Wednesday, June 25, 2008

First Annual PMS Mock Draft

Yes indeed, for your viewing pleasure we are proud to present our NBA mock draft!

Here were the ground rules. Derek, myself, and two of our NBA whore friends, Philipp and Chris, drew names out of a hat to determine the order in which...we would draw teams out of a hat.

Hey, we're nothing if not thorough.

We drafted for the first 16 teams, giving each of us 4 picks in the draft. Trades were allowed as long as all 4 managers agreed that it was a reasonable trade (or were beaten down until they accepted it). Managers were instructed to draft/trade in the manner they would if they were the real GM for that team. This means you'll see an exceptional trade pulled off by Minnesota which would never happen in real life (see Kevin McHale).

Along with the pick you'll see some commentary by the drafter and the other GMs.

Without further ado, The Draft!
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#1 Chicago (Derek) - Derrick Rose

Derek says, "How could I not pick a guy obviously named after me? OK, sure, when Loren wrote this up he spelled Derrick Rose’s name wrong but as the song goes “it’s hard out there for a pimp.” Rose is the obvious choice for the Bulls. He has the best overall game of any prospect and looks like a stronger Chris Paul. Or is that a quicker Deron Williams? Heck, either way the Bulls got lucky in the lottery and get the best player."

Loren says, "Derek correcting me on my spelling? Did hell just freeze over? Wait, Danny Ainge did win Executive of the Year..."


#2 Memphis (Chris) - Michael Beasley

Originally belonging to Miami, they traded down to the 5 spot (then subsequently down to the 7, but we'll get their later) in a deal with Memphis. In addition to swapping first rounders, Miami sends Blount and Memphis sends Mike Miller and Darko.

Chris says, "After trading Gasol, Memphis needed to draft a big scorer, so they couldn’t pass trading up to the #2 pick to ensure being able to pick Beasley or Rose. They had to give up Mike Miller and Darko along with the deal. In return, they received Blount as a comparable alternative to Darko, and the scoring capability of Beasley.

Derek says, "Perhaps the easiest choice in the draft. Memphis trades up and gets the best offensive talent there is and fills a major need. Rudy Gay might be a heck of a player but he should not be a team's offensive leader. Beasley should be and Gay will be a great all around compliment to him."

Loren says, "I agree with Chris, but have to point out that Memphis is now without a single SG on their roster and no other legit scoring threat. Beasley better get ready for a heaping helping of double teams and paint crowding."


#3 Bucks (Derek) - OJ Mayo

Bucks swap picks with Minnesota. Additionally, Minny sends Antoine Walker, Marco Jaric, and Craig Smith. Bucks send Michael Redd and a protected future first round draft pick.

Derek says, "I made this trade for a few reasons:
1. I did not like anyone at #8 for this team.
2. While I like Redd a lot I felt that his salary was way too much for this team.
3. By getting Walker I will drop almost 8 million from my payroll next year.
4. Craig Smith gives some actual muscle down low. Much tougher than Bogut and Gadzuric.

Now saying that, yes, I had to take back Jaric in order to get #3.

I picked Mayo because of his all around game, by far the second best all around player, he can replace Redd by scoring inside and out and is by far a better defender already."


Philipp (Minnesota GM) says, "The Bucks are cutting payroll a little bit and getting back a top 3 talent and a work horse in Craig Smith. Not a bad price, but if you’re losing a former All-Star and current Olympian for an unproven player, you better hope he pans out."

Loren says, "WTF?!?! This is the trade that I nearly had to veto. Here's the net result of this trade...Minnesota gets Redd, this year's #8, and a future first rounder. Bucks get Jaric, Smith, Walker and Mayo. I feel like I'm taking crazy pills! Minnesota gets an All-Star SG with a great attitude and two first round draft picks for a one and done attitude problem and cap space. Maybe I'm just bitter because I ended up with #9, #11, #14, and #15."


#4 Seattle (Derek) - Russell Westbrook

Derek says, "I was hammered on when I made this pick. I think the first two quotes that came out were 'I don’t like this pick.' from both Loren and Chris. So I’m sure they will rag on me pretty good. But the Sonics or what ever they will be called next season already have a scorer in Durant and an all around player in Green. This gives them a defensive presence on the perimeter (Seattle was the 4th worst defensive team in the league) and a spot up scorer."

Chris says, "Seattle will fill a major void from last season by drafting Westbrook. While he won’t put up large numbers on offense, Westbrook will strengthen their perimeter defense which allowed a very high 106 points per game. This won’t significantly improve the team, which is beyond repair in my opinion."

Loren says, "Since Chris went easy on Derek, I'll pick up the slack. Unless Seattle moves players this makes little sense. Westbrook isn't a pure PG and I see him struggling to get the ball to Durant. So they don't give up 106 per game...they also won't score more than 86 with that squad. The real need here was for a player that could take some pressure off Durant, and Jerryd Bayless would have been a much better option. Speaking of which..."


#5 Clippers (Philipp) - Jerryd Bayless

Belonging to Miami after the trade, they swap picks again with Clippers at #7. Clippers send Brand and Brevin Knight, Miami sends Marion.

Philipp says, "Their top needs were any upgrade to either guard position. By moving down, they were able to snag one of the best guard prospects in the draft, Jerryd Bayless. By moving Brand, who may opt out to go elsewhere anyways, they get one of the best SF in the league in Marion. Marion is an expiring contract, so they will have the flexibility to test him out. Marion left Phoenix because he wanted to be the man. He would instantly be that for the Clippers."

Chris says, "What’s not to like about Bayless? He plays up-tempo basketball, and he comes from a great college program in Arizona, which historically always knows how to find PGs who make significant impacts in the NBA. Did I mention he can shoot?"

Derek says, "First, I have to say I like all the trades Philipp made today. Bayless should be a great scorer and a descent distributor in the league. The Clippers would have a great fast break team."

Loren says, "Holy crap. Now that's a pick. Bayless will have the Clips back to running up and down the floor. Suddenly Livingston's injury doesn't seem so devastating. Picture this lineup: Bayless, Maggette, Marion, Thornton, Kaman. Yikes!"


#6 Warriors (Loren) - DJ Augustin

Warriors swap picks with Knicks. Warriors send Baron Davis, Knicks send Marbury.

Loren says, "First off, I got hosed. My picks were the #9, #11, #14, and #15. So, yes, there was an air of desperation as I tried to make a splash in our first annual mock draft. However, I really do think this is a good deal. D'Antoni jumps at the chance to get a player the caliber of Baron Davis. Marbury could thrive in the Warriors system but if not, well, he's more than 19 mil in expiring contract (3 mil more than Baron's). Augustin is the best pure PG in this draft. He controls the ball, doesn't get flustered, and will greatly enhance the execution of GS's running attack. "

Derek says, "Loren got to trade up here by giving up Baron Davis. For face value he got the short end of the stick, but if you look at it I would assume the Warriors were not going to try to resign Marbury. Now I like Augustin but I think this is a bit high for him. He is a small guard and I’m not sure if he will be able to play D against the other PG in the West. But then again Don Nelson is the coach so defense really should not come in to play."

Chris says, "Will fill the void left by Baron Davis. He can shoot and pass the ball (he averaged 6.2 assists per game at Texas). He may struggle in the turnover department for a few years, so be a little patient."


#7 Miami (Philipp) - Eric Gordon

Miami traded down, first with Memphis then with the Clippers. Players gained: Eric Gordon, Elton Brand, Mike Miller, Brevin Knight, and Darko. Players lost: Marion and Blount.

Philipp says, "Their top needs were a backcourt mate with Wade, shooters, and interior scoring. They filled their needs by losing the #2 pick and Marion for a backcourt mate in Eric Gordon, a dead eye shooter in Mike Miller, and their key interior score in Elton Brand. Ironically, they also get their hands on former number 2 pick Darko. With Miami, they are either thinking rebuild or retool. Memories of winning the championship are still there, they have Wade, why not take a shot at making another run? If Brand doesn’t pan out, he’s an expiring contract that could net them somebody else. But looking at this roster, they would be at least top 4 in the East."

Derek says, "Another trade for Philipp, call him little KP. He does say “Pritchslapped” all the time. This time he got the last guard in this draft that has a chance of being a star. Gordon could a be a bucket filler in no time. Miami would have two combo type guards so we would have to wait and see how that turns out."

Loren says, "If you look above at players gained/lost...it becomes clear that some team needs to hire Philipp as a GM right now. Miami goes from a lame duck to an Eastern Conference contender as long as Wade and Brand stay healthy. Next year's Celtics?"


#8 Minnesota (Philipp) - Brook Lopez

Minessota traded down with the Bucks. See pick #3 for details.

Philipp says, "Their top needs were a frontcourt mate with Al Jefferson and somebody to kick out to for double teams. They already had an adequate point guard in Foye. What they lacked is somebody who can consistently hit an outside shot and Redd fits that bill. Minnesota also gets a decent sidekick to Al Jefferson with Brook Lopez. He is a perfect compliment to Jefferson because Lopez would do all the dirty work. Love was available but the thought of two undersize frontcourt starters wasn’t too appealing."

Derek says, "Possibly the best pick up in this draft after #1 and #2 for an actual team. Lopez had been rumored to go to Minnesota at #3, but they drop back, pick up a future #1, and get a great compliment to Al Jefferson."

Loren says, "Jefferson isn't so much of a defensive liability now that Lopez is patrolling the middle. It helps that he should be an adequate scorer, too. The addition of Redd creates a logjam with McCants, but if either one can slide to the SF slot, you have the makings of a competitive team."


#9 Charlotte (Loren) - Jason Thompson

Loren says, "Hoo boy, I got roasted for this one. I'm not going to go out of my way to defend this pick...

Wait a second, yes I am! Jason Thompson is a 4 year player with high basketball IQ. He's a legitimate presence inside and he and Okafor can play both C and PF giving Charlotte a big tandem in the middle. Thompson will produce immediately (he averaged a double double the last two seasons with almost 3 blocks per game). His ability to score opens the floor for Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace. The knock is that he doesn't have upside. You know why? Because he's figured out how to reach his potential by staying in school for 4 years. This is Larry Brown's kind of player and he'll make teams look foolish for drafting "upside" ahead of him."

Philipp says, "I’ve always been against drafting for need in the lottery. I’m not saying not draft for need, move yourself in position and pick up another asset. Charlotte could have traded down to pick up Thompson and pick up another draft pick."

Derek says, "This pick had to be the most fun for the other GM’s. Loren was seriously debating taking Kevin Love despite the fact that Loren thinks he’s over rated (I do too). It was great watching him fret about it. I’m sure he did not pick Love here because of the hard time we would have given him if he did (note: I didn't take Love because I couldn't stomach sending him to the same team the took Adam Morrison). So he ended up picking Jason Thompson. He has little up side and is what he is. But he can provide Charlotte with a low post presence just like Okafor, just a little bit better scorer. In the real world you could trade down about 6 to 10 spots and still get him."


#10 Nets (Philipp) - Kevin Love

Philipp says, "Top needs: interior scoring while keeping the cap space plan for 2010. They are pretty set in the PG, SG, and SF position in Harris, Carter, and Jefferson. It’s a pleasant surprise that Kevin Love dropped down for them to snatch up at #10. They would still look to move Jefferson to clear some cap space to make a run at JayZ’s boy in LeBron in 2010 but by taking Love, they compete in the East."

Derek says, "LO’s own goes off the board at #10. Pretty good for a big white guy who can pass and make open shots. Philipp made this pick because the Nets needs pigs, sorry bigs."


#11 Pacers (Loren) - Mario Chalmers

Loren says, "Drafting for Indy was hard. We chose to draft according to the existing roster and exclude the trade rumours of O'Neal for Ford and Nesterovic. In that case, what need do you address? SF, SG, and C are all satisfied (if you believe the reports that O'Neal's knee is healthy). PF and PG are the real needs and I chose to address the engine instead of the muscle. I think Mario Chalmers will develop into a better shooting version of Rajon Rondo. He's a defensively sound 3 year player from a major school and he knows how to win games."

Philipp says, "Would Mario Chalmers be a lottery pick if he didn’t hit “the shot.” I think he is late first round talent."

Derek says, "Loren making another strange pick, Chalmers will be an OK back-up in this league. The Pacers need a real PG. I’ll assume Loren is going for the O’Neil/Ford trade. Then again I’m not sure who will play down low for them."


#12 Sacramento (Chris) - Joe Alexander

Chris says, "Sacramento really needed to draft a PG (so does most everyone else) but having the #12 pick really hurt them. That, and they really didn’t have the pieces to put together a draft day trade that would have given them a higher pick. With that out of the way, they have the most exciting player in this draft in that Alexander has so much potential with his raw athletic abilities. It won’t be long, in my opinion, before Sacramento fans realize what they have."

Philipp says, "Good pick up here for Sac-town. Now they can move Artest and upgrade the PG."


#13 Portland (Chris) - Danilo Gallinari

Chris says, "Portland would have liked to have this pick dealt in some kind of trade, but most likely the trade would have been very complicated. Galinari will fit in nicely with the way this team is heading in the European direction, but do they really need this guy? The answer is no. I think Sacramento stole their best chance for a sleeper pick, so I’m not sure Galinari will be a Blazer for much longer."

Derek says, "Galinari would have fallen further if Loren did not open his trap, but here he is. The guy has top 8 talent and can be stashed for Portland. Great get if Portland picks at #13, which they won’t."

Philipp says, "I’m disappointed that the Blazers didn’t move anything. However, they’re bringing in two dynamic and proven Euros. I think Portland has way too many SF and will have to move them out. I say they move Galinari and Jack and look for Kirk Hinrich, Devin Harris, or Andre Miller."

Loren says, "It's always fun to predict what Derek is praying for then dash his dreams. Besides, the Knicks would have taken him with their next pick if the Blazer's didn't. Gallinari will be a top 10 pick so there is no chance he's here for the Blazers. But assuming he's a Blazer for mock draft purposes, he's exactly what we need to find out just what we can get from Outlaw and Martell. If he outperforms them, we shop them. If they outperform Gallinari, we shop Gallinari. It's a win/win situation."


#14 Knicks (Chris) - Brandon Rush

Chris says, "By trading with Golden State to acquire Baron Davis, the Knicks find an awesome solution to their PG troubles. They would have liked to draft a young promising star to mix with their veterans, but by pick #6, their best opportunities with Bayless and Westbrook were already taken. The Knicks will also lessen some of their payroll by getting rid of Marbury’s contract, but it is up in the air whether their defense will be improved this season."

Philipp says, "Smart pick here. He’ll fit well with Coach Mike."

Derek says, "One of the best players in the draft for the Knicks, he will defer to the players on the Knicks that need the ball and can play in D’Antoni’s game."

Loren says, "I feel bad for Rush. Getting stuck on this team is not the way to start your career. However, you get a feeling that management and the coach are ready to shake things up a bit and Rush is a the best possible combination of talent and character you can find with this pick. He fits a need for the current team and he'd be a Knick long after many of the current players are gone."


#15 Phoenix (Loren) - Kosta Koufos

Loren says, "Since all the PGs have been snapped up and there's no SGs left to gamble on this early in the draft, you take your next most pressing need. That just happens to be a big man to take the place of Shaq when his back and knee simultaneously blow out next year (resulting in an earthquake that levels half of Phoenix). Koufos is skilled but inexperience is a concern."

Philipp says, "Nice stab for talent and need here in the middle of the draft. At least they kept the pick and didn’t sell it."

Derek says, "Loren’s best pick of the draft. First you think. "Tall white guy on the Suns?" But, remember, Terry Porter is running things now and they need solid big man in the middle to spell Shaq and replace him in a year or two."


#16 76ers (Derek) - Anthony Randolph

Derek says, "Dang, Loren took my pick with Koufos. Oh well, Philly needs more of an inside presence and they have time to grow so I picked up Anthony Randolph who can learn some O from AI and some D from Dalembert. Put some muscle on this guy and he’ll be OK."

Philipp says, "Quite the gamble but could be a steal. Reminds me of Tyrus Thomas in that he is an absolute unproven player but loads of potential."

Loren says, "This dude scares me, and not in a good way. The comparison that Philipp made to Tyrus Thomas is appropriate and should cause any real GM to run far far away. I think Philly wants a contributor now to make a playoff run next year. Unfortunately for them, I don't see that piece at this point in the draft. Darrell Arthur is the other option."

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Congratulations on making it all the way through our mock draft. To answer your question; no, there is no way you can get those 15 minutes back. That will teach you to read our blog.


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Pre-draft update

Yep it's that time of year. NBA draft time. Is it me or does this time of year bring out more excitement in me than anything else? Probably just the last couple of drafts catching up with me.

Loren will be posting a mock draft we did later tonight/early tomorrow morning. And we will be doing a draft podcast for you tomorrow. I just wanted to get some non draft stuff up here.

First I wanted to let everyone know that the latest episode of Portland Men on Sports has been "poded" and is up for your listening pleasure at Bookie Productions or iTunes.

I wanted to touch on a bit of Euro 2008. Germany escaped their semi-finals match today with Turkey 3-2 on a goal in the 90th minute and will play the winner of Russia vs. Spain. You can check out some highlights here.The Germans need to step up the defense if they expect to win their 4th Euro championship.

Fresno St. has just won the 2008 NCAA College World Series by the score of 6-1 over Georgia. Fresno St. was the 4th seed coming out of their regional they are the lowest seed ever to make the championship game let alone win it. Congrats Fresno!


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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Kobe: Tell me how my ass tastes.

LOL, well if you have not herd by now you must have had your head in the sand. I think it’s pretty dang funny. He's making Kobe look like a fool pretty much. Only Shaq could pull this off, pretty much just because of his personality. Below are Shaq’s rhymes. Oh man good stuff. Tomorrow we will be posting a Mock Draft for you.

Check it you know how I be
Last week Kobe couldn't do without me
Check it you know how I be,
Last week Kobe couldn’t do without me
I call myself Big
But I’m not as Big but I’m not as big as Biggie
I call myself Big cause I live next to Diddy
Excuse me, Diddy live next to me
So in the hood dog, I feel like B-I-G
Cause if Biggie was still here, he would be right there
Or Star Island in a mansion somewhere; chillin’
Sitting on about half a billion
Cause me and Guns combined – shit that’s half a billion
For real dog,
Now that’s B-I-G
Ain’t nobody in the world do it bigger than me
That’s like a white boy trying to be more (bleep) than me
That’s like a homeless cat having more figures than me
That’s like Patrick Ewing having more rings than me
That’s like rappers having car bigger than me
That’s like YOU saying to yourself you’re better than me
That’s like Kareem saying to himself he better than me
Now stop, think about that,
It ain’t about that
It’s about B-I-G aka Big Shaq
Now that’s the difference between first and last place
Kobe: Tell me how my ass tastes
Okay, Kobe: Tell me how my ass tastes
Okay everybody, Kobe: Tell me how my ass tastes
I’m a horse
Kobe ratted me out, that’s why I’m getting divorced
He say “Shaq gave a bitch a mil”
I don’t do that, cause my name’s Shaquille
I love ‘em, I don’t leave ‘em
I got a vasectomy, now I can’t breed ‘em
Kobe how my ass taste?
Everybody: Kobe how my ass taste
Yeah, you couldn’t do without me
Kobe: you couldn’t do without me
Everybody: Kobe, tell me how my ass taste
Yeah, you can’t do without me
Yeah, you can’t do without me
Everybody: Kobe, tell me how my ass taste!


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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Championship games, looking head for the Blazers, and missing podcasts.

Well your 2007-08 NBA Champions are the Boston Celtics. Boy one year ago that line would have been a laugher. First let’s get down to my prediction. I had Lakers in six. Well at least I got the number of games right. This series was completely dominated by the Celtics. Looking back the C’s could have won this thing in four, but they had one game where Paul Pierce played terrible and another where they could not overcome a slow start. Then again the way things turned out you could say the Boston lost two in LA on purpose so they could win on their home court, watching last nights game, it makes you wonder.

This was one of the series that for me personally I really did not want either team to win. Obviously I’m not a Laker fan and can’t out right rout for them to win. Then there is Boston who in my opinion got very lucky in a number of things. Landing Kevin Garnett because of a buddy buddy deal between Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale. Over coming an inept coach over the course of the season. And somehow squeezing out a series win over Cleveland. But hey luck is part of the game, and the Blazers got lucky in the draft last year so the heck with it. Go luck!

Speaking of the Blazers I was listening to 95.5 The Game and they posed an interesting question this morning. “How soon will it take the Blazers to get to the level of the Lakers?” First off I love how the question is asked. It already presupposes that the Blazers will get to their level, and by level we have to assume that means a Championship caliber team. I’m going to say two years.

Here’s my take. Next year will be all about introducing Oden to how the NBA is played. Especially fouls, this is going to be the big guys main problem area. He’s a smart, quick, athletic player and will adjust within that first year, plus he has the bonus that most rookies don’t have when they first start in the league, he’s already a known commodity to the refs. Just like Shaq was when he first came in the league, he will actually get some calls. Now couple this with the core of last years team, add a year of experience, plus let’s throw in a player who has won everything there is to win in the world of basketball that does not say NBA on it, and you have the makings of a strong young team. We also have to factor in that LA will get a bit older, Derek Fisher will be retiring in the next 2 years or so, and nobody has any idea of Bynum’s return will be good or bad.

On the Podcast front we were unable to get one recorded last week despite our best efforts. The machine did not corporate and did not record our podcast. We had a good one too, I swear. We talked about the NBA referee non-scandal, Ken Griffey JR., the US Open, and the French Open. No worries though. We will post some of our thoughts on those topics shortly.


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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Good News, MMA Fans

Matt Lindland, current MMA fighter and coach and previously a US Olympic wrestler, will be hosting a show on 95.5 The Game.

Matt Lindland is a local boy from Oregon City. He's had an interesting and successful MMA career across mutiple organizational bodies like UFC, IFL, Bodog, etc. He's a knowledgeable, well spoken guy who can talk both sport and business.

His show will debut on Saturday the 14th at 6 p.m. and will focus on MMA fighters, matchups, and coverage of the various leagues. With his connections inside the sport this could turn out to be a very interesting show.

Oh, he also won the Republican primary election for District 52 in the Oregon House of Representatives!

Matt Lindland, first the octagon, then the radio, then the world.


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Monday, June 9, 2008

Predictions

Lakers vs. Celtics

So, I was a bit off. When the playoffs started I said Lakers over Celtics in 6. After the Celtics won game one I said Lakers in 6. Now after the Celtics are up 2? Well It’s not like I can change, so the hell with it, Lakers in 6. Do I realistically think this is going to happen? No. But I think the Lakers have a good chance at winning the next two at home. That would leave the series tied with one more game in LA before going to Boston. Now the problem is Boston has only lost one home game in the playoffs, and the Lakers have not looked good at the TD Banknorth Garden except for the first two quarters in the first game and the last half of the fourth quarter in the second game.

Also the newest podcast is up.


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