Mocking the Mock Draft
Fellow Fixer Jon Rothstein, who puts in work for MSG Network and ESPN Radio, agreed to offer his projection of the 2008 NBA Draft.
I agreed to mock his mock draft and I welcome all of you to do the same.
My man JR -- a regular vistor to this site who has his own hoops blog at MSG.com -- is a well-versed college basketball afficionado who does his homework on players and also on what NBA teams are looking for.
And if you're tuning in, JR is in the Jody McDonald slot this Sunday morning on ESPN Radio and is having your beloved blog host on at 10:25 a.m. to do some NBA Draft preview stuff. JR, like Brandon Tierney, always promotes the blog, so give 'em love, Fixers.
In the meantime, here's Rothstein's mock (the lottery picks only) and my mocks of his mock. The forum is now open for all of you.
Mock on.
* *
1. Chicago Bulls ..............Derrick Rose, Memphis
JR: The hometown product revitalizes the franchise he grew up rooting for, forming a lethal 1-2 punch for Luol Deng.
The Fix: Agreed. Though I think Michael Beasley is an easier pick because you can keep Hinrich (and not have to deal with the trade speculation and difficulty in making a good deal) and make your frontcourt that much stronger and, overall, be a better team sooner, Rose has the most upside of any player in the draft.
2. Miami Heat............Michael Beasley, Kansas St.
JR: Pat Riley wants to trade this pick but whoever winds up with Beasley will get production, charisma, and a major dose of nastiness.
The Fix: Which is why, Jon, the Bulls should take him and let Miami take Rose. The needs are there for both teams, but do you pass up a coveted PG for an undersized PF? The book says you don't. (The book also says you wait on Tom Thibodeau before hiring an inexperienced head coach like Vinny Del Negro, so we know the Bulls don't always follow the "book").
3. Minnesota Timberwolves...O.J. Mayo, USC
JR: Originally the pick was Brook Lopez, but Mayo’s scoring ability and high ceiling make him bound for Minnesota.
The Fix: Randy Foye's presence makes this a curious choice by you. Mayo has huge upside, but drafting him means they'd then have to move Rashad McCants and figure out how to play two combo guards in the backcourt. Going with a big makes more sense, which is why I say Lopez. Or maybe Kevin McHale trades this pick to his boy Danny Ainge for, like, Brian Scalabrine, just to ensure a Celtic dynasty.
4. Seattle Supersonics..........Jerryd Bayless, Arizona
JR: The prototypical hybrid, Bayless should be the spark needed to ignite more easy baskets for Kevin Durant in Seattle.
The Fix: Here is where the WaMu Theatre fills with boos. Bayless, it says here, is the best fit for the Knicks of anyone in this draft after Rose.
5. Memphis Grizzlies.............Kevin Love, UCLA
JR: A clone of Brad Miller, Love gives the Grizzlies polish inside and out.
The Fix: Hopefully he's in better shape than Brad Miller. But a good fit here for a team that will want to get up and down the floor. Love can play the pick-and-pop and post-up a little. But Marc Iavaroni wants defense and he'll get no Love on defense.
6. New York Knicks...............Russell Westbrook, UCLA
JR: Combo guard should excel under Mike D’Antoni.
The Fix: Westbrook's stock rose quickly in predraft workouts and UCLA often churns out quality players. But you could trade down a little, maybe pick up a second-rounder, and probably still land him. I'm just wondering if they'll be chanting for Gallinari, the "Italian Stallion", at the Theatre. Di-no! clap, clap Di-no! clap, clap....
7. Los Angeles Clippers..........Eric Gordon, Indiana
JR: Gordon’s skills make him a candidate to start right away for the Clippers.
The Fix: And he was never heard from again.
8. Milwaukee Bucks...............Joe Alexander, West Virginia
JR: Alexander best trait is what Scott Skiles wants from all his players; toughness.
The Fix: Super Joe and Yi Jianlian would make a good combo and Skiles ought to get Andrew Bogut's head on straight, too, which means the Bucks could have a solid, athletic and young frontcourt for years to come.
9. Charlotte Bobcats...............Brook Lopez, Stanford
JR: Larry Brown will love Lopez’s defense and rebounding. At least until January.
The Fix: Buzz! Wrong answer. LB goes for more athleticism (see: DeAndre Jordan) or goes for huge upside (Anthony Randolph). And starts getting antsy by Christmas. Does he ever really unpack?
10. New Jersey Nets...............Danilo Gallinari, Italy
JR: The Italian gives Lawrence Frank insurance if New Jersey doesn’t resign Bostjan Nachbar.
The Fix: No one has made the Gallinari-Nachbar comparisons but they do seem very similar. Bokie is a nice player, but if you're the Nets you have to hope Gallinari winds up the better player. If the Knicks pass on him at No. 6, the Clippers might grab him at No. 7, but I agree he doesn't get past this point, which will make Dino happen because he'd get to live in New York. Of course if they're in on Carmelo Anthony, then he'd have to decide between Milan and Denver.
11. Indiana Pacers..................D.J. Augustin, Texas
JR: The little general has been better than almost everyone so far in workouts. He might not last this long.
The Fix: No, this is about where he should wind up. Smart, talented but small. He fits with what the Pacers want to do with their team (and I don't just mean finding a reason to get rid of Jamaal Tinsley).
12. Sacramento Kings..............Anthony Randolph, LSU
JR: How good can someone be whose team lost eight games in a row in the worst year in the history of the SEC? The likely bust of the first round goes to Arco Arena.
The Fix: Geoff Petrie only likes players who can shoot. Randolph fits here at this point of your mock, but so would some others, especially the French kid, Nicolas Batum. Oui, oui!.
13. Portland Trailblazers...........DeAndre Jordan, Texas A &M
JR: The Blazers have the same chance of keeping this pick as I do of winding up with Jessica Alba. If they do keep it, look for them to go after a wing such as Brandon Rush although I really believe it should be Chris Douglas-Roberts.
The Fix: Dude, first of all, your chances with Jessica Alba are far more remote than the Blazers keeping the pick. Second, with Greg Oden (remember him?) ready to start his career, the chances the Blazers draft another big man such as Jordan are as likely as you winding up with Jessica Lange (I hear you're into cougars).
14. Golden State Warriors.........Darrell Arthur, Kansas
JR: The best player in the NCAA title game, Arthur has a fluid offensive game but needs to become a better rebounder.
The Fix: Has a post-up game that Don Nelson is dying for and would fit well playing next to developing Brandan Wright in the new frontcourt.
At this point in the draft, the playoff teams pick from the little of what remains (JaVale McGee, Brandon Rush). The 15th pick will be one to watch because it is owned by the Phoenix Suns (compensation from Atlanta in the Joe Johnson trade) and it is been made quite clear that Steve Kerr wants to use his first-round pick and a veteran (Leandro Barbosa or Boris Diaw) to move up in the draft.
The Nets have two picks and are on the board again at No. 21 (from Dallas in the Jason Kidd trade), Seattle has another pick at No. 24 (from Phoenix in Kurt Thomas trade) and Memphis has their second first-round choice at No. 28 (from the Lakers in the Pau Gasol trade). Any of these could be moved.
The Knicks don't have a second-round pick, but you can expect they will try to pick one up along the way. Seattle has four second-round picks, which they most likely won't all keep and Portland has three, including the Knicks' pick as a result of the Demetris Nichols trade last year.
My two sleepers in the second round are Joey Dorsey (Memphis), who has an NBA-ready body and could be a very good depth player in someone's front court, and Georgetown's Patrick Ewing, Jr., who has the explosive athleticism, toughness and smarts to be a reliable energy/defense player off the bench in the right system.
Remember to catch the show on Sunday morning. Check back here for a link to the segment once it hits the 1050ESPNRadio.com website.
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Comments (39)
That's exactly how my Mock looks like as of right now except I have New Jersey taking Anthony Randolph, Sacramento taking Danilo Gallinari, Portland taking Brandon Rush and Golden State taking Kosta Koufos.
I won't be upset with Russell Westbrook but I won't be jumping up and down in excitement either. They are replaying a lot of UCLA games on ESPNU so I've made it a priority to watch and concentrate on Westbrook and I'm not that impressed. Don't get me wrong, he does have talent. He's a VERY good defender. He completely owned O.J. Mayo, Jerryd Bayless and Stephen Curry. Westbrook will be on an NBA All-Defensive team. But besides the D, there is not much else. Westbrook is very mediocre at everything. He's not terrible but he's average. I think he'll be what he was at UCLA - a very good role player who brings defense and energy. And he is not ready to be a full-time PG. Westbrook is a project.
A tidbit from Hoopsworld I was unaware of - Warrior's trade exception:
"The final pick in the lottery belongs to the Golden State Warriors, and this pick is also very much in play. The Warriors have some interesting options since the team holds a $9.9 million trade exception. What this means is the club can acquire a high salary player in return for just the 14th pick by simply using the aforementioned trade exception to match salary. Even more intriguing is the fact the exception expires on June 30th, which means the draft is the last real chance for the Warriors to cash it in. Don't be surprised if teams in need of cap relief such as the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks engage the Warriors in discussions."
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9157
The Warriors will need a player in return, why not a sign and trade of Ellis, the exception, and the 14 pick for Randolph or Crawford? They need a post player badly, Crawford is as prolific as Ellis and probably has better range at this point in his career. I prefer Ellis for his willingness to drive the ball and play an all-round game as opposed to Crawford's "NBA on Ice" nightly figure skating performances.
Great post Alan, and both you and JR have very righteous picks. However, I'd disagree with the following:
--Riley WILL keep the pick and take Beasley. He is an instant all-star, an impact player. Besides, the Heat are pretty weak upfront.
--Mayo WILL go third, but not to the T-wolves. They'll trade that pick to either the Sonics, Grizzlies, or Knicks. By trading the pick, they'll get another player or pick, plus acquire the guy they want anyway, Brook Lopez.
--Hopefully the Knicks do end up with Westbrook -- he is a great defender, can drive the paint as well as any player in the draft, and has emerging pg skills. Biggest issue is that the Sonics are thinking the same and he might be gone by six, which means the Knicks select Bayless. Not a bad back up choice.
@ Willis, Man are you on CRACK ! If you was the GM of the Warriors would you make that trade, only to be tarred and feathered and chased out of town? Stop dreaming man! "REALITY" man, "REALITY" !!!
@ Willis, Man are you on CRACK ! If you was the GM of the Warriors would you make that trade, only to be tarred and feathered and chased out of town? Stop dreaming man! "REALITY" man, "REALITY" !!!
I gotta disagree with you Alan about UCLA's track record of churning out solid players. 1st off with the 6th pick we dont need a solid player, we need the best available talent and The Knicks dont have the luxury of passing up talent, with their record.
UCLA has been one of the worst college teams at developing NBA talent, in the last 15years. Farmar, Affolo, Thompson,Hollins, Ariza, Kapono, Gadzuric, Matt Barnes, Watson, Mosio, Mc Coy, Bailey, Henderson, The Obannon brothers, Edney, Tracy Murray and Don Maclean are some of the average talent they have given the NBA. Outside of Baron Davis in 1999, they have been a complete disappointment in that regard. In contrast look at a team like Arizona, U Conn, or even Wake Forest. So excuse me if I dont get exited over Westbrook, I think he has some skills but I see him being just another average player in the league.
Knicks may not have cap space for LeBron
Bob Finnan, Morning Journal Writer
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19793355&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46370&rfi=6
What good is drafting a point guard if Steph is going to be the starter next year? So he can sit and watch us lose. The Knicks biggest issue is cap space. Westbrook will still be on the board at 12-15. We need to move up and make a deal with Seattle. If I were the Knicks throw anything to land Bayless and make a deal with Seattle. They are changing cities and will be open for a trade. Crawford or N8 to go back to there old playground.
Reason - Warriors have no hope of competing in the west (or the NBA for that matter) without somebody to score in the paint. Giving up the number 14 pick for a perennial 20 - 10 guy makes sense. Have you looked at their roster?
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/golden_state.htm
They only have 7 guys under contract next year. 7! Foyle is in the last year of his contract, they would easily be able to take Zach's salary and have room for more. Take a look at any of the players they could hope to get at 14, do any of them make a difference on this squad? Who's going to score you 20 points a night after Davis (also could be gone in the near future if he forgets to fall in love with Golden State and take less money to stay)? Jackson, maybe, but how many jumpers will he take to do it? Harrington? Biedrins? Bellineli? This is a duck and chuck squad that has no way to balance the floor. These guys are going to be brutalized and are Baron Davis back spasms away from the cellar. They don't even have enough guys to package for better players.
But your right, Dontae Green (draftexpress, hoopshype, nbadraftne mock t#14) is the TRUTH and will make them a contender. Can't have enough 3 point shooters looking to win the game in the 1st quarter. Maybe they can become the first team outside of the 6-foot and under league to win a championship with an all jump-shooters team.
Westbrook has a promise:
http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/53114/20080621/westbrook_wont_be_available_at_#11/
Clips? Knicks?
Westbrook is only 19years old, may not be an allstar in the future but I'm not gonna doubt him...this guy WASN'T highly recruited and helped ucla get to another final 4...plays TERRIFIC defense on the ball...not to mention has AMAZING work ethic, ooooo and he led ucla in assists when collison is the "true pg" and played great pg for us when collison was hurt...he'll be just fine under mike d'antoni besides the knicks need a defensive minded player
I've been saying it for about, oh, the last month or so, and I'm saying it now...you can quote me on it....
The Knicks will select Russell Westbrook.
Period.
I hope the knicks do the trade
with phoenix for barbosa and
and get their #14 pick
if not westbrook would be a nice pick up.
we need to get a extra pick in the first round or a 2nd round pick
we need bodies...more bodies to compete with the "veterans"
@ Bronxboy
DJ Augustin will be our #6 pick if we don't trade down!
And....he doesn't shoot 55% from the FT line!
Pure PG is the Knicks biggest need under D'Antoni,
Period!
@ NYC 2 Infiniti..
Concur with your assessment.
If we can somehow obtain multiple picks....maybe even a mid-first round and an early second round pick (Portland, we'd just love our pick back), I'd be just fine with that because we could use all the young studs we could garner However, if we stand pat and keep our pick, I'd have to go with Westbrook, or possibly Joe Alexander.
I'd steer clear of Randolph. If we had the team in place to bring him along slowly possibly....but we don't.
willis,
That looks like a very good area for the Knicks to explore. However, I can't see anyone taking on Zach's salary unless they think they are one player away (and he's it) OR they are giving us back a worse player or players with similarly bad contracts. Even if a team can afford to make a deal, that doesn't mean it's economically smart to do so.
For the Knicks, getting back bad contracts would be OK as long as they are at least 1 year shorter.
Perhaps we can unload other salaries in that direction (like Crawford) and then draft a SG instead of being focused entirely on a PG (or use their pick to get both).
@ Peaceman,
Where did you read Westbrook shoots 55% from the charity stripe? I thought someone later dispelled that "rumor" and confirmed that he's a 71% free-throw shooter? Let's assume he shot the lesser percentage, if that's the only knock on him, I'll take that as a tradeoff anyday, considering everything he gives us.
@ Bronx Boy In MD, Yeah you may be right, it may be RW, but I also would rather J.Alexander. Fixers try to remember that there will be a next year and there are a hell of a lot of point guards coming out next year! @ Peaceman, yo man DJA is not worth the six pick, and that was before he got abused by D.Rose in the tournament!
To you Fixers who just want draft picks and more body,s, that's not what the game is about, it's about match ups-exploiting them, and exploiting those match up with better offensive and defensive players than your opponent. I saw M.Dunleavy put up 35 points on W.Chandler twice, TWICE!!! Thats another reason why I want J.Alexander in the worst way. Not drafting J.Alexander is a mistake the Knicks can't make!
To you fixers who like OJM, or JB, or RW, or even DJA to play the point for the knicks this year, would any of you take one of these players over a Stephen Curry next year? SC has the handle, the smarts,the craftiness, the mental toughness, and the unselfishness to dominate his man in a system! Do any one want to imagine him running the pick and roll in D'antonio system? I would draft J.Alexander this year and sign S.Curry's running mate-Jason Richards as an undrafted free agent and let Marbury play with the pride his 20+ million dollar contract say he should be playing with!
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=DraftRater-080620
very interesting piece here by espn.com's stat guru john hollinger. he offers a warning against any team looking to draft anthony randolph.
Hey Peacman...
That link you pasted was an article written by a someone who's wishful thinking is equal to my own. Of course he doesn't want to lose Lebron, as an ohio sports columnist there isn't much to write about so to lose his main attraction to NYC, a place with unlimited attractions is a scary thought.
My wishful thinking still believes the Knicks do have a shot.
My wish is for the knicks to do everything possible to use their draft position and lure a team into taking Zach Randolph's contract off the books.
There will never be a better time to deal him than NOW!
The cap situation isn't as bad as advertised...
Keep in mind:
Stephon's contract expires 2009
Q-rich in 2010
Malik Rose in 2009
Jerome James in 2010
Fred Jones is off the books
Jared Jeffries has an option in 2010
So removing Zach will put the Knicks in a really good spot. To me that is the only option. The future of the Franchise depends on a great business decision not a great draft selection.
I will never understand the complexity of the knicks' salary cap but I know that there will be some great free agents available in 2010 and a Knick team with money to burn is very enticing to anyone.
if they don't trade steff on draft night i don't see them drafting a PG...n i really hope they don't. we NEED legit size n SHOT BLOCKING on this team. that will trigger our fast breaks the opposite direction and we are well capable w/ jamal, nate n steff handling that role. if we don't get an 'amare' (anthony randolph) how in tha hell R we gonna be running in d'antoni's 'system' ?? with fatso N bozo as our bigs IT AIN'T HAPP'NIN !! they don't fill the lanes on a breakaway...they plug 'em.
@ Bronxboy,
Augustin vs Westbrook
Note the ( * ) is for a plus in a D'Antoni system. 1 is good. 5 is
is Ultimate.
A - is not a Great indication for an uptempo team.
AT A GLANCE - D.J. Augustin
Strengths:
• Strong build***
• Basketball instincts*****
• Mix between scoring/passing*****
• Outstanding ball-handling skills w/either hand****
• Change of gears/Hesitation moves*****
• Ability to get to free throw line*****
• Pick and roll play*****
• Perimeter shooting*****
• Off the dribble shooting****
• Quick release*****
• Mid-range game*****
• Transition play*****
• Court vision*****
• Unselfishness*****
• Under control play******
• Assist to turnover ratio*****
• Commitment to playing defense**
• Fundamentals*****
• Intangibles
• Winner****** ( How many have this on their profile?)
Weaknesses:
• Size
• Defensive potential
• Streak shooter
• Finishing potential at next level?
• Ball-dominant at times - - -
• Shot-selection mildly questionable - - -
AT A GLANCE - Russell Westbrook
Strengths:
• Freakish athleticism**
• Excellent first step/Amazing leaper*****
• Wingspan
• Huge hands
• Phenomenal in transition*****
• Outstanding defender*****
• Can guard 1 or 2-spot*****
• Understands role/Team player*****
• Executes offensively*****
• Strong intangibles/Work ethic*****
• Brings great energy*****
• Late bloomer/Huge upside**
Weaknesses:
• Not a true point guard - - - - -
• Undersized for SG position- - - - -
• Struggles in half-court- - - - -
• Average ball-handler - - - - -
• Average shooter- - - - -
• Ability to create own shot- -
• Mid-range game- - - - -
• A starter at PG or SG?- - - - - ( we need a point)
• Needs time to develop- - - - -
Sorry Bronxboy, You and I have had an uncanny similar
agreement on the past Drafts....but this year it's a 180.
The Knicks have too many (Half-PG'S).....we need a Pure Point!
IMO the lack of a Pure point has stuck out among the MANY needs we are desperate for! Just for fun check out the similar down side on Paul in 2005:
Weaknesses
Paul is a remarkably well-rounded point guard and prospect, but there are a few negatives to mention.
With his quick hands and dominant lateral quickness, you would expect Paul to be a dominant defender. However, he is mediocre at best in this area. While he ends up with a lot of steals, he isn't always an aggressive defender, and doesn't eat up opposing ball handlers the way that he should.
Wake Forest was a very poor defensive team this season, and it showed up in the tournament. While some of that falls on Skip Prosser's system and a few of Paul's teammates, Paul's inability to lock up primary ball handlers (go back to that West Virginia game again), is a place to start when discussing the Demon Deacons' defensive woes.
At a generous 6'0, Paul is a bit undersized as a point in the NBA. While his explosiveness more than makes up for it, Paul may have to adjust some of the things he does as far as attacking the basket. He may have trouble guarding some of the bigger point guards in the league as well.
With the 6Th pick of the 2008 Draft, the New York Knicks select,
D.J Augustin. ,,,,,if he's still there!
@ peaceman
DJ augustin = andre barrett
NO THANKS. we don't need another neophyte on a team lacking defense, rebounds and shot blocking from the F/C positions.
@ Tha_Prowler..
"DJ augustin = andre barrett"
Precisely.
@ Peace...
It's ok to disagree, if you're trying to compare Augustin to Paul, the biggest diff is this:
"With his quick hands and dominant lateral quickness, you would expect Paul to be a dominant defender. However, he is mediocre at best in this area. While he ends up with a lot of steals, he isn't always an aggressive defender, and doesn't eat up opposing ball handlers the way that he should."
Paul can afford to gamble because he's got a skilled, shot-blocking frontline backing him up, with Chandler Tyson leading the way.
Who do we have on the backline once the opposing PG gets past our PG, who's supposed to be our first line of defense?
Exactly.
That's why we need a PG that can not only keep his man in front of him, but one that can also play the passing lanes, making up for his teamates' deficiencies as well.
Someone in the mold of a Derek Harper.
We'll draft that someone on Thursday. His name is Russell Westbrook.
Alan,
Russell Westbrook is the selection for the Knicks, this guy
plays awesome defense, great athlete, has leadership
skills, want's to play the point & he keeps getting better.
Zach randolph to the Bulls foe Larry Hughes would be a
good trade for both sides, he can play small forward
& Q-rich is always hurt, he can also play the two spot.
Zach Randolph the the cavs for Wally Szczerbiak also
makes alot of sense, his contract expires this year.
Augustin turns heads at workout
Posted: Friday June 20, 2008 08:41AM ET
I've got one word to sum up Wednesday's predraft workout at the Trail Blazers' practice facility: WOW.. Joe Alexander was impressive on Tuesday in displaying exceptional athleticism, leaping ability and raw potential. RUSSELL WESTBROOK made a strong case to become a Blazer last week when he showed better-than expected shooting ability, versatility and athleticism. But I've been to every one of the Blazers' nine workouts thus far and no prospect has revealed a more polished, NBA-ready game than D.J. Augustin did today.
The Oregonian
BTW..Good Article...and the Knicks #6 pick face is on this Bleacher report......GREAT ARTICLE
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/29635-2008-NBA-Draft-Who-Should-the-New-York-Knicks-Pick--140608
@Peaceman
i like DJ augustine...but not for this team.
the biggest problem the knicks had was other teams PG
would attack our PGs and breakdown our defense(did i say defense...LOL)
dj is too small.
if we drafted him we would have the
smallest backcourt in the league.
how would he guard rajon rondo?
how about raymond felton?
andre miller?
chauncey billups?
these are the type of guards he would have to play against constantly and he would become a defensive liability.
The knicks will pick Russell Westbrook at #6
(well that is if they don't trade the pick)
russell westbrook=Derek harper
if they took joe alexander i would be cool with that too...
@ NYC 2 Infinity,
I understand your concern,,but even coach Dunleavy had this to say...Augustin is regarded as the draft's top pure point guard among a class top-heavy with combination guards. Still, his slight frame -- he is listed generously at 6 feet and 180 pounds -- might make teams cautious of selecting him.
"I think he's really quick," Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said after the workout. "He shoots the ball with a high IQ, so I think he's going to be a really good NBA player.
"It's all about quickness, right? Quickness negates size and he's got shooting ability. He's got an array of runners. He's got a lot of different tools."
Once again his quote: Quickness negates size and he's got shooting ability.
I also think if we don't get a Defensive big man, Derrick Rose
would look bad on the Knicks! If Steve Nash, Tony Parker and Chris Paul are successful...Augustin should have that type affect.
I don't think we should pass on this Kid. Westbrook is not going to Change the Knicks defensive pattern and I don't think he can run the offense as well as Augustin. How does Parker, Paul and Nash Guard those bigger PG you mentioned? Team defense will have to be a factor no matter who we draft!
@Peaceman
but does DJ augustine have the athleticsm to finish around the basket in the NBA?
the bigs in the NBA are no joke...my only knock against DJ is he not as athletic as a chris paul...or deron williams...Allen Iverson
those guys were freaks.
is it a coinencidence that two of the most successful PGs coming from college in the last 5 years were both athletic freaks?
deron willams and chris paul are light years ahead of DJ Augustin
in regards to athleticism.
i think DJ will be a good player but
i don't think he is a lottery pick.
remember the game against memphis?
he was totally dominated by Derrick Rose
Alan,
DX says teams now believe Seattle will take Brook Lopez at 4 which means Jerryd Bayless will drop to 6. We know Waltoni likes Bayless. : /
I'm not a big fan of his game. Bayless is Stephon Marbury 2.0
Wow, a lot of dissent about this pick.
Dissappointing, cause I think we could really use something to cheer about as Knicks fans. I wish there was a solid, consensus pick that would get big cheers at the Garden Thursday. Seems like anyway Walsh goes, there will be a good number of people who disagree.
@ NYC 2 Infinity, there really isn't any more of substance to debate concerning DJA, of Him not being a top 10 pick, of him being on the small side(5"10 without sneakers), of him not being able to match up with the point guards in the NBA, or of him being abused by D.Rose in his last college game. The facts are the facts! Peaceman is to far gone to see the facts let alone hear the Voice Of Reason! But I will speak any way. JOE ALEXANDER WILL BE THE NEW FACE OF THE KNICKS THE DAY OF JUNE 26, 2008 !!!!!!!!!!
Did anyone see our first game against the Celts on TNT? I believe the deficit hit 30 before halftime.
Don't believe the hype. We have 4 PGs and no defenders.
We need a shotblocker/rebounder this year to play with Curry. Sure, it will probably place us in the lottery again, but it would give us a chance to develop a big man. If we are attempting to make a run at LeBron, we wouldn't need to draft a PG anyway.
Yeah, there is smoke out there and it is the belief that we need a PG with the #6 pick.
We need a defensive big.
@VOR'
hey if the knicks draft joe alexander i am fine with that.
that kid can ball...
Lebron opting out in 2010 is FAR from a sure thing. There are two many things that could go wrong from now till 2010. The Knicks are better off trying to get there #1 pick back from the Jazz in the 2010 draft. Utah would love to trade ak47s' contract for something ending shorter.
Ha! your comment about Kevin Mchale was apropo. Did Mchale get a share of the Celtics championship earnings? He deserved it.
P.S. When is Minnesota going to run Mchale out of town?