Draft 2007 Official Thread....

[IE]

comments??

trades??

Shawn Marion: The Suns are deep into the luxury tax and trading Marion's contract is an obvious way to slash payroll -- could throw a loop into the draft??

 

[IE]

Report: Garnett not going to Lakers; may be heading to Suns

(TICKER) -- According to ESPN, the blockbuster four-team trade that would send Kevin Garnett to the Los Angeles Lakers now is off. But a new three-team deal, which would send the superstar forward to the Phoenix Suns, may be in the works.

The original trade involved the Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.

Los Angeles reportedly would have included forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum in the deal but, according to the report, it was terminated by the Timberwolves, who did not feel it was enough compensation for Garnett.

However, ESPN now is reporting that Garnett could be dealt to the Suns, who would deal high-flying forward Shawn Marion to the Celtics. Boston's No. 5 pick in Thursday's draft and "other players" reportedly would be included to satisfy Minnesota.

The deal has yet to go through because of Marion, who will have to agree to a contract extension before getting dealt. The Celtics, according to the report, do not want to take on a player who is going into the final year of his deal.

Marion would team with veteran star Paul Pierce, who also has threatened to demand a trade unless Boston acquired a veteran star, according to ESPN.

Curiously, though, the Timberwolves seem to be anxious to acquire the No. 5 pick instead of Bynum, who by many accounts would have been the third player chosen in Thursday's draft behind Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.

But if Garnett is traded to the Suns, he would instantly make the already dangerous squad the front-runner for the 2008 title. He would join two-time MVP Steve Nash and All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire, forming an intimidating starting five.

Or would he? The network also reported that the Suns still are tinkering with the deal and could include Stoudemire, who plays the same position as Garnett.

Garnett originally was rumored to be headed to the Lakers to team up with superstar Kobe Bryant, who demanded a trade from the team last month. Garnett's arrival most likely would have kept the two-time scoring champion in Los Angeles.

Now, the Lakers and Bryant seem to be back to where they started - at odds.

 

[IE]

Bulls not necessarily hung up on experience

GM Paxson may settle for potential with pick





Spencer Hawes, or at least his limousine driver, has experience finding his way to the Berto Center.

Yes, the Bulls go that first-class for potential NBA first-round picks.

But the Washington freshman, who returned for a follow-up predraft interview Tuesday, has precious little post-high-school playing experience, a whopping 31 games in all.

Previously, the desire to draft somebody with the No. 9 pick who could contribute immediately appeared to top the Bulls' priority list. But from his comments this week, general manager John Paxson has seemed to change his stance.

If the Bulls don't trade the pick, and league sources continue to insist it's available for the right veteran, it's anybody's guess who Paxson will select Thursday. Paxson has made it clear he considers stockpiling another asset and either acquiring a scoring big man via free agency or a summer trade as a viable route.

It's still believed the Bulls will err on the side of size, though.

"Ideally, we'd like to find a guy who can contribute," Paxson said. "But that's the question we debate all the time. I don't think it's a necessity. If there's not a guy there who can give you 25 minutes a game next year, but there are guys on the board you like, I'm confident looking at our history that he's going to get better here as a player.

"The last four years, the players we've drafted are guys who like to play and have gotten better on their own. We also hope what we're doing here helps players get better with our coaches and developmental work. It's called building your team."

Among Hawes, Chinese 7-footer Yi Jianlian and Florida big man Joakim Noah, it's Noah, though challenged on offense, who is considered the most NBA-ready of the three big men who could be available when the Bulls select.

"You can make your argument because of his three years at Florida and what he can do well?rebound, defend, block shots?that he's going to have a chance to step on an NBA floor right away," Paxson agreed. "But that's the debate we're having every day. We haven't come to a decision on that. It's my decision at the end of the day. We'll do what feels right on Thursday night.

"There are really good players in this draft. Some are ready. Some have a ways to go. But that won't stop us from selecting that type of guy."

The Bulls aren't locked into drafting a big man, either. Given their activity in trade talks, they could draft for another team at No. 9 if a certain player is available after the first eight selections are made.

Paxson said on Monday that trade talks have been surface level thus far, although there were some indications those intensified on Tuesday. One thing is sure: Paxson isn't tipping his hand.

"There are some skilled bigs in this draft," Paxson said. "It goes back to: Are they really ready to contribute? We answer that by saying can we provide them with the right structure to be successful? I'd like to think we can do that."

 

[IE]

curious pick speculation..where will he go??






Morris Almond 6-6, 215, Rice








OVERVIEW: The third-leading scorer in the nation (26.4 ppg), Almond was named Conference USA Player of the Year. He scored over 30 points on 10 occasions and had a pair of 40-point games, including a career-high 44 vs. Vanderbilt. Almond was outstanding from the arc with a .456 shooting percentage and a superb free-throw shooter, making 241 in his senior season and converting them at an .846 clip. Despite averaging just 4.8 and 7.2 points, respectively, in his first two seasons, he finished as the school's fourth all-time leading scorer. Almond also contributed on the boards, averaging 6.6 per game as a senior.

LIKELY DRAFT POSITION: 16-23

COMPARATIVE UPSIDE: Allan Houston

COMPARATIVE DOWNSIDE: Courtney Alexander

ROLE PROJECTION: Zone-busting 3-point shooter; eventual starting shooting guard.

POSITIVES: Almond has excellent physical characteristics - size, strength and just enough quickness - to eventually be a very successful shooting guard in the NBA. Despite playing on a mediocre team where he was targeted as the player to stop, he ranked third in the nation in scoring. He often shot the ball right in the face of a defender from long range and hit. His ability to get by his defender off the dribble and either draw a foul or finish is underrated.

SHORTCOMINGS: They are hard to find. Almond's work ethic is unquestioned, as he worked his way from being a marginal recruit and role player in his first two seasons to one of the nation's leading scorers. Perhaps after being the centrifugal force of his team's offense, Almond will have an adjustment to make as he once again starts out as a role player in the NBA. He's also never faced the pressure of big games, since so little was expected at Rice.

 

[Chadman]

Would actually like to see the Wolves pull off the rumored Atlanta deal, getting the #3 and #11 picks to go with their #7. Would love to see them grab Horford and two more prime timers (Noah?) to start over with - with Foye and McCants out front, Howard to help teach a couple of new big men, and a year of seasoning for Craig Smith, maybe they could start something positive.

Would love to see them get rid of another big contract or two, tho - McHale has done a horrible job of gaining big contracts and crappy players.

They pretty much have to move Garnett, now, after all this. Boston's two/three good young players and a #5 would also probably be a good move.

 

[The Sponge]

I think Noah would be a perfect fit for the Bulls. Love to see the sixers get Brewer who i think will become a star. Knowing the Sixers like i do, they will make a trade and Brewer will be there and they will take somebody else.:banghead:

 

[IE]

Law could face draft-night fall

Wednesday, Jun 27, 2007 5:03 pm EDT

NEW YORK -- Texas A&M point guard Acie Law is the most likely candidate to become the NBA draft's version of Brady Quinn, a player who fell much further than anticipated.

League executives believe Law could be the last draft-night invitee to leave Madison Square Garden's green room, possibly falling to the Miami Heat at No. 20. The Los Angeles Clippers are believed to have settled on Georgia Tech freshman Javaris Crittenton at No. 14, satisfying their need for a young point guard with Shaun Livingston's future uncertain. And sources say the Atlanta Hawks are unlikely to take Law at No. 11, even if they keep the pick, which reportedly would go to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of the three-way Kevin Garnett trade involving the Phoenix Suns.

This scenario would represent a steep drop for Law, who made big shots while leading an ordinary Aggies cast to extraordinary success. A four-year college player, Law is mature enough to understand the bigger-picture prospects of joining a championship-caliber team in Miami. The Heat were high on Crittenton, but would love to groom the more NBA-ready Law as their next point guard.

"That would be too much," Law said Wednesday. "That would be too perfect – to play with Dwyane Wade, to play with Shaquille O'Neal, to be coached by Pat Riley."

Law's mother was such a big fan of Shaq that she hung pictures of him on the family walls next to those of Acie and her other children.

Lakers turn focus to Pacers' O'Neal

As it becomes more obvious that talks with Minnesota for Garnett are dying, the Los Angeles Lakers have re-started conversations with the Indiana Pacers about a trade for Jermaine O'Neal.

The Lakers are reluctant to include young center Andrew Bynum in a package with Lamar Odom for the Pacers' All-Star center. The Pacers have no picks in Thursday's draft and would love to get a hold of the Lakers' pick (19th overall), but unless the Lakers are willing to part with Bynum, it's doubtful a deal will get done.

 

[IE]

Does Atlanta Finally Have Their Point Guard?

No, I?m not talking about Acie Law IV, who supposedly has been pegged for the 11th pick to Atlanta for the last week or so. I?m talking about a rumored deal discussed in the Seattle Times that would send Sonics point guard Luke Ridnour to the Hawks in exchange for that 11th pick and second-year guard Salim Stoudamire. The newspaper said the team would like to get taller at the point guard, and Law or Javaris Crittenton could do that right there.

It?s hard to imagine Ray Allen being happy about starting over with a new, young point guard, but the Kevin Durant years will soon be upon the team, so they?ll be rebuilding anyway. Having two lottery picks in a draft like this certainly wouldn?t hurt anything.

Of course, if this trade does happen, it takes one more possibility away from Phoenix to jump into the lottery.




Golden State Working on Yi?

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Golden State Warriors may have offered breakout player Monta Ellis for the 11th pick in the draft in order to get Chinese power forward Yi Jianlian. The holdup on the deal apparently is that the Warriors fear Yi could be gone sooner than that. His stock has been dropping a bit in the days leading up to the draft, but there is interest from Boston, Chicago, and Sacramento, so Golden State may even need to try and shoot for an even higher pick.

That #11 selection is really valuable in trade offers, isn?t it?






Implications for the Bulls

The Bulls are reportedly still looking to shop the #9 pick, but if they keep it the whole outlook of the lottery could be shifted and moved because of trades.

The top three prospects for Chicago are Joakim Noah, Spencer Hawes, and Yi Jianlian (probably in that order), but if all three are gone by the ninth pick the Bulls will have to work with what?s left. Differing rumors have Noah going to Memphis, Yi in Boston, and Hawes in Minnesota. Whether any of that actually comes true, we?ll see, but if it does the Bulls? pick could be interesting.

According to some reports, that pick could end up being Brandan Wright, whose stock is said to be falling. It?s also been said that Corey Brewer won?t slip past #8 if Charlotte keeps the pick, but if it goes to Phoenix and they take Noah or Jeff Green, how does Chicago pass up Brewer there? Or even Mike Conley, Jr.?

One thing to look out for tomorrow night?if Chicago takes someone not 6?10? or taller, be on your toes for a potential trade. They might have drafted for somebody else.

A couple of other notes about the Bulls?Spencer Hawes came back to the Berto Center yesterday for a last pre-draft interview, which bodes well for his chances in Chicago, and it?s been rumored for a few days now that Paxson may look to take JamesOn Curry with their first pick in the second round. In fact, it may have been a promise, though second-round promises are rare.

 

[kegray1]

Rumors of Rockets trading Luther Head to LA for Brian Cook.
Weak trade but was a strong rumor with KG deal in the wings. Maybe dead with no KG deal.
Rockets need a PF since they were soft at PF and unloaded Juwan for Mike James.
Also Rockets want to trade up from 26 in the draft.Rumors say they get a PF or Acie Law.

 

[IE]

Pacers, Nets talk O'Neal-Jefferson swap


Thursday, Jun 28, 2007 3:20 pm EDT

NEW YORK ? With hours until tonight's NBA Draft, here are the latest trade possibilities percolating around the league.

? The New Jersey Nets delivered a proposal of Richard Jefferson, Nenad Krstic and Jason Collins to the Pacers for Jermaine O'Neal, multiple league sources said Thursday. Krstic is rehabilitating a torn ACL suffered early last season, but is expected to be back for the start of the season. There isn't any draft day urgency to the deal because no picks are involved, so if the scenario does advance, sources expect it would not happen until July.

? The Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks have had serious discussions about a trade that would send Zach Randolph and Martell Webster to the Knicks for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. Other parts have been included in proposals, but all combinations include Randolph.

? The Washington Wizards are believed to be eying Italian guard Marco Belinelli with the 16th pick.

? Sean Williams, the troubled Boston College center, is expected to be the Nets' choice at No. 17.

 

[IE]

ESPN is reporting that the Nuggets are talking with the Hawks about sending Marcus Camby to Atlanta for the No. 11 pick.

If the Hawks could pull this off they would certainly fill their need for a center without having to give up much. Camby has said he wants to stay in Denver, but if this deal were to happen, the Hawks would look much better in the East. The Warriors are also still talking to the Hawks about Monta Ellis for the No. 11 pick as well. If the Hawks keep the pick, there is speculation that they'll take Acie Law at 11.

 

[Destructor D]

Oden is going to come into the league and dominate right away. He's a once in a decade Center and you had to take him #1. Portland will be good for many years.

 

[marcb1oo5]

did stuart scott ask green what it is ging to be like playing with kevin durant? how will he be playing with durant? did seattle trade allen for bostons #5 pick?

 

[DeadPrez]

ESPN is reporting that the Nuggets are talking with the Hawks about sending Marcus Camby to Atlanta for the No. 11 pick.

If the Hawks could pull this off they would certainly fill their need for a center without having to give up much. Camby has said he wants to stay in Denver, but if this deal were to happen, the Hawks would look much better in the East. The Warriors are also still talking to the Hawks about Monta Ellis for the No. 11 pick as well. If the Hawks keep the pick, there is speculation that they'll take Acie Law at 11.

any word on who the nugs are looking to take w/ that #11 pick...I wonder if they are trying to couple that pick w/ a player in a trade maybe

Noah? :shrug:

 

[marcb1oo5]

nevermind..found my answer...sonics get durant and green, not bad, but they lose their best player in allen...in my opinion allen is better than both these players...planning for two three years ahead, and west isn't that bad either, watch out for seattle in 2009

 

[IntenseOperator]

Bulls pick Noah:scared

 

[DeadPrez]

nevermind..found my answer...sonics get durant and green, not bad, but they lose their best player in allen...in my opinion allen is better than both these players...planning for two three years ahead, and west isn't that bad either, watch out for seattle in 2009

celts got ray allen?

 

[The Sponge]

any word on who the nugs are looking to take w/ that #11 pick...I wonder if they are trying to couple that pick w/ a player in a trade maybe

Noah? :shrug:

shit i just took ac law for pick 11 for atlanta.

 

[marcb1oo5]

celts got ray allen?

yes, traded delonte west, wally sczerbiak, and #5 pick (green) for ray allen

 

[The Sponge]

celts got ray allen?

yes. I think they got fleeced.