Serbia has a real prospect of intrigue...

And if you guessed that it has something to do with Basketball? You're right. But you don't know exactly the whats and whys.



The doughy faced guy watching the action is what I want to talk to you about. Now I know what you're thinking. He's a doughy faced Serbian, how can he be good at basketball. Why? Because he's just like Kevin Love.

Okay. Not just like Kevin Love. But he does bring a spectacular level of offense to the table. He's Milan Mavcan and he is a fat Hedo. He can send the ball out to start the break with the outlet pass. He has a crafty and efficent level of offense. He can put up the three. He can set screens. He has court vision.

In fact he can run the floor as well.

Maybe this is because I'm a sort of a fat guy. But you know what? I can see him as being a literary hoops fan's guy. It's a burly dude who can play like the point guard. He is the strangest tweener ever. If you look at his Z chart, he's a one and a two. But he's going to be a four.

I know, we may never see him here. But if and when he does get here? He's going to be a fun player to watch. And fun is good, yeah?

Yeah.

NBA in Brief...

So long as he doesn't play at being a lead guard? I have little problem with what happened with Brandon Jennings. I mean for those of you who don't know, he got into a swear-filled conversation with Joe Budden. And because it got on the Youtubes? There was a mini-controversy.

Outside of the naievte of someone who did not know that this was going to go out on the internet? The point guard is a lot like a quarterback. You want a point guard with swagger. You want a point guard who's not afraid to make the big play. I hope that Skiles doesn't break him. I really do.

And Yao's foot? It's not healing. Which is disaster for Houston, as well as the league. Houston's now in a holding pattern as Yao degenerates into the Chinese Peter Stormare. And the league loses an international icon.

I may have more posting to come. I may not. Back's killing me and I have things to do.

The Jamario Moon All-Stars 2K9

I pre-drafted this for last season, and it turns out I had a guy return to college and a guy get drafted. Stupid Daryl Morey reading my blog*! Anyway, considering I've developed a certain poor mans Bill Simmons quality about myself. I've decided I'm going to make with the gimmicks.

And as the rules go, I will make with the seven best undrafted free agents and tell you why they were passed up and why you need to keep your eyes forward on these guys.

Now seeing as Lee Cummard went back to school? He doesn't make it.

Ready?

Ready.

PG Aaron Jackson Duqusene
Why did he get passed on? You have to knock peoples socks off to be drafted as a mid-major or lower. You cannot be just be good.
Why is he someone to watch? It's as I've said, he's got the size to defend and great offensive creativity as well as body control.

SG Jerel McNeal Marquette
Why did he get passed on? A mixture of a seeming lack of upside and a real lack of size. He's a 6'3" senior and NBA GM's are idiots.
Why is he someone to watch? He has no weaknesses. He locks people down, generates steals, and can create his own shot. Clearly, he's no Christian Eyenga.

SF Diamon Simpson St. Mary's
Why did he get passed on? Because he's undersized at a smaller school.
Why is he someone to watch? You know why.

PF Alade Aminu Georgia Tech
Why did he get passed on? Because his basketball IQ is weaksauce.
Why is he someone to watch? But he's dominant in a pick and roll system. Great athleticism, and ability to run and jump. I mean, you have a four who can slash? It's a marketable skill.

C Tony Gaffney UMass
Why did he get passed on? He's 24, and built like a small forward.
Why is he someone to watch? But like Simpson, he creates defensive chaos. Lots of rebounds, lots of blocked shots. And he can lock it down on the perimeter.

Dionte Christmas SG Temple
Why did he get passed on? Because he can't create his own shot.
Why is he someone to watch? Because I disqualified Lee Cummard, and every team needs a bomber off the bench.

Josh Heyvelt C Gonzaga
Why did he get passed on? Psychotropic substances.
Why is he someone to watch? He can finish around the basket, rebound and hit the occasional 3. So he's got a marketable skill.

Now, like last year, I'm sure these names will be a majority of Euro stars. But you know what? This will be a reader participation. If you have someone who you thinks going to come out of nowhere.

Bring the comments.

You will have a good day tomorrow.

Cake Rocks The Liveblog

Trust me. I will bring the thunder.

The Can't Sleep Clowns Will Eat Me NBA Ramble...

As I sit and wonder if we can't get Matt Harpring's unguaranteed contract for Ridnour and a future consideration. (Answer? Yes.) I look and see all sorts of possibilites for the draft.

Shaquille O' Neal is a Cavalier. And if the Cavaliers follow the Phoenix playbook in terms of keeping him healthy? It's a good gamble to make. But there is a real chance that this is Hakeem in Toronto or Ewing in Seattle.

But good for Stephen A. to break this story! Redemption is only two scoops away!

If 1-3 turns out to be Griffin, Thabeet, Rubio? Jonny Flynn will be playing the part of Russell Westbrook in this morality play.

Adrian Wojanarski is saying that Scott Skiles is lobbying the Bucks to draft Brandon Jennings at 10. Remarkably smart by Skiles, but could Jennings play at Stevie Franchise and Starbury and clown the team that for which that drafts them.

And if Flynn, Jennings, or Hill doesn't make the pick at 10? A potential deal down into Maynor land and a future pick would be nice. Okay, enough about the Bucks. Because clearly, nobody on a blog can talk up the Bucks. Nice work Shoals, 20 minutes of gutpunch was nice to promote.

Fast risers: Jonny Flynn, Omri Casspi.

Like I said before, Jrue Holiday is going to be a mistake draft choice.

Over under on trades made? 7.5

Brandon Jennings is 17th in Draft Express' latest mock draft. Wow.

I will say this now, if Jack McClinton gets selected by the Suns? He will have a great career.

But Jerel McNeal is being looked at too low.

Meh. I shouldn't listen to the DOC if I want my momentum stopped. Sorry.

Oh look, an NBA mock draft...

Now these have a tendency to be like darts. I mean, I can see good things out of this years class even if no one else can. But I'm not claiming expertise at least not here. Last year I knew a dude who worked for the Nets. This year? Nothing.

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin PF Oklahoma

Now he's the best mixture of polish and potential on a team that will be two deep at the 4 and the 5. But that's okay, he'll be arrested for murdering Alex Acker in a hazing incident gone wrong. Only? Acker's not dead. And he's coming for Chris Kaman and Z-Bo. It's Clip Joint. Rated R.

2. Memphis Grizzlies: Tyreke Evans PG/SG Memphis

Thabeet and Rubio do not want this. Blake Griffin is gone. Jordan Hill is a pick that inspires nothing. James Harden is a better choice, but come on. This will be a naked attempt to sell tickets. The Grizz have problems. And going local will only exacerbate it.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden SG Arizona State

He has the highest floor of anybody in this draft. There's already a lot to like with his game. And unlike Thabeet, he'll fit into what's trying to be built here. In fact? If not for the circumstances of their trip to Oklahoma City? This would be a good team to bandwagon.

4. Sacramento Kings: Ricky Rubio PG DKV Joventut

They never thought Tha Beet would be available to them, but after some discussion, they decide to go after the potentially transcendant talent...

5. Washington Wizards: Hasheem Thabeet C UConn

Which gives the Wizards a passable core...if Gilbert Arenas stays healthy.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves: Stephen Curry SG Davidson

They're going to follow the same school as last year. Kevin Love was far from a sure thing going in, and he worked out, right? Right. So there you go.

7. Golden State Warriors: Jrue Holiday PG UCLA

Not just for the transcendant athleticism. Golden State wish Monta Ellis would simply drop dead. But someobody has to have the balls to make a pick for a player that doesn't want to be there. Hi. Meet the new Jrue.

8. New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings PG Italy

They only way a team can screw it up here at this point? Draft Jrue Holiday. I'm not saying he's going to be a bad player. I'm just saying that Brandon Jennings has that potential to be special. He doesn't have to start this season either. But if D'Antoni gets to work with Jennings? Wow.

9. Toronto Raptors: Demar DeRozan SG USC

He may not want to be there, but he is the Spinner that the Toronto Raptors DeGrassi needs. They need a creative wing with good length. It doesn't get better than this No Limit Soldier.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Jordan Hill PF Arizona

Because. I'm drafting here.

11. New Jersey Nets: Terrence Williams SG/SF Louisville

There's a lot to like with a wing of his caliber. Defensive toughness, can hit the three. Athleticism that will allow him to make the sexy action sports news team highlight show. You put him at the three and good things happen.

12. Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson SG Duke

Jordan woke up, saw the best 2-guard available on draft express and said? Done.

13. Indiana Pacers: Jonny Flynn SG Syracuse

Every year, you see a great talent fall toward the end of the lottery. My guess, it's going to be Jonny Flynn. The Pacers get a Grangeresque steal.

14. Phoenix Suns: James Johnson SF/PF Wake Forest

An active defender who can create his own shot and play both the three and the four? He won't be Shawn Marion, but he will make a matrix move or two. And when the team goes small? There can be a direct-to-video sequel of Seven Seconds or less.

15. Detroit Pistons: Austin Daye PF Gonzaga

My gut says they get the Israeli wing Omri Casspi, but then I thought, they could get a starter worthy point at the early parts of round 2. And this is a team that loves the Anthony Randolph-sized 3. And they could get a point and more low post tough with their early 2's.

16. Chicago Bulls: DeJuan Blair PF Pittsburgh

The knees blunt his position. But in the world of the John Hollinger? Blair is the greatest prospect ever. Boards and efficient offense. It's what the Bulls need down low.

17. Philadelphia 76ers: Ty Lawson PG UNC

And we start the run on the proverbial second tier with the point guard who won UNC the national title. They can't afford Andre Miller, so they rebuild it here.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves: Earl Clark PF Louisville
(from Miami)

Worst case scenario, he's a rotational Hakim Warrick. Or a Corey Brewer who can put points on the board. Either or. If a team wants to deal down, the T-Wolves will be willing to listen.

19. Atlanta Hawks: Eric Maynor PG VCU

Never mind the Bibby, here comes a Maynor upgrade at the point. They don't need to live in the shadow of Mike Bibby anymore. He may not be the player who puts them over the top. But he is made of leadership. He will make them better.

20. Utah Jazz: Tyler Hansbrough PF UNC

Both for the fact they'll need an energy power forward and won't expect him to be spectacular, as well as the fact that it's a white guy in Utah. That's just hilarious.

21. New Orleans Hornets: Jeff Teague PG Wake Forest

Hear me out. The Hornets strength was Jannero Pargo in 2008. They need a back-up to keep CP3 from dying, and while B.J. Mullens has strong upside potential. Jeff Teague is a stealthy protectionate for CP3. And if you want to start the next rebuild you do it here.

22. Dallas Mavericks: B.J. Mullens C Ohio State

Re-up Kidd and get a potential low-post scorer. Why? Because Erick Dampier is crap. And Kidd knows that he isn't going to be around long term. He'll play hard at least for this season. Darren Collison would be strong here, but B.J. Mullens has end of lottery upside.

23. Sacramento Kings: Sam Young SF/PF Pittsburgh
(from Houston)

The Kings could use some real low-post help. Sam Young is more of a Posey 4 than a Chuck Hayes 4. But you know James Posey 4's have good value. Affable, with a hint of cedar. And they can get the low post 4 at 31.

24. Portland Trail Blazers: Derrick Brown PF Xavier

A small forward with good offensive skills? Yes!

25. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jonas Jerebeko SF/PF Italy
(from San Antonio)

The Swedish Varejao deepens the low post rotational skills and will make Scott Brooks happy with his intangibles. So yeah.

26. Chicago Bulls Chase Budinger SG/SF Arizona
(from Denver through Oklahoma City)

The Bulls need a scoring wing. And so long as it's a kick-out or a pick and roll? Budinger makes Chicago happy. Except for the Jewish community. Dan Filowitz will be outraged. Or not. He doesn't care about the drafts.

27. Memphis Grizzlies Jon Brockman PF Washington
(from Orlando)

They will regret the availibility of Darren Collison. As they cannot use Tyreke Evans at the three. They will find an undersized four who can win the putback race.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves Darren Collison PG UCLA
(from Boston)

This is a win for the Timberwolves. They get Collison as a one, they can move Curry into the myth of the Dwyane Wade 2. And the team gets an A+. Bill Simmons will piss on this draft.

29. Los Angeles Lakers: Omri Casspi SF Tel Aviv

Considering what they need? Casspi allows for them not to have to overpay for Ariza. Not that Ariza is a bad player? Just that the savvy play is to take Casspi. Or not. It's 4:15 A.M. I shouldn't be doing this.

30. Cleveland Cavaliers: Marcus Thornton SG LSU

You have a guy who took the offense of a second round NCAA Tournament team on his back. All he has to do is be the third option here. He can do that.

And I am spent. Why did I do this. Because I love you.

NBA Draft Dumpster Diving...The Fours.

Image by jeffbalke via Flickr

To complete my sleeper hunt series in the NBA draft, I will take a look at the fours. In which I will break the walls down and show you the four archetypes of the potential sleeper power forward, and fit most of them in the box. There's a couple of dudes who break the frames. They will be broken down further.

1) The Chuck Hayes.

The Chuck Hayes is the man who provides undersized boards and blocks and a grit and determination that will lead old school people who hate sports to think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. But since Chuck Hayes didn't lead the Rockets to beat the Lakers? Not so much.

Potential Chuck Hayes?
Jeff Adrien UConn
Diamon Simpson St. Mary's
Tony Gaffney UMass

Variant Cover: Chuck Hayes
Chris Johnson LSU (Because while he does have the required height to be a 4, dude's positively Keith Closs in terms of frame.)
Jon Brockman Washington (He can make a living off of the second chance basket for all of the rebounds that he can generate.)

Personally, some team somewhere is going to find a lot of use for Simpson. His strength is in generating defensive chaos. And if a seemingly out there pick like Luc Mbah a Moute can have success based on the Chuck Hayes ethic? I can see Simpson surprising someone as a relatively high draft choice.

2) The Tyrus Thomas

You have seen moments of the explosive with a player like this, but they live in the phylum of "run and jump energy guy." They have all the upside in the world, but one in a hundred scratch the surface of their tools. But if they are European and you have a late second round pick? It may be worth paying the cost.

Potential Tyrus Thomas?
Vitor Faverani Brazil
Alade Aminu Georgia Tech
Henk Norel Spain

The slight variants to Tyrus Thomas lead to a whole new archetype. The last two sentences of this archetpe preclude me from talking to you about the Euro-Brazilians. (Though Faverani could roll up and be great when he's ready to hit stateside.) But Alade? Alade was in a system that criminally miused his talents. He's a guy who can murder you in a pick and roll system. Paul Hewitt didn't use the system by any stretch.

3) The Drew Gooden

The variant to the Tyrus Thomas is the Drew Gooden. Why? Because while Tyrus Thomas has the greatness in moments, Gooden will show off with the great games. He will also have the games of the 4 points and 5 rebound set. Inconsistency is the watchword with a Drew Gooden type. The spirit song for their coaches? Something from REO Speedwagon. Riding the Storm Out is too on the nose.

Potential Drew Goodens?
Leo Lyons Missouri

The Variant Cover Drew Goodens
Brandon Costner N.C. State
Nemanja Aleksandrov Russia

The variant cover is for the player who had a sustained fit of brilliance, but with either circumstance (Costner) or injury (Aleksandrov) making what they once were something that may never some back again. You likely are never going to see these two make the league. But a baseball principle still applies here. Once a player shows a skill, it does not disappear.

4) The Kurt Thomas

The jack of all trades and master of none. These guys bring a little of a lot to the table. Their love of How Stella Got Her Groove Back may vary, but their massive array of solid does not wax or wane. The upside? They'll be solid starters for six seasons, and character bench guys for a decade thereafter.

Potential Kurt Thomas?
Kevin Rogers Baylor
Gary Wilkinson Utah State
Ahmad Nivins St. Joesph's
Dante Cunningham Villanova
Taj Gibson USC
Jeff Pendergraph Arizona State

Obviously, this list is in order from least likely to most likely. Not to say that I don't like Kevin Rogers. I mean, he was Jeff Pendergraph as Jeff Pendergraph was being Jeff Pendergraph, I'm merely saying that Rogers or Ahmad Nivins won't get the shot that a Taj Gibson would. And that's kind of malaise inducing. Kind of.

Anyway, this leaves a couple of prospects who have enough of a potential interest that they fit into a different sort of archetype. Or may be able to graduate from it.

We start with...

Derrick Brown Xavier
6'7" 225

He's got a skill set more along the lines of a Michael Redd when he graduated from Ohio State than your average power forward. After all, you're looking at a man who really does not have a defesive position right now. His strength is in his length and atleticism. And why I'm comparing him to Michael Redd is because his offense isn't there yet, but it's developing. I mean, he did hit 43% of all his threes. If he keeps practicing he will make the above-average occasional All-Star tier on a bad team and become overpaid.

DeMarre Carroll Missouri
6'8" 225

He probably belongs in the Tyrus Thomas phylum. Moments of brilliance in a high energy package. But you know what? You have a very active defender. He used his system to be as chaotic as a Gerald Wallace/Josh Smith bringer of chaos. But he also takes good care of the ball and can hit a jumper. This may just be my gut instinct. The whole hear me now and believe me later sort of a deal. But I think he will bring swagger. I think people will sing hosannas about his skills.

This is a draft class that's going to surprise you. I can see sleepers for miles and miles. I went a little different here because it's all good. The circle of sleeper hunt is complete.

Please read me.

Story time with The Grand National Championships...

Funny story, I was asked last June to be link buddies with Slam Online. It's true. Someone in the Nets organization liked a post I did and sent me something they overheard. And I scopped Adrian Wojanarski. Really.

I was still not depressed by the tremendous fuck-up that I made by going to Blogger yet. It explains things. I had fire and piss and vinegar. Instead of this ennui that for which I have now. But you know what?

I made a mistake. A terrible mistake. The first post that got linked, was my list of top 25 free agents in the NBA for that season. If perfect is the enemy of done, this was the exception that proved the rule. I made several mistakes and several bad calls. In effect, it was roundly mocked, and deservedly so.

Why am I going off and giving you a "cool story, bro?" Because let's be honest. My largest blogging mistake, and I have made a few. It was not nearly as incompetent as the way an NBA crew runs the game. Imagine if the Cavs went up 2-1? What would the moment that changed the game have been?

Gold star if you thought about Howard's clean block of James that turned out to be a three shot foul. Not to say that the Cavaliers don't have larger problems than the fact the referees want to control the game with an iron fist. But this has the potential to be a fanmaking series.

Two games that literally came down to the last moment, and on a holiday Sunday, we all know people are watching. This probably had good ratings at least through the first first two 15 minute markers. But as the Brewers got beat down? I had no other option. I went to a game where it was essentially threes and fouls, most of them for even considering playing defense on LeBron.

Unwatchable. I mean, these are supposed to be the referees that are the cream of the crop, right? And they call a game with 86 free throws. It's days like this where I wish I stayed not watching basketball.

Now, as one who enjoyed the duel between David Holston and Ryan Toolson.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Matt Caputo write a pretty impressive article on the state of independent basketball. I know I'm not normally one to exchange links with people unless it's something that's been linked previously or ever. I don't do tips very well. But this article is a must read.

Independents Day.

DO IT! DO IT NOW!

The 30 in 30 for the Heat?

Michael Beasley makes Shawn Marion obsolete. And that is why the Heat cannot contend this year.

Wade is injury prone, and every other star is flaky and mercurial.

But when Hasheem Thabeet and Lamar Odom come to play? They will be swagger and boom. So come back next year. That's when they rise up and kick a little ass in the USA.

30 in 30? The Charlotte Bobcats.

Meh. Alexis Ajinca is intriguing. But unless Adam Morrison and Sean May can show something? It's another year in the wilderness.

30 in 30? The New Orelans Hornets.

Chris Paul became a basketball Jesus during last season's magical semifinal run.

But you know what? That's not why we're here. We're here for James Posey!

His veteran intangibles will come off the bench and save the world. In fact? His veteran intangibles are going to do what Drew Brees and Reggie Bush could never do.

They're winning it all. Because James Posey just does that.

30 in 30? The Houston Rockets!

Between them and the Trail Blazers, there is no other team that's going to get themselves a bandwagon jumper. But there's real reason to like the Rockets.

Ron Artest brings the I'm Gonna Kill You swagger. Yao and T-Mac bring the soft, injury-prone superstardom. Shane Battier is the intangible play. Skip to my Lou and the Franchise bring nickname magic to the point. Luther Head brings a silly last name and three point bombery.

And lest we forget? Carl Landry. He's a well-loved reserve! Luis Scola. HE'S FROM ARGENTINA!

Seriously. This team has a bit of a swagger. It's a return to innocence in Houston.

30 in 30: Cleveland Cavaliers?

Do they have enough behind LeBron? No.

30 in 30: Jazzamaphones.

If the city voted just above a Chinese prison for its special dissidents is going to the finals? It has to be this year. Their starting five is great. You know they're great.

But the bench? The bench is more than mere spare parts.

Kyle Korver is a gunner.
Morris Almond killed it in the D-League.
Matt Harpring is guts and nuts.
Paul Millsap is the reason why people shouldn't fear Boozer leaving.
Kosta Koufos is a Memhet Okur clone. It's the right team for him.

Oh? And did we mention C.J. Miles has bills-paying skills.

They may not go to the finals, but somebody's got a tough out to get past them.

30 in 30: Golden State

Monta Ellis got his shit rocked by a moped. Chris Mullin is getting hit with the squeeze play. Marcus Williams is forced into proving the draft condoscenti right in reference to his draft stealery. But the question?

Is there hope in San Fran? Yes.

1. They drafted spectacularly.

In theory, anyway. Anthony Randolph has shown an ability to be spectacular in flashes. And he may be more than mere projectable upside. And Richard Hendrix has an opportunity to be more than Paul Millsap. This may be a fluke, I mean the two years previous have not brought much than motivation for Anthony Randolph and a guy I get confused for Kids in the Hall Writer Paul Bellini.

2. They may just let Jackson play for the contract and then get out.

I mean, they have Auzibuke and Magette in year one of the contact, right? Why extend a headcase like Steven Jackson? But they might. And if they do? Disregard this message.

3. Don Nelson is a drunken genius.

He'll get this team interesting by March.

30 Previews in 30 Hours? The Fighting McCain/Palins...

Honestly, there are plenty of similarities between the Dallas Mavericks and John McCain. They were more popular in the early parts of the decade. Everybody loved the 2000 Dallas Mavericks, amirite?

Anyway, they stopped being revolutionary, and they moved closer to their base, and then the "big bold move?" It exploded in their face.

That being said? There is some hope for the old warhorses. If Rick Carlisle doesn't attempt to murder Josh Howard for his eccentricities? This is still a team with a pretty solid rotation.

Kidd/Terry/Howard/Nowitzki has a window of opportunity that's closing fast however. And if Howard or Nowitzki get hurt? This team could disappear fast. But yet? This is an on paper playoff team.

30 previews in 30 Hours: Pacers.

The team that has decided to become a more "character based" entity has a problem. Why? Because they are not willing to commit to Danny Granger. Which if you think about it? It's kind of bullshit. Why? Because it's a walk year.

This means Granger is going to play to win the contract. This means Mike Dunelavy is going to be upset. This means Granger leaves Indiana. All because they wouldn't extend him.

Am I calling Larry Bird a racist? Maybe...

The Chcago Bulls 30 in 30?

The Good: They have Derrick Rose and his tremendous upside potential. There is a good team in between all of the spare parts. Vinny Del Negro looks like Luke Wilson if he had down syndrome. And there is a good team here amongst the parts.

The Bad: That being said? The window of opportunity for this team slammed shut when Paxson refused to trade three of his parts for Kobe.

The Ugly: Ben Gordon may be the leading scorer again. After that offseason? That's no good.

Final Analysis: They'll contend with the Bucks for the cellar.

The Toronto Raptors 30 in 30?

The Raptors are built for speed. They do not have the strongest and toughest frontcourt. But they are built for speed.

Put it another way? They've got the frontcourt case of the Clippers. If Jermaine O'Neal can bring it to the shorties for 75 games? They've got a good shot at the conference semifinals.

That is, if Yi doesn't punch out Jose Calderon Kermit Washingon style.

Dun dun dunnnh?