Bilas calls Stuckey a poor man's D-Wade
Sports writer Vince Ellis takes in the first round of tonight's NBA draft from the best seat in the house -- the Free Press' TV room. He even has TiVo.
And we're done for the first
30. Philadelphia: G Petteri Koponen, Finland
And on that note the first round ends. We are going to still be here in cyberspace to comment on Pistons' second-round pick and if any local players are picked.
Stay tuned.
29. Phoenix: F Alando Tucker, Wisconsin
He got into the first round, but not a lot of upside. He scored big in college, but he will struggle against NBA defenders. But if he can find a niche, it would be with the free-flowing Suns.
Champs know what they're doing
28. San Antonio, F Tiago Splitter, Brazil
Be afraid folks because the Spurs get the whole idea of picking foreigners. They always get good value for these picks. He was projected as a lottery pick for some of the earlier mock draft projections.
Our Pistons insider Krista Jahnke says he will be stashed overseas, but when he comes he will likely be a player.
And he will automatically be an annual member of the NBA's all-name team.
More guards!
27. Detroit: G Arron Afflalo, UCLA
A bit of a reach here. He had a very good career, but I remember him struggling to get a shot off against the defense of Corey Brewer in the NCAA championship game two seasons ago. He needs screens to get his shot, but again every pick at this point is a crapshoot, although I would have liked to see the Pistons take USC point guard Gabe Pruitt here.
Bilas on Afflalo: He is big. He is strong. He is physical. A very good defender. He has a good midrange shot and he is a winner. He lit up a terrific defender in Brandon Rush when they played Kansas in the NCAAs. He's really, really solid. I like Arron Afflalo very, very much.
26. Houston: G Aaron Brooks, Oregon
This guy can play. He can score on anybody and defenders will struggle staying in front of him. But Houston needs help of front, so I question the wisdom of the pick.
Almond joy
25. Utah: Morris Almond, Rice
OK, this guy is off to a bad start since he went to Rice, that bastion of great athletes.
But he is going to be playing for one of the best coaches in the game, so he should be OK when Jerry Sloan gets a hold of him.
Foreign intrigue
24. Phoenix: G Rudy Fernandez, Spain
Are there any bad foriegn players accord to Fran Fraschilla. Sorry folks, but I don't get a chance to watch much European basketball.
Wouldn't it be cool to see a highlight package of a guy flubbing a lay-up? Or missing a dunk? Or getting taken off the dribble and getting posterized?
Not good for the career, but it would be entertaining.
Side note: Only fellow Dookie Jay Bilas would find worth in the worthless game of Josh McRoberts.
Benton Harbor product lands in NY
23. New York: F Wilson Chandler, DePaul
This secret wasn't very well kept since most mock drafts had him going here. Zeke does know what he is doing when it comes to drafting players. I told a couple of friends that Balkman would be a solid player when the Knicks took him last year and he was.
Chandler is a native of the "Harbor" and former Mr. Basketball.
Dudley do right
22. Charlotte: F Jared Dudley, Boston College
Not a very athletic player, but he busts his tail. I don't think he is really a first-round talent, but all picks are kind of crapshoots now.
Side note: Who cares what Spike Lee thinks? Has he made a relevant movie since "Do the Right Thing."
Wade's sidekick?
21. Philadelphia: Daequan Cook, Ohio State
This guy should have stayed in school, but he is talented. He came out like a house on fire for the Buckeyes last season, but tailed off.
He is going to the Heat in a trade, so he is another guy the Heat will stash on the bench and will be a part of the transition from the Shaq era to the All-Wade era.
Meet Shaq's new whipping boy
20. Miami: C Jason Smith, Colorado State
This guy has some talent, but he will be practice fodder for Shaq and Zo. Guess the Heat will stash him on the bench and hope it has something when Shaq and Zo retire to the Big Man's Old Folks Home.
Side note: Will they leave the Kobe Bryant story alone? Get back to us when you have some real news there. But attack dog, er, reporter Jim Gray is grilling Kupchak.
No confidence vote?
19. Los Angeles Lakers, G Javaris Crittenton, Georgia Tech
Another point guard? The Los Angeles Lakers aren't showing a lot of confidence in last year's first-round pick Jordan Farmar.
Side note: Someone tell Stephen A. to stop shouting!!!!!
And he is wrong about this draft. This draft is as good as the 2003 draft of LeBron, D-Wade and Darko. (Checking to see if you are paying attention).
The Italian job
18. Golden State: G Marco Belinelli, Italy
Who?
The Warriors could have used a post presence, but there really were no ready-to-go post men out there.
Golden State was a nice story, but I don't think they will even make the playoffs next season.
Taking a risk
17. New Jersey, F/C Sean Williams, Boston College
I wonder about taking a guy with documented "issues."
But I will say this: He is a spectacular shot-blocker and he is a factor as a rebounder.
If this gamble pays off, the Nets will get a solid interior player. This gamble might have paid off more for the Wizards at No. 16.
He could've been a Piston
16. Washington: G Nick Young, USC
I would have rolled with this guy, but I will admit I've seen Young several times -- unlike Stuckey.
I remember watching Young and his fellow Trojans get up and down the floor when they almost ran the Tar Heels out of the gym in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAAs.
And former Spartan Zach Randolph goes East. And with Zach Randolph you got to figure the Knicks are in the playoffs in the weak East.
And the Pistons pick ...
15. Detroit: G Rodney Stuckey, Eastern Washington
It's no secret the Pistons need to get more athletic and they say this guy fits the bill. But I'm not going to sit here and break down this kid's game because I've never seen him play. You get honesty here.
Jay Bilas on Stuckey: Kind of a poor man's Dwyane Wade. He is athletic as all get out. A guy that can go and get his own shot. Really struggled to knock down perimeter shots. He gets steals, but he's not the kind of guy that guards his man. Needs to improve defensively. He's solid.
Stuckey on facing idol Dwyane Wade: It's going to be hard but at the same time I'm out there competing just like he is.
Sports writer Vince Ellis takes in tonight's NBA draft from the best seat in the house -- the Free Press' TV room. He even has TiVo.
Off the board
14. Los Angeles Clippers: F Al Thornton, FSU
I actually talked to this guy last season while working on a feature about a player from Detroit playing at Florida State.
He was a cool dude and has a cool game.
He attacks the basket and plays above the rim. This guy probably was a top 10 player.
Now the Pistons are up.
Is it Nick Young? Rodney Stuckey? Someone else?
Wright choice could help Pistons
13. New Orleans: F Julian Wright, Kansas
An athletic player, but the pick was Al Thornton. Maybe he will fall to the Pistons?
But a player from Kansas has good pedigree, but he has a lot to work on. He can't shoot a lick.
Trendy among youths
12. Philadelphia: F Thaddeus Young, Georgia Tech
A raw player, but now's a good time to talk about Stern's rule against high school players going straight to the pros.
What good does the rule do when six of the first 12 players are college freshmen?
What educational mission is served here? Do you really think Kevin Durant and Oden wouldn't have been solid contributors last season in the NBA?
And why doesn't anyone have a problem with teens playing professionally in tennis, golf or Olympic sports?
Think about it folks.
Welcome to hoops hell, Mr. Law
11. Atlanta: G Acie Law IV, Texas A&M
The first senior selected and a good one. The Pistons didn't work him out, but he would have been perfect for them. (Remember how the Pistons couldn't get into their offense when Chauncey went to the bench against Cleveland?)
But he is going to a wasteland. ESPN reported tonight that the Hawks held up the Amare-K.G. deal? How can you not move Heaven and Earth not to get Stoudemire?
Law is doomed to watch the lottery every season, hoping for a savior that isn't going to come.
Big project
10. Sacramento: C Spencer Hawes, Washington
A project. He has good offensive skills and he has an upside. I'm thinking Rik Smits, but he is a good 3-4 seasons from that.
The Kings will be back here next year.
Soon to be a Pistons fan favorite
9. Chicago: F Joakim Noah, Florida
Here goes. I ain't got nothing with the free spirit thing. But a bow tie?
Whenever you can compare a look to Pee-Wee Herman, it's not a good thing.
But Chicago gets deeper. Joakim Noah is an athletic forward who will provide energy off the bench. Think Dennis Rodman in his first few years with the Pistons.
But his game has limitations.
I don't know if he will ever be an offensive factor because he has one of the ugliest jump shots ever.Dr. Naismith cringes in his grave everytime Joakim Noah lets fly.
But with him and Tyrus Thomas coming off the Bulls bench, you will see some highlights. That is if Thomas doesn't make the jump into the starting lineup.
Sleeper pick
8. Charlotte: F Brandan Wright, North Carolina
M.J. understands ticket sales. That's why he got the guy just two hours up the road in Chapel Hill.
I agree with commentator Jay Bilas when he calls him "a steal" here. He's a great athlete that flies up and down the floor.
This guy has as much upside as anybody in the draft -- including Oden and Kevin Durant.
Somebody wipe the drool of Stuart Scott's mouth getting to interview another Tar Hell.
Another Florida guy
7. Minnesota: F Corey Brewer, Florida
Love this guy's all-around game. People compare him to Josh Howard, but I'm thinking more of a Scottie Pippen clone.
You know this guy is a winner since he was the backbone of the back-to-back Gators.
Although again, I would have rolled with Wright here.
First draft shocker
6. Milwaukee: F Yi Jianlian, China
What are the Bucks thinking?
When I see this cat, I see Darko or that stiff the Nuggets picked a few years ago.
Everybody is looking for the next Dirk Nowitzki, but he showed his softness this year in the playoffs.
The smart pick would have been Brandan Wright and you have a nice inside guy to go along with Andrew Bogut.
And I would have been turned off by "Yi's people" telling me not to draft him.
Glad to see he has already gotten the star treament - attending the premieres for "The Pirates of the Carribean" and "Shrek 3."
Poor Danny Ainge
5. Boston: F Jeff Green, Georgetown
He is going to Seattle with Ray Allen headed to Boston.
I'm not a big fan of Green. Good passer, but I think he could use some work as a ball-handler.
But a dynamite passer so he might work well with Kevin Durant.
But I would have went with Brandan Wright as a nice inside complement to Kevin Durant.
And now the Celtics have Allen.
What is Danny Ainge doing up there?
The Buckeyes' best
4. Memphis: G Mike Conley Jr., Ohio State
This guy was the best pure basketball player for the Buckeyes last season. There were times Oden would be saddled with foul trouble and Conley would carry OSU.
His game is very similar to Tony Parker in that he can get to the basket at will and can finish with either hand.
Gotta love the handkerchief in the coat pocket look.
Grand Ledge product finds a home
3. Atlanta: F Al Horford, Florida.
I saw this cat play at Grand Ledge a few years ago and I was not thinking future No. 3 pick.
I was thinking, “This guy is a Division I prospect?”
But by the time I saw him as a freshman at Florida, I was convinced this guy had a future.
And during the Gators’ first title run – while everybody else was gushing over Joakim Noah – I was feeling Horford’s game. I think he has the potential to be a 15-10 guy for the next 10 years.
Now I actually agree with some of the ESPN talking heads that if I were the Hawks, I would have rolled with Mike Conley Jr.
No surprise at No. 2
2. Seattle: F Kevin Durant, Texas
Now the Sonics get Kevin Durant – a nice consolation prize.
I remember sitting on the coach and watching him work over the Big 12.
He has a freakish wingspan, can go left or right and can post up.
Seattle has an offensive machine. When he bulks up, he will challenge for the NBA scoring title on a yearly basis.
Now a side note: Glad to see Kevin Durant and Oden went with the understated, yet classy looks with the suits. No Huggy Bear from “Starsky & Hutch” specials – yet.
Common sense prevails
1. Portland: C Greg Oden, Ohio State.
Glad to see the Trail Blazers come to their senses and realize that there was only one way to go with the first pick.
Watching Kevin Durant light up college basketball was a thing of beauty this season, but big men lead the way to championships.
Wilt, Russell, Walton, Kareem, Hakeem, Shaq, Duncan. Even the Bad Boys had Laimbeer as an interior presence.
Even Bird’s Celtics had Parrish and McHale. Even the Bulls, who won titles with the likes of Luc Longley and Bill Wennington manning the post, still had Horace Grant and Dennis Rodman providing solid interior play.
So the Blazers had to roll with Oden here.
What are the Blazers getting?
Oden is a dominant center who will have an immediate impact on the defensive end next season. He led the Buckeyes in scoring at 15.7 points per game last season while being limited to his left hand a good part of the season.
Put him down for 17 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots per game in a rookie of the year campaign.
And with a starting lineup of Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack and the reigning rookie of the year in Brandon Roy? (We are assuming Portland will trade former Spartan Zach Randolph).
You got something there. You got a playoff team.
Fashion no-no
Man, I am going to kill Joakim Noah when he rolls up to the podium in that bow tie.
Only Joakim Noah would go with such a dated look. Since when did he become a member of OutKast?
Great call to bring back Jalen Rose to comment on the suits at the end of SportsCenter. He had one of the all-time loudest attires with that red number back in the day.
Predraft prep
Here it is minutes before the start of TNT’s coverage of the NBA Draft and I gotta chime in on something Bill Simmons wrote over on the Worldwide Leader’s Web site.
Is it a good thing when it’s more fun talking about something than watching it?
I’ve been blowing the Freep’s cell minutes over the last few days with my peeps all over the country talking about Kobe Bryant, K.G. and the sorry state of the Celtics, Hawks and Timberwolves.
Flashback to the hard-to-watch NBA Finals between the Cavs and the Spurs. I gotta admit I didn’t watch one game in its entirety. (And when the choice was the “Sopranos” finale and Spurs-Cavs? Fuhgettaboutit!) And when the high point of your playoffs is a first-round upset, you are in trouble as a relevant sport.
Now I was sitting there with mouth firmly open watching LeBron go PlayStation on the Pistons in Game 5 like everybody else but most Cavs playoff games were filled with the following lines:
James misses a jumper.
Gooden blows a lay-up.
Hughes turnover.
Get the picture?
It might be time for the NBA to tinker with the rules again. And don’t fool with the three-point line.
Widen the three-second lane to the international game's distance and it would truly unclog the lane and make the game more free-flowing.
LeBron and D-Wade could get to the basket more freely and it would make for more entertaining basketball.
No need to thank me for the advice, Mr. Stern.
For the check, it’s spelled E-L-L-I-S.
Back in a few to kick off the draft.
Read more at the www.freep.com
