2007 NBA Draft/Offseason Thread

[DeToxRox]

Dequan Cook is going to be a bust. I may eat crow for this but I highly doubt it. he came out way too early and is not ready for the NBA. People may disagree but I'm going to stand by this.

[Groundhog]

What's the trade?

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

There is either a trade as stated or the Sixers want to become like the Hawks and their all-swingman squad.

Actually, I like that trade for both teams.

It had better be a trade....

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by RedKingGold

Are Mitch Kupchak and that reporter guy in a relationship or something? Why does it look like he's trying to touch his hand?

Only Paris is getting more coverage in LA than this guy, and unlike her, he doesn't want it. Not surprised he's a little subdued on camera.

The joke on the local radio shows is that Kupchak always pauses a good ten seconds or more before responding to any question. Not exactly Mr. Thrill.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

What's the trade?

Jason Smith (MIA's pick) for Cook. Miami might be tossing in a late second.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Only Paris is getting more coverage in LA than this guy, and unlike her, he doesn't want it. Not surprised he's a little subdued on camera.

The joke on the local radio shows is that Kupchak always pauses a good ten seconds or more before responding to any question. Not exactly Mr. Thrill.

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"I can't talk about other players."
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"That's tampering."

[Groundhog]

So Miami are trading #20+2nd rounder for #21?? Salary saving?

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Dequan Cook is going to be a bust. I may eat crow for this but I highly doubt it. he came out way too early and is not ready for the NBA. People may disagree but I'm going to stand by this.

Here's where we tend to agree. This a perfect example of what you were talking about before. Potential being rated too much higher than readiness for the NBA.

At least Cook will be able to give the Heat a more athletic backup to Jones. But if he isn't ready to play tough D, not sure he'll get on the court.

[Groundhog]

If it weren't for Conley and Oden, nobody would consider Cook a 1st round prospect at this point of his career.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Logan

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"That's tampering."

yup. Doesn't take long to get that impression, does it?

[Groundhog]

Wow, Dudley picked at #22! I'm happy for him, but I don't know it's the best spot for him.

[MrBug708]

Let's just trade Kobe now

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

Wow, Dudley picked at #22! I'm happy for him, but I don't know it's the best spot for him.

I can't believe he went ahead of McRoberts and Davis.

[Izulde]

Be interesting to see where Tucker goes.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

So Miami are trading #20+2nd rounder for #21?? Salary saving?

Oops, I think I had that the wrong way. Sixers moving the second.

My guess is the Sixers were afraid Miami would pick their guy as a replacement for Mourning, so contacted them ahead of time and completely negotiated the deal in the middle of one of Kupchak's pregnant pauses.

[miami_fan]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Here's where we tend to agree. This a perfect example of what you were talking about before. Potential being rated too much higher than readiness for the NBA.

At least Cook will be able to give the Heat a more athletic backup to Jones. But if he isn't ready to play tough D, he'll never get on the court.

Fixed!

[Chief Rum]

Well, whatdya know. They really did pick Chandler.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Here's where we tend to agree. This a perfect example of what you were talking about before. Potential being rated too much higher than readiness for the NBA.

At least Cook will be able to give the Heat a more athletic backup to Jones. But if he isn't ready to play tough D, not sure he'll get on the court.

I concur. We have two different point of views but share some common opinions on certain guys (ie Critterton). I guess its the Piston fan in me, while you have the Clipper fan in you. We're fans of two organizations with dfiferent philosophies.

[Arles]

Suns may take Gabe Pruitt here. They really loved him in the workouts they had.

[Logan]

The Suns sold their pick again?!?!

[JeeberD]

It would be nice if Morris Almond slipped to the Rox, but I can see the Jazz grabbing him...

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

I concur. We have two different point of views but share some common opinions on certain guys (ie Critterton). I guess its the Piston fan in me, while you have the Clipper fan in you. We're fans of two organizations with dfiferent philosophies.

What's odd is that the difference is in the player acquisition side of things. On the court, we're very similar. Athletic forwards, big men that are actually Big Men for once. Smart point guard play, shooter shooting guards.

Now if only Elgin was quite as good at his job as Joe D is (well, outside of Darko).

[Arles]

Looks like Phoenix continues their streak of selling first round picks...

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

What's odd is that the difference is in the player acquisition side of things. On the court, we're very similar. Athletic forwards, big men that are actually Big Men for once. Smart point guard play, shooter shooting guards.

Now if only Elgin was quite as good at his job as Joe D is (well, outside of Darko).

Ha yes. Now just give us Elton Brand since he's the most underrated player in the NBA and one of my personal favorites.

[ThunderingHERD]

You know the Spurs are pissed.

[MrBug708]

Sold the pick?

lol I dont feel so bad now

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Arles

Suns may take Gabe Pruitt here. They really loved him in the workouts they had.

As an anti-Suns fan, I would love that. Like Joakim and Cook, he's another guy I am calling a complete bust.

Suns saved themselves with Fernandez (and the trade), but have another chance to blow it at #29.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Ha yes. Now just give us Elton Brand since he's the most underrated player in the NBA and one of my personal favorites.

Now there's one deal where Elgin came out looking like gold. Sorry, Bulls, that was a fleecing (like you need me to say it, though).

[DeToxRox]

Detroit will take one of the following three at 27 .. Splitter, Gasol or McRoberts. Not sure how I feel about any of them.

[JeeberD]

Crap...

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Now there's one deal where Elgin came out looking like gold. Sorry, Bulls, that was a fleecing (like you need me to say it, though).

You mean it wasn't a good idea to trade an All-Star PF for a kid who, if everything worked out correctly in the universe, would rise to the level of said PF?

[Chief Rum]

Speaking of Fernandez, anyone surprised at the fall of Euros this year? Is it just a weak class? Or is this the "Dirk" effect?

Not saying Dirk is bad--he is of course a superstar. But his lack of "heart" in the playoffs (media pundits saying it, not me) has put a focus on the "softness" of Euro players again, IMO, and I think teams are shying away from Euros and the risks that come with them (especially if they prove true to the stereotype).

[DeToxRox]

I'd love for Detroit to take Byars, not sure they will though.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Speaking of Fernandez, anyone surprised at the fall of Euros this year? Is it just a weak class? Or is this the "Dirk" effect?

Not saying Dirk is bad--he is of course a superstar. But his lack of "heart" in the playoffs (media pundits saying it, not me) has put a focus on the "softness" of Euro players again, IMO, and I think teams are shying away from Euros and the risks that come with them (especially if they prove true to the stereotype).

Hardly any hype surrounding them this year. One of the ESPN guys said it was a down year this year for them, and that next year will be big, but we'll see. Truthfully I am sick of them after seeing everyone Detroit take bust (outside of Okur) and would rather Joe D just stick with the American kids for a while.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Logan

You mean it wasn't a good idea to trade an All-Star PF for a kid who, if everything worked out correctly in the universe, would rise to the level of said PF?

I didn't say Elgin had to ascend to a new level of cunning to see the positives in this deal.

I give him more kudos actually for stealing Magette away from Orlando, and getting a #1 AND Cassell out of Minnesota for Jaric.

[Neuqua]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Now there's one deal where Elgin came out looking like gold. Sorry, Bulls, that was a fleecing (like you need me to say it, though).

There's a reason Jerry Krause is now a BASEBALL scout for the White Sox.

[ThunderingHERD]

Potential steals still on the board:

1. Josh McRoberts
2. Nick Fazekas
3. Glen Davis

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Speaking of Fernandez, anyone surprised at the fall of Euros this year? Is it just a weak class? Or is this the "Dirk" effect?

Not saying Dirk is bad--he is of course a superstar. But his lack of "heart" in the playoffs (media pundits saying it, not me) has put a focus on the "softness" of Euro players again, IMO, and I think teams are shying away from Euros and the risks that come with them (especially if they prove true to the stereotype).

1.) Its a down year for them.

2.) After Gasol and Dirk I think teams started overrating them a bit and now they're sliding back down the board a bit.

[JeeberD]

Say WHAT?

[Atocep]

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Say WHAT?

Bad pick.

I'd really be hoping that it was Indiana's pick in exchange for Ike.

[Chief Rum]

Brooks might be a slight reach here. Not to mention he's had some minor attitude issues and is going to a team with Tracy McGrady ballhog and the all out weirdness of Rafer Alston. Interesting mix (not to mention Yao).

[MrBug708]

Good pick for Brooks, eh pick for the Rockets. Gabe Pruitt would have been better

[Sublime 2]

I'm def. happy with the C's also picking up the #35 pick in the Allen trade.

[Chief Rum]

lol...20 years after teams wanted to try to get Sabonis to defect to the US, the Bucks are trying to be sure Yi doesn't defect back to China.

[miami_fan]

It makes sense for the Rockets if they are going to play that high tempo game that the owner wants. It makes NO sense for the owner to want that style of play for the team as currently constructed.

[MrBug708]

I guess the Suns will trade the 29th pick since Brooks is gone. That's what you get forbeing cheap

[Chief Rum]

Wow, Byars has really fallen. Not sure why. Unless there is something behind the scenes I am missing, I think someone is in for a very pleasant surprise. Please, Clips, trade up to get him.

BTW, Big Baby is not a fall, IMO. He's also a bust waiting to happen. He's a super short Shaq without the dominance and charisma, but a similar body fat index (circa September every year).

[DeToxRox]

I like the Affalo pick. Detroit needed more guard depth and he plays the Piston style of basketball. Not looking for superstars at 27\, just contributors, and that's what he should be, and if not, it's not like it's a wasted pick.

[MrBug708]

Good for AA. Not into a pressure situation for him. At least his concerns about leaving early for naught are thrown away

[Chief Rum]

I saw a lot of draft boards that thought Afflalo could go to the Pistons. I am sure Pistons fans would want someone with a little more apparent upside, but reality is, Afflalo is exactly the sort of player that works for the Pistons. He's already a better defender than the average NBA guard, and will only get better, and he's tough as heck. Quality character guy, too.