tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17381406164939015202024-02-21T07:05:26.346-08:00The Shot ClockPatrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738140616493901520.post-90777652137239636312015-07-07T12:31:00.000-07:002015-07-07T12:31:34.884-07:00Post-Free Agency Power Rankings Western Conference Part 1<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen to the
first annual Post-Free Agency Power Rankings! This is part one of two of the
rankings focusing on the Western Conference. Today’s post will focus on the
bottom-half of the Western Conference, and the top/playoff teams will be ranked
in a day or two. In the next few days, the Eastern Conference will get the
spotlight and will be analyzed deeply by yours truly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Let me clarify: I know what you’re
thinking… Free agency is not even over yet! There is still time for impact
players to switch teams and trades that could still happen! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Precisely. This is why I will be
posting a power ranking closer to the beginning of the season, but consider
this the much too early offseason rankings that are bound to change by the
beginning of the NBA season. </div>
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sxnMGo_FbjA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxnMGo_FbjA?feature=player_embedded" style="clear: right; float: right;" width="320"></iframe></div>
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15. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Denver Nuggets:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected starting lineup- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Ty Lawson (see video clip)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG Randy Foye</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Wilson Chandler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Kenneth Faried</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Jusuf Nurkic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Analysis: The Nuggets do have some
promising youngsters, like Mudiay, Nurkic, and Gary Harris, but I think that
the talent is severely lacking on this team. With Ty Lawson clearly unhappy, I
predict a very disappointing year from the Nuggets this season. They have not
done much in free agency, but a deal for Lawson seems to be coming. Lawson’s
asking price likely has plummeted, and I do not see a potential deal for him
that will make the Nuggets drastically better this season. In a Western
conference that seems to get more competitive every summer, the Nuggets will
circle the drain with an unimpressive roster and an unhappy star.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kqgH2liyknrcIBA_U2KTEe8SMts5PKmLoj6CwOS7Ec8D5J5EAe2JWjwoTxxCnzBOqE4VRFCNP7GJpdGZDd7VlfTcxhZ2wuD9MtEskiuGJM84ac0rHO5e7nbzCJimNfsV-GdBvifXW2Y/s1600/kobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kqgH2liyknrcIBA_U2KTEe8SMts5PKmLoj6CwOS7Ec8D5J5EAe2JWjwoTxxCnzBOqE4VRFCNP7GJpdGZDd7VlfTcxhZ2wuD9MtEskiuGJM84ac0rHO5e7nbzCJimNfsV-GdBvifXW2Y/s320/kobe.jpg" width="233" /></a>14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Los Angeles Lakers</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected Starting Lineup-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Jordan Clarkson</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG D’Angelo Russell</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Kobe Bryant</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Julius Randle</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Roy Hibbert</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JMCCY4LP_rySdZi4TbcTbN9sld7_fPeg9kGrFXNLxb7xeVr46B8KR-PoCpNGdkvgAL0PtWIxnabGnFrrRvF2MeNvTrzZ5hQPostxMB_FM9wEN8brwDP1bbqAGRohCyg3A0B69z7wlpk/s1600/randledribble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JMCCY4LP_rySdZi4TbcTbN9sld7_fPeg9kGrFXNLxb7xeVr46B8KR-PoCpNGdkvgAL0PtWIxnabGnFrrRvF2MeNvTrzZ5hQPostxMB_FM9wEN8brwDP1bbqAGRohCyg3A0B69z7wlpk/s320/randledribble.jpg" width="200" /></a>Analysis: I will most certainly get
some Lakers fans hating on me for this selection, but I just do not see the
potential for success with this team. The good news is that the Lakers are a
little better with the additions of Hibbert, Lou Williams and Brandon Bass, but not
by much. If Russell and Randle meet the massive expectations placed upon them, there
is a chance that the Lakers can make a push for the eighth spot, but Randle and
Russell will not be stars right away. Crafting rookies into elite NBA players
is a process that takes time, and the Lakers must have patience and not expect
immediate success after the first week of the season. An aging, fragile Kobe
and a cast of young, inexperienced players spells a down year for this historically
successful franchise. It’s tough to go from Aldridge, Love, and Jordan to
Hibbert, Williams, and Bass.<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1Km82INEb4v61kOnLzA193eXW0VIh5S6Xn2dgQ4NpVFcHt6_eRgewu9ET_R5VUCn-W5YX7OkXO9qs0LsnTsHJqaKOdVWO58iNqcABZIN9vTDg8l-FK9rMmFgcmhXkfsoHaa17I0puU4/s1600/Damian-Lillard-wears-I-Cant-Breathe-Shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1Km82INEb4v61kOnLzA193eXW0VIh5S6Xn2dgQ4NpVFcHt6_eRgewu9ET_R5VUCn-W5YX7OkXO9qs0LsnTsHJqaKOdVWO58iNqcABZIN9vTDg8l-FK9rMmFgcmhXkfsoHaa17I0puU4/s640/Damian-Lillard-wears-I-Cant-Breathe-Shirt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
13. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Portland Trailblazers</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected Starting Lineup-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Damian Lillard</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG CJ McCollum</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Al-Farouq Aminu</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Ed Davis/ Noah Vonleh</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Mason Plumlee</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Analysis: For a team that lost four
of its five starters and its number one option off the bench, the Blazers
actually rebounded nicely. Not nicely enough to land them higher than 13 in a
wildly competitive Western Conference, but landing Davis, Vonleh, Aminu, and
Plumlee makes the future just a twinkle brighter. Lillard is hyper competitive
and will keep the Blazers in many games, but the lack of talent and
depth will ultimately cause the Blazers to look ahead to the 2016 Draft. Tough
to see such a large drop in the standings from one season to the next, but the
quality drop off is significant, despite smart basketball moves in the draft
and free agency. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
12. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sacramento Kings:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected Starting Lineup-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Rajon Rondo</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG Ben McLemore/Bellinelli</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Rudy Gay</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Willie Cauley-Stein</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C DeMarcus Cousins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_6iwfwBaG-TgvrOdaM-xACLhpNP0bgAVsEUBTjv6U16gz1x_KxrgiuUUlQrPxnJIGeiazOFYij6C4yK3hi2WHFJWRPcF_W7el5E_xX3WoWSo-DBtNt34J7vCpo5GAEYYNeIVOp2bEsw/s1600/cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznptflngrlm2e2yzvkntcyngixoduzmdcxntjjzwjjnmfl.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_6iwfwBaG-TgvrOdaM-xACLhpNP0bgAVsEUBTjv6U16gz1x_KxrgiuUUlQrPxnJIGeiazOFYij6C4yK3hi2WHFJWRPcF_W7el5E_xX3WoWSo-DBtNt34J7vCpo5GAEYYNeIVOp2bEsw/s400/cd0ymzcznguwzdbhnduynddiytjhm2yyzthlmtjjotqwyyznptflngrlm2e2yzvkntcyngixoduzmdcxntjjzwjjnmfl.jpeg" width="400" /></a>Analysis: The Kings are currently
the laughingstock of the NBA. Mind-boggling trades, a dispute between a star
player and an experienced coach, a dysfunctional front office, and a bizarre
trade situation that will force the front office to decide between the star
player and the coach. Offense deficient WCS will be left wide open,
causing double teams to be used against Boogie every time down the floor. Add
to that the fact that Rondo is less than a shell of his former self and you
have yourself a downright disaster of an NBA team. So what is it that is
keeping the Kings at the 12 spot and not at 14 or 15? It is the simple fact
that they have a top-15 player in the league. Despite his questionable
personality, the Kings were playing well with the Boogie-Rudy combination and
were cruising early in the season until Boogie’s injury. If they can show
moderate flashes of that team from the beginning of last season, I do not see
the Kings at the bottom of the Western Conference. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK06dcT1FqpM3aYh3kb2UphIvdDCy9y-pl7dRycYAiD-NxbFjdi_O3UrUATzJjM7ZR_KIDgAynXXHlf2Q3ngfGT9Z_n1xDVzmrfEeF2T5JhGp08U3-4lHDkJjBqga2BIhrmEonMKVdRhk/s1600/Brandon%252BKnight%252BPhoenix%252BSuns%252Bv%252BDenver%252BNuggets%252B9ZXKn6onP8Rl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK06dcT1FqpM3aYh3kb2UphIvdDCy9y-pl7dRycYAiD-NxbFjdi_O3UrUATzJjM7ZR_KIDgAynXXHlf2Q3ngfGT9Z_n1xDVzmrfEeF2T5JhGp08U3-4lHDkJjBqga2BIhrmEonMKVdRhk/s320/Brandon%252BKnight%252BPhoenix%252BSuns%252Bv%252BDenver%252BNuggets%252B9ZXKn6onP8Rl.jpg" width="241" /></a>11. <b>Phoenix Suns</b>:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Brandon Knight</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG Eric Bledsoe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF PJ Tucker</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Markieff Morris</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Tyson Chandler</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Analysis: This could be a very
unpopular opinion, but I do not think that this Suns roster meshes well. Chandler
shocked the basketball world when he opted to take his talents to Phoenix,
causing a large push for Aldridge in Phoenix. The race to create cap room
resulted in a trade sending Marcus Morris, Danny Granger, and Reggie Bullock to
the Pistons, a deal that I am not a fan of. It is not the fact that I am in
love with any of the players they got rid of (Bullock could turn out to be a
decent role player, but neither Granger or Morris get me excited), but rather
the chemistry lost over an unlikely dream of landing LA. Aldridge had an easy
decision when the Spurs came knocking at his door, and getting rid of the
second Morris brother to accomplish this may have destroyed what Markieff is
able to do this year!! Maybe an overreaction but still. The Suns slumped at the
end of 2015 and I expect that to carry over to next season, despite the
addition of a talented, athletic (but aging) big like Chandler. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/44FzaXecALw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/44FzaXecALw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
10. <b>Minnesota Timberwolves:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected Starting Lineup- </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Ricky Rubio</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG Kevin Martin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Andrew Wiggins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Karl-Anthony Towns</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Gorgui Dieng<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezX7THAwIi1W7Fl-XbbJ-iYeQfNGlkAAWdCjn2TIZA5JEoMfsIy0_HgxQbuOpEsDTmx557pFHn0SqGg5EmzLUfdFsmaXhQzcF7EJJkrjBNk62Q-mN_l3e4lHG9qqQ1xwCT53PzHargd4/s1600/zach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezX7THAwIi1W7Fl-XbbJ-iYeQfNGlkAAWdCjn2TIZA5JEoMfsIy0_HgxQbuOpEsDTmx557pFHn0SqGg5EmzLUfdFsmaXhQzcF7EJJkrjBNk62Q-mN_l3e4lHG9qqQ1xwCT53PzHargd4/s400/zach.jpg" width="352" /></a>Analysis: Yes I may be a homer, but
I think that a tenth place finish for the Timberwolves is definitely within
reach. The Timberwolves are one of the most promising young teams (along with
the Bucks and Jazz) and have lots of skilled players on the roster. With
another year of experience, Wiggins and Zach Lavine look to make a leap, and
veterans Kevin Garnett and Kevin Martin will help craft these young guns into
professionals. The addition of European League MVP Nemanja Bjelica provides a
unique X-factor to the roster, and Tyus Jones will fill the seats at the Target
Center. If last season’s impressive rookies make a leap, the Timberwolves will
be able to challenge for the eighth seed. Rubio needs to stay healthy to reach
this type of success and KAT needs to perform<br />
up to his first overall pick
standards. This team will definitely be in the playoff hunt in the 2016-17
season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
9.<b> Utah Jazz</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Projected Starting Lineup:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PG Dante Exum</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SG Alec Burks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
SF Gordon Hayward</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
PF Derrick Favors</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
C Rudy Gobert<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP2H4KMW_Xvs6geEAMOzE62SagR1EKhnxA9C-1DWdV9MCUIj15CdATS4cotDKRRAHg7FhvXAKC3bPAd6jey193M_KIfvstREDnHjBR3ksL_U7OeT0CCwMcg1ObWw_a7qipd0tK1eiBbs/s1600/gobert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP2H4KMW_Xvs6geEAMOzE62SagR1EKhnxA9C-1DWdV9MCUIj15CdATS4cotDKRRAHg7FhvXAKC3bPAd6jey193M_KIfvstREDnHjBR3ksL_U7OeT0CCwMcg1ObWw_a7qipd0tK1eiBbs/s640/gobert.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Analysis: Last season’s biggest
surprise will take another leap, finishing the season just a game or two short
of a playoff spot. It has been a relatively quiet offseason for the Jazz, but
there seems to be the potential to move Burke for some assets to pave way for
Bryce Cotton and Olivier Hanlan (who was one of the most underrated players in
the draft). Rudy Gobert emerged as one of the top defenders in the league,
Favors remains one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and Hayward
played well throughout the year. The Jazz are an all-around solid team that has
depth throughout the roster to compete for a playoff spot in the West. If we
see the same Jazz team we saw after the all star break, I have confidence it
will come down to the last few games to decide the eighth seed between the Jazz
and the……..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_sxGU8PJyWybjMxqsna5H8f9etSlJF0FeV-PRTStbVDUbgO_J4ZQQzP4IIsji8zfRxdkIBNn7o8RA9iAS9BgUzNy6tjKGhbex9iaqG4bscQWt6iblUKRWjgG8c56gMRfWMPn-qKROTI/s1600/question-mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_sxGU8PJyWybjMxqsna5H8f9etSlJF0FeV-PRTStbVDUbgO_J4ZQQzP4IIsji8zfRxdkIBNn7o8RA9iAS9BgUzNy6tjKGhbex9iaqG4bscQWt6iblUKRWjgG8c56gMRfWMPn-qKROTI/s200/question-mark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Part 2 of the Western Conference
coming soon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Make sure to follow me on Twitter
@TheShotClockMN for sports tweets (some of them are real funny). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Feedback and discussion is
encouraged through comments, DM’s, or emails (pmalin@hamilton.edu)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
See you for part 2!</div>
Patrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738140616493901520.post-89448775804449355542015-06-29T15:28:00.000-07:002015-06-29T15:28:00.883-07:00NBA Draft Superlatives<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Along with thousands of other NBA
fans, I tuned in on Thursday night to the NBA draft to see which talented
prospect my team selected, hoping and praying that draft night would open up a
new era of success and promise for my team. And along with all other NBA fans
and personalities, I have an opinion on the events that transpired just a few
nights ago. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So without further ado, here are my
NBA Draft superlatives for the 2015 season.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.basketballinsiders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/JustiseWinslow_Duke_1-360x220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.basketballinsiders.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/JustiseWinslow_Duke_1-360x220.jpg" height="390" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEST PICK OF THE NIGHT:</b></div>
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Justice Winslow SF Duke, #10 Miami
Heat. The consensus for the best value pick in the draft. It would not have
surprised me if Winslow had gone as high as the number four pick in the draft,
but a slide to number ten to a Heat team that underperformed due to injuries
late in the ’14-’15 season? Unthinkable. Winslow has the opportunity to become
a top five player in this draft, and has real NBA skill. As Chad Ford discussed
on a Grantland podcast the day after the draft, “Stanley Johnson talks the talk
and Justice Winslow walks the walk”. Winslow is the real deal. The Heat look
like a dangerous team headed into a weak Eastern Conference, and a talented
all-around player like Winslow gives the second unit a much needed boost, while
under the direction of an excellent coach and proven leader in Pat Riley.
Surrounded by veteran talent to learn from and practice with, Winslow is primed
for success in his rookie season and beyond. </div>
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Runner Up: </div>
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Emmanuel Mudiay PG China, #7 Denver
Nuggets. The Nuggets received the runaway best prospect before the college
basketball season this year. He gained valuable experience in China and got
much stronger overseas. His game did not regress, which does not explain the
drop on many teams’ draft boards in favor of Russell who spent the year very
much in the media spotlight. If Mudiay had played at SMU this year, he very
well could have been the #2 pick over Russell on Thursday. Great pick for the
Nuggets. We’ll get to this selection later as well. </div>
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Honorable Mention:</div>
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Rashad Vaughn SG UNLV- Bucks #17</div>
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Bobby Portis PF Arkansas- Bulls #22</div>
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R.J. Hunter SG Georgia State-
Celtics #28</div>
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Montrezl Harrell PF Louisville-
Rockets #32</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WORST PICK OF THE NIGHT:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/5059bba7135ddb9501fbfa25eee72de2989c3e7b/c=357-266-3083-2314&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/USATODAY/test/2013/10/15/1381810325000-USP-NCAA-Basketball-Mississippi-State-at-Kentuckycauley-stein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/5059bba7135ddb9501fbfa25eee72de2989c3e7b/c=357-266-3083-2314&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/USATODAY/test/2013/10/15/1381810325000-USP-NCAA-Basketball-Mississippi-State-at-Kentuckycauley-stein.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Willie Cauley-Stein C Kentucky #6
Sacramento Kings. In a last effort to convince Boogie Cousins to return to Sac-town,
the Kings front office selected the defensive talent out of Kentucky.
Cauley-Stein is an incredible defender. He can guard any position and can
protect the paint as well as defend the pick-and-roll at an elite level.
Unfortunately, he cannot do anything else well. He is unable to do anything
productive on offense. Along with his difficulty on the offensive end, WCS has
always struggled with the off-court aspect of basketball. He is an
unpredictable personality that will most certainly notmesh perfectly with the
likes of Boogie, Vivek, George Karl, and possibly Rondo… This has the makings
of a disaster. It is reported that WCS and Boogie have some sort of
relationship together, but we all witnessed what happened when the Heat chose
Shabazz Napier in a last attempt to convince Lebron to stay in the South Beach
(not that Shabazz has been a bad player). This just seems likea toxic move for
a franchise that is toxic in nature. This decision is also worse considering
that the likes of Mudiay and Winslow were still on the board. </div>
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Runner Up: </div>
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<a href="http://espn.go.com/prod/styles/pagetype/otl/20141105_kaminsky/images/h_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://espn.go.com/prod/styles/pagetype/otl/20141105_kaminsky/images/h_2.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a>Frank Kaminsky C Wisconsin, #9
Charlotte Hornets. This is only a bad pick because of who was available at the
slot. The Hornets were clearly set on the three-point shooting big man from
Wisconsin in the draft, but when Justice Winslow dropped into Michael Jordan’s
lap at number 9, they had the chance to select a future star. I understand why
they made the pick (they had no one to spread the floor after McRoberts left)
but I still think you take Winslow and make it work. Nothing against Kaminsky,
I just do not see him as a star in this league. But he is an interesting character. </div>
<br />
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Honorable Mention:</div>
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Larry Nance Jr. F Wyoming- #27
Lakers</div>
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Stanley Johnson SF Arizona- #8
Detroit</div>
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Myles Turner C Texas- #11 Pacers</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEST FIT:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xC_--s6M3QI/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xC_--s6M3QI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div>
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Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay makes
another appearance on the NBA draft accolades list winning the best fit award. With
uncertainty surrounding Ty Lawson’s status with the team and a youth resurgence
led by Jusuf Nurkic, Faried, and Gary Harris, Mudiay will likely enter the
’15-’16 season as a starting point guard for a team with low expectations for
post-season success. He will be able to put his athleticism on full display on
a team that loves to run in transition and push the tempo. He still has some
problems with his shot, but I think that he fits in great with this young core
on the Nuggets and really has an opportunity to succeed. They may not be the
best team in the West next season, but it is a great landing spot for the young
PG that played in China. </div>
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Runner Up:</div>
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Karl-Anthony Towns C Kentucky, #1
Timberwolves. With the first pick in the NBA draft, the Timberwolves not only
got the best player in the draft, but also filled a gaping hole in the roster.
The Wolves desperately need a defensive presence in the paint that can protect
the rim as well as spread the floor on the offensive end. Towns fits alongside
the young core of talented athletes on the Wolves roster and makes Minnesota
into one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. Towns could be the
starter in Minnesota on day one, but he also has time to learn from Garnett,
who will gladly teach him what it is to be a professional. </div>
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Honorable Mention:</div>
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Justice Winslow</div>
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Cameron Payne PG Murray State- #14
Thunder</div>
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Tyus Jones PG Duke- #24
Timberwolves</div>
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Sam Dekker SG Wisconsin- #18
Rockets</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Now we will run through some
superlatives in a rapid-fire style:</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOST UNDERRATED:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oliver Hanlan SG Boston College,
#42 Utah Jazz. You’ll hear more from this kid in his NBA career. That is a
guarantee. Hanlan is a steal at pick 42. If you do not believe me, check out
this video clip… He accounted for roughly 100% of his team's offense. Exaggeration, but he was basically the only scoring option that BC had all season. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Runner Up:</div>
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Montrezl Harrell PF Louisville, #32
Houston Rockets. Harrell is a great energetic player that will transition into
a great rotation player/energy guy coming off the bench. Great bounce, great
athleticism, and vast experience in big moments. This was a very smart pickup
for the Rockets. </div>
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<a href="http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/montrezl-harrell.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/montrezl-harrell.png" height="206" width="320" /></a>Honorable Mention:</div>
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Pat Connaughton SF Notre Dame,- #41
Nets</div>
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Rakeem Christmas PF Syracuse- #36
Cavaliers </div>
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Justin Anderson SF Virginia- #21
Mavericks </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Terry Rozier PG Louisville- #16
Celtics</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">MOST OVERRATED:</b></div>
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Stanley Johnson. This is a tough one.
Stanley Johnson was an impressive player at Arizona, but I think that he does
not warrant the #8 pick in the draft. He has incredible size (6’6 and a 7’0
wing span). He was not an outstanding shooter in college, but scouts believe he
will improve at the next level. Character questions related to his lack of
motivation and focus have resulted in questions about his NBA prospects.
Winslow is the far superior prospect here; he is much more polished and has
real elite skill. </div>
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<a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/vyi3l2/picture21077496/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/Stanley-Johnson" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/vyi3l2/picture21077496/ALTERNATES/FREE_960/Stanley-Johnson" height="290" width="400" /></a> </div>
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Runner up:</div>
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Kelly Oubre SF Kansas #15,
Washington Wizards. Promising size and athleticism has led Oubre to be a highly
touted prospect in the NBA his entire life. However, poor shooting and an
inefficient season at Kansas showed that he is nowhere near a finished product.
</div>
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Honorable Mention:</div>
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Devin Booker SG Kentucky-#13 Suns</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Kevon Looney F UCLA- #30 Warriors</div>
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Larry Nance Jr. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEST TRADE:</b></div>
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HORNETS ACQUIRE NICOLAS BATUM FROM
BLAZERS FOR NOAH VONLEH AND GERALD HENDERSON. Hornets add an undervalued Batum
coming off a rough ’14-’15 season in exchange for a possible Aldridge
replacement and a back-up point guard. I love this deal for both teams. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Runner Up: Timberwolves get Tyus
Jones for picks 31 and 36 (Cedi Osman and Rakeem Christmas). Hometown icon
returns to Minnesota and Cavaliers get two decent players in exchange. Both
sides win. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WORST TRADE:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Greivis Vasquez traded to Bucks for
Norman Powell and a protected future first in 2017. Just not a fan of this deal
for either team. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BIGGEST SURPRISE:</b></div>
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Kristaps Porzingis PF/C Sevilla, #4
New York Knicks. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Runner up: </div>
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D’Angelo Russell G Ohio State, #2
Lakers. Months leading to draft: Okafor, Okafor, Okafor, Okafor, Okafor,
Okafor. Draft night: Russell it is. </div>
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Honorable Mention:</div>
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Rozier to Celtics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Nance to Lakers.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEST STORYLINE:</b></div>
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Satnam Singh C IMG Academy, #52
Mavericks. Congrats to Singh on being the first ever Indian to be drafted into
the NBA! An awesome story to watch unfold. </div>
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Runner up:<br />
The return of TYUS JONES TO MINNESOTA. Yes I am a homer… But he’s back!!!!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BEST DRESSED:</b></div>
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The most important category in this
article…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
RONDAE HOLLIS-JEFFERSON. Whoa, look
at those pants. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you all for reading. See you
soon for the chaos that is the NBA free-agency!</div>
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By: Patrick Malin</div>
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Patrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738140616493901520.post-3782660604800660922015-06-22T17:59:00.000-07:002015-06-22T17:59:46.678-07:00Rumors Galore: Bledsoe, Boogie, and Wade
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With the draft just around the
corner, the usual onslaught of trade rumors and free agency shake-ups dominated
the major sports news outlets. I’m here to take your hand and guide you through
the chaos that was unleashed upon the basketball world today. </div>
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Item #1: Sources reported today
that the Suns had offered Eric Bledsoe and the No. 13 overall pick for the New
York Knicks for their No. 4 overall pick. There is a clear winner and loser in
this deal. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AsnccV2zFHA7fZqKjJeH8MRkBo81eOeO8Iyn2s2EX2lYUCQg66Kx6SVKlvfiGPsEzThjOCprEgsZUuak-xHxUXKXWGNlXZ8QEc1zkmf_VFXVIrnnfkUNnZk54RawVArsQRcaFQFd8tw/s1600/bledsoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AsnccV2zFHA7fZqKjJeH8MRkBo81eOeO8Iyn2s2EX2lYUCQg66Kx6SVKlvfiGPsEzThjOCprEgsZUuak-xHxUXKXWGNlXZ8QEc1zkmf_VFXVIrnnfkUNnZk54RawVArsQRcaFQFd8tw/s400/bledsoe.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WINNER: </b>THE NEW YORK KNICKS. Eric Bledsoe is a talented,
super-athletic playmaker who makes roughly 14 million dollars a year. He has
proved he does not need to possess the ball to succeed, and would add some much
needed energy and athleticism to a shaky Knicks roster. Plus, they get the 13<sup>th
</sup>pick in the draft, which could turn into an outside shooter like Frank
Kaminsky or a rim-protecting big like Willie Cauley-Stein, Myles Turner, or
Bobby Portis. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">LOSER: </b>ERIC BLEDSOE. Self-explanatory. Good luck on the Knicks. </div>
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Oh, and despite the fact that the
Suns could get the leftovers of Mudiay, Porzingis, Hezonja, or possibly even
Russell, they still seem to be receiving the short end of the stick. Knight,
Bledsoe, the Morris twins, Alex Len, the No. 13 pick and Gerald Green has the
makings of a borderline playoff team. However, taking away Bledsoe and adding
an unproven rookie definitely does not catapult them into the playoffs. It is best
for the Suns to stand pat and push for Marc Gasol or Greg Monroe this summer
during free agency. </div>
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Item #2: As a Grantland fan, when
the news scrolled down my timeline that a certain Kings big man appeared to be
on the trade block, I most certainly exclaimed “BOOOOOOGGIEEEEEEEEE”. Shout out
to Bill and Jalen, we miss you. </div>
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Anyway, to sum up, ESPN is
reporting that the Lakers, Magic, and Kings are discussing a three-way trade
that would send Boogie Cousins to LA. I have never wanted something so badly in
my life. </div>
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Boogie playing alongside Kobe and
Swaggy P??</div>
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Vivek getting the No. 2 pick in the
draft?? (Stauskas? Stauskas? STAUSKAS!!)</div>
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The Magic doing weird Magic
things??</div>
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Who knows whether this deal will
come to fruition, but I am praying to the basketball gods that it does. Cousins
is one of the most talented big men in the NBA and I think we started to see
that last year. He needs to leave the Kings, and whoever gets him will be happy
they forked over whatever crazy asking price Vivek demands for Boogie’s
services. </div>
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Item #3: Lastly, there is the question of
Dwayne Wade. Various reports have tied the 33-year-old shooting guard to the
Lakers as well as the Cavaliers (mostly based off of his Twitter and Instagram
habits).</div>
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I have a news flash for Laker fans…</div>
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Wade is not going to be on the
Lakers in 2015. Sorry. Why leave a starting line up of Dragic, Deng, Bosh, and
Whiteside for one including Jeremy Lin, injury-riddled Kobe, and some
combination of Julius Randle, Wes Johnson, Jordan Hill and Carlos Boozer? Think
it over and explain to me why that will happen…</div>
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That’s all I have for you all
today. Thanks for reading as always.</div>
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THESHOTCLOCK</div>
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(Patrick Malin)</div>
Patrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738140616493901520.post-49327481376304278322015-06-20T14:11:00.002-07:002015-06-20T14:11:36.237-07:00Tyler Harvey: A First Round Talent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Stephen Curry is dominating the NBA,
making three after three, using his exceptional ball skills to create space to get
his preferred shot off. Oh and he has a hilarious rapping and dancing daughter,
which is pretty cool too. It seems like only yesterday that Curry was dropping
on draft boards for his size, lack of defensive skill, and his relatively
unknown college team. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Let me quickly introduce you to
Tyler Harvey.</div>
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Tyler Harvey was the NCAA’s leading
scorer in 2014-15. He scored 23.1 points per game while shooting 43% from
3-point range, his third straight season shooting above 40%. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of his 128 3-point makes in ‘14-15 came
from beyond the NBA 3-point line, including 6 in his second round appearance in
the March Madness tournament against Georgetown. </div>
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Ever heard of him? Probably not. </div>
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Harvey attended Eastern Washington
University, which has produced one NBA player in its history. Harvey led the
EWU Swoops to a 26-9 regular season (the best regular season Big Sky team). He
was the core of the 3<sup>rd</sup> best offense in the NCAA, and the winner of
the Big Sky Tournament Championship. </div>
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Wait a minute, you mentioned Steph
Curry before. What was that all about?</div>
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In a world of gross exaggerations
and dramatizing in the sports world… TYLER HARVEY IS THE NEXT STEPHEN CURRY. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZSNI3ORx4500StIE6EmvWjJgcpZ5_X1aixXkfT1O3fX_kjURR7mm7H4Z2MBbqvVJGUu-aT_kkud_iixWEXGIhXE_WhJ1Kw-9HlU9dxfit8j6LHQpMyOpSWkldi_E3g8xAvUMOoN4CA4/s1600/THARVEY201411241924698500356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZSNI3ORx4500StIE6EmvWjJgcpZ5_X1aixXkfT1O3fX_kjURR7mm7H4Z2MBbqvVJGUu-aT_kkud_iixWEXGIhXE_WhJ1Kw-9HlU9dxfit8j6LHQpMyOpSWkldi_E3g8xAvUMOoN4CA4/s320/THARVEY201411241924698500356.jpg" width="228" /></a>Okay, maybe not. He is a talented
shooter who evokes Steph Curry like comparisons and criticisms. Both were
unimpress<span id="goog_1820735244"></span><span id="goog_1820735245"></span>ive collegiate defenders. Both are undersized for the 2 guard (Harvey
is 6’4) and taller than most PG’s. Harvey is lower on most draft boards than
Curry was when he entered the draft, but he could rocket up if his individual
workouts impress NBA scouts and coaches. Both had the major upside of terrific jump
shooting. Both were exceptional playmakers off the dribble. </div>
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This is important because the NBA
has become a jump-shooting league. Sorry old-fashioned basketball lovers, it’s
true. Floor spacing is becoming the most important aspect of the game of
basketball, causing defensive headaches all game (just ask the Cavaliers).
Steph Curry, the MVP of the league, is also the best 3-point shooter in the NBA.
Teams like the Warriors, Cavs, and Hawks are successful because they have a
plethora of players who can get free and knock-down shots at some of the best rates
in the NBA. The 3-pointer is the key to success in the NBA. Harvey exerted his
dominance in college at shooting 3’s and will do the same at the NBA level. </div>
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So somebody explain to me why is
ball-handling, offensive creating and elite shooter Tyler Harvey predicted to
go somewhere in the SECOND ROUND or maybe to go UNDRAFTED?!</div>
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Although he may not be ready to be
selected in the lottery, Harvey, with his elite shooting ability and talent for
shot creation, deserves to be drafted in the first round. The NBA is evolving
and ball-handling knockdown shooters like Harvey are going to be at the forefront
of this change. </div>
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Patrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1738140616493901520.post-82114819403260669872012-07-03T08:54:00.001-07:002012-07-04T08:51:41.924-07:005 Impactful Under the Radar Free AgentsJust like every other fan of the NBA, when the clock struck midnight on June 30th signalling the beginning of the free agency period, I thought about what might happen with big ticket players like Steve Nash, Eric Gordon, Deron Williams, Ray Allen and many others who's names have appeared thousands of times in the NBA rumor mills and on the bottom line on ESPN. What I did not realize is that even though the signing of a high-class free agent often drastically changes the future of multiple teams, it is the addition of key role players that slide under the radar of the big spending teams, coming back to haunt all the teams that passed them over during the offseason. This is why I decided to name 5 players who will be relatively unnoticed during the summer, but will have a very significant impact on the team they sign for. So here is the list of the top 5 under the radar free agents that will make a big splash in the league once the season begins:<br />
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5. Derek Fisher<br />
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The 2011-2012 season marked the end of Fisher's fruitful career with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending up having his contract bought out by the Houston Rockets and being signed to play backup point guard when Eric Maynor went down for the year with an ACL tear. This season produced Fisher's lowest point per game average since his rookie year, in 1996-1997. Fisher has scored over 10,000 points in his 16 year career, averaging 8.6 PPG, 3.1 SPG, and shooting 40% from the field. Fisher's career is clearly nearing its end (he turns 38 in August), but that is definitely not to say that he cannot make an impact this upcoming season. He is a veteran leader who has lots of experience in the league, as well as in the playoffs. In no way is Fisher burnt out. He will thrive as a backup to a star player or an inexperienced starter, coming off the bench to chip in 6 points and 6 assists, hitting big shots while he does it. I could see Fisher ending up with the Bulls or Heat, adding some veteran leadership to these teams with thin depth at the point. I also think that if the Suns are unable to bring back Steve Nash, Fisher would be a nice addition, sharing insight and acting as a mentor to Kendall Marshall in his first year in the league.<br />
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4. Raymond Felton<br />
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Raymond Felton suffered a relative step back this year, averaging his lowest PPG in his 7 year career for the Portland Trailblazers. Felton showed his true potential when he played for the Knicks after being dealt in the Carmelo Anthony trade. Felton averaged 17.1 PPG and 9 APG in his 51 games for the Knicks, playing alongside Melo and Stoudamire. Felton has proved that he can score and pass the ball, but is often overlooked because of attitude problems that tainted his stay in Portland. Nonetheless, Felton has the potential, if under the right coach, to become an elite scorer at the point guard position and could be a nice addition to a team looking for a scoring weapon off the bench. Unless he gets over his attitude problems and bad demeanor on and off the court, I do not see him being a starting point guard in the NBA this year, but if he is able to sort out some of his issues and improve his game, he has a solid chance at becoming a starting point guard and playing at a high level. Felton's signing could provide a team with a bolt of energy off the bench and could make a borderline team into a serious playoff contender. Several teams have shown interest in Felton this offseason, including the Suns, Knicks, and Lakers. I think that depending what happens with Steve Nash, the best fit for Felton will be wherever Nash turns down. If Nash leaves the Suns, Felton would be a great fit, most likely getting the starting job over rookie Kendall Marshall. Felton would add a dual scoring and passing threat to a team that has had a dynamic point guard since Nash joined them. I think that the Magic may also be a good fit for Felton. With the release of Jameer Nelson, the Magic could use a guard who could create his own shots, as well as dish the ball down low to Dwight. Felton could fit this role perfectly.<br />
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3. Michael Beasley</div>
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Coming from Minnesota, I know a lot about Michael Beasley. This season, Beasley was constantly my least favorite player. He shot too much to fit into an offense with expert play maker Ricky Rubio, he lacked work ethic, he never seemed to care what he was doing on the defensive end, but when he caught fire, he looked like a younger version of Carmelo. Beasley has the ability to create his own shot, thriving on isolation plays where he gets into the triple threat position and makes his move and creates just enough space to shoot the ball. This natural ability compares to the NBA's elite; Kobe, Melo, Lebron, Dwyane Wade, and almost all other uncanny shot creators. This talent comes with a hefty price. Beasley has just about the worst attitude I've seen in Minnesota sports. His nonchalant attitude and lack of drive make up his largest downsides. However, when Beasley caught fire, he made everything. Beasley will fit best with a team that lacks a dynamic shot-creating player who is able to score at will. Two teams have expressed interest in Beasley to this point, the Detroit Pistons and the Suns. Personally, I believe that Beasley would fit better with the Pistons who possess play makers Brandon Knight and newly acquired Corey Maggette. Beasley would add another dynamic weapon for the Pistons who ranked 25th in the NBA in field goal makes and field goal percentage. If he is able to get over his work ethic problems and play with energy, Beasley will make a huge impact on a team looking for elite scorers. </div>
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2. Ryan Anderson </div>
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One of the least talked about free agents this year, Ryan Anderson has the opportunity to completely alter the team he signs with. Anderson is one of the two elite shooting big men along with Kevin Love. This year, Anderson set career highs this year, averaging 7.7 RPG and 16.1 PPG, topping his previous average by 6 points. As NBA fans, we know that the biggest momentum boost or mood-changer is a well-timed three point shot. This is Anderson's specialty. He is able to hit big shots in big moments and change the course of the game. Anderson is severely underrated. Think, who are the top few 3-point shooters in the NBA right now? Bet Ryan Anderson did not make that list. He has serious talent. The NBA saw a sneak peek of what Anderson is able to do when given extended playing time, and if that continues, Anderson will be remembered as an elite shooting power forward. Yes, Anderson is still developing his low post game, but with the right coaching, that will become just another weapon to add to his already impressive repertoire. The Kings have been hot in the pursuit of Anderson, and with good reason. They are in dire need of a player who is able to put up 15 points a game and make big shots, especially 3-pointers. This would be a good situation for Anderson to be in. He could thrive as an assassin from behind the arc and learn the post game with help from Demarcus Cousins. Anderson would add a touch of experience, and playoff experience, to a very young and inexperienced King squad.<br />
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1. Goran Dragic<br />
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Coming off his best year as a pro, Goran Dragic is a developing player who has just started to tap into his fountain of potential. Dragic showed his elite scoring ability in limited minutes behind starter Kyle Lowry. Dragic has demanded that Houston only sign him if they are willing to make him their starter, which it appears the Rockets are wiling to do, even if it means giving up Lowry. However, it still appears that the dynamic Serbian will be changing teams this off season. I remember going to a Timberwolves game this year and looking at the Rockets' roster and seeing Dragic's name and wondering who exactly this backup point guard was. I remember when he came off the bench and scorched the Wolves' defense, getting into the lane and causing problems for the entire game. Dragic brings a great pack of talents to any team willing to sign him. He has the standout ability of penetration in the lane, he can make the occasional outside shot, and his FG percentages are very high for a point guard. For teams looking for a long term solution at the point, Dragic is a great option. He is able to score at will and dish the ball to post players for assists as he showed last year in Houston. Dragic would fit well into the Toronto offense if they were unable to sign Nash. Another good option for Dragic would be the Bulls, where he could take over the point guard responsibilities during Rose's absence. Whoever is able to reel in Dragic will be glad they did.<br />
<br />Patrick Malinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15315371723228224357noreply@blogger.com0