With the second pick in the NBA Draft the Seattle/Oklahoma City SuperSonics select Kevin Durant. The NBA lottery is in the books, and with the second pick, Kevin Durant's fate is determined, and he will now reside in Seattle. The biggest question will be whether Durant will be able to generate enough excitement in the Pacific Northwest to prevent the team from moving to Oklahoma City.
Since it seems that Greg Oden is a guarantee for the #1 pick and the Portland TrailBlazers, Kevin Durant will be happily welcomed by the Sonics. His presence should first allow the Sonics to finally deal disgruntled small forward, Rashard Lewis. Seattle wouldn't miss a beat replacing Lewis with Durant.
Seattle would feature a team with point guards, Earl Watson and Luke Ridenour combining powers to form something resembling a competent point guard. Seattle would have to hope Ridenour rebounds from an abysmal year where he lost his starting job to Watson, who would be a great point guard, if he could shoot a basketball. If Ridenour can bounce back and reach his potential or can combine with Watson to stabilize the position, it should be serviceable.
The shooting guard position is locked up by perennial all-star Ray Allen, who at 31 is still a star in the league. He would be a good role model for Durant and would get a more durable superstar next to him than Rashard Lewis. Also, Durant's youthful attitude would probably do some good to add a few more years onto Ray Allen's career, in what has become a horrible situation for him the last 5 years.
At power forward and center the Sonics would field Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison. Wilcox is a high energy and athletic player, while Collison showed signs of being the star he's capable of being late last season. While Collison isn't a true center, he has filled the position solidly since the Sonics plan of drafting project centers has failed miserably, I wonder why? Off the bench, the Sonics would have shooting guard Damien Wilkins, small forward Mickael Gelabale, and the three headed train wreck that is Johan Petro, Robert Swift, and Mouhamed Sene.
The addition of Durant would instantly improve the outlook of this team, but in the Western Conference they would need another scorer to be able to compete. If they decided to keep Rashard Lewis they would have plenty of scoring options and would be able to play a fast up pace tempo and play a style similar to the Denver Nuggets. However, they lack the quality point guard play you need to make that style a success and would struggle greatly against the top teams with interior size like San Antonio, Houston, and Utah. If they were able to move Rashard Lewis for an upgrade at point guard or a solid center this could be a team that could compete in the Western Conference. But that's counting on an awful lot of competence out of a front office that has drafted Johan Petro, Robert Swift, and Mouhamed Sene in the last three years.
The most intriguing part of this year's lottery is the fact that Kevin Durant would be a perfect fit with the Portland TrailBlazers who own the #1 pick, and Greg Oden would be a great fit for the Sonics. Durant would make Portland instant contenders with a lineup of Jarrett Jack/Sergio Rodriguez, Brandon Roy, Durant, Zack Randolph, and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, Portland won't pass the opportunity to draft Oden with the #1 pick, because Oden is a big time center. And NBA types dream for franchise centers, regardless of how he fits into their team.
It would be interesting to see Portland draft Durant outright and actually give off the impression that they're drafting while keeping their current roster in mind, or even more so, deal the #1 pick to Seattle and another piece and move down so both teams get what they want. But let's face it, a trade that fills a need for both teams? This is the NBA, come on. So look for Durant to make his home in Seattle, and when the Sonics are unable to fill the holes around him, look for Durant to be the newest star of the Oklahoma City Sonics.
Showing posts with label NBA Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA Draft. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Durant Banks It
Well, it's official. Kevin Durant has declared to leave the University of Texas after one season and enter the NBA Draft. It ends much speculation as to what Kevin Durant would decide to do, and whether he was in fact a human. But in the end, Kevin proved that he is in one way just like us, and likes the idea of having lots and lots of money in his bank account.
While there will be much commentary in the coming weeks about the legacy of Kevin Durant, the void he leaves at Texas, and how to replace it, I thought we'd first take a look at where Kevin Durant may make his new home in the NBA.
I imagine that the announcement will cause NBA teams to enhance their efforts to tank their season, not that they needed much help. From the Celtics declaring Paul Pierce will be missing the rest of the season with various ailments a night after he played 40 plus minutes and scored 34 points and the Bucks announcing today that Michael Redd was playing far too well, and he will join Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, and bubble boy on the disabled list. Even the Grizzlies fearing that they were using too much talent decided to scour the D-League to find the newest Grizzly stars. However, with Kevin Durant now in the picture, every team not in the playoff race will be trying their best to lose games. Except the 76ers, they must not have gotten the memo, as they play solid basketball down the stretch for no apparent reason.
Memphis (19-59) has been tanking this season from 7 minutes into the season opener, because Jerry West knows a good opportunity when he sees it. Kevin Durant would give the Grizz a loaded front line with Rudy Gay and Pau Gasol already similar type players. But really, how many athletic, talented forwards is too many? I'd like to see a front line with Gay, Durant, and Gasol. Granted, sometimes you need a guard to win a basketball game, and Memphis doesn't have any. A year removed from the playoffs one has to wonder whether Memphis has been tanking the season from last year, but Jerry West can't be that good, can he?
Five games behind Memphis in the chase, is the Boston Celtics (23-53). Durant has to be terrified of the possibility of going to the Celtics. While they have a great city, great fans, great history, and the love of Bill Simmons, they obviously sold their soul for all those titles under Red Auerbach. Durant would be cursed if he went to the Celtics, and would have no chance to become a star. Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, and Rick Pitino come to mind immediately. But even players that have had success, seem to have some fatal flaw. Antoine Walker appeared to be cursed by the need to shoot 15 threes a game, and even Paul Pierce had to endure being stabbed before he could truly become a star. Durant would have to be a little uneasy about going to Boston. Perhaps he could use the Chauncey Billups strategy and convince Boston that he was a bust before succeeding elsewhere.
People say Durant's game is like Oscar Robinson's, so why not head to Milwaukee (26-51). With Bogut in the front court and Redd in the back court, the Bucks would become an absolute force. Actually, now that I think about it, with Mo Williams, and Charlie Villanueva, this team would go from a lottery pick to an immediate contender in the East. Durant would have to be excited to go to the Bucks, as they would have to be one of the best teams he could go to out of the lottery front runners.
The Atlanta Hawks (28-49) would be a terrible pick for the Hawks, and with their luck they would probably land in the two spot to take Durant. With Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Josh Childress, they really don't need another swing man. Though if Atlanta were smart they would get Durant, and trade Marvin Williams and Josh Childress for a point guard and a center and win lots of games with Joe Johnson, Durant, Josh Smith, and their newly serviceable center and point guard. But this is Atlanta, if they got Durant, they would attempt to be the first team in NBA History to play 5 forwards in the same role at the same time.
The Charlotte Bobcats (31-47) would love to get Durant, and he would be an upgrade over whoever they currently run out at the power forward or small forward. Because that Adam Morrison thing worked out great. I think Durant would like to go to Charlotte, but it just seems that they're so young and while extremely talented don't seem to be improving every year. I just don't think Okafor or Gerald Wallce will ever stay healthy, May seems to be a tweener, Morrison might have a Brent Barry ceiling, and Felton can't decide whether he's an elite point guard or a journeyman. Their roster just doesn't seem as loaded at second glance.
Seattle (31-47) has a roster that Durant would fit nicely into. With Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen, Earl Watson, Luke Ridenour (if he figures out how to play basketball again), Nick Collison, Robert Swift, and Wilcox, Durant would make this team an instant contender for the 7 seed in the West. But then again, by the NBA draft half those players could be gone and the team could be in New Orleans. Someone should let Seattle know that they have a basketball team, even if the rest of the country doesn't know that they do.
Portland (31-46) would be extremely young and talented with Durant. He could fit in nicely with Aldridge, Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy, and Jarrett Jack. He also would fit into that whole don't domestically abuse your family, don't buy, sell, or use drugs, and don't have illegal dog fights thing that Portland seems to be striving for. So that's a plus!
Philadelphia (31-45) knows how to treat a star. With Charles Barkely and Allen Iverson before him, Kevin Durant would be celebrated by the City of Brotherly Love and appreciated every step of the way. He would also be given no discernible talent around him to the point that he would eventually be forced to demand a trade and move on to try and win a title.
I don't think Durant would want to end up in Sacramento (31-45). They seem to be getting older and assembling less talent every year. Really, I think the Maloofs are attempting to move the team to Las Vegas through losing in the basketball version of Major League. Though, I don't think enough National Guard could prepare us for Ron Artest in Las Vegas.
How would Kevin Durant fit into the New York Knicks (32-45) roster? How does anyone fit into the New York Knicks roster? But Isiah Thomas would be delighted to add another superstar in NYC. But would Durant get any touches with those pass first point guards of Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, and Nate Robinson?
I think Durant in Minnesota (32-45) could be the worst of all destinations for him. With Garnett already there, they would be playing very close to the same player. It would just seem to be like Durant going to an apprenticeship until he fills Garnett's role as a frustrated but extremely loyal player with no chance of winning.
Every team will be fitting these last two weeks to lose as many games as they can to get in the best position of landing Kevin Durant. Wherever he lands, he will make an immediate impact, and I for one will enjoy watching him take over the NBA. Though, I would've liked to see him take over the Sweet 16 first.
While there will be much commentary in the coming weeks about the legacy of Kevin Durant, the void he leaves at Texas, and how to replace it, I thought we'd first take a look at where Kevin Durant may make his new home in the NBA.
I imagine that the announcement will cause NBA teams to enhance their efforts to tank their season, not that they needed much help. From the Celtics declaring Paul Pierce will be missing the rest of the season with various ailments a night after he played 40 plus minutes and scored 34 points and the Bucks announcing today that Michael Redd was playing far too well, and he will join Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, and bubble boy on the disabled list. Even the Grizzlies fearing that they were using too much talent decided to scour the D-League to find the newest Grizzly stars. However, with Kevin Durant now in the picture, every team not in the playoff race will be trying their best to lose games. Except the 76ers, they must not have gotten the memo, as they play solid basketball down the stretch for no apparent reason.
Memphis (19-59) has been tanking this season from 7 minutes into the season opener, because Jerry West knows a good opportunity when he sees it. Kevin Durant would give the Grizz a loaded front line with Rudy Gay and Pau Gasol already similar type players. But really, how many athletic, talented forwards is too many? I'd like to see a front line with Gay, Durant, and Gasol. Granted, sometimes you need a guard to win a basketball game, and Memphis doesn't have any. A year removed from the playoffs one has to wonder whether Memphis has been tanking the season from last year, but Jerry West can't be that good, can he?
Five games behind Memphis in the chase, is the Boston Celtics (23-53). Durant has to be terrified of the possibility of going to the Celtics. While they have a great city, great fans, great history, and the love of Bill Simmons, they obviously sold their soul for all those titles under Red Auerbach. Durant would be cursed if he went to the Celtics, and would have no chance to become a star. Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, and Rick Pitino come to mind immediately. But even players that have had success, seem to have some fatal flaw. Antoine Walker appeared to be cursed by the need to shoot 15 threes a game, and even Paul Pierce had to endure being stabbed before he could truly become a star. Durant would have to be a little uneasy about going to Boston. Perhaps he could use the Chauncey Billups strategy and convince Boston that he was a bust before succeeding elsewhere.
People say Durant's game is like Oscar Robinson's, so why not head to Milwaukee (26-51). With Bogut in the front court and Redd in the back court, the Bucks would become an absolute force. Actually, now that I think about it, with Mo Williams, and Charlie Villanueva, this team would go from a lottery pick to an immediate contender in the East. Durant would have to be excited to go to the Bucks, as they would have to be one of the best teams he could go to out of the lottery front runners.
The Atlanta Hawks (28-49) would be a terrible pick for the Hawks, and with their luck they would probably land in the two spot to take Durant. With Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, and Josh Childress, they really don't need another swing man. Though if Atlanta were smart they would get Durant, and trade Marvin Williams and Josh Childress for a point guard and a center and win lots of games with Joe Johnson, Durant, Josh Smith, and their newly serviceable center and point guard. But this is Atlanta, if they got Durant, they would attempt to be the first team in NBA History to play 5 forwards in the same role at the same time.
The Charlotte Bobcats (31-47) would love to get Durant, and he would be an upgrade over whoever they currently run out at the power forward or small forward. Because that Adam Morrison thing worked out great. I think Durant would like to go to Charlotte, but it just seems that they're so young and while extremely talented don't seem to be improving every year. I just don't think Okafor or Gerald Wallce will ever stay healthy, May seems to be a tweener, Morrison might have a Brent Barry ceiling, and Felton can't decide whether he's an elite point guard or a journeyman. Their roster just doesn't seem as loaded at second glance.
Seattle (31-47) has a roster that Durant would fit nicely into. With Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen, Earl Watson, Luke Ridenour (if he figures out how to play basketball again), Nick Collison, Robert Swift, and Wilcox, Durant would make this team an instant contender for the 7 seed in the West. But then again, by the NBA draft half those players could be gone and the team could be in New Orleans. Someone should let Seattle know that they have a basketball team, even if the rest of the country doesn't know that they do.
Portland (31-46) would be extremely young and talented with Durant. He could fit in nicely with Aldridge, Zach Randolph, Brandon Roy, and Jarrett Jack. He also would fit into that whole don't domestically abuse your family, don't buy, sell, or use drugs, and don't have illegal dog fights thing that Portland seems to be striving for. So that's a plus!
Philadelphia (31-45) knows how to treat a star. With Charles Barkely and Allen Iverson before him, Kevin Durant would be celebrated by the City of Brotherly Love and appreciated every step of the way. He would also be given no discernible talent around him to the point that he would eventually be forced to demand a trade and move on to try and win a title.
I don't think Durant would want to end up in Sacramento (31-45). They seem to be getting older and assembling less talent every year. Really, I think the Maloofs are attempting to move the team to Las Vegas through losing in the basketball version of Major League. Though, I don't think enough National Guard could prepare us for Ron Artest in Las Vegas.
How would Kevin Durant fit into the New York Knicks (32-45) roster? How does anyone fit into the New York Knicks roster? But Isiah Thomas would be delighted to add another superstar in NYC. But would Durant get any touches with those pass first point guards of Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, and Nate Robinson?
I think Durant in Minnesota (32-45) could be the worst of all destinations for him. With Garnett already there, they would be playing very close to the same player. It would just seem to be like Durant going to an apprenticeship until he fills Garnett's role as a frustrated but extremely loyal player with no chance of winning.
Every team will be fitting these last two weeks to lose as many games as they can to get in the best position of landing Kevin Durant. Wherever he lands, he will make an immediate impact, and I for one will enjoy watching him take over the NBA. Though, I would've liked to see him take over the Sweet 16 first.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Ready or Not: Durant to Announce by Tuesday
Well, Longhorn fans, the wait seems to be over. We've all been doing the same thing since the end of the basketball season. So lets treat Kevin Durant's decision like we're ripping off a band-aid and just rip it off and get it over with.
While the team celebrated a successful, however short, season at the annual basketball banquet, many thoughts were on the impending decision of the best athlete to ever to grace the hardcourt at UT. Reports began to surface this weekend indicating the Durant will, as expected by many, declare for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years as a Longhorn. Not shocking news. Texas Basketball has not had a good track record with basketball players sticking around the 40 acres for an extended period of time (see, T.J. Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker, Daniel Gibson, Maurice Evans, Chris Mihm).
But there is a small slice of hope Texas fans cling on to, thinking that KD might just decide to return for one more run at a sweep of national awards. But as reports continue to surface, all indication lead to the conclusion that Durant is not long for dormitory life. In fact, Burnt Orange Nation is quoting sources that Durant's decision is made, leaving only the official announcement.
While it would have been nice to have Kevin Durant around, Texas basketball is far from left bare. With the probable departure of Durant, Texas only loses Craig Winder from last years team. The Horns are also adding recruits Alexis Wangmene, James Kirkendoll, Gary Johnson and Clint Chapman. So Texas looks to be a solid team in '07-'08. And with the departure of Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie and Kansas' Julian Wright, Texas will be able to contend for a Big 12 championship and hopefully a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Kevin Durant, above, dribbling towards a new shoe contract.
While the team celebrated a successful, however short, season at the annual basketball banquet, many thoughts were on the impending decision of the best athlete to ever to grace the hardcourt at UT. Reports began to surface this weekend indicating the Durant will, as expected by many, declare for the NBA draft, forgoing his final three years as a Longhorn. Not shocking news. Texas Basketball has not had a good track record with basketball players sticking around the 40 acres for an extended period of time (see, T.J. Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, P.J. Tucker, Daniel Gibson, Maurice Evans, Chris Mihm).
But there is a small slice of hope Texas fans cling on to, thinking that KD might just decide to return for one more run at a sweep of national awards. But as reports continue to surface, all indication lead to the conclusion that Durant is not long for dormitory life. In fact, Burnt Orange Nation is quoting sources that Durant's decision is made, leaving only the official announcement.
While it would have been nice to have Kevin Durant around, Texas basketball is far from left bare. With the probable departure of Durant, Texas only loses Craig Winder from last years team. The Horns are also adding recruits Alexis Wangmene, James Kirkendoll, Gary Johnson and Clint Chapman. So Texas looks to be a solid team in '07-'08. And with the departure of Texas A&M's Billy Gillespie and Kansas' Julian Wright, Texas will be able to contend for a Big 12 championship and hopefully a run in the NCAA Tournament.
Kevin Durant, above, dribbling towards a new shoe contract. Tuesday, March 6, 2007
DJ Augustin: One and Done, Too?
The speculation about Kevin Durant leaving early for the NBA is obvious. If you are guaranteed to be no worse than the number 2 pick in the draft, there isn’t much upside in staying in school for another year (see, twisted ankle against Kansas). What has become more intriguing are the questions about freshman standout, DJ Augustin, leaving the 40 Acres after just one year.
There are two current sources providing the answer to these rumors, but you would be surprised as to which way each source is making me lean in questioning the time DJ will spend in Austin.
The first evidence presented is DJ’s own statement that he will be back next year. You might think this would lead to a conclusion that DJ will, in fact, be back next year. However, this statement has been proven to hold little meaning after the season is over. In fact, if you take a look at recent Longhorn stars that have proclaimed their mid-season desire to return for another college season (TJ Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, PJ Tucker and Daniel Gibson), DJ’s statement seems more and more ominous. And if you remember correctly, TJ was 99.9% sure he was coming back before bolting to the league. (On a related note, there must be something lost in translation with UT athletes and the use of statistical probability. Wasn’t Texas legend Roger Clemens 99.9% sure he was retiring with the Yankees and now we are in our 3rd off season of “Waiting for Roger?” We should look and make sure UT athletes aren’t taking Stats class from a paint-by-numbers coloring book…)
(Another side note: Is it just me, or has the “I’ll be back next year” almost replaced the GM’s dreaded “vote of confidence” as far as a coach’s concern level goes? A statement like that from the GM, will immediately precipitate a call to the coach’s family realtor. But now, a coach hearing a star player profess his interest in a degree will immediately start the recruiting process for a blue-chip replacement. Something to think about, anyway.)
Ironically, the one thing making me feel like DJ may return is a recent ranking by ESPN’s Chad Ford that has Augustin ranked as the number 16 NBA prospect in the nation. (It’s a pay link so if you cant see all of it; you just have to trust me). Now, why, you ask, does this make me feel ok? Its because of the seemingly lack of any common sense or sports knowledge displayed by Ford in his “rankings.”
Any list that has DJ Augustin ranked higher as a pro prospect than Acie Law (#19) is immediately null and void in my book. Are you kidding me, Chad Ford?! Have you even SEEN Acie Law play basketball at any point in time this season? If you had, there is no way you can keep that guy out of the top 10, much less almost put him out of the top 20. Absolutely ridiculous.
The second, third and fourth glaring areas are the fact that Mr. Ford has ranked Chase Budinger as his #12 prospect, Josh McRoberts as his #13 and, then fourth, proceeds to put Tyler Hansbrough as his 32nd best prospect. So many things make no sense about any of this. Budinger is a decently talented forward, averaging less than 16 points on an unranked Arizona Wildcat team. I am not saying he isn’t an eventual pro prospect, but there is no way you can call that guy one of the top 15 amateur basketball players in the world.
And don’t even get me started on Josh McRoberts. All you have to do is look at Duke’s tract record of putting white guys in the NBA (Thank you very much Cherokee Parks) and see what kind of pro potential this guy has. And how in the world can you have watched the UNC/Duke game on Sunday and thought that McRoberts is anywhere near Hansbrough in talent?
I could go on, but I will just point to these few examples and say that Mr. Ford’s “expertise” has convinced me that DJ is not ready to be a lottery draft pick at this point. But with one more year experience, it is not out of reach to say that Augustin could be the best PG prospect in the draft. That is reason enough for DJ to spend one more year as a Horn.
There are two current sources providing the answer to these rumors, but you would be surprised as to which way each source is making me lean in questioning the time DJ will spend in Austin.
The first evidence presented is DJ’s own statement that he will be back next year. You might think this would lead to a conclusion that DJ will, in fact, be back next year. However, this statement has been proven to hold little meaning after the season is over. In fact, if you take a look at recent Longhorn stars that have proclaimed their mid-season desire to return for another college season (TJ Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, PJ Tucker and Daniel Gibson), DJ’s statement seems more and more ominous. And if you remember correctly, TJ was 99.9% sure he was coming back before bolting to the league. (On a related note, there must be something lost in translation with UT athletes and the use of statistical probability. Wasn’t Texas legend Roger Clemens 99.9% sure he was retiring with the Yankees and now we are in our 3rd off season of “Waiting for Roger?” We should look and make sure UT athletes aren’t taking Stats class from a paint-by-numbers coloring book…)
(Another side note: Is it just me, or has the “I’ll be back next year” almost replaced the GM’s dreaded “vote of confidence” as far as a coach’s concern level goes? A statement like that from the GM, will immediately precipitate a call to the coach’s family realtor. But now, a coach hearing a star player profess his interest in a degree will immediately start the recruiting process for a blue-chip replacement. Something to think about, anyway.)
Ironically, the one thing making me feel like DJ may return is a recent ranking by ESPN’s Chad Ford that has Augustin ranked as the number 16 NBA prospect in the nation. (It’s a pay link so if you cant see all of it; you just have to trust me). Now, why, you ask, does this make me feel ok? Its because of the seemingly lack of any common sense or sports knowledge displayed by Ford in his “rankings.”
Any list that has DJ Augustin ranked higher as a pro prospect than Acie Law (#19) is immediately null and void in my book. Are you kidding me, Chad Ford?! Have you even SEEN Acie Law play basketball at any point in time this season? If you had, there is no way you can keep that guy out of the top 10, much less almost put him out of the top 20. Absolutely ridiculous.
The second, third and fourth glaring areas are the fact that Mr. Ford has ranked Chase Budinger as his #12 prospect, Josh McRoberts as his #13 and, then fourth, proceeds to put Tyler Hansbrough as his 32nd best prospect. So many things make no sense about any of this. Budinger is a decently talented forward, averaging less than 16 points on an unranked Arizona Wildcat team. I am not saying he isn’t an eventual pro prospect, but there is no way you can call that guy one of the top 15 amateur basketball players in the world.
And don’t even get me started on Josh McRoberts. All you have to do is look at Duke’s tract record of putting white guys in the NBA (Thank you very much Cherokee Parks) and see what kind of pro potential this guy has. And how in the world can you have watched the UNC/Duke game on Sunday and thought that McRoberts is anywhere near Hansbrough in talent?
I could go on, but I will just point to these few examples and say that Mr. Ford’s “expertise” has convinced me that DJ is not ready to be a lottery draft pick at this point. But with one more year experience, it is not out of reach to say that Augustin could be the best PG prospect in the draft. That is reason enough for DJ to spend one more year as a Horn.
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