Draft Grades

1. Boston

18 - Gerald Green (6'7'', SG, HS)
50 - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
53 - Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)

Hard to find much fault in what Boston did last night. Not often you draft what may be the steal of both the 1st and 2nd rounds. Add to that the solid, blue collar play of Ryan Gomes and you have a really nice draft in beantown.

2. Indiana

17 - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
46 - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)

Indiana consistently has great drafts. The reason for this is that they are the only team that consistently uses common sense. Once again the Pacers had a very solid draft, scooping up the best player available at 17 along with filling a need at center with Lorbek at 46. Lorbek will be starting in Indy sooner than most think.

3. Golden State

9 - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
40 - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
42 - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)

You have to love what Chris Mullin is doing by the bay. Diogu was a bit of a reach at 9, but certainly fills a need and is a beast. Ellis could end up being better than a lot of the players taken in the first round if he is given time to grow behind Baron and Fisher. Taft should have never fallen to 42, but GS was very smart to scoop him up.

4. Milwaukee

1 - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
36 - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)

Bogut was a no brainer, but I am sure a few teams would have screwed that up. Ilyasova was a steal falling into the 2nd round to the Bucks. 2 solid players should help the Bucks make a playoff run next year. Ilyasova is really underrated.

5. Toronto

7 - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
16 - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
41 - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
58 - Uros Slokar (6'11'', PF, Slovenia)

Toronto made what may be the bonehead move of the entire draft taking Charlie Villanueva at 7. They then spent the rest of the draft making up for it. Villanueva, while a bad pick at 7, is still a good player. Graham was a steal at 16 as was Ukic at 41. Rumor is Toronto thought about taking Ukic at 16. Slokar will stay buried in Europe for a while and they will hope he develops.

6. Portland

6 - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
22 - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)

Personally I would have taken Green or Bynum over Martell Webster, but Webster is a stud. Portland used the extra picks they gained moving down to 6 to scoop up Jack via trade. Jack will be a good change of pace from Telfair.

7. LA Lakers

10 - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
37 - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
39 - Von Wafer (6'5'', SG, Florida State, Soph.)

I am a big Bynum guy. If a 7 footer with his skills is on the board, then you have to scoop him up. The Lakers did and made the right move. Turiaf is a Brian Grant clone minus the injuries who will start early in his career. Wafer is a stretch, but a talented one.

8. New Orleans

4 - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
33 - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)

New Orleans stayed at 4, and watched the 2nd best player in the draft fall in their laps. They were smart enough to catch him. Unlike many teams who passed on Green and Granger. Bass can be a player in the frontcourt for the Hornets as well.

9. New Jersey

15 - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
43 - Mile Ilic (7'1'', C, Bosnia)

While I really don't see where Wright fits on this team of scorers, he is a very good value at 15. Ilic has a chance to turn into a real player for NJ if they keep him overseas. I'd have liked to see NJ snag a PF somewhere in this draft though.

10. Memphis

19 - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
55 - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)

While I haven't been as high as some on Warrick, he is a great value at 19. Getting Roberts for a future 2nd rounder from Seattle is a nice pickup as well.

11. Miami

29 - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)

Miami used there one pick, snagged both the best player available and their biggest need. Simien gives them another big body and insurance if Haslem leaves in free agency.

12. Cleveland

44 - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)

This marks the 2nd year in a row Cleveland has taken advantage of Orlando's stupidity. Marty was rated as a lottery pick as few as 4 months ago, certainly he is worth putting away in Europe to develop. He's certainly worth a future 2nd to find out.

13. Washington

49 - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)

Washington sneaks in at 49 and grabs a guy who has 1st round talent. They need bigs desperately, Blatche will be a solid player for them.

14. Utah

3 - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
34 - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
51 - Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)

Deron will really help Utah, but passing on Paul was a mistake. Miles was a good pick because he can go back to Texas and learn. Whaley is a pick I don't like.

15. Atlanta

2 - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
31 - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
59 - Cenk Akyol (6'4'', PG, Turkey)

Atanta could have done much better, but they did get the #3 player in the draft and a solid 2nd round pick in Salim. Salim will be asked to start at PG next year, that could get ugly. Just think, Atlanta could have taken Paul, Taft, and Randolph Morris with their 3 picks. That's called addressing your needs Billy Knight.

16. Denver

20 - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
27 - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
35 - Ricky Sanchez (6'11'', PF, HS)
52 - Axel Hervelle (6'9'', PF, Belgium)

Denver got a little of everything. Address your biggest need, check. Add a banger, check. High schooler and Euro, check check. I like Hodge, the rest of the picks are iffy.

17. Sacramento

23 - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)

Garcia fits in well with what Sacto is trying to do, good solid pick.

18. New York

8 - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
21 - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
30 - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)

New York ended up with 3 players I really like, and if it were any other team this would be a top 10 draft class easy. But NY does not need another guard or undersized PF. Lee and Robinson are good players, but terrible fits in NY. Isaah is an idiot. Also, I am not sold on Frye like everyone else seems to be. He looks like a career backup to me.

19. Seattle

25 - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
48 - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)

Petro won't play right away, but brings good upside to Seattle where he and Swift are the frontcourt of the future. Gelabale can help them right away if he is brought over.

20. Houston

24 - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)

Houston needed everything but a center. Head fits in well because he defends and is unselfish.

21. Phoenix

54 - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)

Phoenix lost Robinson, their 1st round pick to NY, but Thompson fits in really well with what they do.

22. Charlotte

4 - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
13 - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)

Love Felton at 5, despise May at 13. Charlotte had a chance to have the best young core in basketball and pissed it away for a backup PF who will sell some tickets. Granger or Green were the pick here. Felton, Gerald Green, and Okafor would have been ridiculous.

23. Orlando

11 - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
38 - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
57 - Marcin Gortat (7'0'', C, Poland)

My beloved Magic prove that last years good draft as an accident. Vasquez at 11 isn't terrible, but with Green, Granger, Wright, and Graham still on the board, it's dumb. Diener at 38 fills some needs, but Ukic would have been better. Drafting Martynas Andriuskevicius at 44 was the saving grade of the draft. They then turn around and trade him to Cleveland for nothing and grab some Euro I have never heard of. It isn't hard to see why the Magic are one of the laughing stocks on the NBA. Green, Taft, and Diner looks a thousand times better than what we got.

24. San Antonio

28 - Ian Mahinmi (6'9'', PF, France)

This pick makes no sense if anyone but SA makes it. The Spurs always seem to find quality players overseas. So I will wait and see.

25. Detroit

26 - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinnati, Sr.)
56 - Amir Johnson (6'9'', PF, HS)
60 - Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)

Detroit reached to take Maxiell, who is like a skinnier Ben Wallace, Johnson and Acker likely never play in the NBA. Good thing Detroit didn't really need to get better in this draft, cause they didn't.

26. Philadelphia

45 - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)

A very poor mans Allen Iverson going to the team with Allen Iverson. Makes little sense to me.

27. LA Clippers

12 - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
32 - Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)

congratulations Clippers, your idiots. The Clips prove here why promises in the lottery are dumb and seldom done. They uphold their promise to take Korolev even though many better players have dropped to them at 12. Granger is and will always be vastly better than Korolev. Ewing was a reach with the 2nd pick of the 2nd round as well. Roko Ukic would have been a much better choice.

28. Minnesota

14 - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
47 - Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)

Thank you Minnesota for making my Magic's draft look good. McCant's is an undersized SG who doesn't defend and has attitude problems. In other words, not a lottery pick. McCants can learn plenty from Spreewell about how to be a pro malcontent. In the 2nd round, Minnesota, who apparently was not satisfied with just 1 undersized scoring only SG added Bracey Wright, who will be playing in Belgium in 2 years. Way to not upgrade your team TWolves.


Dallas and Chicago had no picks. They still likely did better than Minnesota and the Clippers.

NBA Draft (With Commentary)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
This was a lock from the start. No matter how much they liked Marvin Williams, you don't pass on a skilled 7 footer like Bogut.
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
Atlanta does not need another forward, but Williams is deemed too good to pass up. I'd have taken Paul, but you can't fault Atlanta for going for the homerun.
3. Utah - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
Utah deals the 6th, 27th, and a future first round pick to move up to get their man. Deron will give Utah the stability it desperately needs.
4. New Orleans - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
The Hornets are the big winners so far as the 2nd best player in the draft falls in their laps at 4. They, unlike some teams to come were smart enough to catch the falling star.
5. Charlotte - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
The Bobcats could have gone a few different places here, but with PG's at a premium they snatch up hometown boy Felton. Can't fault them for giving Okafor a running mate.
6. Portland - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
Portland moves down 3 spots and still gets their man. I am a bit surprised Portland takes Webster over Green and Bynum. They must really love Martell.
7. Toronto - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
As per usual, the first head scratcher of the draft comes from Toronto, who gets Charlie at 7 when they could have gotten him with their 16th pick. Not to mention he plays the same position as Chris Bosh, their one solid player. Not smart.
8. New York - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
New York needs a center who can start right away. Channing fills that bill. Better players are available, but NY needs a center.
9. Golden State - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
I like Ike, but this is a stretch taking him in the top 10. He is a solid fit for Golden State though.
10. LA Lakers - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
So much for Phil Jackson getting a player who can come in right away and play big minutes. Bynum could turn out to be one of the best players in the draft.
11. Orlando - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
With Granger, Green, Graham, and Wright still on the board I do not like this pick nearly as much as I would have yesterday. Vasquez and Howard will be a good, solid front line. But, Green or Granger were the better pick here.
12. LA Clippers - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
This is why teams do not make promises in the lottery. 2 future all stars fall in the Clippers laps, but being the Clippers they find a way to screw that up. Korolev may turn out good, but we have to wait 3 years to find out.
13. Charlotte - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
I really hate this pick. It isn't that I don't like Sean May, I just don't see him as anything more than a serviceable backup PF in the NBA. There are so many better picks here for a team that needs everything. Gerald Green is a perfect fit here, and Granger, Wright, and Graham need a home still as well.
14. Minnesota - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
Will someone please draft Gerald Green or Danny Granger! McCant will give Minnesota a solid scorer, but he reminds me a bit too much of Joe Forte. I'd be uncomfortable taking him over so many better prospects.
15. New Jersey - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
Love the player, hate the pick. Where is Wright going to fit in with Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter? Wright is a good player and New Jersey definitely could have done worse here. But, Warrick would have given them the PF they desperately needed.
16. Toronto - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Graham is a solid addition for Toronto who partially redeems themselves for picking Villanueva at 7. They should have taken Charlie here, and Joey Graham at 7.
17. Indiana - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
Indiana proves once again that they are one of the best drafting teams in the NBA. This of course is because they are one of the few teams who use common sense. While they weren't looking for a SF here, they were smart enough to scoop up this steal.
18. Boston - Gerald Green (6'7'', SG, HS)
Steal of the draft. Add Green to Al Jefferson for one of the best young nucleuses in the NBA.
19. Memphis - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
I'd have liked to see Jarrett Jack here, with Jay Williams supposedly on his way out, but Warrick will fill in nicely for the soon to be departed Stromile Swift.
20. Denver - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
The Nuggs desperately needed a SG, and Hodge is a good fit because of his unselfishness. Carmelo's new best friend.
21. Phoenix - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
A bit early to take a 5'9'' PG, but he is a perfect fit for the way Phoenix plays. Rumor has it he will be dealt to NY in the Thomas for Richardson deal. If that is true then Isaah has truly lost his mind.
22. Portland - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
Portland moves into Denver's 2nd first round pick and adds Jack, a big PG who will fit nicely with the small Telfair.
23. Sacramento - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
Long and athletic Garcia is a good fit in Sacto where Cuttino Mobley will likely not be back.
24. Houston - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
Hey, I actually got this one right. Houston was said to be in love with Head, but didn't think he would fall this far. Unselfish and a solid defender. Good fit here.
25. Seattle - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
Petro and Swift, the frontcourt of the future in Seattle. Seattle needed to add a big, and nab a solid one here.
26. Detroit - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
This is a reach, but Maxiell is a Joe Dumars kind of guy. People have been calling him Ben Wallace light after his workouts.
27. Denver - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
This is the first of the 2 picks Denver got from Portland for Jack. This is a major reach, plenty of better bigs are still on the board.
28. San Antonio - Ian Mahinmi (6'9'', PF, France)
Who is this guy? Who cares...judging by San Antonio's track record, he will be an all star in 4 years.
29. Miami - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
Simien is a steal this late. He will likely be the starter if Haslem leaves.
30. New York - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
New York fans hate this pick, me too. I like Lee, but NY does not need another undersized PF.

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
Good pick here by the Hawks. Salim has a chance to step right in at the point in Atlanta. The Hawks now have the pieces to run and gun with the best of them.
32. LA Clippers - Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
Solid college player will be a backup to Livingston.
33. New Orleans - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
Could start soon in New Orleans.
34. Utah - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
Utah could have used a SG who is ready to play right away, but will settle for waiting on this poor man's Ray Allen.
35. Denver - Ricky Sanchez (6'11'', PF, HS)
This guy is the real reason Denver made the Jack trade. They fell in love with this big high schooler in a workout a couple days ago.
36. Milwaukee - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
Ersan fell due to an injury that seems to just have been found out. He is a better prospect than half the first round and well worth the gamble here. Solid draft for the Bucks.
37. LA Lakers - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
Brian Grant 2.0, complete with matching dreadlocks. Ronny is a blue collar guy who will play right away for the Lakers.
38. Orlando - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
Orlando needs a backup PG and a shooter, they get both here.
39. LA Lakers - Von Wafer (6'5'', SG, Florida State, Soph.)
High risk, high reward pick. Most people didn't have Wafer being drafted. Good talent, but a bit raw and uncoachable.
40. Golden State - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
This is why the NBA wants to do away with the high schoolers. Ellis seemed to think he was a 1st round pick. He and his agent are about the only people who thought that. Good pick here for Golden state though, who can wait for him.
41. Toronto - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
May be one of the steals of the draft. I thought Ukic would go mid 1st round. Toronto was smart to scoop him up here. Toronto ended up with a solid draft, even with the bonehead pick at 7.
42. Golden State - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
Wow! Taft really feel from grace. Everyone knew Taft had fallen out of the lottery, but most still assumed he would end up in the 1st round somewhere. Golden State landed 3 solid players in Diogu, Ellis and Taft.
43. New Jersey - Mile Ilic (7'1'', C, Bosnia)
The only pick I got right in the entire 2nd round. NJ has had good luck with Euro's lately. Ilic has big skills for his size, but will take time to develop.
44. Orlando - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
Marty was a top 5 pick in my first mock draft 5 months or so ago. He has really fallen. He'd have been a top 10 pick last year. He should fire his agent. Orlando will leave him in Europe for a couple years and hope his game and body develop.
45. Philadelphia - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
Another guy who thought he was a 1st rounder. He is a good athlete, but likely too small to be a 2 guard.
46. Indiana - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
Indy adds one of the the best centers in Europe to a team that doesn't have any decent American center. Could be a starter sooner than later.
47. Minnesota - Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)
Minnesota must be collecting undersized 2 guards who do nothing but score. Wright will be a bust in the NBA.
48. Seattle - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
Good worker who does a lot of things well. He is a solid pick at this point in the draft.
49. Washington - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
Blatche did not work out for many teams, and the ones he did workout for were unimpressed. Washington needs bigs, so this is a good pick.
50. Boston - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
Danny Ainge seems to have this draft thing down. Gomes is the short term, Green is the long term.
51. Utah - Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)
Ex-Cincinatti player played very well in Chicago, and managed to snag a spot in the 2nd round.
52. Denver - Axel Hervelle (6'9'', PF, Belgium)
Denver will leave him overseas and see what happens.
53. Boston - Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)
Boston gets the big, athletic PG I had them picking at 18, at 53. Orien Green remind me of a bigger Darrell Armstrong.
54. New York - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
If this pick is to keep, then Isaah must not understand positions in the NBA, and that you need a few of each. If Dijon is headed to Phoenix in the Thomas for Richardson deal, then I love the fit in Phoenix.
55. Seattle - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
Seattle gets another Nick Collison type big man. Good pick for a team about to lose a few bigs to free agency.
56. Detroit - Amir Johnson (6'9'', PF, HS)
Look for Amir to take advantage of the new rule allowing 1st and 2nd year players under contract to play in the NBDL.
57. Phoenix - Marcin Gortat (7'0'', C, Poland)
Unknown big that will stay in Europe for a while.
58. Toronto - Uros Slokar (6'11'', PF, Slovenia)
Solid big man who could become a very good player if he stays in Europe.
59. Atlanta - Cenk Akyol (6'4'', PG, Turkey)
Long, lean PG of the future who is very young. Atlanta will leave him overseas and hope he becomes a player.
60. Detroit - Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)
Detroit needs a 2 guard off the bench, Acker is a solid player who could make this team.


Undrafted Players (good players looking for a home)

Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
I knew it was a mistake for Randolph to declare for the draft, but I had no idea he'd go undrafted. He is a center one year removed from being one of the top C's in a very talented high school class. I can't believe no one took a shot on him. It is criminal that the Knicks passed on him twice.
Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
A better European big man than most that were draft. Would have been a top 10 pick next year.
Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
An injured knee and questionable work ethic dropped this very good player out of the draft. He will catch on somewhere.
John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
Ditto what I said about Winston, minus the hurt knee.
Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
Walsh really thought he was going in the first round. Even I am surprised that after his great workouts someone didn't take a chance on him in the 2nd round.
Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
Athletic Euro will likely head back and play overseas.
Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
Another solid college player who will catch on somewhere. Cleveland, get on the phone.
Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
Way too talented to go undrafted.
Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
Good defender will catch on somewhere.
Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
Very athletic, may head overseas or to the NBDL.
Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
Long, athletic SG should have been picked by someone.
Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.)
Has a chance to make a team based on work in the summer league.
Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
Ditto. Atlanta, make the call.
Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
Heart and soul of the Tarheels title team should look to join his boys in Charlotte.

Final Mock Draft (With Explanations)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
Bucks can't pass on a skilled 7 footer, no matter what Williams' upside can be.
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
Atlanta should take Paul or Deron Williams here, but seem to be enamored with Marvin Williams. Atlanta could field a team of SG's and SF's next year.
3. Portland - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
Most teams have Williams rated ahead of Paul at this point. Utah likely moves in here and snatches Deron before New Orleans can.
4. New Orleans - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
New Orleans wants Williams, but will be happy with Paul dropping to them here.
5. Charlotte - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
It will be tough for the Bobcats not to take local favorite Ray Felton here, but Green has too much upside to pass on. Perfect fit for Green as Charlotte can wait for him to develop.
6. Utah - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
Portland likely will be picking here. They wanted Green, but will settle for choosing between Bynum and Webster. Bynum will win out because he is 7 feet tall and has a much higher ceiling.
7. Toronto - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
Granger can do everything, and would make a great running-mate with Bosh.
8. New York - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
This is one of the worst kept secrets in the draft. NY needs a center, Frye is the only one who can start right away. There are more than a few players better than Frye still on the board though.
9. Golden State - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
The Warriors can go a bunch of different places here but likely pick between Graham, Webster, and Warrick. Graham brings more to the table.
10. LA Lakers - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
The Lakers miss out on moving up for Green or Deron Williams, but are ecstatic to find Ray Felton dropping in their laps.
11. Orlando - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
Orlando is a tough team to project because they have a new coach, new GM's, and many question marks. Wright gives them the deadeye shooter they needed last year and his workout in Orlando was legendary.
12. LA Clippers - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
The other worst kept secret in this draft is the Clippers promise to Korolev. The promise makes little sense as they could land better players here.
13. Charlotte - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
Charlotte hopes to find Graham or Felton here but both are gone. Webster is probably the BPA, but Charlotte already took a high school swing man. Warrick would give the Bobcats a ton of athleticism out of this draft.
14. Minnesota - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
Rex Chapman is the new GM. Rex Chapman loves Francisco Garcia. Garcia can play both the PG and SG positions on a team that could use both.
15. New Jersey - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
The Nets don't expect the Spaniard to fall to them at 15, but they will snap him up if they do. They have had success with European players lately.
16. Toronto - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
Webster is a steal at 16. Webster, Granger, and Bosh are a solid young core north of the border.
17. Indiana - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
Indy reportedly loves Webster and Garcia, but settle for McCants as their Reggie replacement.
18. Boston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
Uptempo PG would fit in great in Boston's system.
19. Memphis - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
With Jayson Williams likely leaving, Jack will be able to step in and play right away.
20. Denver - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
Denver stockpiles another good, young bigman. They would like to have seen McCants here, but grab Villanueva before Phoenix can.
21. Phoenix - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
Home town boy gives Phoenix more toughness. Could go for a swing player with Quentin Richardson on the way out though.
22. Denver - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
Denver gets their SG with the 2nd of their picks. Hodge will be a good fit in Denver because he is aggressive, versatile, and unselfish. Carmelo's new best friend.
23. Sacramento - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
May falls from the teens where he is projected and Sacramento nabs him to give more toughness to a relatively soft team. May look at Walsh or Head if Cuttino isn't gonna be back.
24. Houston - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
Word is Houston loves Luther Head. He would be a good fit because of his jumpshot and solid defense. Houston really needs a PG, but none are around.
25. Seattle - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
With Jerome James on his way out, Seattle suddenly finds itself needing size. Chris Taft has size to spare.
26. Detroit - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
Detroit gets a talented big who they can leave overseas for a year before bringing him over to learn under the Wallace's. Petro and Darko may be Detroit's frontline of the future.
27. Utah - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
Utah doesn't need immediate help upfront and likely doesn't have the roster space to sign both 1st rounders. So they take this talented, but raw center and bury him in Europe for a while.
28. San Antonio - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
The Spurs take the BPA. They have great luck with Euro's.
29. Miami - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
Haslem will likely leave Miami for a bunch of money. Meet his replacement.
30. New York - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
Frye gave them a center who can be immediate help. Blatche gives them size down the road.

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
32. LA Clippers - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
33. New Orleans - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
34. Utah - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
35. Portland - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
36. Milwaukee - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
37. LA Lakers - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
38. Orlando - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
39. LA Lakers - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
40. Golden State - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
41. Toronto - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
42. Golden State - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
43. New Jersey - Mile Ilic (7'1'', C, Bosnia)
44. Orlando - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
45. Philidelphia - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
46. Indiana - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
47. Minnesota - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
48. Seattle - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
49. Washington - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
50. Boston - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
51. Utah - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
52. Denver - Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
53. Boston - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
54. New York - Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
55. Seattle - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
56. Detroit - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Lucas Tischer (6'10'', C, Brazil)
58. Toronto - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
59. Atlanta - Kyle Luckett (7'0'', C, HS)
60. Detroit - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)


Just Missed

Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)
Donell Taylor (6'6'', SG, UAB, Sr.)
Rawle Marshall (6'6'', SG, Oakland, Sr.)
Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)
Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.)
Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
Will Conroy (6'2'', PG, Washington, Sr.)
Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)
Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)
Stephen Graham (6'6'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Aaron Miles (6'2'', PG, Kansas, Sr.)
Ricky Shields (6'4'', SG, Rutgers, Sr.)
Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)

Updated Mock Draft

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
4. New Orleans - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
5. Charlotte - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
6. Utah - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
7. Toronto - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
8. New York - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
9. Golden State - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
10. LA Lakers - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
11. Orlando - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
12. LA Clippers - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
13. Charlotte - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
14. Minnesota - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
15. New Jersey - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
16. Toronto - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
17. Indiana - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
18. Boston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
19. Memphis - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
20. Denver - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
21. Phoenix - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
22. Denver - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
23. Sacramento - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
24. Houston - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
25. Seattle - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
26. Detroit - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
27. Utah - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
28. San Antonio - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
29. Miami - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
30. New York - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
32. LA Clippers - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
33. New Orleans - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
34. Utah - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
35. Portland - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
36. Milwaukee - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
37. LA Lakers - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
38. Orlando - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
39. LA Lakers - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
40. Golden State - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
41. Toronto - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
42. Golden State - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
43. New Jersey - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
44. Orlando - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
45. Philidelphia - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
46. Indiana - Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
47. Minnesota - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
48. Seattle - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
49. Washington - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
50. Boston - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
51. Utah - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
52. Denver - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
53. Boston - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
54. New York - Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)
55. Seattle - Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
56. Detroit - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Lucas Tischer (6'10'', C, Brazil)
58. Toronto - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
59. Atlanta - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
60. Detroit - Kyle Luckett (7'0'', C, HS)


Just Missed

Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)
Donell Taylor (6'6'', SG, UAB, Sr.)
Rawle Marshall (6'6'', SG, Oakland, Sr.)
Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)
Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.)
Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
Will Conroy (6'2'', PG, Washington, Sr.)
Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)
Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)
Stephen Graham (6'6'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Aaron Miles (6'2'', PG, Kansas, Sr.)
Ricky Shields (6'4'', SG, Rutgers, Sr.)

My Top 15 Prospects Each Years Since 2000

2005

1. Andrew Bogut
2. Chris Paul
3. Marvin Williams
4. Gerald Green
5. Raymond Felton
6. Deron Williams
7. Danny Granger
8. Antoine Wright
9. Andrew Bynum
10. Joey Graham
11. Martynas Andriuskevicius
12. Martell Webster
13. Chris Taft
14. Fran Vazquez
15. Jarrett Jack

2004

1. Dwight Howard
2. Emeka Okafor
3. Shaun Livingston
4. Ben Gordon
5. Jameer Nelson
6. Luol Deng
7. Devin Harris
8. Andris Biedrins
9. Robert Swift
10. Andre Iguodala
11. Pavel Podkolzin
12. Al Jefferson
13. Luke Jackson
14. Josh Smith
15. Josh Childress

2003

1. Lebron James
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Darko Milicic
4. Dwyane Wade
5. TJ Ford
6. Chris Bosh
7. Chris Kamen
8. Kirk Hinrich
9. Jarvis Hayes
10. Reece Gaines
11. Nick Collison
12. Maciej Lampe
13. Mickael Pietrus
14. Josh Howard
15. Marcus Banks

2002

1. Yao Ming
2. Amare Stoudamire
3. Jay Williams
4. Caron Butler
5. Nickoloz Tskitishvili
6. Drew Gooden
7. Nene Hilario
8. Mike Dunleavy
9. Chris Wilcox
10. Melvin Ely
11. Jared Jefferies
12. Qyntel Woods
13. Juan Dixon
14. Carlos Boozer
15. Dejuan Wagner

2001

1. Shane Battier
2. Eddy Curry
3. Kwame Brown
4. Rodney White
5. Tyson Chandler
6. Jason Richardson
7. Pau Gasol
8. Joe Johnson
9. Richard Jefferson
10. Vladimir Radmonovic
11. Eddie Griffin
12. Gerald Wallace
13. Jamaal Tinsley
14. Steven Hunter
15. Samuel Dalembert

2000

1. Kenyon Martin
2. Darius Miles
3. Stromile Swift
4. Chris Mihm
5. Mike Miller
6. Marcus Fizer
7. DerMarr Johnson
8. Jamal Crawford
9. Mateen Cleaves
10. Joel Pryzbilla
11. Keyon Dooling
12. Morris Peterson
13. Jerome Moiso
14. Desmond Mason
15. DeShawn Stevenson

Updated Mock Draft

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
4. New Orleans - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
5. Charlotte - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
6. Utah - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
7. Toronto - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
8. New York - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
9. Golden State - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
10. LA Lakers - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
11. Orlando - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
12. LA Clippers - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
13. Charlotte - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
14. Minnesota - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
15. New Jersey - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
16. Toronto - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
17. Indiana - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
18. Boston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
19. Memphis - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
20. Denver - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
21. Phoenix - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
22. Denver - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
23. Sacramento - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
24. Houston - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
25. Seattle - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
26. Detroit - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
27. Utah - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
28. San Antonio - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
29. Miami - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
30. New York - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
32. LA Clippers - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
33. New Orleans - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
34. Utah - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
35. Portland - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
36. Milwaukee - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
37. LA Lakers - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
38. Orlando - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
39. LA Lakers - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
40. Golden State - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
41. Toronto - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
42. Golden State - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
43. New Jersey - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
44. Orlando - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
45. Philidelphia - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
46. Indiana - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
47. Minnesota - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
48. Seattle - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
49. Washington - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
50. Boston - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
51. Utah - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
52. Denver - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
53. Boston - Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
54. New York - Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
55. Seattle - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
56. Detroit - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Lucas Tischer (6'10'', C, Brazil)
58. Toronto - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
59. Atlanta - Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)
60. Detroit - Kyle Luckett (7'0'', C, HS)


Pulled Out

Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
Marcus Slaughter (6'8'', SF, San Diego St., Soph.)
Nemanja Aleksandrov (6'10'', SF, Serbia)
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.)
Steven Smith (6'9'', SF, La Salle, Jr.)
Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)

Just Missed

Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)
Donell Taylor (6'6'', SG, UAB, Sr.)
Rawle Marshall (6'6'', SG, Oakland, Sr.)
Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)
Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.)
Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
Will Conroy (6'2'', PG, Washington, Sr.)
Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)
Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)
Stephen Graham (6'6'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Aaron Miles (6'2'', PG, Kansas, Sr.)
Ricky Shields (6'4'', SG, Rutgers, Sr.)

MLB All Stars

I know this is usually just a site about the NBA and it's draft, but every once and a while I like to touch on some other stuff in sports. With the MLB All Star game rapidly approaching, I decided since they always pick the wrong players, I'll just go ahead and make the All Star teams the way they should be. So here is what I believe the All Star teams should look like. Remember that each team must be represented, so if you see a guy that does not seem to fit that is probably why. Lets see you try to fit a Rockies or A's player into your All Star teams, it ain't easy.


AMERICAN LEAGUE


Starting Lineup

1. Johnny Damon (OF, Boston Red Sox)
2. Miguel Tejada (SS, Baltimore Orioles)
3. Alex Rodriguez (3B, New York Yankees)
4. Vladamir Guerrero (OF, Anaheim Angels)
5. Manny Ramirez (OF, Boston Red Sox)
6. David Ortiz (DH, Boston Red Sox)
7. Mark Teixeira (1B, Texas Rangers)
8. Jason Varitek (C, Boston Red Sox)
9. Brian Roberts (2B, Baltimore Orioles)

SP- Kenny Rogers (Texas Rangers)


Reserves

SP- Roy Halladay (Toronto Blue Jays)
SP- Johan Santana (Minnesota Twins)
SP- John Garland (Chicago White Sox)
SP- Mark Buehrle (Chicago White Sox)
SP- Bartolo Colon (Anaheim Angels)
SP- Jeremy Bonderman (Detroit Tigers)
SP- Randy Johnson (New York Yankees)
SP- Rich Harden (Oakland A's)
RP- Bob Wickman (Cleveland Indians)
RP- Eddie Guardado (Seattle Mariners)
RP- BJ Ryan (Baltimore Orioles)
RP- Mariano Rivera (New York Yankees)
RP- Joe Nathan (Minnesota Twins)
C- Ivan Rodriquez (Detroit Tigers)
1B- Mike Sweeney (Kansas City Royals)
2B- Alfonso Soriano (Texas Rangers)
2B- Chone Figgans (Anaheim Angels)
SS- Michael Young (Texas Rangers)
3B- Melvin Mora (Baltimore Orioles)
3B- Hank Blalock (Texas Rangers)
OF- Garrett Anderson (Anaheim Angels)
OF- Gary Sheffield (New York Yankees)
OF- Torii Hunter (Minnesota Twins)
OF- Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Devil Rays)


NATIONAL LEAGUE

Starting Lineup

1. Jimmy Rollins (SS, Philadelphia Phillies)
2. Brady Clark (OF, Millwaukee Brewers)
3. Bobby Abreu (OF, Philadelphia Phillies)
4. Derek Lee (1B, Chicago Cubs)
5. Carlos Lee (OF, Milwaukee Brewers)
6. Miguel Cabrera (DH, Florida Marlins)
7. Aramis Ramirez (3B, Chicago Cubs)
8. Jeff Kent (2B, LA Dodgers)
9. Ramon Hernandez (C, San Diego Padres)

SP- Dontrelle Willis (Florida Marlins)


Reserves

SP- Pedro Martinez (New York Mets)
SP- Roger Clemens (Houston Astros)
SP- Jake Peavy (San Diego Padres)
SP- Chris Carpenter (St. Louis Cardinals)
SP- Roy Oswalt (Houston Astros)
SP- Brett Meyers (Philadelphia Phillies)
SP- Livan Hernandez (Washington Nationals)
SP- Matt Morris (St. Louis Cardinals)
RP- Chad Cordero (Washington Nationals)
RP- Jason Isringhausen (St. Louis Cardinals)
RP- Billy Wagner (Philadelphia Phillies)
RP- Brad Lidge (Houston Astros)
RP- Brian Fuentes (Colorado Rockies)
C- Michael Barrett (Chicago Cubs)
1B- Albert Pujols (St. Louis Cardinals)
2B- Chase Utley (Philadelphia Phillies)
SS- David Eckstein (St. Louis Cardinals)
SS- Omar Vizquel (San Francisco Giants)
3B- Troy Glaus (Arizona Diamondbacks)
3B- Morgan Ensberg (Houston Astros)
OF- Jason Bay (Pittsburgh Pirates)
OF- Ken Griffey Jr. (Cincinnati Reds)
OF- Andrew Jones (Atlanta Braves)
OF- Pat Burrell (Philadelphia Phillies)

Updated Mock Draft (Full Draft)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
4. New Orleans - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
5. Charlotte - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
6. Utah - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
7. Toronto - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
8. New York - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
9. Golden State - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
10. LA Lakers - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
11. Orlando - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
12. LA Clippers - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
13. Charlotte - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
14. Minnesota - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
15. New Jersey - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
16. Toronto - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
17. Indiana - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
18. Boston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
19. Memphis - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
20. Denver - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
21. Phoenix - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
22. Denver - Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
23. Sacramento - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
24. Houston - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
25. Seattle - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
26. Detroit - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
27. Utah - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
28. San Antonio - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
29. Miami - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
30. New York - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
32. LA Clippers - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
33. New Orleans - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
34. Utah - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
35. Portland - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
36. Milwaukee - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
37. LA Lakers - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
38. Orlando - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
39. LA Lakers - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
40. Golden State - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
41. Toronto - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
42. Golden State - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
43. New Jersey - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
44. Orlando - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
45. Philidelphia - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
46. Indiana - Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.)
47. Minnesota - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
48. Seattle - Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
49. Washington - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
50. Boston - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
51. Utah - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
52. Denver - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
53. Boston - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
54. New York - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
55. Seattle - Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
56. Detroit - Donell Taylor (6'6'', SG, UAB, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Lucas Tischer (6'10'', C, Brazil)
58. Toronto - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
59. Atlanta - Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)
60. Detroit - Rawle Marshall (6'6'', SG, Oakland, Sr.)


Likely Pulling Out

Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
Marcus Slaughter (6'8'', SF, San Diego St., Soph.)
Nemanja Aleksandrov (6'10'', SF, Serbia)

Just Missed

Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.)
Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.)
Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.)
Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
Steven Smith (6'9'', SF, La Salle, Jr.)
Will Conroy (6'2'', PG, Washington, Sr.)
Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.)
Robert Whaley (6'9'', PF, Walsh, Sr.)
Stephen Graham (6'6'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Aaron Miles (6'2'', PG, Kansas, Sr.)
Ricky Shields (6'4'', SG, Rutgers, Sr.)

NBA Draft (If I Ruled The NBA)

Here is what the draft would look like if I were playing GM for each team.

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
The best player in the draft also plays the position Milwaukee needs most. No brainer.
2. Atlanta - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
I rate Paul as the #2 player in the draft, and Atlanta needs a PG in the worst way.
3. Portland - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
Portland would be ecstatic if Marvin dropped to them. Add him to Telfair and Randolph and that's a solid young core.
4. New Orleans - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
Felton would fit in very well with JR Smith and the new look Hornets.
5. Charlotte - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
Player with the most upside goes to the team that can wait for it.
6. Utah - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
Utah finally get a franchise PG they have missed since Stockton left. Kiralenko and Boozer will love this guy.
7. Toronto - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
Lots of different ways Toronto can go as only Bosh is set in stone. Granger is a guy who can do it all.
8. New York - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
New York is going nowhere fast, so they have the time to wait for this future all star to develop.
9. Golden State - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
Golden State is a young team with no glaring holes. Bynum will be serviceable in the short term and a stud in the long term. Think Duncan meets Dwight Howard.
10. LA Lakers - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
Euro big man who can come over and play right away for Phil's Lakers.
11. Orlando - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
Another solid young player to add to Howard, Francis, and Nelson.
12. LA Clippers - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
Brings winning attitude and nastiness to a good young team.
13. Charlotte - Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
Splitter and Okafor would make for the leagues best young front court.
14. Minnesota - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
Taft can be the center Minnesota desperately needs.
15. New Jersey - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
All the Nets need is a solid workman like PF. This is him.
16. Toronto - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
Add Jack to Granger, Bosh, and MoPete and Toronto looks much better.
17. Indiana - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
Best player available and Indy needs to groom a Reggie replacement.
18. Boston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
Combo guard that fits Boston's aggressive style.
19. Memphis - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
Project center with big upside. Lorenzen Wright will be serviceable until he is ready.
20. Denver - Charlie Villanueva (6'11'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
Can never have too many big bodies. Charlie would fit in real nice on Denver.
21. Phoenix - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
With Marion maybe on the move, Diogu would step in and add toughness to the Suns front court.
22. Denver - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
Denver needs a shooting guard who can shoot the 3 and spread the floor. Winston is a deadeye.
23. Sacramento - Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
Mobley is likely leaving and Rudy would fit in nicely in Sacto.
24. Houston - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
Combo guard could play either guard position for Houston.
25. Seattle - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
Best player available. Seattle will lose Jerome James this off season. Frye is a solid replacement.
26. Detroit - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
Ilyasova is a special player. Detroit can ease him into the NBA ala Darko.
27. Utah - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
He and Deron Williams make up Utah's new big backcourt.
28. San Antonio - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
The Spurs love foreign players and they could leave him in Europe if necessary.
29. Miami - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
Time to plan for life after Shaq.
30. New York - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
Best player available. Would be very popular in NY.

Updated Mock Draft (Full Draft)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
4. New Orleans - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
5. Charlotte - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
6. Utah - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
7. Toronto - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
8. New York - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
9. Golden State - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
10. LA Lakers - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
11. Orlando - Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
12. LA Clippers - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
13. Charlotte - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
14. Minnesota - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
15. New Jersey - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
16. Toronto - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
17. Indiana - Yaroslav Korolev (6'9'', SF, Russia)
18. Boston - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
19. Memphis - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
20. Denver - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
21. Phoenix - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
22. Denver - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
23. Sacramento - Charlie Villanueva (6'10'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
24. Houston - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
25. Seattle - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
26. Detroit - Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
27. Utah - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
28. San Antonio - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
29. Miami - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
30. New York - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
32. LA Clippers - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
33. New Orleans - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
34. Utah - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
35. Portland - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
36. Milwaukee - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
37. LA Lakers - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
38. Orlando - Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
39. LA Lakers - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
40. Golden State - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
41. Toronto - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
42. Golden State - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
43. New Jersey - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
44. Orlando - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
45. Philidelphia - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
46. Indiana - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
47. Minnesota - Alan Anderson (6'6'', SG, Michigan St., Sr.)
48. Seattle - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
49. Washington - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
50. Boston - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
51. Utah - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
52. Denver - Donell Taylor (6'6'', SG, UAB, Sr.)
53. Boston - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
54. New York - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
55. Seattle - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
56. Detroit - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
58. Toronto - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
59. Atlanta - Travis Diener (6'1'', PG, Marquette, Sr.)
60. Detroit - Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)


Just Missed: Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.), Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.), Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.), Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.), Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.),Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.), Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.), Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.), Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.), Steven Smith (6'9'', SF, La Salle, Jr.), Rawle Marshall (6'6'', SG, Oakland, Sr.), Will Conroy (6'2'', PG, Washington, Sr.), Orien Green (6'5'', PG, La-Lafayette, Sr.).

NBA Finals Preview & Dee Brown Injured

Despite the fact that people seem to be annoyed by this so called boring finals, I think it will be a great series with the 2 best teams playing. Both the Spurs and the Pistons play good, sound, fundamental basketball. Who cares there are no sexy names that my mom would recognize, that's for ABC to worry about. I predict the Pistons win the series in 6 closely contested games. I like Detroit to steal game 1 from the Spurs, who have been off over a week. The depth of the Pistons is really going to be a problem for the Spurs. The Pistons do not have one main scorer, instead they have 4 or 5 guys who are all good scorers. This will be a problem for San Antonio who usually gets a big advantage by having Bruce Bowen lock up the other teams best player. That advantage will be diminished by the fact that the Pistons do not have a best player. Conversely, if Tayshaun Prince is able to slow Ginobli down (something no one has been able to do in these playoffs), it would be a far bigger deal than whoever Bowen stops. The bigger issue for the Spurs is that they have no one to cover Rasheed Wallace. If they put Duncan on Rasheed, it leaves Ben Wallace to do what Ben Wallace does. If they don't put Duncan on Rasheed, then Rasheed will abuse Nazr Mohammed or who ever else they use. I also have my concerns as to whether Tony Parker can cover Chauncy Billups. For the Spurs to win this series they will need good consistent play from Parker and Ginobli, solid play from their bench, and an MVP effort from Duncan. I think Duncan will play well but the champs will be too much for him to handle.


In a completely unrelated story, word out of Chicago is that Illinois PG Dee Brown has broken his foot at the Chicago Pre-Draft Camp and will now likely be forced to pull out of the draft and return for his senior season. This is probably for the best as Dee had little chance of cracking the 1st round.

My Top 60 Draft Prospects

1. Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.) Compares To: Taller Brad Miller
2. Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.) Compares To: Mike Bibby
3. Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.) Compares To: Rich Man's Tim Thomas
4. Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS) Compares To: Tracy McGrady
5. Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.) Compares To: TJ Ford with a jumpshot
6. Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.) Compares To: Rashard Lewis
7. Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.) Compares To: Ray Allen
8. Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.) Compares To: Poor Man's Jason Kidd
9. Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania) Compares To: Zydrunas Illgauskus
10. Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil) Compares To: Pau Gasol
11. Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
12. Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
13. Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
14. Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
15. Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
16. Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
17. Charlie Villanueva (6'11'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
18. Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
19. Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
20. Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
21. Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
22. Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
23. Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
24. Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
25. Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
26. Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)
27. Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
28. Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
29. Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
30. Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
31. Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
32. Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
33. Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
34. Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
35. Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
36. Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
37. Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
38. Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
39. Marcus Slaughter (6'8'', SF, San Diego St., Soph.)
40. Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
41. Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
42. Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
43. Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
44. John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
45. CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
46. Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
47. Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
48. Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
49. Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
50. Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.)
51. David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
52. Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
53. Vladimir Veremeenko (6'10'', PF, Belarus)
54. Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
55. Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
56. Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
57. Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
58. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.)
59. Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.)
60. Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)

It's A Celebration Bitches

I know this isn't technically NBA Draft or even basketball news, but it's close enough. Also, this is my blog and I can type whatever I feel like. Yesterday around 7 in the evening here in rainy Orlando, my buddy Zac McCamie was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 17th round of the MLB draft. This is obviously glorious news as now I can hit him up for money any time I need to. Zac pitched at the University of South Carolina the last 2 years and at Seminole Community College the 2 years before that. He is to my knowledge, the only human being on earth to play in the Little League World Series, Junior College World Series, and the College World Series. Hopefully he will some day add the plain old World Series to that list. So allow me to be like the 50th person to congratulate him.

Stock Watch

On The Rise:

Antoine Wright - Antoine has been a 1st round lock since my first mock draft, but he was projected to go anywhere from 11-18 at the time. Now however, after some very solid workouts, Wright is the leading candidate to go to Toronto at 7 (which is the pick that will shape the draft). Wright has proven to be very sound in all aspects and has performed so well in workouts that some teams have him ranked ahead of Gerald Green.

Channing Frye - No one has risen as much as Frye has in the last few weeks. The odd part is that it doesn't have to do with workouts or him showing off some new facet of his game. It is a bit puzzling why teams are suddenly so enamored with Channing. The Knicks at 8, Warriors at 9 and Magic at 11 are all rumored to be hot for Frye. One team has even supposedly given him a promise in the lottery, something usually reserved for players who can pull out of the draft. Not for seniors like Frye.

Wayne Simien - There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Wayne Simien is a very good basketball player. Until recently though, there were lots of questions about his height and his being undersized to play PF at the NBA level. Recently though, Simien has measured out at 6'9'' without shoes making him an inch or 2 taller than most thought. This has shot him from early 2nd round to possibly a spot at the tail end of the lottery.

Andrew Bynum - You can't teach size, and size is what Bynum has in spades. A true 7 footer with an NBA body straight out of high school, Bynum has a lot of developing to do, but teams appear to be becoming more enamored with his size and athletic ability by the day. Look for Bynum to land in the mid first round at the latest if this keeps up.

Julius Hodge - Hodge was a guy everyone was saying would be the 2nd round steal of the draft. Now, you are going to have to find a new 2nd round steal, because Hodge won't see the 2nd round. He has shown point guard caliber skills even at 6'7''. Prompting teams to reevaluate him. Hodge was an ACC player of the year and if he truly has PG skills look for him to continue flying up draft boards.


Free Falling:

Chris Taft - Terrible workouts have seen Chris Taft's draft stock plummet. Once thought to be a top 5 pick in this draft, now some scouts are questioning if he is even worthy of a 1st round pick. He will go in the 1st round on name recognition alone, but he likely has cost himself any chance at the lottery. New Jersey will give him a serious look at 15, if they don't take Taft, it could be a long draft for him.

Sean May - No player has people split as much as Sean May does. Many see him as an obvious bust who doesn't have the athletic ability or skill set to play at the next level (I am a member of this camp). Yet others see May as the 2nd coming of Charles Barkley, a tenacious player with the basketball IQ to offset his lack of size. May has not done himself any favors in workouts. Chris Taft supposedly dominated May in one of the few workouts that Taft didn't look awful in. And if you read what I wrote about Taft, you would know that that is not good for May's stock.

Tiago Splitter - Call this one a hunch, as Splitter has not done anything to warrant being dropped. But every year a European big man plummets in the draft and Tiago looks like the most likely suspect. Still playing in the playoffs in Europe isn't helping his cause, as guys like Simien and Bynum are wowing teams and moving Splitter to the back burner. Splitter is a very good player, but don't be surprised to see him drop in the draft like Podkolzine and Lampe before him.

Ronny Turiaf - Turiaf was considered a late 1st to early 2nd round player. Now his shot at the first round is getting less likely as his workouts are not helping his chances. Turiaf is the kind of hardnosed player that isn't helped much by workouts, but sadly workouts is about all teams care about this time of year. Turiaf was in the last couple picks of the 1st round of my mock for a while, but now he has likely slide into the early to middle 2nd round.

Updated Mock Draft (Full Draft)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
4. New Orleans - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
5. Charlotte - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
6. Utah - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
7. Toronto - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
8. New York - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
9. Golden State - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
10. LA Lakers - Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
11. Orlando - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
12. LA Clippers - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
13. Charlotte - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
14. Minnesota - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
15. New Jersey - Charlie Villanueva (6'11'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
16. Toronto - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
17. Indiana - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
18. Boston - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
19. Memphis - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
20. Denver - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
21. Phoenix - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
22. Denver - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
23. Sacramento - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
24. Houston - Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
25. Seattle - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
26. Detroit - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
27. Utah - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
28. San Antonio - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
29. Miami - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
30. New York - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
32. LA Clippers - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
33. New Orleans - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
34. Utah - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
35. Portland - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
36. Milwaukee - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
37. LA Lakers - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
38. Orlando - Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
39. LA Lakers - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
40. Golden State - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
41. Toronto - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
42. Golden State - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
43. New Jersey - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
44. Orlando - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
45. Detroit - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
46. Indiana - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
47. Minnesota - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
48. Seattle - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
49. Washington - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
50. Boston - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
51. Utah - Marcus Slaughter (6'8'', SF, San Diego St., Soph.)
52. Denver - Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.)
53. Boston - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
54. New York - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
55. Seattle - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
56. Detroit - Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
58. Toronto - Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.)
59. Atlanta - Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
60. Utah - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)


Just Missed: Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.), Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.), Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.), Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.), Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.), Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.).

Updated Mock Draft (Full Draft)

First Round

1. Milwaukee - Andrew Bogut (7'0'', C, Utah, Soph.)
2. Atlanta - Marvin Williams (6'9'', SF, UNC, Fresh.)
3. Portland - Gerald Green (6'8'', SF, HS)
4. New Orleans - Chris Paul (5'11'', PG, Wake Forest, Soph.)
5. Charlotte - Raymond Felton (6'0'', PG, UNC, Jr.)
6. Utah - Deron Williams (6'3'', PG, Illinois, Jr.)
7. Toronto - Antoine Wright (6'7'', SG, Texas A&M, Jr.)
8. New York - Fran Vazquez (6'10'', PF, Spain)
9. Golden State - Channing Frye (6'11'', C, Arizona, Sr.)
10. LA Lakers - Tiago Splitter (6'11'', PF, Brazil)
11. Orlando - Johan Petro (7'0'', C, France)
12. LA Clippers - Joey Graham (6'7'', SF, Oklahoma State, Sr.)
13. Charlotte - Martell Webster (6'7'', SG, HS)
14. Minnesota - Chris Taft (6'10'', C, Pitt, Soph.)
15. New Jersey - Martynas Andriuskevicius (7'3'', C, Lithuania)
16. Toronto - Jarrett Jack (6'3'', PG, Georgia Tech, Jr.)
17. Indiana - Ike Diogu (6'8'', PF, Arizona State, Jr.)
18. Boston - Danny Granger (6'8'', SF, New Mexico, Sr.)
19. Memphis - Sean May (6'8'', PF, UNC, Jr.)
20. Denver - Roko Ukic (6'5'', PG, Croatia)
21. Phoenix - Charlie Villanueva (6'11'', PF, UConn, Soph.)
22. Denver - Andrew Bynum (7'0'', C, HS)
23. Sacramento - Hakim Warrick (6'8'', PF, Syracuse, Sr.)
24. Houston - Rudy Fernandez (6'5'', SG, Spain)
25. Seattle - Angelo Gigli (6'10'', PF, Italy)
26. Detroit - Kennedy Winston (6'6'', SG, Alabama, Jr.)
27. Utah - Julius Hodge (6'6'', SG, NC State, Sr.)
28. San Antonio - Andray Blatche (6'11'', C, HS)
29. Miami - Randolph Morris (6'11'', C, Kentucky, Fresh.)
30. New York - Ersan Ilyasova (6'9'', SF, Turkey)

Second Round

31. Atlanta - Ronny Turiaf (6'10'', PF, Gonzaga, Sr.)
32. LA Clippers - Francisco Garcia (6'7'', SG, Louisville, Jr.)
33. New Orleans - Ryan Gomes (6'8'', SF, Providence, Sr.)
34. Utah - Mickael Gelabale (6'7'', SF, France)
35. Portland - Wayne Simien (6'8'', PF, Kansas, Sr.)
36. Milwaukee - Rashad McCants (6'3'', SG, UNC, Jr.)
37. LA Lakers - Erazem Lorbek (6'11'', PF/C, Slovenia)
38. Orlando - Brandon Rush (6'7'', SG, HS)
39. LA Lakers - John Gilchrist (6'2'', PG, Maryland, Jr.)
40. Golden State - Brandon Bass (6'8'', PF, LSU, Soph.)
41. Toronto - Salim Stoudamire (6'1'', SG, Arizona, Sr.)
42. Golden State - Monta Ellis (6'3'', SG, HS)
43. New Jersey - David Lee (6'9'', PF, Florida, Sr.)
44. Orlando - Mindaugas Katelynas (6'9'', SF, UT-Chattanooga, Sr.)
45. Detroit - CJ Miles (6'6'', SG, HS)
46. Indiana - Eddie Basden (6'5'', SG, Charlotte, Sr.)
47. Minnesota - Nate Robinson (5'9'', PG, Washington, Jr.)
48. Seattle - Dijon Thompson (6'8'', SG, UCLA, Sr.)
49. Washington - Linas Kleiza (6'8'', PF, Missouri, Soph.)
50. Boston - Matt Walsh (6'6'', SG, Florida, Jr.)
51. Utah - Jared Homan (6'10'', PF, Iowa State, Sr.)
52. Denver - Tiras Wade (6'7'', SG, La. Lafayette, Jr.)
53. Boston - Louis Williams (6'2'', SG, HS)
54. New York - Lawrence Roberts (6'9'', PF, Mississippi State, Sr.)
55. Seattle - Stefano Mancinelli (6'8'', SF, Italy)
56. Detroit - Jason Maxiell (6'7'', PF, Cincinatti, Sr.)
57. Phoenix - Jawad Williams (6'8'', SF, UNC, Sr.)
58. Toronto - Pops Mensah-Bonsu (6'9'', PF, George Washington, Jr.)
59. Atlanta - Daniel Ewing (6'3'', PG, Duke, Sr.)
60. Utah - Marcus Slaughter (6'8'', SF, San Diego St., Soph.)

Just Missed: Sean Banks (6'8'', SF, Memphis, Soph.), Alex Acker (6'5'', SG, Pepperdine, Jr.), Chuck Hayes (6'6'', SF, Kentucky, Sr.), Luther Head (6'3'', SG, Illinois, Sr.), Filiberto Rivera (6'2'', PG, UTEP, Sr.), Bracey Wright (6'3'', SG, Indiana, Jr.).