Miami/Mayo/Memphis and More!
Gotta love the game of poker being played here among the lottery teams in the draft.
Among today's stories is a report in the Sun-Sentinel that says the Miami Heat are considering an option to pass on Michael Beasley and take O.J. Mayo with the second overall pick.
So instead of trading the No. 2 pick to move down to take Mayo, the Heat might just say with confidence that Mayo, in their eyes, is the second-best player in the draft. Beasley is hearing unfavorable comparisons to Derrick Coleman. This story in the Kane County (Ks.) Chronicle interested me enough to create a link for you Firefox users.
(Dude, if I did that for every link I'd be on the computer all day.)
The Beasley thing is interesting on many levels. Miami's perceived hesitation to annoint him the No. 2 could be merely a ploy by Pat Riley. Word is he has told Mayo's camp that he's very much in play in the two-spot. The trickle down would be interesting and would trigger an overwhelming amount of interest in Minnesota's pick at No. 3. The Wolves don't have a place for Beasley with Al Jefferson already owning the low block.
Memphis is rumored to be very much involved in talks with Miami about swapping picks. As we reported today, the Grizzlies are looking for a power forward to play with newly-signed center Marc Gasol, which is why they have engaged in talks for David Lee. But if they can get their hands on Michael Beasley, all bets are off.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com says Memphis "would give up Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry and the No. 5 pick as part of a package for the No. 2 pick. The same source said the Heat are asking the Grizzlies to sweeten the deal by substituting Mike Conley for Lowry. The deal would be Conley and the No. 5 pick to Miami for the No. 2 pick and Daequan Cook.
That trade would land Riley the point guard he covets and still get him a high lottery pick in the draft. The Heat would likely choose between Kevin Love or Brook Lopez at No. 5."
I can understand this trade from a Memphis point of view. Beasley is a no-brainer. For Miami you get a shooter (Miller) who you missed after Jason Kapono left. Kevin Love told me that he worked out for Miami with the idea that Miami might trade down, so he clearly knew something was possible.
But are those pieces, along with Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry, worth the second overall pick, where you could have Beasley or Mayo?
Again, the trickle down from this would be very, very interesting.
With so much going on between picks 2-5, the Knicks might be left out and left with just the No. 6 and left to pick from what is available. As of right now, it seems anything is possible for Thursday night.
Heading to midtown in a bit to catch the NBA's draft player availability.
Stay tuned . . .
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Comments (7)
HA...Alan, thx for looking out for us (Firefox users) - keep up the good work. Tomorrow night will be full of excitement, I'm sure.
No one that the Knicks will draft tomorrow can be a star in the NBA with his present skill levels. I read a quote by Walsh in the Daily News today that I thought was very interesting:
" I'm hoping that whoever we get can be a player that will improve."
I was very happy to read this as it shows that Walsh is looking at desire to improve as well as ability to grow mentally , not just present skill level.
If moving up is out of the question, trading for a LOWER draft pick would make more sense perhaps. You give up less in terms of talent (Lee) and as there are many "projects" to choose from, they all are kinda equivalent in terms of immediate impact and potential. A lower pick would give us one of the many big men out there - take your pick as far as what you want. Potential? McGee maybe. Proven Mauler? Dorsey. Work-Out Wonders? Ajinca with the 7' 6" wingspan.
One thing we must select for though is work ethic. I was intrigued by the story of Joe Alexander's development, his unending work on his skills and leaping ability - all as a kid in high school mind you. This seems to factor out a guy like Anthony Randolph, who could be in high school and just seems to be coasting on his 6'10''-ness and handle.
A big step in the right direction, from the NY Post, as commented by Hoopsworld:
"Run Fat Boy Run: Eddy Curry has been training like a mad man in efforts to get into "Mike D'Antoni" shape according to well placed Knicks sources. Both Curry and teammate Nate Robinson have agreed to train with the Knicks summer league team, leading many to speculate that one or both could take the floor in Vegas for a game or two. The move would be smart on Curry's part, because he could find himself far outside the rotation if he can not keep up with D'Antoni's style of play."
Could the young fellow be waking up to what it takes? Even better, this indicates the coddling is over. Walsh and D'Antoni owe him nothing, and potential is now over. An Eddy Curry who is in shape would have a chance to move before a rebound has already bounced on the floor twice. An Eddy Curry in shape would be Walsh's best lottery pick yet. He's not a bad guy, I'd like him to be successful.
Willis - If it's true, I'll be really happy. Eddy's a guy I really would love to see succeed. Maybe he could do that by playing with a chip on his shoulder, out to prove people wrong.
I know it was one game, but I saw something in him last season in that game against the Nuggets, when the crowd started chanting for him.
I won't believe it or hold out hope till I see it, but if Eddy could get into shape and play at a high level, both ends of the floor, on a consistent basis... then the knicks become a different team.
The Knicks need to stop thinking they can solve all of their problems by the end of the night tomorrow night and stick to the 2010 plan. Draft someone who we can rely on in crunch time (Mayo) or someone who will be a tenacious defender on the perimeter like Lee is on the interior (Westbrook) and let D'Antoni coach the pieces we have. Be patient fans and Waltoni. It's thinking like this that led to Thomas screwing uo the roster so badly in the first place (although I contend he was still far and away better than Layden).
Yes! Thanks for the Firefox link! I agree with danNY K we can't solve everything in one night but a good draft is imperative. If you can't get Mayo, get the fifth pick and end up with J. Alexander and a PG project. It would be a good start if nothing else.