Jun

19

Slam Dunk Central Reporter Stephen Rhodes’ 2008 NBA Mock Draft

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?????????????????????????????????????????????? Detroit Pistons

Yesterday, I covered the Memphis Grizzlies’ draft needs and also projected who they would select with their second pick of the first round.? Today, I cover the Detroit Pistons’ draft needs and will also?predict who they will select with their first round pick.

Detroit Pistons

Draft Position - #29

Needs - Small forward, center.? The Pistons, for all intents and purposes, are in rebuild mode.? That means that - according to team president Joe Dumars - players will be shopped.? The names most prominently mentioned are Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace and Richard Hamilton.? On that premise alone, a couple positions on the team will need to be filled.

Detroit Pistons select: Marreese Speights, PF/C, Florida

Tomorrow: Boston Celtics

Jun

19

ESPN: NBA Insiders: NBA Draft Preview

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Jun

19

ESPN: The Rookie: Michael Beasley Episode 1

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Jun

19

Nellie Blasts Cuban’s Olympic Comments

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????????????????????? Golden State Warriors coach Don NelsonDallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban

The Don Nelson-Mark Cuban conflict was supposed to be about money owed to Nelson.? It still is, but apparently it has gone to another level as according to Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, Nelson on Wednesday said that it was a shame that the owner of the Dallas Mavericks views the Olympics as a financial proposition.? Nelson added, “I couldn’t disagree more.? It’s not about the money.? There is pride in these athletes.? He ought to have more respect for his country.? Everybody in the NBA makes plenty of money.? It’s not too much to ask that every four years you give something back to your country.”

Prior to Nelson’s comments, Cuban told the Morning News on Wednesday, “It’s not that I don’t like the idea of them representing their countries.? What I don’t like is that we lie to ourselves and pretend that Olympians represent our country.? They don’t.? It’s about money.”? First things first.? Cuban, the last time I checked, never suited up as a NBA player.? And as such, he has no idea why NBA players choose to play in the Olympics.? While yes, the Olympics do make money (what successful not-for-profit entity doesn’t?), it runs deeper than the financial bottom line.

Perhaps Cuban’s shortsightedness will not allow him to realize that believe it or not, patriotism does exist in the Olympics.? And who is to say that Cuban has a hidden agenda with his remarks?? Things such as Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd possibly getting hurt during the Games come to mind.? Cuban isn’t stupid by any stretch of the imagination - he simply wants to protect his investments (Kidd and Nowitzki).? So it is entirely possible that Cuban’s comments have more meaning than what is originally assumed.? All of this aside, I wonder if Nelson would have said anything if the Mavericks had paid him the money due him while he was the Mavericks coach.? Nelson says that isn’t the case, but I’m not entirely convinced.? This should get interesting between now and the start of the Games, so stay tuned.

Jun

19

Lakers Got Rondo’d!

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Jun

19

Knicks Leaning Towards Point Guard At Draft?

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????????????????????????????????????? New York Knicks

With the New York Knicks and their assortment of characters on their roster, it is really diffciault to gauge who will be around come draft day in late June.? One of the scenarios being tossed around is whether the team will actually use their pick or possibly trade down (Donnie Walsh, Indiana Pacers on line 1!!).? What is known for certain is that Knicks president Donnie Walsh stated at the pre-draft camp in Orlando that the pick could be up for sale if they can get a solid player in return due to the disparity between picks 4 and 14 of the first round.

And from the look of things, the point guard is the position that is getting the lion’s share of attention.? Just the fact that Stephon Marbury is the only PG on the roster speaks volumes about the Knicks’ dilemma.? Walsh, without a doubt, is mindful of the point guard free agent market as there’s several good PG’s out there - Toronto’s T.J. Ford, Milwaukee’s Mo Williams, Indiana’s Jamaal Tinsley and Portland’s Jarrett Jack - who could help the Knicks.? Interestingly enough, Walsh is a big fan of the “combo” guards, with his take being that they can be converted to point guards, hence the possibility of trading down in the draft.

The Knicks can assume that USC’s O.J. Mayo isn’t available; however, UCLA’s Russell Westbrook, Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless and Indiana’s Eric Gordon might be when their turn comes at #6.? In the workouts that Westbrook had with the Knicks, his shooting didn’t draw raves, but is still considered a good defender who can run an offense.? There’s still a week or so to go until the NBA draft takes place, so anything is possible; earlier this month, I did a Knicks’ analysis on their draft needs and who I thought they would select with their first-round pick.? To view, click here.

Jun

19

Navarro Bolts Grizzlies For Spain

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??????????????????????????????????????????????????? Juan Carlos Navarro

Juan Carlos Navarro is set to become a wealthy man, but there’s a twist to the story.? According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Navarro, once a member of the Memphis Grizzlies as a rookie for the 2007-2008 season, has signed a long-term deal with FC Barcelona.? Navarro, who made $538,000 as a rookie, is expected to sign a deal that’s 4 years in length and worth between $20-24 million.? He appeared in all 82 games for Memphis, averaging 10.9 PPG in his only season in the NBA.

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