Description

The NBA quickly pumped out the 2007 draft last night, in what was one of the more anticipated drafts in sometime. Greg Oden. Kevin Durant. UF. OSU. A bunch of guys who were able to survive one year of college in eager anticipation for draft day to arrive. This was aided by the fact that a bunch of college basketball fans suddenly had peaked interest in the draft to see where their one-year-and-gone guys would go. I’m going to break down some of the picks, and while my analysis may seem superficial remember, that’s the only way I can entertain myself when it comes to draft day hype.

1. Portland – Greg Oden (Ohio State)

Ever since he was a sophomore/junior in high school he was said to be a future #1 pick, no doubt. Suddenly this changed last year when Durant tore it up at Texas. Still, everyone knew Oden would go #1 but that’s not as exciting of a story. Anyways, he’s a baller.

2. Seattle – Kevin Durant (Texas)

Silky smooth scoring machine. At 6-10 he does things that only people under 6-4 should be allowed to dream. Worth every penny.

3. Atlanta – Al Horford (Florida)

Horford impressed the hell out of me last year at UF. He was definitely their best player and the guy with the biggest upside. Should Atlanta have taken a PG? Maybe, but does anybody care about Atlanta?

4. Memphis – Mike Conley (Ohio State)

Nobody helped themselves by playing a year in college basketball more than Mike Conley Jr. The thing is he would have gone to college anyways. While he was a McDonald’s All-American, nobody anticipated his draft stock to soar the way it did. It was OSU’s run to the championship game that sealed his draft potential.

5. Boston (Traded to Seattle) – Jeff Green (Georgetown)

For Seattle, this is all you could ask for. They give up 32 year old Ray Allen for 6-10 Jeff Green, Delonte West and Wally Szcerbiak. If Boston is not trading for the future, than what are they doing? Green will not need to be their leading scorer that is what Kevin Durant is for. He can be the perfect compliment in what has fast become an exciting SuperSonics ball club.

6. Milwaukee – Ji Jianlian (China)

Yi’s representatives are saying he won’t play in Milwaukee. They drafted him anyways and he looks to be a tremendous talent at 7-0 ft. 246 lbs. Welcome to America Ji. Now get your ass ready to play for the Bucks and shut up. You’ll be a hero.

7. Minnesota – Corey Brewer (Florida)

It took me a solid year of casually watching Corey Brewer play to realize he was tall, at 6-8 185. He needs to get stronger but should be a solid pro. Right now, it’s hard to know what the future will hold for the Timberwolves, but Brewer is a solid pick at #7.

8. Charlotte (Traded to Golden State) – Brandan Wright (North Carolina)

His post pick interview by Stuart Scott he was told/asked, "Your the only guy who was drafted by a team whose owner could beat you (Michael Jordan)?" His response, "Jordan does not want any of this." After being traded to Golden State, ESPN Sportscenter joked that you can’t mess with Michael. Once again, ESPN credits itself with making the news. Fuck you ESPN and your arrogant ESPNish "make shit up for the sake of making shit up and ratings" attitudes. Nothing can top the NFL Draft coverage of Brady Quinn vs. Tedd Ginn, which was beyond reasonable explanation, but still annoying.

9. Chicago (from New York) – Joakim Noah (Florida)

As someone who has casually rooted for the Bulls since Jordan, I’m not sure about this pick but it’s a safe choice. Noah will be surrounded with talent, just like UF. He will be looked at to compliment the guys they have and provide depth. He can do that. As a Buckeye fan I hate this pick. Why did they have to draft this guy? The first time he pounds his chest the channel will be turned.

10. Sacramento – Spencer Hawes (Washington)

He is 7-1 244 lbs, can score and pass the ball well. He is a weak rebounder and is a "project".

{mospagebreak} 

11. Atlanta (from Indiana) – Acie Law (Texas A&M)

Law will be ready to contribute from day one and until Conley emerged, was going to be the top PG selected. While he may not be a superstar, he is solid and tough. Word is, there are rumors of Atlanta looking to trade Law for a veteran.

12. Philadelphia – Thaddeus Young (Georgia Tech)

Great athlete, great prospect but raw. Here is a guy who may have gone higher coming straight out of high school. He seemed to be counting the days until school was over and that time has finally arrived. Expect a couple years of development until Young is ready to live up to his potential.

13. New Orleans – Julian Wright (Kansas)

This 6-9 Small Forward makes everyone better and could be a great asset to Chris Paul. He’s smooth and versatile but needs to improve his offense.

14. LA Clippers – Al Thornton (Florida State)

Thornton, based on talent, is about all you could hope for midway through the first round. He has tremendous upside, which may have been too much to pass up. Still, unless some pieces are dealt away, the clippers already have Corey Maggette whose game is similiar. Maybe they think you can’t have too much of a good thing. Over analyzing is not needed, this is the Clippers.

15. Detroit (from Orlando) – Rodney Stuckey (Eastern Wash.)

Not sure about Stuckey, meaning, I plead ignorance. The tag line is, "combo guard and solid defender. Good fit for Detroit." Sure, it’s a great pick, but they still passed on Carmelo Anthony back in the day. Had they picked him instead of Darko, they’d rule the East and have a chance against the West.

16. Washington – Nick Young (USC)

Young was exciting to watch at USC. Good pick up in the latter half of the first round. Compliment Arenas at every turn and you guys will get along just fine.

17. New Jersey – Sean Williams (Boston College)

Tough bruiser inside who brings athleticism to the Jersey front court. He was booted off of B.C. and has had "character issues" follow him around. He should fit in great at New Jersey.

18. Golden State – Marco Belinelli (Italy)

At 6-6 200 lbs., he is a great shooter with athleticism and range. Word is he lit up Team USA last year.

19. LA Lakers – Javaris Crittenton (Georgia Tech)

Strong, physical, scoring PG who is raw. I expected more out of him at Georgia Tech, but he has appealing upside. This pick won’t make Kobe happy but not much does.

20. Miami (traded to Philadelphia) – Jason Smith (Colorado State)

What’s up with all of these 7 foot power forwards? Along with Thaddeus Young, the Sixers have become younger but more talented.

{mospagebreak} 

21. Philadelphia (Traded to Miami) – Daequan Cook (Ohio State)

Big Ten sixth man of the year as a freshman, this was all the Cook could have hoped for after enduring criticism after the way he finished his career at OSU and then deciding to go pro. Cook was never meant for the college game and should be better in the NBA. It will take him some time to adjust, though, and he may have been a better fit for a team like Phoenix. He can rip off points in a hurry but his defensive intensity needs to improve.

22. Charlotte – Jared Dudley (Boston College)

Smart player who brings intensity. Could be a valuable role player down to road.

23. New York – Wilson Chandler (Depaul)

Another guy who should be better in the NBA than he was in college. Great athlete but plays slow at times.

24. Phoenix (traded to Portland) – Rudy Fernandez (Spain)

Portland aquired this Spanish shooting guard phenom with the future in mind. Contract issues may keep him out of the league for a couple years, but he is a great athlete and scorer.

25. Utah – Morris Almond (Rice)

Great shooter. That’s all folks.

26. Houston – Aaron Brooks (Oregon)

He was exciting at Oregon but Houston surprised people with this pick. Maybe he can tell McGrady to drive to the hoop. At 6-0 he is small and can play out of control.

27. Detroit – Arron Afflalo (UCLA)

He was Detroits second SG draft pick. What he may lack in athleticism he makes up for in toughness.

28. San Antonio – Tiago Splitter (Brazil)

He will have to wait a couple years before joining the Spurs, but he is a great insurance policy to have. His size 7-0 240 lbs., would be welcomed relief for an aging Tim Duncan.

29. Phoenix – Alando Tucker (Wisconsin)

Excellent career at Wisconsin who can play from day 1. Not a great shooter, though. His athleticism is appealing but you’ve got to be able to shoot the rock in Phoenix.

30. Philadelphia (traded to Portland) – Petteri Koponen (Finland)

Clearly the future is now for the Trail Blazer. By this, I mean they’ll hit stride in about 4 years. Koponen is said to be a few years away but a sound investment.