I actually feel for fans of the Celtics, Bucks, and Grizzlies (if they have any.) They didn’t deserve to be this disappointed on the lottery day, and wondering what their teams are supposed to be doing. Every shitty GM was punished for being junk — Minnesota’s Kevin McHale, Boston’s Danny Ainge, and whomever is heading the Bucks weren’t rewarded for tanking (I don’t think Memphis really tanked, they were just that bad as a team.)
I can’t wait to see Simmons’ griping tomorrow, though, although his scale of who deserves it was pretty close. The Sonics deserve a chance to make it work in Seattle, and maybe stay there. As for Portland, they are working on a nucleus with Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldredge, and possibly Greg Oden (should be Oden) that could dominate up in the frontcourt for years.
The other winner of this draft is the Hawks, who got both scenarios to go in their favor. By getting the third pick, they won’t lose it to the Suns, and they get Indiana’s pick at 11. Hopefully Billy Knight won’t fuck it up, although some folks have their doubts. Let’s go straight to the top ten draft order and whom teams ought to be taking, in my uninformed opinion:
1. Portland – Greg Oden. Hands down. Have Aldredge play PF with Roy at the 3, and you’ve got one hell of a frontcourt with Jarrett Jack running the point. Deal Zach Randolph and Darius Miles, along with any other excess bodies at forward.
2. Seattle – Kevin Durant. If the Sonics re-sign Rashard Lewis and have Durant running with him and Ray Allen — whew!
3. Atlanta – Acie Law IV. This is a way to make up for not taking Chris Paul two years ago. If they draft Mike Conley, Jr., it’ll be a mistake.
4. Memphis – Al Horford. Get another inside presence to go with Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay on the froncourt.
5. Boston – Joakim Noah. You’re in no man’s land here, Celtics — might as well pick someone you know will hustle and get the loose balls and boards.
6. Milwaukee – Mike Conley, Jr. Point guard is a need here since T.J. Ford left.
7. Minnesota – Corey Brewer. Start the rebuilding from scratch and listen to offers for KG.
8. Charlotte – Brandan Wright. Might as well continue the UNC Pro Show.
9. Chicago – Jeff Green. Someone has to put a body down there for the post game, which they don’t have.
10. Sacramento – Julian Wright. Again, start the rebuilding with a player that goes as hard as Artest without the baggage.
Does this mean Giant Chinese Dude falls to the Sixers? EEEEN JOOOR FAAAAAACE!11!1!ONE!1
Believe it or not, I like Noah for the exact reasons you mentioned. Maybe he could bring some passion to the team.