I've really come to love Amare Stoudemire over the past few seasons.
It has nothing to do with the fantasy basketball numbers he brought my team. Nothing to do with the crossover he put on Pau Gasol in game three of the Western Conference Finals (I am still looking for when Amare super-glued Pau's shoes to the floor somewhere between 0:10 and 0:12). It's not for his athleticism or his comments regarding Lamar Odom (who I'm beginning to think really was just lucky), or can somebody really just be that good one day and then so much worse another? Nope, none of that.
Amare Stoudamire is Steve Urkel. Period. That's all I need to love him. When he shows up to press conferences he's well groomed, wearing a boring sweater that fits him like a wetsuit and donning those big-ole glasses. He's well-spoken and almost acts a little timid. A la Steve Urkel.
But minutes before all those press conferences, Amare is a beast on the court, the absolute opposite of his dweeby alter-ego. Sure he's got glasses on but he owns those glasses. Look at the man hold his jersey up (in the clip) like he just pulled Excalibur out of the ground. This isn't Steve Urkel. This is Stefan Urquelle.
C'mon all you Family Matters fans, show your true colors. Gimme a high-pitched, swelling, "Hidey ho neighbor!" or a, "Did I do that?" It's just like the show. Stefan is this impressive, cool, smooth guy and Steve is a clumsy nerd who's just a considerate guy. I'm here to tell you that I think the Amare-Steve-Urkel is delightful and I'm glad that Amare-Stefan-Urquelle seems to have room for him. Question is, whichever team signs him next year, which Amare will they get?
I'm reminded of a time Steve once tried to make himself become Stefan permanently in Family Matters, but eventually he realized how great he is. I'm hoping Amare realizes the same because I don't think I would like him without both personalities.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Picking apart the LeBron dilema
My God, where to start?
There are so many issues with this franchise. The team isn't good enough and they aren't getting much better. Mike Brown seems to be as effective at coaching as Zydrunas Ilgauskas would be at running a marathon. And then there's all the LeBron James free agency questions. The last time there was an unknown this big it was if the world is flat or not. So now the question is what happens next?
If you're the Cleveland Cavaliers, disecting this situation is like trying to pick apart a Jenga tower. One wrong move and the whole thing comes crashing down. Like it or not, James has the franchise and entire city on a leash. What do you do about Mike Brown? He seems to have a good working relationship with James. If you fire him now does James leave? Do you fire him at all? The answer is yes, and this leads me to one of James' biggest thorns in his side: his loyalty.
There's no question that James is a very loyal guy. He loves Cleveland, and it seems that he and his teammates like each other. But James can't let that hold him back from what's best for him. Mike Brown isn't the best coach. He's not even close. How he managed to win coach of the year I'll never know. I never thought he had much to do with it. He just isn't going to make the Cavs a NBA Championship team.
So let's recap. Mike Brown = bad. Got that LeBron? I know you like the guy, but right now you two are on a one way street and he isn't helping you at all. So then there's the problem of the team. The Cavaliers are a team with one superstar and a few decent guys. The problem isn't a lack of talent, it's a lack of determination.
I know James wants to win a championship. I'm sure Antawn Jamison would like it. Mo Williams probably thinks it would be cool and Shaq wouldn't mind adding another to his resume. But I have yet to see any of them willing to do what it takes to win it. The only exception would be James, but even he doesn't always show it. Saluting celebrities before the game or whatever he's doing doesn't make me think that he's in a "do or die" mode.
And then of course there's James' decision. I hate to say it Cleveland fans but I don't see James returning next year. Let's face it, James has a better chance of winning with other teams. I mean, the Bulls already have Derrick Rose, a good supporting cast and room for at least one more guy. The Knicks could grab a few. The Nets may have John Wall, and they could bring in James and at least one other top tier free agent. Can you compete Cleveland?
Sure you can, like Calvin Borel in a high jump.
Look, I'm rooting for you Cleveland, well second to Prince James coming to Charlotte (my favorite team). It would be nice to see him stay and win there but it just isn't going to happen. This is how the world works. So here's how I think this summer is going to unfold: LeBron is going to New Jersey.
Not many people are talking about it. Avery Johnson mentioned it as a possibility on Mike and Mike in the morning. Remember his relationship with Jay-Z? He's a part owner of the Nets. Remember New Jersey's new owner, Mikhail Prokhorov? You think James won't like playing for a rich party boy? Sounds to me like it's just up his alley. The Nets already have a few good guys you can work around in Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts. They are building a new stadium in Brooklyn that will be available in two years. And by then, with the cap space they have, (and a assumed first pick), they could have the best team in the NBA.
Now you say, "What about New York?" I thought about that and I think the Knicks would be the second place team in the LeBron race. The Knicks just don't have quite the options New Jersey does and the biggest difference is that round-one pick.
The Bulls? Not gonna happen. You think LeBron wants to build his legacy in a city that will always be Michael Jordan's city? He isn't going to put himself in the shadow of Jordan more than he has to. Trust me LeBron has a much bigger ego than you think he does. Remember how he "spoiled" you Cleveland? I bet that when James leaves we'll hear about a few of his flaws from the teammates who took a back seat during his reign with the Cavs.
I can't predict the future. I'm only 20 years old. But I'll bet the house that I'd like to own one day that James will end up in Jersey.
There are so many issues with this franchise. The team isn't good enough and they aren't getting much better. Mike Brown seems to be as effective at coaching as Zydrunas Ilgauskas would be at running a marathon. And then there's all the LeBron James free agency questions. The last time there was an unknown this big it was if the world is flat or not. So now the question is what happens next?
If you're the Cleveland Cavaliers, disecting this situation is like trying to pick apart a Jenga tower. One wrong move and the whole thing comes crashing down. Like it or not, James has the franchise and entire city on a leash. What do you do about Mike Brown? He seems to have a good working relationship with James. If you fire him now does James leave? Do you fire him at all? The answer is yes, and this leads me to one of James' biggest thorns in his side: his loyalty.
There's no question that James is a very loyal guy. He loves Cleveland, and it seems that he and his teammates like each other. But James can't let that hold him back from what's best for him. Mike Brown isn't the best coach. He's not even close. How he managed to win coach of the year I'll never know. I never thought he had much to do with it. He just isn't going to make the Cavs a NBA Championship team.
So let's recap. Mike Brown = bad. Got that LeBron? I know you like the guy, but right now you two are on a one way street and he isn't helping you at all. So then there's the problem of the team. The Cavaliers are a team with one superstar and a few decent guys. The problem isn't a lack of talent, it's a lack of determination.
I know James wants to win a championship. I'm sure Antawn Jamison would like it. Mo Williams probably thinks it would be cool and Shaq wouldn't mind adding another to his resume. But I have yet to see any of them willing to do what it takes to win it. The only exception would be James, but even he doesn't always show it. Saluting celebrities before the game or whatever he's doing doesn't make me think that he's in a "do or die" mode.
And then of course there's James' decision. I hate to say it Cleveland fans but I don't see James returning next year. Let's face it, James has a better chance of winning with other teams. I mean, the Bulls already have Derrick Rose, a good supporting cast and room for at least one more guy. The Knicks could grab a few. The Nets may have John Wall, and they could bring in James and at least one other top tier free agent. Can you compete Cleveland?
Sure you can, like Calvin Borel in a high jump.
Look, I'm rooting for you Cleveland, well second to Prince James coming to Charlotte (my favorite team). It would be nice to see him stay and win there but it just isn't going to happen. This is how the world works. So here's how I think this summer is going to unfold: LeBron is going to New Jersey.
Not many people are talking about it. Avery Johnson mentioned it as a possibility on Mike and Mike in the morning. Remember his relationship with Jay-Z? He's a part owner of the Nets. Remember New Jersey's new owner, Mikhail Prokhorov? You think James won't like playing for a rich party boy? Sounds to me like it's just up his alley. The Nets already have a few good guys you can work around in Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts. They are building a new stadium in Brooklyn that will be available in two years. And by then, with the cap space they have, (and a assumed first pick), they could have the best team in the NBA.
Now you say, "What about New York?" I thought about that and I think the Knicks would be the second place team in the LeBron race. The Knicks just don't have quite the options New Jersey does and the biggest difference is that round-one pick.
The Bulls? Not gonna happen. You think LeBron wants to build his legacy in a city that will always be Michael Jordan's city? He isn't going to put himself in the shadow of Jordan more than he has to. Trust me LeBron has a much bigger ego than you think he does. Remember how he "spoiled" you Cleveland? I bet that when James leaves we'll hear about a few of his flaws from the teammates who took a back seat during his reign with the Cavs.
I can't predict the future. I'm only 20 years old. But I'll bet the house that I'd like to own one day that James will end up in Jersey.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
NBA Mock Draft Version 1.0
With the NBA Draft a little over a month away, now is a good time for me to put out my Mock Draft of the entire first round. I'm not posting all 30 picks right now, but I'll add the remainder day-by-day. So let's just get right to it shall we?
Round 1, Pick 1 - New Jersey Nets
John Wall - 6'4" PG
NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose
Analysis: Very agile, very athletic point guard with great size. Wall will be an elite point guard within his rookie season. My favorite for Rookie of the Year. His comparison is with fellow Kentucky guard Derrick Rose, but Wall could be even better. He has elite court vision and play-making ability. Sorry Devin Harris, but the Nets aren't going to pass on this prospect.
Round 1, Pick 2 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Evan Turner - 6'7" SG
NBA Comparison: Joe Johnson
Analysis: It's hard to ignore the numbers Turner put up last season at Ohio State. He isn't a great athlete but he's long and can shoot. I don't see Turner being a star or even a team's number-one option, but he could be a great second option in Minnesota or anywhere else.
Round 1, Pick 3 - Sacramento Kings
Derrick Favors - 6'9" PF
NBA Comparison: Al Horford
Analysis: Favors has a ton of upside. He's has good size and great athleticism. Favors has a good mix of post moves but he needs to work more on his face-up game. Favors has a tendency to take plays off, but when he's on, he's tough to defend. Good rebounder, good defender. Favors should add some much-needed depth to Sacramento's frontcourt.
Round 1, Pick 4 - Golden State Warriors
DeMarcus Cousins - 6'11" PF/C
NBA Comparison: Andrew Bynum
Analysis: Cousins has potential to be a 18-10 guy. He's tall and strong. He's a little shorter than Andrew Bynum, but like Bynum, Cousins hasn't shown he can be consistently dominant. But I don't see the Warriors passing on him. Cousins is an upgrade at either the PF or C position and he has the athleticism to run in that offense.
Round 1, Pick 5 - Washington Wizards
Wesley Johnson - 6'7" SF
NBA Comparison: Danny Granger
Analysis: I really like Granger as a prospect. He's got excellent athleticism, a good shooting touch, good ball handling skills and is a good passer too. It's possible Johnson could become the second best player from this draft. He's going to be a good NBA player, the question for him is "how good?" But Lord knows the Wizards need something.
Round 1, Pick 6 - Philadelphia 76ers
Greg Monroe - 6'10" PF
NBA Comparison: Poor man's Pau Gasol
Analysis: There's a lot to like about Monroe. He's tall, has a decent mid-range shot, and a good post game. Monroe is an excellent passer for a power forward which is what draws the Gasol comparison. I wouldn't expect Monroe to dominate a game, but he can be a great teammate. He's one of my favorites in this year's class.
Round 1, Pick 7 - Detroit Pistons
Al-Farouq Aminu - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams
Analysis: Aminu is a good all-around small forward. From watching him at Wake Forest, I don't see him becoming a dominant player but he has the skills to score from the outside in. The Pistons could use a good jolt of young talent, but I'm not willing to bet on Aminu just yet.
Round 1, Pick 8 - Los Angeles Clippers
Cole Aldrich - 6'11" C
NBA Comparison: Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Analysis: I'm not sold on Aldrich. He had a decent year in a decent basketball conference. I also hate to compare him to big Z but I just can't watch the guy run without thinking about Ilgauskas. Size is appealing and Aldrich has it, but don't expect great things from him.
Round 1, Pick 9 - Utah Jazz
Ed Davis - 6'9" PF
NBA Comparison: Brandon Wright
Analysis: OK, the comparison is too easy to make. Two lanky athletic guys with good up-side but without much of a mid-range game. Davis is going to have a hard time in the NBA without a face-up game. He isn't going to tower over guys like in college. Still, a pretty good pick at nine for the Jazz.
Round 1, Pick 10 - Indiana Pacers
Ekpe Udoh - 6'10" PF
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom of late
Analysis: Udoh has a lot of potential. He can score inside or create off the dribble. He's most likely going to be an average Odom, not an explosive one. The Pacers take Udoh, hoping he develops into something special but it's a gamble at best.
Round 1, Pick 11 - New Orleans Hornets
Patrick Patterson - 6'8" PF
NBA Comparison: J.J. Hickson
Analysis: Patterson would fit in well in New Orleans. He can shoot , he's smart, and he can carry his own in the paint. Emeka Okafor has been playing as an undersized center his whole career so there's no reason he couldn't continue to do it. Patterson could add some depth to the frontcourt.
Round 1, Pick 12 - Memphis Grizzlies
Xavier Henry - 6'7" SG
NBA Comparison: John Salmons
Analysis: Henry has an NBA ready body. He's a good all-around player that put up good numbers on a really talented team. Henry has the size to play small forward as well. I see Memphis going small here and taking a guard. It may take a few years but Henry could be effective in the NBA.
Round 1, Pick 13 - Toronto Raptors
Hassan Whiteside - 7'0" C
NBA Comparison: JaVale McGee
Analysis: Raw, raw, raw. Whiteside has as much potential as anyone in the draft but he is only 20 years old and he is as raw as they come. But let's be serious, Chris Bosh isn't staying in Toronto and the Raptors are going to look for someone to fill the whole. Whiteside could benefit in his development from playing with Andrea Bargnani. If Whiteside plays well enough to start, Bargnani could move to the four and Toronto would start two seven-footers.
Round 1, Pick 14 - Houston Rockets
Donatas Motiejunas - 7'0" C
NBA Comparison: Andrea Bargnani
Analysis: Motiejunas is an interesting prospect out of Lithuania. He's a true seven-footer with a soft touch. He's prefers to play a finesse game instead of banging on the inside. His European-style game would allow him to play alongside Yow Ming or behind him, but that's assuming he pans out. Motiejunas, like Whiteside, is still very raw.
Round 1, Pick 15 - Milwaukee Bucks
Avery Bradley - 6'3" SG
NBA Comparison: Monta Ellis
Analysis: Bradley is undersized and not a great passer. At times he tends to force things offensively and doesn't have great court vision. That said, Bradley is an offensive lightning bolt. He can score quickly and shows a lot of potential to continue doing that in the NBA. The Bucks are pretty old at shooting guard and Bradley could be a good addition, assuming he isn't snagged before pick 15.
Round 1, Pick 16 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Daniel Orton - 6'10" PF/C
NBA Comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge
Analysis: At Kentucky last season, Orton averaged 13.2 minutes, 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. The only decent stat there is his blocks-per-game. So why do people think he could be a lottery pick? Two words: athleticism and potential. The NBA Draft is such a gamble already that taking a leap of faith on this guy really isn't that big a leap. He could be very good. He can run the floor and would be a decent addition to the Timberwolves.
Round 1, Pick 17 - Chicago Bulls
Gordon Hayward - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: Hedo Turkoglu
Analysis: So its no secret the Bulls will be lobbying for LeBron James, and Hayward is a guy that could do well with LeBron or even Dwayne Wade. Hayward can shoot the ball well, has a high release and a quick one. Hayward is an adequate ball-handler but not explosive. He's going to excel when the defense is rushing to meet him, making him a great kick-out option for a Wade or James type player.
Round 1, Pick 18 - Miami Heat
James Anderson - 6'6" SG
NBA Comparison: Steven Jackson but a worse ball-handler
Analysis: James Anderson may not slip this far but I don't see Miami passing on him. He's got good athleticism and can shoot well but his biggest weakness is handling the ball. Anderson will need to work on that but I don't know how much it will improve. He reminds me of Gerald Henderson last year but with more of a traditional shooting guard game.
Round 1, Pick 19 - Boston Celtics
Damion James - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: James Posey
Analysis: James has a NBA-ready body and good athleticism. In college, he excelled at everything a gifted athlete would, but he still has work to do with his ball handling and passing. He's only average in those categories. He's an above average shooter but hasn't shown a nice enough touch to make me confident in his shooting. James is a Boston player though, he just seems to fit in well there.
Round 1, Pick 20 - San Antonio Spurs
Eric Bledsoe - 6'1" PG
NBA Comparison: A lesser Aaron Brooks
Analysis: Bledsoe is another one of those guys with a lot of potential. He's quick, athletic and very aggressive. Bledsoe doesn't have great court vision and he isn't a great shooter. He really hasn't even shown he can be a true point guard, he's more of a scorer. But it's hard to ignore the great quickness and athleticism he has shown.
Round 1, Pick 1 - New Jersey Nets
John Wall - 6'4" PG
NBA Comparison: Derrick Rose
Analysis: Very agile, very athletic point guard with great size. Wall will be an elite point guard within his rookie season. My favorite for Rookie of the Year. His comparison is with fellow Kentucky guard Derrick Rose, but Wall could be even better. He has elite court vision and play-making ability. Sorry Devin Harris, but the Nets aren't going to pass on this prospect.
Round 1, Pick 2 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Evan Turner - 6'7" SG
NBA Comparison: Joe Johnson
Analysis: It's hard to ignore the numbers Turner put up last season at Ohio State. He isn't a great athlete but he's long and can shoot. I don't see Turner being a star or even a team's number-one option, but he could be a great second option in Minnesota or anywhere else.
Round 1, Pick 3 - Sacramento Kings
Derrick Favors - 6'9" PF
NBA Comparison: Al Horford
Analysis: Favors has a ton of upside. He's has good size and great athleticism. Favors has a good mix of post moves but he needs to work more on his face-up game. Favors has a tendency to take plays off, but when he's on, he's tough to defend. Good rebounder, good defender. Favors should add some much-needed depth to Sacramento's frontcourt.
Round 1, Pick 4 - Golden State Warriors
DeMarcus Cousins - 6'11" PF/C
NBA Comparison: Andrew Bynum
Analysis: Cousins has potential to be a 18-10 guy. He's tall and strong. He's a little shorter than Andrew Bynum, but like Bynum, Cousins hasn't shown he can be consistently dominant. But I don't see the Warriors passing on him. Cousins is an upgrade at either the PF or C position and he has the athleticism to run in that offense.
Round 1, Pick 5 - Washington Wizards
Wesley Johnson - 6'7" SF
NBA Comparison: Danny Granger
Analysis: I really like Granger as a prospect. He's got excellent athleticism, a good shooting touch, good ball handling skills and is a good passer too. It's possible Johnson could become the second best player from this draft. He's going to be a good NBA player, the question for him is "how good?" But Lord knows the Wizards need something.
Round 1, Pick 6 - Philadelphia 76ers
Greg Monroe - 6'10" PF
NBA Comparison: Poor man's Pau Gasol
Analysis: There's a lot to like about Monroe. He's tall, has a decent mid-range shot, and a good post game. Monroe is an excellent passer for a power forward which is what draws the Gasol comparison. I wouldn't expect Monroe to dominate a game, but he can be a great teammate. He's one of my favorites in this year's class.
Round 1, Pick 7 - Detroit Pistons
Al-Farouq Aminu - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: Marvin Williams
Analysis: Aminu is a good all-around small forward. From watching him at Wake Forest, I don't see him becoming a dominant player but he has the skills to score from the outside in. The Pistons could use a good jolt of young talent, but I'm not willing to bet on Aminu just yet.
Round 1, Pick 8 - Los Angeles Clippers
Cole Aldrich - 6'11" C
NBA Comparison: Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Analysis: I'm not sold on Aldrich. He had a decent year in a decent basketball conference. I also hate to compare him to big Z but I just can't watch the guy run without thinking about Ilgauskas. Size is appealing and Aldrich has it, but don't expect great things from him.
Round 1, Pick 9 - Utah Jazz
Ed Davis - 6'9" PF
NBA Comparison: Brandon Wright
Analysis: OK, the comparison is too easy to make. Two lanky athletic guys with good up-side but without much of a mid-range game. Davis is going to have a hard time in the NBA without a face-up game. He isn't going to tower over guys like in college. Still, a pretty good pick at nine for the Jazz.
Round 1, Pick 10 - Indiana Pacers
Ekpe Udoh - 6'10" PF
NBA Comparison: Lamar Odom of late
Analysis: Udoh has a lot of potential. He can score inside or create off the dribble. He's most likely going to be an average Odom, not an explosive one. The Pacers take Udoh, hoping he develops into something special but it's a gamble at best.
Round 1, Pick 11 - New Orleans Hornets
Patrick Patterson - 6'8" PF
NBA Comparison: J.J. Hickson
Analysis: Patterson would fit in well in New Orleans. He can shoot , he's smart, and he can carry his own in the paint. Emeka Okafor has been playing as an undersized center his whole career so there's no reason he couldn't continue to do it. Patterson could add some depth to the frontcourt.
Round 1, Pick 12 - Memphis Grizzlies
Xavier Henry - 6'7" SG
NBA Comparison: John Salmons
Analysis: Henry has an NBA ready body. He's a good all-around player that put up good numbers on a really talented team. Henry has the size to play small forward as well. I see Memphis going small here and taking a guard. It may take a few years but Henry could be effective in the NBA.
Round 1, Pick 13 - Toronto Raptors
Hassan Whiteside - 7'0" C
NBA Comparison: JaVale McGee
Analysis: Raw, raw, raw. Whiteside has as much potential as anyone in the draft but he is only 20 years old and he is as raw as they come. But let's be serious, Chris Bosh isn't staying in Toronto and the Raptors are going to look for someone to fill the whole. Whiteside could benefit in his development from playing with Andrea Bargnani. If Whiteside plays well enough to start, Bargnani could move to the four and Toronto would start two seven-footers.
Round 1, Pick 14 - Houston Rockets
Donatas Motiejunas - 7'0" C
NBA Comparison: Andrea Bargnani
Analysis: Motiejunas is an interesting prospect out of Lithuania. He's a true seven-footer with a soft touch. He's prefers to play a finesse game instead of banging on the inside. His European-style game would allow him to play alongside Yow Ming or behind him, but that's assuming he pans out. Motiejunas, like Whiteside, is still very raw.
Round 1, Pick 15 - Milwaukee Bucks
Avery Bradley - 6'3" SG
NBA Comparison: Monta Ellis
Analysis: Bradley is undersized and not a great passer. At times he tends to force things offensively and doesn't have great court vision. That said, Bradley is an offensive lightning bolt. He can score quickly and shows a lot of potential to continue doing that in the NBA. The Bucks are pretty old at shooting guard and Bradley could be a good addition, assuming he isn't snagged before pick 15.
Round 1, Pick 16 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Daniel Orton - 6'10" PF/C
NBA Comparison: LaMarcus Aldridge
Analysis: At Kentucky last season, Orton averaged 13.2 minutes, 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. The only decent stat there is his blocks-per-game. So why do people think he could be a lottery pick? Two words: athleticism and potential. The NBA Draft is such a gamble already that taking a leap of faith on this guy really isn't that big a leap. He could be very good. He can run the floor and would be a decent addition to the Timberwolves.
Round 1, Pick 17 - Chicago Bulls
Gordon Hayward - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: Hedo Turkoglu
Analysis: So its no secret the Bulls will be lobbying for LeBron James, and Hayward is a guy that could do well with LeBron or even Dwayne Wade. Hayward can shoot the ball well, has a high release and a quick one. Hayward is an adequate ball-handler but not explosive. He's going to excel when the defense is rushing to meet him, making him a great kick-out option for a Wade or James type player.
Round 1, Pick 18 - Miami Heat
James Anderson - 6'6" SG
NBA Comparison: Steven Jackson but a worse ball-handler
Analysis: James Anderson may not slip this far but I don't see Miami passing on him. He's got good athleticism and can shoot well but his biggest weakness is handling the ball. Anderson will need to work on that but I don't know how much it will improve. He reminds me of Gerald Henderson last year but with more of a traditional shooting guard game.
Round 1, Pick 19 - Boston Celtics
Damion James - 6'8" SF
NBA Comparison: James Posey
Analysis: James has a NBA-ready body and good athleticism. In college, he excelled at everything a gifted athlete would, but he still has work to do with his ball handling and passing. He's only average in those categories. He's an above average shooter but hasn't shown a nice enough touch to make me confident in his shooting. James is a Boston player though, he just seems to fit in well there.
Round 1, Pick 20 - San Antonio Spurs
Eric Bledsoe - 6'1" PG
NBA Comparison: A lesser Aaron Brooks
Analysis: Bledsoe is another one of those guys with a lot of potential. He's quick, athletic and very aggressive. Bledsoe doesn't have great court vision and he isn't a great shooter. He really hasn't even shown he can be a true point guard, he's more of a scorer. But it's hard to ignore the great quickness and athleticism he has shown.
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