James Harden traded to Houston

I am in absolute shock after this trade.  Had no idea it would happen this soon.  I'm half way through my NBA preview and Dork Elvis has to throw a huge wrench into it!  I haven't written my OKC preview part yet, but I did write my Houston part and here is a snippet:

"...Houston owes Asik and Lin $30 million for the 2015 season!  That’s an insane amount for a back-up point guard and a back-up center that can’t score.  I’m not sure what top-level free agent would want to sign in Houston with this cast.  This is why I think they’ll try and trade for someone already under contract.  They are under the cap this year, so they can take on a lot of money.  Plus, they have Kevin Martin on a one year deal at $13 million.  If New Jersey starts out slow, don’t they make a Joe Johnson for Kevin Martin trade?  This gives Houston a player to build around and give Brooklyn a SG that can score and will clear-up cap space one the year is over."

I did not think Houston would trade for Harden (he's not under contract though they'll probably just match any offer for him).  OKC was a very young team with a core 3 players who have an average age of 23.  Miami's core three is an average 29 years old.

Playoff Predictions

NFC
Falcons over Rams
Bears over Giants

Niners over Bears
Packers over Falcons

Niners over Packers

AFC
Steelers over Chargers
Texans over Broncos

Patriots over Steelers
Ravens over Texans

Ravens over Patriots

SUPER BOWL

I have Baltimore 21, San Francisco 13.  Yes, Baltimore will win their second Super Bowl.

2012 NFC Preview

NFC EAST

1. New York; 10-6
1. Don't worry about last night, they'll be able to pick it back up.  This is a team that is beat-up a bit, but they have the talent on both sides of the ball to win ten games.  This division has a very tough schedule (AFC North and NFC South) but I think with the Giants pass rush, they're in the best position to win.
2. Dallas; 9-7
1. They still have some problems despite the nice win last night.  Not every team will be down to their 6th DB when Dallas plays them.  They still have problems up front on the O-line and with their schedule, that could be problematic.
3. Philadelphia; 9-7
1. If Mike Vick could play 16 games a year, this would be higher.  But there is no guarantee to how many games he will play.  Because of that, I'm anchoring low on them in anticipation of Vick missing 3-4 games.
4. Washington; 3-13
1. This team needed help in a lot of areas but gave up all of their picks for RGIII.  That may become a smart decision in the future.  Now?  Not so much.  They are an average team across the board with a brutal schedule.  They will struggle to win games this year.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay; 14-2
1. Is it just me, or did they get better?  They added good depth on defense in the draft and Ced Benson is a big upgrade at running back.  Also, don't forget that Jennings is in a contract year which could really mean a good year for him.
2. Chicago; 11-5
1. I'm drinking the kool-aid!  They have a real WR for the first time since Curtis Conway.  By the way, Conway left the Bears when I was 11 years old.  The key will be keeping their defense healthy.  The O-line will get helped by a great 1-2 punch at HB and less blitzers as teams will have to bracket cover Marshall.  If this team had a good, reliable tight end (think Jason Witten), I'd pick them to win the Super Bowl.  
3. Detroit; 8-8
1. I say they regress a little.  Stafford is injury prone, the HB situation is still iffy, and their DBs are just average.  The key for this team will be to go 6-0 or 5-1 in this six game stretch in the middle of their season: Sea/Jax/Min -- Home versus GB, Home versus Houston, Home versus Indy.  They have a chance because of the home games, but it will be difficult.  If they manage to go 6-0 during that stretch, they'll make the playoffs.
4. Minnesota; 4-12
1. Not a fan of this team as I don't believe they really have a plan right now.  There are still some real good pieces on the team, but also just glaringly bad ones (see Ponder, Christian).  It may be a few years before they return to be a very good team again.

NFC SOUTH

1. Atlanta; 10-6
1. It's hard not to like what Atlanta does in the regular season.  They are steady and grind out wins consistently.  With New Orleans losing their coach, they will like struggle with consistency but that's exactly what this Atlanta team does best.  If they do end up airing it out, they may just be able to become a force in the playoffs.
2. New Orleans; 8-8
1. Football is the one sport where coaching makes ALL the difference.  We see it all the time, just look at what happened to the Niners last year.  Or Wade Philip's defense in Houston.  Losing the best offensive mind in the game is going to hurt this team more than people think.  Brees is good, but he's not Peyton Manning out there.  
3. Tampa Bay; 7-9
1. Going off the whole 'Better Coaching' idea, here's your model team in this year's NFL!  The old coach sucked and the new one is a disciplinarian who gets the best out of his players.  I'm anchoring low, but I believe they could take a big step forward.
4. Carolina; 6-10
1. You know, a team is more that a quarterback, right?  Good.  Because this team doesn't have much past its QB.  Cam put up great numbers from behind last year and he'll have to do it again this year.  

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco; 13-3
1. This team is going to once again be dominate on defense.  And, they got better on offense.  It's kind of crazy the turnaround Harbaugh made.  Alex Smith is a not a QB who can just air it out. Luckily for him, he has FIVE good RBs on his team and a great O-Line.  Moss will help to keep the safetys away from the line of scrimmage and that will just open the running game up and the short passing game for VD.
2. Saint Louis; 9-7
1. Talk about a new coach changing everything!  After their bye week, they'll have a chance to make a run.  They'll have 2 games versus SF, then a bunch of games versus average to bad teams (NYJ/AZ/BUF/MIN/TB/SEA), so they may be able to do it.  
3. Seattle; 6-10
1. What is there to like about this team?  They sign a QB for big money, then decide to start the undersized 3rd round rookie.  Now, Lynch has back spasms?  This could be a tough year for Seattle.  The killer was taking Aaron Curry 4th overall in 2009 when they could of had BJ Raji or Brian Orakpo.  That can really set back a franchise.  
4. Arizona; 5-11
1. They may be a little bit better than this, but I don't buy it.  Their punt returner won them games last year.  They'll need more than that to win this year and I'm not sure how well that's going to work when you have to play the AFC East and the NFC North.

Look for my playoffs picks tomorrow!

2012 AFC Preview

FOOT-BAAALLLL!!!!!  Let's do this!

AFC EAST

1. New England; 13-3
1. Hard to argue with this one.  The offense will be able to stretch the field better but the defense is still below average and the offensive line has gotten worse.  The good news?  Easiest schedule ever!  The Pats only play 4 games against teams that were in the playoffs last year, and 3 of those games are at home! 
2. Buffalo; 7-9
1. I like this team but think they are still a year away.  They may just have the best D-Line in the AFC, but the rest of the D is still just average.  If their offense can become a mini Green Bay, they'll become a playoff team.  That, however, is a big IF.
3. New York; 7-9
1. They are still going to be decent but their skill players are really pretty bad.  Only one good receiver, one tight end, and one-half of a good running back.  Over/Under for Tebow starting is Week 6 and I may just take the under.  They play SF and Pit in the first 4 games of the year; translation -- not good for an inaccurate QB with no real weapons.
4. Miami; 4-12
1. Not a believer in ANYTHING they are doing.  Why trade one of your best defenders, a 24-year old DB?  They are going to fall apart by mid-season.

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore; 11-5
1. This is a good team but they are old and that will keep them from a 14-2 or 13-3 record.  If healthy come January, they could be very dangerous.  
2. Pittsburgh; 10-6
1. I think Pitt is one of those teams that will be able to have a little stretch mid-season of about 3 wins and play the rest of the time .500.  They need to stay healthy to have any chance to make a super bowl run but that just seems to never happen.
3. Cincinnati; 9-7
1. I like this team but I think they take a small step back.  Green-Ellis is not a premier back, he's a short yardage, dependable back.  They need to be able to run or Baltimore and Pitt will destroy Dalton.
4. Cleveland; 2-12
1. They'll be good...in 2019.  I have no interest in this team whatsoever.  No wide receivers.  No quarterback.  No defense.  No team.

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston; 11-5
1. This is a good team but they are going to miss Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans more than most would realize.  Still, their division isn't much.
2. Tennessee; 6-10
1. This would be higher if they played their best quarterback...sadly, they decided the second year guy (who had a 16-25 record as a starting QB in college) and not Hasselbeck, who led this team to a respectable year last year under a new coach.
3. Indianapolis; 5-11
1. In Peyton's first year, Indy was 3-13, so this would be an improvement.  I like their offense and think Luck will be good.  But this has a Cam Newton feel to me (good year by the rookie QB, but bad record for the team).
4. Jacksonville; 4-12
1. Gabbert is not good.  Chad Henne is better and that's not saying much.  Their saving grace is MJD and a good defensive line.  Otherwise, they have the ability to go 0-16.

AFC WEST

1. San Diego; 9-7
1. This will be the tightest division one through four in football.  I believe San Diego's continuity on offense will lead them to a division title over Denver (even if by tie-break).  They'll need their offense to really carry them because I'm not sure any of these other three teams can hang in a shootout.
2. Denver; 9-7
1. Don't forget that Peyton in 2010 had some inflated stats.  His Yards per passing attempt was 6.9.  The best that year?  Rivers with an 8.7.  So Peyton's total numbers look better, but that's because he led the league in passing attempts.  The difference this year is that John Fox is a run-first coach and he's just not going to start airing it out because Peyton is there.  Another factor is that Peyton played his entire career indoors and now he's outdoors.  That's huge because it's harder to throw the ball and make the receiver just a tad bit slower (throwing off timing).
3. Oakland; 8-8
1. Oakland is just in a tough division and that'll hurt them a lot.  I still think Jason Campbell is better than Carson Palmer, but this team still has some real talent on both sides of the ball.  Unfortunately, they still have holes in their O-line and that could lead to an unproductive passing game.
4. Kansas City; 7-9
1. They are like Oakland: decent team in a tough division.  Truthfully, any of these teams could win this division and KC is one of them because now they have a head coach they don't totally hate.  Not sure they really have the weapons they need on offense to stay with some teams but their D could start to become one of the better units in the NFL.  

Look for my NFC preview on Thursday and Playoff predictions on Friday.

Second Annual QB rankings

Based off two simple criteria: 1) 75% based off previous 3-5 years...2) 25% based off last year.

Let's do this!

1. Tom Brady (No change)
2. Aaron Rodgers (+1: raised one spot)
3. Drew Brees (+1)
4. Eli Manning (+4)
5. Peyton Manning (-3: dropped three spots)
6. Ben Roethlisberger (-1)
7. Philip Rivers (-1)
8. Mike Vick (-1)
9. Jay Cutler (+3)
10. Matt Ryan (NC)
11. Tony Romo (-2)
12. Joe Flacco (-1)
13. Matt Schaub (+5)
14. Mathew Stafford (+9)
15. Ryan Fitzpatrick (+7)
16. Matt Hasselback (-1)
17. Kyle Orton (-4)
18. Matt Cassel (+1)
19. Cam Newton (+14)
20. Andy Dalton (+14)
21. Jason Campbell (+5)
22. Tim Tebow (New)
23. Josh Freeman (-3)
24. Mark Sanchez (-8)
25. Carson Palmer (-11)
26. David Garrard (-10)
27. Sam Bradford (-3)
28. Alex Smith (+8)
29. Andrew Luck (New)
30. Matt Flynn (New)
31. Colt McCoy (-2)
32. TJ Yates (New)
33. Vince Young (-8)
34. Robert Griffin III (New)
35. Christian Ponder (New)
36. John Skelton (New)
37. Brandon Weeden (New)
38. Chad Henne (-10)
39. Tarvaris Jackson (-8)
40. Russel Wilson (New)
41. Kevin Kolb (-14)
42. Ryan Tannehill (New)
43. Jake Locker (New)
44. Blaine Gabbert (New)
45. Sexy Rexy Grossman! (-13)

Biggest Move for a Top 15: Stafford up 9

Biggest Move overall: Newton and Dalton both up 14

Biggest Fall for a Top 15: Peyton Manning down 3

Biggest Fall overall: Kevin Kolb down 14

2012 NBA Draft Preview

1.   New Orleans Hornets

a.    NBA Draft Express (as of 6/23/12) says: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

                                         i.    This one is easy.  The best player by far.

b.    If they trade down

                                         i.    They won’t trade down, but I wonder what they would do if Charlotte or Washington gave them a godfather offer to swap picks?  I say they probably still don’t accept it.  After that Ariza/Okafor trade, they’re in tank mode.  They want the Thunder’s blueprint (get a star, suck for the next two years to get good/great players to put around him and go from there).

2.   Charlotte Bobcats

a.    Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

                                         i.    I think this is where they’ll go but I don’t like it.  T-Rob will be a good player but he may not have a position at the next level.  He’s 6-8, 240.  A lot of 3’s are that size these days and he can’t really guard any of them.  I’d go with either Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (“MKG”) or Bradley Beal.  Both of those guys have the size and skill to play the 2 or 3 at the next level.  Beal may only be 6-4, but he played the 4 man for Florida a lot and average 7 rpg.  MKG is 6-6 and also average 7 boards but isn’t the shooter Beal is (Beal shot 34% from 3 while averaging 5 3’s per game and MKG shot 25% on 1.3 3’s per game).  He’s more of a slasher.  I don’t care who you go with between these two because in my opinion both are future all-stars at the 2 guard position. 

b.    If they trade down

                                         i.    Interesting here.  They have a ton of needs and could conceivably trade down to #6 with Portland and grab a good player and maybe a 1st next year as well.  However, I think they’ll stay put and build around the #2 pick (I just hope it’s MKG or Beal)

3.   Washington Wizards

a.    Bradley Beal, SG, Florida

                                         i.    Makes perfect sense.  They have to get either MKG or Beal.  No other option even matter.  They need a guard who can score to play alongside Wall.  I like Beal a little more just because of his shooting.  However, if Washington would decide to, MKG is a better defender and having him, Wall, Okafor and Ariza on the court at the same time would be a quite a defensive team.  This however leads to my “Do Wizards people think they can actually play Nene and Okafor at the same time?” question.  I mean, really, their offense would be horrible if you had those two out there at the same time.  Nene is best on the block and Okafor does not have a jump shot. 

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    No reason to.  They want 2 guys and either both or one will be available at 3.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    I hope they don’t.  I like what they’re doing and the team they built once they rid themselves of the plague, I mean Andray Blatche and his horrendous contract. 

4.   Cleveland Cavaliers

a.    MKG, SF, Kentucky

                                         i.    I like it.  If a really good center was available, I go with him instead, but MKG would be a good fit here.  The other option would be a Thomas Robinson.  They only have 6 guys under contract for next year and one is Luke Walton.  They are thin up front but I wouldn’t take a flyer on an unknown (Drummond) or a career average center (Zeller).  Robinson/MKG/Beal and pretty sure second tier guys and Cleveland needs to come away with one of them.

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    Don’t know why they would.  They want/need one of the top 4 guys and they are in the 4^th spot.  No reason to move up or down.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    The only way this would make sense is to trade with Houston and get the 14 and 16 picks and Kevin Martin and Sam Dalembert while giving up this pick, Luke Walton and their 24th pick (from the Lakers).  This make sense for two reasons: Houston want to lower its cap number and get a good young player to slide into their team.  Cleveland still gets two depths picks in the middle of the draft where they can get two young bigs (Fab Melo and Tyler Zeller) and get a veteran center and an under-rated 2 guard who can shoot and spread the floor for Kyrie Irving.  If this trade happens, Cleveland would become a quick candidate for a 7 or 8 spot in the Eastern Conference. 

5.   Sacramento Kings

a.    Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

                                         i.    Harrison is a very smart person but just an average basketball player.  He has the skills and the size (6-7, 230) but just never took over at North Carolina.  Taking a guys fifth when he had two years to show his dominance is a bit risky.  Barnes will have a 15 year career, but will he ever make an all-star team? 

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    I could see them trying to trade up, but it wouldn’t make sense for anyone to trade down.  If they do trade up, it would be to get either Beal or MKG.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    This I believe is a more likely scenario.  I could see them moving down with a team in love with a certain player at the 5 spot.  They don’t want to move down too much but if they could get a good veteran and a pick in return, it might be worth it.  (Milwaukee’s #12 pick and Monta Ellis for the #5, who says no?  And in case you’re wondering why Milwaukee would give up Ellis?  He’s due $22 million over the next two years and they could use the cap relieve.)

6.   Portland Trail Blazers

a.    Andre Drummond, C, UConn

                                         i.    This is the guy who in 5 years we’ll all say “Who?”.  He’s 7-0, 280, but averaged just 10 points in 28 minutes for UConn.  Here’s a telling quote from his UConn teammate, Jeremy Lamb, about Drummond’s potential: “It depends on if he wants to work.”  OUCH.  That’s why you don’t draft him.

b.    If they move up

                                         i.    Don’t see how they could unless they put both picks together and jumped up to grab the 2 or the 3 spot.  I don’t know why they would do that however.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    They need a point guard and I think they’ll try to grab Austin Rivers before New Orleans can at the #10 pick.  So, the trade the make the most sense for them would be to give up the #6 pick and Ray Felton to Toronto for the #8 and Ed Davis.  The problem is whether or not Toronto would say yes.

7.   Golden State Warriors

a.    Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State

                                         i.    I watched Lillard play 2 games this year and he has some talent.  However, Golden State does not need another shoot first PG.  They just don’t.  What they need is a wing player who can play both ways.  That’s why they’re trying to trade this pick for Lu Deng. 

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    This is an outside chance because they do not have any assets they’d trade but if they did, they might trade up for Harrison Barnes at the #5 pick, if they only have to give up a small amount in return.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    This is much more likely as they may try to trade it away (for Deng or maybe even Igoudala).  For their sake, I’d like to see them trade this pick.  If they could move down and grab a good wing player, it could really help them.  Wouldn’t Denver be willing to swap their pick (#20) for this pick if they also had to give up Brewer and Wilson Chandler?  I think if Drummond is available here (a perfect George Karl guy), Denver would try that swap.

8.   Toronto Raptors

a.    Jeremy Lamb, PG, UConn

                                         i.    I’m not sure if I like anything about this team.  It’s such a weird team.  For me, they just need to draft the best available player, and with what’s available, I’d agree with this pick.

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    If they really like one of the 2-4 guys, I think they should go for it.  They need a guy to build around (They’ve failed with Bargnani being a #1 guy).

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    Only makes sense if they get a good veteran in return.  They need a guy who’s under a long-term deal that they don’t have to worry about leaving.  Would they trade this pick straight up for Kyle Lowry (2 years left on his contract) and Luis Scola (3 year left on his)?

9.   Detroit Pistons

a.    John Henson, PF, North Carolina

                                         i.    Decent pick.  Super long player with some talent.  He can play next to Monroe and you have yourself some real good rim support.  I’m not sure they could do much better at this point unless they want to get the most talented player and then they take Perry Jones III, who has Drummond-itis but is a 6-11 wing player (kind of like a poor man’s Durant.  He has 80% of Durant’s talent but just 20% of Durant desire for greatness).

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    Unlikely.  They like what they’re building and no one really adds anything outside of the top-4.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    They need a PF.  If they think that guy is Perry Jones III, then they should try to trade down a few places and pick up a vet or early 2^nd in the process.

10.                New Orleans Hornets

a.    Austin Rivers, PG, Duke

                                         i.    Great pick.  Austin Rivers, Eric Gordon, and Anthony Davis?  Wow.  That’s quite a trio.  Plus, they have Rashard Lewis’ expiring contract $24 mill (!!!!) and they could use that to grab assets from a team that’s ready to give up.  (Would a bad Phoenix team trade Gortat (2 years left on a deal) and Childress (3 years left) for Lewis?  That would give New Orleans their center.

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    Unlikely.  No assets to trade.  If it happened, it would be to jump Golden State to get a PG, but they’d have to give up their first rounder in the future.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    If Rivers is gone by the point, I’d trade this pick for a later #1 this year and a future #1, or Kyle Lowry.

11.                Portland Trail Blazers

a.    Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse

                                         i.    This is an OK pick.  They have a stud in Aldridge and need to build around him.  How much better, realistically, will Waiters make them?  Either package this pick to move up into the top-4 or trade it for a veteran that can help now.

12.                Milwaukee Bucks

a.    Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

                                         i.    Really?  You trade Bogut to get a younger, worse version of Bogut?  I like Zeller, but he’s a backup center on a good team.  If I’m Milwaukee, I’m swinging for the stars and taking Perry Jones III, because, honestly, he’s got one of the top-5 ceilings in this draft.  No one thinks he’ll reach it, but you never know.  PJIII has guard skills and is 6-11.  That’s hard to replicate.  And if you plan on using 2 shoot first PGs (Ellis/Jennings) wouldn’t you love an uber-talented 6-11 guy running the wing?

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    DO IT, MILWAUKEE!!  Go get the #5 pick!  Give your fan base some excitement!  Right now, the Bucks are about as exciting as a born-again Christian on a Saturday night.  (I kid, I kid.  But seriously, I’m from Wisconsin, and trust me when I say: NO ONE CARES ABOUT THE BUCKS.  It’s all Packers and Brewers and Bucky in that state.)

13.                Phoenix Suns

a.    Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina

                                         i.    Who cares?!  This team is not good and Steve Nash is still pretty good.  Marshall kind of makes sense but he’s no Nash.  If I’m them, I’d take the best player available here.

14.                Houston Rockets

a.    Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

                                         i.    No way.  He’s dropping too fast. I say someone like Boston at 22 takes him.  They need a center, and I think if they stay here they should go for someone like Zeller or Fab Melo.

b.    If they trade up

                                         i.    I have an idea!  Call MJ, offer Lowry, Scola, the #14 pick, and the #16 pick for the #2 pick and Ty Thomas (who is due $27 mill over the next 3 years and Charlotte wants to get rid of).  This will solve problems for Charlotte (gives them their best two players and depth with the picks) and gives Houston their choice of MKG, Beal, or T-Rob.  If that doesn’t work, offer the same deal to Washington.  If that doesn’t work, offer it to Cleveland.  Houston has assets, they need to start getting talent.

c.    If they trade down

                                         i.    Very possible.  If they could get a veteran that could really help them (Dwight???) they’d trade these picks plus Lowry and someone else to do it. 

15.                Philadelphia 76ers

a.    Perry Jones III, SF, Baylor

                                         i.    Love it.  Not sure what their plan for him is (doesn’t he do everything Thaddeus Young does?) but he’s the best player available.  If they go for fit, there is a chance they choose a C/PF player like Arnett Moultrie.

16.                Houston Rockets

a.    Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois

                                         i.    I don’t understand this.  I have no idea who this is but he’s 7-1, 250.  So, in other words, he’s super skinny.  Next, please!

17.                Dallas Mavericks

a.    Terrence Jones, PF, Kentucky

                                         i.    We played against him twice at Georgia.  I was impressed with him.  He has A TON of talent and should be a top-10 pick.  However, he doesn’t seem to “Get it” yet.  I don’t know his fit on this team, but he’s best suited as a small 4 and not a 3 as he doesn’t really have the lateral quickness to guard most of the 3’s in the NBA.

18.                Minnesota Timberwolves

a.    Terrence Ross, SG, Washington

                                         i.    I like Ross, but not sure where he fits in with Minny.  They have so many young players, they have to turn some into a good vet soon, right?

19.                Orlando Magic

a.    Moe Harkless, SF, St John’s

                                         i.    Good player, loads of talent, but he’s a project.  What Orlando needs is a center and a point guard.  I’d go with Festus Ezeli here or Marquis Teague.

20.                Denver Nuggets

a.    Arnett Moultrie, PF/C, Mississippi State

                                         i.    He’s a talented player and fits in with the Denver style of play.  The other option would be to get a more beefy big man, like an Ezeli.

21.                Boston Celtics

a.    Quincy Miller, SF, Baylor

                                         i.    Good choice.  Loads of talent.  However, they need a SG here, so they’ll be hoping Terrence Ross drops to them here.

22.                Boston Celtics

a.    Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

                                         i.    I like this pick.  He’s probably a career back-up, but could be a very serviceable one.  He’s 7-0, 255 and is a good and willing defender.

23.                Atlanta Hawks

a.    Royce White, PF, Iowa State

                                         i.    They need a big for depth or to replace Josh Smith when he’s inevitably traded.  I’d kind of like to see them grab Draymond Green here but that’s unlikely.

24.                Cleveland Cavaliers

a.    Andrew Nicholson, PF, St Bonaventure

                                         i.    Don’t know a thing about him.  But Cleveland could use a serviceable big here.  I would think Miles Plumlee (7-0, 250) would also be an option here.

25.                Memphis Grizzlies

a.    Evan Fournier, SG, France

                                         i.    Don’t know much about him either.  I think it’s more likely they go with a PG here as a back up and challenger to Conley.  Someone like Marquis Teague or Tyshawn Tayler.

26.                Indiana Pacers

a.    Tyshawn Taylor

                                         i.    I disagree.  I think they will resign Hill and Hibbert but will lose David West after next year (contract is up next year).  I say they stick to their “Hard-Worker” mold and go Draymond Green here.

27.                Miami Heat

a.    Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

                                         i.    This one is easy for me.  Ezeli is an athletic, large man (6-11, 265).  Stats won’t blow you away but he just started playing basketball now that long ago.

28.                Oklahoma City Thunder

a.    Draymond Green, PF, Michigan State

                                         i.    I don’t really like it.  When would he play?  And OKC likes athletes they can mold, not polished players.  I think they’ll take an international player and stash them for a few years, or look at someone like Tony Wroten or Will Barten (young athletes).

29.                Chicago Bulls

a.    Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

                                         i.    I like Jeff Taylor, but I think the Bulls go with his teammate, the dominate sharp shooter John Jenkins.  Jenkins is an incredible 3 point shooter with a quick release.  He’s the long-term solution to the guy who spreads the court for D-Rose.

30.                Golden State Warriors

a.    Marquis Teague

                                         i.    If they don’t go PG at the #7, this makes sense.  I think they need a Jeff Taylor, or Kim English, or Kyle O’Quin (Norfolk State).