The question isn't who is going to let me. It's who is going to stop me. -Howard Roark, The Fountainhead
I am going to lead off another strong week with a little dap for one of my very best friends Pat Hinkel and his Miami Redhawks. They moved to 3-0 in the MAC on Saturday, making quick work of Central Michigan. The solid road win puts them alone atop the MAC East standings. They have another big one at home this week against OU. Life in the MAC conference is a lot like the SEC conference, as well as the OAC conference in basketball: never a night off.
Year two under Mike Haywood has brought about solid improvement in all areas of the program. The guy might be a jerk most days, but his no non-sense, fast, mean and physical approach has created a grittier culture. And that hunger and grit has been a big part in the maturation process, and allowed them to start to learn how to win games. They have been spearheaded by a nasty D and an ball control offense that moves the football efficiently. That Florida game the first week of the season was not a fluke. That was 60 guys who were tougher and stronger than they were last year, wearing the same uniform ready to get busy. Ready to fly around and compete against the Gators. No fear.
There is a pretty good player and leader in that secondary. And he goes by Patty H. It's not a coincidence that the Miami D has played very well since Pat was named the starting safety. Pat ability to come from level three and make plays at the line of scrimmage has given the front seven another steady tackler. His instincts and ability to read the play have gotten him two picks, with a couple more on the way. And I am sure everyone remembers his scoop and score against Fla--ah well, we'll wait to the holidays to joke with him about that. But more than anything, aside from his tangible skills, Pat's just a winner. His track record speaks for itself. He's a guy that you wanna go to battle with. You're not winning shit, I don't care what sport we're discussing unless you have a handful of guys like Pat on your team. For everyone that knows Patty, knows that he leads by example. And his actions speak loudly and contribute to W's.
Takeaways: the life blood of good football teams and defenses. Miami is the best in the MAC. They are also the best defense in the red area, another significant trait of great teams. Couple those two things with a offense that eats up the clock and throws the ball efficiently, and an ice cold field goal kicker and you're going to be in a position to win every week.
So here we are, just a little past the half way mark of the college football season. Let's hope the Redhawks team can continue to grow as a program. Rest assured though that the defensive unit is in good hands and will only get stronger and more cohesive with Patty H in charge.
Willing to work harder,
JC
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Terminator 2: The Return
Blake Griffin.
You'll be hearing from this kid throughout the season. I call him the Terminator. The really original nickname came to me watching him play in a game during his last year at Oklahoma. Three plays in particular in one game: 1. a 90 foot sprint to violently pin block a weakling's layup attempt, 2. an awful lob setup by a crappy teammate where Blake went up to the top of the box vulernable and ended up getting high-lowed and fell almost completely on his back, 3. a stray ball pinging toward the score's table, where Blake proceeded to do an all out head first dive over the scores table onto the cement steps. This wasn't one of those pre-meditated, I know exactly where I am going to land on my feet and the crowd will appreciate me effort dives into the stands this was an all out head first I might be paralyzed dives. And the guy popped back up like nothing happened. All three plays, Blake was just business as usual stone-faced.
I expect Blake to be a dominant player this year, albeit on a bad team. Well, hold on not necessarily a bad team. They'll need Baron to stay healthy and be invested. Hopefully Vinny Del Negro will be able to get the ball to Eric Gordon in spots where he can be effective. Build the offense around Blake mid post square ups, and loops where Eric Gordon will have driving lanes with little or late help from other defenders.
But Blake is gonna be 16 and 9 minimum. Well on his way to 21 and 11. I just hope he stays healthy. He just such a monster in there. I hope he learns not to lay himself out and be so vulnerable. The way he jumps and second jumps in there, he's always a land on somebodys foot and roll an ankle for 4 weeks candidate. But nevertheless, Blake's a bad dude and I am excited to watch him when I can.
And since I am in LA, maybe I can fall into some good Clips seats every once in a while.
Willing to work harder,
JC
You'll be hearing from this kid throughout the season. I call him the Terminator. The really original nickname came to me watching him play in a game during his last year at Oklahoma. Three plays in particular in one game: 1. a 90 foot sprint to violently pin block a weakling's layup attempt, 2. an awful lob setup by a crappy teammate where Blake went up to the top of the box vulernable and ended up getting high-lowed and fell almost completely on his back, 3. a stray ball pinging toward the score's table, where Blake proceeded to do an all out head first dive over the scores table onto the cement steps. This wasn't one of those pre-meditated, I know exactly where I am going to land on my feet and the crowd will appreciate me effort dives into the stands this was an all out head first I might be paralyzed dives. And the guy popped back up like nothing happened. All three plays, Blake was just business as usual stone-faced.
I expect Blake to be a dominant player this year, albeit on a bad team. Well, hold on not necessarily a bad team. They'll need Baron to stay healthy and be invested. Hopefully Vinny Del Negro will be able to get the ball to Eric Gordon in spots where he can be effective. Build the offense around Blake mid post square ups, and loops where Eric Gordon will have driving lanes with little or late help from other defenders.
But Blake is gonna be 16 and 9 minimum. Well on his way to 21 and 11. I just hope he stays healthy. He just such a monster in there. I hope he learns not to lay himself out and be so vulnerable. The way he jumps and second jumps in there, he's always a land on somebodys foot and roll an ankle for 4 weeks candidate. But nevertheless, Blake's a bad dude and I am excited to watch him when I can.
And since I am in LA, maybe I can fall into some good Clips seats every once in a while.
Willing to work harder,
JC
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Top 40 NBA Players List
Hard to believe, but one of the the most heavily anticipated seasons in the history of The Association is a little more than two weeks away.
I have been meaning to write and rank who I think are the top 40 guys running in the NBA. I have taken a few stabs at it just on a piece of scrap paper over the last few weeks. I am gonna give it a go on the blog here shortly.
The challenge I think in the assembly of the list is just the criteria that I want to work with and evaluate players with. That's been the challenge that has delayed this list. Points? Playing on a good team? Charges taken? Basketball IQ? Just being a good guy?
I have been thinking about it, and have decided to just wing it. There's gonna be no consistent criteria. I am an NBA dork. I just know the guys when I see the guys. This is going to be a bias list. I am gonna pick the guys that I think are the most valuable and best players in the league. Guys that are winners. Guys that I would like to play with.
I will try to write about a couple players each day. Hopefully the top 5 will come right about during the opening week.
Willing to work harder,
JC
I have been meaning to write and rank who I think are the top 40 guys running in the NBA. I have taken a few stabs at it just on a piece of scrap paper over the last few weeks. I am gonna give it a go on the blog here shortly.
The challenge I think in the assembly of the list is just the criteria that I want to work with and evaluate players with. That's been the challenge that has delayed this list. Points? Playing on a good team? Charges taken? Basketball IQ? Just being a good guy?
I have been thinking about it, and have decided to just wing it. There's gonna be no consistent criteria. I am an NBA dork. I just know the guys when I see the guys. This is going to be a bias list. I am gonna pick the guys that I think are the most valuable and best players in the league. Guys that are winners. Guys that I would like to play with.
I will try to write about a couple players each day. Hopefully the top 5 will come right about during the opening week.
Willing to work harder,
JC
Monday, October 11, 2010
BRON IN THE POST? COMICAL!
"Improvement and advancement do not exist in isolation."
I have only caught bits and pieces of the Heat preseason games. Been some twitter buzz and some article attention discussing how LeBron is catching the ball in the post a lot more so far during the preseason. Great. That's just great. It's comical really. Just another jab to the stomach of Cleveland fans.
He's only 4 years too late with this revelation. How novel an idea, for an athlete unlike any other athlete to ever play in the league to want to be closer to the basket in order score more effectively. God forbid that was ever something he put a priority on when he was with the Cavs. It's just a tad better alternative to the 17 dribble posssessions 26 feet away that took up the majority of the Cavs offensive trips. This new post committment with the Heat just points again to how immature and misguided he was in Cleveland (and let's not kid ourselves, he still is). Also points to the players and the coaching staff that surrounded him during his tenure in Cleveland. No player or coach ever had the balls to get in his face and tell him to put his butt in the post for hours in the summer and during the regular season. I doubt he would have listened anyway. It was a losing battle.
I don't expect this post emphasis to stick. Bron is who he is. He doesn't have the confidence or belief to stick it out and actually improve in the post. For every patient and solid post score, there will be 6 bad ones. He'll run and hide to his comfort zone, pounding the rock at the NBA 3 for 11 dribbles until Wade comes and gets it and makes a good play.
But leave it to LeBron to continue to pile on Cavs fans. Obviously he'll become a modern day Karl Malone now in the post and short corner post. We'll just have to smile and shake our heads.
I have only caught bits and pieces of the Heat preseason games. Been some twitter buzz and some article attention discussing how LeBron is catching the ball in the post a lot more so far during the preseason. Great. That's just great. It's comical really. Just another jab to the stomach of Cleveland fans.
He's only 4 years too late with this revelation. How novel an idea, for an athlete unlike any other athlete to ever play in the league to want to be closer to the basket in order score more effectively. God forbid that was ever something he put a priority on when he was with the Cavs. It's just a tad better alternative to the 17 dribble posssessions 26 feet away that took up the majority of the Cavs offensive trips. This new post committment with the Heat just points again to how immature and misguided he was in Cleveland (and let's not kid ourselves, he still is). Also points to the players and the coaching staff that surrounded him during his tenure in Cleveland. No player or coach ever had the balls to get in his face and tell him to put his butt in the post for hours in the summer and during the regular season. I doubt he would have listened anyway. It was a losing battle.
I don't expect this post emphasis to stick. Bron is who he is. He doesn't have the confidence or belief to stick it out and actually improve in the post. For every patient and solid post score, there will be 6 bad ones. He'll run and hide to his comfort zone, pounding the rock at the NBA 3 for 11 dribbles until Wade comes and gets it and makes a good play.
But leave it to LeBron to continue to pile on Cavs fans. Obviously he'll become a modern day Karl Malone now in the post and short corner post. We'll just have to smile and shake our heads.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
West Coast Swing
I am in Manhattan Beach, California. I don't when I am coming back. If ever. This is a pretty cool place to spend some time. This is my first time in California. Pretty large culture shock and adjustment. But it's a fun adjustment. The weather has been unreal. The perplexing thing so far is just the time difference. Couple of my buddies that live out here say they still aren't used to it. And they've been out here for a year. I haven't been to In and Out Burger yet. I'm going to get there a couple times this week. I was in downtown Hollywood last night for the first time with a couple friends. Pretty sweet stuff. Just a melting pot of different people. Lotta beautiful women. It was quite a scene on the streets when the bars let out at 2:30.
I plan to write a lot just about the types of things I am seeing in California and the NBA.
So stay tuned. Hope everyone is doing great.
I plan to write a lot just about the types of things I am seeing in California and the NBA.
So stay tuned. Hope everyone is doing great.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
MY MONEYBALL-ORIENTED FIXES FOR US SOCCER GOING FORWARD
Unfortunately, the World Cup has been characterized by terrible officiating that has shifted the emotional momentum of games, and worse cost teams games, indefensible flopping, and bringing out the stretcher after guys get tripped. The icing on the cake however is just watching these guys writhe in agony, as if they got shot only to be followed by them playing at top speed a minute and a half after they remove themselves from the stretcher that carried them off. It's comical.
I was sad to see the US team's 2010 campaign come to an end. They played hard. They have some good pieces, but are still a long way off from competing with those elite teams. I have assembled some observations and tactics that the US soccer program should consider going forward. Now these aren't all the way serious suggestions but they aren't tongue and cheek either. I know that at this high of a level, there is a certain elite style of play. BUT at the same time, the United States has proven that they can't play at the level they need to playing the way the rest of the world plays. It's time to reevaluate a few things, and these suggestions are meant to help.
1. WE NEED GUYS WHO CAN CARRY THE BALL THROUGH TRAFFIC: For a non-soccer guy, I think this is the biggest frustration. Why won't these guys be more aggressive and just try to dribble through people? Why are they always trying to be cute with little dinky passes and lobbing it into the middle? Those are fair questions. I realize that at the elite level, the best teams are passing technicians who make great vertical runs for goals. It's very systematic. Nobody touches the ball more than twice. Two touches and it's gone. It's pretty. And that's how the game is played. But I would like to see what happens if we had 5-6 guys who sacrificed a little fitness for power, and just worked to dribble through players with power with a high level of foot skill. There are so many times the non-soccer guy can point to examples when guys decide to carry and dribble the ball a little longer than they should, when they can look for easy passes, but don't and continue to dribble and draw a foul and free kick. That's more like it to me. Carry the ball, be strong, draw fouls. Which brings me into my next point.
2. AMERICAN FOOTBALL-LIKE SET PIECES RUN TO PERFECTION: This is another factor in a the game that I think is undervalued. That United States goal that was disallowed in the Slovenia game was run to perfection. Perfect ball. Perfect timing. Perfect spacing. We have to be much more advanced in the way we run these set pieces. We need to work hard to create situations that lead to free kicks. And think outside the box on how we can create formations that teams haven't seen. We basically need to bring in Josh McDaniel and Andy Reid. OR maybe Doc Rivers or Mike D'Antoni would be more appropriate. Have them create formations and sets in which all the guys on the field have an assignment. If they run it right, guys should come wide open. Some guys are screeners, some are cutters, etc. While I think there is a method to their madness, as evidenced by Maurice Edu's great goal that was disallowed, there is definite room for improvement. It requires new spacing, assignments, screening and picking legally, cutting to the goal hard, and perfect serving passes.
3. FOUL EVERY POSSESSION: Every time the opponent has the ball, he should be getting hit. We have to be as physical as possible, fouling with our legs and hips and butt. Every play. If you foul every play, they cannot call it every single time. If you make yellow card degree fouls every play, they can't call it every play. It's simple. Sure, we're gonna lose guys to 2 yellow cards sometimes. But as we get better at it, we'll learn to avoid making fouls that garner yellows. But when you're playing against teams with better players, you gotta be as physical as possible.
4. NEVER EVER FLOP ON OFFENSE: This is what amazes me. It nauseates me to watch these guys just flop and flop. These guys are without a doubt the biggest pussies in the world. I don't care how much money they make and how many girls are chasing them. It's unbelievable. But, no question, it gets rewarded. As we have seen throughout the Cup. My fix is to never ever flop. UNTIL it's the perfect moment. UNTIL the whole team hasn't flopped the entire game, and we get a run in the box where we're not gonna score but it looks like might. THEN FLOP. Flopping has to be timed perfectly. It has to be used only when we have a prime opportunity to create a penalty kick. If we haven't flopped the entire game, and have been playing through guys fouling us, the referee will be much more apt to believe us and reward us if we flop in a goal scoring situation. This goes back to being stronger and more powerful.
5. GOALIE OUTLET PASSES/PLAYS: Landon Donovan's game winning goal was spurred by an unbelievable outlet. You can argue that Algeria was out of position, tired, and that that doesn't happen often, but it created a great scoring opportunity. We need goalies who can throw the ball on time and on target to guys who can carry the ball and make something happen. The goalie has to be like a quarterback out there or like Kevin Love throwing outlet passes to Johnny Flynn. A great outlet pass can create positive momentum going at the goal.
6. LOCKDOWN BEASTLY DEFENDERS: If we are going to have guys carrying the ball through traffic more, and committing a lot of men to set pieces, we are no doubt gonna be caught in bad situations. So we need to put a premium of physical defenders who can ride guys out, steal the ball, and hold down the fort until we get more guys back. This is a pivotal ingredient.
That's just a couple things. Obviously, there are some problems and difficulties that arise with the suggestions. The simple and pretty way: two-touch, serving it into the middle, vertical runs, etc. is a beautiful way to play. No question about. But as team USA, we gotta think outside the box. We gotta use unique tactics. Cause we don't have any good players. Just something for USA Soccer to think about.
I was sad to see the US team's 2010 campaign come to an end. They played hard. They have some good pieces, but are still a long way off from competing with those elite teams. I have assembled some observations and tactics that the US soccer program should consider going forward. Now these aren't all the way serious suggestions but they aren't tongue and cheek either. I know that at this high of a level, there is a certain elite style of play. BUT at the same time, the United States has proven that they can't play at the level they need to playing the way the rest of the world plays. It's time to reevaluate a few things, and these suggestions are meant to help.
1. WE NEED GUYS WHO CAN CARRY THE BALL THROUGH TRAFFIC: For a non-soccer guy, I think this is the biggest frustration. Why won't these guys be more aggressive and just try to dribble through people? Why are they always trying to be cute with little dinky passes and lobbing it into the middle? Those are fair questions. I realize that at the elite level, the best teams are passing technicians who make great vertical runs for goals. It's very systematic. Nobody touches the ball more than twice. Two touches and it's gone. It's pretty. And that's how the game is played. But I would like to see what happens if we had 5-6 guys who sacrificed a little fitness for power, and just worked to dribble through players with power with a high level of foot skill. There are so many times the non-soccer guy can point to examples when guys decide to carry and dribble the ball a little longer than they should, when they can look for easy passes, but don't and continue to dribble and draw a foul and free kick. That's more like it to me. Carry the ball, be strong, draw fouls. Which brings me into my next point.
2. AMERICAN FOOTBALL-LIKE SET PIECES RUN TO PERFECTION: This is another factor in a the game that I think is undervalued. That United States goal that was disallowed in the Slovenia game was run to perfection. Perfect ball. Perfect timing. Perfect spacing. We have to be much more advanced in the way we run these set pieces. We need to work hard to create situations that lead to free kicks. And think outside the box on how we can create formations that teams haven't seen. We basically need to bring in Josh McDaniel and Andy Reid. OR maybe Doc Rivers or Mike D'Antoni would be more appropriate. Have them create formations and sets in which all the guys on the field have an assignment. If they run it right, guys should come wide open. Some guys are screeners, some are cutters, etc. While I think there is a method to their madness, as evidenced by Maurice Edu's great goal that was disallowed, there is definite room for improvement. It requires new spacing, assignments, screening and picking legally, cutting to the goal hard, and perfect serving passes.
3. FOUL EVERY POSSESSION: Every time the opponent has the ball, he should be getting hit. We have to be as physical as possible, fouling with our legs and hips and butt. Every play. If you foul every play, they cannot call it every single time. If you make yellow card degree fouls every play, they can't call it every play. It's simple. Sure, we're gonna lose guys to 2 yellow cards sometimes. But as we get better at it, we'll learn to avoid making fouls that garner yellows. But when you're playing against teams with better players, you gotta be as physical as possible.
4. NEVER EVER FLOP ON OFFENSE: This is what amazes me. It nauseates me to watch these guys just flop and flop. These guys are without a doubt the biggest pussies in the world. I don't care how much money they make and how many girls are chasing them. It's unbelievable. But, no question, it gets rewarded. As we have seen throughout the Cup. My fix is to never ever flop. UNTIL it's the perfect moment. UNTIL the whole team hasn't flopped the entire game, and we get a run in the box where we're not gonna score but it looks like might. THEN FLOP. Flopping has to be timed perfectly. It has to be used only when we have a prime opportunity to create a penalty kick. If we haven't flopped the entire game, and have been playing through guys fouling us, the referee will be much more apt to believe us and reward us if we flop in a goal scoring situation. This goes back to being stronger and more powerful.
5. GOALIE OUTLET PASSES/PLAYS: Landon Donovan's game winning goal was spurred by an unbelievable outlet. You can argue that Algeria was out of position, tired, and that that doesn't happen often, but it created a great scoring opportunity. We need goalies who can throw the ball on time and on target to guys who can carry the ball and make something happen. The goalie has to be like a quarterback out there or like Kevin Love throwing outlet passes to Johnny Flynn. A great outlet pass can create positive momentum going at the goal.
6. LOCKDOWN BEASTLY DEFENDERS: If we are going to have guys carrying the ball through traffic more, and committing a lot of men to set pieces, we are no doubt gonna be caught in bad situations. So we need to put a premium of physical defenders who can ride guys out, steal the ball, and hold down the fort until we get more guys back. This is a pivotal ingredient.
That's just a couple things. Obviously, there are some problems and difficulties that arise with the suggestions. The simple and pretty way: two-touch, serving it into the middle, vertical runs, etc. is a beautiful way to play. No question about. But as team USA, we gotta think outside the box. We gotta use unique tactics. Cause we don't have any good players. Just something for USA Soccer to think about.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
JC's MOCK LOTTERY
We are approximately 36 hours away from one of my favorite sporting events of the year. I love the NBA draft. Not as much as I love the NFL Draft, but it's close. I love the evaluation process, and how it continues to evolve and become more and more scientific and complex. Yet every year, the majority of the league misfires on their guys, and it's often those under the radar guys that end up ruling the day 2-3 years down the line.
As I writing this, a blurb came across the bottom line saying the Bucks traded for Corey Maggette, sending Chuck Bell amongst another player and a pick. In my best Harry Doyle voice, "obviously Jon Hammond's thinking, well I don't know what the hell he's thinking." That's the last guy in the history of this world that I would be trading for. Maggette is the biggest cancer walking around this league right now. He's a selfish offensive player, who dominates the rock and takes teams outta their flow. This is the kind of move that will contribute to the demise of Scott Skiles. Skiles is so tough and so hard core, Belichickian. He gets his teams to cut hard as hell, defend, screen, be unselfish, and play their butts off every night. And he's successful at it. Then the team adds a couple Corey Maggette's and his teams go south cause they refuse to practice or play hard. And Skiles get sent home. I just don't understand the move. I agree that Salmons isn't your long term guy, but Corey frickkin Maggette?
Also getting a little buzz that the Blazers might try to get in and trade for Mo Williams. HOW SOON CAN WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN? I'll pack his bags and sell his house for him?
Alright well here's my mock first round. I have done my best to stay away from looking at any mocks. This is just my careful evaluation and film study. This is also considering that everyone stays where they are. Lotta buzz about Minny moving down. By the way, is Chad Ford the most important writer at ESPN. Why is all his stuff Insider? Is his stuff that good? Why does he get that distinction? Why isn't Simmons insider? Or Buster Olney? I know he's always got good buzz, but I mean c'mon. It's the frickkin NBA. Not many people care about it.
Washington Wizards: John Wall
Done and done. Obviously a no-brainer here. Special athlete. Electric with the ball in his hands. Gonna be a dominant high ball screen and iso player. It seems like he takes winning pretty seriously. He's a pretty serious dude when he's between the lines. What I love about him is he's gets you the ball right on frickkin time almost always, especially on the break. You see a lot of these guys who are late passers: meaning they try to get their shot right until they can't and throw it to guys in bad spots, off target, 1.5-2 seconds late. Wall did very little of that when I watched him. If you ran out on that break with him, he gave it up. He gave it to you on time on target, so your footwork was easy. As nasty as he's gonna be, he'll have his bad nights. Might be a little slow mentally picking up the intricacies of how teams will play him defensively on ball screens and other situations. His jumper has to improve and will. But he's a guy.
2. Philly 76ers: Evan Turner (DeMarcus Cousins)
See this isn't gonna happen. But it should. I know the pick is Evan Turner here. By the way, did anyone see Jrue Holiday at the draft lottery show. Did you see his face when the Wizards got the first pick and the Sixers got the second? It was awesome. Like a kid on Christmas. The "thank God, John Wall isn't gonna bury me on the bench until they move me to another team face." I like Cousins here. I think he's the second best guy and they should suck it up and take him. No question. And he's a great fit for the Doug Collins' 76ers. They just moved Sammy Dalembert, and now have Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. Both of those guys are great rotation guys, Andres being a good blender playing physical inside and outside, and Hawes being a better than average big. You need a front line starter. I know Evan Turner is great, but they have a better Evan Turner in Andre Iguodala. They have Thad Young, who plays inside out, mostly on the wing. They 2 up and coming slashers in Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday. Just make it simple. Don't create an alpha dog battle between Iggy and Turner. Draft a mean, beastly 6-11 monster. Put him on the block and let him play. Doug Collins is a perfect coach for Cousins. He'll be able to speak his language and coexist with him. Get the 20 and 10 guy. But for Evan Turner, he's gonna be a good pro. He can control a game, get to the free throw line at will, and find open guys. Plays with a big chip on his shoulder. He's a matchup problem. I think he's gonna do well. His personality is a bit off tho. He could have some run ins with teammates and coaches.
3. New Jersey Nets: Wes Johnson
This is a simple and solid pick. No frills. Just a really good kid who can really play. Came on like a freight train the first 15 games this season, as Cuse got off to a great start and was number 1 in the country for a while. I remember seeing Cuse highlights early in the year and seeing this light skinned wing just dominate. I remember thinking and saying to myself as I saw him create a steal, run the wing on the break and catch an alley oop at the top of the box: what is Shawn Marion doing playing for Syracuse? He was that kinda presence. He's not as long as the Matrix, but he does similar things. Great offensive player. Pretty polished, can drive and shoot. Good technique on his jumper, so should be able to improve range and hit corner NBA threes. He's just an active player. You gotta account for him. He sticks his nose in there and gets offensive and defensive rebounds. He seems to be a great guy. Teams are raving about his interviews and maturity. This is a good safe pick for Avery Johnson and Rod Thorn. Cousins should be the pick, but I doubt Avery and Rod Thorn want that headache. Favors is another guy here, but I dunno if Avery Johnson sees it in Derrick Favors. I think they'll error on the side of caution and take a good wing. They could go Cousins here. They might be taking Wes J cause Minny wants him and they'll make Minny come pay for the pick.
4. Minny Timberwolves: Derrick Favors
Again, this a no-brainer here for me. Cousins should go here. But as we have seen here before, David Kahn, Wolves GM, is a fucking moron. And he'll find a way to mess this up. He'll probably trade this pick. He'll probably trade Johnny Flynn, who he drafted in the top 10 a year ago. Minny's gonna make someone else's season at the expense of their own I am sure, and you can thank David Kahn. Derrick Favors: same measurements as Dwight Howard. Number 2 guy coming outta high school behind Avery Bradley and John Wall. An unbelievable specimen. Lotta positives. Lotta question marks. If you watched 10 of his games this season, you were shaking your head at 8.5 of them. Didn't play with a lot of effort. Kinda glided around, not much activity. Go get a rebound. Go foul somebody. Set an illegal screen, do anything man. They would throw it into him, the big defending him would push him off the box and he'd kick it back out to a shitty guard. Doesn't have a go to move or a counter to when you stop his go to move. Very tenative and uncomfortable when its 1 on 1 in the post and he's supposed to score. Kind of a slouch. On his good days though, he was a beast. Double-double by halftime. Shot a high percentage. Made his free throws. Was active defensively, coming off the weak side to block shots. Momentum shifting dunks. So a lot of good here, just might have to wait 3.5 seasons to see it.
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins
Finally, the second best player in the draft comes off the board. And the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie laugh all the way to hopefully the 7th or 8th seed in the west next season. Cousins is a potential 20 and 10 guy. Not many of those guys just walking around the neighborhood. Makes his free throws. Dominant rebounder. Hunts the ball on the offensive glass. Really comfortable on the block in a 1 on 1 situation. Has a couple go to moves. Capable shooter outside 15 feet. Definitely not where you want him to be, but can knock it down. Runs the floor very well for a guy weighing 280 pounds. And he's out there to play. He's not out there to see what it feels like to sweat. He has some anger issues. He's gonna get some technicals. He's gonna pout. But I don't see it being a problem at all. He's gonna be fine when he's playing. He's much more Rasheed Wallace than Ron "Queensbridge" Artest. The big question mark is what is he gonna do in the offseasons, when he has his boys with him and suddenly has 2.5 million in his bank account to play around with. But I think he's the second best guy, and the Kings will have some big time players. They gotta find a 2 who can shoot threes and play.
6. Golden State Warriors: Greg Monroe
Dear Greg,
Here's a list of assignments: Pass us the ball. Don't even think about shooting. Offensive rebound and kick it to us. Set good screens. Actually don't set good screens, just sit right on the base line in the short corner. Outlet the ball to us. We'll take it from here. Thanks.
Signed, Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry
Not crazy about Greg Monroe. Soft. Kind of a glider out there. Not physical. Thin and not strong. Little light in the butt. He's left handed tho, which can be deceiving, and he showed that he can go on good runs and score and dominate the game. Gonna need to prove he can bang in the post on a night to night basis. I feel bad for whoever goes here. Whether it's him, Ed Davis, Epke Odoh, whoever. Warriors are terribly dysfunctional, with no plan. And on top of all that, this is the worst place to be in this draft. It goes downhill after 5.
7. Detroit Pistons: Ekpe Udoh
This guy is a good player. Plays hard. Still growing into the game. Doesn't have a great feel for the offensive flow. Natural shot blocker. He's got better upside than Ed Davis. That's basically where I am going here. He's heavier and more athletic. He's plenty long. The Stones need a couple guys to play hard and do the dirty work. There's a role here for Udoh if he keeps progressing.
8. LA Clippers: Al Farouq Aminu
One of my least favorite guys in the draft. Big risk/reward guy. Lotta talent. Good offensive tools. Scores in different ways. Just highly questionable effort level and consistency. Rail thin, will have a hard time playing through the bumps and physical nights in the league. Aminu likes to be a jump shooter. He settles all day for crappy shots, and he goes from there. If he knocks down a three ball early, he gets in a good flow and he'll give you 24 and 10. If he's cold he goes more on the 2-12 track and mails it in defensively. The latter outweighed the former at Wake. If he plays harder, maybe their coach survives. Very similar to Favors: congrats guys, you're potential has made you lottery picks, but let's start to be pros and earn the money. Play with some energy and effort please.
9. Utah Jazz: Luke Babbit
Dis frickkin guy has soared up the draft board. Only seen him play a couple games. Both times, the defense was quick to double and rotate on him and he had a hard time getting loose. This guy shoots the shit outta the ball. That's his meal ticket. He's Mr. King of the mid-range. He's very good at putting it on the floor for a couple dribbles either way and elevating into a j. That's a big part of his rise I would assume. I am sure he's been killing these workouts cause these guys running them expect him to be a catch and shoot guy but he's blazing the nets on the shots off the dribble as well. I am not sold. I dunno if he has the ability to get space against these NBA defenders. He's thick and strong, but I dunno if he is quick enough. He's a good fit for the Jazz here. If he works hard enough he can produce in that system. He's got a little more game and versatility than Kyle Korver. He needs to hang around Matt Harpring for a bit.
10. Indy Pacers: Xavier Henry
Value pick here. I think Henry is a high ceiling guy. Really polished shooter. Hard not to take him here if he's still on the board. He's a big guard. He can defend 2's and 3's while at the same time those same guards would have a hard time checking him with his bulk. He's a knockdown shooter. Good mechanics on his j. Hasn't really had to put it on the floor much. KU was dominant enough to where he was a catch and shoot player and a catch and dunk in transition player. He's a high character coachable kid. His question mark is can he get space when he puts it on the floor. Can he lose his guy off the dribble? We'll see. I think this guy is a player. He'll translate better in the pro game than he did in his one year in college.
11. New Orleans Hornets: Ed Davis
The Hornets need a lot of help, and I dunno if Davis is the guy to do it, but if he's still on the board you might have to take him here. Ed Davis should have come out last year in a bad draft. He would have gone in the top 5. Now he's kind of exposed himself as a questionable athlete whose injury prone. He got fat off the 5 pros he played with as a freshman, and was the benefactor of Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansborough drawing 5 guys to them. Davis for was there for drive and dish dunks. He had a little trouble scoring when he got the lion share of the touches early in the year. He's young though and that's hard for anyone, especially when you have every team in the country gunning to beat you. Davis is squirmy though on the offensive boards. He knows where to find the ball. He's left handed which helps him and has a solid hook shot over his right shoulder. I think he's two years away from helping a team, but he's a good guy to have.
12. Memphis Grizzles:: Paul George
Under the radar guy who is rising fast. Played at Fresno and I haven't seen much of him. Definitely a high ceiling sleeper type guy. Tall skinny wing, who has the tools to be a guy. Lotta T-Mac comparisons so take that for what it's worth.
13. Toronto Raptors : Avery Bradley
I see a lot of Russell Westbrook in Bradley. And we all know how that's working out. Guy's a monster. Bradley is definitely in that category of better in the pro game than the college game. He's quick and explosive, and he'll benefit from a more spread open court, where he has more 1 on 1 opportunities. He's great in transition and can play well in the half court. Pesky defender who looks to gamble and get in the passing lanes. Saw him take a make a lot of mid range jumpers. Texas and Rick Barnes had a tough time figuring it out last season. They had a lot of good guys, lotta injuries, so they didn't maximize Bradley. When they were playing well earlier in the year, he was a catalyst. A very hard guy to stop. Then they hit a wall and his minutes declined. But like I said, I think this is a guy who can thrive in a more wide open 1 on 1 game. I like him to come off the board earlier than people expect.
14. Houston Rockets: Cole Aldrich
Not really sure where Daryl Morey and his statistical models will head with this pick. I think Gordon Hayward is good enough to pick here, but I think they need more a guy with an athlete or a big here. Chase Budinger makes Hayward a little less appetizing. Aldrich makes sense here. He has a lot of good little derivatives that Morey and his computers look for. Great defender both, on ball and off. Can guard 4's or 5's. Runs the floor. Shoots a high percentage from the field and line. KU involved him in a ton of ball screens on the wing and at the top of key, so that should be a smooth tranisition/strength for him. Aldrich is pretty safe. Pretty good at everything. Hard pick to gauge cause Morey keeps his guys real close to the vest. And his track record has been great. So we'll see here. Wouldn't be surprised if he goes Dominque Jones here. Or even Daniel Orton
Non-Lottery Guys I Love:
Dominque Jones
Gordon Hayward
Larry Sanders
Darington Hobson
Stanley Robinson
Luke Harangody
Eric Bledsoe
Mikhail Torrance
Terrico White
Willy Warren
Marquis Blakeley
Jerome Randle
Quincy Pontdexter
Non-Lottery Guys I Like:
Jordan Crawford
Raymar Morgan
Ben Ozoh
Solomon Alabi
Trevor Booker
Grevis Vasquez
Elliot Williams
Deep Sleepers:
Ryan Thompson
Tyren Johnson
Ryan Wittman
As I writing this, a blurb came across the bottom line saying the Bucks traded for Corey Maggette, sending Chuck Bell amongst another player and a pick. In my best Harry Doyle voice, "obviously Jon Hammond's thinking, well I don't know what the hell he's thinking." That's the last guy in the history of this world that I would be trading for. Maggette is the biggest cancer walking around this league right now. He's a selfish offensive player, who dominates the rock and takes teams outta their flow. This is the kind of move that will contribute to the demise of Scott Skiles. Skiles is so tough and so hard core, Belichickian. He gets his teams to cut hard as hell, defend, screen, be unselfish, and play their butts off every night. And he's successful at it. Then the team adds a couple Corey Maggette's and his teams go south cause they refuse to practice or play hard. And Skiles get sent home. I just don't understand the move. I agree that Salmons isn't your long term guy, but Corey frickkin Maggette?
Also getting a little buzz that the Blazers might try to get in and trade for Mo Williams. HOW SOON CAN WE MAKE THIS HAPPEN? I'll pack his bags and sell his house for him?
Alright well here's my mock first round. I have done my best to stay away from looking at any mocks. This is just my careful evaluation and film study. This is also considering that everyone stays where they are. Lotta buzz about Minny moving down. By the way, is Chad Ford the most important writer at ESPN. Why is all his stuff Insider? Is his stuff that good? Why does he get that distinction? Why isn't Simmons insider? Or Buster Olney? I know he's always got good buzz, but I mean c'mon. It's the frickkin NBA. Not many people care about it.
Washington Wizards: John Wall
Done and done. Obviously a no-brainer here. Special athlete. Electric with the ball in his hands. Gonna be a dominant high ball screen and iso player. It seems like he takes winning pretty seriously. He's a pretty serious dude when he's between the lines. What I love about him is he's gets you the ball right on frickkin time almost always, especially on the break. You see a lot of these guys who are late passers: meaning they try to get their shot right until they can't and throw it to guys in bad spots, off target, 1.5-2 seconds late. Wall did very little of that when I watched him. If you ran out on that break with him, he gave it up. He gave it to you on time on target, so your footwork was easy. As nasty as he's gonna be, he'll have his bad nights. Might be a little slow mentally picking up the intricacies of how teams will play him defensively on ball screens and other situations. His jumper has to improve and will. But he's a guy.
2. Philly 76ers: Evan Turner (DeMarcus Cousins)
See this isn't gonna happen. But it should. I know the pick is Evan Turner here. By the way, did anyone see Jrue Holiday at the draft lottery show. Did you see his face when the Wizards got the first pick and the Sixers got the second? It was awesome. Like a kid on Christmas. The "thank God, John Wall isn't gonna bury me on the bench until they move me to another team face." I like Cousins here. I think he's the second best guy and they should suck it up and take him. No question. And he's a great fit for the Doug Collins' 76ers. They just moved Sammy Dalembert, and now have Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. Both of those guys are great rotation guys, Andres being a good blender playing physical inside and outside, and Hawes being a better than average big. You need a front line starter. I know Evan Turner is great, but they have a better Evan Turner in Andre Iguodala. They have Thad Young, who plays inside out, mostly on the wing. They 2 up and coming slashers in Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday. Just make it simple. Don't create an alpha dog battle between Iggy and Turner. Draft a mean, beastly 6-11 monster. Put him on the block and let him play. Doug Collins is a perfect coach for Cousins. He'll be able to speak his language and coexist with him. Get the 20 and 10 guy. But for Evan Turner, he's gonna be a good pro. He can control a game, get to the free throw line at will, and find open guys. Plays with a big chip on his shoulder. He's a matchup problem. I think he's gonna do well. His personality is a bit off tho. He could have some run ins with teammates and coaches.
3. New Jersey Nets: Wes Johnson
This is a simple and solid pick. No frills. Just a really good kid who can really play. Came on like a freight train the first 15 games this season, as Cuse got off to a great start and was number 1 in the country for a while. I remember seeing Cuse highlights early in the year and seeing this light skinned wing just dominate. I remember thinking and saying to myself as I saw him create a steal, run the wing on the break and catch an alley oop at the top of the box: what is Shawn Marion doing playing for Syracuse? He was that kinda presence. He's not as long as the Matrix, but he does similar things. Great offensive player. Pretty polished, can drive and shoot. Good technique on his jumper, so should be able to improve range and hit corner NBA threes. He's just an active player. You gotta account for him. He sticks his nose in there and gets offensive and defensive rebounds. He seems to be a great guy. Teams are raving about his interviews and maturity. This is a good safe pick for Avery Johnson and Rod Thorn. Cousins should be the pick, but I doubt Avery and Rod Thorn want that headache. Favors is another guy here, but I dunno if Avery Johnson sees it in Derrick Favors. I think they'll error on the side of caution and take a good wing. They could go Cousins here. They might be taking Wes J cause Minny wants him and they'll make Minny come pay for the pick.
4. Minny Timberwolves: Derrick Favors
Again, this a no-brainer here for me. Cousins should go here. But as we have seen here before, David Kahn, Wolves GM, is a fucking moron. And he'll find a way to mess this up. He'll probably trade this pick. He'll probably trade Johnny Flynn, who he drafted in the top 10 a year ago. Minny's gonna make someone else's season at the expense of their own I am sure, and you can thank David Kahn. Derrick Favors: same measurements as Dwight Howard. Number 2 guy coming outta high school behind Avery Bradley and John Wall. An unbelievable specimen. Lotta positives. Lotta question marks. If you watched 10 of his games this season, you were shaking your head at 8.5 of them. Didn't play with a lot of effort. Kinda glided around, not much activity. Go get a rebound. Go foul somebody. Set an illegal screen, do anything man. They would throw it into him, the big defending him would push him off the box and he'd kick it back out to a shitty guard. Doesn't have a go to move or a counter to when you stop his go to move. Very tenative and uncomfortable when its 1 on 1 in the post and he's supposed to score. Kind of a slouch. On his good days though, he was a beast. Double-double by halftime. Shot a high percentage. Made his free throws. Was active defensively, coming off the weak side to block shots. Momentum shifting dunks. So a lot of good here, just might have to wait 3.5 seasons to see it.
5. Sacramento Kings: DeMarcus Cousins
Finally, the second best player in the draft comes off the board. And the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie laugh all the way to hopefully the 7th or 8th seed in the west next season. Cousins is a potential 20 and 10 guy. Not many of those guys just walking around the neighborhood. Makes his free throws. Dominant rebounder. Hunts the ball on the offensive glass. Really comfortable on the block in a 1 on 1 situation. Has a couple go to moves. Capable shooter outside 15 feet. Definitely not where you want him to be, but can knock it down. Runs the floor very well for a guy weighing 280 pounds. And he's out there to play. He's not out there to see what it feels like to sweat. He has some anger issues. He's gonna get some technicals. He's gonna pout. But I don't see it being a problem at all. He's gonna be fine when he's playing. He's much more Rasheed Wallace than Ron "Queensbridge" Artest. The big question mark is what is he gonna do in the offseasons, when he has his boys with him and suddenly has 2.5 million in his bank account to play around with. But I think he's the second best guy, and the Kings will have some big time players. They gotta find a 2 who can shoot threes and play.
6. Golden State Warriors: Greg Monroe
Dear Greg,
Here's a list of assignments: Pass us the ball. Don't even think about shooting. Offensive rebound and kick it to us. Set good screens. Actually don't set good screens, just sit right on the base line in the short corner. Outlet the ball to us. We'll take it from here. Thanks.
Signed, Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry
Not crazy about Greg Monroe. Soft. Kind of a glider out there. Not physical. Thin and not strong. Little light in the butt. He's left handed tho, which can be deceiving, and he showed that he can go on good runs and score and dominate the game. Gonna need to prove he can bang in the post on a night to night basis. I feel bad for whoever goes here. Whether it's him, Ed Davis, Epke Odoh, whoever. Warriors are terribly dysfunctional, with no plan. And on top of all that, this is the worst place to be in this draft. It goes downhill after 5.
7. Detroit Pistons: Ekpe Udoh
This guy is a good player. Plays hard. Still growing into the game. Doesn't have a great feel for the offensive flow. Natural shot blocker. He's got better upside than Ed Davis. That's basically where I am going here. He's heavier and more athletic. He's plenty long. The Stones need a couple guys to play hard and do the dirty work. There's a role here for Udoh if he keeps progressing.
8. LA Clippers: Al Farouq Aminu
One of my least favorite guys in the draft. Big risk/reward guy. Lotta talent. Good offensive tools. Scores in different ways. Just highly questionable effort level and consistency. Rail thin, will have a hard time playing through the bumps and physical nights in the league. Aminu likes to be a jump shooter. He settles all day for crappy shots, and he goes from there. If he knocks down a three ball early, he gets in a good flow and he'll give you 24 and 10. If he's cold he goes more on the 2-12 track and mails it in defensively. The latter outweighed the former at Wake. If he plays harder, maybe their coach survives. Very similar to Favors: congrats guys, you're potential has made you lottery picks, but let's start to be pros and earn the money. Play with some energy and effort please.
9. Utah Jazz: Luke Babbit
Dis frickkin guy has soared up the draft board. Only seen him play a couple games. Both times, the defense was quick to double and rotate on him and he had a hard time getting loose. This guy shoots the shit outta the ball. That's his meal ticket. He's Mr. King of the mid-range. He's very good at putting it on the floor for a couple dribbles either way and elevating into a j. That's a big part of his rise I would assume. I am sure he's been killing these workouts cause these guys running them expect him to be a catch and shoot guy but he's blazing the nets on the shots off the dribble as well. I am not sold. I dunno if he has the ability to get space against these NBA defenders. He's thick and strong, but I dunno if he is quick enough. He's a good fit for the Jazz here. If he works hard enough he can produce in that system. He's got a little more game and versatility than Kyle Korver. He needs to hang around Matt Harpring for a bit.
10. Indy Pacers: Xavier Henry
Value pick here. I think Henry is a high ceiling guy. Really polished shooter. Hard not to take him here if he's still on the board. He's a big guard. He can defend 2's and 3's while at the same time those same guards would have a hard time checking him with his bulk. He's a knockdown shooter. Good mechanics on his j. Hasn't really had to put it on the floor much. KU was dominant enough to where he was a catch and shoot player and a catch and dunk in transition player. He's a high character coachable kid. His question mark is can he get space when he puts it on the floor. Can he lose his guy off the dribble? We'll see. I think this guy is a player. He'll translate better in the pro game than he did in his one year in college.
11. New Orleans Hornets: Ed Davis
The Hornets need a lot of help, and I dunno if Davis is the guy to do it, but if he's still on the board you might have to take him here. Ed Davis should have come out last year in a bad draft. He would have gone in the top 5. Now he's kind of exposed himself as a questionable athlete whose injury prone. He got fat off the 5 pros he played with as a freshman, and was the benefactor of Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansborough drawing 5 guys to them. Davis for was there for drive and dish dunks. He had a little trouble scoring when he got the lion share of the touches early in the year. He's young though and that's hard for anyone, especially when you have every team in the country gunning to beat you. Davis is squirmy though on the offensive boards. He knows where to find the ball. He's left handed which helps him and has a solid hook shot over his right shoulder. I think he's two years away from helping a team, but he's a good guy to have.
12. Memphis Grizzles:: Paul George
Under the radar guy who is rising fast. Played at Fresno and I haven't seen much of him. Definitely a high ceiling sleeper type guy. Tall skinny wing, who has the tools to be a guy. Lotta T-Mac comparisons so take that for what it's worth.
13. Toronto Raptors : Avery Bradley
I see a lot of Russell Westbrook in Bradley. And we all know how that's working out. Guy's a monster. Bradley is definitely in that category of better in the pro game than the college game. He's quick and explosive, and he'll benefit from a more spread open court, where he has more 1 on 1 opportunities. He's great in transition and can play well in the half court. Pesky defender who looks to gamble and get in the passing lanes. Saw him take a make a lot of mid range jumpers. Texas and Rick Barnes had a tough time figuring it out last season. They had a lot of good guys, lotta injuries, so they didn't maximize Bradley. When they were playing well earlier in the year, he was a catalyst. A very hard guy to stop. Then they hit a wall and his minutes declined. But like I said, I think this is a guy who can thrive in a more wide open 1 on 1 game. I like him to come off the board earlier than people expect.
14. Houston Rockets: Cole Aldrich
Not really sure where Daryl Morey and his statistical models will head with this pick. I think Gordon Hayward is good enough to pick here, but I think they need more a guy with an athlete or a big here. Chase Budinger makes Hayward a little less appetizing. Aldrich makes sense here. He has a lot of good little derivatives that Morey and his computers look for. Great defender both, on ball and off. Can guard 4's or 5's. Runs the floor. Shoots a high percentage from the field and line. KU involved him in a ton of ball screens on the wing and at the top of key, so that should be a smooth tranisition/strength for him. Aldrich is pretty safe. Pretty good at everything. Hard pick to gauge cause Morey keeps his guys real close to the vest. And his track record has been great. So we'll see here. Wouldn't be surprised if he goes Dominque Jones here. Or even Daniel Orton
Non-Lottery Guys I Love:
Dominque Jones
Gordon Hayward
Larry Sanders
Darington Hobson
Stanley Robinson
Luke Harangody
Eric Bledsoe
Mikhail Torrance
Terrico White
Willy Warren
Marquis Blakeley
Jerome Randle
Quincy Pontdexter
Non-Lottery Guys I Like:
Jordan Crawford
Raymar Morgan
Ben Ozoh
Solomon Alabi
Trevor Booker
Grevis Vasquez
Elliot Williams
Deep Sleepers:
Ryan Thompson
Tyren Johnson
Ryan Wittman
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