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Draft Day Open Thread

Clipsnation_tiny by Steve Perrin on in News Comment 308 comments

Draft day is already heating up, and it's still over three hours until Chicago is on the clock.  We've already had two first round picks traded, and rumors (most involving the Clippers) are swirling around picks 2 through 5, which is astounding if you think about it.

Here's what Chad Ford said about the Clippers about an hour ago:

The Clippers have been trying to move up in the draft to get Mayo or Gordon. There's a chance they can pull it off if the Wolves or Sonics are willing to bet that the guy they are targeting will be available at No. 7.

If those teams are open to a deal, the Clippers are willing to trade a future first-round pick to move up.

Seems reasonable.  I'm encouraged that team leadership appears to see the draft the same way I have all along - Mayo and Gordon are the class of the guards, with a break to the next group of Bayless and Westbrook.  It's worth noting that ESPN's draft page includes photos of four players: Rose, Beasley, Mayo and Gordon.  Unfortunately for the Clippers, the idea of Gordon falling all the way to seven, something that looked entirely possible a week ago, looks unlikely now.

If they're going to send a future-first rounder out the door, let's hope it's one of ours (lottery protected) and not the Wolves pick.  We've waited three years for that Wolves pick, and there's certainly a good chance that Minny will still be bad when the protection drops off in 2011.  We're halfway there - let's hang onto that one.

Charlotte picked up Denver's pick at 20 for a future first rounder.  This would seem to be the Nuggets and owner Stan Kroenke worrying about the luxury tax.  Denver pretty desperately needs an infusion of young talent and giving up your first rounder in a deep draft would not seem to be the way to do it.  Marcus Camby is 34 years old, and guys like DeAndre Jordan, Javale McGee and Robin Lopez, flawed as they are, all are possibilities at 20.  Bad move by the Nuggets. 

Portland and Paul Allen are up to their old tricks, buying draft picks outright.  The Blazers paid the maximum $3M for the Hornets' first rounder, number 27 in the draft.  This one is a head-scratcher.  Not that Paul Allen is willing to throw is Micro-bucks around - we knew that.  But Portland has a MASSIVE roster crunch looming next season.  They have Rudy Fernandez coming over from Spain, they have Kopenen stashed in Finland, they have Freeland stashed in England, they have extra picks already, and now they just bought another one.  If they keep all these picks, all they can do is leave more guys in Europe (something that is becoming increasingly difficult as the dollar continues to fall against the Euro, forcing the good players to take a pay cut to sign a rookie-scale NBA contract) or cut guys in training camp.  Which tells you that Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard has a deal in the works.  He's planning to send a LOT of bodies out the door for one big asset.

Deals like the two above all was make me wonder why the Clippers don't get more active.  The 'buying picks' thing is particularly interesting, and the Blazers seem to be the only team in the league willing to do it.  I mean, $3M is the max, and the Hornets don't really care a lot WHO gets their pick.  They'd prefer to send it to a non-threatening, non-rival, but other than that, it's just a monetary transaction.  So why don't other teams do this?  I could see it as a cost-saving mechanism in the long run.  If you take a late first rounder at the rookie scale and give him minutes, as opposed to signing a vet, who may or may not be any help, for $2.5M per, you'll save that $3M in no time, and you may get a real gem.

Then there was yesterday's TJ Ford for Jermaine O'Neal trade.  Of course that has an impact on the Clippers, as it takes Ford off the table in the discussion of potential point guard trades - and I suppose it puts Jamaal Tinsley on the table.

And now Marc Stein is reporting that the Nets and the Bucks have agreed to a trade of Yi Jianlin and Bobby Simmons for Richard Jefferson.  Wow.  I haven't had much time to think about that one, but off the top of my head it seems like that could be one of those trades that works for both teams.  The Bucks desperately needed a small forward and get one in RJ.  The Nets needed to do SOMETHING.  The Nets big three of Carter, Kidd and RJ is now Vinsanity, Devin Harris and Yi.  Can we assume Vince won't be there much longer?  Also, does this make it more likely that the Bucks will try to trade Michael Redd?  Jefferson can pick up a lot of the scoring load.  Interesting.

It should be an interesting day.

We can use this thread to discuss all the happenings.  I'll be online from the start of the draft at 4 PM  until about 7:45.

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Done deal

Clips and Sonics trade picks…as long as Minny takes Mayo. If not, no deal, as the Sonics would then grab him.

Looks like the Clips are sold on Eric Gordon. He will likely be the next L.A. Clipper.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 12:43 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But if the Wolves really wanted Love that badly

why wouldn’t they just pick him, or deal with the Sonics?

Probably because they can get their future lottery pick back from LAC. That would mean that the Clippers are trading TWO future first rounders for Mayo. Not good.

I’m talking to myself.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There goes the Maggette to Miluakee for Redd idea

He and Jefferson won’t work together.

This is a total LeBron James play for the Nets. Simmons gives the HUGE cap relief in two years to make a run at the King.

Nice job, Jay-Z.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 12:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good points

Maggette was a great potential acquisition for the Bucks since they needed that scoring small forward. Now – not so much.

LBJ will be playing for his buddy Jay-Z in Brooklyn in 2010.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 1:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2010?

Speaking of 2010, if the clippers want to start over and make a plan for that, this summer is the time to make that happen. We all know that Miami really wants EB, so we send him off for Marion and the #2 (we don’t have to keep Marion). Then we have either mayo or Beasley and our pick at 4 (Gordon). Pair that with Kaman 2.0 and Al Thornton and say hello King James! We would be in a much better position and have a more competitive team than New York or anyone else for that matter.

I don’t want that to happen. I’d rather see our current team with our new pick next year. However, this summer is the best time to make the gamble for 2010 possible.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 1:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nothing about the run up makes me feel good

I turned sour when the Miller deal didn’t happen and I haven’t seen anything yet that makes me feel better.

Except the fact that I, for one, opted out of my contract this year.

Eric Gordon is going to save the franchise? Ugh.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 1:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You might be right

But MAY isn’t the kind of insurance I would like if you are giving up 2 first rounders to get a guy.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 1:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Has anyone heard

anything about Arenas?...I mean, the clips draft Gordon, then sign Arenas (a lot of $$ I know), then EB sees the team is serious and signs an extension…and we let Maggette walk….maybe do a S&T for some future draft picks and a back up center…..all of our problems are solved…:D

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 1:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Do they even have any $$$

to sign him?...I assume the Wiz would want to do a sign and trade as a minumum…
plus, Kobe and Arenas could NEVER play on the same court on the same team…there aren’t enough balls on the court for them both to me happy…

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOW....

that is a pretty major paycut…..are you sure this isn’t just some Lakers fan’s fantasy….:)

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmm

He’d have to play for the Lakers for 2 years before he would even be eligible for the Early Bird exemption. So he’s leaving probably 15M on the table in the first 2 years combined and then at least 3-5M per year for the rest of his careeer. If he waits the additional year before signing as a full Bird, its like 23M, then 3-5M per.

If that happened, there should be an investigation into extra-CBA compensation. Its already suspicious with the Fisher thing.

Though its the Lakers so the league would probably let them do whatever they want anyway.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everything the Lakers do is Fishy (pun)

Gasol trade for Kwame Brown and a retired dude, Fisher signing…this would be right in line.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 2:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree...

Stern will have his handprints all over this thing if it materializes

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the way the nba works

I wouldn’t be surprised if the White Kwame (Chris Mihm) and a Ruby’s gift certificate is traded for Lebron.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

$25.

But it’s “lottery protected”

Seriously, couldn’t you just see an Odom for Miller+gay trade happening? On one end it kills me to watch the Lakers get better. On the other, it’s refreshing to see that there are still a few teams more inept than our own.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought the clippers were trading the 7th pick for the 4th and a future lottery protected 1st round pick? So they’re really only losing one pick right? What am I missing? Now you got me interested to know how many of the clippers first round picks chosen outside the lottery (I know there aren’t too historical references for the clippers) evolve into rotation players. 10% success maybe?

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 1:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that the plan?

It doesn’t make much sense like that. Why would the Wolves give up another pick so the Clippers could move up?

I understood it was that the Wolves thought they could get their guy later, so the Clippers would compensate the Wolves with another year’s pick, thus buying insurance that Gordon is available.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 1:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh im sorry...

i thought we had the 4th pick that belonged to seattle… not the wolves. my bad man.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 1:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ok - my bad

So ESPN is reporting its a done deal to swap picks with the Sonics pending Mayo being off the board already. Clippers would use the 4th on Gordon. No indication of compensation from the Clippers.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no worries...

it looks like a smart move if the Clips really do want eric gordon because you never know what team is going to make a trade ahead of you to snatch the player you want. I think we all know that the 1st 3 selections are rose, beasley and mayo… after that, who knows.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 1:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is off the top fo my head

But the clips aren’t too bad when it comes to drafting semi-late. Thornton last year, Q a couple years back i think in the early 20s (and in a TERRIBLE draft), Maurice Taylor in the mid teens, etc . It’s their top pics that generally suck. Unfortunately, that’s 80-90% of the time.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In fact

Call MEM back up right now and offer Maggette and the 7th for Miller.

Memphis can let Maggette opt out (inevitable) or they can worry about the S&T. Get on the phone with Phoenix and revive that Barbosa deal.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i say the clips make the deal and then send the pick to the wolves with their pick back for mayo…may is a star and a lockdown defender, pair that with the team we have and its pretty exciting..then we can turnaround and trade corey for hinrich

by cliprboy on Jun 26, 2008 1:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i hear from a source minny takes love and we draft oj!!! pray

by cliprboy on Jun 26, 2008 1:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nope

trade with Sonics is only if Minny takes Mayo. Otherwise it is void and Clips keep #7.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Mayo is still on the board...

who falls to the Clips?...Bayless?...Dani?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 1:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maggette

The clips need to ship maggette NOW. We already lost chances to send him to the raptors for Ford or the bucks. Just offer him straight up for Hinrich now.

I would also trade brand (even for 70 cents on teh dollar) before we lose him after next year. Just offer him straight up for the #2 pick (and K to make $ work, isn’t Jason williams in his last year making a ton? take him and a package of their other scrubs). Beasley is far and away the best player in this draft and will be awesome.

Then draft Gordon. I still HATE the trade. We have no chance to get mayo and although I like eric gordon, just take a gamble and see who falls and take the best of mayo/gordon/bayless/westbrook/augustin in that order. Giving up a future 1st rounder (even protected) is too much.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 1:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how have the clippers done in the past...

drafting in the 1st round outside the lottery? If the pick really is lottery protected for more than one year…

Hopefully it is lottery protected for a number of years like the wolves did to the clips.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 1:51 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My understanding

on lottery, or top10 protected picks, or any protected picks for that matter is that the condition expires after a certain amount of time. for example, i think we’re getting minnesota’s pick next year regardless of where they finish. So, if the clips don’t improve in the next few years, even if we can fend off oklahoma city for a short amount of time, they’ll end up getting a very high pick from us. Maybe i’m being too pessimistic, but the west is so good right now, it’s hard not to be.

Someone tell me if i’m wrong. Otherwise, just sign mark madsen and have him hoist 10 3s in the last game.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 1:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No rules that I know of...

The usual deal would have the protection decreasing each year… top 20 in 2009, to 15 in 2010, top 10, etc. But the Minny pick was top 10 protected for like 6 years. We actually don’t get that pick until 2011, unless Minnesota gets a little better. So as far as I know there are no rules… the protection you put on a draft pick can be anything you and the other team agree to.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 1:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thanks

Thanks for clarifying. Basically agree with whatever you want. I don’t know, even in the best of these protected situations, i don’t see how it’s worth it just to move up a little bit.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thanks CS!

I cant wait to see what the deal actually is… and if there even is a deal. Anything could happen in the next few hours.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 2:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The deal as I understand it...

The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks – contingent on Mayo being off the board before the 4th pick. The Clippers will send a lottery protected future pick to Seattle to get it done, but I have not seen any details on that.

They really like Gordon apparently. Would have been nice to get him without giving up a future first rounder, but you can’t always get what you want.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 1:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FYI

There’s a live blog over on Ridiculous Upside that I’ll be participating in also.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 1:59 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Their mock draft

has Gordon going #10!!!! and the Clips picking Westbrook….who comes up with this stuff?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I swear

If the Clips moved up just to pick Westbrook or Love or Lopez or something I’m giving up on the team. I’ve been a diehard for 15 years now, but the clips are so inept it’s getting hard to take.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it is Gordon

which I would be ok with. But if it is Westbrook, that would be stupid.

I’m trying to follow this Miami thing. I just don’t buy it.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 2:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it would have to be gordon right?

why else would the clippers give up a future 1st round pick if they weren’t sure the guy they really wanted would be gone? You guys are right, if it’s anyone else, it would be dumb.

BTW is anyone else a little worried about gordon? I didn’t follow his college team but if I understand correctly, he hit the rookie wall in college…

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 2:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i like Gordon

I love gordon, I just don’t think it was worth it, cause I think Bayless will be very good also. But trading up to get Gordon does not make me want to jump off a cliff like if they chose love or gallinari or something.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Uggggh

I hate moving up to get Gordon; Dunleavy falls in love with players. Just take whoever’s left of Gordon, Westbrook, or Bayless… perosnally, I like Gordon the least. Plus he does nothing to solve our PG problem, uggh

by blowbyability on Jun 26, 2008 2:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe

another deal is in the works for a PG…a trade involving MAggette…
nah…that would be too logical…

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Acceptable

Brand/7th for (S&T)Marion/Beasley <-Contigent on the second trade I would consider including the Minny pick as long as the 7th pick gets it done. None of this trade up for Mayo then trade stuff.
Maggette/09 First/09 Second for Mike Miller <-This deal is based on a nuance that I’m not clear on, seemingly depending on if this is an opt out or an opt in and how that plays in the CBA. If it is an opt out then he is technically under contract and can be traded (I’m assuming), and then opt out tomorrow, making the trade a big expiring contract and picks for Miller.

You go to war with:

Livvy/Knight
Miller/Mobley/Ross
Marion/Thornton
Beasley/Thomas
Kaman/Davis/Fazekas

And you still have the mid-level to spend. Could you lure Udrih with this squad?

As much as it would hurt to see the 05/06 Clippers basically destroyed, that team would compete right away and for years. Then next year you have the expiring Mobley/Thomas contracts to trade.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:40 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Problem - can't count on Livy at PG

And Miller and Marion are getting too old. I’d rather get younger. Perhaps sign a good pg when Marion leaves next year and start Thornton

by Jax on Jun 26, 2008 2:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Age

Its a wash.

Marion is one year older than EB/Maggette and Miller is one year younger.

Im not against getting younger, of course, but find the talent for the price.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Almost impossible

The salaries can’t work. Williams makes like no money.

Now, you could try to sign him outright. WAY over pay him using your mid-level to try to make sure you get him.

Then still do the Miller deal with Maggette.

If you feel good about that guy its not an awful plan. You can have him AND do both trades. Potentially. But you can’ trade maggette for him.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PG

The plan doesn’t count on him.

Knight has enough people to dish to that he’ll never need to take that jumper again. That team should just need someone who can get it up court in 8 seconds.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

brevin knight

couldn’t play for my YMCA rec team.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 2:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not

going to get it done in the point guard-heavy west either…
need an upgrade now

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rondo

Never forget Wages of Wins had him for ROY.

And WoW was one of the few who picked the Celtics to win this year…

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 3:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

word is that...

Udrih is NOT resigning with the Kings…so that would work too..

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 2:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Udrih

At this point I’m desperate enough to overpay Udrih by a bit. He’s “Dunleavy’s guy”. No excuses.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good, but I think we could do this and keep EB

Draft the guard we are after and then:

Livvy/Knight
Mayo (Gordon) /Mobley/Ross
Miller/Thornton
Brand/Thomas
Kaman/Davis/Fazekas

Still light on PG’s, though

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 2:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Take the one of the PG's then

Play Miller at the 2 and start Thornton.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

im pretty sure that wont work...

we need someone that can handle the ball and run the offense… Our team would be turnover prone without it.

Does anyone know how well acie law is doing in atlanta? Do they need anything we can offer in exchange?

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 3:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

81 comments right now

And the pissing and moaning to come hasn’t even started yet.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, where are we on the trade?

Depending on which report you believe, either the Clippers/Sonics swap is depending on Mayo being available, or NOT being available. Not an exact science.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is anyone going to watch the draft on TV...

or are we all on the internet at work trying not to get caught by our bosses?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 3:02 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

except for

CS of course….since technically..this IS his “job”...:)

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 3:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Worse

This morning I was scheduled for a meeting that starts at 4pm.

Yay.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 3:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am heading home now....

to watch….I am not “feeling” well….

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 3:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

According to Andy Katz..

The Clippers/Sonics swap is off. This was live on SportsCenter within the last 3 minutes

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 3:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Any reasons

or were there sticking points?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 3:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sonics asked for too much

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 3:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No deal...

is better than a bad deal.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Must've known how bad the Clips want Gordon

We’ll see, something could still be worked out. Clips are in the dealing mood.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 3:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ford has it as on

He’s gone so far as to include it in his mock.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 3:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

draft express

had the same thing already on theirs.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 3:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bayless is likely

I’m happier not giving up a future pick…. if Gordon is there, then I’m really happy

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 3:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

agreed

it looks good as long as another team doesn;t jump in front of us and snatch up all the guards…

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 3:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmmm

Maggette for the puu puu platter?

Foye/Brewer/and the glorious return of Troy Hudson?

Maggette and Love for Mayo, Foye and Brewer.

You want younger, gets you younger.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 3:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wolves

They won’t trade Foye. Maybe to the Celts only. There’s no one on the Wolves we really want.

I’m not in the “get younger” camp. Not while we’re enjoying EB’s prime. We need guys to help us try and win immediately. Like you, I want Mike Miller badly. We could have had him so many times already it’s getting silly.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bayless vs Gordon

Why do you like Gordon better than Bayless? I’m not sold on Gordon at all. Bayless falling to us at the 7 would be fantastic.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon is ready

and he is a flat out scorer.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 3:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon versus Bayless

Gordon is a better shooter, a better scorer, a better athlete, and bigger and stronger. Bayless has slightly better potential to be an NBA point guard, but that’s about it, as far as I can tell. I like Gordon a lot.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 3:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh?

Better shooter how? Check the stats.

Better scorer how? Higher volume doesn’t mean better scorer.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon

is awesome, pure scorer. he was #2 pick last year after Mayo if they let kids come straight out. HIs production went way down after his bad wrist injury and the coaching stuff, but look at his numbers before the illinois game and they were monstrous. The kid is huge at 215-220 and measured the best at teh combine (fastest in all the drills, 40+ inch vertical, super strong)

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he has no downside

He’s the only combo in this draft that has no chance to be our next keyon dooling. He’s Ben gordon AT WORST.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 3:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon

No handles (but thinks he can play PG). Poor shot selection. Low 3PT%. Won’t be able to defend other 2s.

I don’t know why the Sampson thing affected him. It’s not an excuse to suck. In fact I think it shows that he doesn’t deal with adversity well.

I’m not buying.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ya

You’d almost like it if he went the other way and just finished out the season in F you fashion. Get your 40 a night and screw wins.

Shutting down makes me nervous.

by John R on Jun 26, 2008 3:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm glad...

that the trade is off, even though I have been warming up to Gordon. My buddy at foxsports spoke with his NBA guy who, to reiterate, thinks Gordon is a flat out stud and would have been the consensus #3 if not for the wrist injury. I still prefer to roll the dice at 7 and takes whats left of Gordon, Bayless & Westbrook

by blowbyability on Jun 26, 2008 3:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon is gone at 7

so then it will be Bayless or Westbrook, whichever is left

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 3:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about 2nd round

Who do yall draft? The clippers never seem to find that productive player that other teams find in the second round. I still remember being super pissed off when the clips drafted Daniel Ewing over Monte Ellis.

35 is still pretty high in this deep draft. Assuming no 1st round talent drops, who do yall draft? i like that kid Kyle Weaver out of WSU. He’ll automatically become a better defender htan our “lockdown defender” Ross, and can even play some point.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 3:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Monta

No one could have known Ellis would be this good. But a lot of people knew DEww wasn’t a NBA player.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Euro

Draft a Euro with “TUP” and stash him away. It’s the best strategy for the 2nd round unless you feel like there’s someone who can actually crack your rotation. Spurs’ M.O.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:42 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ellis

I remember that draft, Ellis was supposed to go mid 20s. But he kept slipping like Rashard Lewis did back in the day. I was praying the clippers would pick him up (his youtube videos then were much more impressive than the rose/westbrook/gordon right now)

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 3:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seattle will pick up

Weaver before we have a chance at him. Homestate guy (but not for very long when they move to OK)....he would be a solid 2nd round pick though

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 3:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What about 2nd round

Malik Hairston.. scoring punch off the bench

by blowbyability on Jun 26, 2008 3:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nets

Are they selling Lebron jerseys yet? Just curious.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 3:56 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i dont know about you all...

But I’m really hoping Stephen A. Smith isn’t an anchor for this draft… He’s so annoying I cant stand that guy…

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 4:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish

I could mute everyone on ESPN except JVG and Mark Jackson. SAS, Stu Scott, and Dickie Duke are Nauseating.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 4:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SAS and Dickie V

I may have to stick a qtip all the way into my head

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bye Bye Brand?

At first I hated it, but I think I could get used to someone as entertaining as Beasley.
He and Kaman? Good times.

by Citizen Roy G Biv on Jun 26, 2008 4:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Derrick Rose to Chicago...

Shocker, I know

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Keep the updates coming

Rough afternoon here at zhivcentral-internet just came back up, tivo is set at home, but what good is that? How much time between picks? When do we think the Clips will make their pick-if they even stay at 7?

Guess we should know about Heat/Wolves/Sonics in the next half hour, right? And the Sonics deal is dead, there’s still talk about Brand going to Miami…

Maybe someone can help out with a strategy for managing this…

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 4:43 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2 down

so far as expected…

and it’s 5 minutes between picks

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

5 minutes

between picks… CHI – Rose, MIA – Beasley… by the book so far

Doesn’t mean a Brand to MIA deal isn’t happening… they could be working on it for after the draft when Brand’s contract issues are moving forward

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:47 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Riles

On the videoconference interview he made it sound like Beasley’s a keeper for them.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The top three

As expected – CHI – Rose, MIA – Beasley, MIN – Mayo

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did the trade go through?

I’m watching the screen on the espn nba draftcast and they’re saying the clippers are on the clock???

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nevermind...

it just changed back to the sonics…

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

saw the same thing—weird
maybe they had programmed it in when they thought the trade was made

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

funny

I missed that

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is this

a linchpin pick for the Clips?
Stern could still walk up and announce the deal, now that Mayo is gone

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 4:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sonics

pick Westbrook… that helps the Clippers, as far as I’m concerned

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon will go 5

I’m guess Bayless to the Clips now

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 4:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it seems sorta strange...

that the deal didn’t go through… the sonics would’ve had a clippers future pick for a guy that probably would have been around at 7.(at least that what most mock drafts had)

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 4:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't have to worry about Westbrook.

ho started at SG for Seattle last season? Durant?

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 4:56 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

durant

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

SG, not PG

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 4:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're now available

Except I don’t want either of those guys.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 4:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dunleavy

Might like Watson. Ridnour is a slightly better version of Dickau.
They should keep one and get rid of the other—not sure about contracts.
And Westbrook will play a lot of SG

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So that leaves

Gordon and Bayless still around
and Love, Augustin, and Lopez, right?

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 4:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

random thought

When Vancouver drafted Antonio Daniels 4th overall? 6-3 combo guard with good D and an excellent athlete but a suspect shot?

I don’t know why I just thought of that… hmm random

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Love to MEM

Knicks on the clock, Clippers do no worse than Gordon or Bayless… may have choice of either if the Gallinari rumors are true

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lets hope so..

I’d rather have a choice so we know who to blame if the pick doesn;t work out. lol

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chad Ford

Calls Westbrook a great pick for Seattle. If he says so. “A lockdown defender.” Except Earl Watson is a lockdown defender, who had a lot of the same combo guard issues that Westbrook will have. Westbrook much better, however.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Westbrook

was such a lockdown defender he even locked himself down.

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 5:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Should we argue

about Earl Watson right now?
I don’t think he’s underrated. Is that what you’re saying?
Watson’s better than Brevin Knight, but he’s not a starting PG, and neither is Ridnour. They’re both mediocre and not really adequate.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unbelievable...

Clippers get their choice of Gordon or Bayless…. couldn’t ask for more than that

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon or Bayless?

I say Gordon-with visions of Bo Kimble shooting free throws left handed…-but that’s just me.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not a vote

It’s Gordon anyway

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:12 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great pick! Go Clippers!

Clips get the best 3pt shooter in the lottery—a solid SG who can spread the floor, great athlete.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

style over substance

What’s the point of a pretty stroke if you miss.

I really hope I’m wrong. Time to enter Club Optimism.

by supac on Jun 26, 2008 5:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now its time to look for a PG

Khinrich is expendable, a and Arenas is out there..who else?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 5:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So is the consensus

that Livy is done? If we go get a top flight point guard and Livy isn’t done, then what do you do?

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 5:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True

but what point guard would come knowing that Livy is standing in the shadows and if he’s healthy taking all the PG minutes? I mean why would Udrich come here unless we cut loose of Livy in the first place. I don’t see how he would make a decision to come if we hang on to Livy.

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 5:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We'd pay him

Udrih would come because he’d get the mid-level and be the starter, or backing up an oft-injured guy. And he’s on a much better team, and in LA, not Sac.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Livvy

Just can’t count on him… If you can work Maggette into a decent point guard, you do it. If Livvy ends up being OK, then you have two solid point guards instead of two solid small forwards. But if Livvy can’t play, you’re covered, at least for the starting lineup

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Udrih would be okay

Lots of work still to do (Maggette and Brand), but roster is solid. Udrih would get the job done, I think, with fingers crossed on Livingston. Can’t count on him at all.

Trade for Hinrich would be great—and now with Gordon, it’s worth trying to see if there’s somebody who would take Mobley instead of Maggette. Not sure why a team would do it, but the Nets, for instance, just picked up a hefty 2010 expiring deal. How about Mobley for Devin Harris!

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be great...

but unlikely. How about MArcus Williams…

by OhMeOhMy on Jun 26, 2008 5:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bucks and Bobcats

Bucks take Joe Alexander, Cats take DJ Augustin… does this mean Ray Felton is available?

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

or

Devin Harris is available if NJ takes Bayless

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bayless and Lopez still on the board

I guess only LA Pac-10 players are for real

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sac is getting Bayless...

unless Clips can trade into the Indiana spot…

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Randy Foye?

Any interest in him as Livy insurance?

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Augustin before Bayless is the surprise

It seemed certain that Alexander was going to Mil. Lopez has been dropping because there’s not so much non-athletic big man need.

What is Felton thinking—you’d think that Char. would take Bayless because he can play the two.

Clips could go after Felton, tho I’m not sure why.

But if Sac gets Bayless it should be easier to get Udrih

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2nd Round

I’m hoping Bill Walker falls to us.

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that would be interesting

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Will Indiana

take Bayless, Rush, or somebody else?
Tinsley’s another PG out there—it’s funny to think about other team’s pgs as we go down the list

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good Indy pick

Because Bayless can score and play the 2 with Ford, and back him up. Tinsley’s a goner. But he’s not any good, right?

Tinsley and Felton. Hinrich definitely the cream of the crop.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:38 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There are a number of young pgs out there

Lou Williams, Marcus Williams, Udrih – those are probably better value than Hinrich

by Jax on Jun 26, 2008 5:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Indy must be VERY happy

Or maybe they are sad they pulled the trigger on the Ford trade before the draft. They didn’t think they’d get Bayless where they were picking, that’s for sure

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kings

Pick Jason Thompson from Rider. HUH?

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

did they

just draft Koralev the second?

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 5:42 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm gone guys

Off to yoga class with the ClipperWife. I’ll have a recap late tonight. Talk amongst yourselves.

The Clippers! The (second) Best NBA Team in LA!

by Steve Perrin on Jun 26, 2008 5:42 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

correction

Best Case: Mark Blount
Worst Case: Malik Allen
-draftexpress

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 5:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yoga?

Before the 2nd round pick!
Who’s Jason Thompson? Was he on any mock anywhere? Can’t say I’ve been paying much attention to the mid-range guys, especially non-guards.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gordon

Sorry i didn’t read everything, just got back.

GREAT PICK. fantastic pick. This guy is going to be the best guy in this draft after beasley (yes, better than mayo). Look at his #s before he severely hurt his wrist, his 3 pt % was 41 or 42, and his numbers were way better. This guy just knows how to put the ball in the basket, an absolute pure scorer. He’s not even that undersized for the 2, he has great bulk and a great wingspan. The clippers did a great job here.

However, I would still dangle brand + gordon for beasley + marion. Now time to get rid of maggette for a true pg, maybe offer him for bayless + tinsley.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 5:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree with your post

Gordon is very athletic. Great scorer.

I am intrigued by the Miami trade, but I think keeping EB is the best bet.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 5:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

indiana

already has wings in dunleavy and granger right?

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 5:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why pursue the trade?

Just sign Brand. Figure out what to do with Maggette—get great PG value for him, or keep him. When’s the last time the Clips a promising young SG? Timing of Mobley fadeout/expiring deal and Gordon’s development should be very good, and Gordon alongside Thornton and Kaman. But with Brand, Maggette, and a PG they can compete with anybody.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 5:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd do it if it were Brand alone for the two of them

Brand is better than Marion and Beasley is unproven

by Jax on Jun 26, 2008 5:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agreed.

Brand alone would be fair enough.

by OhMeOhMy on Jun 26, 2008 5:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

exactly!

why should we give up our pick and franchise player for 2 guys that aren’t franchise players.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 5:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree

but I do think Beasley will be a franchise type player. He reminds me of Brand, but a pissed off Brand, and with better range.

I don’t think he plays D like EB, though.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 6:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think they will be competitive

but they will need a solid, steady PG, pure and simple.

Recall, it was Cassell who really helped them advance in 06. All the good teams going into the future will need a PG.

Will it be Shaun?

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 5:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

the big surprise

Is that there are very few trades taking place during the draft.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 5:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ford

wrote that he expected Jack and the 13 to go to Indiania for Bayless. I always liked Jack.

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 6:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doesn't make sense

Jack and Brandon Rush for Bayless? When the Pacers just brought in Ford? Not sure it makes sense—I’m not sure that Ford really knows anything.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 6:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Golden State and Phoenix

Take Randolph and RLopez, after Sac takes Thompson. Just shows that there’s a lack of big men in the Pacific, and the Brand-Kaman combo can be extremely effective. Phoenix has Amare and Shaq, but Shaq is on his last legs. Gasol going to the Lakers kind of ruined things, but at least by having two good bigs the Clips will be as well prepared as anybody else when Bynum comes back.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 6:02 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too

The problem is that they have the Kobe trump card. Bynum’s knee isn’t such a sure thing either—the Lakers will have a lot of contract and extension issues coming up.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 6:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bynum

may end being like Livy for them. Plenty of talent but unable to stay on the court.

by Phil Gurnee on Jun 26, 2008 6:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Trading Brand

I agree with you all. But three things. first, Brand loves Miami, and it would suck to lose him after a year for nothing, Miami has offered him Ks in the past. Secondly, he looked decent at the end of the year last year, but we all don’t know how well he will return. Will he be the MVP level he was 2 years ago, his usual 20/10 self, or a shell of his former self. I know he is still relatively young, but a 6-8 pf with injury problems worries me. Lastly, Beasley could turn out to be a flat out superstar.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 6:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

EB doesnt have injury problems...

his achilles injury was a fluke…no question EB bounces back to old form.

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 6:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know

I love EB, don’t get me wrong, but at some point you don’t want the situation in Indiana to happen. A couple years ago they coudl ahve gotten a ton for Oneal, but waited too long and now got a 5-10 pg and a 7-2 stiff (wait, make taht two stiffs, i forgot they got nesterovic + hibbert).

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 6:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

different

types of injuries…..but I see your point…Oneal sprained his knee multiple times over his career so far….EB has been injured once….

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 6:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Understand your concerns

But EB is a special guy and a special player. First of all, he showed at the end of the season that his injury is healed, and he’s going to be even better and in great shape by the beginning of the season. I don’t know about how much he loves Miami—he seems very happy in LA, dabbling in movies, keeping an eye on Magic Johnson’s business success. He just got married, hangs out with his mom, so it’s not like he’s a guy going out to party in South Beach every night. The thing he likes about the Heat is Dwayne Wade is (was?) an elite, Kobe/Paul Pierce/LeBron-level player, and the organization has a clear commitment to chasing a championship.

The part of the deal that I don’t like is that you’re essentially trading Brand for Beasley, and you’re hoping that Beasely might turn out to be as good as Brand. It’s the same mistake Chicago made in trading Brand for Tyson Chandler. Give Brand what he wants, offer him everything you can and don’t bet against him. If something goes wrong (more injuries), and the team can’t compete, then you trade him.

If Brand opts out now, it’s because he’s going to sign with the Clippers. If he doesn’t opt out, then you can see how the roster comes together, and if something is wrong with the team, you still have up until the trade deadline to see what you can get for him. If he leaves and you don’t get anything for him, you’re also taking his big chunk of salary off the books, and Thomas and Mobley are expiring deals—and you’re a big player in the 2010 free agent market.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 6:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Disagree

You’re trading Brand for Beasley and $16 M in cap space next year that you could spend on Marion (if that works out) or a big time pg / sg. I’d make that trade any day of the week on a team that has alot of young players and (unless they get a great pg) will be in rebuilding mode.

This is a no brainer if they don’t have to give up Gordon. I love Brand but come on.

by Jax on Jun 26, 2008 9:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

stupid Indiana trade

Portland just raped them. WTF Larry Bird.

by mikey p on Jun 26, 2008 6:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

totally....

Bird is still drunk from the C’s championship celebration…

by Clip Show on Jun 26, 2008 6:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i agree

WAY better trade for portland. Like the previous guy said, they already have dunleavy/granger, and their new pg will likely break his neck again within 10 games. Bayless might be great, Rush is a solid, but not great role player.

by BtheKUTA on Jun 26, 2008 6:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not so sure

Bayless isn’t an obvious PG answer, otherwise a bunch of other teams would have taken him. Rush is a solid wing player, ready to contribute right away, and Jack is an experienced backup to Ford, with a fair amount of talent. Bayless has to figure out how to play in the NBA and alongside Brandon Rush. It’s a good risk for Portland, but they didn’t get him for free, as Bird picked up two guys who will definitely contribute next year.

by citizen zhiv on Jun 26, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

picks 14 through 20

are all PF or centers… interesting.

I’m guessing maybe 2 of these guys turn into legit NBA players.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 6:31 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In radio interviews

Gordon handles himself well. He seems to have a good grip. Need a point now.

by swamigusto on Jun 26, 2008 7:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw Gordon before

his injury and I thought he was good at the 2 at the college level…He’ll have issues playing against other NBA 2s…If we can get a solid starting PG, this pick does not seem too bad…how they do it? not sure…

by Lawler's Law on Jun 26, 2008 7:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2nd round!

A lot of names are still on the board… chris douglas-roberts, mario chambers, hendrix etc.

by cantthinkofagoodname on Jun 26, 2008 7:40 PM PDT reply reply</