Drafttek Draft Takes

Hey all. Drafttek has tossed around the idea of doing an NBA draft feature in the spirit of the NFL draft simuation you all have been accustomed to. Well…as our front page lets everyone know we will work on this next year when we get more feedback on how everything is going to work–we all know that “team needs” in basketball can’t be dumbed down to positional things.

So, I did my own mock draft and I decided to use the Blog to get it out to the people. Five installments–six picks a piece–starting today with #1-6.

2008 NBA Draft

#1 Chicago Bulls: Small Forward, PG

Team Analysis: The luckiest team also has the hardest decision. Torn apart midseason they haven’t had sufficient time to know what they really need and the two best players are at their strongest positions. In the end, the best player available is probably Beasley but Point Guard is the wave of the future and Rose is a hometown hero.

Potential Pick: Derrick Rose (PG-Memphis)

Player Analysis: Easily one of the most athletic players in the draft at one of the most important positions. Is a Chicago native who might be the strongest ball handler at the collegiate level in a long time (yes, better than Deron Williams or Chris Paul). He needs to improve jump shooting and free throw shooting.

#2 Miami Heat: PG, Center

Team Analysis: Right now they have a very athletic team and very versatile. Their problem is that they are very injury prone and are weak at the two most important positions. They would really like Derrick Rose and will probably be fielding calls to see if they can get a veteran in a trade-down scenario. Rumored to be enamored with Mayo but that is too much duplicity along the lineup. Beasley gives them the best chance to put points on the board right away.

Potential Pick: Michael Beasley (PF-Kansas State)

Player Analysis: The best player in the NBA draft falls prey to fad—no one wants to miss out on the next great PG. This is a great place for Beasley to land because his only question marks are immaturity issues and having Dewayne Wade, Alonzo Mourning, Pat Reilly around will hopefully solves those. Can play SF or PF and has the ability to play in the post or dominate you with his jump shot.

#3 Minnesota Timberwolves: Center, Guard, Small Forward

Team Analysis: The pick that makes the most sense team needs wise is Brook Lopez but they are going to end up passing on him because he’s not a top-3 talent. This is another pick that may get shopped depending on how enamored they are with OJ Mayo. Some people have delusions that he can play PG but the T-wolves have too many combo guards on the roster already playing out of position. However, if they stay at #3, Mayo is the pick.

Potential Pick: OJ Mayo (SG-USC)

Player Analysis: Best jumpshot in the draft and a better defender than advertised. Carried USC at the college level but would fit better on a team where his task-list is scaled back. He needs to be reigned in both on the court (shot-selection) and off—his primadonna antics will fall on deaf ears in the Midwest.

#4 Seattle Supersonics: Center, Forward, PG

Team Analysis: Seattle, Oklahoma City…wherever they are its probably not going to matter. This team is probably going to be a lottery team for another year or two before they are able to get lucky with a trade or a free agent. This is a young team that doesn’t do a whole lot right. Drafting big men is one of those things that they are horrible at.

Potential Pick: Kevin Love (PF-UCLA)

Player Analysis: Ok, keep going back to well and eventually you’ll get refreshment. Kevin Love is an NBA ready big man. He fits the need and situation like a glove. Although Luke Ridour fell out of favor in the Pacific Northwest, the Sonics still have Earl Watkins who isn’t striking fear into any other teams but gets scorers the ball with efficiency. Kevin Love has a wide array of post moves and is a Chris Webber caliber passing big man.

#5 Memphis Grizzlies: PF, SG, C

Team Analysis: There is a good chance this pick will be traded to L.A. for a pastrami sandwich and the 2030 2^nd round pick. In all seriousness this team has a few useable pieces in Mike Miller, Rudy Gay, and Mike Conley. Mike Miller will be gone sooner or later (for his sake) and that means they need someone who can hit an open jumpshot. Old common knowledge had the Griz taking a Center but with the signing of Marc Gasol they will probably take a shooter instead.

Potential Pick: Eric Gordon (SG-Indiana)

Player Analysis: Indiana wasn’t going anywhere next season although it would have been nice to get a year of work under Tom Crean. Gordon is a very tough player offensively who will fly around in traffic even though he is undersized. Does not need help creating his own shot but needs help being told when not to shoot. Has room for improvement defensively.

#6 New York Knicks: PG

Team Analysis: This team needs more than just a point guard but the roster is locked up tight with bad contracts. The drafting of a PG moves Jamal Crawford over to shooting guard. More than anything they need an efficient scorer who can take over when the rest of the team is having an off-night (7/10 nights).

Potential Pick: Jerryd Bayless (PG-Arizona)

Player Analysis: A shoot-first, ask questions later type of point guard who could play at either guard position. Coaches rave about this guy’s intangibles and will be a great fit in any locker room. Size worries are easily put aside when you see his leaping ability and shot creation. Will have problems defending larger PG/SG