:: Official NBA Draft Thread - June 26, 7PM EST ::

[lnmymind]

Even if all three dudes were gone...there were still people that would be available that could help that team.

 

[messiahchild]

Originally Posted by lnMyMind

Even if all three dudes were gone...there were still people that would be available that could help that team.

I agree with you 100%. $$+! just doesnt make no sense from any type of perspective.

 

[lnmymind]

Originally Posted by I NaSmatic I

jerryd bayless draft diary

Anyone peep his shirt in that video?
How the hell dude got his own logo from Nike already?

 

[airjordan jb23]

that didnt happen.

I appreciate the effort, but incorrect my good sir.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-portlandnetstrade062508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns


NEW YORK - The Portland Trail Blazershave intensified discussions with the New JerseyNets about moving up into the 10th pick of the NBA draft with intentions of taking Texas point guard D.J. Augustin, league sources told Yahoo!Sports on Wednesday.

The Blazers would send the 13th and 33rd picks in Thursday's draft, along with guard Jarrett Jack, to the Nets. New Jersey also wouldsend guard Trenton Hassell to theBlazers.

Portland GM Kevin Pritchard had been counting on beating out Indiana for Augustin, but the Pacers likely no longer have that great a need for Augustin afteragreeing in principle to trade Jermaine O'Neal to Toronto for point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic and the No. 17 pick.

Nevertheless, one Western Conference executive warned that he believed Charlotte could make Augustin, the 5-foot-10 point guard, a surprise choice at No.9.

Portland has had discussions with several teams about moving up in the draft, but a deal with the Nets appears to the strongest possibility now.

As long as the New York Knicks pass onDanilo Gallinari at No. 6, the Nets still believe the Italian forward could be there for them at No. 13. If not, they'd hope one of the Lopez brothers -Brook or Robin - slide down to them. Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe is intrigued with West Virginia forward Joe Alexander, too.

What's more, with the 33rd pick, the Nets could get a late first round-caliber big man who slips into the second round, such as Indiana's D.J.White. Sources said New Jersey already has targeted Memphis center Joey Dorsey with the 40th pick.

This possible trade would throw Indiana's plans of taking Augustin into a tizzy, although the Pacers have thought long and hard about choosing a forwardin the 11th spot. If the four guards - Augustin, Westbrook, Jerryd Bayless and Eric Gordon - are off the board, the Pacers could end up taking LSU'sAnthony Randolph.

As usual, Pritchard has been aggressive around the draft. With the endless resources of his owner, Paul Allen, behind him, Pritchard purchased the 27th pickfrom the New Orleans Hornets for $3million. They likely will use that late pick to draft an international big man who wouldn't immediately join them in the NBA.

 

[dyyhard]

DENVER, June 25 -- The Denver Nuggets have traded their first round draft selection (the 20th overall) in the 2008 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Bobcats inexchange for a future protected first round draft pick, Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

The Nuggets now currently have no picks in tomorrow's draft.


melo trade in the works still?

 

[in yo nostril]

so am i the only one who thinks derrick rose is overrated?

 

[fede dpt]

Originally Posted by dyyhard

DENVER, June 25 -- The Denver Nuggets have traded their first round draft selection (the 20th overall) in the 2008 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for a future protected first round draft pick, Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

The Nuggets now currently have no picks in tomorrow's draft.

WTH.

 

[lnmymind]

Hmm...Charlotte with 9 and 20.

 

[dyyhard]

I know it doesn't make sense in terms of upgrading in the draft.

but according to Denver news, they might use the next year's conditional pick as a trade piece.

The Nuggets have traded the 20th overall pick in the NBA Draft to Charlotte for a future first-round pick.

The Nuggets now don't have a pick in Thursday's NBA Draft. It is possible Denver could use this future first-rounder as a chip in a trade this summer,or the team could hold onto it for a future selection.

The future first-round pick is protected by Charlotte in this regard: If the pick falls in the lottery next draft, it still belongs to Charlotte. But ifCharlotte makes the playoffs, and the pick thus isn't in the lottery, the pick belongs to Denver.

The following year, if it wasn't used by Denver the previous year, the pick still belongs to Charlotte if it's 1-12. Following year protections are1-10, 1-8 and finally 1-3.

 

[lnmymind]

[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]The Miami Heat have found a taker in their quest to trade the No. 2 draft pick, a source familiar with the situation told Pro Basketball News. The source did not indicate which team would be the Heat's trading partner, or what other draft picks or players are involved.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* The supposed deal will reportedly be announced during or shortly after the draft. According to the source, the Heat will select USC guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]O.J. Mayo[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and trade him. Kansas State forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Michael Beasley[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]is expected to fall to No. 3 -- although not to Minnesota, which is expected to trade down.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Reports say the Timberwolves are aiming to use their third overall selection to land a veteran, or at the very least, trade down and select West Virginia forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Joe Alexander[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. Expect Milwaukee to get involved in these talks (if it isn't already). The Bucks are also very high on Alexander and are considering selecing him at No. 8. That is, of course, unless the Wolves get to him first.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* New York is one team rumored to be involved in the sweepstakes for the No. 2 pick, with the Knicks reportedly hoping to land Mayo. If that's the case, the Heat would likely receive either[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Stephon Marbury[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Jamal Crawford[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]in return, as well as the Knicks' No. 6 pick. As has been reported by the[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]South Florida Sun-Sentinel[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], the Knicks could also end up with[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Shawn Marion[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif].
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* All of this is based on the assumption that Chicago will take Memphis point guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Derrick Rose[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]with the top pick -- which the Bulls are expected to do.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Meanwhile, Seattle is expected to stand pat at No. 4 and try to make a move in free agency. If the Sonics go big in the draft (UCLA's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kevin Love[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or Stanford's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Brook Lopez[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]) they are likely to try to sign a veteran point guard in July or August. Sacramento's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Beno Udrih[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and Charlotte's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Earl Boykins[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]are two names being floated.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Detroit president of basketball operations[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Joe Dumars[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]has told PBN's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tony Mejia[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]that a story in the[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Contra Costa Times[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]indicating the Pistons are looking to obtain Golden State guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Baron Davis[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]was a "totally bogus report." The story said the Pistons became interested in Davis after failing to get Denver's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Carmelo Anthony[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif].
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Expect San Antonio to make a strong summer push to land Kings swingman[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Ron Artest[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], a soon-to-be free agent. The Spurs are desperately trying to get better and more physical after losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference finals. Artest is the type of hard-nosed defender who would fit well into the Spurs' scheme. They also believe tough coach[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Gregg Popovich[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and star forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tim Duncan[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]could help Artest tone down his sometimes knucklehead ways.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* The Spurs would be willing to let unrestricted veteran free agents[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Michael Finley[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif],[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Robert Horry[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], and[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Damon Stoudamire[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]walk for nothing if it meant landing Artest. Even without Artest, Finley and Stoudamire aren't likely to return, as the Spurs' will focus on getting younger.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Despite a few reports to the contrary, the Lakers aren't looking to move forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Lamar Odom[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. Lakers insiders say the team would prefer to keep the lineup intact and see what happens with a healthy[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Andrew Bynum[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]at center. They feel that's all they'll need to win a championship.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Instead, the Lakers will likely try to sign a veteran who can come off the bench without trading one of their key parts. They are said to be looking at free agents such as[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Eduardo Najera[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif](Denver),[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Bonzi Wells[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif](New Orleans) and[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]James Posey[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], who just helped Boston beat L.A. for the title.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Back to the draft. If the Knicks fail to land Mayo or trade the No. 6 pick, there's a chance they'll select Indiana's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Eric Gordon[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]with the No. 6 pick, even if UCLA's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Russell Westbrook[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or Arizona's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Jerryd Bayless[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]are still available. The Clippers are supposedly high on Gordon, and are hoping to draft him at No. 7. So taking Gordon might give the Knicks some leverage in a possible deal involving the Clippers and another team.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Interestingly, most of the rumors and speculation involving this year's draft have been started by front-office types, as opposed to the usual nonsense fueled by the media. Basketball men such as New York's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Donnie Walsh[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], Minnesota's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kevin McHale[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and New Jersey's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Rod Thorn[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]have all been open when it comes to discussing their plans -- and the possibilities of other teams.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* If you think the draft talk sounds crazy when it comes to the lottery portion of it, just wait until you hear what NBA types are saying about the middle of the first round and early part of the second.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* One example: Duke guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]DeMarcus Nelson[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], who isn't projected to even be selected in most mock drafts, could be a late first-round pick, according to two GMs. Nelson gave a strong showing in Orlando and both Detroit and Boston are said to be interested in getting him early.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* It seems more and more likely that the Suns will hang on to[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Leandro Barbosa[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], but do whatever it takes to deal[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Boris Diaw[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. One Western Conference GM said the Suns have called him twice about Diaw. "It was more or less a feeling out process," the GM said. "But they seem to want too much in return."
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Finally, Ohio State center[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kosta Koufos[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]had the best individual workouts of any player not considered a lottery pick, as scouts were surprised and very impressed with his ball handling and passing skills, and overall athleticism. He very well could be drafted No. 12 by Sacramento, although that seems a bit high at this point. A more likely scenario would be Golden State taking him at No. 14, or Phoenix selecting him one pick later.[/font]

 

[ballinboykz]

Word is in that Jermaine O'Neal is traded to the Raptors for TJ Ford, Rasho, and the 17th pick in tommorow's draft.

I have no comment on the situation.

 

[grittyman20]

Originally Posted by In Yo Nostril

so am i the only one who thinks derrick rose is overrated?

I don't think he's overrated, but I don't see him making an immediate impact like some people are saying.

 

[in yo nostril]

Originally Posted by grittyman20

Originally Posted by In Yo Nostril

so am i the only one who thinks derrick rose is overrated?

I don't think he's overrated, but I don't see him making an immediate impact like some people are saying.

thats my point. for a number one pick he should be making an immediate impact especially when the players picked right after him probably will

 

[lnmymind]

So now Indiana has both the 11th and 17th picks...interesting

 

[fede dpt]

[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* New York is one team rumored to be involved in the sweepstakes for the No. 2 pick, with the Knicks reportedly hoping to land Mayo. If that's the case, the Heat would likely receive either[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Stephon Marbury[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Jamal Crawford[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]in return, as well as the Knicks' No. 6 pick. As has been reported by the[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]South Florida Sun-Sentinel[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], the Knicks could also end up with[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Shawn Marion[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif].[/font]

 

[franchise3]

How far does Mario Chalmers fall now?

I thought he was a lock to Denver @ 20?

Maybe the Bobcats are targetting Hibbert @ 20?

*scrolls back up to read that wall of text, news.

 

[clutchshooter]

some *%+%@$# combine results come out and say that beasley is 1 inch shorter thant some people thought and now people are practically running away from him..

 

[franchise3]

The Miami Heat have found a taker in their quest to trade the No. 2 draft pick, a source familiar with the situation told Pro Basketball News. The source did not indicate which team would be the Heat's trading partner, or what other draft picks or players are involved.




* The supposed deal will reportedly be announced during or shortly after the draft. According to the source, the Heat will select USC guard [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]O.J. Mayo [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and trade him. Kansas State forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Michael Beasley[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]is expected to fall to No. 3 -- although not to Minnesota, which is expected to trade down.[/font][/font]

 

[you big dummy]

 

[youngtriz]

i really hope that the heat just keep mayo.... trade marion, bount and j williams for someone good

 

[jpzx]

I will be VERY disappointed if the Wolves don't get Beasley OR Mayo in this whole debacle of trades and such

 

[franchise3]

Originally Posted by JPZx

I will be VERY disappointed if the Wolves don't get Beasley OR Mayo in this whole debacle of trades and such

Word.

Watch McHale screw everything up by drafting Lopez.

 

[monopolyman630]

I just hope from something exciting to happen Thursday. So if Beasley falls to 3, why wouldn't Minny take him? Trade down for who?

 

[i nasmatic i]

we all know mchale is gonna send his pick to the celtics for gabe pruitt and the #30 pick.

 

[ThaxbyChamblis]

Originally Posted by lnMyMind

[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]The Miami Heat have found a taker in their quest to trade the No. 2 draft pick, a source familiar with the situation told Pro Basketball News. The source did not indicate which team would be the Heat's trading partner, or what other draft picks or players are involved.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* The supposed deal will reportedly be announced during or shortly after the draft. According to the source, the Heat will select USC guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]O.J. Mayo[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and trade him. Kansas State forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Michael Beasley[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]is expected to fall to No. 3 -- although not to Minnesota, which is expected to trade down.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Reports say the Timberwolves are aiming to use their third overall selection to land a veteran, or at the very least, trade down and select West Virginia forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Joe Alexander[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. Expect Milwaukee to get involved in these talks (if it isn't already). The Bucks are also very high on Alexander and are considering selecing him at No. 8. That is, of course, unless the Wolves get to him first.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* New York is one team rumored to be involved in the sweepstakes for the No. 2 pick, with the Knicks reportedly hoping to land Mayo. If that's the case, the Heat would likely receive either[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Stephon Marbury[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Jamal Crawford[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]in return, as well as the Knicks' No. 6 pick. As has been reported by the[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]South Florida Sun-Sentinel[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], the Knicks could also end up with[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Shawn Marion[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif].
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* All of this is based on the assumption that Chicago will take Memphis point guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Derrick Rose[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]with the top pick -- which the Bulls are expected to do.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Meanwhile, Seattle is expected to stand pat at No. 4 and try to make a move in free agency. If the Sonics go big in the draft (UCLA's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kevin Love[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or Stanford's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Brook Lopez[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]) they are likely to try to sign a veteran point guard in July or August. Sacramento's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Beno Udrih[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and Charlotte's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Earl Boykins[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]are two names being floated.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Detroit president of basketball operations[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Joe Dumars[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]has told PBN's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tony Mejia[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]that a story in the[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Contra Costa Times[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]indicating the Pistons are looking to obtain Golden State guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Baron Davis[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]was a "totally bogus report." The story said the Pistons became interested in Davis after failing to get Denver's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Carmelo Anthony[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif].
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Expect San Antonio to make a strong summer push to land Kings swingman[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Ron Artest[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], a soon-to-be free agent. The Spurs are desperately trying to get better and more physical after losing to the Lakers in the Western Conference finals. Artest is the type of hard-nosed defender who would fit well into the Spurs' scheme. They also believe tough coach[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Gregg Popovich[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and star forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tim Duncan[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]could help Artest tone down his sometimes knucklehead ways.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* The Spurs would be willing to let unrestricted veteran free agents[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Michael Finley[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif],[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Robert Horry[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], and[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Damon Stoudamire[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]walk for nothing if it meant landing Artest. Even without Artest, Finley and Stoudamire aren't likely to return, as the Spurs' will focus on getting younger.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Despite a few reports to the contrary, the Lakers aren't looking to move forward[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Lamar Odom[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. Lakers insiders say the team would prefer to keep the lineup intact and see what happens with a healthy[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Andrew Bynum[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]at center. They feel that's all they'll need to win a championship.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Instead, the Lakers will likely try to sign a veteran who can come off the bench without trading one of their key parts. They are said to be looking at free agents such as[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Eduardo Najera[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif](Denver),[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Bonzi Wells[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif](New Orleans) and[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]James Posey[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], who just helped Boston beat L.A. for the title.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Back to the draft. If the Knicks fail to land Mayo or trade the No. 6 pick, there's a chance they'll select Indiana's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Eric Gordon[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]with the No. 6 pick, even if UCLA's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Russell Westbrook[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]or Arizona's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Jerryd Bayless[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]are still available. The Clippers are supposedly high on Gordon, and are hoping to draft him at No. 7. So taking Gordon might give the Knicks some leverage in a possible deal involving the Clippers and another team.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Interestingly, most of the rumors and speculation involving this year's draft have been started by front-office types, as opposed to the usual nonsense fueled by the media. Basketball men such as New York's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Donnie Walsh[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], Minnesota's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kevin McHale[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]and New Jersey's[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Rod Thorn[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]have all been open when it comes to discussing their plans -- and the possibilities of other teams.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* If you think the draft talk sounds crazy when it comes to the lottery portion of it, just wait until you hear what NBA types are saying about the middle of the first round and early part of the second.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* One example: Duke guard[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]DeMarcus Nelson[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], who isn't projected to even be selected in most mock drafts, could be a late first-round pick, according to two GMs. Nelson gave a strong showing in Orlando and both Detroit and Boston are said to be interested in getting him early.
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* It seems more and more likely that the Suns will hang on to[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Leandro Barbosa[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif], but do whatever it takes to deal[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Boris Diaw[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]. One Western Conference GM said the Suns have called him twice about Diaw. "It was more or less a feeling out process," the GM said. "But they seem to want too much in return."
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[font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]* Finally, Ohio State center[/font] [font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Kosta Koufos[/font][font=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]had the best individual workouts of any player not considered a lottery pick, as scouts were surprised and very impressed with his ball handling and passing skills, and overall athleticism. He very well could be drafted No. 12 by Sacramento, although that seems a bit high at this point. A more likely scenario would be Golden State taking him at No. 14, or Phoenix selecting him one pick later.[/font]

#%+ is gonna happen tomorrow???

Will be interesting...