#7 LA Clippers: PG, SG, SF
Team Analysis: Bigger problems arise if Corey Maggette and Elton Brand opt out of their current deals but right now the only problem is that Shaun Livingston is unknown and Brevin Knight does not belong in the starting lineup. If a point guard isn’t available an upgrade over Cuttino Mobley should be.
Potential Pick: Russell Westbrook (PG/SG-UCLA)
Player Analysis: Could go a few slots higher because of his projections at Point Guard but right now can probably help a team out much more at Shooting Guard. Is wonderfully athletic with great slashing ability and an above average jumpshot. Westbrook is A+ defensively and has intangibles teams crave. On the downside he is a below average ball handler and plays out of control at times.
#8 Milwaukee Bucks: Guard, SF
Team Analysis: If you believe Milwaukee fans the #1 biggest need for this team is a new owner. However, a new GM and Coach alone will probably put this team as an eight-seed in the east. One of their starting guards (Redd, Williams) is probably leaving this summer so if a top notch combo guard is available they could be looking there as well. The drafting of Alexander would give Skiles a player with versatility and athleticism as well as discipline.
Potential Pick: Joe Alexander (SF-W. Virginia)
Player Analysis: Right now Alexander is a tall SF with poor defensive skills and a propensity to post up. In two years the soul-patched yet baby-faced Alexander will weigh 20 more lbs, have grown into his ears, and be a potential all-star at PF. At his best when he’s getting to the free-throw line he needs a lot of polish but has remarkable amounts of upside and is shooting up draft charts—could go a LOT higher on hype alone.
#9 Charlotte Bobcats: Center, Forward
Team Analysis: This team is set at every starting position except for Center but lacks depth and with its injury history it needs that the most. If Lopez or another Center they like is available they will keep the pick, otherwise it will be traded for veteran help or multiple picks down the road. Charlotte is a playoff team sooner rather than later all this team needs is a healthy season.
Potential Pick: Brook Lopez (C- Stanford)
Player Analysis: Could go as high as #3 (Timberwolves) with possibilities at #5 (Memphis) or #6 (Knicks). He is one of the most tailor made players in this draft but scouts fail to see how he could improve his game. He lacks overall athleticism and creativity on the block. Nevertheless he is a efficient scorer and can play both high and low post.
#10 New Jersey Nets: Forward
Team Analysis: Their PG (Devin Harris) is a future all-star and their SF (Richard Jefferson) is an all-star caliber player right now. Their biggest problem is along the front line due to injury problems with Nenad Kristic—who is a possible 20-10 player, and not knowing what you are going to get on any given night with Josh Boone, Sean Williams, and especially Vince Carter.
Potential Pick: Danilo Galinari (SF-Italy)
Player Analysis: Biggest upside for Galinari is that he can play SG, SF, and PF depending on who drafts him. He lacks defensive ability but is athletic enough that he could be good there given teaching. Right now he projects as an above average bench player and future 6th man of the year simply because of his versatility. He is a great passer and shows remarkable creativity. Could be left in Europe for a year but wants to play in the NBA (especially in New York/ New Jersey)
#11 Indiana Pacers: PG, C
Team Analysis: This team is a mediocre mess. As they are right now they will never make the playoffs or be bad enough to acquire an immediate impact player in the draft and they couldn’t attract a free agent to save their lives. Meanwhile there is upside to be seen along the roster—Granger and Dunleavy are above average players while Diener, Foster, and Troy Murphy are serviceable but have no business in an NBA starting lineup. If Jermaine O’Neal stays, this pick is definitely a PG…if he is moved they could grab a big body.
Potential Pick: DJ Augustine (PG-Texas)
Player Analysis: Augustine is better than this pick but size concerns (listed at 6-0 but more than likely not even close) and questions about his jumper may drop him as low as the end of the lottery. However he is a great leader and passer and draws comparisons to Steve Nash both in respect to style of play and locker room leadership. Can step in right away and log solid minutes for any NBA and start for many of them.
#12 Sacramento Kings: PF, PG
Team Analysis: Typical media types look at the Sacramento roster and claim they need a PG but let me tell you there is nothing wrong with Beno Udrih as a starter. What they need most of all is to make Artest happy (or get enough in return for him) and solidify a promising yet questionable front line.
Potential Pick: Anthony Randolph (PF-LSU)
Player Analysis: Similar to Joe Alexander in that his body isn’t suited for NBA level competition quite yet. However at 6-10 he can run the floor and has impressive ball handling skills. Would not hurt a team as a SF but he needs to add strength to succeed. Meanwhile he can hit a 13-18’ jumper and may be a serious contender in the 2009 Dunk Contest.
