Jun

29

Slam Dunk Central Presents: “Taking It To The Rack” Volume 1

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In the first edition of “Taking It To The Rack” Volume 1, Host Russ Loede and analyst Michael Panas bring you the best insight and hoops coverage that will keep you up-to-date with all that’s going on in the Association.? The duo discuss winners/losers, Draft Day trades, rumors/possible deals, free agency,?and all the issues surrounding the?NBA Draft and this upcoming off-season.? ????

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Jun

22

Slam Dunk Central Reporter Russell Loede: NBA Draft ‘08: The “Elite 8″ & Company

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?1. Michael Beasley, PF Kansas State - What I Like: Possesses the tremendous ability to finish strong inside, add that with his superb perimeter game and you have yourself a versatile big man who “will” score whenever and wherever. Very confident player who loves to play with reckless abandon (especially in the paint) - the most balanced offensive playmaker in the Draft. He is NBA-ready - should put up 18+ points and 9+ rebounds a night. What I Don’t Like: At times he can go quiet and will not impose his will on the game. He can show more on the defensive side of the ball with more blocks, as he has the talent to do so. I would like to see him develop more of a go-to post move against stronger defenders. Comparison: Stronger Version of Chris Bosh/with more range

2. Jerryd Bayless, SG Arizona - What I Like: Brings instant offense to the table and does it by driving to the hoop and via the mid-range “J”, which is unstoppable at times. Has all the skills who want to see in a guard and play the point guard position as well. His knack in drawing the contact and getting to the line when his outside game isn’t working is very impressive. There’s nothing he doesn’t have in his offensive arsenal, as he can create his own shot off the dribble with ease (reminds of a young Tim Hardaway). What I Don’t Like: Inconsistent at times and is not your typical pass-first point guard - he’s more of a shooting guard. Needs to get stronger and improve his decision-making. Should settle for the jumper less - he has to get inside more and can be that “lethal dish & drive penetrator”. Comparison: A Mix of Stephon Marbury/Dwayne Wade - has the Marbury quickness and aggressiveness, while giving you that ability to beat you in a variety of ways like Wade.

3. Derrick Rose, PG Memphis - What I Like: He brings blazing speed to the open court, running the fast break at an elite pace, being able to finish anytime he wants because of his excellent athleticism. Can also pull-up and knock down the mid-range shot. Makes others around him better and can by anyone with his explosive first step. Has the point guard skills to run an offense right away. Quiet confidence and demeanor about him makes it so tough to rattle/faze him - plays under control. What I Don’t Like: Not a good enough scorer and doesn’t always take over like he should. Needs to develop his shot and I would love to see him post up more. Cannot rely on athleticism alone, but he should be able to play as a “pure” point guard and not have to worry much about his shot because of his “out of this world” quickness. Free shooting is a concern. Comparison: Gary Payton w/out the glove - has the potential to become a better scorer and be an All-Star PG for years to come.

4. Kevin Love, PF UCLA - What I Like: Is probably the most NBA-ready player in the Draft. He is incredibly strong inside and is smart and crafty with his post moves. Can step out and shoot the 3. Has phenomenal passing ability and his balanced offensive game is what makes him special. Very smart - would fit right in with most teams. Will be able to dominate inside within 2-3 years. Would not be surprised to see him threaten for triple-doubles. What I Don’t Like: The big knock on him is lack of speed/athleticism. He also is a bit undersized at 6′9”. Can work on his footwork inside a bit more. Needs to get better at finishing down low. Could get “schooled” early on defensively. Comparison: Elton Brand

5. Joe Alexander, SF West Virginia - What I Like: Tremendous leaping ability on shot and to haul down boards. Mid-range game is unstoppable and can use the glass very well. Can post you up, take you off the dribble, and hit the outside shot when needed to. I love his aggressiveness and athleticism to create his own shot - good decision-maker. He is tough to defend because he does everything so well. Post moves are very good and he excels with the ball in the post because he has so many different moves, you don’t know what to do with him at times. Can play both forward positions and will be a 20-point scorer in this league. What I Don’t Like: Is he able to dominate? Is he good enough to be a #1 scoring option? These are some questions and concerns that need to be answered, and it could take a couple of years to find out because he is a bit inexperienced as a leader. Like many players, he needs to show more consistency and control offensively. His defensive intensity is there but is he quick enough to guard the 3-spot? Comparison: Shorter, More Athletic Version of Dirk Nowitzki

6. O.J. Mayo, SG USC - What I Like: A consistent scorer with strength and the ability to create his own shot. Confident player with the skills to finish very well. Has unlimited range, the ability to take it to the rack, while keeping his defender off-balanced. Is a very good one-on-one defender. What I Don’t Like: Hasn’t shown much of his passing skills. Is not a good decision-maker and he tends to settle for tough shot instead of going to the hoop. Has not lived up to his potential and needs to improve his overall game to become a star. I don’t see too much in his game that has me thinking he can lead a team because he is too erratic/shaky of a shooter. Comparison: Randy Foye/Jerry Stackhouse

7. Eric Gordon, SG Indiana - What I Like: Can light it up in a hurry. Will overpower his opponent most of the time and is adept getting into the lane on a regular basis. Has unlimited range and the swagger to become a legitimate scorer. He will show glimpses of take over ability from time to time. Solid on-ball defender What I Don’t Like: Falls in love with the 3-ball too often. Needs to improve his ball-handling ability and his shot selection. Will need to become more of a balanced threat on offense. Would like to see him drive more with his ability to get to the charity stripe. Comparison: Ben Gordon/Jamal Crawford

8. D.J. Augustin, PG Texas - What I Like: Excellent playmaker who can take care of the rock very well and is an effective player driving to the hoop and from the perimeter. Is a lights out 3-point shooter who can deliver in the clutch with big shots. Can get to the line and is a leader at the 1-guard. Extremely talented passer with Chris Paul-like skills. Very composed and is a winner. Shows the smarts to run point guard and the scoring ability to become an All-Star. What I Don’t Like: Very undersized at 5′11”. Will have trouble with bigger defenders, along with guarding ‘em. Needs to work on his mid-range game and has to make up for lack of size with a way to create his own shot a bit more. Comparison: T.J. Ford-esque PG skills/Daniel Gibson (shooting ability)

The Rest Of The Bunch: Anthony Randolph, SF LSU - Tayshaun Prince written all over him. Brook Lopez, C Stanford - Other than Mayo, is the biggest “bust” candidate, despite his consistent scoring ability, strength and touch inside. Russell Westbrook, SG UCLA - Extremely versatile - very good defender. Brandon Rush, SG/SF Kansas - Can shoot the rock, D-up against the top swingman because of his quickness, size, and strength - runs the floor exceptionally well. Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF Memphis - Crafty scorer, can do it all and make it from anywhere on the floor. Reminds me of Antwan Jamison. Just gets the job done and would be a great 6th man.

2nd Rounders To Keep An Eye On: Bill Walker, SF Kansas State, Jamont Gordon, SG Mississippi State, Mike Taylor, SG (NBDL).