Last night’s draft was one of the more interesting drafts in quite some time. Outside of the first pick there was a lot of mystery surrounding the draft. A lot of unknown players, and players who seemed to be sliding up and down the draft board depending on which mock draft you looked at. This won’t be an exhaustive list, but here are some observations that I made while watching the draft:
Pick 1: Blake Griffin-F-LA Clippers. While he’s the only can’t miss prospect of the draft, I can’t help but think that he’s been sentenced to Basketball purgatory where he can either play well enough to go elsewhere when his contract is up or where his career will ultimately perish. As of right now they have a crowded frontcourt including Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, and Marcus Camby. If they’re able to get rid of one of those guys, then you’re looking at the Rookie of the Year.
Pick 2: Coming to a poster near you-Hasheem Thabeet! I’m sorry, but this guy has poster written all over him. He’s big, slow, has limited mobility, and won’t be able to camp out under the basket like he did in college. I can see the Lebron’s, Vince Carter’s, Jason Richardson’s of the league salivating when they see this guy under the basket. One of my least favorite sayings was said about Thabeet the other day, “well he’s 7’3 and you can’t teach height!” I wish this would apply to the work place as well, “Well you have your Master’s, you manage people well, you have plenty of experience, but that guy is tall so we’re going with him.” While that’s far-fetched, I just don’t understand why you take someone who isn’t skilled and whom Jay Bilas said the following, “I don’t think his offensive game is ever going to come around.”
Picks 5 and 6: Johnny Flynn and Ricky Rubio going to the T-Wolves. As I screamed in my apartment with innocent bystanders looking on, a few things came to mind with this pick: 1. The Wolves GM is drunk. 2. The Wolves GM lost a bet and had to take all point guard’s in the draft. 3. The Wolves GM was trying to win a bet and took all point guard’s in the draft. Whatever the case may be, there is not a snowball’s chance in Hades that this works. Granted, I think both are good players. I do think Rubio will be a standout point guard, maybe not right away, but it will come with time. Remember, he played very well in the Olympics last year at 17 years old. I also want Johnny Flynn to be a great NBA player, despite his size. However, these two guys will not be effective on the court at the same time. While they are different players (Rubio more of a passer, Flynn more of a scorer) they both need the ball to be effective. Also, you’re asking Rubio to guard the 2-guard on the other team when he’s scrawny for a point guard. I like these players individually, but can’t see them playing together effectively.
Pick 7: Stephen Curry-Golden St. Warriors. The Warriors ripped out the collective hearts of Knicks fans all over the country with this pick. I already had visions in my mind of Curry playing D’Atoni’s offense with open looks all night long. More importantly I had visions of Lebron driving to the basket in a Knicks uniform. As Lebron drew defenders, Curry would be waiting at the 3 point line, all by himself. It was not to be. If the Warriors are keeping this pick, I’m not sure I understand it, as they now have a very small backcourt of Curry and Monte Ellis, neither one of them being a true point and both of them around the same size. If the Warriors follow through with getting Amare and send this pick to Phoenix, Steve Nash will make Curry look like a million bucks for years to come.
Pick 8: Jordan Hill-Knicks. I feel bad for the guy, getting booed by a crowd that has just become your own fans, for no fault of your own. While I initially wanted Curry, Johnny Flynn, Ricky Rubio, or even Ty Lawson, there are a few reasons why I don’t think this is a bad pick. 1. They passed on Jrue Holiday. I can’t believe the Knicks were entertaining picking a guy who played one year at UCLA and averaged about 8 points a game to be their point guard, when he didn’t play point guard at UCLA. 2. Hill fits the Knicks system. He needs to work on post moves, but is an athletic big man who likes to run the floor, the prototype for the Knicks offense. Not what I personally wanted, but not a terrible pick.
Pick 10: Brandon Jennings-Milwaukee Bucks. I’m not quite sure yet about whether Brandon Jennings and whether or not he’ll be a great NBA player. He’s a few years away from being a starting NBA point guard in my opinion. I have to imagine David Stern cringed when Jennings advised more players to skip college and go play overseas.
Pick 11: Terrance Williams-New Jersey Nets. He’s my sleeper of the draft. His shot’s a little inconsistent, but he plays D, can take the ball to the hole, handle the ball, and is an excellent passer. Him, Devin Harris, and Courtney Lee may not win many games, but they’ll fly up and down the court and be fun to watch.
Pick 13: Tyler Hansbrough-Indiana Pacers. A little bit of a reach here, and a bit of a shock to me and a few others I was watching the draft with. I’ll be honest, I don’t like watching him play. His eyes bugging out and never blinking frightens me, the way he throws himself into defenders and tosses the ball up at the basket is not fun to look at, I had a friend who told me the only thing fluid about his game was sweat, I agree with this wholeheartedly. Despite all that, I’m rooting for the guy to make it in the NBA. He has a good work ethic and I’d like to see him rewarded for that.
Ramblings from the rest of the draft: I cannot believe how far Dejuan Blair fell in the draft. The rumor is that his knees are in pretty bad shape. Whatever the case may be, the Spurs got a steal in the 2nd round getting him. This may actually be a blessing in disguise as he’ll get to play on a great team and may actually get some playing time there next year.
These are my thoughts on the draft, let me know what you think.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our 10 Favorite Players in Baseball
We’re back! Finally we’ve come back with a new post. This new post is our top ten favorite baseball players. Disclaimer, this is not the top ten best players in the game, but our ten favorite players. Because of my friend Matt Toogood “2 be true” you will see an absence of Philadelphia Phillies players. Sorry Matt. Anyways, I’ll let Danny explain his list. Here’s mine, you’ll see a striking similarity between both our lists.
Chris’ Honorable Mention:
Dustin Pedroia: I’ll be honest here, if he plays on a different team, he’s on my list.
Joba Chamberlin: This is a tale of two different players. Bullpen Joba who fistpumps, screams, throws up around 100 mph and is feared is on my top ten list. Starter Joba, who throws too many pitches, and is gone by the 4th inning is nowhere close.
Roy Oswalt: Roy throws hard, has an intimidating demeanor, and throws at Carlos Delgado pretty consistently. Who wouldn’t like that?
Lance Berkman: Hits for power, a good team player, is “wholesome.” I like him and Carlos Lee.
Russell Martin: Russell Martin JUST missed the top 10. I became a fan during last year’s All-Star game when he put on a defensive clinic behind the plate.
Chris’ Top 10 in no particular order.
1. Derek Jeter: Consummate professional. Cry all you want about, “well he doesn’t hit 40 HR’s!” I’ll take hitting over .300, gold gloves, 4 World Series rings and the title “Mr. November” any day of the week. He plays hard and at least for me, Jeter diving into the stands against the Red Sox in 2004 is a highlight that defines his career.
2. Mariano Rivera: This man has become the best post-season closer of all time, using one pitch. He’s dared hitters to hit the fastball and may have set a record for breaking most opponents’ bats.
3. Mark Texiera: Tex is the Yanks MVP of this season so far. If you’ve read this blog so far, than you know it’s not just the power numbers that give Tex’s value. His catlike reflexes and defensive ability have saved an incredible amount of runs. Meanwhile, Jason Giambi’s feet are still stuck in cement.
4. Albert Pujols: What’s not to like about Pujols? He hits for power, average, and in the clutch. He isn’t a poster-boy for steroids (has always been big). He’s wholesome, and helps people out in need. His homerun against Brad Lidge in the 2005 NLCS will be remembered for years to come.
5. Jose Reyes: A few years ago Peter Gammons said the following, “Jose Reyes hitting a triple is one of the most exciting things to watch in baseball.” Can’t say that I disagree with him. Despite an injury plagued season this year, Jose is electrifying on the basepaths
6. Joakim Soria: I’m going with a wildcard here. Soria is the best closer you’ve never heard of. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t seen him pitch since last year’s All-Star game. I saw him blow it by the league’s best hitters in the high 90’s and then change speeds dropping a 12 to 6 curveball in the high 60’s to low 70’s mph. A star in the making.
7. Josh Hamilton: The feel good story of the year. He can hit for power, average, and defend. While I often wonder what could have been, he can still hit over .300, over 30 HR’s and 120 RBI’s after a history of excessive drug use. Who wouldn’t applaud that?
8. Tim Lincecum: Tim Lincecum is an enigma. He probably weighs about 120 pounds wet and looks like he belongs at an emo concert rather than starting on a Major League pitching staff. He blows it by hitters with ease and is leading the NL in strikeouts this year. He’ll be a perennial all-star.
9. David Wright: While Reyes may be my favorite to watch on the Mets, I feel like Wright is the leader of the Mets. He does nothing poorly.
10. Carl Crawford: I considered either putting Crawford or his teammate “the human highlight reel” BJ Upton on here. I went with Crawford here. While they both are fun to watch on the field, Crawford edges him out at the plate and is a terror on the base paths.
Now, unlike Chris, I have no experience in making lists (Chris enjoys making grocery lists of females he would like to date on a regular basis…hence why he’s single). On the other hand, after careful consideration here is my “Top 10 List” in order:
1. Derek Jeter: In an era where everyone is tainted by steroids, Jeter has put in consist number over the past 13 years, and is well on his way to 3,000 hits. Beyond that he seems to be having another career year this year with a .305/9/30.
2. Albert Pujols: No pub, takes less salary to play for his original team, strikes fear in every pitcher the way my dad did me when would leave an empty sweet tea jug in the fridge.
3. Josh Hamilton: Sad that this year has been stolen by injuries, but beyond the numbers he sets and explain for everyone to follow and has provide the leadership the Rangers have need since Pudge left in 2003.
4. Mark Texiera: It’s funny how you don’t really appreciate a player until you see him play 50 times. “Tex” has an amazing glove, plays with heart and passion, and can tear the cover off the ball.
5. Ian Kinsler: 2B is a position that gets overlooked often, but Kinsler has hit the ball anywhere on the field, plays gold glove defense, and does it all with a smile on his face.
6. Matt Kemp: Young, plays the game right….in 3 years you will be looking at .320/40/120. Mark it down.
7. Mariano Rivera: “Everyone can hit a fastball…” except Mo’s cut fastball. Never shows anyone up after a save, takes responsibility when he messes up (rarely), and has dominated for the past 13 years.
8. Dustin Pedroia: Obviously he must be a stud given that a Yankee fan would put a Red Sox in his top 10…but I am a baseball fan more than a Yankee fan so. My favorite Red Sox player since “Nommmaaahhhh”.
9. Tim Lincecum: 5’11” and 170 lbs (I weighed 170 in the 7th grade but was 5’4”) and he makes big league hitters look like I did when I was 10 and got struck out/owned by this huge 11 year old bearded kid named Rory.
10. Johann Santana: Never gets run support yet seems to always put his team in a position to win. Should have been a Yankee instead of a second class Met.
Honorable Mention:
Chipper Jones: Brought back the high-sock look and should go into hall as the best switch hitter since Eddie Murray.
Lance Berkman: From Houston, went to Rice, and plays for the Astros now who he carried though the 2005 playoffs. Closing in on 1,000 RBI’s and is a career .299 hitter who you NEVER hear about.
JJ Hardy: Played against him in High School (just a little pat on the back)
Joe Mauer: On another level than every other catcher in baseball right now…on pace to hit .425/41/131. Are you kidding me?
Grady Sizemore: Rough year this year, but move him to 3-hole and he would drive in 130 and steal you 30 bases at the same time….plus I may name my first born son “Grady.”
Chris’ Honorable Mention:
Dustin Pedroia: I’ll be honest here, if he plays on a different team, he’s on my list.
Joba Chamberlin: This is a tale of two different players. Bullpen Joba who fistpumps, screams, throws up around 100 mph and is feared is on my top ten list. Starter Joba, who throws too many pitches, and is gone by the 4th inning is nowhere close.
Roy Oswalt: Roy throws hard, has an intimidating demeanor, and throws at Carlos Delgado pretty consistently. Who wouldn’t like that?
Lance Berkman: Hits for power, a good team player, is “wholesome.” I like him and Carlos Lee.
Russell Martin: Russell Martin JUST missed the top 10. I became a fan during last year’s All-Star game when he put on a defensive clinic behind the plate.
Chris’ Top 10 in no particular order.
1. Derek Jeter: Consummate professional. Cry all you want about, “well he doesn’t hit 40 HR’s!” I’ll take hitting over .300, gold gloves, 4 World Series rings and the title “Mr. November” any day of the week. He plays hard and at least for me, Jeter diving into the stands against the Red Sox in 2004 is a highlight that defines his career.
2. Mariano Rivera: This man has become the best post-season closer of all time, using one pitch. He’s dared hitters to hit the fastball and may have set a record for breaking most opponents’ bats.
3. Mark Texiera: Tex is the Yanks MVP of this season so far. If you’ve read this blog so far, than you know it’s not just the power numbers that give Tex’s value. His catlike reflexes and defensive ability have saved an incredible amount of runs. Meanwhile, Jason Giambi’s feet are still stuck in cement.
4. Albert Pujols: What’s not to like about Pujols? He hits for power, average, and in the clutch. He isn’t a poster-boy for steroids (has always been big). He’s wholesome, and helps people out in need. His homerun against Brad Lidge in the 2005 NLCS will be remembered for years to come.
5. Jose Reyes: A few years ago Peter Gammons said the following, “Jose Reyes hitting a triple is one of the most exciting things to watch in baseball.” Can’t say that I disagree with him. Despite an injury plagued season this year, Jose is electrifying on the basepaths
6. Joakim Soria: I’m going with a wildcard here. Soria is the best closer you’ve never heard of. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t seen him pitch since last year’s All-Star game. I saw him blow it by the league’s best hitters in the high 90’s and then change speeds dropping a 12 to 6 curveball in the high 60’s to low 70’s mph. A star in the making.
7. Josh Hamilton: The feel good story of the year. He can hit for power, average, and defend. While I often wonder what could have been, he can still hit over .300, over 30 HR’s and 120 RBI’s after a history of excessive drug use. Who wouldn’t applaud that?
8. Tim Lincecum: Tim Lincecum is an enigma. He probably weighs about 120 pounds wet and looks like he belongs at an emo concert rather than starting on a Major League pitching staff. He blows it by hitters with ease and is leading the NL in strikeouts this year. He’ll be a perennial all-star.
9. David Wright: While Reyes may be my favorite to watch on the Mets, I feel like Wright is the leader of the Mets. He does nothing poorly.
10. Carl Crawford: I considered either putting Crawford or his teammate “the human highlight reel” BJ Upton on here. I went with Crawford here. While they both are fun to watch on the field, Crawford edges him out at the plate and is a terror on the base paths.
Now, unlike Chris, I have no experience in making lists (Chris enjoys making grocery lists of females he would like to date on a regular basis…hence why he’s single). On the other hand, after careful consideration here is my “Top 10 List” in order:
1. Derek Jeter: In an era where everyone is tainted by steroids, Jeter has put in consist number over the past 13 years, and is well on his way to 3,000 hits. Beyond that he seems to be having another career year this year with a .305/9/30.
2. Albert Pujols: No pub, takes less salary to play for his original team, strikes fear in every pitcher the way my dad did me when would leave an empty sweet tea jug in the fridge.
3. Josh Hamilton: Sad that this year has been stolen by injuries, but beyond the numbers he sets and explain for everyone to follow and has provide the leadership the Rangers have need since Pudge left in 2003.
4. Mark Texiera: It’s funny how you don’t really appreciate a player until you see him play 50 times. “Tex” has an amazing glove, plays with heart and passion, and can tear the cover off the ball.
5. Ian Kinsler: 2B is a position that gets overlooked often, but Kinsler has hit the ball anywhere on the field, plays gold glove defense, and does it all with a smile on his face.
6. Matt Kemp: Young, plays the game right….in 3 years you will be looking at .320/40/120. Mark it down.
7. Mariano Rivera: “Everyone can hit a fastball…” except Mo’s cut fastball. Never shows anyone up after a save, takes responsibility when he messes up (rarely), and has dominated for the past 13 years.
8. Dustin Pedroia: Obviously he must be a stud given that a Yankee fan would put a Red Sox in his top 10…but I am a baseball fan more than a Yankee fan so. My favorite Red Sox player since “Nommmaaahhhh”.
9. Tim Lincecum: 5’11” and 170 lbs (I weighed 170 in the 7th grade but was 5’4”) and he makes big league hitters look like I did when I was 10 and got struck out/owned by this huge 11 year old bearded kid named Rory.
10. Johann Santana: Never gets run support yet seems to always put his team in a position to win. Should have been a Yankee instead of a second class Met.
Honorable Mention:
Chipper Jones: Brought back the high-sock look and should go into hall as the best switch hitter since Eddie Murray.
Lance Berkman: From Houston, went to Rice, and plays for the Astros now who he carried though the 2005 playoffs. Closing in on 1,000 RBI’s and is a career .299 hitter who you NEVER hear about.
JJ Hardy: Played against him in High School (just a little pat on the back)
Joe Mauer: On another level than every other catcher in baseball right now…on pace to hit .425/41/131. Are you kidding me?
Grady Sizemore: Rough year this year, but move him to 3-hole and he would drive in 130 and steal you 30 bases at the same time….plus I may name my first born son “Grady.”
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