Thursday, June 24, 2010

2010 NBA Draft Recap (Picks 1-10)

Washington Wizards - John Wall
Great pick. Wall will come in run this Wizards team. Now the organization has to find a way to make Gilbert Arenas sane. He should be able to be the face of the organization and he’s known that ever since the lottery was complete.

Philadelphia 76ers – Evan Turner
I think that the Sixers got it right. Since Turner and Iggy play the same position, but this goes back to the Bulls/Blazers thing. Do you pick Jordan when you already have Drexler? I’m not saying that Turner is Jordan, but the Sixers got this pick right. I am expecting Brandon Roy Part II. Iggy pack your bags.

New Jersey Nets – Derrick Favors
Good pick again. Favors comes from a long line of GT big men (in their own ways), Dennis Scott, Chris Bosh, James Forrest (look him up if you don’t know, before the shoulder injury), etc. I expect Favors to become a better version of Chris Bosh. His body reminds you of a younger Dwight Howard but he already has an offensive game better than Howard. He should work well with Brook Lopez.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Wesley Johnson
By many, Johnson is the most NBA ready SF out there. He has range and that’s something that the Timberwolves need, since they ranked in the bottom of 3 point shooting in the league last year. Corey Brewer will be able to play the 2 for defensive purposes and Johnson can start at the 3. Without Kevin McHale there, the Timberwolves are making some good decisions. Now if they can only convince Rubio to come and play in Minny.

Sacramento Kings – DeMarcus Cousins
I hope that the real player hasn’t shown up yet. Cousins has shown an immature streak at times, but he brings it on the court. I’m hoping that he’s the next ‘Double D’ Darryl Dawkins and not the next Oliver Miller. If he shows up and plays the Kings finally have a center they can get 20 and 10 out of each night.

Golden State – Epke Udoh
Not sold on this one. I mean Udoh had a great year last year, but I think the Warriors needed someone that complements their system. They really needed Greg Monroe at this spot but I understand the downside to him also. Udoh will be a hustle guy and should help Bierdrins on the floor with defense, but on offense it’ll be another story.

Detroit Pistons – Greg Monroe
Monroe has all the tools you’d want in a big man. He can pass, he can score, he can rebound, and he can even play a little defense. The one thing that I question about him is his desire. It looks like he’s happy with the accolades that he gets from everyone knowing he has all the tools. When Joe Dumars said that he wanted to get back to an edgier Pistons team, I just don’t see how this pick fills that need. Good player, but will he play all the time for the Pistons?

Los Angeles Clippers – Al-Farouq Aminu
Wow, this is 3 in a row. Aminu hasn’t really shown me much. I liken him to a (gulp) different version of Darius Miles. Aminu is a tweener but he doesn’t have a defined offensive game. He’s an athlete that runs and jumps and can rebound. If he doesn’t develop an offensive game, this will be a wasted pick.

Utah Jazz – Gordon Hayward
Good fit. Hayward showed in the title game that he’s athletic enough and he can shoot and in Utah’s offense, you’re going to have to guard him. He’s tough and I think that he’ll thrive in this system with Sloan coaching. Add in the fact that he won’t be the 1st or 2nd option on this team and he could possibly be in the running for ROY if he gets the playing time.

Indiana Pacers – Paul George
Is this the writing on the wall for Danny Granger? I mean George will play the same position as Granger. The Pacers really need a point guard, so maybe this is a pick for someone else. Otherwise, George should be a great asset off the bench.

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