First Round NBA Draft Grades 2012

Atlanta Hawks:


John Jenkins- C+


He is the best shooter in the draft, but that is all he can do. The Hawks were obviously looking for a 3 point specialist, but he need to be able to get the ball to the rim to become a good player.

Boston Celtics:


Jared Sullinger- A-


Sullinger is a nice player and I don't think much of his medical red flags. He will score and rebound. He is by no means athletic, but he will be a nice player in the NBA when he is learning from KG.

 Fab Melo- C+


Melo is raw, he is mostly a defensive player right now, but he needs to work on his offensive game. He gets some offensive rebounds. He is improving and the Celtics could Stash him this year. 

Charlotte Bobcats:


Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- B+


This was somewhat surprising as some said that the Bobcats would trade this pick. MKG probably doesn't start right away and his jump shot is inconsistent, but he has excellent work ethic and he plays relentless defense. He will be a top notch defensive player who can score decently. 

Chicago Bulls:


Marquis Teague- B+


He may start this year with Rose being out most of the season. This is a great pick, he will make a great back up point guard and if he is good enough they can use him as trade bait.

Cleveland Cavaliers:


Dion Waiters- B-


I am really surprised at this pick, I thought Barnes would go here. He gets to play along Irving and he is a pure scorer which Cleveland needs, but I think there were better options on the board. He is going to be good, but Barnes would have done better in this situation.

Tyler Zeller- B-


They got him in a trade from Dallas. He is a solid player who will start for a long time. He doesn't have a high ceiling, but he has a high floor, nice safe pick. They gave up the 24th 33rd and 34th pick.

Dallas Mavericks:


Jared Cunningham- B


The Mavs need a Guard to help with scoring and they got just that in Cunningham. He will have to work on his jump shot, but he can get to the rim. Good pick for Dallas. 

Denver Nuggets:


Evan Fournier- B


He can get to the rim off the dribble. He will back up AAA and will sit on the bench in his first year unless he pulls a Faried. He will be a nice 6th man in the future. 

Detroit Pistons:


Andre Drummond- B


Drummond is a defensive player as of now, thats it, but he is a good pick here because he was projected to go at 5. He won't start, but he will team up with Monroe so they should make a good combo in the future. 

Golden State Warriors:


Harrison Barnes- B+


Barnes is a top flight scorer and he fills a position of need in Golden State. This was the best pick for them and I expect him to be one of their go to players in the coming year. He is an elite jump shooter and he looks like he could be a better pro than college player. He is a jump shooter and the Warriors have a lot of those.

Festus Ezeli- C


Ezeli will never become an offensive powerhouse, but he add some size to their front line after losing Bogut.

Houston Rockets:


Jeremy Lamb- B


Lamb is a great scorer and is almost like Kevin Martin without the injuries. They needed someone who can score beside Martin, especially with his contract running out at the end of the season. He has long wing span and will create his own shot. Expect him to be a starter scoring 20+ in a couple of years.

Royce White- B-


They could have gotten White with the 18th pick. He is not a good shooter, but he can score inside and play from anywhere. He has a fear of flying and I hope he finds a way to overcome that. He is a combo forward and the Rockets need some flexibility. 

Terrence Jones- C-


He is almost the same player as white, position wise so I don't understand the pick one bit. He is a better shooter, but sometimes he disappeared in games. I think he might be trade bait.

Indiana Pacers:

Miles Plumlee- C


Plumlee is decent and he will most certainty add depth for the Pacers. They need someone down low, but I think they could have done better. Especially with Jones III on the board. 

Memphis Grizzlies:


Tony Wroten- B-


They needed someone to add depth to their back court and they got their guy. He needs to develop an outside shot, but as of now he attacks the rim and that is good enough.

Miami Heat:

Milwaukee Bucks:


John Henson- C+


I don't know about this pick, Henson doesn't have much of an offensive game which hurts when he is playing next to Samuel Damembert. They have almost the same skill set so I don't know how muc sense this pick makes. 

New Orleans Hornets: 

Anthony Davis- A

Davis is going to be phenomenal, he is about the same size, weight wise, as Garnett when he came out. He does need to put on some weight, but he has the skills to be an excellent player in the league. In do time he will be one of the bet big man in the league.

Austin Rivers- A


Rivers is one of the top scorers in the draft and I have no idea why he dropped this far, but for the Hornets to get Rivers along with Austin? Expect them to be in the playoffs for many years. Depending on if Eric Gordon comes back he could play PG/SG. They may have locked in the number 1 draft this year.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Perry Jones III- A+


Best value pick in the draft, he is one of the best talents in the draft. They said something was wrong with his knee, but the risk is worth it. Every team from 10 on is going to be pissed they didn't get him.

Orlando Magic:


Andrew Nicholson- B-


He is athletic who can play inside and out. He will help Orlando, but you have to wonder if they will get rid of Anderson or Davis to find him playing time?

Philadelphia 76ers:


Moe Harkless- C+


Harkless is an alright pick, but I think the 76ers should have drafted a big man like Zeller or Sullinger. It doesn't make sense unless they unload Iggy which I doubt happens anytime soon.

Arnett Moultrie- B


This was a nice pick, they needed a big man and Moultrie had top 20 talent. Moultrie will be a nice pick and turn into a solid player.

Phoenix Suns:


Kendall Marshall- C


The Suns will be looking for Marshall to take over for Nash in the future... He cannot score and he can barely play defense the only thing he can do is pass. That is not what you want from the 13th pick in the draft. 

Portland Blazers:


Damian Lillard- B+


Lillard is a top flight scorer and the Blazers needed help bad at guard. He will start from day 1 and will take over the game. He also passes well too, he is actually playing with real teammates.

Meyers Leonard- D


I think Zeller is a better player, but Leonard is a true 7 footer and has a lot more potential. He needs to get stronger and needs to get nastier on the glass. He is a good fit because Portland needs a center and they got their guy. I don't think he will be good enough to start in the NBA though.

Sacramento Kings:


Thomas Robinson- A


This was a great pick they didn't have to draft Drummond to get a big man, which is great for them. Robinson is a great player considering he should have been drafted earlier. He will make a huge impact next to Cousins, forming a duo that can both score and rebound. 

Toronto Raptors:


Terrence Ross- C


I don't like this pick, but it isn't bad. Austin Rivers will be a better player and should have been the pick. Ross shouldn't have been in the top 10 so they should have looked to trade down, maybe they will.

Washington Wizards:


Bradley Beal- A


Im not going to lie I love me some Beal. He will be a top notch scorer who can score from outside. He will help out Wall in numerous ways since he is a reliable shooter. He will be the best scorer in this rookie class and he is Washington's only reliable shooter. 

NBA Mock Draft 3.0

1.New Orleans Hornets- PF Anthony Davis

Obvious number one pick.

2. Charlotte Bobcats- PF Thomas Robinson

The Bobcats want to trade this pick, Denver, Cleveland, OKC and San Antonio are all options. If they can't get a trade done this will be the pick.

3. Washington Wizards- SG Bradley Beal

Since they traded for Trevor Ariza they will take Beal who is the best player on the board. If a team trades for the second pick, expect the Wizards to take Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers- SF Harrison Barnes

The Cavs need a scorer and if they can't get Beal this is the next best option.

5. Sacramento Kings- C Andre Drummond

Drummond is raw, but he should get meaningful playing time in Sacramento.

6. Portland Blazers- SG Dion Waiters

The Blazers need guard help and they will get the second best scoring guard in the draft in Waiters.

7. Golden State Warriors- SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

MKG ends his slide here, but the Warriors were looking to trade this pick for an established SF, Wilson Chandler, Rudy Gay and others. It is likely they will trade out of this pick.

8. Toronto Raptors- SG Austin Rivers

They need a scorer that that is who they will get in Rivers.

9. Detroit Pistons- PF John Henson

He is undersized, but he plays defense well and he blocks shots. He will make an immediate impact on the Pistons front court.

10. New Orleans Hornets- C Tyler Zeller

I think the Hornets will decide to round out their front court by adding Zeller and putting him next to Davis.

11. Portland Blazers- PG Damian Lillard

Portland will add two scoring guards. Lillard has impressed in workouts and is too good to pass up.

12. Houston Rockets- C Meyers Leonard

The Rockets need a true center and here he is. However expect them to package their picks for a higher pick.

13. Phoenix Suns- SG Jeremy Lamb

The Suns will go into full rebuilding mode and what is better than a scoring guard?

14. Milwaukee Bucks- PF/C Arnett Moultrie

The Bucks now have Dalembert expect them to add another big man.

15. Philadelphia 76ers- PF Jared Sullinger

They could use a presence down low. They may pass him up because of medical red flags, but they shouldnt.

16. Houston Rockets- SG Terrence Ross

The Rockets need a shooting guard with Martins contract running out at the end of the year.

17. Dallas Mavericks- PG Kendall Marshll

The Mavs need a PG since Kidd is old and Marshall is the best floor general in the class.

18. Houston Rockets- SF Moe Harkless

The Rockets traded Budinger so I expect them to draft someone to back up Parsons.

19. Orlando Magic- F Terrence Jones

Jones is a little less of a risk than Perry Jones so the magic take him and give Howard another scorer to take the load off.

20. Denver Nuggets- F Perry Jones III

Maybe I want him here since im a Nuggets fan, but I am predicting that he takes a draft day free fall, he stops here. The Nuggets are obviously looking to unload Wilson Chandler so they will need to replace him.

21. Boston Celtics- F Royce White

White will fall because he has anxiety issues, but the Celtics like him so he should find a home there.

22. Boston Celtics- C Fab Melo

The Celtics will need to replace Garnett sometime in the future and they will do so with the defensive minded Melo.

23. Atlanta Hawks- F Draymond Green

Green will do anything you ask and he could replace Williams.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers- SG Evan Fournier

After missing out on Beal they will select a foreign shooting guard to help Irving

25. Memphis Grizzlies- PG Marquis Teague

They need depth in their backcourt

26. Indiana Pacers- PF/C Andrew Nicholson

The Pacers need to bolster their front court and Nicholson will be the perfect pick.


27. Miami Heat- C Festus Ezeli


The Heat will look to add size because that is their weak spot on the team.


28. Oklahoma City Thunder- SF Jeff Taylor


They need someone to relieve Durant and do some spot duty.


29. Chicago Bulls- SG John Jenkins

The Bulls need a knockdown shooter to help Rose out.

30/ Golden State Warriors- G Tony Wroten

He will be able to back up Curry and Thompson and he is a change of pace because he can attack the basket.

Denver Nuggets Draft Day Trade Rumors

I am a Denver Nuggets fan so I am intrigued by the trade rumors going on. The initial trade Rumor was Wilson Chandler for Golden State #7 pick, but depending on how that goes down they might have to give up pick #20. This would be nice because it puts the Nuggets in a position to grab a top flight scorer like Dion Waiters, Damian Lillard and possibly Harrison Barnes depending on how the draft falls.

It does not stop there the number 1 power forward in the draft, Bradley Beal, said that the Nuggets said they were open to drafting him. The Nuggets would have to move up to the second pick in the draft to have a shot a Beal. They would have to package the #7 pick and probably Aaron Afflalo. I love me some AAA, but Beal is too good to pass up. Beal has been compared to Eric Gordon and Ray Allen so that bodes pretty well for him at the moment. He is a top flight 3 point shooter and is a great rebounder for his size. This would be an excellent pick up for the Nuggets and I think they should do absolutely everything in their power to get Bradley Beal.

Top 10 Fantasy QB's

This is a list of the top 10 fantasy QB's going into next season.

1. Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers had 4,643 passing yards last season to go along with 45 passing TDs, 3 rushing, and only 6 interceptions. It is hard not to expect most of the same from him considering he has top-flight talent a WR and not much in the running game. I expect 4,500 yards, 41 passing TDs, 4 rushing and around 5 interceptions.

2. Drew Brees

Brees broke the record for most passing yards in a season last year with 5,476 yards and he was no slouch with his TD passing, 46, but he throws more interceptions than he should. He won't get as many passing yards again this season, but the Saints could be playing from behind more because of the bounty penalties. I still expect 5,000 yards, 45 TD's and 12 interceptions.

3. Cam Newton was the 3rd leading QB last year and that was his rookie season think of what he could do with a full offseason under his belt. 14 rushing TD's really helped, but with his size he will always get around that number, he also added 700 rushing yards. The surprising number was his passing yards and TD's, 4,051 and 21. He might have a sophomore slump, but not as much as some think. I am expecting 3,900 passing yards, 650 rushing, 23 passing TD's 13 rushing, and 12 interceptions.

4. Matthew Stafford

Stafford broke onto the scene for real last season and it doesn't hurt that he has the best receiver in the league to throw to. Stafford threw for over 5,000 yards and had 41 TD passes so he shouldn't be that much off from last year. Expect 5,000 yards 45 TD's and 14 interceptions.

5. Tom Brady

Brady threw for 5,235 yards and threw for 39 TD's last season and he added a new weapon this offseason in Brandon Lloyd . Lloyd has a great season with the Broncos, but he needs to be the top receiver to be successful. I expect 4,800 35 TD's and 14 interceptions from Brady.

6. Eli Manning

Eli threw for a career high 4,933 yards along with 29 TD's, it was arguably the best season of his career. He seems to have finally stepped out of Peytons shadow. He is in for another big year again, expect 4,800 yards 31 TD's and 12 interceptions.

7. Tony Romo

Romo threw for 4,184 yards, 31 TD's and a surprisingly low 10 interceptions. Dez Bryant and Miles Austin make a nice combo and are very beneficial for Romo's fantasy value. Romo's stats should stay mostly the same, 4,100 yards, 32 TD's and 13 interceptions.

8. Pillip Rivers

Rivers threw way too many interceptions last season, 20, but he still had plenty of TD's and passing yards, 27 and 4,624. He lost Vincent Jackson so we will have to see how he does without him and Ryan Matthews will keep getting better so he could take some passes from Rivers. Expect 4,200 yards 26 TD's and 16 interceptions.

9. Ben Roethlisberger

Big Ben has many weapons now on offense as the Steelers transition to a more pass happy offense. His problem has been not being able to stay healthy, in 15 games last season he 4,077 yards  21 TD's and 14 interceptions. Expect more of the same 4,100 yards 23 TD's and 10 interceptions.

10 Peyton Manning

Manning missed all of last season due to neck injuries and now he has moved onto a new team in Denver. He has to get used to new receivers, but they are very talented. Demaryius Thomas broke onto the scene late last season so he should be the number 1 target. Expect 4,000 yards 25 TD's and 15 interceptions.

Players for the Nuggets to Look at for Each Pick

The Denver Nuggets have 3 upcoming picks in this NBA draft and there is a loaded talent pool right around where they pick. Last year they drafted Hamilton at 26 and he didn't even play.

At number 20.

1. Quincy Miller SF Baylor- Ty Lawson like Miller and was petitioning for the Nuggets brass to draft him at this pick. If they did the Nuggets would be crowded at SF, but Miller is young and has plenty of talent so maybe he could crack the rotation in his 2nd year.

2. Terrence Jones F Kentucky- If the Nuggets drafted Jones they would be looking to replace Al Harrington with him in the future. They are almost the same type of player size and style of play wise. Sometimes Jones settles for too many jumpers, but he can hit them.

3. Marquis Teague- Teague lead Kentucky to a national championship last year and if the Nuggets don't have faith in Julyan Stone they may choose to take Teague. Teague would back up Ty Lawson, but he has enough potential that he could end up being a top rate PG so the Nuggets could also use him as trade bait.

4. Perry Jones III- This is a sleeper pick if Jones falls this far. It is a possibility since Jones has been falling down mock drafts recently due to his inconsistent play. Jones is a long SF who can also play some PF much like Harrington although Jones is a much better player right now, or at least he can be.

At number 36.

1. Tomas Sotaramsky SG Czech Republic- This would be a nice pick since they could stash him overseas for a couple of years.

2. Darius Miller F Kentucky- Miller is a nice role player and even though the Nuggets have enough of those he could find a nice place on this team

3. Kyle O'Quinn C Norfolk State- O'Quinn made his stock store in the tournament last season. The Nuggets could use a player like him to use in their rotation.

At number 50

1. Tu Holloway PG Xavier- Holloway would add depth behind Stone and Lawson if the Nuggets don't go the PG route with another pick.

2. Henry Sims C GEorgetown- Again the Nuggets could use another big man and this is the place to find and develop one.

2012 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

1. New Orleans Hornets- Kentucky PF Anthony Davis

Davis is the obvious top choice this year. He is really good at everything and has a pretty nice shot. The only knock against him is his weight, but he is the same size that Kevin Garnett was when he came in the league. If he puts on weight or figures out a way to work with his weight he will become one of the best players in the league. He will be the center pierce for the Hornets and he is the only good big man on the roster.

Previous Pick: Anthony Davis

2. Charlotte Bobcats- Thomas Robinson PF Kansas

There are reports that the Bobcats want to trade this pick, but if they can't this would be the best pick for them. Robinson will give them energy and effort on the boards, he averaged almost 12 rebounds a game last year. He would be the only option down low for the Bobcats so he should put up some nice stats and help the team a lot.

Previous pick: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist SF Kentucky

3. Washington Wizards- Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

The Wizards just acquired Trevor Ariza in a trade, but MKG has much more upside than him on offense and he is already a great defender. MKG would add some maturity to the team which seems weird since he is only 19. He is mature and has an excellent work ethic so he could and probably will work on his jumper this summer. The Wizards need someone like him so they can stop picking in the lottery every year.

Previous pick: Thomas Robinson PF Kansas


4. Cleveland Cavaliers- Bradley Beal SG Florida

The Cavs will be pleasantly surprised that Beal is still at this spot, since they are rumored to be one of the teams trying to trade to the Bobcats pick. They will most likely end up with Beal anyways, some say he is too small to play SG in the NBA, but he has a hell of a shot and he is a great rebounder for his size. He will be a nice weapon for Irving and they will make a great back court pair sometime in the future.

Previous pick: Bradley Beal SG Florida

5. Sacramento Kings- Andre Drummond C UConn

Drummond is a boom bust player, but he has nice defensive and rebounding skills which will help him in the NBA. At worst he is a good defensive center which really isn't a bad thing. He needs to work on his offensive skills, but that is the story with many centers coming out of college. He will make an impact for a weak Kings front court which is all you can ask from a rookie like him.

Previous pick: Andre Drummond C UConn


6. Portland Trail Blazers- Dion Waiters SG Syracuse

The Blazers need help at guard whether it be shooting or point, Waiters is a scoring combo guard and that is what the Blazers need. They could also use some help next to Aldridge, but Waiters is too good to pass up. Waiters will get to the basket and they could get the scorer they have needed since Roy's knees started to go.

Previous pick: Dion Waiters SG Syracuse


7. Golden State Warriors- Harrison Barnes SF North Carolina

Barnes will score, that is a fact, although sometimes he relies too much on his outside shot. That could be a problem with Curry and Klay Thompson on the team, but Barnes is a better scorer than both of them. SF is really their only need on this team since they traded for Bogut last season and Thompson showed he could play.

Previous pick: Harrison Barnes SF North Carolina


8. Toronto Raptors- Perry Jones III F Baylor

Jones is basically a very long SF and that is not a bad thing. He could come onto this team and easily score around 13-14 points per game in his rookie season. I have faith that he will make a splash in the NBA when he gets it going. He would start on this team and that is a huge boost to his confidence and would start a long productive career.

Previous pick: Perry Jones III F Baylor


9. Detroit Pistons- John Henson PF North Carolina

I had Jared Sullinger slotted here earlier, but with his medical red flags it is highly improbable that he will be picked this high. Henson really needs to put on weight, but he blocks shots and rebounds well. He will play next to Greg Monroe so he will be able to get some help on bigger players. The Pistons could also use a SF, but there really isn't anyone of note to take at this spot.

Previous pick: JAred Sullinger PF Ohio State


10. New Orleans Hornets- Tyler Zeller C North Carolina

Some think that the Hornets will pick a PG in this spot, but now that they traded away Emeka Okafor they need someone to team up with Davis. Zeller is a polished player who won't get much better, but he will be a solid player who will start for many years. The Hornets won't need a PG this year since Jarret Jack is a solid player.

Previous pick: Kendall Marshall PG North Carolina


11. Portland Trail Blazers- Kendall Marshall PG North Carolina

The Blazers could go for Leonard, who is still on the board, or they could fill their PG need. Since they drafted Waiters earlier they could use a guy with good court vision to get him and the other players on the roster. Marshall would fight with Nolan Smith for playing time and possibly the starting job and I think Marshall is the better player and will do well in Portland.

Previous pick: Tyler Zeller C North Carolina


12. Milwaukee Bucks- Meyers Leonard C Illinois

Since the Bucks traded away Bogut last season they need to replace him. Leonard is a true seven footer who rebounds well and plays decent defense. He also needs to work on his offense, post move especially, but with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis he won't get many looks anyways. He will have time to develop without much pressure.

Previous pick: Terrence Jones F Kentucky

13. Phoenix Suns- Austin Rivers G Duke

Rivers would be a perfect fit in Phoenix because they don't have much on their team so he will be able to do his own thing. Rivers needs that to develop in this league, he needs to be a top option on offense to be successful. With Nash leaving the Suns will be in full rebuild mode and Rivers would be the perfect start.

Previous pick: Austin Rivers G Duke


14. Houston Rockets- Arnett Moultrie PF Mississppi State

The Rockets are rumored to be looking to trade for Dwight Howard, but for our purposes that is not happening before the draft so we will look at their roster as of now. Moultrie is a face up PF who can also rebound, but like many rookies he has trouble with his motor. He will be a back up in his rookie season, but he will overtake Scola at some point in the future.

Previous pick: Arnett Moultrie PF Mississippi State

15 Philadelphia 76ers- Jared Sullinger PF Ohio State

Sullinger has some medical red flags, but he had 2 very productive years in Ohio State. Without the medical problems he is a sure fire lottery pick. Sullinger has range and rebounds well for his size. He is somewhat similar to Elton Brand who he will take over for in the coming years.

Previous pick: John Henson PF North Carolina


16. Houston Rockets- Jeremy Lamb SG UConn

Lamb is almost the same player that the Rockets current SG, Kevin Martin, is which can be a great thing. Martin is in the last year of his huge contract and the Rockets might not want to extend him, but if they decide to Lamb can become trade bait. Lamb can score from anywhere which will be good for the Rockets because they need one dearly since Martin was injured most of last season.

Previous pick: Jeremy Lamb SG UConn


17. Dallas Mavericks- Terrence Jones F Kentucky

The Mavericks have Shawn Marion, but he is getting old and he needs reliable back up. Dirk is the only player who can create his own shot on this team, besides Jason Terry who is a free agent, and they need another player to help him out. Jones needs to work on his motor or he won't last long in this league. He can score and he has a decent 3 point shot, he would be the perfect addition to the Mavs.

Previous pick: Meyers Leonard C Illinois   

18. Minnesota Timberwolves- Terrence Ross SG Washington

The Timberwolves need a SG in the worst way, they are young and good at just about every other position except for SF. Ross has a smooth shot and with the lack of talent on this team at SG he could easily start in the first game of the season which would be a great pick up for the 18th pick.

Previous pick: Terrence Ross SG Washington


19. Orlando Magic- Damin Lillard PG Weber State

Lillard was the second highest scoring player in the NCAA last season, he did play for Weber State, but that is still an amazing feat. The Magic need somebody to score for them besides Dwight Howard. This would be the steal of the draft because of his amazing talent. I could see the Magic trading up for him earlier in the draft if they want him badly enough.

Previous pick: Damian Lillard PG Weber State


20. Denver Nuggets- Quincy Miller SF Baylor

The Nuggets might be dealing Gallo this summer due to his injury history and the fact that he may not be as good as some thought. Miller has athleticism and a smooth shot form anywhere on the court. Also Ty Lawson wants the Nuggets to draft him and since he is the best player on the team his opinion could hold some stock in the front office. If the Nuggets get Miller look for Gallo to be traded soon after.

Previous pick: Tony Wroten PG Washington

21. Boston Celtics- Fab Melo C Syracuse

Boston needs a big body to come off the bench. Melo could develop into a fabulous player, he already has defensive skills he just needs to develop on the offensive end just like Andre Drummond. Melo would be a perfect fir in Boston because Rivers and Garnett could get his head straight and get him focused.

Previous pick: Fab Melo C Syracuse


22. Boston Celtics- John Jenkins SG Vanderbilt

With Ray Allen leaving this offseason the Celtics could use a knockdown 3 point shooter to come off the bench and take his place. Jenkins will not be much more than a shooter in his career, but for Boston that won't be a bad thing.

Previous pick: John Jenkins


23. Atlanta Hawks- Moe Harkless SF St. Johns

Marvin Williams has not panned out for the Hawks and they need to look for a replacement in this draft, whether it be Harkless or not. Harkless doesn't have much of an outside shot, but he can score easily from inside. He will get some good minutes in his first year and will be a starter on this team in the near future.

Previous pick: Moe Harkless SF St. Johns


24. Cleveland Cavaliers- Andrew Nicholson PF St. Bonaventure

The Cavs drafted Tristan Thompson last season, but they still need someone behind him and what better place to find that person than late in the first round. Nicholson adds a face up game, but he settles for jump shots too much.

Previous pick: Quincy Miller SF Baylor 

25. Memphis Grizzlies- Marquis Teague PG Kentucky

Teague would add depth to the front court which Memphis sorely needs. Teague could start, but I think he came out too early and should have stayed in Kentucky another year since he doesn't seem to do one thing great.

Previous pick: Marquis Teague PG Kentucky 

26. Indiana Pacers- Tony Wroten PG Washington

Wroten can also play shooting guard due to his size, but he needs to work on his outside game, At worst this year he should be able to provide depth in the back court this year and possibly become a good 6th an in the league. I just don't see him as a starter in this league.

Previous pick: Doron Lamb SG Kentucky

27. Miami Heat- Festus Ezeli C Vanderbilt

Even after they won a championship this year they still have needs. They need size and Ezeli provides that. He would eventually become starter, but not anytime soon. He is not good on the offensive end, but that can come with training.

Previous pick: Festus Ezeli C Vanderbilt

28. Oklahoma City Thunder- Doron Lamb SG Kentucky

James Harden will be looking for a huge contract soon so OKC might want to look at another SG in case they cant retain him and if they can then they can use him as trade bait. Lamb needs to attack the basket to become successful in this league.

Previous pick: Andrew Nicholson PF St. Bonaventure

29. Chicago Bulls- Evan Fournier SG France

The Bulls could use a SG, Hamilton is old and the others simply do not have much of an offensive game. Fournier could stay overseas to develop his game, but the Bulls could use him this season so it is more likely that he comes to the NBA.

Previous pick: Tyshawn Taylor PG Kansas

30. Golden State Warriors- Royce White PF Iowa State

White would be a nice pick here because I feel he should go much higher. He would add depth be hid David Lee which will help in the long run.

LeBron Complete?

The Heat are our new NBA champions with a valiant effort from LeBron James, but does this put hm on the level of the other greats? Bird, Jordan, Magic, Russell, Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe all have 3 or more championships. Thats why I don't get why people are saying LeBron is somehow validated. LeBron, to finish as one of the best players to play the game, must win at least 2 more championships because now the Jordan comparisons are going to come up, but Jordan won 6 rings, LeBron has 1.

One ring means absolutely nothing for LeBron, he needs to win more and possibly needs a 3 peat to compare with any of those above players. One ring may have validated Dirk, but Dirk didn't have anything close to the talent of any of those players. The point is that LeBron needs to win more than one, but can that be done?

LeBron and his counterparts are not getting younger, Wade is already 30. Young teams such as OKC are now more experienced and the Bulls may actually be healthy next season. Also LeBron did it with a big 3 that came together vis free agency, Yes Jordan had Rodman, but not until the second 3 peat, you have to have good players together to win a championship, but bringing it together in free agency is kind of a cheap move. In the NFL teams aren't built on free agency and that is one of the things I like about that sport.

LeBron finally has his ring, but is it enough?