Long Island Draft Buzz

2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT

2008-07-10T22:36:00.009-04:00

Updated 7-15 at 1:35 AM eastern standard time

1. Blake Griffin (Oklahoma)
2. Demar DeRozan (USC)
3. BJ Mullens (Ohio State)
4. Ricky Rubio (DKV Joventut)
5. James Harden (Arizona State)
6. Hasheem Thabeet (Uconn)
7. Chase Budinger (Arizona)
8. Brandon Jennings (Arizona)
9. Pat Patterson (kentucky)
10. Andrew Ogilvy (Purdue)
11. Earl Clark (Louisville)
12. Tyreke Evans (Memphis)
13. Damion James (Texas)
14. Stephen Curry (Davidson)
15. Terrence Williams (Louisville)
16. Tyler Smith (Tennessee)
17. Jordan Hill (Arizona)
18. Ty Lawson (UNC)
19. Wayne Ellington (UNC)
20. Sam Young (Pittsburgh)
21. Nick Calathes (Florida)
22. Darren Collison (UCLA)
23. Tyrese Rice (Boston College)
24. Greives Vazquez (Maryland)
25. Tyler Hansbrough (UNC)
26. Gerald Henderson (Duke)
27. Eric Maynor (VCU)
28. Austin Daye (Gonzaga)
29. Robert Vaden (UAB)
30. James Johnson (Wake Forest)

Questions and comments send to LIdraftbuzz@yahoo.com

CEO/Founder Jordan Haimowitz

LIVE! updated NBA draft selection order

2008-06-26T18:30:00.046-04:00

LIVE! updated draft coverage with brief analysis in which picks 1-60 are taken. All trades and breaking news will be posted on the site that operates 24/7, Long Island Draft Buzz.

(These evaluations DO NOT take into play trades after the pick was made)

Round 1

1. Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) I have not been a fan of this pick since it started brewing. Not eye popping stats in a weak conference as a freshman. Superb upside and freakish physical strength. At the number one overall pick, I believe Paxson will regret this.
2. Michael Beasley (Miami Heat) An absolute no brainer. He put in 26 points and 12 rebounds a game while shooting and efficient 53% from the field and 77% from the line. To play alongside with Wade and The Matrix should give the Heat a three men nucleus that will be dominant for a long time ahead. Fabulous player, slam dunk pick. Should have gone #1 Watch out!
3. O.J. Mayo (Minnesota T-Wolves) NBA READY! A hard worker that is a very good defender. I was not that high on him a couple of weeks ago, that changed rather quickly. Tough mindset and a guy that brings intensity along with 100% effort at all times. He does need to work on his decision making, that will come quickly. Nice pick by Minnesota.
4. Russell Westbrook (Seattle Sonics) The most athletic point guard in the draft. No question the best defender in this years draft. He will be a project in turning this combo guard into a true point but the potential is sky high. I would have went with Bayless, however, this pick is just fine. Good job Seattle.
5. Kevin Love (Memphis Grizzlies) Talented, strong, excellent passer and can drain the three ball. He worked out a lot better then people though he would. A superb pick for Memphis as Love is as good as a big man passer as you will find. He will be consistent and a model athlete on and off the court. Great pick to play with Rudy Gay.
6. Danilo Gallinari (New York Knicks) Oh My God! With Brook Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Eric Gordon and D.J. Augustin still available, no thank you says Knicks Coach D'antoni and GM Mr. Walsh. Knicks fans cry some more, who would have thought this situation can get any worse. Do not buy into this Italian media darling. Perhaps they'll never learn, seems like more of a media money maker then strategic basketball pick. Awful.
7. Eric Gordon (LA Clippers) Easy pick. This team needs a flat out scorer that can light it up. Gordon will help this team right away. A young lights out shooter who will be a longtime back court contributor for the Clippers. Easy one for me, GREAT PICK. Hey Knicks management, this is what's called. FILLING A NEED.
8. Joe Alexander (Milwaukee Bucks) Another pick by the books. What many people think is a top 3 talent in this draft in Alexander. He is a SF that can play the PF position and do it nicely. He can hit a long range jump shot and is an unbelievable athlete. He runs the court well also. His defensive skills need some improvement as well as his court vision. That will come. Mo Williams, Michael Redd, RJ and Alexander seem dangerous. Nice pick.
9. D.J. Augustin (Charlotte Bobcats) Incorrect. An undersized point guard who looks for his shot a bit to much. Once again, I do not feel he is as good as Bayless and this team needs a true center badly. To pass on a true battle tested Brook Lopez who could allow you to slide Okafor back to his natural PF spot is mind boggling. D.J. is slick and can make plays happen, but at number nine is just simply not his place and not this teams need. A big uh oh for Cats fans.
10. Brook Lopez (NJ Nets) An absolute slam dunk. The true 7'0 255lb skilled and top notch defender who plays with a chip on his shoulder at all times. He shoots well from the field and hits his free throws. The 19 year old Brook Lopez is a monumental steal at this pick. The nets management continue to prove why they are respectable. Brook will solidify the interior and it will be shot blocker galore over in New Jersey this upcoming season. A better steal at #10 then Beasley was at #2. I can go on and on about this one. I'll end with. Pick of the draft. NO QUESTION.
11. Jerryd Bayless (Indiana Pacers) They just acquired T.J. Ford so this does make some wonder. However not many people expected him to call to # 11, I had him going to the Sonics at #4. A great shooter, big game player, very quick and good decision maker. He needs to pick up his defensive skills and then he will be the PG everybody expects him to be. I am very high on him. He is more of a hybrid guard that will have a nice career. The pacers could have used a big man with losing Jermaine O'neal, but a good value pick.
12. Jason Thompson (Sacramento Kings) A big reach. Thompson who is a very skilled player with a nice low post game did not play against much competition. He is not battle tested and not a very good passer from the low post. Robin Lopez, Anthony Randolph, Kosta Koufos or Roy Hibbert would have been much better choices. surprising selection to say the least. There shouldn't be many Kings fans happy with this one.
13. Brandon Rush (Portland Blazers) Mixed opinions on this pick. A great defender and top level scorer. He seems to slack off during times and has been known to have a lack of instinct. He is a very talented player though joining an already rising team. We will have to see how this one plays out.
14. Anthony Randolph (Golden State Warriors) Very good value pick. A left handed 6'10 big man who has an enormous wing span. A complete project with boatloads of talent. Randolph can post up and hit the mid range jump shot. A good defender who is raw and will improve. Some feel he is a bust waiting to happen. Not me, I see a productive player that will be groomed in the right system under Coach Nelson.
15. Robin Lopez (Phoenix Suns) A good pick here for the Suns. I had them taking McGee with terms of potential but a great decision here to go with another battle tested Lopez brother in Robin. The 7'0 big man will learn and be crafted by "The Big Aristotle." The best defensive big man in this years draft, he is more athletic then his brother to boot. A very good addition to an already perennial playoff team.
16. Mareese Speights (Philadelphia 76ers) This is exactly where I projected him to go. A solid big man who is talented will fit nicely on the front-court with Samuel Dalembert. He is not a game breaking big man who you'll see take over. He is a little weak with his foot movement but he is young and that will improve. Good pick here for the 76ers.
17. Roy Hibbert (Indiana Pacers) Some might say a reach. I say kudos to Larry Bird. I at one time had Roy going as high as #12 to the Kings. A 7'2 low post player who is ready to bang with the best right this second. He is a senior who played against the best of the best for a full collegiate career in the Big East. He provides good foot-work, solid interior defense and a player who just wants to win. Nice pick, fans might not like it, I do though.
18. Javale McGee (Washington Wizards) As raw as a player as there is in this draft. A lot of question marks regarding McGee whether or not he is tough enough to be a big time player. Great wingspan and a good defensive presence. A big project, we shall see
19. J.J Hickson (Cleveland Cavaliers) Higher then I expected. A very strong player who has a nice post game. A sure reach here, but Hickson is a player that can erase those remarks early. He is an overall good basketball player. Somebody who does just a bit of everything and a whole lot of a certain aspect. A bit to high, but not to bad
20. Alexis Ajinca (Charlotte Bobcats) A pure investment. A pick made for the future and to save cap money in terms of immediate expenses. Ajinca is 7'0 220 lb, he has a very nice upside. A ton of skeptics face Ajinca as he did not have a very good showing this past year in France playing in the A1 league. Time will tell
21. Ryan Anderson (NJ Nets) A definite reach, but hold the phone. While Nets fans might look confused and annoyed by this pick, they wont be when he steps onto the court. While Darrell Arthur or Kosta Koufos might have been more desired names at this pick, New Jersey will be very pleased in what Anderson will bring to the table. He is a very good shooter, above average passer and defender. He is looked at as being a bit soft inside. Brook on the low post will be a nice luxury to have as Anderson will be able to step outside for long range shots and get opposing power forwards out of position. A question mark pick, but not a bad one.
22. Courtney Lee (Orlando Magic) I don't like it. A "soft scorer" is what Lee looks like. To pass on Mario Chalmers who did "quite a bit" for the National Champion Jayhawks is absurd. Lee is a very good shooter and not a bad athlete to boot. Simply to high for him. A draft mistake.
23. Kosta Koufos (Utah Jazz) Awesome pick. The fact Koufos fell this far is amazing as it is. Kosta is 7'0 265lb who is multi-skilled. He can shot from the outside and post up on the block. He needs to work on his defensive skills without a doubt and is not very athletic. He is however a big-time basketball talent. He brings a lot right away and has a lot to work on as well. Overall, Jazz fans should be doing nothing but smiling.
24. Serge Ibaka (Seattle Sonics) Perhaps the best move the Sonics have made in a while. He is 6'10 228lb and only 17 years old. A comparison has been made to Amare Stoudemire for quite some time. One thing the Sonics have and will have plenty more of by the end of this draft is young players. They have the time to wait on Ibaka and I truly believe roughly three years from now the Sonics will have not a productive player, but an impact possible star. This is weird to say, here it does, Job well done Sonics.
25. Nicolas Batum (Houston Rockets) My favorite international player in this draft. He is 6'7 210lb. I have interviewed over 10 international scouts who have ALL said he is a better talent then the horrible number six pick in Gallinari. An unbelievable talent, he runs the court at a high level. What most NBA team rep's love about him is that he can defend his opponent nicely as a SF or PF. Nicolas needs to work on his shooting and his creativity on offense at the next level. Give him time, he'll be a nice player.
26. George Hill (San Antonio Spurs) I am put in the unfortunate position of calling out legendary Coach Greg Popovich. What in the world is this? The Spurs decided to pass on Arthur, Chalmers and DeAndre Jordan to select a PG in George Hill from IUPUI who averaged 12 pts a game in Orlando. A non-athletic score first PG goes #26. A stunner. Instead of drafting a scoring hybrid guard or a powerful forward after seeing what the Lakers did to them they take the PG Hill who is far from battle tested. Jeez, they must know something nobody else does.
27. Darrell Arthur (Portland Blazers) This is like an award winning film by Portland. An instant classic, what a pick. A great rebounder, defender and shot blocker. His numbers don't come anywhere close to showing how good this guy is. He needs to build up his strength and work on his offensive game. Having already traded for in what I believe will be the best PG in this draft (Including Rose) Jerryd Bayless and now acquiring this pick and getting a natural born winner in Arthur to play alongside with All-Star Brandon Roy and hopeful Center Greg Oden should make Blazers fans ecstatic. A tip of the cap to the Portland management.
28. Donte Greene (Memphis Grizzlies) This is about where he deserves to go. I have him as one of the top 3 most overrated players. Donte has been projected to go as high as 13. This is more respectable. He is a very good score and a good athlete. He has several weaknesses including, bad decision maker, below average court vision and not a very sturdy defender. He is only 19 and he does have the natural ability to be a nice player. I though, do not see it happening. Good value pick that I believe will have a negative result.
29. D.J. White (Detroit Pistons) A big strong PF who has been stuck during his collegiate career with the injury bug. He plays hard and tough which should mend well with Detroit basketball. He needs to get into better shape and improve his conditioning. Dumars has been very impressive with his draft days picks. I think this is to high for D.J. White, I would have went with a Gary Forbes or CDR at this pick. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt here. We will see.
30. JR. Giddens (Boston Celtics) Another reach that went way to high. The NBA champion Celtics go way out on a limb here. Giddens has had plenty of off the court issues but it is his athleticism that caught the Celtics. He is a hybrid player that has a chance at being very good. I had him in the 45-55 range. This is to high, potential or not.

Round 2

31. Nikola Pekovic (Minnesota T-Wolves) Nikola has signed a multi year deal over in Greece. He has lottery pick talent but will be a three year wait until he can show what he can do.
32. Walter Sharpe (Seattle Sonics) A guy who sprung right onto the scene in a matter of days. A guy who not many people know much about besides the fact that he is a strong presence who has a lot of upside.
33. Joey Dorsey (Portland Blazers) A guy that is built like a defensive end for a football team. A pure defensive presence. As good as a rebounder as there is in the draft. His weakness is that he has no offensive skills...AT ALL! (Who would have thought he would go before CDR)
34. Mario Chalmers (Minnesota T-Wolves) Now that's serious value. Perhaps the key to Kansas' success this past year. He is a big time shooter who shoots well from the field, the free throw line and is a natural play maker on both ends of the court. I had him going anywhere from 17-24 in the first round. Great pick from every angle.
35. DeAndre Jordan (LA Clippers) Talk about a draft slip. As my previous article entitles. I do have him as my #1 most overrated player in this years draft. I projected him to be a draft day slip to #25 at Houston which was as low as you would find on a credible mock. This is unfortunate for DeAndre. A very high value pick for the Clippers. He has great potential, he is raw with a good defensive mindset. The problem that he will face is that he just has no offensive identity. I predicted a slip, not this long though.
36. Omer Asik (Portland Blazers) Another pick for way down the road. Asik will sign a big deal with his Turkish team Fenerbache. No salary cap hit. A big man who can shoot to stash away.
37.L.R. Mbah A Moute (Milwaukee Bucks) One of my draft day sleepers. A defensive specialist who is a very good rebounder both defensive and offensive. He has very good off the ball court movement and brings major intensity to the court at all times.
38. Kyle Weaver (Charlotte Bobcats) Another defensive specialist. Perhaps a better defender then both Westbrook who went at #4. He played for a successful Washington State team and was the major asset to that teams stellar defense.
39. Sonny Weems (Chicago Bulls) A 6'5 193lb SG has the most above the rim game in the draft. He can score at a very high level. His inferior defensive ability is what kept him out of the first round. A guard here is very confusing. Weems is a very good player though.
40. Chris Douglas Roberts (NJ Nets) Somebody needs to slap Kiki and Coach Frank across the face and make sure they aren't dreaming. Another draft day super steal. A 1st Team All American and a fabulous basketball player as THE LEADER on the Memphis Tigers team. A crafty, competitive player that will always give 100% of his heart and soul to his team. The Nets seem ready to explode in a big way. What a sensational pick
41. Nathan Jawai (Indiana Pacers) Good pick, I had him going higher. He has tons of talent in his game. The pacers will be very pleased with his production whenever it is he steps onto a court.
42. Sean Singletary (Sacramento Kings) A player in which his stats in my mind look better then he really is. A score first point guard who was an All-American in the ACC. He must work on his decision making to be productive for the next level.
43. Pat Ewing Jr. (Sacramento Kings) Does this name look familiar? that's about the only reason why I can see this pick being made. Give me a break.
44.Ante Tomic (Utah Jazz) 6'10 280lb inside presence who will be 3-4 years away from seeing NBA time. That is all you need to know for now
45. Goran Dragic (San Antonio Spurs) A good PG who is a play maker. Has a very high basketball IQ. The Spurs do this quite a bit and prove to be successful at it. No reason to think this wont work out.
46. Trent Plaisted (Seattle Sonics) 6'10 240lb of soft big man. plays weak and is a below average defender. One of the players I do not like at all in this draft. Very weak.
47. Bill Walker (Washington Wizards) One of my top 3 most overrated players. Another giant draft slip. A product of Michael Beasley and nothing more. He has some toughness and is a pretty good slasher. It ends there. Walker is weak defensively and does not have a high basketball IQ from what i see. A good value pick at #47, as i predicted.
48. Malik Hairston (Phoenix Suns) A very respectable SF. He is another of those players that does nothing spectacular but everything efficiently. A guy who has intrigued plenty NBA teams due to his physical play. A potential big time player with all of his ability.
49. Richard Hendrix (Golden State Warriors) Pure athleticism. A true project who can fly high above the rim. A very raw player from the Crimson Tide that is a good vlue pick.
50. Devon Hardin (Seattle Sonics) Another draft day slide. I hate to be the one to say I told you so, but, I told you so. A week big man with below average foot movement and very minimal offensive skills. A MAJOR! project. At pick number 50 it is actually a decent value pick with the slim chance he proves me and other critics wrong. I doubt it though.
51. Shan Foster (Dallas Mavericks) SEC player of the year. pure scorer with an excellent basketball instinct. He is big time player who is used to playing in big spots. Dallas may very well look back at this draft 3 years from now and see their starting SG. One of the drafts best picks
52. Darnell Jackson (Miami Heat) A so so talent. Perhaps a draft selection off of his teams success. Not a great shooter and an average defender for his size. Not impressed
53. Tadija Dragicevic (Utah Jazz) A flat out investment with no cap hit in mind. Nothing more.
54. Maarty Leunen (Houston Rockets) Big sleeper, I had him getting drafted-on the cusp. Good overall player that gives 100% at all times. A PF that can play outside and inside.
55. Mike Taylor (Portland Blazers) NBDL player from Idaho Stampede. A player on the rise many people like. He will need plenty of work. Time will tell.
56. Sasha Kaun (Seattle Sonics) Center on the Kansas Championship team. He is a very good defender and has above average strength. He signed a contract over in Russia and this could very well be a great pick for the Sonics down the road. No cap hit and they get a battle tested Center who will be playing for a highly competitive team overseas.
57. James Gist (San Antonio Spurs) A freak of an athlete. A sky high jumper who has limited offensive ability. A simple draft wild card.
58. Joe Crawford (LA Lakers) Joe was perhaps the sole reason why Kentucky made the tournament this past year. A good play maker with limited athletic ability. He could be a decent role player in the NBA
59. Deron Washington (Detroit Pistons) A pure athlete. I'm shocked that he got drafted. A low-level shooter, bad ball handler with no ability to create for himself. His jumping ability is great and he is an average defender. A lot of other players that could have been taken here.
60. Semih Erden (Boston Celtics) 7'1 250lb plays for Fenerbache over in Russia. Cap safe pick.

NBA DRAFT TRADES

2008-06-26T16:22:00.010-04:00

Breaking News:The Minnesota T-wolves trade the rights to OJ Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Memphis Grizzlies for the right to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins

The Nets trade Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons

The Nuggets trade the #20 pick to the Bobcats for a future 1st round pick

The Hornets traded the #27 pick to the Blazers for cash considerations

The Pacers trade Jermaine O'neal and the #41 pick to the Raptors for the #17 pick, T.J. Ford, Maceo Baston and Rasho Nesterovic

The Seattle Sonics Trade the #32 and the #46th pick to the Detroit Pistons for the rights to D.J. White

The Blazers trade the rights to Brandon Rush, Josh McRoberts and Jarrett Jack to the Indiana Pacers for the rights to Jerryd Bayless and Ike Diogu

The Minnesota trades the rights to Mario Chalmers to the Miami Heat for the rights to Darnell Jackson, a future second round pick and cash consideration

The Washington Wizards trade the rights to Bill Walker to the Boston Celtics for cash considerations

Portland Blazers trade the rights to Mike Taylor to The Clippers for a 2009 second round pick

Jordan Haimowitz
LIdraftbuzz@yahoo.com

Derrick Rose: Don't do it Chi Town

2008-06-26T14:20:00.005-04:00

Perhaps I am missing something, to say I am utterly confused is a drastic understatement. Derrick Rose #1? A better franchise move then perhaps the most dominating freshman in collegiate history? Michael Beasley is a rare specimen, when you hold the #1 overall pick you don't pass up on the class of the draft to select a PG from a mighty weak Conference-Usa with total averages of 15 pts, 4.7 rebounds 4.5 assists and a dis-appointing 71% from the free throw line. Rose is a Chicago native, yes i understand this, however I am sick of hearing it. This is the #1 overall pick, numero uno. To think that Paxson would even consider passing up on Beasley who is built like an action figure he's so jacked, while leading a disgusting team in Kansas State to a win over USC in the NCAA tournament. Take a gander at these stats and then sit down, scratch your chin and say (Man, this guy Jordan seems to really be on point)

Michael Beasley's freshman stats 26.2 points 12.4 rebounds 1.6 blocks 53% from the field and 77% from the line (better then Rose from the line as a PF)

(current NBA ALL STAR)Carmelo Anthony's freshman stats at Syracuse 22.2 points 10 rebounds 45% from the field and 70% from the line

Are you kidding me! Is this even worth a debate, is it worth me taking my precious time and writing up this article for 90% of these boards and the general public to finally wake up and smell the ROSES.

Note to Jim Paxson, don't be a fool, take the once in a lifetime stud and pass on the media darling of Derrick Rose.

Author: (CEO/Founder)
Jordan Haimowitz

Reggie Williams: The Hidden Gem

2008-06-25T01:50:00.014-04:00

"The Pride Of Prince George"

Reggie Williams

Everybody say hello to the two time leading scorer in the nation. Reggie Williams from Virginia Military Institute, is perhaps the most under appreciated player I have ever covered. Reggie averaged during his junior year, 28 points 8 rebounds and 4.4 Ast while shooting a stellar 53% from the field. During his senior year, he averaged 27.8 points 9.7 rebounds and 3.9 Ast while posting another 53% from the field. The 6'5 200lb G/F has spent his college career terrorizing opponents. While facing skeptics from the second he stepped onto the court, Reggie has done nothing but been a model of consistency. The question everybody has is simple, Can he play toe to toe with the best players from the top conferences? Well, here are a few accolades and news updates for you to chew on:

2008 Portsmouth Invitational All Tournament Team (Top seniors that accept invitations)
2008 Orlando Pre-Draft camp All-Tournament (second or third team from NBA team reps)
2006'2007 & 2007'2008 D1 Nations leading scorer (All D1 players)

During his workout for Seattle, he squared off against Eric Gordon playing 1 on 1 for the ENTIRE workout. While this all being caught on film, It was reported that Reggie not only outplayed him, but was also in much better physical shape. Why did Gordon and Reggie play 1 on 1 the whole time one might ask? The reason that was the case, was because Gordon's camp requested that he only workout against one player for each teams entire front office. These teams include (Seattle and LA Clippers)

I had the honor of interviewing coach Bruce Pearl, the head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers back during the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. One of the most brilliant basketball minds I have ever gotten advice from. During our 15-20 minute interview a question I asked him was "Coach Pearl, what have you thought about Reggie Williams." He replied "I was just discussing him with my associate, he has been the top player here."

The following are adjusted stats that www.draftexpress.com had on the shooting guards in this years draft. This is where Reggie ranks per major stat category.

Rebounds per game (40-Min adjusted pace)

Ranks #2 (8.8)

Steals (40-Min adjusted pace)

Ranks #3 (2.0)

Offensive Rebounds (40-Min adjusted pace)

Ranks #1 (3.4)

Player Efficiency Rating (40-Min adjusted pace)

Ranks #1 (32.1)

I am summarizing a few categories that rank the top 20 shooting guards in this years draft. Reggie is the overall #1 ranked shooting guard in this years due to his statistical versatility. The combination of not only his scoring, but his rebounds, Ast, steals, percentages and efficiency is what makes this case.

The following are all the NBA teams Reggie has worked out for:

Portland Blazers, LA Lakers, Seattle Sonics, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, San Antonio Spurs, LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats

Now, keep in mind I do understand that the competition Reggie faced was not nearly as competitive as the Big East, Big 12, ACC, PAC-10, SEC or Conference-USA. However, the talent that surrounded him throughout his career was non productive to say the least. The constant double and triple teams he saw were smothering and never ending. The body of work he brings to the table is eye popping. When I spoke to a highly ranked team representative for the Spurs back on Saturday, not only were they impressed by his game, it was also his military collegiate degree that he required at the young age of 21 years old that they appreciated. His work ethic and natural love for the game is second to none, the first to practice and the last to leave as VMI's all-time greatest player is what made him such a love-able teammate. The way his stock is soaring, they'll be lucky to grab him at #45 if he's still around.

Author: Jordan Haimowitz (CEO/Founder)
Email: LIdraftbuzz@yahoo.com

Brook Lopez: Nets Fans Can Only Hope

2008-06-24T14:47:00.007-04:00

Brook Lopez

The stability of a teams strength and toughness starts from up-top. Before the players themselves can be categorized as tough or weak both mentally for themselves and for the image of the team, the GM's are the people who make these assumptions possible. The NJ Nets have spent the last 5 seasons with the unfortunate slogan of "soft talent." If Brook Lopez falls to the Nets at pick #10, that will all end Thursday night. A legit 7'0 260 lb monster inside, who averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks a game during his senior season is the ideal fit. Something that Brook brings to the table, which not many other big men (if any) do in this draft, is he's NBA ready the second he hears his name called. The Nets are a team that needs a presence inside, A strong sturdy message to be sent that this team will bang, crash, hustle and compete on a COMPETITIVE level with the rest of the big men crop in this league. Josh Boone and Sean Williams are decent complimentary role players (at best). Perhaps the excellent late season move to unload a disgruntled Jason Kidd for Devin Harris and a slue of draft picks are a sign of good things to come. I expect the Nets to have one of the more successful draft days of any team on Thursday night.

(keep in mind, a draft day trade for the Nets to move up and acquire Brook is very much another possibility if they are certain he would be taken before pick #10.)

Author: Jordan Haimowitz (CEO/Founder)
Email: LIdraftbuzz@yahoo.com

NBA DRAFT: Top 3 most (UNDERRATED/OVERRATED)

2008-06-23T03:25:00.004-04:00

The top 3 most OVERRATED players in this years draft

1. DeAndre Jordan (Texas A&M)

His talent has no limits. With that said, even a player who is young and has a ton of possibilites must show something in terms of prduction. 8 Points 6 Rebounds and 1.6 Turnovers a game for a 7'0 255 LB center should make your head scratch a bit. Not the strongest of big men either, He had only four double digit point games and only two double digit rebounding games in conference play. His minutes were very limited towards the latter end of the years and I take note of that. Alot of work will have to go into DeAndre but with the right training and expertise, you may have a productive big man.

2. Donte Greene (Syracuse)

Donte's freshman year was very similar to the roller-coasters you ride on the family trip to six flags. Up then down...Up again then down again. Overall 17.7 points and 7 rebounds looks mighty good for a freshman in the Big East, while his 2.6 turnovers and 41% FG% as a 6'10 220 LB big man makes you think a bit. The upside to Donte is tremendous. But how high are you willing to gamble on that? Great talent, Good size with more then a few flaws.

3. Bill Walker (Kansas State)

An un-appreciated talent or a product of Michael Beasley's reign of terror?
This is an easy one for me...
2006'2007 stats (9.7 points 4 rebounds 0.7 Ast and 40% FG Pct)
Welcome Michael Beasley
2007'2008 stats (16 points 6.3 rebounds 2 Ast and 47% FG Pct)

Enough said. Nice size at 6'6 220 LB's of muscle at the SF position, a good defender who plays hard. Decent all-around player.

Top 3 most UNDERRATED players in this years draft

1. Reggie Williams (VMI)

They call him "The Pride of Prince George" The nations 2-time leading scorer in the country and portsmouth all-tournament team. He averaged 28 points a game during his junior and senior season adding 4 Ast along with 10 rebounds during his senior year. A versatile G/F 6'6 200 LBs who has great athleticism, court vision and a natural feel for the game. While of course the competition at Virginia Military Institute is not on the same level as the Big East, Big 12, Pac 10 and ACC. Most people just do not realize that while Reggie was putting up these numbers, he was facing double and triple teams with not much talent to dish off to. While I was down at Portsmouth, I interviewed Bruce Pearl, his comment and I quote "Reggie has been the best player here" I was extremely high on him before that, that just put the icing on the cake.

2. Gary Forbes (Umass)

Most people have Forbes scattered around the 2nd round. Anywhere from early second to un-drafted you'll here. He is a first rounder in my book. His size, speed, ball handling skills and body of work make him a can't miss draft selection. While nothing about his game may be top notch, he does everything at a very high level. The most complete NBA ready players outside the top 20 picks is Gary Forbes. With the right team and situation he can become an immediate impact player.

3. Aleks Maric (Nebraska)

Who? Nebraska's big man has all the right tools it takes for this league. 16 points and 10 rebounds a game with teammates that did not help him much playing in the Big 12 is outstanding. The most eye popping thing that Maric supplies is his best games came against the best competition. The 6'11 270 LB very skilled big man has the potential to be a draft day stunner.

Author: Jordan Haimowitz (CEO/Founder)
Email: LIdraftbuzz@yahoo.com

2008 NBA MOCK DRAFT

2008-06-23T01:45:00.031-04:00

Final Update 6-26

My NBA MOCK DRAFT is based on 4 factors

-Statistical Analysis
-NBA contacts
-Size & Speed
-Team Needs

Round 1

1. Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls)
2. Michael Beasley (Miami Heat)
3. O.J. Mayo (Minnesota Timberwolves)
4. Jerryd Bayless (Seattle Sonics)
5. Kevin Love (Memphis Grizzlies)
6. Russell Westbrook (NY Knicks)
7. Eric Gordon (LA Clippers)
8. Joe Alexander (Milwaukee Bucks)
9. Brook Lopez (Charlotte Bobcats)
10. Danilo Gallinari (New Jersey Nets)
11. Anthony Randolph (Indiana Pacers)
12. D.J Augustin (Sacramento Kings)
13. Kosta Koufos (Portland Blazers)
14. Brandon Rush (Golden State Warriors)
15. Javale McGee (Phoenix Suns)
16. Mareese Speights (Philadelphia 76ers)
17. Darrell Arthur (Indiana Pacers)
18. Roy Hibbert (Washington Wizards)
19. Mario Chalmers (Cleveland Cavs)
20. Robin Lopez (Charlotte Bobcats)
21. Jason Thompson (NJ Nets)
22. Donte Greene (Orlando Magic)
23. Nicolas Batum (Utah Jazz)
24. Alexis Ajinca (Seattle Sonics)
25. DeAndre Jordan (Houston Rockets)
26. Serge Ibaka (SA Spurs)
27. Chris Douglas Roberts (New Orleans Hornets)
28. J.J. Hickson (Memphis Grizzlies)
29. Ryan Anderson (Detroit Pistons)
30. Gary Forbes (Boston Celtics)

Round 2

31. Nathan Jawai (Minnesota Timberwolves)
32. Kyle Weaver (Seattle Sonics)
33. Sonny Weems (Portland Blazers)
34. Shan Foster (Minnesota Timberwolves)
35. Bill Walker (LA Clippers)
36. Jamont Gordon (Portland Blazers)
37. Courtney Lee (Milwaukee Bucks)
38. Reggie Williams (Charlotte Bobcats)
39. Nikola Pekovic (Chicago Bulls)
40. D.J. White (NJ Nets)
41. George Hill (Indiana Pacers)
42. Goran Dragic (Sacramento Kings)
43. Ante Tomic (Sacramento Kings)
44. Richard Hendrix (Utah Jazz)
45. Omer Asik (San Antonio Spurs)
46. L.R Mbah A Moute (Seattle Sonics)
47. Joey Dorsey (Washington Wizards)
48. J.R. Giddens (Phoenix Suns)
49. Semih Erden (Golden State Warriors)
50. Mike Taylor (Seattle Sonics)
51. Devon Hardin (Dallas Mavericks)
52. James Gist (Miami Heat)
53. Will Daniels (Utah Jazz)
54. Davon Jefferson (Houston Rockets)
55. Sean Singletary (Portland Blazers)
56. Josh Duncan (Seattle Sonics)
57. Othello Hunter (San Antonio Spurs)
58. Pat Calathes (LA Lakers)
59. Joe Crawford (Detroit Pistons)
60. Aleks Maric (Boston Celtics)

Next 10 on the bubble

Bryce Taylor
Maarty Leunen
Jamar Butler
Mike Green
Chris Lofton
Keith Brumbaugh
Trent Plaisted
Malik Hairston
Brad Byerson
Demarcus Nelson

Long Island Draft Buzz

2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT

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NBA DRAFT TRADES

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2008 NBA MOCK DRAFT