With the 29th pick, the Detroit Pistons select …
Free t-shirt to the first person who gets it right. One guess per commenter.
June 26, 2008, 11:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Utah grabs Kosta Koufos with the 23rd pick
Koufos, a big center out of Ohio State, goes one pick before the Sonics were to draft. Next up: The Sonics for their second pick.
June 26, 2008, 11:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Courtney Lee goes to Orlando at No. 22
Lee, as you might know ... or not ... was the Sun Belt player of the year at Western Kentucky. Next up: Utah
June 26, 2008, 11:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
More Pac-10 love as Ryan Anderson goes at No. 21
New Jersey grabs the Pac-10's leading scorer from last year, Cal forward Ryan Anderson. Anderson, who you might remember torched the Huskies, averaged 21.1 points per game. Next up: Orlando
June 26, 2008, 11:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
No. 20 is a French center
Charlotte drafts a 7-0, 220 pound center from France. Taht's Alexi Ajinca, no relation to Mohammed Sene as far as we know. He's supposed to have a 7-8 wingspan. Next up: New Jersey (via Dallas)
June 26, 2008, 11:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Another freshman drafted
At No. 19, the Cleveland Cavaliers take J.J. Hickson of North Carolina State, a 6-9, 235 pounder. He's the eighth freshman drafted so far. Next up: Charlotte (via Denver)
June 26, 2008, 11:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
18th pick overshadowed by a trade
Javale McGee is just drafted No. 18 by Washington, and promptly upstaged by a Portland-Philadelphia trade. ESPN says the Blazers will get Ike Diogu and the rights to Jerryd Bayless while the 76ers get Jarrett Jack and the rights to Brandon Rush. Next up: Cleveland.
June 26, 2008, 11:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Bulls select Derrick Rose
(via assets.espn.go.com) John Paxson, almost immediately, ruins awesome moment by saying Rose will have to 'earn' his way.
June 26, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Westbrook audio
We talked to Russell Westbrook in a conference call at the Furtado Center and you can listen to part of that conversation here. And here's some bio information Russell Westbrook Height: 6-3 Weight: 187 Birthdate: Nov. 12, 1988 High School: Leuzinger HS (Lawindale, Calif.) College: UCLA Career…
June 26, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Hibbert taken with the 17th pick
Roy Hibbert of Georgetown was picked by Toronto, who is trading this pick to Indiana as part of the Jermaine O'Neal trade. Hibbert's a big body - 7-2 to be exact, and should help fill the void left by O'Neal, at least in size if not in skill. Next up: Washington.
June 26, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
76ers draft Speights with the 16th pick
Philadelphia grabs a 6-10, 250-pound forward/center to beef up their front line. He averaged 14.5 points for Florida as a sophomore last season. Next up: Toronto
June 26, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Lakers have choices, decisions to make
OK, Lakers fans, how about drafting J.R. Giddens, the hot-shooting guard out of New Mexico? That is, if he’s still available that late in today’s NBA draft. Giddens, an honorable mention All-American, is listed as the sixth-best shooting guard and considered the sixth-best senior in the…
June 26, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Phoenix, at No. 15, take Robin Lopez
That's another Pac-10 player, another Stanford guy, and another Lopez drafted. He may be the lesser known Lopez, but he has the most hair between the two. Next up: Philadelphia
June 26, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Catching up on the picks
Sorry for the delay, but the Sonics just made Russell Westbrook available via conference call. Expect that audio up on the site soon. Anyway, here are the picks 12-14: 12. Sacramento: Jason Thompson, F, Rider 13. Portland: Brandon Rush, G, Kansas 14. Golden State: Anthony Randolph, F, LSU FYI:…
June 26, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Who is Love like?
As a player, UCLA’s Kevin Love has been compared to legendary Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld. The most comparable part of Love’s game to Unseld’s is Love’s outlet passing ability, a skill at which Unseld excelled during his 13-year NBA career. The two are not dissimilar in…
June 26, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lighting up the Lakers
Draft pronosticators, NBA general managers and NBA coaches have come to a consensus: the 2008 NBA draft is deep in talent. So, who will emerge as the toughest rookie to guard in the 2008-2009 season - O.J. Mayo? Derrick Rose? Michael Beasley? Or maybe a sleeper, like Brandon Rush? (more…)
June 26, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Jerryd Bayless goes to Indiana with the No. 11 pick
Bayless, from Arizona, scored 19.7 points last year. He's the fifth Pac-10 player drafted so far. Next up: Sacramento.
June 26, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Brook Lopez is the No. 10 pick by the Nets
Lopez, the 7-foot center from Stanford who many thought the Sonics would take, instead winds up on the East Coast. Next up: Indiana
June 26, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
The other LA team picks at No. 7
The Clippers — “the other team in Los Angeles,” according to the ESPN commentators — picked Eric Gordon of Indiana University with their first pick at No. 7. No news yet on whether the Clippers will really trade Elton Brand. Stay tuned.
June 26, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Here come the trades …
There goes one of the Lakers possibilities for next season. ESPN is reporting that Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. Also, OJ Mayo is involved in a deal between the Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics. If Mayo goes…
June 26, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Charlotte drafts D.J. Augustin with the ninth pick
The Bobcats draft the tiny point guard from Texas, passing over Jerryd Bayless of Arizona, which was a surprise to many. Next up: New Jersey Nets.
June 26, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
With the No. 8 pick, Bucks draft Joe Alexander
Alexander, a forward, averaged 16.9 points for West Virginia last year. Next up: Charlotte.
June 26, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
What local player will be the best fit?
Instant poll: Who will be the best fit? USC's O.J. Mayo with Minnesota UCLA's Russell Westbrook with Seattle UCLA's Kevin Love with Memphis View Results
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Area fans can turn off the TV — even Big West fans
Local college basketball fans can turn to another station now — all three big-name area players have been selected among the first five picks. USC’s O.J. Mayo went to Minnesota with the No. 3 pick, Seattle made Russell Westbrook the No. 4 pick and Kevin Love went to Memphis with the No.…
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Clippers draft Eric Gordon with the No. 7 pick
The Clippers needed help at guard and grab the high scorer from Indiana. Gordon averaged 20.9 points last year to lead the Big Ten in scoring.
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Knicks draft Danilo Gallinari with the sixth pick
That announcement drew a chorus of boos from the crowd in New York. I guess Knicks fans aren't enamored by the 6-8 forward from Italy or thought their team should have drafted him this early.
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Newest Sonics in action
A somewhat surprising pick by Sonics considering the players left on the board, but reports had Seattle general manager enamored with Russell Westbrook because of his athleticism and his on-the-ball defense. Westbrook is certainly not ready to take over the reins at point guard, but will be…
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Memphis drafts Kevin Love with the No. 5 pick
UCLA gets back-to-back picks as the Grizzlies grab the Bruins front court player after the Sonics draft Russell Westbrook. Next up: New York Knicks.
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
A closer look at Russell Westbrook
Here's the info on Westbrook: Height: 6-3 Weight: 187 Birthdate: Nov. 12, 1988 (19 years old) College: UCLA 2008 stats: 12.7 points per game, .465 field-goal percentage (.338 3-point percentage), .713 free-throw percentage. Career highlights: Named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year last…
June 26, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
NBA draft: Mayo, Westbrook taken in top four picks
USC’s O.J. Mayo didn’t have to wait long today. He was snagged with the No. 3 overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves, following the two players everyone expected would go Nos. 1 and 2. And UCLA guard Russell Westbrook went with the No. 4 pick to Seattle. Chicago opened the draft by…
June 26, 2008, 10:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Sonics draft Russell Westbrook with the fourth pick
That's right, a UCLA guard and not Brook Lopez or Kevin Love. Next up: Memphis.
June 26, 2008, 10:00 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Minnesota takes with the third pick
The T-Wolves grab O.J. Mayo of USC. Guess all those projections of Kevin Love were w-r-o-n-g. Next up: Your Sonics.
June 26, 2008, 10:00 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Heat take Beasley No. 2
There was a little anticipation before the Heat's pick, but they went with Michael Beasley from Kansas State. Up next: Minnesota
June 26, 2008, 9:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
And the No. 1 pick is... Derrick Rose
OK, so that rated about a 2 on the surprise-o-meter. The Bulls grabbed the Memphis guard who averaged 14.9 points per game in his only college season. Next up, Miami.
June 26, 2008, 9:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Is this really news? ESPN reports Bulls to take Rose
ESPN's Andy Katz is reporting the Chicago Bulls will take Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick. Apparently, he has the quote-scoop-unqoute on this... Call me crazy, but that's hardly a bold statement considering all the mock drafts and the speculation that Rose was the Bulls' man all along.
June 26, 2008, 9:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Open Thread: 2008 NBA Draft
I'm grinnin from ear to ear!
June 26, 2008, 9:15 PM ET from Blog a Bull
With the first pick in the NBA draft …
OK, you don’t own or manage a team, but you do own and manage opinions. Which player do you build your franchise around? Who would you draft first? Derrick Rose Michael Beasley OJ Mayo Someone…
June 26, 2008, 9:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Let’s be Frank
Although NBA teams have struck gold in recent years with second-round picks (Golden State with Gilbert Arenas in 2001 and Monta Ellis in 2005, San Antonio with Manu Ginobili in 1999), typically if a second-round pick does make a NBA roster, he is a role player at best. Recent examples include…
June 26, 2008, 9:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Mayo mulls draft destination
O.J. Mayo has come to love Los Angeles. That much was made clear when the former USC star agreed to a workout for the local NBA team. No, not the Lakers, who have as much chance of landing Mayo on draft night Thursday as forward Vlad Radmanovic has of becoming an astronaut. But the balmy Southern…
June 26, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bucks trade Yi, Simmons to Nets for Jefferson
The Milwaukee Bucks shipped forwards Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to the New Jersey Nets on Thursday in exchange for forward Richard Jefferson. Click here for the full story.
June 26, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Westbrook weighs on Seattle’s mind
The lottery portion of Thursday’s NBA draft likely will be a yawn session for Laker fans, who only are interested in what the Lakers will do with their second-round pick at 58th overall. But for Laker fans, who also are followers of the local college basketball scene, there is much intrigue…
June 26, 2008, 8:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Spurs Pick Open for trade
The Spurs sent an e-mail to every team in the league at 3:30 p.m. saying that they were willing to move the 26th pick. The e-mail asked league executives to "E-mail us your interest and your offers to…
June 26, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Lakers have choices, decisions to make
OK, Lakers fans, how about drafting J.R. Giddens, the hot-shooting guard out of New Mexico? That is, if he’s still available that late in today’s NBA draft. Giddens, an honorable mention All-American, is listed as the sixth-best shooting guard and considered the sixth-best senior in the…
June 26, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
All quiet at Sonics' draft central... for now
The Sonics just opened their media room for today's NBA draft a few minutes ago. I will be helping Eric out today with some blogging and whatever he needs, given that he's had a busy day with the trial and all. Right now, there's maybe five or six people here. More will be rolling in as it gets…
June 26, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Sonics say trade report false
A spokesperson for the team has said reports that the Sonics have swapped picks with the Las Angeles Clippers at No. 7 are inaccurate. ESPN's Ric Bucher first reported the deal, and has updated the proposal, stating that the Sonics will only swap with the Clippers if O.J. Mayo is drafted by…
June 26, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Who is Love like?
As a player, UCLA’s Kevin Love has been compared to legendary Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld. The most comparable part of Love’s game to Unseld’s is Love’s outlet passing ability, a skill at which Unseld excelled during his 13-year NBA career. The two are not dissimilar in…
June 26, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lighting up the Lakers
Draft pronosticators, NBA general managers and NBA coaches have come to a consensus: the 2008 NBA draft is deep in talent. So, who will emerge as the toughest rookie to guard in the 2008-2009 season - O.J. Mayo? Derrick Rose? Michael Beasley? Or maybe a sleeper, like Brandon Rush? (more…)
June 26, 2008, 7:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Here come the trades …
There goes one of the Lakers possibilities for next season. ESPN is reporting that Richard Jefferson of the New Jersey Nets has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. Also, OJ Mayo is involved in a deal between the Clippers and the Seattle SuperSonics. If Mayo goes…
June 26, 2008, 7:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA draft: Wheeling and dealing begins early
According to Internet and newspaper reports, the Toronto Raptors will trade speedy guard T.J. Ford to the Indiana Pacers for hobbly postman Jermaine O’Neal. Indiana will also receive forward Rasho Nesterovic, the Pacers’ pick in this afternoon’s draft (No. 17) and a player to be…
June 26, 2008, 7:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Draft Day Eve notes
The O'Neal - Ford deal is all but official Denver's pawned off their pick to the Bobcats Portland's trying to move up from #13 to #10 (Nets) I can only assume there will be a LOT more to come throughout Thursday. If you see something, create a fanshot or fanpost, and I'll give it front…
June 26, 2008, 6:45 PM ET from Blog a Bull
first question
Why would Charlotte even consider giving up Wallace to move up only 4 spots AND a draft pick? His salary is a bargain by todays standard. Also, does Memphis want us to take back Brian Cardinals contract? I agree that...
June 26, 2008, 6:45 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Poll: If you were the Lakers GM, what would you do?
The Lakers may be in a position to make themselves better this off-season with the addition of a new player. Publicly, Mitch Kupchak is talking about standing pat. But should they? If the Lakers find the money, which NBA veteran should they go after? Shawn…
June 26, 2008, 6:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
New poll is up
The initial post-lottery poll, after nearly 2500 responses, showed the masses to be 4-1 (my bad, 75% is 3-1, right?) in Derrick Rose's favor. After several weeks of, er, lets call it 'debate'....time for another check. In the spirit of this well-reasoned discourse I will add that if you are…
June 26, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Blog a Bull
questions?
Hy, it's Rick Bonnell with you for the next hour, ready to field some things. There's no doubt the Bobcats are motivated to make another deal today and willing to give up a veteran and/or picks to make something happen....
June 26, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Draft drama heating up as Lakers wait for No. 58
Will Chicago stay on course and select Memphis guard Derrick Rose with the top pick? Probably. But will Miami keep Michael Beasley, the projected No. 2 pick in Thursday’s draft? Or trade him and take USC’s O.J. Mayo? Where will UCLA’s Kevin Love end up – Minnesota or Memphis? Brooke Lopez,…
June 26, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bucks acquire Richard Jefferson for Yi, Simmons
Just saw this out there. Trying to confirm it. [confirmed. -ed.] Looks like Skiles got himself a new guy. I doubt they still draft Joe Alexander if this is true. I also wonder if this means M Redd is going or staying. Cant wait for tonight. Has anyone else seen any reports of this trade going…
June 26, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Nets' Jefferson heading to Bucks?
Sounds like a deal is done between the Nets and Bucks that sends Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee and Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons to New Jersey. You don't have to be much of a conspiracy theorist to see where this...
June 26, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
With the first pick in the NBA draft …
OK, you don’t own or manage a team, but you do own and manage opinions. Which player do you build your franchise around? Who would you draft first? Derrick Rose Michael Beasley OJ Mayo Someone…
June 26, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Let’s be Frank
Although NBA teams have struck gold in recent years with second-round picks (Golden State with Gilbert Arenas in 2001 and Monta Ellis in 2005, San Antonio with Manu Ginobili in 1999), typically if a second-round pick does make a NBA roster, he is a role player at best. Recent examples include…
June 26, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Mayo mulls draft destination
O.J. Mayo has come to love Los Angeles. That much was made clear when the former USC star agreed to a workout for the local NBA team. No, not the Lakers, who have as much chance of landing Mayo on draft night Thursday as forward Vlad Radmanovic has of becoming an astronaut. But the balmy Southern…
June 26, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Westbrook weighs on Seattle’s mind
The lottery portion of Thursday’s NBA draft likely will be a yawn session for Laker fans, who only are interested in what the Lakers will do with their second-round pick at 58th overall. But for Laker fans, who also are followers of the local college basketball scene, there is much intrigue…
June 26, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Sonics trade down to No. 7 pick ?
ESPN's Ric Bucher is reporting that the Sonics will swap picks with the Los Angeles Clippers, trading down and taking the Clippers No. 7 pick for a lottery-protected pick in 2009 in exchange for the Sonics giving up the No. 4 overall pick. If the report proves accurate, Seattle could in the market…
June 26, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Lakers have choices, decisions to make
OK, Lakers fans, how about drafting J.R. Giddens, the hot-shooting guard out of New Mexico? That is, if he’s still available that late in today’s NBA draft. Giddens, an honorable mention All-American, is listed as the sixth-best shooting guard and considered the sixth-best senior in the…
June 26, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Who is Love like?
As a player, UCLA’s Kevin Love has been compared to legendary Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld. The most comparable part of Love’s game to Unseld’s is Love’s outlet passing ability, a skill at which Unseld excelled during his 13-year NBA career. The two are not dissimilar in…
June 26, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
GSOM MOCK DRAFT!
We're hours away from the real draft and outside of the top two picks, anything seems to be happening in everyone's mock drafts. Brook Lopez dropping to 10 or as high as 3? Russel Westbrook going as low as 12 but as high as 3? DJ Augustin available at 13 but also going at…
June 26, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Golden State Of Mind
Lighting up the Lakers
Draft pronosticators, NBA general managers and NBA coaches have come to a consensus: the 2008 NBA draft is deep in talent. So, who will emerge as the toughest rookie to guard in the 2008-2009 season - O.J. Mayo? Derrick Rose? Michael Beasley? Or maybe a sleeper, like Brandon Rush? (more…)
June 26, 2008, 5:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lakers have choices, decisions to make
OK, Lakers fans, how about drafting J.R. Giddens, the hot-shooting guard out of New Mexico? That is, if he’s still available that late in today’s NBA draft. Giddens, an honorable mention All-American, is listed as the sixth-best shooting guard and considered the sixth-best senior in the draft.…
June 26, 2008, 5:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Judge denies Ceis testimony
Telling Paul Lawrence, lead attorney for the City of Seattle, that you can't use attorney-client privilege at a shield and then turnaround and use itt as a sword, U.S. District Court Judge Marsha Pechman denied Lawrence's request to call Seattle Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis as a rebuttal witness. The…
June 26, 2008, 4:15 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Would Wallace be part of Grizzlies deal?
I wrote in today's Observer that if the Bobcats are moving up from the No. 9 pick tonight, their most logical trade partner is the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 5. If the Bobcats and Grizzlies do business tonight, I wouldn't...
June 26, 2008, 4:00 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
NBA draft: Wheeling and dealing begins early
According to Internet and newspaper reports, the Toronto Raptors will trade speedy guard T.J. Ford to the Indiana Pacers for hobbly postman Jermaine O’Neal. Indiana will also receive forward Rasho Nesterovic, the Pacers’ pick in this afternoon’s draft (No. 17) and a player to be…
June 26, 2008, 4:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Poll: If you were the Lakers GM, what would you do?
The Lakers may be in a position to make themselves better this off-season with the addition of a new player. Publicly, Mitch Kupchak is talking about standing pat. But should they? If the Lakers find the money, which NBA veteran should they go after? Shawn…
June 26, 2008, 4:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Trade veteran? Here's the scoop
The Bobcats have been assessing the value of their players in trade, a fairly common practice around draft time. Based on the impressions of several NBA sources, the following patterns have emerged: If the Bobcats have an untouchable right now,...
June 26, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
NBA Draft: Live Blog
Reporter Rick Bonnell will be available today from 1-2 p.m. to discuss tonight's NBA draft and answer reader questions. Just write your question or comment in the comments section below.
June 26, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Exactly what did the Bobcats give up?
The Bobcats weren’t forthcoming in explaining how the future first-round pick they now owe the Denver Nuggets is protected. Fortunately, my friend Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News got the Nuggets to explain the terms: According to the Nuggets,...
June 26, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Draft drama heating up as Lakers wait for No. 58
Will Chicago stay on course and select Memphis guard Derrick Rose with the top pick? Probably. But will Miami keep Michael Beasley, the projected No. 2 pick in Thursday’s draft? Or trade him and take USC’s O.J. Mayo? Where will UCLA’s Kevin Love end up – Minnesota or Memphis? Brooke Lopez,…
June 26, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA draft poll: What local player will have the biggest impact?
Cast your vote and then click here to check out all of our Lakers coverage. What local player will have the biggest impact in the NBA? USC's O.J. Mayo UCLA's Kevin Love UCLA's Russell Westbrook View…
June 26, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
cleveland question
we're having such technical glitches, so I'll just do my best to paraphrase your questions. Someone asked about the Cavaliers. They're trying to add veterans to max out their window of opportunity before LeBron James becomes an unrestricted free agent....
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Bobcats coach might add brother to staff
Don’t be surprised if another Brown joins the Charlotte Bobcats’ coaching staff soon. Larry Brown mentioned a couple of weeks ago that his brother Herb, a longtime NBA assistant, was under consideration here. Herb Brown is no longer with the...
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Bobcats looking to move up in draft
Charlotte Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said today that he is looking into trade possibilities that would move them up from their current No. 9 slot in Thursday's NBA draft. Higgins didn't provide detail into which other teams might be...
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Not top 10 locks any more ...
A couple of agents realized this week their clients aren't quite the top-10 locks they once appeared. New Jersey Nets president Rod Thorn, whose team holds the 10th pick, was approached by two agents about players who chose not to...
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Let’s be Frank
Although NBA teams have struck gold in recent years, with second-round picks (Golden State with Gilbert Arenas in 2001 and Monta Ellis in 2005, San Antonio with Manu Ginobili in 1999), typically if a second-round pick does make a NBA roster, he is a role player at best. Recent examples include…
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
WANTED: Sheriff’s dept. demands Shaq’s badge
Now, he’s done it. The Maricopa County wasn’t thrilled about Shaquille O’Neal’s language he used during his freestyle rap at a night club Sunday and has demanded he return his special deputy’s badge. In the video, Shaq not only demeaned Kobe Bryant but used a racially…
June 26, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
first question
Why would Charlotte even consider giving up Wallace to move up only 4 spots AND a draft pick? His salary is a bargain by todays standard. Also, does Memphis want us to take back Brian Cardinals contract? I agree that...
June 26, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
questions?
Hy, it's Rick Bonnell with you for the next hour, ready to field some things. There's no doubt the Bobcats are motivated to make another deal today and willing to give up a veteran and/or picks to make something happen....
June 26, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Should Bobcats trade for Varejao?
The Charlotte Bobcats tried acquiring Anderson Varejao (right) as a restricted free agent last season. I wonder if they should revisit acquiring Varejao, via trade. The Bobcats signed Varejao to an offer sheet and, predictably, the Cleveland Cavaliers exercised their...
June 26, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Mayo mulls draft destination
O.J. Mayo has come to love Los Angeles. That much was made clear when the former USC star agreed to a workout for the local NBA team. No, not the Lakers, who have as much chance of landing Mayo on draft night Thursday as forward Vlad Radmanovic has of becoming an astronaut. But the balmy Southern…
June 26, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Hornets Off-Season: Draft Update
Alright - I've listened to the interview Jeff Bower gave the collective reporters about the trade of the 27th pick to Portland for Cash, and I've got to say I'm a bit irritated.Irritated with the source that broke the news, and more irritated with the Times-Picayune continued coverage…
June 26, 2008, 3:00 PM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Would Wallace be part of Grizzlies deal?
I wrote in today's Observer that if the Bobcats are moving up from the No. 9 pick tonight, their most logical trade partner is the Memphis Grizzlies at No. 5. If the Bobcats and Grizzlies do business tonight, I wouldn't...
June 26, 2008, 3:00 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Westbrook weighs on Seattle’s mind
The lottery portion of Thursday’s NBA draft likely will be a yawn session for Laker fans, who only are interested in what the Lakers will do with their second-round pick at 58th overall. But for Laker fans, who also are followers of the local college basketball scene, there is much intrigue…
June 26, 2008, 3:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Who is Love like
As a player, UCLA’s Kevin Love has been compared to legendary Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld. The most comparable part of Love’s game to Unseld’s is Love’s outlet passing ability, a skill that Unseld was unmatched in, during his 13-year NBA career. The two are not dissimilar…
June 26, 2008, 2:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
A Season In Review
How far are we into the season? Three games? It's practically over, right? Okay. Then it's time to review the performance of our players, clearly.Thus far, in 2/3rds of our games (That's 67%!) the Suns have beat a team that they should have no problem beating. So far, in 3/3rds of our games…
June 26, 2008, 2:30 PM ET from The Rising Suns
Lighting up the Lakers
Draft pronosticators, NBA general managers and NBA coaches have come to a consensus agreement that the 2008 NBA draft is deep in talent. So, who will emerge as the toughest rookie to guard in the 2008-2009 season - O.J. Mayo? Derrick Rose? Michael Beasley? Or maybe a sleeper, like Brandon Rush?…
June 26, 2008, 2:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Draftness
So the draft is finally here. Sorry I didn't post a mock draft for you. I hate the thought of writing something that would proven dead wrong within a few hours and I was too busy watching football. BTW, I heard most of the world missed the end of the Turkey/Germany match. It was f-ing awesome but…
June 26, 2008, 2:15 PM ET from The Rising Suns
Poll: Kobe vs. Shaq
Who do you like? Who do you hate? Vote here. Or, check out the latest Lakers news. In the ego battle between Shaq and Kobe, who is winning? Kobe Shaq Neither Basketball fans because this stuff is…
June 26, 2008, 1:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
USC’s Jefferson a potential Laker pick
ESPN’s mock draft has the Lakers taking USC’s Davon Jefferson at No. 58, saying he has so much talent but “doesn’t know how to use it.” Jefferson, a 6-foot-8 small forward, averaged 12.1 points and 6.3 rebounds as a freshman last season for the Trojans. He scored in…
June 26, 2008, 1:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA draft: Wheeling and dealing begins early
According to Internet and newspaper reports, the Toronto Raptors will trade speedy guard T.J. Ford to the Indiana Pacers for hobbly postman Jermaine O’Neal. Indiana will also receive forward Rasho Nesterovic, the Pacers’ pick in this afternoon’s draft (No. 17) and a player to be…
June 26, 2008, 1:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lack of workout here is non-issue for Bobcats
If you're waiting around for a herd of lottery picks to work out for the Bobcats this week, you're out of luck. Unless something of consequence changes quickly, the Bobcats won't be auditioning any more viable candidates for the ninth...
June 26, 2008, 11:30 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Any takers for Morrison?
Could Adam Morrison serve as trade bait for the Charlotte Bobcats this week? I essentially got that question from a reader Sunday, in response to a rumor in the St. Paul Pioneer-Press. That rumor (and it wasn’t written by that...
June 26, 2008, 11:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Bobcats have eye on Hibbert
Hey. I missed work last week with a medical concern. I was in the hospital, but I’m back now and playing catch-up on the phone Sunday. Some things I hear: -- Don’t be surprised if the Charlotte Bobcats acquire an...
June 26, 2008, 11:00 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Trade veteran? Here's the scoop
The Bobcats have been assessing the value of their players in trade, a fairly common practice around draft time. Based on the impressions of several NBA sources, the following patterns have emerged: If the Bobcats have an untouchable right now,...
June 26, 2008, 10:45 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Having character vs. being a character
Sam Smith had this anecdote in his Celtics championship epilogue, which his his eyes told about the effect the team leader, Kevin Garnett, had on the rest of the roster: They did it with defense, obviously, but also commitment and tactics. We all knew they’d be good after trading for…
June 26, 2008, 06:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Hollinger on Rose: "meh"
Second part of Hollinger's new draft projections. (via Knickerblogger) Solid first-rounders D.J. Augustin, Texas (14.88); Derrick Rose, Memphis (14.69); Mario Chalmers, Kansas (14.03); Jerryd Bayless, Arizona (14.03). Surprisingly, nobody rates as a slam-dunk lottery pick, not even…
June 26, 2008, 06:30 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Full Derrick Rose Q&A
Is up at Bulls.com. It certainly all sounds good, but not much to take in. One thing you can say is that he certainly isn't shying away from his desire to play in his hometown. If you listen to this interview with WSCR (and read this from ESPN.com, which also has quotes from Pax and…
June 26, 2008, 06:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Rose not planning to visit Miami?
[From the FanPosts. The whole series of quotes is quite weird, but Rose may have accidentally just shown Pax's hand. -ed.] But as Rose concluded his two-day visit with the Bulls Thursday at the Berto Center, the point guard sounded unsure if he even had a workout scheduled with the Miami…
June 26, 2008, 06:00 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Michael Beasley holds court
Full Q&A from the Daily Herald. He's definitely affable. Not much more to read into it...not that we all won't try, heh. Interesting tidbit from him on our coach Vinny: ""He's real cool, a real laid-back guy. I didn't think he was that laid back, but he told a couple jokes. He's a really…
June 26, 2008, 05:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
BlogABull roster evaluation: take two
(Here is take one, although this isn't meant to use a similar format or anything...) With Derrick Rose (or Beasley, of course) coming into the fold, it truly changes the dynamic of how this roster will be assessed. Rose will be 20 years old by the time the season starts,…
June 26, 2008, 05:30 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Tall Tales of Deng and Thomas at IMG Academy
I emailed IMG Exec Director (and ESPN analyst) David Thorpe about this photo of Thomas and Deng at the academy asking about their relative height. He graciously replied with more information than I asked for , detailing their experience there, and said I could share it with you all here.…
June 26, 2008, 05:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
NBA Draft: Live Blog
Reporter Rick Bonnell will be available today from 1-2 p.m. to discuss tonight's NBA draft and answer reader questions. Just write your question or comment in the comment section below.
June 26, 2008, 05:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Assessing the value of Hinrich, Gordon, etc.
[From the FanPosts. A must-read when it comes to thinking about a future Bulls backcourt. -ed] With the all the arguing over whether to keep Gordon or Hinrich or both. And with Derrick Rose potentially altering a backcourt that has been essentially the same for four seasons, I thought it…
June 26, 2008, 05:00 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Vinny's verbal seduction
It was only a press conference, but in the scope of what a coach can say about this team, Vinny Del Negro nailed it. He said the Bulls would play at a quick pace yet emphasize defense, specifically mentioned Thabo, Noah, and Tyrus as players he was interested in while with the Suns front…
June 26, 2008, 04:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
At least there's no reasons to preemptively dislike the guy
That is, unless you're dead-set against a first-time head coach. And I'm not, not entirely. In some respects there's nothing wrong with jumping off the carousel of retreads, and go for no experience over bad experience. I thought that Flip was more than a retread, and Casey deserved…
June 26, 2008, 04:30 AM ET from Blog a Bull
'league sources': It's Del Negro
[From the Fanposts. I'm at the point where I won't believe it until there's a press conference. -ed.] According to Mike McGraw's sources : The Bulls have chosen Vinny Del Negro to be their new head coach, according to league sources I wonder what he said…
June 26, 2008, 04:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
No Doug Collins after all
[From the FanPosts. I wasn't completely against Collins, but him backing out sits fine. What doesn't is yet another public show of incompetence by the Bulls. Oh well, happy Friday everyone. -ed.] Looks like Doug Collins will not be the coach next year. Sez Collins: This is absolutely mutual.…
June 26, 2008, 04:00 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Dwane Casey is the new front-runner?
[From the FanPosts. Dwane Casey deserves a second chance somewhere, he 'coached up' some pretty bad Minnesota teams. But Flip coached them up even more. Still...I wouldn't be entirely against this, there isn't enough info on Casey to judge him either way, and he's certainly qualified.…
June 26, 2008, 03:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Beasley Beat, Rose Beat
BullsBeat 's Doug Thonus devotes a podcast to scouting each prospect. He does some work for Draft Express, so he had access to their video software (FYI, these were recorded before the measurements were released). I try not to pretend I'm a scout, but luckily for us, Doug is (or at least is…
June 26, 2008, 03:30 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Oh jeeeeeeez
Latest update of the never-ending coaching search: WSCR-AM (670) reported first and the Sun-Times confirmed that Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf wants to take as much time as he felt necessary to make sure he would be hiring Collins for the right reasons and not allow his close …
June 26, 2008, 03:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Beasley/Rose Draft Measurements Posted
[From the FanPosts. -ed.] Looks like what many of us have been waiting for us finally posted at Draft Express . Here's what we want: Michael Beasley measured at 6-7 without shoes, and 6-8 ¼ with. His wingspan in 7-0 ¼ and his standing reach is 8-11. He did fairly well in…
June 26, 2008, 03:00 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Waiting for the white smoke
That's for the pope, but this coaching search seems almost as important. Or at least as long. Or maybe the point is smoking must be involved: Contrary to a published report, Bulls general manager John Paxson never intended to talk to another former NBA coach about the job over the…
June 26, 2008, 02:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Pax can use his dawdling for good this time
Think Doug Collins minds if Paxson is still interviewing and not giving him a contract? Of course not, he's a friend of the organization! So who cares what the reports were. DetroitBadBoys speculates that Flip Saunders may get fired instead of heading into a 'lame duck' season. Hire that…
June 26, 2008, 02:30 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Draft Day Eve notes
The O'Neal - Ford deal is all but official Denver's pawned off their pick to the Bobcats Portland's trying to move up from #13 to #10 (Nets) I can only assume there will be a LOT more to come throughout Thursday. If you see something, create a fanshot or fanpost, and I'll give it front…
June 26, 2008, 02:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Q/A: Aran Smith of NBADraft.net - Science on the NBA Draft
As the 2008 Draft approaches tomorrow, GSOM friend Aran Smith from NBADraft.net has popped in to drop a few nuggets of science on our current roster, our potential picks, and the general perception of the available talent as a whole. Check him out and share your thoughts on what…
June 26, 2008, 02:00 AM ET from Golden State Of Mind
Exactly what did the Bobcats give up?
The Bobcats weren’t forthcoming in explaining how the future first-round pick they now owe the Denver Nuggets is protected. Fortunately, my friend Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News got the Nuggets to explain the terms: According to the Nuggets,...
June 26, 2008, 01:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
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