2011 NBA Draft Rumors and Notes

Tomorrow night is it, the 2011 NBA Draft, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are on the clock with the #1 pick.  As usual the rumors are spreading like wildfire as teams are doing their best to hide their interest in a certain player so that they don't have to move up in the draft to get them.  With all of this misdirection you tend to get lots of rumors, so let's take a look at a few and we'll discuss my take on them.  First up,.......

Lakers - Trade Pau Gasol to Minnesota for Kevin Love and #2 pick. 
Synopsis:  If you can get Minny to accept this deal, I do it all day long.  Not only can the Lakers get back Love who will work the boards (unlike Pau) but they also get an opportunity to draft a young player (I think Derrick Williams to address their SF need).  They lose some of the scoring that Pau provided at the beginning of last season, but still I'd do this everyday of the week and twice on Sunday. 

Spurs - Trade Tony Parker for a pick to either the Toronto Raptors (#5) or the Sacramento Kings (#7).
Synopsis:  I like George Hill but I don't think that this is a good move for the Spurs.  Who's the best player you can get at 5 through 7?  In this week draft class you're better off holding on to Parker and maybe doing this next year.  Just say 'no'.

Suns - Trade Steve Nash to Minnesota for the #2 pick.
Synopsis:  You could probably get a better deal if you're Phoenix.  I understand wanting to draft Derrick Williams (local kid) but, Minny would have to include a player or something.  Nash might have a year or two left in him and the only reason I say that is that the training staff in Phoenix has to be the best in the league.  They have taken all types of players with ailments and got them playing and playing at a high level when most thought they were done (i.e. - Shaq (all), Grant Hill (ankle), Nash (back), etc.).  If Nash were to leave, would he fall apart?  Or would he welcome being that close to home?  I wouldn't do this one, but at least we're negotiating.

Suns - Trade Marcin Gortat and the #13 pick to Minnesota for the #2 pick. 
Synopsis:  Now we're cooking with grease.  I actually like Gortat for what he does (rebounder, can score, and has an attitude), but if we weigh the careers of Gortat against that of anyone that you'd get at #2, I'll take those chances.  Plus, I keep Nash and we are still viable in the Western Conference.  Do the d$@( thing. 

Nuggets - Trade Raymond Felton and the #22 pick to Sacramento for the #7 pick.
Synopsis:  Hmmm,...not sure about this one.  The two headed point guard monster in Denver seems to work and I think you have to keep that moving in that direction.  Not sure who the Nuggets would go after at the #7 slot unless they would go after Kemba Walker.  I don't know how good a fit that would be.  They are trying to lock up Nene long term, Afflalo is solid at either guard spot, and they are pretty much loaded.  I can't quite put my finger on what they're missing, but it's something that I don't think they get at #7 in this draft.  Hold your horses on this one. 

Cavaliers - Trade the #4 pick to the Wizards for the #6 and the #18. 
Synopsis:  It seems as though the Cavs are intent on drafting Jonas Valanciunas.  Since he won't be playing in the NBA next season, the Cavs don't want to waste a higher pick for him because they need all the help they can get and they'd like someone to give up multiple picks to make this a little more enticing.  The Wizards would draft Enes Kanter with the #4 pick and this deal could only be done if he's available at 4.  Seems like things are working out for the Cavs even after LBJ leaves.  I do this deal and get extra players on the cheap or more trade chips. 


Suns - Trade Robin Lopez to Golden State for Epke Udoh and the #13 pick. 
Synopsis:  Whew, this is a big one.  You would give up on Lopez this quickly?  He had a good year, then a bad year and he's trending down?  As my guy NYSTOM always says, you can't turn down a 2 for 1 deal, but I think I could turn this one down.  I'm not sold on Udoh being a center in the West and I just see him getting killed by Andrew Bynum, Nene and any other 'big' in the West. 

Sixers - Trade Andre Iguodala to Los Angeles Clippers for Chris Kaman OR to Golden State for Monta Ellis OR to Orlando for Hedo Turkoglu and Jameer Nelson. 
Synopsis:  The Sixers and Clippers seem to have the best deal that works for both teams.  The Sixers need some size to play next to a smallish PF in Brand.  The Clippers need Kaman to move to give Jordan more time and this will keep Griffin in that PF spot.  I do this deal even though it would involve some other smaller pieces.  The Sixers and Golden State I like for Golden State.  They could slide Iggy into the 2 or 3 spot and instantly have some size.  Curry can evolve into a better point guard and Lee and Iggy would take some pressure off of Curry.  The Sixers and Orlando, well,......it's a 2 for 1, that's a plus.  I think that Turkoglu is better with the ball in his hands (the way he was before he left Orlando) but off the ball he's a liability.  Jameer would have to take a bench role which would be tough for him.  Just not a good fit. 



What have you heard?  What's the word on the street?  What do you think about these prospective deals?  I will post more as I hear it. 

NBA 2010 Wrap Up 12-2-10

Miami @ Cleveland - This was the game that was circled on lots of calendars when the NBA schedule came out.  This was LBJ's first return to Quicken Loans Arena as a visitor.  There was a lot of hype prior to this game last night, but I'm not sure for what.  The fans were going to wear their shirts, make their signs, and boo.  That's about it.  I think I'm with Shaq on this, 'if you spend your time writing up a sign to say something about me, you must really love me'.  LBJ led the destruction of the Cavs last night with a 38 pts, 8 asts, 5 rebs, 1 stl, 1 blk stat line.  To make things worse, he didn't play in the 4th quarter.  I wonder what the Cavs owner was thinking then about his Championship promise?  The Heat have dates against the Hawks (without Joe Johnson), Bucks, and Jazz so they should add at least 2 wins in the next 3 games. The Cavs have the Timberwolves, Pistons, and Sixers coming up and those are somewhat winnable for them. 


Phoenix @ Golden State - The under card normally is before the big fight.  On this night the Suns and the Warriors held this distinction of being the game AFTER THE GAME.  Steve Nash (13 pts, 16 asts, 4 rebs) and Jason Richardson (25 pts, 3 asts, 2 rebs, and 3 of  4 from the 3 point line)led the Suns to a necessary win against the Warriors.  Maybe NYSTOM was right about him?  The other big cog in this Suns wheel has been Grant Hill (24 pts, on 9 of 11 shooting) who is quietly having one of his best seasons.  The Warriors got great games from David Lee (25 pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts) and Monta Ellis (38 pts, 7 asts, 4 rebs) but the rest of the team was a no show.  The Suns got back to .500 but have dates with the Pacers, Wizards, and Trail Blazers coming up.  The Warriors are hurting from not having a back up point guard and their next three games are against the Thunder, Mavericks, and Spurs.  Looks like 3 more losses for them.      

NBA Rumors 11-11-10

Yao Ming – Hurt again.  Yao was hurt in the game last night against the Wizards and the diagnosis was a strained tendon in his leg.  It’s not the same area that Yao broke previously, so that big sigh that you heard was coming directly from Houston.  Yao will probably be cleared to play within the next week or so, but I doubt he’ll play any meaningful basketball for at least a month. 

Eric Dampier – The Rockets chose not to sign Dampier at the last moment and now it looks like the teams are lining up for his services.  Put the Heat, the Suns, the Bulls, and the Raptors on the list of possible suitors.  I don’t even think Dampier thought he’d be in such high demand. 

The Miami Heat – A blueprint already?  It seems as though if you’re physical against the Heat bigs, you will win.  This was shown this week as the Hornets and the Jazz destroyed the collection of bigs that is Joel Anthony, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, and anyone else you want to throw in there.  The Heat lost a game where LBJ had a triple double and Wade dropped 39, and there’s something wrong with that.  There are rumors that Pat Riley may send Bosh away by the trade dealine if they can’t find a way to stop someone, soon. 

Joakim Noah – A little too sweet?  Noah doesn’t like Kevin Garnett.  (Who cares?)  "Kevin Garnett will not -- will not -- get a Christmas gift from me," Noah said Wednesday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I don't like him.  He's a very mean guy," Noah added. "Where's the love? None at all. Ugly, too."  Noah added during the radio interview: "... he was very mean to me my rookie year. And he's only mean to the young guys and the [European players], for some reason. I don't know why, but that's who he doesn't like. He's not nice. I talk a lot of trash out there, but c'mon, be a little sensitive. Be sweet."  Is this how you talk trash in French? 

Steve Nash – With Nash getting up there in years and the Suns being a pretender, the word on the street is that the Suns may be open to trading Nash.  And where do you think the rumored destination is,……….New York Knicks.  This would essentially reunite Nash with his old coach and his old pick and roll partner.  This could be a short term fix (Nash has 2 years and $22M left on his deal), but the Knicks would probably have to move someone on their team and I’m not sure the Suns want Raymond Felton in return. 

Peja Stojakovic – Many remember Stojakovic playing next to Webber, raining threes on the Lakers.  As of late, he’s been a bench warmer with an unsure back getting paid $14M this year.  Hornets GM, Dell Demps, is trying his best to move Stojakovic and is looking at acquiring Andre Iguodala from the Sixers.  The Sixers may want more than an expiring deal, but you can’t turn down $14M in cap relief.  We’ll see what happens. 

Derrick Rose – Battling injuries as usual, but this time it’s something that he never thought he’d get, turf toe.  Rose said he’s monitoring the situation with trainers, but he wasn’t even sure what it was.  For those that don’t know, check out a medical definition.

Jerry West – AKA the Logo will be honored by the Lakers during the All-Star weekend in February by adding his statue to the existing ones outside of Staples Center.  West was the All-time leading scorer for the Lakers until one Kobe Bean Bryant passed him last year.  Congrats to West for the honor. 

NBA Wrap Up - Lakers, Blazers, Celtics 10-27-10

Great night of games last night, let’s recap.

Heat @ Celtics – This pretty much turned out the way I thought.  The Celtics looked good in spurts and they were egged on by the home crowd.  You got the majority of what you’ll see all year long: Pierce (19 pts, 7 rebs), Allen (20 pts), Garnett (10 pts, 10 rebs), Big Baby (13 pts) and Shaq (9 pts, 7 rebs) will show up every now and then.  Rondo had a terrible scoring game but led the Celtics with 17 assists (only 3 turnovers).  Welcome back Marquis Daniels, the Celtics really need you (could have used you last year too).  The Heat were slow out of the gates, with the exception of LBJ.  I can’t believe that he actually posted Paul Pierce up.  I mean, yes, he missed the two foot bunny, but he POSTED Paul Pierce up. If that’s not something to be happy about, I don’t know what is.  The Celtics were able to hold on and win this game, and we know the Heat will be better, but I agree with Charles Barkley when he said that Mike Miller should renegotiate his contract right now, because without him, the Heat have no outside shooting. 

Rockets @ Lakers – The good thing for the Rockets is that Yao Ming didn’t get hurt.  He actually played pretty well and so did the Rockets backcourt of Aaron Brooks (24 pts, 9 asts) and Kevin Martin (26 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts).  The Lakers got their Championship Rings and it was good to see each player introduce the next.  Interesting note, Adam Morrison has a Championship ring, let that marinate with you for a moment.  Kobe was Kobe (27 pts, 5 rebs, 7 asts) on his gimpy knee, Gasol put on a clinic (29 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blks) and the Lakers bench helped with the play of Shannon Brown (16 pts) and Steve Blake (10 pts, 3 asts).  The scary part is when they get Bynum back, they have to be odds on favorites to repeat.  This team could be scary. Take a look at the Lakers' Ring. 

Suns @ Trail Blazers – Maybe Steve Nash had a point about being upset about the team around him.  Outside of his performance (26 pts, 4 rebs, 6 asts, 9 TOs) the Suns pretty much stunk.  Yes, Jason Richardson had 22 pts, but for some reason he stopped shooting (he was 9-13 last night).  Turkoglu disappointed by getting two early fouls and he was pretty much done for the night.  If there is a sliver of hope, it’s Hakim Warrick’s play (10 pts, 2 rebs).  He’s not Amare, but he can do some of the things that Amare can do.  Give him some time.  The Blazers were led by Brandon Roy (24 pts, 3 rebs, 6 asts, 3 stls) and Nicolas Batum (19 pts, 11 rebs).  Interesting note, the Bulls should STILL be killing themselves for not picking Roy (and picking Tyrus Thomas back in the 2006 draft) especially now that they really need a 2 guard.  This Portland team may be ready to make some noise this year.    

NBA Recap 10-31-08

Only 3 games on the schedule last night, and all three were good.

Cleveland @ Charlotte - Yes, I will even admit that this game was good, although it was a blow out. The Cavs dominated the Bobcats from the tip and ran out to an early 17 point lead. LeBron James led the Cavs with a 22 pts, 9 rebs, 9 asts performance and he was sitting on the bench in the 4th. Daniel Gibson, the mini Hibachi, was on FIRE last night. getting 25 points in 31 minutes and he missed 4 free throws. The Bobcats looked horriawful. Between Okafor and May they had 9 points and 15 rebs. You're just not going to win many games with those types of numbers. Adam Morrison made a somewhat good impression off the bench going 4-9 for 9 points.

Houston @ Dallas - Who knew that it would take two games before Ron Artest was in the middle of something? The game was close most of the night and when Josh Howard fouled Yao Ming a little to hard, Ron Ron took exception. I think America was waiting to see if he was going to knock Howard out, but Ron came over and tried to calm things down between Howard and Yao. He received a technical foul for his work. (The only thing he did wrong was grab Howard's arm first, before trying to move the two away from each other). This probably incensed Artest a little because we all know he's playing for a new contract and doesn't need any black eyes. So Artest did what we knew he could do, he played ball and ended the game with 29 pts and 7 rebs and hit timely shots down the stretch to guarantee a Rockets win. Yao chipped in with 30 pts and 13 rebs, while Tracy McGrady had a sub par game with 16 pts, 5 rebs, and 7 asts. For Dallas Nowitzki (36 pts, 7 rebs) and Howard (28 pts, 11 rebs, 4 asts) both had great games but it wasn't enough.

New Orleans @ Phoenix - This is why you pay money for James Posey. Posey came in to seal the deal (along with Rasual Butler) on the Phoenix Suns. Posey (13 pts) and Butler (6 pts) hit some very clutch shots to go along with Chris Paul's almost triple double (21 pts, 8 rebs, 10 asts). After playing well a night earlier, I think we learned that the Suns are going to have to limit the Big Sensei's minutes in back to back games. The Suns just seemed to run out of gas on the offensive side of the ball, although Steve Nash (24 pts, 9 asts, 4 rebs) looked like he could possibly play another quarter.