The 5/20 Draft Lottery "Balls Dropping" Thread

[ziggy]

This is a little early and likely belongs more in the Draft Talk forum (I'll move this thread there the day after the lottery) , but I'm really, really anxious for the balls to drop this Tuesday night.:p

Is anybody else out there as anxious as me?

For some reason, I have a strong feeling that we're going to get the #1 pick this year. I know that the odds are against us but some weird hunch tells me that its going to happen.

Thoughts on the lottery?


-- stickied thru 5/20

[x2pacalypse]

what are exact chances of a number one pick again? isn't it something like 1/243?

[Muttley]

Thoughts on the lottery?


I just keep praying to the BBall gods...

[BIGCatBobcat]

Zig, I've got to agree with you. I really feel great about this draft. Like the Powerball, this is a true lottery. Anything can happen and it's all about chance. Like I do on the nickel slots when I go to Vegas, I feel good about this one. 1 or 2 are great, everyone else is pretty damn good. We can't "lose" a week from now but we stand to gain a lot.

I brought this up in another thread, but who do you think our representative at the lottery will be? If I had a vote it'd be Jared Dudley.

[Muttley]

what are exact chances of a number one pick again? isn't it something like 1/243?

Isn't it 2.8%

[ohara831]

I really have this funny feeling that when #8 is up, our name is NOT called. That would mean we are either #1, #2, or #3. As far as I'm concerned, that is a victory, regardless of which selection we have. I'm not saying I feel like we'll get #1, but I have a very funny feeling it is a Top 3.

Or, maybe it's just gas.

I'm sure my wife hopes it's a Top 3!

[MattD]

i hate to say it, but i think we are getting 8. the no mans land pick in this draft. the prospects either have a huge upside but suck now (a la deandre jordan) or seem to be future only mediocre nba players (Kev Love)

I would be nothing short of ecstatic to be wrong

[ziggy]

Zig, I've got to agree with you. I really feel great about this draft. Like the Powerball, this is a true lottery. Anything can happen and it's all about chance. Like I do on the nickel slots when I go to Vegas, I feel good about this one. 1 or 2 are great, everyone else is pretty damn good. We can't "lose" a week from now but we stand to gain a lot.

I brought this up in another thread, but who do you think our representative at the lottery will be? If I had a vote it'd be Jared Dudley.

Our representative at the lottery will be GM Rod Higgins

[dnbman]

Since we can't do much but talk about possible draft picks, let's fill this thread with lucky charms.


I've attached Chinese lucky red envelopes:


Feng Shui Red Envelopes

Red Envelopes are used to enhance luck, prosperity and happiness. They are also utilized as protection from inauspicious Chi or and to prevent negative events from occuring.

Place three coins or bills in an envelope and place them atop the frame of your doorway, in your prosperity corner, in your wallet, or with your financial statements. Some practitioners recommend placing one in each corner of your desk for wealth. In China, these red envelopes are used to hold "lucky money" or small precious gifts such as gold or jewelry.

Their bright red color is considered yang - representing positive, active energy, protective power and luck. In China, it is believed that this red envelope will bring good luck to the person who receives it and to the person who gives it -- Try it and see what happens!



I'm sending them to the Bobcat community as a whole.

[ziggy]

Since we can't do much but talk about possible draft picks, let's fill this thread with lucky charms.


I've attached Chinese lucky red envelopes:


Feng Shui Red Envelopes

Red Envelopes are used to enhance luck, prosperity and happiness. They are also utilized as protection from inauspicious Chi or and to prevent negative events from occuring.

Place three coins or bills in an envelope and place them atop the frame of your doorway, in your prosperity corner, in your wallet, or with your financial statements. Some practitioners recommend placing one in each corner of your desk for wealth. In China, these red envelopes are used to hold "lucky money" or small precious gifts such as gold or jewelry.

Their bright red color is considered yang - representing positive, active energy, protective power and luck. In China, it is believed that this red envelope will bring good luck to the person who receives it and to the person who gives it -- Try it and see what happens!



I'm sending them to the Bobcat community as a whole.

I will also represent the yang with a pair of lucky underwear :p
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w301/bobcatsplanet/98f6f028.jpg

[Slam]

I have a good feeling about the lotto for us.

I smell the 3rd overall pick coming our way.

[ohara831]

I have a good feeling about the lotto for us.

I smell the 3rd overall pick coming our way.

__________________________________________________ _______________________

OK. And if we get the #3 pick, do we go small with Mayo, who can play PG and SG with great potential for scoring but with marginal defense, or do we go Big with Lopez who has a solid inside game to pair with Okafor?

Honestly, I would not be upset with either. But I think I would prefer drafting Mayo to play the SG, move J-Rich to SF and trade Crash for a very good PF if we can work out a deal. Likely the best scenario for the team, but I would hate to see Crash go. Still, it then gives us more to work with as we get a very good player in Mayo with Super Star potential and then hopefully fill the void at PF.

But all said, I'd much rather get Beasley and slip him into the PF position with Ray, J-Rich, Crash and Okafor. Damn, that kid has some game.

[Dead_Real]

If we land at 3 I'd take Mayo without thinking twice I'm not that high on Lopez for one and our bench would be pretty strong for a change with Mayo, Carroll, Morrison, Jared and Nazr if we do decide to keep Crash and not trade him for a big (which also sounds good to me).

Not to mention if we do have our second round pick this year there should be some solid bigs left on the board in JJ Hickson, Richard Hendrix, DeVon Hardin or maybe even Dorsey if someone doesn't pick him up in the late first/early second.

[MattD]

I would be happy with Beasley, Rose, Gordon, or Mayo. Any of those guys could fit in nicely with our squad. (less so for Rose, but you have to take him at that point)

[ziggy]

Hi guys,

Lets try to use the chat room (http://www.bobcatsplanet.com/joomla/chat) Tuesday night during the actual "dropping of the balls".

We had some good chats last season before Sam Vincent single-handedly killed the morale of the team and depressed the entire fanbase.... Sorry, thats my bitterness seeping out again:p

[ammofan]

sounds good ziggy....I will be very nervous

[Slam]

__________________________________________________ _______________________

OK. And if we get the #3 pick, do we go small with Mayo, who can play PG and SG with great potential for scoring but with marginal defense, or do we go Big with Lopez who has a solid inside game to pair with Okafor?

Honestly, I would not be upset with either. But I think I would prefer drafting Mayo to play the SG, move J-Rich to SF and trade Crash for a very good PF if we can work out a deal. Likely the best scenario for the team, but I would hate to see Crash go. Still, it then gives us more to work with as we get a very good player in Mayo with Super Star potential and then hopefully fill the void at PF.

But all said, I'd much rather get Beasley and slip him into the PF position with Ray, J-Rich, Crash and Okafor. Damn, that kid has some game.

Mayo - and his defense, including defensive awareness, is top shelf and far from marginal.

[ammofan]

I like Brook Lopez but I dont think he is really that good. Something wants to make me say....Andrew Bogut with less defense and a little more offense?

[ohara831]

I dont think all too badly of Bogut. I think he's done well so far in the games I've seen him play vs the Bobcats. Still young and he has a lot more potential.

I did not think Mayo was so well known for his Defense. If his Defense really is better than just AVG, then he would be a great selection. Then the real debate starts:

Mayo can play his Rookie year by spelling Ray at PG and spelling J-Rich as SG. That is a good 20-25 min per game without a lot of pressure. Or, you can trade Crash, move J-Rich to SF and let Mayo start at the SG who has very good ball handling skills. Trading Crash for a good PF can give us a very potent starting 5. But again, do you do that in Mayo's Rookie year? Do you really give up Crash for a PF need?

Well, all this is moot unless we get ping pong ball magic. Come on BB Gods, I've been praying earnestly for your devine intervention. Tuesday night is the night - come on balls, drop in our favor!

[Slam]

I like Brook Lopez but I dont think he is really that good. Something wants to make me say....Andrew Bogut with less defense and a little more offense?

Not so much. Bogut is an excellent passer for a big guy with really high ball IQ. Lopez is not a great passer at all. In fact, he's not even really a good passer.

Lopez is more of an athletic, 7 foot Zach Randolph with less range.

[Slam]

I did not think Mayo was so well known for his Defense. If his Defense really is better than just AVG, then he would be a great selection. Then the real debate starts:!

I was blown away ohara. After reading so much about him I thought he was all offense, all show and no go. Then I watched him about 6 times during the season and the thing that stuck out to me the most was his D- suprisingly more so than his offense. He gets way down low when guarding his man, always keeps his eye on where his man is and doesn't lose him, fights through screens and plays the lanes really well.

I was really suprised - and seeing the way he plays D was the turning point for me and wanting him at #3.

[ohara831]

Fair enough. Then if we get #1, it's Beasley. If #2, it's Beasley or Rose (whichever is left); if #3, we go Mayo. If #8, it's a toss up b/t Westbrook, Love, and the kid from LSU as far as I can tell. Sound about right to you?

[spectre]

Sounds right to me unless we trade the pick (wonder if MJ would risk trading a top 2 pick/Crash for Melo?).

We could really use some luck tomorrow night.

[Slam]

Fair enough. Then if we get #1, it's Beasley. If #2, it's Beasley or Rose (whichever is left); if #3, we go Mayo. If #8, it's a toss up b/t Westbrook, Love, and the kid from LSU as far as I can tell. Sound about right to you?

I agree - although I'd still keep DJ there in the mix with the #8 pick.

[Mustachio]

gotta keep DJ on the list as its the easiest draw. we can bring him and just hope he lives up to potential.

if you bring in Mayo or Rose... you gotta do some moving around with the roster.

[ohara831]

I cannot agree with Augustin at the #8. He is only a slight upgrade over Ray, if at all. We need something much more significant this Draft and offseason. This is a crucial yr. We have to win and do something good to keep the fanbase growing. If we suck again, we stand to lose some fans to apathy.

I see this as depending upon whether we get a Top 3 pick or pick at #8. If #1, we grab Beasley and we have our PF. Best of all possible worlds for the Bobcats. If #2 and we get Rose (if #2 is Beasley it still works like we got #1!), then we have Ray to bargain away for a quality PF or another late Lottery pick where we grap a Big, perhaps getting lucky and getting Love. If we get #3, then we grap Mayo and we then have the option to play him at SG, J-Rich at SF, and we can trade Crash for a Lottery pick and then grab our PF, again maybe getting lucky and getting Love. Any of these 3 work out well. We grab Beasley and we have a great starting 5, or we grab Rose or Mayo, trade either Ray or Crash, and then get our PF. Any of these will improve us greatly and will make an exciting young team.

If we hold the #8 spot, I can see Westbrook as a good pick. He can play the PG, SG and is a lockdown defender. Great choice. We can go with Love, and play him at the PF. He will greatly increase our BBIQ, and has great potential to play alongside Okafor as a great Frontcourt. I am torn between he and Westbrook at #8. A darkhorse option is Randolph at #8, but I am concerned about taking another "potential" star and having it fall through. That will only serve to disappoint the Bobcat fans again. Look how Tyrus Thomas has disappointed fans in Chicago and LMA has blossomed nicely in Portland. That was a miserable deal for Chicago fans. We have had too much disappointment in the recent past. We need success. We cannot afford to fail this Draft!

[dav7z]

First we need to get lucky and some how land Beasley. Or get createive through trade and draft picks and still land Beasley. We got to have a quility four through trade ,free agency, or the draft. Right now i would give up this years pick and next years pick just to land Beasley. Because i think hes the only P/F in the draft thet will make a big impact including Love and Randolph?

[ohara831]

Dont look now, but NBAdraft.net has DeAndre Jordan rising again up to #6, and Brook Lopez falling to us at #8. I think Lopez at #8 would be a steal! That is a true 7 footer with weight and a good inside game. I would be very happy getting him at #8 to pair with Okafor.

[MattD]

changed my mind. number 2, callin it now.


i wish.

[Slam]

changed my mind. number 2, callin it now.


i wish.

Make you a deal.

If we land the #2, I buy you a beer. If we land the #3, you buy me a beer.








Then, because we are so thrilled that we landed a top 3 pick we go on to drink the bar dry!!

[BIGCatBobcat]

I don't know anything about these players you guys are talking about. I think all of them are weak and too young and I dont want Mayo, he's got too much baggage and I'm willing to bet his agent and handlers have told him not to go to a small market. Beasley was a beast in the tourney, I thought. I just want a high draft pick and no more trading Gerald talk.

[Slam]

I don't know anything about these players you guys are talking about. I think all of them are weak and too young and I dont want Mayo, he's got too much baggage and I'm willing to bet his agent and handlers have told him not to go to a small market. Beasley was a beast in the tourney, I thought. I just want a high draft pick and no more trading Gerald talk.

If, by your own admission, you don't know anything about the players that are being discussed, how can you think all of them are weak and too young?

Wouldn't having an opinion on them consist of knowing at least something about them??

[ohara831]

If, by your own admission, you don't know anything about the players that are being discussed, how can you think all of them are weak and too young?

Wouldn't having an opinion on them consist of knowing at least something about them??

__________________________________________________ ________________________

That was a knock out punch. Exactly what I was going to write. If you dont know the people who are being discussed, you cannot therefore have a valid opinion on their value. You can have an opinion, but it just wont carry any weight.

The Winner, and still Heavyweight Champion of the World - Big Slam!!

[mrtarheel]

Anything in the top 3 will help us greatly. If we fall lower than that we need to get creative and make our on lottery pick. We all love our players but it's something about winning that would change the bobcats atmosphere. I would hate to loose crash, okafor or felts but winning is next to nothing. Sitting in Time Warner Arena next year with no more buzz than what we have can't happen. LB started the buzz for the offseason now bring it home with the grand slam.

[Chef]

i disagree, i think anything in the top 2. i would be very fearful to add lopez at 3. i think he has bust written all over him. his brother is a little safer if he goes towards the end of round 1.

[MattD]

lopez isn't a lock for three I think we would take mayo at 3. Atleast that's what we should do

[ohara831]

Lopez has dropped a few spots as some others have risen. I saw in nbadraft.net where they have us grabbing Brook Lopez at #8. Now if he falls to #8, I would take him in a heartbeat as that would be a steal at #8.

[Dead_Real]

Top 2 pick please I'm praying for it :)

[Muttley]

7 hours until we know where we pick.

I really hope we get top two, but I'd still take Mayo at 3 even though we need a PF. It also might not be the worst thing in the world to end up with Love at 8 if he's still around then.

[Mustachio]

__________________________________________________ ________________________

That was a knock out punch. Exactly what I was going to write. If you dont know the people who are being discussed, you cannot therefore have a valid opinion on their value. You can have an opinion, but it just wont carry any weight.

The Winner, and still Heavyweight Champion of the World - Big Slam!!


umm? his opinion carries the same weight your opinion does. none of us knows what we are talking about really.... at least he admits it. This is a message board, not a GM's office, so until your sitting in the GM chair.... your opinion means the exact same as anyone else on here. just remember that.

just because you saw a couple USC games doesn't make you a qualified scout for the bobcats. I kind of agree with him about this being a below average draft. Beasly is the only sure fire pick in my opinion. the rest have some work to do before they are standouts. but thats just an opinion and it means the same as someone who says its the best draft ever.

[ohara831]

umm? his opinion carries the same weight your opinion does. none of us knows what we are talking about really.... at least he admits it. This is a message board, not a GM's office, so until your sitting in the GM chair.... your opinion means the exact same as anyone else on here. just remember that.

just because you saw a couple USC games doesn't make you a qualified scout for the bobcats. I kind of agree with him about this being a below average draft. Beasly is the only sure fire pick in my opinion. the rest have some work to do before they are standouts. but thats just an opinion and it means the same as someone who says its the best draft ever.

__________________________________________________ ___________________

I think you are wrong on that point, Mustachio. If one is going to make a statement that one does not believe certain players are going to be good in the NBA, but in the same breath admit one knows nothing of those very players and their abilities, then one has essentially voided one's statement and it therefore carries no weight. It is a statement which has no legs. If one wants to make a statement on a player's potential value at the NBA level, one should speak from at least the most miniscule sense perspective by knowing at least something of that player's game. Having watched a game or two; or having read a few bios on the player by basketball talent evaluators. At least possess some sense of knowledge of the player. His statement was flawed when saying he knew nothing of the players about which people have been talking. I know nothing of quantum physics, so my opinion on Einstein's theories on black holes carries no weight. It does not mean I cannot state an opinion, merely that is carries no weight. The gentleman is free to state an opinion on a player(s), but if he admits he knows nothing of the player's game, then it is void of any value to the debate.

[dav7z]

Personally over all i think this is a below average draft two . But damn Ohara you stated youe case like a high dollar lawer in a poor neighbor hood . Very good response even though i tend to disagree about the talent level of this years draft. I do agree it will be a lot of players come out of the twentys and second round thet will become better players than loto picks . It's just that kind of year.

[Mustachio]

7 hours until we know where we pick.

I really hope we get top two, but I'd still take Mayo at 3 even though we need a PF. It also might not be the worst thing in the world to end up with Love at 8 if he's still around then.



that is exactly how i feel about the situation. Top two and we get instant help. outside of the top 2 it will take a while to see any direct benefit from. Like Mayo. sure he has upside and will most likely be a good NBA player. but i dont see an immediate starting impact with Jrich there.

If we get Beasley were golden. If we get the 2 pick... you cant pass up derrick rose even though i like Felton as our guy. 3 and below id rather trade than take a chance.

at 8 i would like either Deandre Jordan or Kevin Love.

i hated the thought of taking a chance on Love... but he was productive at the college level which is more than i can say for DJ and some other lottery guys.... but his BB IQ level is off the charts. I think that with the speed on this team... his outlook passes could come in handy. his determination and collegiate success fit in well with the current crop of guys we have as well.

and with DJ... anyone who can be 7' tall and do things like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGW0zoGGpvQ

can be on my team any day.

[Mustachio]

__________________________________________________ ___________________

I think you are wrong on that point, Mustachio. If one is going to make a statement that one does not believe certain players are going to be good in the NBA, but in the same breath admit one knows nothing of those very players and their abilities, then one has essentially voided one's statement and it therefore carries no weight. It is a statement which has no legs. If one wants to make a statement on a player's potential value at the NBA level, one should speak from at least the most miniscule sense perspective by knowing at least something of that player's game. Having watched a game or two; or having read a few bios on the player by basketball talent evaluators. At least possess some sense of knowledge of the player. His statement was flawed when saying he knew nothing of the players about which people have been talking. I know nothing of quantum physics, so my opinion on Einstein's theories on black holes carries no weight. It does not mean I cannot state an opinion, merely that is carries no weight. The gentleman is free to state an opinion on a player(s), but if he admits he knows nothing of the player's game, then it is void of any value to the debate.


i still dont see the need to jump all over him like he is an idiot just because he doesnt think hes an expert on the situation. you THINK your an expert, he KNOWS he's not. that doesnt mean im gonna listen to your opinion more so than his.

just because you read a couple blurbs on espn.com... doesnt make you a draft expert. were all in the same boat. so try not to make fun or alienate members.

[Slam]

i still dont see the need to jump all over him like he is an idiot just because he doesnt think hes an expert on the situation. you THINK your an expert, he KNOWS he's not. that doesnt mean im gonna listen to your opinion more so than his.

just because you read a couple blurbs on espn.com... doesnt make you a draft expert. were all in the same boat. so try not to make fun or alienate members.

Like you are now?

Might as well say you hate sushi but have never actually eaten Japanese.

Some people here take the time to watch a heck of a lot of NCAA ball to
create an informed opinion of the draft prospects and then go out of thier way to share that information with the other posters here.

That doesn't make us scouts - far from it. But it does make us guys with an informed opinion who are willing to share with those unable to see games with their own eyes. Sure, we might not always know what we are talking about, and we might not always agree on what we see, but I respect and appreciate ohara's comments on players because at the very least, I know he's taken the time to really study players and has an informed opinion.

Maybe instead of being such a jerk you should show some appreciation of the time people put in around here?

[ohara831]

Mustachio: I never said I was an expert, and I certainly do not claim to be one. As Slam said, most of us, including you, do a good bit of looking into prospects and reading up on their game - both positives and negatives - and then form our opinions. And we all will occasionally agree and disagree. That is what I love about this site. That is why I was so taken with the post stating the potential draftees were not good players, but he knew nothing of them. That is why I agreed so wholeheartedly with Slam when he brought that up in reply.

What if one of those potential draftees is surfing sites, and then reads where someone says that he does not think the guy can play at the NBA level, and oh, by the way, he forms that opinion without knowing anything of the draftee's game? Would that hurt that player's feelings? Well, he'll get over it. We all get over little things like that. Our friend posting is surely welcome to post here anytime he desires. But I'll tell you this: The next time he does, I bet it is an informed opinion backed up with facts. Then, no matter how he comes down on an issue, whether I agree with his conclusion or not, his opinion will hold value for us all and be appreciated by all.

[BIGCatBobcat]

Well as the guy who made the original statement I think all of you need to calm down. Too much discussion over something so trivial. I was just making a statement, I think I am allowed. I don't think I asked any of you to validate it. This is a message board not a contest. Slam, Ohara, were either of you actually offended by my statement? I'm offended by Ohara's far more than BigSlam's. Slam brings up a good point, i kind of canceled out my statements. My point, to answer your question Slam, was that IMO because I don't know much about any of these kids being drafted, this draft is weak and they are too young. 2 years of full seasons and march madness(the only part of college ball I actually watch) would help their game as well as their marketability and my excitement level for them.

By the way, my post was tongue in cheek. I read all this analysis from you guys and honestly it overwhelms me. How the hell do any of you have the time to watch all these games, read all these blogs, find time to post it, then get all pissy when a guy just makes a random comment? Seriously?

Ohara, I have to tell you the truth, when I see your name on a long post, I scroll on down. Half of what you say is either contentious with another poster or somehow tearing down the current Bobcats. You may have the knowledge but you make me not want to read what you post.

Ohara, for you to celebrate Slam's Slam and telling me that my point is invalid is for lack of a better word, shitty. That's what turns me off of message boards. I've never done a message board before or since I joined this one. And comments like yours make me almost not want to post on this one. Maybe that's what people like you want. Guys that read all the blogs, read all the rumors, members of several blogs etc only to post. Well last time I checked this is a happy, open, friendly (for the most part) board. A knock out punch? What the hell man?

I am not going to do a research paper every time I post on this site, sorry. I am going to just blurt out whatever comes to mind. Hell yesterday I posted 2-3 times in a thread labeled "My Friend is turning 18 and wants to go to a gay bar" By the way, this is for fun, don't take yourself or the board so seriously. Definitely, don't take me so seriously.

[BIGCatBobcat]

Back to the draft. Any one else giddy? Like Mike Myers on Sprokets I'm as happy as a little girl!

[dnbman]

Chat room? ? ?

What's up?

[ziggy]

Hey guys, join us in the chatroom

[MattD]

edit: *darn* my life

[Dead_Real]

Fuck :mad:

[Icky Thump]

F...... UCK..... The NBA hates us.

[amour217]

That was some garbage....BIG TIME

the Ham Biscuit Curse moves on

[Mustachio]

well that couldnt have possibly been any worse

[ohara831]

Wow! We got screwed! Bad karma my friends. Well, can only hope someone falls to #9, maybe Love or Westbrook or Randolph.

[ammofan]

or we just trade the pick.........

[Keetch]

LOL first off I've got to know this....did Larry Bird tell that woman from Sacramento that he hoped to "get lucky"? I mean that's working it pretty fast I think.

..otherwise well it looks like Derrick Rose replaces Kirk Hinrich for his hometown Bulls and Mr. Beasley will run in Miami. Eek and the Wolves take Lopez (boorring) leaving Mayo running to Oklahoma City? hmmmm I bet O.J. loves playing in Oklahoma....

Whether we pick 8th or 9th don't matter much. We should get a fine PF either spot.

[MattD]

Whether we pick 8th or 9th don't matter much. We should get a fine PF either spot.

please tell me who you think is a fine PF at that point. I think the PF's that end up being most effective off the bat are the ones who either go like Beasley, or go like JJ Hickson will, at the end of the round, guys who out hustle, out muscle, and out work everyone else to get 10 rebounds and a few points a game. Not big time players, but very solid a la brandon bass.

At our position its all projects trying to be the next Chris Bosh/KG/Carlos Boozer

[amour217]

please tell me who you think is a fine PF at that point. I think the PF's that end up being most effective off the bat are the ones who either go like Beasley, or go like JJ Hickson will, at the end of the round, guys who out hustle, out muscle, and out work everyone else to get 10 rebounds and a few points a game. Not big time players, but very solid a la brandon bass.

At our position its all projects trying to be the next Chris Bosh/KG/Carlos Boozer


I'm ALMOST inclined to agree. If we can't trade the pick and someone like Love is off the board, what about Speights from Florida? He's obviously got some MAJOR skills, has the size, and isn't the typical 6'10", 110lb "forward" that comes out of college these days. He won't start and I won't expect that...but he can definitely learn from Larry Brown, who will work him to death in practice and can mold him into a beast if Speights is willing to learn and put in his time. You never know where you'll find a gem...

[MattD]

see my post in the other forum. Watch out for Speights and McGee after workouts. I think it is a good possibility we may pick either

[ohara831]

As of today, I tend to like McGee a little more than Speights. Speights had his chance to do something big this yr with the guys who left last yr, but he did not do too much to impress.

[ziggy]

IF Kevin Love is off the board at #9 then we should take a long look at Roy Hibbert.

[Alex]

IF Kevin Love is off the board at #9 then we should take a long look at Roy Hibbert.

No way in hell. Roy Hibbert is a stiff and will be out of the NBA in three years.

I think we should trade the pick.

[Mustachio]

the more i read and hear about kevin love... the more excited i get about the chance to grab him at 9. i just think he will fit in here nicely. i like high basketball IQ's and he arguably has the best in this draft.

unfortunately i dont think he will last that long.

he is losing weight and looks good so far through working out to get in shape for the NBA work outs. that bodes well for his draft position but bad for us.

[dav7z]

In this years draft it's not much differance between picks seven through twenty five.If it was a way we could trade with the NETS i don't know what it would take . But i think we could get Westbrook at ten and then get Mcgee, Speights, Hibbert or Hickson at twenty one. None of those bigs are much of a drop off from Love. At least one of them will end up better than Love. I would even give up ten if we could just get two picks in the early twentys. Lawson , CDR, .Ellington and one of those bigs don't look that bad.
I really think we need to trade down and take two first round picks.
Another thought i think the Bulls might deal that first round pick. Either that or let T,T go on th cheap.
Or the Heat might deal the 2nd pick Beasley for Wallace . They all ready have Marrion.
We could draft Westbrook at nine and look like this.
Felton, Westbrook, Rich, Beasley, Okafor.
Its a lot of ways we can still go?
I just hope Larry Brown and M.J make the right choices.

[dvdbumpus]

#9?? Bulls land #1??


Stern is rigging the draft.

[Keetch]

I agree that trading up may be a very real possibility this year.

But if we don't I think Love, Arthur and Westbrook are all solid picks at 9. I'd be happy to have any one of them.

I think as MattD mentions the Chris Bosh wannabe's would be McGee and Randolph (?).

Don't know much about Speights which may be saying enough.

I agree with Alex too that Hibbert is mostly a stiff.

Just my humble opinion; I know you all have your own hopes and fears about this but also have the teams best interest at heart. Breathe deep and let it all out boys and girls....

[ALong13]

IMO its power forward/center or trade away.

Raymond I think will develop into a very good point guard, and while he may hate Brown t first, I think it'll lead to him becoming a much better athlete.

My wish list right now:

1) Kevin Love PF UCLA
2) Anthony Randolph PF LSU
3) JaVale McGee C Nevada
4) Kosta Koufos C Ohio State
5) Marreese Speights C Florida


One of those will be there, but if for some odd reason they are not or something happens, then we trade down and get more draft picks...

I want Kevin Love in a Bobcats uniform though

[timang]

this hurts! :'(


draft-wise of course.

[Slam]

Slam, Ohara, were either of you actually offended by my statement?.

I wasn't offended at all BCB. I actually thought your post was funny - in an oxymoron type of way. It only went arse up when Mustachio decided to try and flex is muscle.

As far as watching all of the games I watch goes - I have a very understanding wife and a young family which means lots of late nights and not a lot of sleep. TV at 4:00am is crap so I record a lot of games and watch them then. That and considering it hovers around -40 here over the winter, I'm happy to be house bound during the NBA and NCAA season (although I watch more NCAA than NBA these days). League Pass is the greatest thing ever!!



Back to the draft - it sucked watching knowing that it could have been us instead of the Bulls, but it is what it is. We have to work with the hand we were delt. We can't control the lotto balls, but we can control who we draft. We are due for a win. Lets hope the Bobcats brass draft well.


Besides, Blake Griffin is better than Beasley so lets concentrate on drafting him next year!!

;)

[ohara831]

I wasn't offended at all BCB. I actually thought your post was funny - in an oxymoron type of way. It only went arse up when Mustachio decided to try and flex is muscle.

As far as watching all of the games I watch goes - I have a very understanding wife and a young family which means lots of late nights and not a lot of sleep. TV at 4:00am is crap so I record a lot of games and watch them then. That and considering it hovers around -40 here over the winter, I'm happy to be house bound during the NBA and NCAA season (although I watch more NCAA than NBA these days). League Pass is the greatest thing ever!!



Back to the draft - it sucked watching knowing that it could have been us instead of the Bulls, but it is what it is. We have to work with the hand we were delt. We can't control the lotto balls, but we can control who we draft. We are due for a win. Lets hope the Bobcats brass draft well.


Besides, Blake Griffin is better than Beasley so lets concentrate on drafting him next year!!

;)

__________________________________________________ _____________________

BCB:

I was not offended. I just didn't understand how you could make such a blanket judgment call on so many players if you admittedly did not know anything about them. I often make comments on other people's quotes, and don't mean to offend. Sorry if I did. But reading along last night , I see you do know a good bit about the players. Therefore, I would only hope that you use that knowledge in your analysis of the players as we discuss who the Bobcats might select. Anytime you can make a comment and back it with facts, it is always fun the read, discuss and debate. I look forward to discussing these prospects with you in the upcoming weeks.

Slam: You knocked my socks off with that one. Blake Griffin is no where near the player Beasley is at this time. Please tell me you were not being serious. Now, Griffin may develope rapidly in his SO yr and become very very good, but he is not in Beasley's class at this time.

I wonder what D-Antoni is thinking now! He turned away from the Bulls who are much more talented than the Knicks, and the Knicks get kicked back a spot and the Bulls grab #1.

[Slam]

Slam: You knocked my socks off with that one. Blake Griffin is no where near the player Beasley is at this time. Please tell me you were not being serious. Now, Griffin may develope rapidly in his SO yr and become very very good, but he is not in Beasley's class at this time.

Naaa mate, only joking. Just trying to look for a silver lining!!

Don't get me wrong though, Blake will be a stud - maybe not Beasley stud like, but a stud none the less. The extra year at OK is really going to do Blake well.

[ohara831]

Naaa mate, only joking. Just trying to look for a silver lining!!

Don't get me wrong though, Blake will be a stud - maybe not Beasley stud like, but a stud none the less. The extra year at OK is really going to do Blake well.

__________________________________________________ ____________________

Very nice! Got me with that one. I'll tell you, if we get lucky and Love falls to #9, I wont think a second about missing out on Blake next yr. People worry with his athleticism, but not me. Reports say he is in great shape right now and doesn't get gassed. Kid can rebound, pass, play defense, possesses high BBIQ, has very solid post moves and can step out and hit the 3 pretty consistently. He'd be an ideal #4 for the Bobcats. I think he would help all around. He'll bring a big out from under the basket on Defense and make it easier on Okafor. He'll clear out for Crash or J-Rich to drive and get into the paint to score. He'll be great at passing to him in the paint, and let him then shoot or fire it back out to an open J-Rich or Crash for a jumper. And he will give Ray another solid player for whom to look to pass and get an assist.

[Slam]

Only problem with Love is if he'll get torched by guys like Bosh when we play them.

[dav7z]

Only problem with Love is if he'll get torched by guys like Bosh when we play them.

Agreeded . I think he lacks foot speed and has a inability to guard away from the basket.
The rest of his game im compleatly happy with. But we need a four who can guard from twenty foot out.

[ohara831]

Great points Slam and Dav7z. I think Love can play Defense inside, but his outside is certainly questionable. They bring him 12 feet outside, then burn him with moves to get to the basket. But, that is really the only major detriment to his game and when you consider we'd be getting him for #9 money and so much of his game is solid, I still like him alot.

[Mustachio]

Agreeded . I think he lacks foot speed and has a inability to guard away from the basket.
The rest of his game im compleatly happy with. But we need a four who can guard from twenty foot out.


actually from all reports of his offseason training, he has lost weight, toned up and appears every bit as fast as most of the big men hes training with.

but gaining a little footspeed really wont help him... he still wont be able to guard a very mobile PF in the NBA. but neither can sean may and kevin love may be a step above sean may. who unfortunately like adam morrison is untradeable.

[Slam]

Great points Slam and Dav7z. I think Love can play Defense inside, but his outside is certainly questionable. They bring him 12 feet outside, then burn him with moves to get to the basket. But, that is really the only major detriment to his game and when you consider we'd be getting him for #9 money and so much of his game is solid, I still like him alot.

Agreed - but that one detriment is the thing that we are lacking the most and would be even more exposed with a guy like Love.


The rest of his game im compleatly happy with. But we need a four who can guard from twenty foot out. .

You've hit the nail on the head dav. If opposing 4's can draw Love out and burn him, that leaves EO50 all alone to try and defend the rim - which can quickly turn into cheap fouls and EO50 on the pine.

[ziggy]

attaching the log of that nights chatroom, so that we can look back and laugh at it down the road.

[110oldeast]

I think the common thought that has picked up steam is that our main weakness is a guy to guard the guys who step out when the biggest problem is NOT HAVING a guy who can step out FOR US. THAT is what what makes Love a great pick. As for guarding the Bosh type, I would love if our coaches really worked with Hollins, b/c he is a great candidate to guard this type of player.

The thing I like about Love is that he gives us another shooter to have in there, ESPECIALLY is Crash is going to play the 3 (where he was less effective for us in large part b/c he can get his shot off better against 4s). If you are going to be effective in the current NBA, you need defense yes, but you need SHOOTING. And this is especially the case if you are going to run primarily halfcourt sets as the Bobcats have. They have building a running team with a halfcourt philosophy. If you are going to play halfcourt ball with mediocre shooting, you will continue to magically look for the pg (who doesn't exist) that somehow runs an effective halfcourt offensive with 1 shooter on the floor (J-Rich). Until the organization gets that, they will continue to be behind the learning curve. Really evaluate the other top teams, offenses, and pgs, and the 2-5 players and tell me which ones run smoothly with 1 shooter on the floor?