Official 2007 NBA Draft Thread

[Sauru]

i think they have to take conley at 3, they cant risk waiting to 11 to get him. though i dont think hibbert will fall to 11 it seems alot of "experts" think he will. if thats true and atlanta could get those 2 i think they would be in for a big turn around soon.

[Ty-Land]

The Hawks could even take a big at 3 and get Acie Law or possibly (at a big reach) Critterdon at 11. If they don't take Conley, Memphis probably will, and the Bucks more than likely will.

[maes]

I would be surprised if Rashard walks for nothing, because that means a team is offering $19M-$20M a year for him, so a $100M contract for 5 years.

Fortson's contract ends this year, so his salary can be added to Rashard's current contract and Seattle wouldn't be paying any more than last year...that's $17M for Rashard they can pay without any more burden. I think he'll sign for significantly less than that.

My guess is that Rashard will stay, just sign for more money, unless Orlando or the Bobcats are going to throw KG money at him, which seems unlikely.

EDIT
Conley at 3? Wow that would be a surprise but there's no doubt Atlanta needs a star PG. Atlanta seems to draft on need, i bet they take Hibbert at 3 which is too high, but they did the same for Shelden at 5, Marvin at 2, etc..

Grizzlies are also not in the market for a 210 lb college PF; who do they pick up? Noah/Horford?

The 6-9 teams could really score this year.

[---]

That reminds me. Please Pax, swing a trade to get a mid-late first rounder.



Steal!

[Ty-Land]

I would be surprised if Rashard walks for nothing, because that means a team is offering $19M-$20M a year for him, so a $100M contract for 5 years.

Fortson's contract ends this year, so his salary can be added to Rashard's current contract and Seattle wouldn't be paying any more than last year...that's $17M for Rashard they can pay without any more burden. I think he'll sign for significantly less than that.

My guess is that Rashard will stay, just sign for more money, unless Orlando or the Bobcats are going to throw KG money at him, which seems unlikely.

I honestly think he is very overrated. I wouldn't want the Bucks to sign him, especially for over 8 million a year. Would rather push for Gerrald Wallace.

[Andrew]

Naturally I'm disappointed that the Bulls didn't move up but it was a long shot to happen so I'm not too surprised.

This has to be one of the most heartbreaking seasons for the Celtics franchise. From the loss of an icon like Red Auerbach to the untimely death of Dennis Johnson to the injury woes and disappointing record and then only ending up with the fifth pick, it's been a tough year.

[CMJ3]

Wow the Blazers, thats gonna be fun to watch Oden (most likely) and Roy and Aldridge, wow a lot to like. Now i cant wait for Portland vs Seattle, thats gonna be a good game.

[Matt]

YES.....MORE BLAZERS GAMES ON TV NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!

[cheater1034]

too bad for memphis and boston, They'll still get better players, but nobody like durant or oden.

Portland and seattle are the best 1 and 2 for me, because they are both in the west, and I like seattle too. In the west means the east don't have to play them as often when they're world beaters.

[Andrew]

YES.....MORE BLAZERS GAMES ON TV NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!

You trust Foxtel to do that?

[Buckley]

Sixers still have three first round picks, hopefully we can get Hibbert and some other decent role players. However, if things went my way, we could trade all four of ou picks this year for the right to get Oden, but that wont happen.

[maes]

Wow the Blazers, thats gonna be fun to watch Oden (most likely) and Roy and Aldridge, wow a lot to like. Now i cant wait for Portland vs Seattle, thats gonna be a good game.

Absolutely.

Seattle was a good team (4th in WC behind Dallas) with Vlade, i get dizzy thinking what they'll do with Durant taking Radmanovic's spot.

They need a good coach, foremost.

[Drex]

Sixers still have three first round picks, hopefully we can get Hibbert and some other decent role players. However, if things went my way, we could trade all four of ou picks this year for the right to get Oden, but that wont happen.

I know shit about the players in the draft except Oden, Durant and Noah. Who do you think the Sixers could (or should) pick? The biggest need is a PF, IMO.

[1CenT]

Isn't Aldridge kind of a center? Randolph a 4.... Outlaw a 3? I think they need Durant more.. but Oden looks really legit, the most bust he can be is like 18/10/3blocks ... and that definately helps a team more than Durant who should be a superstar..

When you really think about it, the league is changing to a faster pace... Yao had trouble keeping up ( yes he is no where as fast as da great centers of the 80s/90s (hakeem, shaq, drob, ewing) ) ...

Shaq kinda had trouble as well but he is old and they had wade...

Don't you guys think it is possible they are passing up on the next MJ (Durant has the skill,size, athleticism, killer instinct) He is like KG/Tmac, give Tmac KG's mentality.. you got MJ+ right there...

Think about Tmac trying super hard and being a monster defensive player...
That is possibily Durant.. Blazers will be great with a lineup of

Aldridge (14pts 8 rebounds)
Randolph (19pts 9 rebounds)
Durant ( 20/8 )
Jack
Roy

gives them an outside/inside game... and they have 4 good defensive player ( randolph is the weakest )

I'm sure Seattle will luv having Oden Wilcox Lewis, Allen, Ridnour , Collison, Watson and whoever they have off the bench... Oden + incredible outside shooting by Rayray, Lewis , Ridnour + aggressive PF running the lanes and hittin da offensive glass

[Abctest123]

Does this make Randolph expendable if Portland picks Oden? Assuming they do get rid of Randolph, they have a great lineup for the future:

C- Oden
PF- Aldridge
SF-Webster (not familiar with his potential, but it seems like Portland is high on him)
SG-Roy
PG-Jack

Or if they keep Randolph, they'll have Aldridge as a threat off the bench. Or if they pick Durant:

C-Aldridge
PF-Randolph
SF-Durant
SG-Roy
PG-Jack

Can Portland really go wrong with picking either (though picking Oden will follow what the majority picks, and makes the choice of getting rid fo Randolph easier)?

I guess this is the NBA giving Portland a second chance after picking Bowie ahead of Jordan many years ago...

For Seattle, if they pick Durant, letting Lewis go should be no problem. What team do you think Lewis will go to?

[Indy]

When you really think about it, the league is changing to a faster pace... Yao had trouble keeping up ( yes he is no where as fast as da great centers of the 80s/90s (hakeem, shaq, drob, ewing) ) ...

This idea is going to be the downfall of GMs. Any team that thinks this way is going to fall fast, but I don't think any of them are that ignorant. Utah, San Antonio, Detroit and Cleveland are the four remaining teams. All of them are more half court oriented teams. The hybrid fast break teams like Golden State, Phoenix and to an extent New Jersey all met their matches when they had to play tough teams that rebounded well and played solid defense in nip and tuck playoff games. Durant will sell tickets, Oden will win championships.

[---]

Think about Tmac trying super hard and being a monster defensive player...

Not by any means. KD blocked alot of shots and picked up alot of steals in college but he isn't a very good defender. I watched almost all his games at Texas and wasn't really impressed by his defence, it was his length and athleticism that got him great defensive numbers.

He's more like a Rashard Lewis (great shooter, similar ballhandling ability) thats not afraid to bang and play down low. Think a smarter Rashard Lewis with good post game for a perimeter-orientated forward. A bit better of a rebounder and shot blocker, but mostly because he's not scared of contact and despite his frame he will battle for boards and blocked shots.

I have no doubts he will be a superstar player in this league in a few years. I have followed him since his junior year in high school and he's been my favorite player at each level he's played at (High School, College), and that won't change when he hits the league, but it would be a mistake to draft Kevin over Greg Oden.

Just look at the Portland Trailblazers roster. It screams for defence.

[Axel]

They're all half court, but only one of them has a dominant big man.

It's all about matchups. You're forgetting that the hybrid fast break Warriors also beat down the Mavericks, who were a hailed defensive half court team.

I'm amazed by the hypocrisy of the NBA, namely its commentators and analysts. At one end of the spectrum we have the addage "Defense wins championships", yet equally often we here "Good offense always beats good defense". Which is it? It's neither. They're both equally important.

[Indy]

They're all half court, but only one of them has a dominant big man.

I count Carlos Boozer and Tim Duncan, that's 2.

It's all about matchups. You're forgetting that the hybrid fast break Warriors also beat down the Mavericks, who were a hailed defensive half court team.

The biggest problem with the Mavericks was their lack of a dominant big man. Switch out Josh Howard with Greg Oden and the Mavs are still playing.

The fact of the matter is that there was not dominant big man in the East playoffs at all, so we cannot judge Detroit or Cleveland untill we see them face Boozer or Tim Duncan. All I know is that if you don't have a guy named MJ on your team, you're going to need a big team low post scorer and defender or you'll be running in circles in this league.

I'm going to do my early mock draft for the lottery, starting with the first 5 tonight.

1.) Portland Trailblazers Greg Oden
The start of something incredible in Portland. One of the best collection of young promising talent the league will have ever seen. The smile on Brandon Roy's face when it turned out that Portland won the number 1 pick was wild. He looked like a vulture that just found a dead elephant. He knows whats about to happen there.
2.) Seattle Supersonics Kevin Durant
Could be a huge boost to the Seattle community. Kevin Durant will win Rookie of the Year and have a fantastic season. The Sonics will still be a mediocre team next year, but Durant is a guy that will really fill up arenas. He could single handedly keep that team in Seattle.
3.) Atlanta Hawks Yi Jianlian
I've seen some clips of Yi playing, but I haven't seen him a fraction of the other guys on this list. However, from what I've seen and heard, he looks like the real deal. Atlanta could be an exciting team to watch next year if they get a good point guard at 11 or through a trade.
4.) Memphis Grizzlies Al Horford
Horford is amazingly talented and uses his body very well. He reminds me of Carlos Boozer, but he is faster and better defensively. Would have won rookie of the year if he had come out last year in my honest opinion.
5.) Boston Celtics Corey Brewer
Brewer is going to be a guy that skyrockets up draft boards up untill the draft actually happens. Look for him to be rumored as high as the third pick as we get closer to the day. Boston will have a tough choice between the slipping Brandan Wright and the rising Corey Brewer. Milwaukee will be heartbroken after the steal of the draft goes one pick before they select.

[c0nr4d]

c0nr4d's 2007 Mock NBA Draft:

Click Here to make your own. (I can't guarantee it'll look pretty like that tho )

[[Q]]

I think the Hawks might go witha big like horford at 3 and go for Acie Law at 11 if Conley's taken by then.

i bet we will have a few oden portland jersey switches soon.

[eisfeld]

God, I had loved to see Oden in Memphis teaming up with Gasol and Gay. Well, but that dream is over. I kinda feel sorry for the Celtics, they truly would have needed a top 2 pick. Now it's interesting who gets drafted first.

- Durant would be a better fit in Portland than Oden according to the teams needs. They need a better SF besides Webster considering they have Aldridge playing the one. Don't know what happens to Przybilla and Magloire. I think it depends whether Randolph is part of the Blazers future or not.

- Seattle is a toughie. Oden would finally be a nice piece in their frontcourt but considering that they might want to get rid of Rashard Durant might be a nice fit too. I can see Seattle and Portland swapping picks if Portland plans to draft Durant rather than Oden.

- Atlanta
Now it's going to be really tough. The top prospects are frontcourt players but do they need another PF/SF? Conley and Law may be a good fit but they would waste the 3 pick on Conley so they might trade down, pick another player to complement the frontcourt at 3 and draft Law at 11.

My predictions:
- Portland - Durant
- Seattle - Oden
- Atlanta - Wright
- Memphis - Conley Jr.
- Boston - Brewer
and with the 11th pick: Acie Law to Atlanta

[---]

Breakdown:

1. Portland - Greg Oden

Kevin Pritchard is a firm believer in the draft strategy of "pick the best player available". Being the first pick, that means everyone. Kevin may be alot more polished than Greg Oden but no player in the draft can impact both sides of the floor like Oden. Portland gets a franchise center that will dominate his position for over a decade, most likely leading to multiple championships along the way.

2. Seattle - Kevin Durant

With Oden gone, it's a no brainer. Theres are two players in this draft that stand out as franchise changers, Durant is one of them. Will be a prolific scorer in the NBA and immediately make up for Rashard Lewis' loss and then some in his rookie season. Will take over the scoring duties from Ray Allen after a season or two, leading the Sonics back into the playoffs sooner rather than later.

3. Atlanta - Mike Conley

They have missed out on some great point guards in recent years and now they are in position to draft their franchise point in Conley. If they are smart they will take Conley early and grab a quality big man 8 picks later. If they don't they might be kicking themselves over yet another point guard making the Hawks management look stupid. If they can aqcuire some solid role players, Atlanta might be back in the playoff action.

4. Memphis - Brandan Wright

Memphis needs another post presence to go along with Pau Gasol. Brandan has all the tools to become a great player, a franchise player, but he is a big question mark. A bit of a risky pick, but if he pans out, Memphis has one incredible player on their hands. Could eventually put up Garnett type numbers and join Durant and Oden as "franchise changers".

5. Boston Celtics - Yi Jianlian

Falling to the 5th pick may turn out to be alot better than most Celtics fans are thinking. Yi is only surpassed by Durant and Oden in terms of potential. A legit 7 footer who has the speed and athleticism of a small forward. Boston could be getting a quicker, guard like, more athletic Andrea Bargnani here. Think Dirk with a little less shooting touch and a litle more athleticism and slashing ability.

6. Milwaukee Bucks - Al Horford

With a somewhat dissappointing career thus far for Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva hampered by injuries, the Bucks are in need of a point guard or a post presence. Horford is the best prospect at either of those positions and is a relatively safe pick. Can contribute right away and once he polishes his post moves and footwork, could become quite similar to Elton Brand.

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Corey Brewer

With Randy Foye covering the shooting guard position, the Wolves are in need of a player at the swingmen positions. Brewer is a top talent and could contribute right away as the Wolves starting small forward. Double teams to Kevin Garnett and the penetration ability of Foye leaves Brewer open to get his great outside shot going. Could eventually become an All-Defence type player.

8. Charlotte Bobcats - Thaddeus Young

Despite being overlooked and somewhat "left behind" due to his solid but not spectacular freshman season and his team not making any noise this year, Young is still a fantastic prospect. Charlotte is after a post player or perimeter scoring, and Thaddeus provides that. Young is one of the best outside shooters in the draft, but also provides excellent slashing ability. Could eventually become a top 3 or 4 player from the '07 draft.

9. Chicago Bulls - Spencer Hawes

Chicago needs lost post scoring, and Spencer Hawes is the perfect candidate. Might be the best in the draft in terms of post moves and footwork, and is an excellent passer. Hawes won't need to be a defensive monster alongside Ben Wallace, so that part of his game will come in time. Think Brad Miller, but alot more back-to-the-basket. Can contribute right away.

10. Sacramento Kings - Joakim Noah

Noah will provide some much needed energy and defence to the Kings frontline. Can provide much more than just defence, however, as he possesses great passing ability, speed and is a suprisingly good ballhandler for a player of his size. Probably the most bust potential in the draft, but if he works out he should be a very solid player for a late lottery pick.

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I'm too tired to do the rest right now, but I'll give me reason tommorow.

[TomCat]

BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't belive it! I recorded it while I was at school and watched it when i got home and I couldn't believe it when they got to the top 3 and Blazers hadn't been picked yet. I wasn't very happy that Suns weren't able to get the Hawks pick, but oh well. My favourite moment so far as a true Blazers supporter when they said that Sonics had the number 2 pick. I am pumped!

I really hope we draft Oden, because we have no good C. This upcoming season I don't want the young players to do well and not care about the record(that's what i wanted this previous season), but I want the team to WIN WIN WIN! and maybe make a playoff push. I really do think they have a chance of getting a low seed in the West.

GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!!!

[3PK]

WOW this is great news for blazers fans and i think they would all love to see oden on there team imagine the future potential with this line-up, even championship winning, anyway this is the championship potential team i see
C- Oden
PF- Aldridge
SF- Udoka
SG- Roy
PG- Jack, Rodriguz

also if they got Durant and maybe traded away miles that would be a great side