While last night's Nuggets-Lakers was the NBA's main event (no WWE pun intended), especially for fans of the four remaining NBA playoff teams, the draft lottery promised to help some of the unfortunate playoff bystanders back onto the road to respectability.
The 2009 lottery order is:
1. L.A. Clippers
The always stoic Blake Griffin made a good show of it when Memphis was awarded the second pick, meaning that the man paying Griffin tens of millions of dollar would be Donald Sterling. While an Eric Gordon-Ricky Rubio pairing in the back-court would be something to watch, Baron Davis would no doubt be less than pleased.
Drafting Griffin would create a logjam with Zach Randolph (whose contract runs until 2010/2011). And Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby (who is tradeable with an expiring contract in 2009/2010) are also owed more than eight million per year. But L.A. will most likely still select Griffin and try to trade off Camby to create more financial flexibility. Besides, Griffin is much more likely to be the next Boozer/poor man's Malone than the next Olowokandi . . . right?
2. Memphis
Memphis already has Mike Conley, and there are rumors that Memphis might be considering taking Hasheem Thabeet instead of Rubio. But Rubio has the potential to be much better than Conley, and having too many points guards is a good thing in today's NBA.
A shot-blocking center is definitely an asset to any team, and seven-foot-one Marc Gasol playing alongside the seven-foot-three Thabeet would be formidable. But Thabeet, who often dominated on the defensive end, is very raw offensively, and was six-seven DeJaun Blair's twenty-three point, twenty-two rebound performance against Thabeet a fluke or a sign of future struggles against stronger NBA big men? In addition, Thabeet improved his .513 free-throw percentage from his freshman year to around seventy pecent . But no one will confuse him with Yao at the charity stripe, either, especially after that number declined to around sixty-three percent in 2008/2009.
Ricky Rubio plays the game with a flair that would compliment O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay much more than the plodding Thabeet. Besides, if they want to go that route, many more teams would be willing to trade up to get Ricky than Hasheem.
3. Oklahoma City
At third overall, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a interesting (and possibly uncomfortable) position. Thabeet could be the answer, but if he turned out to be another Saer Sene or Robert Swift, how would fans react? Conspiracy theorists were proven wrong when OKC didn't in fact receive the first overall pick, and now they might see if another team wants to trade up.
Failing a trade, OKC still has some excellent options other than Thabeet. Jordan Hill plays the same position as Jeff Green, but is a good defensive presence and very athletic, and would add overall size. However the Thunder just invested money in Nenad Krstic, so OKC might look to shooting guard first. Luckily for them, six-foot-five James Harden will still be on the board.
Harden at third-overall might be a bit of a reach, but a Russell Westbrook, Harden, and Kevin Durant trio could be too good to pass up. Besides, next year's draft looks to be full of athletic big men.
4. Sacramento
For Sacramento Kings fans, drafting at number four has to be a huge disappointment. The number four spot could also be a trade target for other teams if OKC doesn't take Thabeet. The Kings don't need Jordan Hill as much as they did before the emergence of Jason Thompson late last season. For the third pick in a row, Thabeet will be discussed, and passed over. The Kings like passing centers, and Vlade Divac or Brad Miller Thabeet is not. Besdies, if Spencer Hawes returns to form after his injury fully heals, Thabeet (although a superior defensive player) would be superfluous.
The Kings' true need is at point guard, where Bene Udrih was a large disappointment.Any PG taken after Rubio will be somewhat of a gamble. Brandon Jennings appears to be the best available after Ricky, and the Kings would instantly acquire an athletic compliment to Kevin Martin. In addition, the Kings could either hurt their NorCal and division rivals the Golden State Warriors by snagging Jennings, or concoct a trade with them. The Warriors' seventh pick could be used to take a gamble on Tyreke Evans at the point, or to reach for Ty Lawson.
5. Washington
More than the four teams above them in the draft, the Washington Wizards will be looking to advance to the playoffs next season, thanks to the return of Gilbert Arenas. While Jordan Hill would help them in the long run as Antawn Jamison ages, Hasheem Thabeet would provide interior defense and rebounding, critical for a playoff run. Washington has more than enough firepower to overcome Thabeet's offensive deficiencies, and although Hasheem could struggle trying to run the floor when Arenas pushes the ball quickly, it's the half-court possessions that often make the difference in tight games during the stretch run.
6. Minnesota
Although the sixth pick is not ideal for Minnesota, trading up or down might be a tough sell after the Kevin Love-O.J. Mayo trade last year. The trade did net Mike Miller, but the Wolves still need a consistent play-maker in the back-court to compliment Randy Foye. Guard Tyreke Evans has shown that he can run the point, and his athleticism would be welcome.
But upside is often king in the NBA Draft, and six-foot-six Guard/Forward DeMar DeRozan has the potential to be a dominant force, O.J. Mayo in a bigger body.
Jordan Hill falls once again, since with Al Jefferson and Kevin Love already in the fold, there is little reason for Minnesota to draft a big man.
7. Golden State
It would be an understatement to say that the Golden State Warriors don't need another Shooting Guard on their roster. So it would be a relief if the temptation to take DeRozan was removed before their pick.
Instead of DeRozan, the Dubs might be tempted by Jordan Hill, who would bring power and athleticism to the front-court. Some say Earl Clark is the next Anthony Randolph, but if Clark was drafted in a reach at number seven, Warriors would be probably be lighting their torches and sharpening their pitchforks. The need for a legitimate point guard is too pressing.
Don Nelson loves tall, athletic ball-handlers who can score. Stephen Curry has shown himself to be one of college basketball's greatest pure shooters, and yet also could effectively distribute of needed. But although defensive prowess isn't a prerequisite for receiving playing time with the Warriors (Curry is not a great defender), the lack of success experienced by J.J. Redick and Adam Morrison might hurt Curry's draft stock. In addition Anthony Morrow is an incredible three-point shooter, nullifying some of the need for Curry's sharpshooting.
Jordan Hill would be a tremendous pick if he fell to the seventh spot, but Nelson would love having a six-five point guard running plays in Oakland. Tyreke Evans' height, athleticism, and upside would be too much for the Warriors to pass up. If Evans is gone, the Dubs might take a look at Eric Maynor, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday, or Ty Lawson.
8. New York
New York seemed set on taking Curry, although a new rumor has them trying to trade up to get Ricky Rubio. As with Golden State, Jordan Hill could be used as part of a trade package for the number two pick. However, if they keep the pick, many of the players that New York is supposedly interested in would still available, including Jrue Holiday and Ty Lawson. However, Stephen Curry's combination of size, NBA pedigree, and shot-making ability (which could be used to space the floor for you-know-who) should make him the Knick's pick come draft day.
9. Toronto
The Raptors will need an athletic Forward to replace Shawn Marion, who will probably not stay in Toronto much longer, or (even worse) Chris Bosh. Jordan Hill drops to them in this scenario, although Earl Clark might be a more realistic possibility on draft day.
Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, or even Chase Buddinger would be an option if the Raptors opted for depth at Shooting Guard.
10. Milwaukee
Milwaukee needs someone to replace Yi Jianlian and probably Charlie Villanueva. Although Jordan Hill is gone, Earl Clark is big, versatile, and athletic, able to play both Small Forward and Power Forward. Once Michael Redd comes back, a distributor would be nice as well. If Clark is gone, Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, or Jonny Flynn could attempt to fill in for Ramon Sessions, who Milwaukee might not be able to re-sign.
11. New Jersey
The Nets are one of the few teams in the lower lottery that is set at the Point Guard position (with Devin Harris). However, with Vince Carter aging (or not caring), Shooting Guard will become an issue soon. Although Gerald Henderson would most likely still be on the board, Chase Buddinger can play Shooting Guard and Small Forward, and is a player in the mold of last year's pick Ryan Anderson.
12. Charlotte
The Bobcats need a replacement for Jason Richardson. Wayne Ellington is big, skilled, and played at UNC. If he's available at twelve, Ellington could be one of the most automatic non-Griffin picks of the draft. If the Bobcats draft for need at other positions, Forwards DeJuan Blair and James Johnson are options as well, but Ellington or Gerald Henderson (even though he's from Duke) would probably be able to make more of an impact sooner.
13. Indiana
When the Jermaine O'Neal trade netted T.J. Ford, the Pacers had a Point Guard they could rely on - except when he was injured. Ty Lawson will most likely be available, and his speed and ability to steal the ball could help get Danny Granger out on the break more effectively.
The Roy Hibbert pick last year might rule out someone like Blair, although Blair is in some ways the opposite of Hibbert (short but effective) and could help replace some of O'Neal's production down low. Earl Clark would have been nice, but Indiana will probably go with a point guard.
14. Phoenix
The Suns are in the lottery for the first time in a while, and could miss out on the quick Lawson by a few spots. Just like New York, Phoenix could blow up the entire draft by trading up to number two to get Rubio as a replacement for Nash (Amare anyone?). If they swapped picks in the trade, they could take a gamble on a project like Austin Daye, or go with a beast down low like Blair to replace Amare.
Assuming that the Suns don't trade up, it would be a tough choice between the usual Point Guard suspects: Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, and Jonny Flynn. Flynn, the Big East Tournament MVP, had thirteen games with eight or more assists last season, and proved his tenacity in the thrilling win over UConn. Learning to play the point with Steve Nash should help Flynn cut down on turnovers and maximize his potential.
The 2009 NBA Draft may be somewhat low on star power, but it could prove to be a deep draft for solid (if not exceptional) guards. And some high-profile veterans (such as Amare Stoudemire) could find themselves on different teams. Some teams outside the lottery could find that prospects such as Jrue Holiday have fallen into their range. As draft day draws nearer, the picture will most likely become clearer, but for now, teams are rightfully scouting a wide variety of potential draftees.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
AA Update: Bumgarner Lowers ERA to 0.75, Wins Second Start
In a completion of a game suspended in the first inning by fog on Saturday, Madison Bumgarner took the mound for Connecticut yesterday, and showed that his first start at the AA level was not a fluke.
After allowing a lead-off double in the second, it appeared as if Bumgarner would be in for another start of battling hitters with men on base. However, this time there was little drama as Madison proceeded to no-hit the opposition for the next six innings.
While Bumgarner notched only two strikeouts in his last start, on Sunday his dominance was never in doubt. Nine strikeouts helped him cruise, and in four of his six innings, Bumgarner faced only three batters. Two out of the three walks surrendered on the day came in the fifth, but a pick-off and two strikeouts ensured that no runner reached second base.
Bumgarner no doubt felt some pressure throughout the game, since he exited the game leading only one to nothing. But fellow 2007 draftee Joe Paterson relieved Bumgarner in the eighth, pitching into the ninth and maintaining his 0.00 ERA through thirteen appearances. Connecticut's closer then ensured that Bumgarner received the win.
Tim Alderson, the original starter on Saturday, pitching a scoreless first before the suspension of play.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went one-for-four with two strikeouts, has now struck out twice in each of his last four games. Although Crawford is hitting .467 with the bases empty, he is two for eighteen with runners on, and is hitting .091 with runners in scoring position.
Crawford now has only one walk and eleven strikeouts in eight games since his call-up. He has thirteen total bases and one RBI, with three extra-base hits. At single-A San Jose, Crawford's batting average was nearly one hundred points higher (.371 vs. .273), and Brandon tallied six home runs and seventeen RBI's in twenty-five games.
After allowing a lead-off double in the second, it appeared as if Bumgarner would be in for another start of battling hitters with men on base. However, this time there was little drama as Madison proceeded to no-hit the opposition for the next six innings.
While Bumgarner notched only two strikeouts in his last start, on Sunday his dominance was never in doubt. Nine strikeouts helped him cruise, and in four of his six innings, Bumgarner faced only three batters. Two out of the three walks surrendered on the day came in the fifth, but a pick-off and two strikeouts ensured that no runner reached second base.
Bumgarner no doubt felt some pressure throughout the game, since he exited the game leading only one to nothing. But fellow 2007 draftee Joe Paterson relieved Bumgarner in the eighth, pitching into the ninth and maintaining his 0.00 ERA through thirteen appearances. Connecticut's closer then ensured that Bumgarner received the win.
Tim Alderson, the original starter on Saturday, pitching a scoreless first before the suspension of play.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, who went one-for-four with two strikeouts, has now struck out twice in each of his last four games. Although Crawford is hitting .467 with the bases empty, he is two for eighteen with runners on, and is hitting .091 with runners in scoring position.
Crawford now has only one walk and eleven strikeouts in eight games since his call-up. He has thirteen total bases and one RBI, with three extra-base hits. At single-A San Jose, Crawford's batting average was nearly one hundred points higher (.371 vs. .273), and Brandon tallied six home runs and seventeen RBI's in twenty-five games.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Mullin Offically Out As Warriors GM: The Coup Is Complete
Earlier tonight, the Warriors have made the expected (and inevitable) official, announcing that Chris Mullin's contract as General Manager will not be extended when it expires on June 30th. Assistant GM Larry Riley will replace Mullin.
Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season. However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.
Mullin's tenue, marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, started out rocky. But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of fans.
Riley, meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans. He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get the credit. However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term. The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. And cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.
If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the season?
Mullin's departure was seen as inevitable for many months, dating back to the Warriors' refusal to extend Baron Davis in the 2008 off-season. However, when the Warriors announced today that Riley would replace Mullin as Golden State's representative to the Draft Lottery next week, it was clear that the end was near.
Mullin's tenue, marked by the assembly of the We Believe team and some second-round draft gems but also picks such as Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Ike Diogu, and Patrick O'Bryant, started out rocky. But Mullin's decisions to trade for Baron Davis and unload Murphy and Dunleavy for Stephen Jackson largely redeemed him in the eyes of fans.
Riley, meanwhile faces an uphill battle winning over fans. He will be seen as a yes-man to Chris Cohan and Robert Rowell, and even if the Warriors find a way to make the playoffs again, Don Nelson will probably get the credit. However, in the current environment, it's tough to see a way in which Riley can succeed, at least in the short-term. The Warriors have few trade assets, and the projected number seven pick in what is expected to be a weak draft isn't likely to draw a large amount of interest. And cap space is tight, thanks in part to the Stephen Jackson extension.
If the Warriors somehow receive one of the top two picks in the draft, Riley's job will become much easier. But will the basketball gods allow such luck to a franchise that has accumulated so much negative karma over the course of the season?
Bumgarner Follows Alderson's Gem With Six Solid Innings
Drafted in the same round in the same draft, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson's paths through San Francisco's minor league system were bound to be compared. Both were named High-A All-Stars in 2008, with Bumgarner also earning the Minors Most Spectacular Pitcher and several other awards. Given their success in the lower minors, it was not surprising that both were called up to AA Connecticut in the same week.
While Bumgarner posted a 3-1 record with a 1.48 ERA in San Jose this season, Alderson allowed opponents to hit .292. Tim finished with a 1-1, 4.15 line. Nevertheless, the more pitcher-friendly confines of Connecticut's park seemed to have brought out the best in Alderson. In 6.2 innings, Alderson struck out ten, and did not allow a single hit. Alderson walked only one hitter.
Bumgarner was not perfect against New Britain, but displayed an ability to limit damage and eventually escape trouble. He allowed a single to the second hitter he faced, but then induced a pop-up before picking the runner off first. In the second inning, a lead-off single was erased by a double-play. And in the third, a two-out triple was followed by a grounder back to Bumgarner.
Connecticut scored two in the top of the fourth to give Bumgarner a small cushion, the only run support he received in his six innings of work (a change from the offensive steamroller of the single-A Giants and a preview of the big league Giants). But Bumgarner gave up back-to-back two-out doubles in the bottom of the inning, allowing his first AA run.
It appeared as if New Britain might ruin Bumgarner's debut when a double and a bunt single resulted in runners at first and third with none out in the fifth. But Bumgarner showed great composure, getting a double play on a line-out before notching his second strikeout of the evening.
After pitching a scoreless sixth, Bumgarner left leading two to one. A three-run eighth pushed the Connecticut margin to 5-1, ensuring the win for Madison.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, a fourth-round pick in 2008, had three hits (including a double and a triple) in his second game at the AA level.
Connecticut catcher Adam Witter was recently promoted to AAA Fresno. While Witter was replaced by a catcher brought off of Connecticut's disabled list, could Buster Posey hear the call to AA soon?
While Bumgarner posted a 3-1 record with a 1.48 ERA in San Jose this season, Alderson allowed opponents to hit .292. Tim finished with a 1-1, 4.15 line. Nevertheless, the more pitcher-friendly confines of Connecticut's park seemed to have brought out the best in Alderson. In 6.2 innings, Alderson struck out ten, and did not allow a single hit. Alderson walked only one hitter.
Bumgarner was not perfect against New Britain, but displayed an ability to limit damage and eventually escape trouble. He allowed a single to the second hitter he faced, but then induced a pop-up before picking the runner off first. In the second inning, a lead-off single was erased by a double-play. And in the third, a two-out triple was followed by a grounder back to Bumgarner.
Connecticut scored two in the top of the fourth to give Bumgarner a small cushion, the only run support he received in his six innings of work (a change from the offensive steamroller of the single-A Giants and a preview of the big league Giants). But Bumgarner gave up back-to-back two-out doubles in the bottom of the inning, allowing his first AA run.
It appeared as if New Britain might ruin Bumgarner's debut when a double and a bunt single resulted in runners at first and third with none out in the fifth. But Bumgarner showed great composure, getting a double play on a line-out before notching his second strikeout of the evening.
After pitching a scoreless sixth, Bumgarner left leading two to one. A three-run eighth pushed the Connecticut margin to 5-1, ensuring the win for Madison.
Shortstop Brandon Crawford, a fourth-round pick in 2008, had three hits (including a double and a triple) in his second game at the AA level.
Connecticut catcher Adam Witter was recently promoted to AAA Fresno. While Witter was replaced by a catcher brought off of Connecticut's disabled list, could Buster Posey hear the call to AA soon?
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