NBA Draft Storylines
Added on Jun 23, 2011 by Scott in
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The lead up to tonight’s NBA Draft has been somewhat tempered due to the impending work stoppage and a class of prospects that is considered to be one of the weakest in years. The drama will be minimal, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t rumors and storylines to discuss before the first pick is announced. Here’s a preview of things to come.
Who goes number one? – It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that Duke’s Kyrie Irving will be the first of what could be many players chosen to fill the cavernous void left by LeBron James in Cleveland. Despite playing less than a dozen games as a freshman, Irving’s speed and scoring prowess are what teams covet in a modern-day point guard. The cupboard is extremely bare, so the Cavs could also select Arizona’s Derrick Williams, who some pundits believe is the surest bet, and still come away looking good. With Baron Davis’ future cloudy, Irving will be the pick and help alleviate the need for a legit offensive weapon.
Will the Lakers make a move? – The early exit from the playoffs provided incentive for the Lakers to inject some youth in their aging lineup. Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum have all been linked in a variety of trade scenarios. Forget Bynum, he isn’t going anywhere. Gasol is probably safe, although his vanishing act versus Dallas is a concern. Minnesota appears willing to move out of the number two spot. Derrick Williams in purple and gold would be a major coup, but Odom and/or Artest plus future picks isn’t enough ammunition. However, trading for a top 5 selection isn’t L.A.’s only option.
Where will Andre Iguodala go? – It seems like the Sixers have been trying to unload Iggy the minute he signed a 6-year, $80 million contract in 2008. His declining offensive numbers over the last three seasons hasn’t done anything to dispel those beliefs either. He’s one of the league’s most versatile players and at 27, is still in his prime, which should make him a valuable commodity to teams searching for a skilled wing player. A team like, say, the Lakers. Philly is banking on its young trio of Thad Young, Jrue Holiday and Evan Turner to lead them to bigger and better things. Iguodala will be dealt; it’s just a matter of when.
Jimmermania! – The most talked about draft entry isn’t Irving or Williams. It’s BYU’s white knight, Jimmer Fredette. Where will he go? Is he a true point guard? Can he defend NBA talent? Will he be the next Steve Nash? These questions and a myriad of others surround the sharp-shooting Fredette. If Utah doesn’t go guard with the number three pick, Jimmer might be the guy at 12, if he’s still on the board. Charlotte and Milwaukee both need perimeter scoring, but neither has expressed much interest. If he slips past the Jazz, Phoenix and the Knicks are likely destinations. Wherever he ends up, he’ll continue to be a polarizing topic on conversation.
The Jerry West factor – Don’t be fooled by Jerry West’s “consultant” title. The Warriors didn’t bring “The Logo” aboard to make suggestions. He will be a key decision maker during tonight’s proceedings. Monta Ellis and Steph Curry are fun to watch, but one of them is expendable. Ellis has already been rumored to be on the block, although new head coach Mark Jackson said earlier in the week Ellis wouldn’t be moved. Whatever. Jackson has little to no say in the front office. West could pursue Rudy Gay, who he acquired on draft day 2007 while with Memphis. He could also try to dump David Lee’s bloated salary and nonexistent defensive skills on a desperately stupid franchise. Or he could stand pat and nab a big man who can defend the low blocks. West will try to make some noise for a team starving for a dose of upward mobility.
Tonight’s draft gets underway at 7:30pm, Live on ESPN.
