My Random Thoughts About the 2009 NBA Draft

T Lamont — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:46:16 +0000

The New York Knicks were very high on Stephen Curry, and were eager to select him with the 8th pick. But how could they even think that he would make it past Golden State (who had the 7th pick)? They’re an organization that is in love with guards who can score but can’t play defense. Consequently, they’re in love with being perennial losers.
Tyler Hansbrough at number 13? Indiana, what is your problem?? This guy is a late first round, second round talent. So you want someone prepared to contribute immediately? Well, that pretty much means you admit that he has a low ceiling…which he probably has already reached. With Earl Clark, Austin Daye, James Johnson, B.J. Mullens or Taj Gibson, you have your choice of versatile forwards. Pick one that has the ability to NOT be a career role player.
Atlanta blew it again. Mike Bibby won’t be around much longer, so they still need to fill that point guard position for the future. And who do they select with their first round pick? Jeff Teague…combo-guard extraordinaire from Wake Forest. Last time I checked they had Joe Johnson and Flip Murray rounding out that position. And I don’t think they’d be satisfied with Acie Law quarterbacking their squad. No point guard, no big man, no improvement by this team.
Is he going to see the court in ATL??

Eric Maynor fits well into Jerry Sloan’s type of playbook. But Maynor is a starting point guard in a few years, so the Jazz will have a decision to make about him. Deron Williams’ spot is not up for grabs.
Cleveland – why didn’t you pick Sam Young or Derrick Brown with your late first round pick? These guys would have been able to help LeBron James much sooner than Christian Eyenga. The Cavs passed up an excellent opportunity to get some size at the big guard position. They’d better hope Shaq is enough.
Back-to-the-basket big men don’t exist anymore. Just look at the first round. Only Blake Griffin has any potential to be a big man with that type of dominant game. And even he needs to work on that aspect of his game for it to become effective.
I am a big fan of Nick Calathes. His game reminds me of Mike Miller (is that good or bad?) – except he is much more naturally aggressive. Sometimes being a jack-of-all-trades means that you don’t really excel at anything. But I don’t think that’s the case with Calathes. Minnesota should be the right place for him to showcase what he can do.

Best “Teams” Win Game 7s

T Lamont — Mon, 04 May 2009 02:37:14 +0000

Well, we’re officially done with what had to be one of the most exciting first rounds in recent memory.

And while we all realize the importance of seeding and home court, it couldn’t have been more valuable in securing victories for the Celtics and Hawks in their respective game sevens.

The Celtics ousted the Bulls on Saturday in Boston, 109-99. As always, the home court seems to bring out the best in role players and bench players. Eddie House was a perfect 5-for-5 from the field, including 4-for-4 from 3-point land for 16 points. Brian Scalabrine contributed 8 points, and Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins continued their improved play to spark the C’s to victory. In the end game, the more experienced team was playing at home with two All-Stars on their roster. It would have been EXTREMELY difficult for Chicago to upend Boston given this scenario.

Moving on to Phillips Arena on Sunday, Atlanta flew past Miami by the final score of 91-78. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith were the main culprits, but the Hawks also had key contributions from Flip Murray and Mike Bibby. In the end, D-Wade just didn’t have quite enough help for the Heat to pull out this series.

The Hawks are a dangerous team at home (as we saw in last year’s first round series against the Celtics)…capable of running good teams out of their building. Atlanta defended Miami very well – they make things tough for Wade (10-25 shooting), while simultaneously limiting open looks for Miami’s shooters (4-19 from 3-point land, including 2-9 from D-Wade). As a bonus, the Hawks went 11-23 from distance. They also limited their turnovers (9 for the game), which often makes the difference for such a young, developing team.

So, now it’s time for some great second round matchups:

Houston / Los Angeles
Dallas / Denver
Atlanta / Cleveland
Orlando / Boston

Stay tuned to www.ballornuthin.com for continued insight into these series…

Ball or Nuthin' » Mike Bibby

My Random Thoughts About the 2009 NBA Draft

Best “Teams” Win Game 7s