[h4]NBA draft: Latest buzz[/h4]
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NBA teams are done with workouts and finally starting to firm up their draft boards. But with so much uncertainty and so muchtrade talk, things still are fluid for any number of teams. The Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and other teams are talking about tradesinvolving draft picks, and Tuesday night, we had the first big trade that will affect the draft, with the Minnesota Timberwolves sending Randy Foye and MikeMiller to the Washington Wizards for the No. 5 pick and change. So while we have a good feel for how the teams' draft boards are shaping up, whom theyeventually will be able to take still is very much up in the air. Said one prominent NBA general manager: "The only thing I can predict about this draftis that it will be one of the most unpredictable in draft history." Here's our latest take, after talking to numerous NBA team sources, on how thedraft might play out Thursday:
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L.A. Clippers
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Blake Griffin
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 248 pounds
Age: 20
School: Oklahoma |
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Analysis: For the past several years, we've been blessed with at least a little suspense when it comes to who will be the No. 1pick. Not this year. Griffin is going to be a Clipper. Sources around the league say trade talks with the Clippers are virtually nonexistent when it comes toGriffin. Instead, the Clippers are focusing on finding a new home for Chris Kaman or Zach Randolph.
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Memphis
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Hasheem Thabeet
| Position: C
Height: 7-3
Weight: 267
Age: 22
School: Connecticut |
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Analysis: There still is a lot of talk about the Grizzlies trading this pick. Minnesota has been the hottest suitor for it, and now thatthe Wolves have both the fifth and sixth picks, they have the goods to move up to No. 2. But it sounds like the Wolves want to keep both picks, meaning theGrizzlies apparently have lost perhaps their best trade partner.
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Oklahoma City
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Ricky Rubio
| Position: PG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 180
Age: 18
Country: Spain |
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Analysis: Thunder GM Sam Presti flew to L.A. on Saturday to talk to Rubio. He also got a chance to review Rubio's physical andcontract -- two important pieces of the puzzle for whoever drafts him. Then, on Sunday, Presti met with James Harden and Hasheem Thabeet in L.A. And just tomake things even more confusing, we hear Presti now is hot for Stephen Curry. Whom will the Thunder draft? I think this one is going down to the wire. I knowPresti is a fan of all four players -- Rubio and Thabeet have the upside, and Harden and Curry are the better fits. If Presti can get a couple of assets inreturn for the No. 3 pick, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger on a trade, either. If the Thunder keep the pick, my brain says Harden is a perfect fitin Oklahoma City next to Russell Westbrook. The scuttle is that Curry is the hot name in the Thunder's draft war room. And a few think Thabeet's sizewill win the day. But I have to believe that Rubio, whom we've had here since the night of the lottery, will end up in OKC.
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Sacramento
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Tyreke Evans
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220
Age: 19
School: Memphis |
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Analysis: The Kings are all over the place. One minute, they are thinking Jonny Flynn. The next, Rubio. Then Tyreke Evans. And thelatest hot name in Sacramento is Curry. So forgive me when I say I have no idea whom the Kings are taking. Sources say the Kings are pretty split among thefour. Flynn brings vocal leadership, athleticism and an NBA-ready body to the table. Rubio is less ready for the NBA physically, but he's a purer pointguard who understands the game better than anyone else in the draft. Evans isn't a true point, but the Kings love his strength, toughness and size,especially since his second workout. Curry is the wild card -- he's a great shooter who would fit nicely in the backcourt next to Kevin Martin, but hewouldn't give them a defensive presence.
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Minnesota (via Washington)
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James Harden
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 222
Age: 19
School: Arizona State |
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Analysis: The Timberwolves have reached a deal for this pick, as noted above, and now have the No. 5 and No. 6 picks. They are hoping tograb two of these three players: Rubio, Thabeet and Evans. But we have all three of those players off the board. In that case, they're willing to settlefor Harden and Curry. Then again, to get what it wants, Minnesota might be ready to make further moves. While the Wolves say they won't trade both 5 and 6to move up to No. 2, they might be willing to move 5 and 18 to move up to 2 or 3.
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Analysis: The Wolves really need help at center and point guard, and if Hasheem Thabeet is gone, there won't be a center worthtaking at No. 6. Curry can play point guard, and he would give them leadership along with the marksmanship they need with Mike Miller leaving. Curry'smaturity, dead-eye shooting and name recognition will make him a smart pick for the Wolves if he's still on the board.
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Analysis: The Warriors don't have a traditional point guard, and they'll have at least three to choose from here, includingJonny Flynn, Brandon Jennings and Jrue Holiday. The problem for the Warriors is that they have a young player, Monta Ellis, who thinks he's a point guardand a coach, Don Nelson, who appears to be committed to giving Ellis a shot at running the point. That means that even though Flynn, Jennings and Holiday allare on the board here, the Warriors could pass on all three. I think that puts Hill strongly in play here. He's a mobile big man, which Nellie likes, andhe's got a great motor. It wouldn't shock me to see Golden State move Brandan Wright this summer, and if it does, Hill fits right in.
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Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry is off the board, but the truth is, they have needs everywhere. With David Leehitting restricted free agency this summer, Hill would be a perfect fit for New York at the 4. If he's available for New York, I think he'll go aheadof any of the point guards not named Ricky Rubio or Curry. If Hill is gone, as he is in this mock draft, the Knicks likely will be drafting for a point guardand deciding between two young, inexperienced guards with terrific upside: Jennings and Holiday. Neither had a great season, but each has great potential.Their New York workouts sent mixed signals. Jennings held his own in a workout with Tyreke Evans, while Holiday got overshadowed a bit by Curry and GeraldHenderson in his workout. But Holiday went back in for a second workout Monday and was much more impressive. In the end, I think the Knicks will opt forHoliday's size and versatility over Jennings' sizzle.
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Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. DeRozan is one of themost gifted players in the draft, and his strong play at the end of the season combined with a confident performance at the combine could push him even higherthan No. 9. But if he's here, sources say the Raptors won't pass. If DeRozan is gone, they'll decide between Duke's Henderson and Holiday, withHoliday in the lead. In fact, one source close to the Raptors insisted Sunday that it was Holiday, not DeRozan, whom the Raptors would select in this scenario.We'll be watching that one closely.
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Analysis: The Bucks made a big move Tuesday when they traded Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, but it shouldn't change their draftstrategy. They probably can't afford to keep both Charlie Villaneuva and Ramon Sessions, and likely will opt to re-sign Villanueva first. If they mightlose Sessions, the Bucks will need to draft a point guard, and the choice might come down to Flynn, Jeff Teague and Jennings. The Bucks like all three, but Ithink Flynn will be the choice here.
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New Jersey
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Terrence Williams
| Position: SG
Height: 6-6
Weight: 213
Age: 21
School: Louisville |
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Analysis: On Tuesday, Williams skipped a workout with the Nets, citing an ankle injury. But the truth is that apparently the Bobcatspromised Williams they will take him at No. 12 if he is on the board. The Nets wanted to see him work out, but it probably doesn't matter. While they alsolike Henderson and Tyler Hansbrough, it sounds like they are closing in on Williams as their guy.
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Charlotte
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Gerald Henderson
| Position: SG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 215
Age: 21
School: Duke |
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Analysis: Last week, I said I thought it was close to a sure thing that Henderson would be the pick here. But Williams went in for aworkout and blew Charlotte coach Larry Brown away. Williams and Henderson squared off in a second workout Monday, and Williams walked away the winner. However,we're projecting New Jersey will draft Williams at No. 11, so it looks like the Bobcats will scoop up Henderson at No. 12. Other possibilities: Earl Clark,B.J. Mullens or trading away this pick.
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Analysis: The Pacers have been on the hunt for a point guard and will snatch up either Holiday or Flynn if he falls this far. If neitherdoes, the Pacers will have a tough decision between going big or taking one of the point guards in the next tier. If they go big, both Blair and Hansbrough arein the mix. The Pacers, like a lot of teams, have had concerns about Blair's knees, but Blair's circle has been pretty proactive the past few days withan avalanche of documents, MRIs and medical opinions that all state Blair's knees should hold up fine. If they go point guard, I think it will be adogfight between Teague,
Eric Maynor, Ty Lawson andJennings. All four have been impressive at workouts for the Pacers. Maynor and Lawson are the most ready. Teague and Jennings have the upside. For now, itappears Blair has moved back into the mix in Indiana. He fills a big need at the 4, and if he's going to be healthy, he deserves to go this high.
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Phoenix
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Earl Clark
| Position: SF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 226
Age: 21
School: Louisville |
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Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions, depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team. There's been a lot oftalk about Clark, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens here. Of the three, it sounds like Clark has the most momentum right now, with his versatility being a perfectfit for the Suns' system. Or Phoenix could be trading this pick -- a number of teams are trying to get into the lottery, and this could be the bait.
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Detroit
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Austin Daye
| Position: SF
Height: 6-11
Weight: 192
Age: 20
School: Gonzaga |
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Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They'd love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but in lieu ofthat, they'll have to settle for choosing between two upside guys: Clark and Daye. Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he's willing toput in the work. The versatile forward can play the 3 and the 4 and is amazing in transition, an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has thecapability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense. But there are a few questions about his background that might hurt him. Daye is one ofthe most skilled players in the draft -- sort of a 6-foot-11 version of Tayshaun Prince. He's super skinny, but he can really shoot the rock. Like Clark,he is inconsistent but has major upside. I think Daye has moved into the lead here based on both his upside and his squeaky clean background.
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Chicago
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James Johnson
| Position: PF
Height: 6-8
Weight: 258
Age: 22
School: Wake Forest |
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Analysis: The Bulls have been working the phones this week trying to move up in the draft. They've talked to the Nets, Bobcats andPacers about swapping the 16th and 26th picks to move up a few spots. Who are they after? I've heard everything from Johnson to Blair to Hansbrough toWilliams to Mullens here. To be honest, I can't get a terrific handle on which way they are leaning. In this scenario, Williams and Blair are gone, whichleaves Johnson, Mullens and Hansbrough. Hansbrough is the most NBA ready. Mullens has the most upside. Johnson is somewhere in between. I'm not sureexactly how Johnson fits in Chicago with Luol Deng on one side and Tyrus Thomas on the other, but there's no question about his upside.
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Philadelphia
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Ty Lawson
| Position: PG
Height: 6-1
Weight: 199
Age: 21
School: North Carolina |
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Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams isnice but not really a lead guard. Maynor, Lawson and Teague all are in the mix here ... as are Williams, Henderson and
Sam Young. Maynor would give Philly the total package as oneof the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Lawson had the best season of any of the point guards and can really play in an up-tempo style. Teague also willget a look here, but he's more of a combo guard, and the Sixers have that in Williams.
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Minnesota (from Miami)
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B.J. Mullens
| Position: C
Height: 7-1
Weight: 258
Age: 20
School: Ohio State |
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Analysis: I'm not sure whether the Wolves will keep this pick, and there are a number of teams that seem to be hot for Mullens thatwould be willing to trade for it. If the Wolves keep it, Mullens could fill a big hole in the paint in the long term.
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Atlanta
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Brandon Jennings
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Age: 19
Country: Italy |
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Analysis: I just don't know where to put Jennings right now. If the Knicks pass on him at No. 8 and the Bucks pass at No. 10, hecould be in for a draft-day slide. The Hawks need a point guard of the future, and Jennings would be a terrific pick here, much like grabbing Josh Smith at No.17 five years ago.
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Utah
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Tyler Hansbrough
| Position: PF
Height: 6-10
Weight: 234
Age: 23
School: North Carolina |
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Analysis: The Jazz and Hansbrough seem like a match made in heaven. If Hansbrough falls this far (he's getting a look at 11, 13, 16and 19), I don't see them passing on him. With Carlos Boozer heading out the door, they need more toughness in the paint. But if he's off the board,they likely will be deciding among Daye, Young and
ToneyDouglas. Young is the type of tough veteran the Jazz love. He is ready to step in and play right now, and would give them minutes at both the 2 and the 3.Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.
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New Orleans
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Sam Young
| Position: SF
Height: 6-7
Weight: 223
Age: 24
School: Pittsburgh |
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Analysis: Young is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. He has size and strength and was super productive at Pitt the pasttwo years. Most importantly for New Orleans, he can come in and contribute right away. Daye,
Darren Collison,
Chase Budinger,
Taj Gibson and
Derrick Brown also are in the mix.
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Dallas
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Jeff Teague
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Age: 20
School: Wake Forest |
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Analysis: This would be a pretty big slide for Teague, who thought his floor was No. 19. Actually, he could go as high as No. 10, so hisrange is pretty big. Dallas would have to be doing back flips to get him here, and, as it happens, he's got some Devin Harris in his game.
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Sacramento
(via Houston)
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Omri Casspi
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 211
Age: 20
Country: Israel |
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Analysis: The Kings need toughness in the worst way, and Casspi can deliver. He's not the most skilled player in the draft, but fewplayers possess his grit. As an added bonus for the Kings, they don't have to pay him to come over yet.
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Portland
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Eric Maynor
| Position: PG
Height: 6-3
Weight: 164
Age: 21
School: VCU |
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Analysis: This would be a pretty big slide for Maynor, who could go as high as No. 13. But with so many point guards on the board, inthis scenario, he slides a bit and Kevin Pritchard picks up another home run in the draft.
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Oklahoma City
(via San Antonio)
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Chase Budinger
| Position: SG
Height: 6-7
Weight: 206
Age: 21
School: Arizona |
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Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a legitimate center, but there won't be anyone worth gambling on at thispoint in the draft. If the team doesn't address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. With his shooting ability, he wouldbe a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.
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Chicago
(via Denver)
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Toney Douglas
| Position: SG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 184
Age: 23
School: Florida State |
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Analysis: Douglas would be an insurance policy should
BenGordon bolt this summer. He's not as talented a shooter, but he's good enough to play both backcourt positions in Chicago, and his defense wouldearn him minutes right from the get-go. If the Bulls trade this pick ... who knows? Although a lot of teams trying to buy into the late first round loveCasspi.
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Analysis: The Grizzlies lack size on their front line, and Summers' ability to play both 3 and 4 would come in handy with HakimWarrick hitting free agency. At this point in the draft, he'd be a steal.
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Minnesota
(via Boston)
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Jonas Jerebko
| Position: SF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 220
Age: 22
Country: Sweden |
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Analysis: It seems doubtful the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster this season, which gives them an interesting choice ofinternational players. Casspi would be an obvious choice. He is tough and physical and can keep developing overseas.
Victor Claver is the other. But word is Jerebko, from Sweden,is the top choice at the moment.
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L.A. Lakers
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Darren Collison
| Position: PG
Height: 6-2
Weight: 166
Age: 21
School: UCLA |
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Analysis: Collison is a small guard, something Phil Jackson isn't a big fan of. But he is super fast, has a smooth jumper and canget after it defensively. With Derek Fisher winding down his career, he's worth a gamble here.
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Cleveland
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Derrick Brown
| Position: PF
Height: 6-9
Weight: 225
Age: 21
School: Xavier |
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Analysis: The Cavs could lose both Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao this summer. And after getting bested by the Magic, their need forsome athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.
DeMarre Carroll is another real possibility here.
