Next up…the Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets
- Sonny Weems – #39
I only saw him in the NCAA Tournament and he was pretty impressive. But then he got owned against UNC. Can’t say much else.
Minnesota Timberwolves
- Kevin Love – #5
- Nikola Pekovic – #31
When I was watching Love in college I didn’t think he’d be a good pro at all (I also had something against him since he chose UCLA over UNC). But towards the end of the season I believed more and more in him. I am still not quite sure how good I think he’s going to be but after seeing that he’s actually pretty athletic, I think he can be a starter. He is extremely skillful and crafty in the post. Kevin McHale probably sees a lot of him in Love and thinks he can bring out the best in him. Love won’t get as many blocks in the NBA as he did in college but he has a big body and people will have a tough time moving him. He definitely needs to improve his conditioning but I can see him being someone you watch play and wonder “How is he productive at all?”
That’s impressive.
Portland Trail Blazers
- Jerryd Bayless – #11
- Nicolas Batum – #25
Everyone’s been saying this but it’s true: the Blazers are continuing to have great drafts. They are quietly assembling one of the best teams in all of the NBA and all through the draft. Bayless was the guy they wanted and for a player who was being looked at with the #2 pick, the Blazers got great value for him at #12. I don’t think he’ll be amazing or anything but on Portland he doesn’t need to be. He’s more of a small, scoring guard and not a point guard at all. But he won’t need to handle the ball that much playing with Brandon Roy. One thing that really impressed me though is how well-spoken he is. Very random thing to be impressed about but he just seems real mature for his age so maybe he’s got a shot to be real good.
There were questions about Batum’s health but he’s been on the international radar for a couple years and he’s got some talent. The Blazers roster is loaded right now, especially with Rudy Fernandez (who tore it up in Spain) coming over next year so Batum will be be able to play overseas for a little bit to develop and erase any doubts about his health.
Oh and remember Greg Oden? It’s like they drafted him this year. He’s going to be good.
Greg Oden will be taking his “game” to the Rose Garden next year.
Seattle SuperSonics
- Russell Westbrook – #4
- Serge Ibaka – #24
- DJ White – #29
- DeVon Hardin – #50
I don’t like the Westbrook pick at all. I didn’t like him in college and I think he’s way overrated. He won’t be able to play point guard and you don’t pick a defensive specialist with the fourth pick. That’s like saying you’d pick Bruce Bowen in the first round if the NBA drafted over. BUT, there is always a guy I absolutely hate in the draft that becomes a stud in the L (see Deron Williams) but I don’t know. I’m just not a fan.
I wish I knew more about Ibaka but I don’t know so I can’t say anything. He did block a lot of shots at the Nike Hoop Summit. But i watched DJ White a lot and I loved his game. But I always expected more out of the guy. He seemed like he should’ve been able to average 20 and 10 on a consistent basis but I guess injuries hampered his production a bit. I don’t think he’s first-round worthy but I hope I’m wrong.
Utah Jazz
- Kosta Koufos – #23
- Ante Tomic – #44
- Tadija Dragicevic – #53
I only saw him play once against UNC and he was awful. He scored 4 points and grabbed 3 rebounds in 27 minutes. His numbers for the season were decent (14.4/6.7) but he seems like one of those prototypical soft Euro big men. He shoots 3s and doesn’t play that big. I guess the Jazz brass want him to learn from Mehmet Okur and pretty much be his clone.
Chi è questo Sonny Weems? Lei pensa che farà le pepite di denver quest’anno? È un ruba?
Considering the Nuggets’ need for a guard, he has an opportunity to make the team. I wouldn’t expect much out of him though.
|.XRudy Fernandez is Dead
June 8, 2008 · Filed Under Uncategorized, Videos;]XKarma90.64;]Xrss feeds|trackxback;]XQTV@em`tixe`at the child’s grief;]I,[Abiso Legal]safeanswerX-unlawful move,ieie.:)/=*.|
l just wa