Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (All Posts)

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i	Tuesday, June 23, 2009 (All Posts)	Lead	[-]
Posts: 3578 (06/23/09 05:23:43) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None Welcome to the Bleacher Mob Forum. Only two days till the NBA Draft...
i	Kings finally get to see Rubio play	#1	[-]
Posts: 3579 (06/23/09 05:42:27) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Kings finally get to see Rubio play Kings finally get to see Rubio play By Sam Amick samick@sacbee.com Published: Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2009 - 12:00 am \| Page 1C Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun. 23, 2009 - 12:15 am Ricky Rubio's second Sacramento visit was much like his first, a covert operation that was seen as mysterious and methodical by some, maddening and manipulative by others. But there was one significant difference this time around: he worked out. With just three days remaining until the NBA draft, and the Kings' desire to have more questions about the 18-year-old Spanish point guard answered, he stepped on the floor at the Kings' practice facility and picked up a basketball for the first time since his Euroleague season ended nearly a month before. It was silly and significant all at once, as Rubio had not worked out for any other team and clearly would not have done so in Sacramento if there wasn't more convincing to do. But with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie having made it clear he wanted to do more than have dinner with Rubio before deciding where to put him on his list of favorites, the talking stopped and the playing began. Rubio, who had planned on working out for the Kings last week before he became sick on the trip, took part in an individual workout that included Petrie and coach Paul Westphal and lasted approximately an hour. While the session remained secret at the request of his representatives, he told The Bee it was a necessary exercise that hardly showcased his game. "It's difficult to show them what I have to do on the court, because there are no teammates and nobody there," Rubio said at the Sacramento airport just before leaving town. "I can't show them what I do on the court. This workout is not my style. I need my teammates around me to play basketball. I was alone." Rubio, who visited with Oklahoma City (which has the No. 3 pick) in Los Angeles on Saturday, and previously visited with Memphis (No. 2 pick) in Spain, said he was attempting to please the Kings by getting on the floor. "When I came here, I was sick, so I had to come back to L.A. and then they wanted to watch me on the court, so I come back here to (do) some workouts with them and talk with them again," Rubio said. "But I had like a month with nothing (no playing) on the court, but I'm feeling good. I worked out with the coach in the workout. It was good." How Rubio's session will impact the Kings' decision, however, remains to be seen. Just one day before, point guards Tyreke Evans (Memphis), Stephen Curry (Davidson) and Jonny Flynn (Syracuse) were the headliners in a mega workout in which they competed for the right to be picked fourth. Evans is believed to have left the best impression, showcasing his length and strength while getting to the rim as he pleased. The scene was much different a day later, with his one-man workout unannounced and the curtain inside the facility closed. The approach to winning the Kings' favor is clearly different with Rubio, whose four pro seasons in Europe made him a known commodity overseas, and whose Olympic showing with the Spanish team last summer turned so many American heads. There also remains the matter of his contract with DKV Joventut. A source close to Rubio said the $6.6 million buyout Rubio would have to pay (NBA teams can contribute $500,000) is expected to be reduced to a manageable amount and will not be an obstacle for teams looking to draft him. The Kings, who worked out Pittsburgh swingman Sam Young on Monday as well, are believed to be deliberating Evans, Rubio, Flynn and Curry for their top pick. If Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet is there at No. 4, he would receive consideration as well. The people who put so much stock in these isolation drills during workouts fail to factor in that basketball is a team sport and what counts is what the player does on the court with four other guys against five opposing guys in a real game setting. If Ricky Rubio falls to the Kings and the Kings do not select him, I will know that the owners meddled and that they are about as knowledgeable as fans who make their judgement based on blogs, mocks and media hype, not actual know-how, differentiation ability, or keen observation skills. Regardless who Geoff picks, even if it is somebody he is coerced into drafting or had to settle for, he will always say it was the guy he wanted all along. If Rubio is there and the Kings do not select him, I will be watching and following Rubio more than the Kings, because I will be disgusted. If Rubio is not there, I will live with whoever they select; but they had better not sell their picks.
i	Bee exclusive: Rubio reacts to Kings workout	#2	[-]
Posts: 3580 (06/23/09 05:50:49) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Bee exclusive: Rubio reacts to Kings workout Bee exclusive: Rubio reacts to Kings workout The old line about how 'It beats digging ditches' still rings true every day on this job, but there are those rare days in which you almost feel like grabbing a shovel instead. It would be simple, if nothing else. No shame in that. As for today's shift, there was some shame. It was necessary shame, of course, with grown men huddled outside the Kings practice facility waiting hours to talk to an 18-year-old. Yes, he wasn't just any 18-year-old, but the fact that it was Ricky Rubio didn't make the process any less painful for those who endured it. The pain was eased, however, when the wait paid off. I was able to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Rubio at the airport just before he left town, just after the Spanish point guard had finished his workout and visit with the Kings. The exclusive chat can be seen in two parts below. Apologies on the quality, as this came from the cell phone camera and there are two parts because, well, the phone rang halfway through. We'll start here, and I'll share some information and observations regarding the workout after the clips. This clip begins with Rubio discussing how he hasn't picked up a ball since his Euroleague season ended nearly a month ago... Now regarding the workout, the sentiment that Rubio was underwhelming was qualified by some (including Rubio) with a disclaimer that the format simply didn't show what he could do. And while I heard similar comments to this Chad Ford report regarding the lack of a wow factor (not impressive athletically, mostly), I had one person who isn't a huge Rubio backer say he was pleasantly surprised by his shot and that it was crystal clear Rubio is a true point guard. Now the on-floor action wasn't the only relevant part, as Rubio spent more than two hours inside the facility after the workout was over. We were told he was having lunch at one point (not sure who was at the table), and then informed that he was taking a shower. At one point, some of the prospects from the morning's workout with Pitt's Sam Young left the building to head for the airport and couldn't help but chuckle at the media absurdity on display (again, the shame thing). Yet with all due respect to Sam - who has a great name and could be a great pick at No. 23 - he's just not the guy fans are curious about right now. Now to hit on a final point on this matter, a source close to Rubio said the agreement between him and his current team, DKV Joventut, to reduce his $6.6 million buyout had a small hiccup but should still be finalized soon. All indications remain that it is not an obstacle. Lastly, the hierarchy of prospects for No. 4 as I understand it is this (yes, knowing full well that smokescreens are everywhere and attempting to work through them): Memphis' Tyreke Evans above Syracuse's Jonny Flynn, with more to be discussed about Rubio and Davidson's Stephen Curry. And sure, I'll keep throwing UConn center Hasheem Thabeet in there as a maybe even if no one thinks he'll be there and even though he rebuffed the Kings and everyone else for a workout. - Sam Amick Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 06:26:49. Edited 2 times.
i	Rubio	#3	[-]
Posts: 3581 (06/23/09 06:31:13) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	First off, Ricky Rubio did NOT originate the topic of isolation drills not being his style and not showing his ability to run a team in a game setting; Sam Amick set up the question and ASKED it - and Ricky replied honestly. The way the reporting and some fans are twisting this is ridiculous. Of course he prefers having his teammates around him and playing in game situations! He is a pass-first, team-oriented pure POINT GUARD, who makes everyone around him play better! Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 06:45:38. Edited 1 times.
i	Divided opinion over Rubio's impact	#4	[-]
Posts: 3582 (06/23/09 06:44:53) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Divided opinion over Rubio's impact Divided opinion on Rubio's impact June 23, 2009 @ 5:24 am by Marc Narducci · Filed under Draft, Ricky Rubio Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio should be one of the most intriguing players to enter the NBA in quite some time. Rubio plays with a flair that has had him compared to one of the all-time great showmen, Pete Maravich. Of course Maravich was also a great player, a five-time NBA all-star who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. Whether Rubio lives up to that type of comparison remains to be seen. One reason that Rubio's entrance to the NBA is so anticipated is because opinion is so divided on the 6-foot-4, 180-pound dynamo who won't turn 19 until Oct. 21. Many fans received their first look at Rubio as a member of Spain's silver medal team in the 2008 Olympics. Rubio, who was 17 at the time, started in place of injured point guard Jose Calderon during Spain's 118-107 loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game. In that game, Rubio showed great composure, despite suffering an injured right wrist that would later need surgery. During the Olympics he averaged 4.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 18.3 minutes. We recently talked to front office personnel people from two different NBA teams who have seen Rubio several times. One had an optimistic outlook for Rubio and the other displayed a healthy dose of skepticism. Each asked not to be identified so they will be referred to as Evaluator No. 1 and Evaluator No. 2. "I'm a fan and think that people always look for the negative, saying he can't shoot and is scrawny," said Evaluator No. 1. "Remember, at 17 he played in the Olympics against the greatest players in the world and when asked who impressed them, the Olympians said Rudy Fernandez and Ricky Rubio." Rubio competed in the ACB, which Evaluator No. 1 says is the No. 1 league in the world next to the NBA. This past season, Rubio averaged 10 points, 6.1 assists and 2.2 steals in 22.2 minutes over his first 22 ACB appearances with DKV Joventut Badalona of Spain. He was named the ACB Defensive Player of the Year. "His basketball IQ is off the chart and he is one of the best greatest passers I have ever seen," Evaluator No. 1 said. "He has a chance to be special." Even Evaluator No. 1, admitted that there are legitimate concerns about Rubio's athleticism. "If he only remains a good athlete and he is now a good athlete, not elite, then maybe he won't be a superstar," he said. "But I believe you have a starting point guard which in our league has become an elite position." Evaluator No. 1 also preached caution in handling Rubio. "Is he physically there, no, of course not," he said. "Mentally he is there. But everybody wants instant gratification. There has to be some patience shown." Evaluator No. 2 acknowledged that Rubio has talent, but he thinks he has been over-hyped. "I never saw a guy who has drawn as much varied opinion," Evaluator No. 2 said. "He is a brain-first, clever and tricky player, but I don't know if his physical package is built to stand the test of time." Evaluator No. 2 says he feels that Rubio is worthy of a first round choice, just not as high as others are suggesting. "I don't see him being picked near No. 2 or 3," he said. "I see him as one of those point guards who has a chance to be OK like a bunch of other players, but I don't see him as a savior." Evaluator No. 2 says he doesn't feel that Rubio will be able to withstand the constant pounding in the NBA. "Sometimes you take the bag of tricks away from slight of hand artists and then physicality takes over and that is where I would have a concern," he said. Evaluator No. 1 says that Rubio will indeed reward a team for selecting him high in the draft. "Those deficiencies of not being a great shooter and not being strong, he will fix because he is a gymrat," Evaluator No. 1 said. "The kid won't stop working." And the speculation won't stop either. There will be many storylines in the NBA draft, but none more fascinating than whether Rubio becomes an elite point guard, or fails to keep up with the physical nature of the NBA.
i	HoopsHype Rumors	#5	[-]
Posts: 3583 (06/23/09 07:00:59) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	HoopsHype Rumors - June 23, 2009 Samples (the only hyperlink is above, the highlighted information below has no links): The Celtics offered Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Detroit Pistons for a package that included Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Yahoo! Sports Boston general manager Danny Ainge and Detroit's Joe Dumars never spoke, but rather the Celtics had a lower-level executive make the pitch to a Pistons official over the past weekend, league sources said. Detroit immediately rejected the idea, and it never advanced to the two top executives speaking about particulars. Yahoo! Sports Boston is unlikely to re-sign Allen to a long-term extension next summer, and there is belief around the league that the Celtics have hesitancy about committing a long-term, expensive contract to Rondo. There has been some friction with Rondo, largely based on maturity. No issues with him are insurmountable, but Ainge has never minded shopping ideas around the league. Nevertheless, it's hard to imagine a deal that Boston could do with these two players that would give them a chance to stay a championship contender around Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Yahoo! Sports The Wizards are as strong a bet as any team in the top eight to trade down from their current perch at No. 5. Facing luxury-tax consequences and needing to open up a roster spot, the Wiz are considering numerous scenarios. Two people familiar with the talks confirmed that Washington discussed swapping the No. 5 and No. 8 picks with Phoenix in a trade that would've sent Amare Stoudemire to the Wizards. CBSSports.com Phoenix also would've gotten one of the Wizards' young guards -- either Nick Young or Javaris Crittenton. But Washington walked away when the Suns asked for Caron Butler. CBSSports.com About half of the teams in the league have spoken with the Wizards, according to a league source, and most of those discussions have revolved around the draft choice. Some teams, though, have also asked about the availability of the Wizards' top players, with most focusing on Caron Butler. Washington Post Multiple sources have confirmed that the Wizards engaged in conversations with the Phoenix Suns about acquiring all-star forward Amare Stoudemire last month, but the talks stalled when the Suns demanded Butler. Another league source added that Golden State and Portland have also attempted to land Butler, but Grunfeld hasn't budged. Washington Post Some of the immoderately mesmerized queued up include the Timberwolves, Kings and Knicks, who are angling to acquire No. 5 from Washington for Larry Hughes (but must take the expiring contracts of Mike James and Etan Thomas) and parlay the pick with No. 8 for No. 2. New York Post Take the Magic's insistence that they will pay luxury tax to keep Turkoglu with a grain of salt, one exec urged. "All that means is there's no way they're going to be able to keep him," he said. Babby, Turkoglu's agent, said during the NBA Finals that Turkoglu already has decided to opt out of his contract and test the unrestricted free agent market, where he will generate enormous interest. CBSSports.com There's no question Pritchard also is trying to figure out a way to get maximum cap room this summer to use for a free agent or in a trade. The Magic's Hedo Turkoglu gets the most mention, but sources say Portland's real target is Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich. ESPN.co Rubio is generating the most curiosity among team executives who are monitoring his situation, particularly with regard to Sacramento. It's widely known that Jason Levien, who left the agent business to join the Kings' front office last year, transferred his client list to the agency led by Dan Fegan, who represents Rubio and Jrue Holiday. If Rubio winds up going to Sacramento with the fourth pick, it will provide plenty of ammunition for conspiracy theorists who believe Levien's relationship with Fegan was the deciding factor. But one Eastern Conference executive described the situation more as "familiarity" between Fegan and Levien and between Levien and the international basketball community. Levien worked for agent Lon Babby when the Kings drafted Hedo Turkoglu, the only Turkish player in the NBA. CBSSports.com And just as Kings GM Geoff Petrie was getting ready to pass -- reports were that Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn moved ahead on their draft board -- Rubio's people made sure the New York media got wind of the Knicks interest, regardless of how mild it was. But the Knicks had already decided not to have this meeting afterall. "I don't need to, really," Walsh said. "I know he's a good player." Newsday Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 07:33:56. Edited 4 times.
sackingsfan4life		#6	[-]
Posts: 69 (06/23/09 07:04:37) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Honestly, if we pass over Ricky, (assuming he is indeed available for us at number four) I am going to be pi$$ed off. He is exactly what the Kings need right now. A gym rat, who loves to play the game of basketball, will put b@tts in the seats, and can play up tempo basketball, and is a pure point guard. He will make the Kings worth seeing next year, even if we win the same or perhaps even less games. If Petrie loved Jwill, he should really like this kid. And like some others have said, both here, and in the media Tyreke Evans is not a pass first point guard. He may not even be a true point guard, and I believe he played out of position (because of point guard palooza 2) on Sunday. This is who draftexpress compares him to, best and worst case scenario: Best Case: Larry Hughes Worst Case: Willie Green Larry Hughes is a decent player, but he can't shoot to save his life, and I cringe every time he puts up a shot, and he isn't even on my team. Is that really what we want here? Tariq Abdul Wahad 2? He is one of the players that on the right team, may fit in well, but this is not that team personally. Not if he is going to be asked to be the primary ball handler. In college last season he averaged 3.9 assists, and 3.6 turnovers, and that was against lesser competion than Rubio, and in less minutes per game.... and they call Rubio careless with the ball? Rubio also doesn't just play offense. He tries to play defense, and doesn't just swipe at the ball like Jason Williams used to with his matador type defense. He sees things happen in advance, and uses his smarts to get steals, he also tries to body his man up. He is also obviously growing into his body, and is getting taller, and filling out. If he is there, it would be extremely, EXTREMELY disappointing to me if they did not pick him, and I hate to say this as a long time true Kings fan, but if they make bad judgments, and sell picks, (or take players with no real potential or plan for, and cut them ie 1.23, and 2.1 picks) after they traded so much talent (ie John Salmons, Brad Miller, Chris Webber, and Mike Bibby) for so little as of late, then I may watch the Kings even less than I did last season. I love the Nba, and I love the Kings. I watched them for a long time. I watched Bobby Hurley as a King, Ralph Sampson, Pervis Ellison etc. I endured the bad times, and then the good. I am a true fan, but when you stop even trying to win, or put a quality product on the floor? I dunno it makes it very tough to watch.
i	Knicks Look To Get 5th Pick, Then Trade 5th and 8th For 2nd?	#7	[-]
Posts: 3584 (06/23/09 07:08:12) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Knicks Look To Get 5th Pick, Then Trade 5th and 8th For 2nd? Knicks Look To Get 5th Pick, Then Trade 5th and 8th For 2nd? Jun 23, 2009 7:58 AM EST Peter Vecsey writes that the Knicks "are angling to acquire No. 5 from Washington for Larry Hughes (but must take the expiring contracts of Mike James and Etan Thomas) and parlay the pick with No. 8 for No. 2." Not everyone is convinced that Rubio's value justifies such a high price. "Ricky has a big upside," a Western Conference coach concedes. "Nevertheless, he's very light, like Steve Nash only without the offense. He has no mid-range game, never gets to the free throw line and is a defensive liability due to his lack of strength and size. "Ricky makes sense for a team loaded with great outside shooters, because he can make plays," the coach continued. "He would've been a perfect fit for the Suns under Mike D'Antoni, and he could play for him with the Knicks because they don't worry about playing defense. "The reality is, teams are going to go at him defensively and play him soft . . . dare him to shoot from outside." Via New York Post Ahem, at 18, Ricky Rubio was Defensive Player of the Year for his league, the second best league in the world. He puts lots of focus on defense because it creates turnovers and spurs running offense and Ricky loves to run (as in run a team that runs). Also, you can laugh off Donnie Walsh's ambitions to secure the #2 pick and steal Ricky Rubio but, if anyone can do it, with Dolan's money and his GM savvy and eye for talent, Walsh should not be easily dismissed. Ricky in the Big Apple would be a marketing bonanza and D'Antoni would have his point guard to run his offense. The Kings had better wake up. Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 07:16:58. Edited 1 times.
i		#8	[-]
Posts: 3585 (06/23/09 07:12:03) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I am with you, sackingsfan4life.
jodystone6467		#9	[-]
Posts: 15640 (06/23/09 07:22:45) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Nice Links!! not.. Last Edited By: jodystone6467 06/23/09 14:40:58. Edited 1 times.
i		#10	[-]
Posts: 3586 (06/23/09 07:24:38) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Mills and Douglas video after their workout St. Mary's guard Patty Mills and Florida State guard Toney Douglas discuss their workout for the Kings, how it compares to others and how they'd fit in Sacramento. If the Kings drafted either player, it would be with the 23rd or 31st pick.
i		#11	[-]
Posts: 3587 (06/23/09 07:32:21) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	All the links I provide work and take you to the original page. The HoopsHype post has only ONE link at the very top. The rest of the post has no links, just information and highlights.
i	Top 10 second-round selections of the last 25 years	#12	[-]
Posts: 3588 (06/23/09 07:39:13) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Top 10 second-round selections of the last 25 years Dennis Rodman was the third player selected in the second round of the 1986 Draft. Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images Top 10 second-round selections of the last 25 years By Fran Blinebury, for NBA.com Posted Jun 22 2009 1:16PM Who doesn't like a bargain? Who doesn't love the fantasy notion of finding a Picasso hiding under the black-and-white photo of Aunt Millie's family reunion that you picked up for a couple bucks at a flea market? So while there is still so much scrambling going on at the top of the 2009 NBA Draft as the crowd behind Blake Griffin seems to change every day like dice rolling out at a craps table, from Ricky Rubio to Hasheem Thabeet to Jrue Holiday to Jonny Flynn to James Harden, it might be wise to remember that names called out much later on draft night. They're the second-rounders, who have much smaller salaries, but often make big impacts. Remember, the Lakers (Trevor Ariza) and Magic (Rashard Lewis) had second-round draft picks in their starting lineups in The Finals. Mario Chalmers started all 82 games for the Heat. Leon Powe and Glen "Big Baby" Davis both were key reserves in the Celtics' drive to the 2008 title. With so many teams looking so carefully at every dollar in the payrolls, talk is that second-round choices could become valuable commodities, if a front office makes the right picks. Let's run down a list of arguably the top 10 second-round selections of the last 25 years. 10 -- Cedric Ceballos (Phoenix, 1990) -- You have to look beyond the blind-folded dunk that took top honors in the 1992 All-Star Game and remember that the 48th pick was much more than just a circus act. He led the Suns in field-goal percentage in 1992-93 when Phoenix went to The Finals and was an All-Star in '95 when he rang up the first 50-point game by a member of the Lakers in over 20 years. 9 -- Michael Redd (Milwaukee, 2000) -- The lefty out of Ohio State tip-toed quietly into the league as the 43rd pick, averaging 2.2 points as a rookie and then setting a record by increasing his scoring average six years in a row until he was pouring in 26.7 a game in '07. He joined Kobe Bryant and Gilbert Arenas as the only players to notch a pair of 50-point games in 2006-07 and won a gold medal with Team USA at the Beijing Olympics last summer. 8 -- Jerome Kersey (Portland, 1984) -- He finally picked up a championship ring in San Antonio near the end of his 17-year career. But it was those 11 seasons with the Blazers where the 46th pick out of Division II Longwood College where Kersey was known as a voracious rebounder, great finisher on the fastbreak and tenacious defender. 7 -- Rashard Lewis -- (Seattle, 1998) -- The story was often retold during The Finals of how then-teenager Lewis sat in the green room in tears on draft night as his name slipped down the board into the second round. By the time the Sonics scooped him up with the 32nd pick, he'd been passed over three times by his hometown Houston Rockets (Michael Dickerson, Bryce Drew, Mirsad Turkcan). He's spent the past 11 seasons becoming a two-time All-Star, cashed in with a $118-million contract and hit numerous big shots in Orlando's run to The Finals. 6 -- Mark Price (Dallas, 1986) -- The Mavericks seemed to know exactly what they were doing when they made Price the first pick of the second round after his three All-American seasons at Georgia Tech. The Mavs then showed they didn't know what they had when they promptly traded him away to Cleveland, where he helped turn the Cavs into Eastern Conference contenders. He was All-NBA first team in '93 and his career mark of 90.3 percent from the free-throw line is a league record. 5 -- Carlos Boozer (Cleveland, 2002) -- The Cavs figured they had a blossoming star with the 35th pick in the draft and all was going well until the snafu with his contract that resulted in Boozer going to Utah. Though injuries have cost him large parts of seasons with the Jazz, when he's right, Boozer is a consistent low-post scorer and rebounder who mixes in that high-arcing jumper. The two-time All-Star won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. 4 -- Jeff Hornacek -- (Phoenix, 1986) -- Did anybody ever fully appreciate what they had in Hornacek when he first entered a room? He was a walk-on at Iowa State and the Suns finally made him the 46th pick of the draft. He quickly carved out a reputation as one of the game's top long-range shooters. After playing in Phoenix and Philadelphia, he became the perfect complement to Karl Malone and John Stockton on the Jazz teams that went to back-to-back NBA Finals. He won the All-Star 3-point Shootout in 1998 and 2000. 3 -- Gilbert Arenas -- (Golden State, 2001) -- Long before he became known as Agent Zero and pioneered blogging among pro athletes, Arenas jumped right into the NBA and let everyone know what he could do, which was often whatever he wanted. He was named Most Improved Player in '03 and on his way to being a three-time All-Star. After making a belated return to the court following knee surgery last March, Arenas should be ready physically to return to his place as one of the top offensive guns with the Wizards. 2 -- Dennis Rodman (Detroit, 1986) -- He couldn't shoot and didn't really want to shoot. But Rodman could do anything else that you'd ever want from the moment he stepped onto the court for the Pistons. Never mind the dyed hair and the outfits, he was one of the best to ever play on anybody's frontline. Rodman won five championships with the Pistons and Bulls, was twice named Defensive Player of the Year and seven times was an All-Defensive First Team pick. In his 13 NBA seasons, he averaged 13.1 rebounds a game. 1 -- Manu Ginobili (San Antonio, 1999) -- How shrewd were the Spurs to scoop Ginobili up with the 57th pick and left him ripen on the vine for a few more years in Spain. His impact was immediate as soon as he came into the San Antonio mix as the Spurs won the title in his rookie season with him as the attacker, the scorer, the shooter, the playmaker. He's been the jalapeno in their salsa, an Olympic and World Champion with his native Argentina, and a three-time champ with the Spurs. All you need to know about his impact is that when Ginobili is not healthy, the Spurs are not contenders. Also receiving consideration: Nick Van Exel (Lakers, 1993) Trevor Ariza (New York, 2004) Kevin Duckworth (San Antonio, 1986) Antonio Davis (Indiana, 1990) Eric Snow (Milwaukee, 1995)
sackingsfan4life		#13	[-]
Posts: 70 (06/23/09 07:40:08) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Rubio would be a nice fit for NY. With that said, NY is supposedly where every seemingly good free agent target is going to land, and Peter Vecsey is an idiot, and has been for a long time. I dunno why I let all of this media hype get to me lately. Maybe I am just under stress with the funeral, and all, and the number four draft pick, when we should be drafting much higher. I have faith in Geoff Petrie, but sadly the Maloofs keep interfering lately. I know Geoff is a very good evaluator of talent. The problem is the Malooofs keep getting in the way, and this is my theory. I do not know for sure, as I am unfortunately not a fly on the wall at Arco Arena, and the practice facility. I know Geoff is very unpredictable, and I have a feeling he really wants Rubio, but my fear is the Maloofs believe the hype they read, and the fears about Rickys outside shot, and other perceived weaknesses. He is a gym rat, and will get better, and even if he doesn't he is a top pg in the NBA as soon as he is fairly comfortable. As much as I hate to say it, Tyreke Evans at 1.4 scares me, as does James Harden, and I really like what I have heard, seen, and read about Harden. He just is a bad fit, as the Kings are currently constructed. Curry may be Mike Bibby version 2, and I remember all the wide open shots Peja had, where he was ignored by Bibby. Bibby fit in well with the Kings when they had Vlade, Webber, and especially Christie to pass, along with Bibby, but he was a guy who was best when there were other guys to take the attention of the defense. When he was a focal point of the offense, when the best Kings were gone, he obviously struggled, and even continued to launch jumpers, when his fg percentage continued to plummet. There is a real team leader there. Another player that worries me at 1.4 is Jordan Hill, and Demar DeRozan, Hill is weak, and may never start with Hawes, and Thompson firmly as the front court of the future. As for DeRozan, he seems like a lot of hype, and he can't shoot either. As for his vertical, wasn't it 37 inches? Yeah he is not going to beat Vince Carter in any dunk contest. I am actually starting to warm up to Brandon Jennings (shudders) I know he has the skills to play, and he is also a pass first, true pg. I know Flynn is the safe pick, but if we are going to be picking him, maybe we should trade down, and hopefully try to get a legitimate asset? Again, these are scenarios if Rubio is gone at 1.4, (I find it amusing that Hasheem Thabeet refuses to come to Sacramento to work out, and be interviewed. I do not think Petrie would take him even if he was there, and if he had worked out. For a guy that is so new to the game, and only plays defense, I think he would be smarter than that, and wouldn't put all of his eggs in one basket, just assuming The Grizzlies are going to take him at 1.2. ) if Rubio is there at 1.4, and we do not take him, man that is going to be so dissapointing. Again, I love Geoff Petrie, but he should be allowed to do his job. If he is allowed to do his job, then fans would still be coming to the games, and buying jerseys and what not. Yes the economy is horrid right now, but in my humble opinion, people still want to be entertained, especially if ticket prices are reduced, and there is a product worth seeing. You put Ricky out there with Cisco, Kevin, Thompson, and Hawes, and then you have a second unit of Green, Andrés Nocioni, and Beno, that is a pretty young top 8 guys. Yes, as you can see we would not have a true backup big man, and that is of course a need, as is another pg imo, but it is the makings of a young exciting team that just needs playing time to run, have fun, and grow up.
i		#14	[-]
Posts: 3589 (06/23/09 07:46:03) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Good points, sackings4life. I enjoyed reading your take on things just now.
i	The top five sleepers for the 2009 NBA Draft	#15	[-]
Posts: 3590 (06/23/09 07:52:11) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The top five sleepers for the 2009 NBA Draft The top five sleepers for the 2009 NBA Draft By Bruce Pearl, for NBA.com Posted Jun 22 2009 7:46PM Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl, part of NBA TV's and NBA.com's coverage of the NBA Draft, offers his five sleepers for the 2009 NBA Draft: Being a lottery pick isn't the only path to NBA stardom. In fact, it's not a guarantee of success at all. I've said this before: It's not about making it to the league, it's about staying in the league. Where you're selected isn't a barometer for how well you'll perform on the biggest stage. Here are my top-five sleepers in this year's Draft. They may not hear their name called early; they may not hear their name called at all. But I believe these five possess the tools to hold their own in the NBA and enjoy productive careers. 1. Marcus Thornton, LSU Thornton was a headache to gameplan for this season, and one of my assistant coaches believes Thornton deserved to be named SEC Player of the Year this past season because he's so effective in so many different ways. LSU used him well and has an SEC championship to show for it. I'm not revealing any big secret when I say he can score in bunches. He creates opportunities for himself by working hard when the ball isn't in his hands. And he can score when contested -- there's great value in having a player on your roster who can score despite contact or with a hand in his face. 2. DeMarre Carroll, Missouri This gritty forward plays with a ton of intensity, something I love to see as a coach. You hear a lot of experts questioning where he fits on the floor due to his size and skill set. But I've talked to some NBA personnel who believe Carroll has tremendous upside and is capable of being a long-time contributor in the league. Sometimes all it takes for a guy to uncover his true potential is for him to hear people doubting his abilities. 3. Eric Maynor, VCU On-the-ball skills are fantastic for this point guard, but it's his defense that has some NBA personnel questioning whether he's league-ready. For a guy his size (6-foot-3), he's really effective at getting to the rim and finishing. I can vouch for the value of small, quick guards and the havoc they're able to wreak on opponents when their skills are properly utilized. With the right supporting cast, Maynor could shine in the NBA. 4. James Johnson, Wake Forest This is another player who isn't a clear-cut fit at any position in the minds of some NBA personnel. But I'm a glass-half-full kind of guy, so my take on that issue is that Johnson could create and take advantage of mismatch situations. When he makes good decisions offensively and stays within his range, he's got a smooth stroke and soft touch. In the clips I've seen, it's obvious he understands how to play the game. He's a good passer. 5. John Bryant, Santa Clara This big man was coached by a former Tennessee assistant, Kerry Keating. A lot of experts have him headed to Europe to begin his pro career. While he could stand to improve his mobility, I think his rebounding ability is one of his biggest assets. He also played a lot of minutes, which says something about a guy his size. Some knowledgeable people I've talked with believe Bryant could be a steal late in the draft.
JB		#16	[-]
Posts: 7987 (06/23/09 07:53:41) Mob Webmaster Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	The rollercoaster continues. Soon even the guy who gets Petrie's coffee is going to weigh in on Rubio. Too much analysis... the fact is that while everyone is looking hard at all these PGs and tweener PGs as potential starters... the only one out of the group that has a chance to be special is Rubio. The rest are ok players who would be doing well if they are in the NBA in 5 years. IMO, Rubio is the only guy worth taking and giving starter minutes to and pray he becomes a special player. None of the other guys can sniff that. Coming into this this draft, it was pronounced weak and void of star type talent. I don't see anything that has changed. Rubio is still the only one with a better than slim chance of stardom.
i	In a shallow Draft, teams awash with point guard choices	#17	[-]
Posts: 3591 (06/23/09 07:54:44) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	In a shallow Draft, teams awash with point guard choices The Kings could be looking for a point guard in Thursday's Draft to take over for Beno Udrih. Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images In a shallow Draft, teams awash with point guard choices By John Schuhmann, NBA.com Posted Jun 22 2009 11:44AM This has long been considered a weak Draft, but we won't really know that for a few years, once the careers of some of these guys have played out. Whether it's weak or not, the 2009 NBA Draft is strongest at one particular position: point guard. After the Clippers get their man with the top pick -- forward Blake Griffin is the consensus No. 1 -- six point guards could go to lottery teams, with perhaps two more selected in the top 20. Do that many teams need point guards? Not really. But taking the best player available has proven to be the best Draft strategy over the years. And point guard is the most important position on the floor. A team can do worse than having two good floor leaders. Of course, some teams do need point guards ... desperately. Here are the lottery teams that need a point the most (first-round pick in parentheses). 1. Sacramento Kings (4 and 23) Under contract: Beno Udrih For some reason, the Kings gave Udrih a five-year deal last summer, thinking he was the guy to run their team after they dealt Mike Bibby to Atlanta. But in his first full season as a starting point guard, Udrih was somewhat underwhelming, one of many reasons the Kings finished with the worst record in the league. They're in need of someone they can really build around, and at pick No. 4, they will have plenty of choices. Ricky Rubio should be at the top of their list. 2. New York Knicks ( Under contract: Chris Duhon The Knicks signed Duhon to a two-year deal last summer in order to keep the team as financially flexible as possible in 2010. He was a solid leader for Mike D'Antoni, but obviously isn't at Steve Nash's level when it comes to running the seven-seconds-or-less attack. The Knicks need a more potent point to run their offense for the long term. Nate Robinson (a restricted free agent) is certainly more potent, but he can't be trusted to run the show full-time. Even if New York doesn't get Stephen Curry at the eighth pick, it could get its floor general of the future. 3. Milwaukee Bucks (10) Under contract: Luke Ridnour The Bucks made strides this season on defense, but injuries kept them from making a real run at the Playoffs. Ramon Sessions has shown flashes of brilliance offensively, but he isn't as steady as Ridnour, and is a restricted free agent this summer. Ridnour, while steady, is a lower-level starting point guard in the East. The Bucks will likely get someone with a higher ceiling at pick No. 10. 4. Golden State Warriors (7) Under contract: Monta Ellis Ellis is not a point guard, but in the Warriors' system, he can pretend to be one. Golden State could use a more traditional point that can push the tempo and distribute the ball, but the Warriors may settle for another combo guard if that's what's available when their pick comes up. 5. Minnesota Timberwolves (6, 18 and 28) Under contract: Randy Foye, Sebastian Telfair Foye was solid this season, but he isn't a true point. The Timberwolves could be looking at another combo guard like Tyreke Evans or Stephen Curry with their first pick, because once Rubio is gone, the next pass-first guy may be a bit of a reach at No. 6. 6. Washington Wizards (5) Under contract: Gilbert Arenas, Javaris Crittenton, Mike James The remaining nine lottery teams are seemingly set with a starting point guard. Of those nine, though, the Wizards are most in need of a reliable backup. If they really believe they can be a contender, they need someone other than Crittenton or James to spell Arenas, whose health is always a concern. Other lottery teams 7. Los Angeles Clippers (1) -- Mardy Collins and Mike Taylor back up Baron Davis. 8. Memphis Grizzlies (2 and 27) -- They have Mike Conley, but could use a backup. 9. Indiana Pacers (13) -- Backup Jarrett Jack is a restricted free agent. 10. Phoenix Suns (14) -- Steve Nash is a free agent next summer. 11. Oklahoma City Thunder (3 and 25) -- Russell Westbrook could move over to the two spot if they like Rubio enough to take him with the third pick. 12. Charlotte Bobcats (12) -- Raymond Felton is a restricted free agent, but they drafted D.J. Augustin last year. 13. New Jersey Nets (11) -- Devin Harris missed 13 games this season and Keyon Dooling just had hip surgery. 14. Toronto Raptors (9) -- They're seemingly set with Jose Calderon and Roko Ukic, but could use some more defense in the backcourt. Non-lottery teams in need of a point Philadelphia (17) -- Andre Miller could be gone via free agency, leaving the Sixers with just shoot-first Lou Williams at the point. Atlanta (19) -- Mike Bibby is an unrestricted free agent, and even if he returns, the Hawks could use someone off the bench. Utah (20) -- Brevin Knight and Ronnie Price are free agents, and Deron Williams needs a backup.
i	Draft Report: Patrick Mills Of St. Mary's	#18	[-]
Posts: 3591 (06/23/09 07:55:29) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Draft Report: Patrick Mills Of St. Mary's By: Christopher Reina RealGM.com Writer AP Photo June 23, 2009 9:33 AM Patrick Mills is as quick as anyone in this draft and is a deadly scorer, but will his glaring limitations reduce him to a gadget player? Let's first get through the good because there is a fair amount of it. His baseline to baseline speed is truly incredible and when he runs the point guard position, he puts a ton of pressure on opposing defenses in early offense. As quick as Mills is with his foot speed, he also an extremely quick release to his perimeter jumper. This allows him to shoot over bigger defenders, which is unsurpsingly the norm for Mills at 6'0". He has a compact, smooth stroke with good lift on his jumper and his range extends to well beyond the 3-point line. In a sense, because of the quickness, Mills is similar to Tony Parker, except with a better perimeter shot. Except Mills cannot really score in the paint off the dribble. Mills can create little 15-footers off the dribble, outquicking his man from the perimeter, whether he uses a shot fake or not. But he doesn't have the lift or savvy to go much further. Comparing his vertical to Jonny Flynn, the Syracuse guard has him by seven full inches, though somehow Jrue Holiday only has him beat by one. If Mills can master the midrange jumper, then he might be able to get away without ever scoring in the paint, but that is a big if. His 3-point shot must always be contested and he will therefore have enough explosion to get past his defender for the 15-20-footer. Mills has an excellent shot, but still needs to find true consistency with it. Mills is an average passer and largely played off the ball while at St. Mary's. He is occasionally creative with his passes, but his delivery isn't sharp and he doesn't really make his teammates better the way good point guards do. Defensively, Mills needs to do a better job of using his lateral quickness to his advantage. He moves his feet quickly and uses his body to stay in front of quick ballhandlers, but he takes a lot of gambles by reaching. He plays fairly good help defense, but his help defense won't exactly stop the big wings from storming down the lane. His lack of size and strength will create as many matchup problems defensively as he might create on the offensive end. The rule changes ultimately will allow Mills to be effective in the NBA. The lack of physicality on both ends suits his game and he probably wouldn't even be in the league in the Derek Harper handcheck era. The NBA has seen small players like Nate Robinson and Aaron Brooks become successful, so will soon see if a less athletic yet better shooting Mills can join them. Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 08:32:16. Edited 2 times.
i	2009 NBA Mock Draft, Version 10.0 (Who I Would Select Edition)	#19	[-]
Posts: 3591 (06/23/09 07:55:36) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	2009 NBA Mock Draft, Version 10.0 (Who I Would Select Edition) Last Edited By: i 06/23/09 08:34:18. Edited 2 times.
i		#20	[-]
Posts: 3594 (06/23/09 07:57:51) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	JB wrote: The rollercoaster continues. Soon even the guy who gets Petrie's coffee is going to weigh in on Rubio. Too much analysis... the fact is that while everyone is looking hard at all these PGs and tweener PGs as potential starters... the only one out of the group that has a chance to be special is Rubio. The rest are ok players who would be doing well if they are in the NBA in 5 years. IMO, Rubio is the only guy worth taking and giving starter minutes to and pray he becomes a special player. None of the other guys can sniff that. Coming into this this draft, it was pronounced weak and void of star type talent. I don't see anything that has changed. Rubio is still the only one with a better than slim chance of stardom. I agree.