Offseason in sports...gotta love it. Trades, drafts, free agency, retirement…I love it! The main reason why I love it is because of what’s about to take place, the NBA Draft. Now I know it’s a lot of deals on the table, a lot of possibilities of stars and picks moving but I have decided to do a mock draft of the first 14 picks. This is clearly my opinion of what teams should do.
Chicago-Derrick Rose
Whatever Chicago started when Scott Skiles was coach is clearly over. Time to start new and when you rebuild a team the point guard is the cornerstone. A point guard of this caliber doesn’t come around every year.
Miami-Michael Beasley
Obviously Pat Riley is either bluffing or not as high on this guy as the rest of the basketball nation. Beasley would be a super upgrade over Haslem but chances are the Heat are going to trade this pick or make a huge mistake and try to pair Mayo and Wade in the backcourt. They would be smart to trade for Wilcox and the number 4 pick from Seattle and slide back and pick Bayless.
Minnesota-Brooke Lopez
Putting him upfront would allow Jefferson to play the power forward position and be the beast that he is. Kevin McHale is picking so you never know what he is liable to do.
Seattle-Jerryd Bayless
I think he would compliment what they already have out there well. Take some of the scoring load off of Durant, run the point a la Gilbert Arenas (not as much flair), and continuing building around Durant and Green.
Memphis-Kevin Love
Exactly what they are missing out there in Memphis, a low post threat. They have a point guard of the future in Conley, shooting guard with Rudy Gay, and small forward in Mike Miller.
Knicks-Russell Westbrook
Now this is a team that may finally have some direction with Donnie Walsh manning the ship. Westbrook will come out and play defense, get to the basket and don’t mind sharing the pill.
Clippers-O.J. Mayo
Who really knows what the Clippers will actually end up looking like this season. Elton Brand might be traded for Shawn Marion, Maggette for Barbosa, Livingston might not be ready to play…nobody knows. I’m pretty sure Maggette is going to be shipped out and this lets Mayo slide right in to the 2 spot and become the new face of the Clippers.
Bucks-Eric Gordon
Not sure how much longer Michael Redd will be in town but Eric Gordon will be insurance.
Charlotte-Roy Hibbert
Welcome to the Larry Brown era. Either you will play the game the right way or you will not play on this team. The Bobcats take a center that will allow Okafor to move to the 4. Hibbert plays the game the right way and has some offensive skills.
Nets-Darrell Arthur
A nice 4 to compliment Jefferson and Carter. He can get up and down the court, score and will allow whoever is playing center to do all the dirty work.
Pacers-D.J. Augustine
The Pacers are tired of Tinsley and Augustine is the best point guard on the board. How could you pass this guy up?
Kings-Anthony Randolph
Kings need an athletic big to give them some athleticism in the frontcourt. Randolph may be a couple of years away from becoming a dependable starter but its not like the Kings are one player away from going to the finals. They can afford to wait.
Blazers-Joe Alexander
Can shoot it, athletic, about 6’7-6’8 and will benefit from the Greg Oden double teams or Brandon Roy kick-outs.
Warriors-DeAndre Jordan
I believe the Warriors will do what they always do when it comes to big men and gamble with the potential of Jordan. If they can get him to work at his game diligently then they might have something here.
Once again, this is just how I believe it should unfold but who knows what’s going to happen.