Toronto Raptors - Oh the Raptors, selecting at number 8. Remember last time what happened when they had the 8th pick? (visions appear of Araujo getting blocked by the rim multiple times) How about us Raptor fans forget that ever happened? Raptors selected Terrance Ross (as Daki mentioned on twitter, Raws will be fun to say during games) with their pick and as always, 80-90% of our pessimistic fan base hated the pick. Everyone wanted Austin Rivers, who I believe is getting too hyped up only because he is Doc’s son. Ross is a good shooter, which fills a need (for some reason the Raps are viewed as a soft jump shooting team, but they’re really just a terrible offensive team) and will probably start at the wing along side DeRozan. I’ve heard one comparison of Ross to Nick Young with defense and if this is the case then I’m really happy with this pick. I’ve also heard that he can’t create his own shot, which may or may not be a problem depending on if Steve Nash (Raptors are apparently going to offer $12 million a year) decides to take his talents north of the border. A line-up of Nash, DeMar, Ross, Bargs, and Val (he will give Davis problems for ROY, book it) is playoff bound in the East, which is really positive for Raptor fans. With Jose in there, they might still get into the playoffs, but I wouldn’t put too much money on it (remember, before Bargnani went down, the Raptors were a few games behind the 8th seed). Second round picks of Acy (Reggie Evans like) and Zubcic remind me of the last time the Raptors had second round picks (2006) and took P.J. Tucker and Bavcic. Anyways, I’m going to say the Raptors take the Las Vegas Summer League title this year.
Golden State Warriors - I was really happy when they took Barnes at 7, but then I realized that the Raptors had the 8th pick and I wanted him with a Dino on his jersey (alright it’s not ‘95 but those jerseys were awesome). He will be placed into the starting SF spot and will contribute right away. If Curry and Bogut stay healthy, those two plus Barnes, Lee, and Thompson are a very solid starting 5 that could creep into the playoffs (would be in the 4-6 range in the East). The additions Ezeli (big body) and Draymond Green will also help in the up-coming season. I really like Green, since he is one of the most, if not the most all-around skilled player in this draft. Unfortunately he doesn’t exactly have a position and isn’t the most athletic, but he will be a contributor in the NBA, he’s too good not to be. Huge steal in the draft in my opinion. The Warriors will be entertaining to watch next year, as they always are.
Chicago Bulls - Every time I think of the Bulls I get sad, because of that devastating Rose injury in the playoffs. He will probably miss the whole season, so the Bulls are in need of a PG (it also doesn’t help that their other PGs are probably leaving). When it came time for the Bulls to draft at 29, Jeff Teague’s brother, Marquis was available. Marquis plays PG. Guess what? The saviour of the 2012-2013 Bulls season is going to Chicago! Ok I’m exaggerating, but Teague was a great pick this late in the draft, which was thin on point guards. Teague will likely start next year, unless Chicago signs another PG, and will back-up Rose once he returns. If his jumper improves (already better than his brother‘s) then Rose and Marquis could be on the floor at the same time throughout the game, giving the Bulls the fastest back court in the league. Another great thing is that they don’t have to sign CJ Watson, who makes me nervous whenever he has the ball in his hands.
New Orleans Hornets - All that matters is that they drafted the best player in the draft, who happens to be one of the last of a dying breed (Centers) making him that much more valuable. He will be making an impact right away on the defensive end, but his offense needs some work. Not to worry though, the Hornets are lottery bound again next year and will probably try the OKC formula for success. The Hornets also took Austin Rivers with their 10th pick who I have to hate on because of all the love he’s getting (I think he’s decent, but nowhere as close to what people are saying, so I need to average out the opinions). He will have a 6th man role this year behind Jack and Gordon, having the freedom to chuck all he wants. I just realized he will probably be playing some point guard…hopefully the hornets keep Vasquez. Rivers helps Davis in 2 ways. 1-every time his defender blows by him Davis will be there to rack up blocks, 2-every time he chucks and misses, Davis will grab those O.rebs. He will probably drive Eric Gordon out of New Orleans with his lack of passing. Ignoring the hate, the Hornets (Stern) did do well, but it’s hard not to when you are gifted the top pick because your franchise player was taken from you.
Charlotte Bobcats - The Cats went with the right decision by taking Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 2nd overall, since he will bring the motor that is completely absent in Charlotte. They have a devastating line-up of Walker, Henderson/Gordon, MKG, and the twin towers. Alright, I’m kidding, but this team is heading in a better direction than last year. With that being said, I still think they are the worst team in the league (maybe the Nets if they lose Dwill) and will need to find that go-to franchise guy in the next few drafts.
Washington Wizards - They got exactly the guy they wanted in Bradley Beal who will complement John Wall’s slashing style. This team has really changed (for the better) from the start of last season, where they were composed of a bunch of knuckle heads. If everyone stays healthy, look for the Wizards to give many teams some problems.
In other news around the league, the Celtics will resign Kevin Garnett to a 3 year 34 (the age a woman turns when her divorce from Tom Cruise is official) million dollar deal, which is great news for both sides. This will give an approximation of how much Tim Duncan will re-sign with the Spurs for. A trade occurred yesterday that had Odom going back to Los Angeles (insert Khloe joke here), but it’s not the Lakers that got him back. That’s right, Odom is going back to the Clippers where he spent his first four years in the NBA. As a part of the deal, Mo Williams was sent to Utah, and a bunch of crappy picks and cash were exchanged between the Rockets, Jazz, Clippers, and Mavs.
That’s it for my draft thoughts, hopefully the team you cheer for made the right picks. I will be reviewing any important signings and trades throughout the off-season when they happen.
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