a big in this draft is extremely important. Though Chandler is an option, Randolph gives the Rockets the inside/outside combination with Rashard Lewis. The balanced offense won’t propel them into the playoffs anytime soon, but it should help get things moving more quickly.
6. Pistons – Joe Johnson – In most drafts, Joe Johnson is a top four pick, but with the amount of talent and team needs, Johnson falls to the six spot, and the Pistons will welcome him with open arms. Due to the lack of a legit two guard, Johnson may step in from day one and start for the Pistons. His ball handling, shooting ability, and versatility will be a strong asset for the Pistons.
7. Jazz – Tyson Chandler - The Jazz strike gold, taking the Cavs pick and draft Tyson Chandler. Chandler completes the starting lineup, giving them the missing link; a tough, defensive minded four. Pairing him with Brad Miller will give teams headaches and should be a force in the upcoming years.
8. Pistons – Richard Jefferson – The Pistons take Richard Jefferson to be the backup three, until he develops into a full time starter. Jefferson’s defensive ability fits the Piston mold. Also, with Jason Kidd, his ability in transition will get him easy baskets.
9. Knicks – Jason Richardson – Jason Richardson falls into Outlawz’ lap, as he gets a number one option at pick 9. Though, there isn’t much to cheer about at the Garden, Richardson and Ben Wallace give him a decent nucleus to build around. The Knicks should be in the thick of things in another few seasons.
10. Pistons – Memo Okur – Finishing off their draft, the Pistons select Memo Okur. Though the Pistons have three all star bigs, a team can never have enough. Memo will ride the pine for a few seasons, but once Dice and Shaq are slowing down, Memo will start entering his prime. Also, being one of the top two shooting big men will complement Shaq very well.
11. Heat – Eddy Curry – With the backcourt filled, the Heat decide to take Eddy Curry to fill the center void. The Heat fill the two most important positions in this draft, and now have a very serviceable trio in Rip/Curry/Arenas. Still years away, Kev has assembled promising picks and cap space to start making noise.
12. Pacers – Shane Battier – The Pacers are in a real quagmire. Kevin Garnett is too good to let his team become a high lotto team, but too bad to be a legit championship threat. With no cap space and not many assets, this pick is extremely important. The Pacers take Shane Battier, whom fills the void at the 2/3. Battier’s defensive prowess and outside shooting complements Garnett’s terrific inside game. With a little luck, the Pacers can be a legit contender in no time.
13. Lakers – Kwame Brown – The Lakers are in the same position. Having two studs in Kobe Bryant and Jermaine O’Neal, the Lakers will never be a high lotto team or championship contender, at least for another few seasons. After speaking with Assistant GM, Jeremy, he assures us that the Lakers are taking their time and building slowly, through the draft. Kwame Brown makes perfect sense. A great complement to O’Neal, Kwame, with some TC’s, has the chance to emerge as a top big man in BBS.
BBS Rumblings
- Shawn Marion – New Orleans Hornets
For some time now, Chris Martinez has been shopping Shawn Marion, promising to trade him “at the end of the night” for a few days. As of now, there haven’t been any moves, but a number of teams are breaking the bank for this defensive standout. Rumor has it Basone’s Blazers are on top, but a dark horse in the Lakers is said to be making a strong move to acquire him.
- Grant Hill/Isiah Rider – Memphis Grizzlies
Two legit SG/SF, but not much interest. Throughout the year, D2A’s asking price has been too high for most teams, but his recent block, asking for only one first for each, should get him much more interest at the deadline. Teams like Boston, Orlando, Minnesota, or the Clippers can really use a player with Hill’s ability, if they plan on contending.
- Glenn Robinson – Cleveland Cavaliers
There has been rumors out of Cleveland that franchise player Glenn Robinson is about to pack his bags and head to a conference foe. Robinson’s ability to stretch the defense, yet post up, gives the potential team a real shot to win the championship.
- Allen Iverson – Orlando Magic
GM Habes has put Iverson on the block throughout the year, but no offers have enticed him enough. After numerous reports, Iverson seems to be staying in Orlando for the remainder of the season. With so many old veterans, Habes may be able to get some future firsts, but, instead, he’s going for the championship.