Wednesday Draft Notes

- Brandon Costner still thinks he will get drafted. He made a bad decision leaving NC State early. There is no way he gets a guaranteed NBA contract. -News and Observer

- USC forward Marcus Johnson has declared for the NBA draft, making him the fourth USC player to do so. Johnson had recently been granted an extra year, but apparently he is not taking it. He was a oft injured role player. I am pretty sure he will go undrafted. SportingNews

-Rumor Alert: The rumored trade would send Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to the Suns for Amare Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa, and the 14th Pick. I don't see this happening. 17 Titles.com

-Nellie likes Terrence Williams. If they take him at No. 7 that is a stretch. The Warriors could trade down 5-6 spots and still get him. Contra Costa Times

State of the Union: Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are saddled with bad contracts and a losing attitude, but they have the No. 1 overall pick in this years draft. Luckily for them, this is not a Kwame Brown year. Let's take a look at the key contracts on the team...

Bad contracts:
-Zach Randolph (2 years left: $16M, $17.3M)
-Chris Kaman (3 years left: $10.4M, $11.3M, $12.2M)
-Baron Davis (4 years left: $12.2M, $13.1M, $14.0M, $14.9M)

Good contracts:
-Eric Gordon (4 years left: $2.8M, $3.0M-to, $3.8M-to, $5.1M-qo)
-Al Thornton (3 years left: $1.9M, $2.8M, $3.9M)
-Marcus Camby (1 year left: $7.7M)
-Mike Taylor ( 2 years left at under $1M each)
-DeAndre Jordan (2 years left at under $1M each)

It looks like they are going to take Blake Griffin No.1 overall, so the Clippers will desperately try to trade Zach Randolph. At $16M, I am not sure they will be able to unload him until 2 years from now, when he is an expiring contract. My guess would be that nobody would seriously be interested this offseason. Randolph is talented, but he is a knucklehead.

Potential Starting Lineup:
PG: Baron Davis
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Al Thornton
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Chris Kaman

6th Man: Blake Griffin
7th Man: Mike Taylor
8th Man: DeAndre Jordan

Eventually Griffin will be a starter next year, but he may start off coming off the pine.

If they can stay healthy, this is a talented team. If they could get rid of Randolph's contract and inspire Baron Davis to lay off the donuts, they could be a borderline playoff team.

But we all know the Clippers deal. So aim low Clipperland, you are bound to end up in the cellar.

Sunday Draft Notes

- Jrue Holiday and DeMarr DeRozan both have workouts scheduled with the Knicks. -New York Post

-Brooklyn's Taj Gibson, a power forward from USC, said teams have told him he'll likely go late first round. -New York Post

-Wake Forest PF James Johnson said he'll work out for the Nets and Knicks. -New York Post

-Evans seems to be locked into the No. 4 to No. 9 range. There is virtually no way he slips past the Raptors at 9. -Memphis Commercial Appeal

-Tyrese Rice hoping to hear his name on draft day, but will go overseas if necessary. -Boston Globe

NBA Draft Notes

- The Indiana Pacers have interest in drafting a point guard as they have had contact with the agent's of Eric Maynor from VCU and Ty Lawson of UNC. The Pacers also seem hot and heavy on Tyreke Evans and may be in the market to trade up from their 13 spot to take the Memphis PG/SG. - Indianapolis Star

- The OKC Thunder have shown some interest in PG/SG Stephen Curry. The No.3 pick would be quite high for Curry, so you never know.

- The New York Knicks seem keen on UCONN center Hasheem Thabeet. The Knicks pick at No.7 so they would have to trade up to be in play for the big man. The Knicks are also actively shopping Eddy Curry, who does not really fit into their scheme.

-Congrats to the Orlanda Magic. They played their asses off and now have to face the Lakers. I predict the Lakers in 7, although I think I will be pulling for the Magic.

Clemson Tiger Gunner Opts for Europe

Apparently the new thing to do is leave school early and play overseas...

Following the blueprint of Nick Calathes, Clemson Tiger guard Terrence Oglesby is leaving school after his sophomore season to play in either Italy or Spain. The 3 point specialist seems to be excited just to play professionally and focus on just basketball. It is reported that he is likely to earn roughly $500,000 a year, which is nice tax free money.

Oglesby is not really an NBA prospect as of now, but he could eventually work his way into the league. If you have seen him play, you know his game: shoot, shoot, shoot. Even if he 10 feet beyond the arc or has a guy in his face, he will chuck it up.

I just wonder if it will get to the point where something like this is commonplace? I guess it makes sense...if you are a borderline NBA talent, you may have a better shot leaving school early, spend more time actually in a basketball setting, and try to make it to the NBA after a few years. With all said, I think there is a better chance we see Nick Calathes in the NBA in 2 years than Oglesby.

Musketeer is Locked In

It was announced today that Xavier junior Derrick Brown is staying in the NBA Draft and will not return to school.

I think there would of been a chance of him returning if not for Coach Sean Miller going cross country to take the Arizona gig.

Brown is projected to be a late first round pick. As of now, I have him slotted at the 30th pick to the Cavs.

FYI: Brown measured in at 6' 8½" with a wingspan of 7' 2½".

2009 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 (May 29)

Here goes nothing...

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma – The consensus #1 overall pick in this draft will undoubtedly go to the Clip Show. Fantasywise, this is not a great landing point for Griffin to put up stud numbers right away. Zach Randolph is under contract for another two years and he is virtually immovable. Griffin is a fairly polished prospect and will definitely still see a lot action next year and can still compete for Rookie of the Year. If you are in a keeper league, the former Boomer Sooner is fairly close to a can’t-miss, and he will help your squad for the next decade.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn – The Grizz are one of the few teams that may pass on Ricky Rubio at the second pick. Mike Conley showed great improvement last year and he teams up nicely with OJ Mayo in the backcourt. Thabeet would give the team a nice inside presence rotated with Marc Gasol, who is more of a defensive liability. As Hasheem continues to become more offensively potent, he could round into a solid center. Memphis’ owner has already declared he prefers the big man, and Michael Heisley usually calls the big shots with this franchise.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden, SG, Arizona State – This is a pretty good scenario for the Thunder. They get to pick between Ricky Rubio and a couple of other highly touted prospects. I think they pull a bit of a shocker and take James Harden. The Thunder seem content with the development of Mike Conley and Harden gives them another silky smooth scorer to go with Durant. Rubio will get high consideration, but I think he is much farther away from contributing than many people think. Harden becomes a deserves fantasy consideration immediately, especially in deep leagues.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain – The Maloof's would go gazooks if this scenario played out. They really need a point guard for the future and it would take them no less than 10 seconds to submit the pick for Rubio. He would join a rather young team that likes to run and he would be allowed to play right away. The Kings are building for three years from now and Rubio would be the cherry on sundae. Ricky could put up big assist numbers right away, but he will not fill up the scoring column.

5. Washington Wizards: Stephen Curry, PG/SG, Davidson - Yes. I just went there. I could easily see the Wizards taking Jordan Hill here, but I am not sold on the big man from Arizona. Harden, another option, is a silky smooth lefty who is a NBA ready scorer, but he may be off the board. Although the Wizards have been grooming Nick Young at SG, I think Curry is a lights out prospect that will be able to at the worst, be a gunner off the bench. The Wizards struggled at times last year from distance and Curry would make them a much more dynamic team. Wherever Curry goes, he will be a fantasy commodity in roto leagues due to his long range shooting.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: DeMar DeRozan, SF, USC – With Corey Brewer not really panning out for the Wolves, looks for them to go with the SG/SF out of USC. DeRozan really came on late last year and would be a good fit on this roster. Randy Foye will enjoy having an athletic wingman that can contributes in multiple facets of the game.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona – Last year the front line of the Warriors seemed short handed whenever Andris Biedrins was out of the lineup. Hill slips a little to 7 in my Mock, as many have him as the 4th best prospect. Jordan is athletic enough to keep up with the pace of Nellie ball and he gives them some active size to pair Biedrins.

8. New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings, PG, Italy – Jennings is a lightning quick point guard who I think hit a bit of culture shock in the Euroleague. Teams over there do not really play on potential as much as what you can do in their system. Jennings would have free range of the court in New York and could develop into the superstar that he was destined to be. New York, in my opinion, would be the best place for Jennings to land. Consider him a sleeper for next year in fantasy, as if he gets court time he could put up much better numbers in the NBA than he did in Italy last year.

9. Toronto Raptors: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis – Evans is an explosive scorer who would certainly be an upgrade over the likes of Anthony Parker. Jose Calderon could also get some time off bring the ball up, keeping their rotation fresh. I really like Evans to come in a make an immediate impact in Raptorland if selected here.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jrue Holliday, PG, UCLA – Holliday would give them a stud PG which they sorely need. Luke Ridnour's contract is up after next season and Ramon Sessions is a free agent. Holliday could step in and be an immediate contributor. Also, Holliday is a good defender which will certainly help his case with head coach Scott Skiles.

11. New Jersey Nets: DeJuan Blair, PF, Pittsburgh – I think this could be the biggest reach in the draft. I think DeJuan Blair is a college stud that will not translate. How many mooselike undersized power forwards have worked out in the NBA? I am pretty sure Blair is not the next Chuck Barkley.

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke – A solid defender, a capable shooter, and a fan favorite all come into play here. The Bobcats would appease many of their loyal fans by taking the Duke product with the 12th overall pick.

13. Indiana Pacers: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse – The Pacers would be quite happy to see Flynn on the board here at 13. I think they go point guard no matter what as there are many to choose from in this draft. Jeff Teague, Patty Mills, Eric Maynor, and Ty Lawson are also possibilities. Flynn is lightning quick and will love feeding the ball to Danny Granger.

14. Phoenix Suns: Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina – Steve Nash is on his basketball deathbed. Well not quite, but enough so that the Suns need to prep the future by taking a legit point guard in the draft. Lawson gets the slight edge over Flynn and Maynor largely to his post season performance last year. I think he has proven what kind of leader and floor general he can be and the Suns management will be intrigued enough to select the Tar Heel guard.

15. Detroit Pistons: James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest – Johnson is a super athletic big man would can play all over the court. He was quite inconsistent last year and I think he lacks the intangibles and overall basketball IQ to be a lottery pick. I do not see him contributing much next year in fantasy, but could earn court time if he outworks some guys in from of him.

16. Chicago Bulls: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville – Talent-wise, Earl Clark is a lottery pick, but you never really know what you are going to get. The Bulls might fall in love with Clark during pre-draft stuff only to see him get complacent after he has a contract locked up.

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Eric Maynor, PG, VCU – I think this is a steal if Maynor slips to 17. I think he can contribute right away and even make some noise in fantasy.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State – The Wolves could use another big man to be paired with Kevin Love and Al Jefferson. I think Mullens is somewhat of an overrated stiff, but being 7 foot usually gets you drafted high. I would not touch him in fantasy.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Patrick Mills, PG, St. Mary’s – Mills may opt to return for his senior season, but there is a surely a spot in the late first round for him if he stays. Mike Bibby may be leaving Atlanta due to free agency and they do not seem sold on Acie Law taking over the reins. Mills is very quick and skilled and could become a nice fantasy sleeper for next season.

20. Utah Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough – With the possibility of Paul Millsap leaving via free agency, Tyler could immediately fill in the void. Somewhat undersized and relying on his motor, this would be a storybook fit. I think the Jazz fans would go nuts for Psyco T.

21. New Orleans Hornets: Chase Budinger, SG, Arizona – Chase could fall anywhere from 15 to 25 in my eyes and rightfully so. He is a very athletic scorer who can thrive if placed in the right system. A year or two ago, he was a top 10 pick on potential alone, but he never really took the bull by the horns and relished the go-to-guy role at Arizona. He could take over the role that Peja currently fills if he can prove he can hit the NBA three ball. Peja has one more year left on his huge contract.

22. Dallas Mavericks: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest - There is no secret that the Mavericks need to bring in a point guard to develop under Jason Kidd. Teague is certainly talented but I am not sure he will have much value next year if he goes in this spot.

23. Sacramento Kings: Terrence Williams, SG/SF, Louisville – All the talent in the world, but you never know what you are going to get. Reminds me somewhat of cross between Donte Greene and Corey Maggette. This is a high reward low risk pick here, so Williams is definitely worth the price. My prediction is that he turns into a headache wherever he goes and he fades into oblivian within 5 years. I would not touch him in fantasy with somebody elese 10 foot pole.

24. Portland Trailblazers: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA – Collison is a much different point guard than Jerryd Bayless and Steve Blake. Collison is more of a defensive minded, quick penetrating guard that could give the Blazers an added dimension they desperately need. I love Steve Blake, but can he really play lock down defense?

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech – There is a good chance Lawal could return to school, but he is most likely a late 1st rounder if he stays. The Thunder could use his ability to rebound, although he is at least a year or two away from being an offensive threat in the NBA.

26. Chicago Bulls: Toney Douglas, PG, Florida State – Douglas is a gamer who I think can make it in the league. The Bulls would also have another scorer who could replace Ben Gordon if he leaves via free agency. If you have seen Douglas play at Florida State, I am sure you would think he is a 1st round talent.

27. Memphis Grizzlies: Sam Young, SF, Pittsburgh – A crafty lefty scorer can certainly be added to the stable of young talent. The future is bright in Memphis and Sam could be a part of something special in two years. I like his ability to create shots off the dribble, something that is needed to be a consistent NBA scorer.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves: Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga - Daye is a long and skillful big man who could be special if he puts it all together. He was very inconsistent in college, but his game may be more suited to the NBA. He is someone who could be a solid pro in 3-4 years, but don't touch him next year.

29. Los Angeles Lakers: Dajuan Summers, SF, Los Angeles Lakers – Summers is good passer with a decent overall skill set who should be able to produce in the Triangle Offense. He should be ignored in fantasy next year though as the Lakers have their skilled guys locked up.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Derrick Brown, SF, Xavier – A definite upgrade to aging Wally World would help add depth the Cavs bench. Brown was a great scorer and defender for what seems a decade at Xavier. The Cavs sorely miss someone like Brown and could actually be a key for them to win a championship. This would be a great pick and a great spot for Brown to start his career.

Look for Take 2 of the NBA Draft in a couple weeks.