46) Orlando Magic -- Talen Horton-Tucker (Iowa State)
2nd round grade--and even then appeared rather late in the process. Seems like a G-Leaguer.
47) New York Knicks -- Ignas Brezdeikas (Michigan)
The Wolverines were loaded with 2nd rd talent, not surprised to see him going here. (Kings traded #47 to the Knicks for #55)
48) LA Clippers -- Terence Mann (Florida State)
Consistent 2nd round grade all season long, on the rise in the last month or so. Not bad.
49) San Antonio Spurs -- Quinndary Weatherspoon (Missouri State)
Don't know him.
50) Utah Jazz --Jarrell Brantley (College of Charleston)
Don't know him. Another one that isn't on my eligible players list. (Pacers traded #50 to Jazz for a future 2nd rd pick)
51) Boston Celtics -- Tremont Waters (LSU)
Hmmm, scouted LSU and went with Waters over Naz Reid? Well, the Celtics need PG's, so worth a try, I guess, though this seems like G-League depth.
52) Charlotte Hornets -- Jalen McDaniels (San Diego State)
Seems like a decent big body down low.
53) Utah Jazz --Justin Wright-Foreman (Hofstra)
Senior from Hofstra? Okay, I'm ready for it.
54) Philadelphia 76ers -- Marial Shayok (Iowa State)
Another one I don't even see on the eligible player list.
55) New York Kicks -- Kyle Guy (Viriginia)
Great get at #55. The next Alonzo Trier?
56) Brooklyn Nets -- Jaylen Hands (UCLA)
He's had moments of buzz this season, not a bad pick at #56.
57) Atlanta Hawks -- Jordan Bone (Tennessee)
Love this guy, yet another solid pick for the Hawks!
58) Golden State Warriors -- Miye Oni (Yale)
Warriors went way far off the menu tonight. Either the scouts are geniuses or they were just looking busy on draft night.
59) Toronto Raptors -- Dewan Hernandez (Miami)
Don't know him.
60) Sacramento Kings -- Vanja Marinkovic (Serbia)
Didn't exactly burn up the mock drafts, though he was in there. (Vlade Divac's nephew?)
Showing posts with label reactions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reactions. Show all posts
Friday, June 21, 2019
Thursday, June 20, 2019
2019 NBA Draft Reactions (31-45)
31) Brooklyn Nets -- Nicolas Claxton (Georgia)
Started taking off not long before the draft, graded low 1st rd but early 2nd rd is probably the right place for him. Feels like the Nets got a steal at #31
32) Miami Heat -- KZ Okpala (Stanford)
Wow, he was top ten graded for parts of this season, this is a great get for the Heat. (Pacers traded #32 to the Heat for three 2nd rd picks)
33) Boston Celtics -- Carsen Edwards (Purdue)
My man! This is the guy the Celtics wanted the whole time (kinda like when the Rockets got Montrezl Harrell in the 2nd rd). Great pickup for the Celtics, Edwards has the chance to be something interesting.
34) Atlanta Hawks -- Bruno Fernando (Maryland)
Again! Top ten talent that fell a long way. Excellent night for the Hawks! (Sixers traded #34 to the Hawks for #57, a 2020 2nd rd pick, a 2023 2nd rd pick)
35) New Orleans Pelicans -- Marcos Louzada Silva (Brazil)
Seems like a Spurs player, I like it!
36) Charlotte Hornets -- Cody Martin (Nevada)
Had some exciting years with the Wolfpack, I think he'll get to play with the Hornets.
37) Detroit Pistons -- Deividas Syrvidis (Lithuania)
Seemed like a natural for the new-look Mavs but he's off to Detroit. (Mavs traded #37 to the Pistons for #45 and two future 2nd rd picks)
38) Chicago Bulls -- Daniel Gafford (Arkansas)
Hmmm, the last time the Bulls drafted an under appreciated Razorback (Bobby Portis) didn't work out that great. Oh well. I liked Portis and I like Gafford, too, good pick for the Bulls.
39) Golden State Warriors -- Alen Smailagic (Serbia)
Don't know him. I figured the Warriors would be active in the 2nd round but I'm not sure about the Warriors scouting, feels like there are interesting prospects out there and the Warriors keep going off the board. (Pelicans traded #39 to the Warriors for two future 2nd rd picks)
40) Sacramento Kings -- Justin James (Wyoming)
No idea who this guy is. I don't even see him on the list of eligible players!
41) Golden State Warriors -- Eric Paschall (Villanova)
Now here's a 1st rd talent that fell and the Warriors were there to grab him.
42) Washington Wizards -- Admiral Schofield (Tennessee)
Love this pick, getting a gritty hard-working guy at #42 is good value--and they get Jonathon Simmons to fill out the bench, too. (Sixers traded #42 and Jonathon Simmons to the Wizards for cash)
43) Minnesota T-Wolves -- Jaylen Nowell (Washington)
Don't know him.
44) Miami Heat -- Bol Bol (Oregon)
There he is. The whispers have not been good lately but #44 seems a reasonable spot to take a flyer on a guy that might have top ten talent. (Heat traded Bol Bol to the Nuggets for a future 2nd round pick and cash)
45) Dallas Mavericks -- Isiah Roby (Nebraska)
They traded away a full-on Lativian gangbanger for a kid from Nebraska? Intriguing....
Started taking off not long before the draft, graded low 1st rd but early 2nd rd is probably the right place for him. Feels like the Nets got a steal at #31
32) Miami Heat -- KZ Okpala (Stanford)
Wow, he was top ten graded for parts of this season, this is a great get for the Heat. (Pacers traded #32 to the Heat for three 2nd rd picks)
33) Boston Celtics -- Carsen Edwards (Purdue)
My man! This is the guy the Celtics wanted the whole time (kinda like when the Rockets got Montrezl Harrell in the 2nd rd). Great pickup for the Celtics, Edwards has the chance to be something interesting.
34) Atlanta Hawks -- Bruno Fernando (Maryland)
Again! Top ten talent that fell a long way. Excellent night for the Hawks! (Sixers traded #34 to the Hawks for #57, a 2020 2nd rd pick, a 2023 2nd rd pick)
35) New Orleans Pelicans -- Marcos Louzada Silva (Brazil)
Seems like a Spurs player, I like it!
36) Charlotte Hornets -- Cody Martin (Nevada)
Had some exciting years with the Wolfpack, I think he'll get to play with the Hornets.
37) Detroit Pistons -- Deividas Syrvidis (Lithuania)
Seemed like a natural for the new-look Mavs but he's off to Detroit. (Mavs traded #37 to the Pistons for #45 and two future 2nd rd picks)
38) Chicago Bulls -- Daniel Gafford (Arkansas)
Hmmm, the last time the Bulls drafted an under appreciated Razorback (Bobby Portis) didn't work out that great. Oh well. I liked Portis and I like Gafford, too, good pick for the Bulls.
39) Golden State Warriors -- Alen Smailagic (Serbia)
Don't know him. I figured the Warriors would be active in the 2nd round but I'm not sure about the Warriors scouting, feels like there are interesting prospects out there and the Warriors keep going off the board. (Pelicans traded #39 to the Warriors for two future 2nd rd picks)
40) Sacramento Kings -- Justin James (Wyoming)
No idea who this guy is. I don't even see him on the list of eligible players!
41) Golden State Warriors -- Eric Paschall (Villanova)
Now here's a 1st rd talent that fell and the Warriors were there to grab him.
42) Washington Wizards -- Admiral Schofield (Tennessee)
Love this pick, getting a gritty hard-working guy at #42 is good value--and they get Jonathon Simmons to fill out the bench, too. (Sixers traded #42 and Jonathon Simmons to the Wizards for cash)
43) Minnesota T-Wolves -- Jaylen Nowell (Washington)
Don't know him.
44) Miami Heat -- Bol Bol (Oregon)
There he is. The whispers have not been good lately but #44 seems a reasonable spot to take a flyer on a guy that might have top ten talent. (Heat traded Bol Bol to the Nuggets for a future 2nd round pick and cash)
45) Dallas Mavericks -- Isiah Roby (Nebraska)
They traded away a full-on Lativian gangbanger for a kid from Nebraska? Intriguing....
2019 NBA Draft Reactions (15-30)
15) Detroit Pistons --Sekou Doumbouya (France)
Interesting character: youngest in the draft (so he's green) but he's been playing pro since he was 15 (so he's a grizzled vet). Hey, man, Pistons are a good spot for him, he'll play and develop and get just enough edge-of-playoff reps to train his young mind for the grind. I like this pick for the Pistons.
16) Orlando Magic -- Chuma Okeke (Auburn)
I liked Okeke at Auburn, tough guy (tore his ACL, so will we see him this year?), plays smart down low. This is much higher than his projection but since he is hurt this is actually probably where he belongs. Weird that Orlando would take a red-shirt this high, they must love him. (Sneaky 2020-2021 ROY pick)
17) New Orleans Pelicans -- Nickeill Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)
(Seems like Orlando got these picks got out of order: I think I'd rather see Okeke in New Orleans and Alexander-Walker in Indiana. Oh well) He's a savvy player, can shoot the 3, could be good right away, although the Pelicans have a logjam at ballhandling PG, don't they? (Hmmm, is he a Jrue Holiday replacement or the low-pressure understudy?)
18) Indiana Pacers -- Gogo Bitadze (Republic of Georgia)
Big body. All I know about him is that classic picture of him sharing media day with Zion Williamson (and, well, Zion getting 99% of the attention). Pacers love their big foreigners, looking forward to see how he plays (Summer League?).
19) San Antonio Spurs -- Luka Samanic (Croatia)
He was graded as a 2nd rounder but if the Spurs like him, I bet he can play. Is he gonna be a Porzigis-type?
20) Philadelphia 76ers -- Matisse Thybulle (Washington)
Pac-12 senior that averaged less than 10ppg and had a 2nd round grade throughout the season? I'm a little skeptical but supposedly he's gonna be a great defender. But pairing another non-shooter with Ben Simmons? Still skeptical. (Celtics traded #20 to the Sixers for #24 and #34. I thought the Celtics would take Keldon Johnson here, maybe at 22)
21) Memphis Grizzlies -- Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga)
All around good player, solid athlete, shot blocker. Shweet! I like this pick. Throw him in with the new-look squad, see if he's got grit and grind. (Thunder traded #21 to the Grizzlies for #23 and a future 2nd rd pick)
22) Boston Celtics -- Grant Williams (Tennessee)
I like Williams (Vols were fierce last season) but I think this is a little high for him and seems like the Celtics are already stacked at forward so I'm not sure this is the best fit. I think he could be good and the Celtics have a ton of picks, so worth a flyer, I reckon.
23) Oklahoma City Thunder -- Darius Bazley (USA)
Don't know him, coming straight out of high school, which is where they found Terrence Ferguson. Is he a Steven Adams replacement? (I can see this guy blowing up Summer League)
24) Phoenix Suns -- Ty Jerome (Virginia)
The Suns need a proper PG (Celtics do, too, a little surprised they shipped him out), Jerome is probably just the first PG they should be looking for tonight. He's from UVA so you know he'll be a hard-nosed defender, we'll see if he can keep up with the NBA pace. (Celtics traded #24 and Aron Baynes to the Suns for the Bucks 2020 1st rd pick--wow, good deal for the Suns: a big body, reasonably priced vet and a promising PG that's better than what they would've gotten with the pick they traded)
25) Portland Trail Blazers -- Nassir Little (North Carolina)
Wow, lottery grade most of the year (though perhaps overrated a bit), slipped a long way on draft night. Good get for the Blazers, is he a Rodney Hood replacement? (Bet he's gonna ball out in Summer League!)
26) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Dylan Windler (Belmont)
Big kid that can shoot off the cut, if he can find his space gotta figure Sexton and Garland will find him for buckets.
27) LA Clippers --Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State)
Nephew of Dikembe Mutombo, so he's really tall and can block shots. I don't know him, there are questions about his lateral quickness but can shoot 3's. Clippers traded up for him, guess they just want Mutumbo showing up at their games. (Nets traded #27 to the Clippers for #56 and Sixers 2020 1st rd pick)
28) Golden State Warriors -- Jordan Poole (Michigan)
Don't know him. The Warriors must like him because they need this pick to play next year, so whatever they see in Poole, I have to assume they got the guy they wanted. Kinda thought Bol Bol (Oregon) was a good fit here or even Keldon Johnson (Kentucky) as a part-time Klay replacement, a little surprised they went off the board, they really need every reasonably reliable low-priced warm body they can get.
29) San Antonio Spurs -- Keldon Johnson (Kentucky)
The Spurs could use perimeter shooting but I'm not sure KJ is the guy for them (I thought Suns, Celtics and Clippers were better landing spots for Johnson but I guess those teams did not agree). If the Spurs think he's a fit, then I reckon he'll be a fit (though I wouldn't be surprised if his rookie year is more G-League than San Antone).
30) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Kevin Porter Jr (Southern Cal)
Up and down in his one season at USC, talented but raw. The Cavs have completely overhauled their PG and SG positions. These kids'll get to play, looking forward to see if they're any good. (Pistons traded #30 to the Cavs for 2020 2nd rd pick, 2021 2nd rd pick, 2023 2nd rd pick, 2024 2nd rd pick and cash)
Interesting character: youngest in the draft (so he's green) but he's been playing pro since he was 15 (so he's a grizzled vet). Hey, man, Pistons are a good spot for him, he'll play and develop and get just enough edge-of-playoff reps to train his young mind for the grind. I like this pick for the Pistons.
16) Orlando Magic -- Chuma Okeke (Auburn)
I liked Okeke at Auburn, tough guy (tore his ACL, so will we see him this year?), plays smart down low. This is much higher than his projection but since he is hurt this is actually probably where he belongs. Weird that Orlando would take a red-shirt this high, they must love him. (Sneaky 2020-2021 ROY pick)
17) New Orleans Pelicans -- Nickeill Alexander-Walker (Virginia Tech)
(Seems like Orlando got these picks got out of order: I think I'd rather see Okeke in New Orleans and Alexander-Walker in Indiana. Oh well) He's a savvy player, can shoot the 3, could be good right away, although the Pelicans have a logjam at ballhandling PG, don't they? (Hmmm, is he a Jrue Holiday replacement or the low-pressure understudy?)
18) Indiana Pacers -- Gogo Bitadze (Republic of Georgia)
Big body. All I know about him is that classic picture of him sharing media day with Zion Williamson (and, well, Zion getting 99% of the attention). Pacers love their big foreigners, looking forward to see how he plays (Summer League?).
19) San Antonio Spurs -- Luka Samanic (Croatia)
He was graded as a 2nd rounder but if the Spurs like him, I bet he can play. Is he gonna be a Porzigis-type?
20) Philadelphia 76ers -- Matisse Thybulle (Washington)
Pac-12 senior that averaged less than 10ppg and had a 2nd round grade throughout the season? I'm a little skeptical but supposedly he's gonna be a great defender. But pairing another non-shooter with Ben Simmons? Still skeptical. (Celtics traded #20 to the Sixers for #24 and #34. I thought the Celtics would take Keldon Johnson here, maybe at 22)
21) Memphis Grizzlies -- Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga)
All around good player, solid athlete, shot blocker. Shweet! I like this pick. Throw him in with the new-look squad, see if he's got grit and grind. (Thunder traded #21 to the Grizzlies for #23 and a future 2nd rd pick)
22) Boston Celtics -- Grant Williams (Tennessee)
I like Williams (Vols were fierce last season) but I think this is a little high for him and seems like the Celtics are already stacked at forward so I'm not sure this is the best fit. I think he could be good and the Celtics have a ton of picks, so worth a flyer, I reckon.
23) Oklahoma City Thunder -- Darius Bazley (USA)
Don't know him, coming straight out of high school, which is where they found Terrence Ferguson. Is he a Steven Adams replacement? (I can see this guy blowing up Summer League)
24) Phoenix Suns -- Ty Jerome (Virginia)
The Suns need a proper PG (Celtics do, too, a little surprised they shipped him out), Jerome is probably just the first PG they should be looking for tonight. He's from UVA so you know he'll be a hard-nosed defender, we'll see if he can keep up with the NBA pace. (Celtics traded #24 and Aron Baynes to the Suns for the Bucks 2020 1st rd pick--wow, good deal for the Suns: a big body, reasonably priced vet and a promising PG that's better than what they would've gotten with the pick they traded)
25) Portland Trail Blazers -- Nassir Little (North Carolina)
Wow, lottery grade most of the year (though perhaps overrated a bit), slipped a long way on draft night. Good get for the Blazers, is he a Rodney Hood replacement? (Bet he's gonna ball out in Summer League!)
26) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Dylan Windler (Belmont)
Big kid that can shoot off the cut, if he can find his space gotta figure Sexton and Garland will find him for buckets.
27) LA Clippers --Mfiondu Kabengele (Florida State)
Nephew of Dikembe Mutombo, so he's really tall and can block shots. I don't know him, there are questions about his lateral quickness but can shoot 3's. Clippers traded up for him, guess they just want Mutumbo showing up at their games. (Nets traded #27 to the Clippers for #56 and Sixers 2020 1st rd pick)
28) Golden State Warriors -- Jordan Poole (Michigan)
Don't know him. The Warriors must like him because they need this pick to play next year, so whatever they see in Poole, I have to assume they got the guy they wanted. Kinda thought Bol Bol (Oregon) was a good fit here or even Keldon Johnson (Kentucky) as a part-time Klay replacement, a little surprised they went off the board, they really need every reasonably reliable low-priced warm body they can get.
29) San Antonio Spurs -- Keldon Johnson (Kentucky)
The Spurs could use perimeter shooting but I'm not sure KJ is the guy for them (I thought Suns, Celtics and Clippers were better landing spots for Johnson but I guess those teams did not agree). If the Spurs think he's a fit, then I reckon he'll be a fit (though I wouldn't be surprised if his rookie year is more G-League than San Antone).
30) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Kevin Porter Jr (Southern Cal)
Up and down in his one season at USC, talented but raw. The Cavs have completely overhauled their PG and SG positions. These kids'll get to play, looking forward to see if they're any good. (Pistons traded #30 to the Cavs for 2020 2nd rd pick, 2021 2nd rd pick, 2023 2nd rd pick, 2024 2nd rd pick and cash)
2019 NBA Draft Reactions (1-14)
1) New Orleans Pelicans -- Zion Williamson (Duke)
I don't love him quite as much as the rest of the world does (I'm totally ready to be proven wrong!), but he is clearly the #1 player, #1 prospect, #1 potential badass in this draft. Pelicans are gonna be high in my League Pass rankings next year!
2) Memphis Grizzlies -- Ja Morant (Murray State)
Conley's out, it's Morant's team now. While I'm not a huge fan of bringing in Crowder and Korver, it's nice to start Morant off with a coupla solid vets. I don't expect the Grizz to be good any time soon, so no pressure on him.
3) New York Knicks -- RJ Barrett (Duke)
Was the #1 prospect coming out of high school last year and struck me as the more ready-to-go player on the Duke roster last year. Hard to tell what the Knicks will be adding this summer but the Knicks have a good chance to be wildly better than last year (well, I mean, that shouldn't be that hard). And since I love youth movements, looks like I'll be watching a lot of Knicks this season.
4) Atlanta Hawks -- Deandre Hunter (Virginia)
So they traded up for Hunter. UVA (champs!) has steadily produced disciplined smart players over the years and if Hunter plays smart, he'll be a good foil for Trae Young. Seems like he'll fit in nicely between Huerter and Spellman, the Hawks got the youth movement filled out now--and they're still adding.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)
(The Celtics willing to take back JR Smith for this pick?) They say Garland's the next Kyrie Irving (hopefully just on the court), meaning great hands, quick shot, relentlessly attacks the basket. The Cavs just brought in Collin Sexton, can he move to SG?
6) Minnesota T-Wolves -- Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech)
(Wolves just traded for this pick, are they trading it away?) Kinda thought they'd take Coby White, so is this pick future trade bait? Or is Robert Covington the next trade for the Wolves? All I saw of Culver was in the tourney, he played well but he kinda disappeared from time to time, but if he can be a reliable scorer Culver could be a sneaky ROY candidate.
7) Chicago Bulls -- Coby White (North Carolina)
Uhhhh....*sigh*....I don't think this is a good fit. White has great speed but he feels like a project to me and the Bulls are a project team who probably ought to fill out scoring and defense now and just pick up a veteran PG. But, never know, White could be the spark that raises this team up.
8) New Orleans Pelicans -- Jaxson Hayes (Texas)
Thought going for Cam Reddish was the move here, but the Pelicans went for size instead. He's a great finisher around the rim, seems like a nice fit with Zion and Lonzo. I didn't see this one coming but could be a real upside addition for the Pelicans. League Pass!
9) Washington Wizards -- Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga)
Ooh, this is a strangely good pick. I like Hachimura, can score from inside and outside and I like his steady improvement throughout college. Wizards are a dumpster fire so not sure this is the best move for his career but I think he'll play for them right away.
10) Atlanta Hawks -- Cam Reddish (Duke)
Nice! I feel like he's the guy they wanted all along so to pick him up at #10 is a beautiful thing. Reddish kinda disappeared from time to time, but he's a pro now and Trae Young will give him touches. To add Hunter and Reddish on the same night is rocketing Hawks up my League Pass rankings!
11) Phoenix Suns -- Cameron Johnson (North Carolina)
Hmmmm....he topped out at #24 in the mock draft I saw and was most recently a 2nd round projection. So...no idea what the Suns had in mind here. Big for a SF, if he can score (good 3P% in NCAA) he'll get some run, I guess. The Suns did pick up Saric, so while I don't see Johnson making an impact in that lineup, he can take his time developing throughout his rookie year. This is a weird pick.
12) Charlotte Hornets -- PJ Washington (Kentucky)
Hmmm, I figured they'd go for a Tarheel here (like Nassir Little) but I watched a lot of PJ and I liked him a lot and I think he'll be a better pro than a collegian. His comp, and this will be tough to pull off, is Draymond Green: no-nonsense big man who can handle, pass, shoot pretty well but more than anything he can be the guy in control. If the Hornets lose Kemba they'll need a leader and I think PJ can be that guy.
13) Miami Heat -- Tyler Herro (Kentucky)
Herro was nice all year long but played really well in the tourney (in that sense he reminds me of Devin Booker at UK, too, so maybe Herro blows up). Smart kid, bigger than you think, moves well, he'll give the Heat some perimeter shooting. Heat need everything, so Herro's not a bad fit here.
14) Boston Celtics -- Romeo Langford (Indiana)
Nice pick! Langford had been dropping but I was never sure why. If he's healthy I think he'll play hard and score right away (sneaky ROY pick). I think of him as an SG more than a PG, so he might not be a Celtic by the end of the summer because they've got moves to make.
I don't love him quite as much as the rest of the world does (I'm totally ready to be proven wrong!), but he is clearly the #1 player, #1 prospect, #1 potential badass in this draft. Pelicans are gonna be high in my League Pass rankings next year!
2) Memphis Grizzlies -- Ja Morant (Murray State)
Conley's out, it's Morant's team now. While I'm not a huge fan of bringing in Crowder and Korver, it's nice to start Morant off with a coupla solid vets. I don't expect the Grizz to be good any time soon, so no pressure on him.
3) New York Knicks -- RJ Barrett (Duke)
Was the #1 prospect coming out of high school last year and struck me as the more ready-to-go player on the Duke roster last year. Hard to tell what the Knicks will be adding this summer but the Knicks have a good chance to be wildly better than last year (well, I mean, that shouldn't be that hard). And since I love youth movements, looks like I'll be watching a lot of Knicks this season.
4) Atlanta Hawks -- Deandre Hunter (Virginia)
So they traded up for Hunter. UVA (champs!) has steadily produced disciplined smart players over the years and if Hunter plays smart, he'll be a good foil for Trae Young. Seems like he'll fit in nicely between Huerter and Spellman, the Hawks got the youth movement filled out now--and they're still adding.
5) Cleveland Cavaliers -- Darius Garland (Vanderbilt)
(The Celtics willing to take back JR Smith for this pick?) They say Garland's the next Kyrie Irving (hopefully just on the court), meaning great hands, quick shot, relentlessly attacks the basket. The Cavs just brought in Collin Sexton, can he move to SG?
6) Minnesota T-Wolves -- Jarrett Culver (Texas Tech)
(Wolves just traded for this pick, are they trading it away?) Kinda thought they'd take Coby White, so is this pick future trade bait? Or is Robert Covington the next trade for the Wolves? All I saw of Culver was in the tourney, he played well but he kinda disappeared from time to time, but if he can be a reliable scorer Culver could be a sneaky ROY candidate.
7) Chicago Bulls -- Coby White (North Carolina)
Uhhhh....*sigh*....I don't think this is a good fit. White has great speed but he feels like a project to me and the Bulls are a project team who probably ought to fill out scoring and defense now and just pick up a veteran PG. But, never know, White could be the spark that raises this team up.
8) New Orleans Pelicans -- Jaxson Hayes (Texas)
Thought going for Cam Reddish was the move here, but the Pelicans went for size instead. He's a great finisher around the rim, seems like a nice fit with Zion and Lonzo. I didn't see this one coming but could be a real upside addition for the Pelicans. League Pass!
9) Washington Wizards -- Rui Hachimura (Gonzaga)
Ooh, this is a strangely good pick. I like Hachimura, can score from inside and outside and I like his steady improvement throughout college. Wizards are a dumpster fire so not sure this is the best move for his career but I think he'll play for them right away.
10) Atlanta Hawks -- Cam Reddish (Duke)
Nice! I feel like he's the guy they wanted all along so to pick him up at #10 is a beautiful thing. Reddish kinda disappeared from time to time, but he's a pro now and Trae Young will give him touches. To add Hunter and Reddish on the same night is rocketing Hawks up my League Pass rankings!
11) Phoenix Suns -- Cameron Johnson (North Carolina)
Hmmmm....he topped out at #24 in the mock draft I saw and was most recently a 2nd round projection. So...no idea what the Suns had in mind here. Big for a SF, if he can score (good 3P% in NCAA) he'll get some run, I guess. The Suns did pick up Saric, so while I don't see Johnson making an impact in that lineup, he can take his time developing throughout his rookie year. This is a weird pick.
12) Charlotte Hornets -- PJ Washington (Kentucky)
Hmmm, I figured they'd go for a Tarheel here (like Nassir Little) but I watched a lot of PJ and I liked him a lot and I think he'll be a better pro than a collegian. His comp, and this will be tough to pull off, is Draymond Green: no-nonsense big man who can handle, pass, shoot pretty well but more than anything he can be the guy in control. If the Hornets lose Kemba they'll need a leader and I think PJ can be that guy.
13) Miami Heat -- Tyler Herro (Kentucky)
Herro was nice all year long but played really well in the tourney (in that sense he reminds me of Devin Booker at UK, too, so maybe Herro blows up). Smart kid, bigger than you think, moves well, he'll give the Heat some perimeter shooting. Heat need everything, so Herro's not a bad fit here.
14) Boston Celtics -- Romeo Langford (Indiana)
Nice pick! Langford had been dropping but I was never sure why. If he's healthy I think he'll play hard and score right away (sneaky ROY pick). I think of him as an SG more than a PG, so he might not be a Celtic by the end of the summer because they've got moves to make.
Friday, June 22, 2018
2018 NBA Draft Reactions (46-60)
Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State), Malik Newman (Kansas), Shake Milton (SMU), De'Anthony Melton (Southern Cal), Brandon McCoy (UNLV) still out there.
46) Houston Rockets -- PG De'Anthony Melton (Southern Cal)
They need a confident ball handler and passer at this position, if he's reliable with the ball he might catch on for them.
47) LA Lakers -- SG Sviatoslav Mykhailuk (Kansas)
He was streaky at Kansas, if he can settle down he can stick in the NBA (but I'm skeptical).
48) Minnesota Timberwolves -- PF Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State)
Seems like a good pick for the Wolves (except that I don't expect Thibs to play a 2nd round rookie).
49) San Antonio Spurs -- PF Chimezie Metu (Southern Cal)
Good size, if he works hard he can be useful for the Spurs.
50) Indiana Pacers -- PF Alize Johnson (Missouri State)
He was a 1st round prospect in mock drafts all year long, not sure why he slipped recently. Either he was overrated to begin with or the Pacers got themselves a steal.
51) New Orleans Pelicans -- PG Tony Carr (Penn State)
Pelicans need all the wing scoring they can get, if he can score then he can get minutes.
52) Utah Jazz -- SF Vincent Edwards (Purdue)
I don't know Edwards. The only senior drafted?
53) Oklahoma City Thunder -- SG Devon Hall (Virginia)
Virginia players are smart and disciplined, probably G-League filler.
54) Dallas Mavs -- PG Shake Milton (SMU)
I liked Milton, he's a great pick up for the Mavs.
55) Charlotte Hornets -- SF Arnoldas Kubolka (Italy)
Great Euro stash pick.
56) Philadelphia Sixers -- PF Raymond Spalding (Louisville)
Nice player, not a lot of room in Philly, probably a G-Leaguer.
57) Oklahoma City Thunder -- SF Kevin Hervey (UT-Arlington)
Another prospect that had some 1st round buzz throughout the year. Feels like he has a decent shot at catching on with the Thunder.
58) Denver Nuggets -- C Thomas Welsh (UCLA)
Hard to imagine cracking the roster with the Nuggets.
59) Phoenix Suns -- George King (Colorado)
Don't know King. Been a great influx of talent for the Suns, feels like King is a G-Leaguer.
60) Philadelphia Sixers -- PF Kostas Antetokounpo (Dayton)
Yeah, sure, why not? Knicks already whiffed on an Antetokounpo, Sixers got enough talent to give him a shot.
46) Houston Rockets -- PG De'Anthony Melton (Southern Cal)
They need a confident ball handler and passer at this position, if he's reliable with the ball he might catch on for them.
47) LA Lakers -- SG Sviatoslav Mykhailuk (Kansas)
He was streaky at Kansas, if he can settle down he can stick in the NBA (but I'm skeptical).
48) Minnesota Timberwolves -- PF Keita Bates-Diop (Ohio State)
Seems like a good pick for the Wolves (except that I don't expect Thibs to play a 2nd round rookie).
49) San Antonio Spurs -- PF Chimezie Metu (Southern Cal)
Good size, if he works hard he can be useful for the Spurs.
50) Indiana Pacers -- PF Alize Johnson (Missouri State)
He was a 1st round prospect in mock drafts all year long, not sure why he slipped recently. Either he was overrated to begin with or the Pacers got themselves a steal.
51) New Orleans Pelicans -- PG Tony Carr (Penn State)
Pelicans need all the wing scoring they can get, if he can score then he can get minutes.
52) Utah Jazz -- SF Vincent Edwards (Purdue)
I don't know Edwards. The only senior drafted?
53) Oklahoma City Thunder -- SG Devon Hall (Virginia)
Virginia players are smart and disciplined, probably G-League filler.
54) Dallas Mavs -- PG Shake Milton (SMU)
I liked Milton, he's a great pick up for the Mavs.
55) Charlotte Hornets -- SF Arnoldas Kubolka (Italy)
Great Euro stash pick.
56) Philadelphia Sixers -- PF Raymond Spalding (Louisville)
Nice player, not a lot of room in Philly, probably a G-Leaguer.
57) Oklahoma City Thunder -- SF Kevin Hervey (UT-Arlington)
Another prospect that had some 1st round buzz throughout the year. Feels like he has a decent shot at catching on with the Thunder.
58) Denver Nuggets -- C Thomas Welsh (UCLA)
Hard to imagine cracking the roster with the Nuggets.
59) Phoenix Suns -- George King (Colorado)
Don't know King. Been a great influx of talent for the Suns, feels like King is a G-Leaguer.
60) Philadelphia Sixers -- PF Kostas Antetokounpo (Dayton)
Yeah, sure, why not? Knicks already whiffed on an Antetokounpo, Sixers got enough talent to give him a shot.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
2018 NBA Draft Reactions (31-45)
31) Phoenix Suns -- PG Elie Okobo (France)
Lot of buzz about this kid, France is awash in young talent these days. The Suns are killing it tonight, this is a another great pick.
32) Memphis Grizzlies -- PG Jevon Carter (West Virginia)
He had some moments at WVU. The Grizzlies ran through just about every available PG last year, Carter has a good shot at being their 2nd string PG.
33) Dallas Mavs -- PG Jalen Brunson (Villanova)
He was impressive at Villanova, could be a nice 2nd string PG behind Dennis Smith.
34) Atlanta Hawks -- PG Devonte Graham (Kansas)
Another undersized Big 12 PG? The Hawks have a type, I guess. I would've thought Gary Trent Jr would've been good trade bait for the Warriors here.
35) Orlando Magic -- SF Melvin Frazier (Tulane)
Frazier had some good buzz at Tulane, another athletic SF for the Magic.
36) New York Knicks -- C Mitchell Robinson (USA)
Knicks just lost Kyle O'Quinn, could be losing Kanter, too. This gives them a shot at some size down low.
37) Sacramento Kings -- G Gary Trent Jr (Duke)
Another nice youngster to throw in the mix in Sacto.
38) Philadelphia Sixers -- G Khryi Thomas (Creighton)
I thought he was a 1st round talent, great pick up for the Sixers.
39) LA Lakers -- SF Isaac Bonga (Germany)
A good Euro to stash for next year.
40) Brooklyn Nets -- SF Rodion Kurucs (Barcelona)
Plenty of room in the Nets rotation for another Euro winger. Good pick, he should play right away.
41) Orlando Magic -- SF Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky)
Hell of an athlete, though I question his talent for the game of basketball. He can move well, play defense and grab rebounds, so he'll be a useful practice player with some good upside.
42) Detroit Pistons -- SG Bruce Brown (Miami)
Could be a low cost rotation guy for the Pistons, considering this is the only draft pick and they have no money for free agents.
43) Denver Nuggets -- PF Justin Jackson (Maryland)
The Nuggets are already well-stocked there, feels like he's a G-League guy for them.
44) Washington Wizards -- PG Issuf Sanon (Serbia)
Either a Euro stash or just Summer League filler, feels like the Wizards have plenty of PG depth at the moment.
45) Brooklyn Nets -- SG Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)
He might bring some wing scoring off the bench (though I wasn't hugely impressed by Diallo's game at Kentucky). He's a Summer League player.
Lot of buzz about this kid, France is awash in young talent these days. The Suns are killing it tonight, this is a another great pick.
32) Memphis Grizzlies -- PG Jevon Carter (West Virginia)
He had some moments at WVU. The Grizzlies ran through just about every available PG last year, Carter has a good shot at being their 2nd string PG.
33) Dallas Mavs -- PG Jalen Brunson (Villanova)
He was impressive at Villanova, could be a nice 2nd string PG behind Dennis Smith.
34) Atlanta Hawks -- PG Devonte Graham (Kansas)
Another undersized Big 12 PG? The Hawks have a type, I guess. I would've thought Gary Trent Jr would've been good trade bait for the Warriors here.
35) Orlando Magic -- SF Melvin Frazier (Tulane)
Frazier had some good buzz at Tulane, another athletic SF for the Magic.
36) New York Knicks -- C Mitchell Robinson (USA)
Knicks just lost Kyle O'Quinn, could be losing Kanter, too. This gives them a shot at some size down low.
37) Sacramento Kings -- G Gary Trent Jr (Duke)
Another nice youngster to throw in the mix in Sacto.
38) Philadelphia Sixers -- G Khryi Thomas (Creighton)
I thought he was a 1st round talent, great pick up for the Sixers.
39) LA Lakers -- SF Isaac Bonga (Germany)
A good Euro to stash for next year.
40) Brooklyn Nets -- SF Rodion Kurucs (Barcelona)
Plenty of room in the Nets rotation for another Euro winger. Good pick, he should play right away.
41) Orlando Magic -- SF Jarred Vanderbilt (Kentucky)
Hell of an athlete, though I question his talent for the game of basketball. He can move well, play defense and grab rebounds, so he'll be a useful practice player with some good upside.
42) Detroit Pistons -- SG Bruce Brown (Miami)
Could be a low cost rotation guy for the Pistons, considering this is the only draft pick and they have no money for free agents.
43) Denver Nuggets -- PF Justin Jackson (Maryland)
The Nuggets are already well-stocked there, feels like he's a G-League guy for them.
44) Washington Wizards -- PG Issuf Sanon (Serbia)
Either a Euro stash or just Summer League filler, feels like the Wizards have plenty of PG depth at the moment.
45) Brooklyn Nets -- SG Hamidou Diallo (Kentucky)
He might bring some wing scoring off the bench (though I wasn't hugely impressed by Diallo's game at Kentucky). He's a Summer League player.
2018 NBA Draft Reactions (15-30)
15) Washington Wizards -- SG Troy Brown (Oregon)
I would've thought a big man like Robert Williams was a better fit here or at least a more defensive minded SG like Zhaire Smith, but if Brown can score he'll get in the rotation.
16) Phoenix Suns -- SG Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech)
Another good addition for the Suns. They needed some defensive toughness and they added that in the front and back court with their first two picks.
17) Milwaukee Bucks -- SG Donte DiVincenzo (Villanova)
Bucks are known for gambling in the draft, I would've thought they'd reach for unknown Anfernee Simmons or a foreigner like Dznan Musa. But they could use wing scoring, I suppose. If he can score off the bench, he'll fit in just fine. (I'm more intrigued by Lonnie Walker, though)
18) San Antonio Spurs -- SG Lonnie Walker (Miami)
Either a complement or replacement for Kawhi. Don't think of the Spurs as a youth movement kinda team but Kawhi's on the table, Rudy Gay is already gone, Tony Parker is probably on the way out and they may be looking to replace Danny Green and/or Pau Gasol, too. The Spurs are in flux for the first time in 20 years, Walker may well get a lot of playing time.
19) Atlanta Hawks -- SG Kevin Huerter (Maryland)
The Hawks have drafted big guys recently, this draft is all about re-working the front court. Trae Young is a smaller guy but Huerter adds size on the wing. The Hawks have two new playmakers to lead them forward (oh, and Dennis Shroeder is definitely available now....for the Knicks?).
20) Minnesota Timberwolves -- SG Josh Okogie (Georgia Tech)
Seems like a reach but if he's the guy they want, then it's a good pick. I thought they might go for a PG here (kinda thought Elie Okobo might be their guy) but if Okogie can score or play hardcore defense, then he'll add to the rotation (if Thibs starts playing rookies).
21) Utah Jazz -- SG Grayson Allen (Duke)
Okay. I thought they might go for size (say, Robert Williams) but adding toughness on the wing is a good move for the Jazz. They're looking for 3-and-D work and Allen is a good choice here.
22) Chicago Bulls -- SF Chandler Hutchinson (Boise State)
I don't know Hutchinson but size-wise he seems a perfect fit for the Bulls youth movement.
23) Indiana Pacers -- PG Aaron Holiday (UCLA)
Pacers are kinda PG-heavy (I would've though Khyri Thomas was the guy here) but I like Holiday's potential so the Pacers probably did well to draft the best available.
24) Portland Trail Blazers -- SG Anfernee Simmons (high school)
I see him listed as an SG but that 3rd string PG slot is open for the Blazers, if Simmons can handle the ball he'll get minutes. I didn't see this experimental pick as the natural move for the Blazers (they could be losing Nurkic and Ed Davis, I expected Robert Williams to go here) but Simmons is intriguing and since they may be parting ways with either Lillard or McCollum (I wouldn't trade either but that's the buzz), seems like they need some front court excitement.
25) LA Lakers -- F Moritz Wagner (Michigan)
I was impressed with Wagner's run in the tournament this season, wondered why the buzz about him wasn't higher. The Lakers have traditionally drafted well in this area of the 1st round, I think this is another good move. The Lakers still have a lot of moves to make but I think Wagner has a good chance of scoring at the next level and working his way into the Laker rotation.
26) Philadelphia Sixers -- PG Landry Shamet (Wichita State)
I like Shamet's potential, though the Sixers are loaded with PG's now (uhhh, Fultz on the way out?).
27) Boston Celtics -- C Robert Williams (Texas A&M)
Williams fell a lot further than I thought he would but the Celtics did well to grab the best available (although I would still expect them to bring back Aron Baynes).
28) Golden State Warriors -- G Jacob Evans (Cincinnati)
I figured this was Gary Trent Jr, but Evans is a great pick here. Watch out, league, I think Evans is gonna be good and in Golden State he'll have plenty of time to develop his game. I thought they might trade this pick for multiple 2nd rounders but I think Evans is exactly the guy they need.
29) Brooklyn Nets -- SF Dzanan Musa (Croatia)
I'm curious to see Musa, he was top ten-ish in last summer's mock drafts, so he must have some skills. The Nets need everything so he'll have plenty of playing time if he's ready now.
30) Atlanta Hawks -- PF Omari Spellman (Hawks)
Another big body to throw in the Hawks youth movement. Villanova doesn't quite have the pedigree of, say, Duke or Kansas, but it's getting there and betting on winners in college is not a bad way to finish off the 1st round. Been a good night for the Hawks.
I would've thought a big man like Robert Williams was a better fit here or at least a more defensive minded SG like Zhaire Smith, but if Brown can score he'll get in the rotation.
16) Phoenix Suns -- SG Zhaire Smith (Texas Tech)
Another good addition for the Suns. They needed some defensive toughness and they added that in the front and back court with their first two picks.
17) Milwaukee Bucks -- SG Donte DiVincenzo (Villanova)
Bucks are known for gambling in the draft, I would've thought they'd reach for unknown Anfernee Simmons or a foreigner like Dznan Musa. But they could use wing scoring, I suppose. If he can score off the bench, he'll fit in just fine. (I'm more intrigued by Lonnie Walker, though)
18) San Antonio Spurs -- SG Lonnie Walker (Miami)
Either a complement or replacement for Kawhi. Don't think of the Spurs as a youth movement kinda team but Kawhi's on the table, Rudy Gay is already gone, Tony Parker is probably on the way out and they may be looking to replace Danny Green and/or Pau Gasol, too. The Spurs are in flux for the first time in 20 years, Walker may well get a lot of playing time.
19) Atlanta Hawks -- SG Kevin Huerter (Maryland)
The Hawks have drafted big guys recently, this draft is all about re-working the front court. Trae Young is a smaller guy but Huerter adds size on the wing. The Hawks have two new playmakers to lead them forward (oh, and Dennis Shroeder is definitely available now....for the Knicks?).
20) Minnesota Timberwolves -- SG Josh Okogie (Georgia Tech)
Seems like a reach but if he's the guy they want, then it's a good pick. I thought they might go for a PG here (kinda thought Elie Okobo might be their guy) but if Okogie can score or play hardcore defense, then he'll add to the rotation (if Thibs starts playing rookies).
21) Utah Jazz -- SG Grayson Allen (Duke)
Okay. I thought they might go for size (say, Robert Williams) but adding toughness on the wing is a good move for the Jazz. They're looking for 3-and-D work and Allen is a good choice here.
22) Chicago Bulls -- SF Chandler Hutchinson (Boise State)
I don't know Hutchinson but size-wise he seems a perfect fit for the Bulls youth movement.
23) Indiana Pacers -- PG Aaron Holiday (UCLA)
Pacers are kinda PG-heavy (I would've though Khyri Thomas was the guy here) but I like Holiday's potential so the Pacers probably did well to draft the best available.
24) Portland Trail Blazers -- SG Anfernee Simmons (high school)
I see him listed as an SG but that 3rd string PG slot is open for the Blazers, if Simmons can handle the ball he'll get minutes. I didn't see this experimental pick as the natural move for the Blazers (they could be losing Nurkic and Ed Davis, I expected Robert Williams to go here) but Simmons is intriguing and since they may be parting ways with either Lillard or McCollum (I wouldn't trade either but that's the buzz), seems like they need some front court excitement.
25) LA Lakers -- F Moritz Wagner (Michigan)
I was impressed with Wagner's run in the tournament this season, wondered why the buzz about him wasn't higher. The Lakers have traditionally drafted well in this area of the 1st round, I think this is another good move. The Lakers still have a lot of moves to make but I think Wagner has a good chance of scoring at the next level and working his way into the Laker rotation.
26) Philadelphia Sixers -- PG Landry Shamet (Wichita State)
I like Shamet's potential, though the Sixers are loaded with PG's now (uhhh, Fultz on the way out?).
27) Boston Celtics -- C Robert Williams (Texas A&M)
Williams fell a lot further than I thought he would but the Celtics did well to grab the best available (although I would still expect them to bring back Aron Baynes).
28) Golden State Warriors -- G Jacob Evans (Cincinnati)
I figured this was Gary Trent Jr, but Evans is a great pick here. Watch out, league, I think Evans is gonna be good and in Golden State he'll have plenty of time to develop his game. I thought they might trade this pick for multiple 2nd rounders but I think Evans is exactly the guy they need.
29) Brooklyn Nets -- SF Dzanan Musa (Croatia)
I'm curious to see Musa, he was top ten-ish in last summer's mock drafts, so he must have some skills. The Nets need everything so he'll have plenty of playing time if he's ready now.
30) Atlanta Hawks -- PF Omari Spellman (Hawks)
Another big body to throw in the Hawks youth movement. Villanova doesn't quite have the pedigree of, say, Duke or Kansas, but it's getting there and betting on winners in college is not a bad way to finish off the 1st round. Been a good night for the Hawks.
2018 NBA Draft Reactions (1-14)
1) Phoenix Suns -- C Deandre Ayton (Arizona)
Considering all the confusion this year, the draft starts off exactly as it seemed like it would. The Suns have one more year of Tyson Chandler at center but Ayton will undoubtedly get plenty of playing time right away. The Suns are now building around Devin Booker and Ayton with two more years of figuring what they've got in Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender. Should be fun to watch but I'm guessing the Suns will be in play for #1 again next year.
2) Sacramento Kings -- PF Marvin Bagley (Duke)
I think passing on Doncic was a mistake but the Kings are used to mistakes. I like Bagley and a lineup of De'Aron Fox, Buddy Hield, Justin Jackson/Harry Giles, Willie Cauley-Stein and Bagley will be fun but, like Phoenix, should put them in line for a top five pick again next year (though they don't have any picks next year--doh!). They do still have a ton of money to spend and should have even more next summer, so things are looking up in Sacto (and I'm a sucker for youth movements, so I'll probably be watching a lot of the Kings next year).
3) Atlanta Hawks -- F Luka Doncic (Real Madrid)
They got themselves the best player in the draft, so already a good night for the Hawks. But with two more 1st round picks this night could really take off for them. But, a running theme already, the Hawks are probably the odds-on favorite for the #1 pick next year.
4) Memphis Grizzlies -- PF Jaren Jackson (Michigan State)
Jackson strikes me as a perfectly okay player and while perhaps they could've reached for higher upside at this pick, with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley (and Chandler Parsons, too, right?), the Grizzlies are expecting to be good right away. A solid pro who will contribute right away without pulling focus is probably the right move for them (and clearly no one was biting on that god awful Parsons contract). I'm not sure I'm ready to anoint the Grizzlies a Western playoff team just yet, but they are certainly way ahead of the three previous teams.
5) Dallas Mavericks -- PG Trae Young (Oklahoma)
I wasn't as impressed with Young as most and since they just drafted Dennis Smith last year, I think I would've suggested trading back and aiming for Kevin Knox or Mikal Bridges. I expect the Mavs to make a run at Demarcus Cousins (how about Danny Green and Thaddeus Young instead?), so they'll be a brand new team next year. If Young hits his high end estimate, the Mavs might be in the post-season next year.
6) Orlando Magic -- C Mo Bamba (Texas)
Orlando needs everything and it could be that Bamba is DPOY-kinda talent, but they really could've used a playmaker (like Trae Young). (Hmmmm....since the Mavs were rumored to be in on Bamba, could there be a trade coming up?) The Magic need everything and now...they still do. The Magic still have moves to make this summer but I'd be surprised to see them outside of the top 6 next year.
7) Chicago Bulls -- PF Wendell Carter (Duke)
Figured they'd take Michael Porter here but Carter is a solid down-low presence that they can slot in after Robin Lopez moves on next summer. The Bulls are slowly getting better but they've still got a logjam of guards to sluice through. Carter should fit right into the rotation going forward, not a bad pick.
8) Cleveland Cavs -- PG Collin Sexton (Alabama)
I'm not a huge fan of Sexton (I would've taken a chance on Porter first) but its all about what Lebron wants. I don't know who Lebron likes but I got a feeling that George Hill is someone he does not like, so this is a move away from him. If Sexton can play and put up with Lebron, then he's got a good chance at success.
9) New York Knicks -- SF Kevin Knox (Kentucky)
I watched a lot of Knox last year: pro) a helluva scorer and ballhandler (not unlike Jaysun Tatum); con) he's a bit of a reluctant player, not one to step up and lead. So while I think he'll be a fine scorer in the league, a leaderless dysfunctional squad like the Knicks in one of the planet's largest media markets is probably not the best fit for him. Oh well, I think he'll be a good player (maybe better on his next team).
10) Philadelphia Sixers -- SF Mikal Bridges (Villanova)
If he can score from the wing, he can be a star right away in Philly; if he's a tenacious defender, he can be a star right away in Philly. Either way, if he can play, this is a great pick.
11) Charlotte Hornets -- PS Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
They got rid of Dwight Howard earlier in the week, so it's already time for a celebration in Charlotte. If they move on from Kemba Walker, too (though the rumored move to Cleveland might be off since they took Sexton), then SGA could fit right in as their primary ball handler. I watched a lot of SGA and I gotta say, I found him tentative and kinda uncreative; he gets to the basket well but isn't a great shooter. I'd call him a lesser version of De'Aron Fox or Dennis Shroeder. The Hornets still have a bloated payroll with not enough W's, I expect them to be a lottery team next year outside of serious wheeling and dealing this summer.
12) LA Clippers -- SF Miles Bridges (Michigan State)
13) LA Clippers -- PG Jerome Robinson (Boston College)
Considering Coach Doc isn't likely to give big minutes to rookies, these guys both strike me as long shots to get much run. But both these guys are good young players so they should find their way into the rotation eventually (wouldn't be surprised to see either/both of these guys getting traded).
14) Denver Nuggets -- SF Michael Porter (Missouri)
He probably should've have fallen this far but he has back issues (and is a notorious douchebag), so the Nuggets scored themselves either the steal of the draft or the booby prize. If the Nuggets move on from Faried, Plumlee and/or Wilson Chandler, Porter gets plenty of time (and saves them a ton of money). Everyone is Denver has their fingers crossed, Porter could be the piece that gets them back into the playoffs.
Considering all the confusion this year, the draft starts off exactly as it seemed like it would. The Suns have one more year of Tyson Chandler at center but Ayton will undoubtedly get plenty of playing time right away. The Suns are now building around Devin Booker and Ayton with two more years of figuring what they've got in Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender. Should be fun to watch but I'm guessing the Suns will be in play for #1 again next year.
2) Sacramento Kings -- PF Marvin Bagley (Duke)
I think passing on Doncic was a mistake but the Kings are used to mistakes. I like Bagley and a lineup of De'Aron Fox, Buddy Hield, Justin Jackson/Harry Giles, Willie Cauley-Stein and Bagley will be fun but, like Phoenix, should put them in line for a top five pick again next year (though they don't have any picks next year--doh!). They do still have a ton of money to spend and should have even more next summer, so things are looking up in Sacto (and I'm a sucker for youth movements, so I'll probably be watching a lot of the Kings next year).
3) Atlanta Hawks -- F Luka Doncic (Real Madrid)
They got themselves the best player in the draft, so already a good night for the Hawks. But with two more 1st round picks this night could really take off for them. But, a running theme already, the Hawks are probably the odds-on favorite for the #1 pick next year.
4) Memphis Grizzlies -- PF Jaren Jackson (Michigan State)
Jackson strikes me as a perfectly okay player and while perhaps they could've reached for higher upside at this pick, with Marc Gasol and Mike Conley (and Chandler Parsons, too, right?), the Grizzlies are expecting to be good right away. A solid pro who will contribute right away without pulling focus is probably the right move for them (and clearly no one was biting on that god awful Parsons contract). I'm not sure I'm ready to anoint the Grizzlies a Western playoff team just yet, but they are certainly way ahead of the three previous teams.
5) Dallas Mavericks -- PG Trae Young (Oklahoma)
I wasn't as impressed with Young as most and since they just drafted Dennis Smith last year, I think I would've suggested trading back and aiming for Kevin Knox or Mikal Bridges. I expect the Mavs to make a run at Demarcus Cousins (how about Danny Green and Thaddeus Young instead?), so they'll be a brand new team next year. If Young hits his high end estimate, the Mavs might be in the post-season next year.
6) Orlando Magic -- C Mo Bamba (Texas)
Orlando needs everything and it could be that Bamba is DPOY-kinda talent, but they really could've used a playmaker (like Trae Young). (Hmmmm....since the Mavs were rumored to be in on Bamba, could there be a trade coming up?) The Magic need everything and now...they still do. The Magic still have moves to make this summer but I'd be surprised to see them outside of the top 6 next year.
7) Chicago Bulls -- PF Wendell Carter (Duke)
Figured they'd take Michael Porter here but Carter is a solid down-low presence that they can slot in after Robin Lopez moves on next summer. The Bulls are slowly getting better but they've still got a logjam of guards to sluice through. Carter should fit right into the rotation going forward, not a bad pick.
8) Cleveland Cavs -- PG Collin Sexton (Alabama)
I'm not a huge fan of Sexton (I would've taken a chance on Porter first) but its all about what Lebron wants. I don't know who Lebron likes but I got a feeling that George Hill is someone he does not like, so this is a move away from him. If Sexton can play and put up with Lebron, then he's got a good chance at success.
9) New York Knicks -- SF Kevin Knox (Kentucky)
I watched a lot of Knox last year: pro) a helluva scorer and ballhandler (not unlike Jaysun Tatum); con) he's a bit of a reluctant player, not one to step up and lead. So while I think he'll be a fine scorer in the league, a leaderless dysfunctional squad like the Knicks in one of the planet's largest media markets is probably not the best fit for him. Oh well, I think he'll be a good player (maybe better on his next team).
10) Philadelphia Sixers -- SF Mikal Bridges (Villanova)
If he can score from the wing, he can be a star right away in Philly; if he's a tenacious defender, he can be a star right away in Philly. Either way, if he can play, this is a great pick.
11) Charlotte Hornets -- PS Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
They got rid of Dwight Howard earlier in the week, so it's already time for a celebration in Charlotte. If they move on from Kemba Walker, too (though the rumored move to Cleveland might be off since they took Sexton), then SGA could fit right in as their primary ball handler. I watched a lot of SGA and I gotta say, I found him tentative and kinda uncreative; he gets to the basket well but isn't a great shooter. I'd call him a lesser version of De'Aron Fox or Dennis Shroeder. The Hornets still have a bloated payroll with not enough W's, I expect them to be a lottery team next year outside of serious wheeling and dealing this summer.
12) LA Clippers -- SF Miles Bridges (Michigan State)
13) LA Clippers -- PG Jerome Robinson (Boston College)
Considering Coach Doc isn't likely to give big minutes to rookies, these guys both strike me as long shots to get much run. But both these guys are good young players so they should find their way into the rotation eventually (wouldn't be surprised to see either/both of these guys getting traded).
14) Denver Nuggets -- SF Michael Porter (Missouri)
He probably should've have fallen this far but he has back issues (and is a notorious douchebag), so the Nuggets scored themselves either the steal of the draft or the booby prize. If the Nuggets move on from Faried, Plumlee and/or Wilson Chandler, Porter gets plenty of time (and saves them a ton of money). Everyone is Denver has their fingers crossed, Porter could be the piece that gets them back into the playoffs.
Tuesday, April 24, 2018
2017-18 NBA Playoffs (Game Four reactions)
Sixers 128-108 Heat (Sixers up 2-1)
Sixers 106-102 Heat (Sixers up 3-1)
The Heat stole Game Two in Philly by playing suffocating defense that caught the Sixers off guard. In Game Three, the Sixers returned the favor and took the control back. The Heat all year long have been built on a weird lineup that can emphasize different aspects on different nights but in the playoffs you have to be who you are and the Heat aren't really anything. The Sixers have a clear strategy built around the Simmons-Embiid-Saric lineup and they can replicate their effort each night in a way that allows the supporting cast to make the necessary contributions. The reinvention the Heat go through night after night can create surprises but in the long run won't defeat a better team in a series. They've got a good coach and a lot of veteran savvy but their inability to produce consistent results dooms them in the post-season. That said, I was surprised that the Heat came up short in Game Four, I thought they'd take it. But the Sixers bullied their way to a victory and the veteran savvy of the Heat were powerless to stop it. Normally young teams don't advance in the playoffs but the recent Warriors-Cavs dominance has created a vacuum for anyone to step up. Simmons and Embiid and Saric look fully capable in the suddenly winnable East. I fully expect the Sixers to win Game Five back in Philly and finish this series.
Blazers 102-119 Pelicans (Pelicans up 3-0)
Blazers 123-131 Pelicans (Pelicans 4-0)
Man, I hope you had Jrue Holiday on your all-defense team because he suffocated Damien Lillard in this series. Throw in that McCollum was mostly invisible til Game Four and there's just no way for the Blazers to steal a win. The Pelicans don't have a great deal of depth but the Rondo-Holiday-Mirotic-Davis line is playing really well right now. (Gotta figure the Warriors will take the Pelicans but this might be that kick in the ass that I thought the Spurs were going to give them) McCollum finally showed up in Game Four and the Pelicans kinda got sloppy down the stretch but the Blazers just didn't have enough to get anything done in their series. When you don't have the best player, then its tough to win a series. But when you don't have the four best players, man, it ain't even a series any more. Davis is the man--that's undisputed--and Rondo and Holiday were the 2nd and 3rd best (take your pick) with Mirotic close behind as #4. I've long thought that if Rajon Rondo is your fourth best player then you can win a championship, I wasn't really thinking of the Pelicans as a contender--but I am now. If Mirotic keeps up his shooting, then the Pelicans are for real. They will give the Warriors something to think about and if the Rockets are gonna fumble with the Wolves and the Cavs are struggling against the Pacers...then...shit...yeah--the Pelicans are a legit contender to win it all. It'd be pretty crazy, that isn't how the NBA works but they are fucking ballin' right now and no one else has shown up yet. (Pelicans-Sixers final? I'm down with that)
Warriors 110-97 Spurs (Warriors up 3-0)
Warriors 90-103 Spurs (Warriors up 3-1)
The Spurs are done. I thought they'd have a game plan that would take advantage of how poorly the Warriors finished then season, but the Warriors are not playing poorly any more (though they still have room to get better). Aldridge is not built to carry this kind of load, Gay and Pau are playing okay, but the perimeter scoring and the transition defense are just not there for the Spurs. And they don't have the depth necessary to throw waves of bodies at the Warriors. The Warriors still need to go up a level but this series isn't in danger. I was surprised that the Warriors let Game Four slip away--Klay was finally mortal and Manu was the old time Manu--you'd think with the Pelicans stomping their way through Portland that the Warriors would want to get the Spurs series over with. But then again consider this: without Steph they are in serious danger against the Pelicans so perhaps letting this opening series drag on is their best move to get Steph back. Look, with Steph I'm confident the Warriors will have enough to outscore most everyone they play, but without Steph they're vulnerable--especially to the Pelicans. Look, man, Draymond is the dominant presence he has been, Iguodala is a shell of himself, Livingston is merely competent off the bench and there's no one else that's gonna step up. Durant and Klay and Steph is still good enough to win it all but without Steph they'll need Klay to be perfect. Are you betting on perfect considering what Holiday just did to Lillard? I expect the Warriors to win Game Five surely by muscle memory but if they stop and think about it, they may let the Spurs win another game or two just to get closer to Steph's return.
Cavs 90-92 Pacers (Pacers up 2-1)
Cavs 100-104 Pacers (Series tied 2-2)
This is the most even series out there. The Pacers are a tight, well-controlled team and at their best they're probably better than the Cavs; the Cavs, like the Heat, have to figure it out night after night and pushing Lebron into the red for 48 minutes a game is their best bet to win games. The key for the Pacers--and this is not a good thing--is Lance Stephenson. When Lance plays...uhh....good?....then they can throw the Cavs off just enough to get a lead or erase one; but when he's awful, which is most of the time (outside of fearlessly punching Lebron James in the head, does he have any basketball skills at all?), he fumbles away whatever advantage the Pacers might have. Benching Lance gives them no wild card but bringing in Lance could kill their momentum. It's a tricky recipe for the Pacers and Lance is the salt: too little and they are bland, too much and the meal is ruined. Which is why I still gotta go with the Cavs. But the Cavs have hardly been dominant or even clearly better than the Pacers which should give the rest of the East hope. I was not one who thought that Lebron was on his way out of Cleveland but Brian Windhorst's recent comments are salient: the earlier the Cavs bow out, the more time Lebron has to consider his options. The Cavs need to keep winning just to survive as a franchise. (Man, they gave away Kyrie last year and now their hero is on his way out, too? Any Patriots fans deeply regretting giving away Garropolo after watching this Cavs-Pacers series?) I still like the Cavs to pull it out in 7 but, man, they look weak. And would they rather see the Raptors or the Wizards?
Raptors 103-122 Wizards (Raptors up 2-1)
Raptors 98-106 Wizards (Series tied 2-2)
The Wizards have at least one or two good games in them and the Raptors are susceptible to crises of confidence. So while the Raptors have been the better, deeper, more complete team in every way so far, this series isn't over because the Raptors are quite capable of gacking this up. I thought the Wizards turned their home court advantage into an opportunity to thug their way back into the series--and the refs let 'em do it. Man, the refs went after Gortat in Toronto but then let Morris bully them back in DC. The refs have already lost control of this series which means the Raptors have to do this by themselves. Upside: if they man up, play their game and beat the Wizards they will be primed for a boost of confidence going into the next round; downside: if they get lost in their own heads and let the Wizards get past them then no one will ever believe in them ever. (Boy, a Raptors-Cavs series will have a real creepy air of apocalypse hanging over it, no?) The Wizards play nasty but that's pretty much all they got (although that act may give the Cavs fits if it comes to that). All they can do is keep swaggering and hope the Raptors blink. This is going seven games, I'll definitely take the home team in Five and Six. Game Seven is probably up to the refs.
Celtics 92-116 Bucks (Celtics up 2-1)
Celtics 102-104 Bucks (Series ties 2-2)
I thought the Bucks would make this series a slopfest and that could be their chance to get by the Celtics. But frankly after the first two games I didn't think the Bucks were savvy enough to even do that, whereas the Celtics are more resilient (Al Horford is their rock) than I gave them credit for. However, back in Milwaukee the Bucks showed that they can indeed muddy up the field and slog their way past the Celtics. They kinda did that in Game One, if they can do it in Game Seven, they'll be moving on. For the Celtics, I've been blown by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum--they're giving the Celtics faithful plenty to be excited about and with the possibility of Marcus Smart coming back, the Celtics could be in business. I think Smart becomes the wild card, if he can return I'd take the Celtics to move on; but without him, this is a coin flip. Again, I'll take the home teams in Five and Six and then Game Seven is up to the refs.
Rockets 105-121 Wolves (Rockets up 2-1)
Rockets 100-119 Wolves (Rockets up 3-1)
Chris Paul was awful in Game One, James Harden was awful in Game Two...and the Rockets were still up 2-0. Do you see this works? In Game Three the Rockets completely bottomed out and let Derrick Rose walk all over them. But in Game Four they rode one good quarter to control of the series. Oh, man, this series is so annoying. The Rockets haven't bothered to play their game yet (I wonder if they will) but the Wolves suck so bad that the Rockets are still on the brink of winning. (Man, don't you kinda think the Nuggets would at least be more fun to watch?) This is that classic lame-ass 1st round match in an otherwise stellar post-season campaign so far. I assume the Rockets will fuck around and still thoroughly whip the Wolves in Game Five.
Thunder 102-115 Jazz (Jazz up 2-1)
Thunder 96-113 Jazz (Jazz up 3-1)
The Thunder do sometimes slip Raptors-like into self-abnegation rather then swagger and when their shooting dries up, they can really scuffle out there. The upside of a player like Russell Westbrook is you can rely on him to do what needs to be done; the downside is when he doesn't get it done, there's nowhere else to go. Suddenly the Thunder are in a deep dark hole and have yet to do any of that "meshing" we've been assuming they would've done by now. The Jazz, on the other hand, are on cruise control. I watched the Jazz a lot this year and when Gobert came back into the lineup around the all-star game, the Jazz settled into Mitchell as the leader with Rubio and Ingles as the big brothers that provide the structure. Since then the Jazz have been killing everybody with consistency and efficiency. I thought the Thunder would solve the Jazz playing them night after night but...uh...nope, it's the other way around. The Jazz are savvy, man, Mitchell is something brand new and the Jazz know how to ride a rookie. Thunder are at the end of their rope now, could be this is the moment they get their shit together but I'm dubious. I think its over for the Thunder, we hardly knew ye. I'll take the Thunder to bounce in Game Five, but I reckon the Jazz will be ready in Game Six.
Rank 'em
1) Pelicans (daaaaaaaaaamn!)
2) Sixers (sloppy but getting it done, Simmons-Saric-Embiid are ready to win now)
3) Jazz (playing their game their way and its working)
6) Pacers (they haven't panicked, they're looking pretty good)
7/8) Raptors/Wizards (home team wins all seven games, I'm guessing)
9) Celtics (impressively pulling it together without key players)
10) Bucks (in the slop they're better than the Celtics, keep sloppin' to get ahead)
11) Cavs (still trying to figure themselves out, Pacers might be the kick in the ass they need)
14) Blazers (dude, they ran into a buzzsaw)
15) Spurs (yeah, I put the Spurs behind the Blazers, because winning one game took everything they had and still needed the other team to not show up)
16) Wolves (the Rockets are giving them a chance and I still don't believe in them)
Sixers 106-102 Heat (Sixers up 3-1)
The Heat stole Game Two in Philly by playing suffocating defense that caught the Sixers off guard. In Game Three, the Sixers returned the favor and took the control back. The Heat all year long have been built on a weird lineup that can emphasize different aspects on different nights but in the playoffs you have to be who you are and the Heat aren't really anything. The Sixers have a clear strategy built around the Simmons-Embiid-Saric lineup and they can replicate their effort each night in a way that allows the supporting cast to make the necessary contributions. The reinvention the Heat go through night after night can create surprises but in the long run won't defeat a better team in a series. They've got a good coach and a lot of veteran savvy but their inability to produce consistent results dooms them in the post-season. That said, I was surprised that the Heat came up short in Game Four, I thought they'd take it. But the Sixers bullied their way to a victory and the veteran savvy of the Heat were powerless to stop it. Normally young teams don't advance in the playoffs but the recent Warriors-Cavs dominance has created a vacuum for anyone to step up. Simmons and Embiid and Saric look fully capable in the suddenly winnable East. I fully expect the Sixers to win Game Five back in Philly and finish this series.
Blazers 102-119 Pelicans (Pelicans up 3-0)
Blazers 123-131 Pelicans (Pelicans 4-0)
Man, I hope you had Jrue Holiday on your all-defense team because he suffocated Damien Lillard in this series. Throw in that McCollum was mostly invisible til Game Four and there's just no way for the Blazers to steal a win. The Pelicans don't have a great deal of depth but the Rondo-Holiday-Mirotic-Davis line is playing really well right now. (Gotta figure the Warriors will take the Pelicans but this might be that kick in the ass that I thought the Spurs were going to give them) McCollum finally showed up in Game Four and the Pelicans kinda got sloppy down the stretch but the Blazers just didn't have enough to get anything done in their series. When you don't have the best player, then its tough to win a series. But when you don't have the four best players, man, it ain't even a series any more. Davis is the man--that's undisputed--and Rondo and Holiday were the 2nd and 3rd best (take your pick) with Mirotic close behind as #4. I've long thought that if Rajon Rondo is your fourth best player then you can win a championship, I wasn't really thinking of the Pelicans as a contender--but I am now. If Mirotic keeps up his shooting, then the Pelicans are for real. They will give the Warriors something to think about and if the Rockets are gonna fumble with the Wolves and the Cavs are struggling against the Pacers...then...shit...yeah--the Pelicans are a legit contender to win it all. It'd be pretty crazy, that isn't how the NBA works but they are fucking ballin' right now and no one else has shown up yet. (Pelicans-Sixers final? I'm down with that)
Warriors 110-97 Spurs (Warriors up 3-0)
Warriors 90-103 Spurs (Warriors up 3-1)
The Spurs are done. I thought they'd have a game plan that would take advantage of how poorly the Warriors finished then season, but the Warriors are not playing poorly any more (though they still have room to get better). Aldridge is not built to carry this kind of load, Gay and Pau are playing okay, but the perimeter scoring and the transition defense are just not there for the Spurs. And they don't have the depth necessary to throw waves of bodies at the Warriors. The Warriors still need to go up a level but this series isn't in danger. I was surprised that the Warriors let Game Four slip away--Klay was finally mortal and Manu was the old time Manu--you'd think with the Pelicans stomping their way through Portland that the Warriors would want to get the Spurs series over with. But then again consider this: without Steph they are in serious danger against the Pelicans so perhaps letting this opening series drag on is their best move to get Steph back. Look, with Steph I'm confident the Warriors will have enough to outscore most everyone they play, but without Steph they're vulnerable--especially to the Pelicans. Look, man, Draymond is the dominant presence he has been, Iguodala is a shell of himself, Livingston is merely competent off the bench and there's no one else that's gonna step up. Durant and Klay and Steph is still good enough to win it all but without Steph they'll need Klay to be perfect. Are you betting on perfect considering what Holiday just did to Lillard? I expect the Warriors to win Game Five surely by muscle memory but if they stop and think about it, they may let the Spurs win another game or two just to get closer to Steph's return.
Cavs 90-92 Pacers (Pacers up 2-1)
Cavs 100-104 Pacers (Series tied 2-2)
This is the most even series out there. The Pacers are a tight, well-controlled team and at their best they're probably better than the Cavs; the Cavs, like the Heat, have to figure it out night after night and pushing Lebron into the red for 48 minutes a game is their best bet to win games. The key for the Pacers--and this is not a good thing--is Lance Stephenson. When Lance plays...uhh....good?....then they can throw the Cavs off just enough to get a lead or erase one; but when he's awful, which is most of the time (outside of fearlessly punching Lebron James in the head, does he have any basketball skills at all?), he fumbles away whatever advantage the Pacers might have. Benching Lance gives them no wild card but bringing in Lance could kill their momentum. It's a tricky recipe for the Pacers and Lance is the salt: too little and they are bland, too much and the meal is ruined. Which is why I still gotta go with the Cavs. But the Cavs have hardly been dominant or even clearly better than the Pacers which should give the rest of the East hope. I was not one who thought that Lebron was on his way out of Cleveland but Brian Windhorst's recent comments are salient: the earlier the Cavs bow out, the more time Lebron has to consider his options. The Cavs need to keep winning just to survive as a franchise. (Man, they gave away Kyrie last year and now their hero is on his way out, too? Any Patriots fans deeply regretting giving away Garropolo after watching this Cavs-Pacers series?) I still like the Cavs to pull it out in 7 but, man, they look weak. And would they rather see the Raptors or the Wizards?
Raptors 103-122 Wizards (Raptors up 2-1)
Raptors 98-106 Wizards (Series tied 2-2)
The Wizards have at least one or two good games in them and the Raptors are susceptible to crises of confidence. So while the Raptors have been the better, deeper, more complete team in every way so far, this series isn't over because the Raptors are quite capable of gacking this up. I thought the Wizards turned their home court advantage into an opportunity to thug their way back into the series--and the refs let 'em do it. Man, the refs went after Gortat in Toronto but then let Morris bully them back in DC. The refs have already lost control of this series which means the Raptors have to do this by themselves. Upside: if they man up, play their game and beat the Wizards they will be primed for a boost of confidence going into the next round; downside: if they get lost in their own heads and let the Wizards get past them then no one will ever believe in them ever. (Boy, a Raptors-Cavs series will have a real creepy air of apocalypse hanging over it, no?) The Wizards play nasty but that's pretty much all they got (although that act may give the Cavs fits if it comes to that). All they can do is keep swaggering and hope the Raptors blink. This is going seven games, I'll definitely take the home team in Five and Six. Game Seven is probably up to the refs.
Celtics 92-116 Bucks (Celtics up 2-1)
Celtics 102-104 Bucks (Series ties 2-2)
I thought the Bucks would make this series a slopfest and that could be their chance to get by the Celtics. But frankly after the first two games I didn't think the Bucks were savvy enough to even do that, whereas the Celtics are more resilient (Al Horford is their rock) than I gave them credit for. However, back in Milwaukee the Bucks showed that they can indeed muddy up the field and slog their way past the Celtics. They kinda did that in Game One, if they can do it in Game Seven, they'll be moving on. For the Celtics, I've been blown by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum--they're giving the Celtics faithful plenty to be excited about and with the possibility of Marcus Smart coming back, the Celtics could be in business. I think Smart becomes the wild card, if he can return I'd take the Celtics to move on; but without him, this is a coin flip. Again, I'll take the home teams in Five and Six and then Game Seven is up to the refs.
Rockets 105-121 Wolves (Rockets up 2-1)
Rockets 100-119 Wolves (Rockets up 3-1)
Chris Paul was awful in Game One, James Harden was awful in Game Two...and the Rockets were still up 2-0. Do you see this works? In Game Three the Rockets completely bottomed out and let Derrick Rose walk all over them. But in Game Four they rode one good quarter to control of the series. Oh, man, this series is so annoying. The Rockets haven't bothered to play their game yet (I wonder if they will) but the Wolves suck so bad that the Rockets are still on the brink of winning. (Man, don't you kinda think the Nuggets would at least be more fun to watch?) This is that classic lame-ass 1st round match in an otherwise stellar post-season campaign so far. I assume the Rockets will fuck around and still thoroughly whip the Wolves in Game Five.
Thunder 102-115 Jazz (Jazz up 2-1)
Thunder 96-113 Jazz (Jazz up 3-1)
The Thunder do sometimes slip Raptors-like into self-abnegation rather then swagger and when their shooting dries up, they can really scuffle out there. The upside of a player like Russell Westbrook is you can rely on him to do what needs to be done; the downside is when he doesn't get it done, there's nowhere else to go. Suddenly the Thunder are in a deep dark hole and have yet to do any of that "meshing" we've been assuming they would've done by now. The Jazz, on the other hand, are on cruise control. I watched the Jazz a lot this year and when Gobert came back into the lineup around the all-star game, the Jazz settled into Mitchell as the leader with Rubio and Ingles as the big brothers that provide the structure. Since then the Jazz have been killing everybody with consistency and efficiency. I thought the Thunder would solve the Jazz playing them night after night but...uh...nope, it's the other way around. The Jazz are savvy, man, Mitchell is something brand new and the Jazz know how to ride a rookie. Thunder are at the end of their rope now, could be this is the moment they get their shit together but I'm dubious. I think its over for the Thunder, we hardly knew ye. I'll take the Thunder to bounce in Game Five, but I reckon the Jazz will be ready in Game Six.
Rank 'em
1) Pelicans (daaaaaaaaaamn!)
2) Sixers (sloppy but getting it done, Simmons-Saric-Embiid are ready to win now)
3) Jazz (playing their game their way and its working)
4) Warriors (not a strong 3rd place, incidentally, considering how bad the Spurs are)
5) Rockets (kinda playing like shit, series should be over already and Rockets haven't even started)6) Pacers (they haven't panicked, they're looking pretty good)
7/8) Raptors/Wizards (home team wins all seven games, I'm guessing)
9) Celtics (impressively pulling it together without key players)
10) Bucks (in the slop they're better than the Celtics, keep sloppin' to get ahead)
11) Cavs (still trying to figure themselves out, Pacers might be the kick in the ass they need)
12) Heat (playing hard but not getting lucky and the Sixers are readier than we thought)
13) Thunder (still convinced they'd destroy Utah if they just do it...but I'm giving up on that)14) Blazers (dude, they ran into a buzzsaw)
15) Spurs (yeah, I put the Spurs behind the Blazers, because winning one game took everything they had and still needed the other team to not show up)
16) Wolves (the Rockets are giving them a chance and I still don't believe in them)
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