Post by James on Aug 5, 2007 20:33:33 GMT -5
1: Greg Oden C 7'0'' 257 19 B- C C B+ B A
Why?: Seeing Oden in a New York uniform along side Yao Ming, Jason Richardson, Tony Parker, Samuel Dalembert and another top 5 draftee is enough to make every other team in the league green with envy. Oden, the class’ best defender has been touted as the leagues best big man draftee ever. With large shoes to fill, Oden will find his name called out first no matter who wins the lottery.
2: Kevin Durant SF 6'10'' 220 18 B B- C+ C+ C+ A
Why?: If Philly land the number 2 pick, expect to see either Rudy Gay, Gerald Green, Hakim Warrick or Josh Childress traded before the draft to make room for the second most talented player in this years class, Kevin Durant. Durant, a 6’10” small forward out of Texas posses an all-round game highlighted by his ability to light it up on the scoreboard. Weather he ends up in Philly, New York, Miami or LA, Durant’s presence will most definitely be felt throughout the BBS next year. In saying that, the Sixers will be praying for Oden.
3: Brandan Wright PF 6'10'' 210 19 B- C C B C+ A
Why?: Wright is the best player available at 3, and it’s good luck that Miami may own this pick as they are in dyer need of a big man. They may look at Thabeet, however Wright is a superior scorer and just as good a defender. Wright would fill the void left by Tyrus Thomas’ disappointing season and combine with Livingston and Webster to form the future of the Miami Heat.
4: Yi Jianlin PF 7'0'' 242 22 C+ C+ C C+ C+ A
Why?: This was such a hard pick to make because NY have no weaknesses, a stacked front court, the best point guard in the league and a very talented 2 man. Because of this, I go with the versatile Yi Jianlian, a 7’0” SF/PF whos potential is said to be sky high. If the Knicks can magically land the number 1 and 2 picks and take Durant, they will be unstoppable. Also, I think the Knicks would prefer to nab a guy like Brandon Wright here or possibly even go with trading the pick.
5: Hasheem Thabeet C 7'3'' 266 20 C+ C- D+ B B- A
Why?: Pairing Thabeet with Amare Stoudemire in the Lakers front court is incredibly scary. Thabeet is an excellent defender and rebounder who just needs help on his offensive game to really become a great player in the BBS. Playing alongside the aforementioned Stoudemire as well as Deng, Diaw, Granger, Roy and Williams make for exciting times in LA.
6: Mike Conley PG 6'1'' 180 19 C+ C B C+ D+ A
Why?: The Timberwolves have no players what so ever, so their pick will solely be based on potential and a players room to improve. Because of this, I see them taking a player at the most influential position on the BBS floor, a point guard. The best point guard available is Mike Conley, a 6’1”, 180 pound floor general who will lead the team in his first year and hopefully for the Timberwolves, well into the future.
7: Roy Hibbert C 7'2'' 280 20 B C D+ C+ B- A
Why?: Ideally, the Hornets would love to take Brandon Wright, however if they get stuck with the 7th pick, Roy Hibbert is a nice alternative. Standing at 7’2” and weighing in at a staggering 280 pounds, Hibbert is a presence that the Hornets would love to have and in turn, pair up with Nene. The Hornets could also go with Rodney Stuckey here, although I think that taking Hibbert and completing their front court would be best.
8: Jeff Green SF 6'9'' 228 21 C+ C B- B- C+ A
Why?: I hope for the Raptors sake that either Hibbert, Thabeet, Jianlian or Wright are available to them because after them, there isn’t much in terms of big man talent which is what they really need. Instead, I see them taking Jeff Green, a 21 year old small forward who is known for his on ball prowess and defensive skill. He has a lot of potential, so watching him grow with Dwade and Arenas should be nice for the Canadians.
9: Rodney Stuckey SG 6'5'' 207 23 B- B- C+ C+ C- B
Why?: Livingston/Stuckey/Webster/Wright is a very nice combination of youth and talent. If the Heat can take both of these guys, their future is most certanly bright. Stuckey is a great scorer with potential. He is versatile and should fit right in as a starter in Miami next season.
10: Al Thornton SF 6'8'' 230 24 B C+ C C+ C A
Why?: The Mavs will be very lucky to see Thornton fall this far (I did forget about him, I see him going before Jeff Green though). However if he does, they will take him right away. If he isn’t which is most likely the case, expect them to take Jeff Green. Either of these two makes for a nice young back court consisting of Diaz, McCants and now either Thornton or Green.
11: Jason Smith C 7'0'' 240 21 C B C C+ C+ B
Why?: The only reason why I see Smith falling outside of the top 10 is because of the reactions he may get from BBS GM’s due to his outside play. Primarily, the BBS likes to have interior defenders and rebounders as their big men, not finesse type players such as Smith. This is why I see the Raptors taking him and playing him as their backup centre next season in hope that he improves. If he does, he will surely be a great player in the coming years.
12: Nick Fazekas PF 6'11'' 240 22 B- B- C C C+ B
Why?: The best team out West don’t need a 1, 2 or a 3 man which is why they will take Nick Fazekas with their only first round pick. Fazekas will slot into the Spurs sole position to which they need talent for.
13: Marco Belinelli SG 6'6'' 200 21 C+ B C+ C+ C- A
Why?: They need a big, and the next best 5 or so players are all small. Take a chance on Marco like you did with Roko and see what happens...