By John Gottlieb
The Phanatic Magazine
We here at The Phanatic have hypothesized about who the new players joining the Sixers will be on Thursday night, but here's how the rest of the league wil fare.
1) Portland – Greg Oden – Ohio State – This is the type of player that you build a team around and then dominate the rest of the league for years to come.
1) Portland – Greg Oden – Ohio State – This is the type of player that you build a team around and then dominate the rest of the league for years to come.
2) Seattle – Kevin Durant – Texas – Any other year Durant would be a clear-cut No. 1. He needs to put on weight before he can be a dominant NBA player. He’ll take longer to develop than most people think.
3) Atlanta – Al Horford – Florida – When you think of the National Champion Florida Gators you think of Joakim Noah’s energy and defense, Corey Brewer’s tenacity and willingness to take a big shot, Lee Humphrey’s range, and Taurean Green’s leadership. In no uncertain terms they would not be back-to-back champions without the physical prowess of Horford.
3) Atlanta – Al Horford – Florida – When you think of the National Champion Florida Gators you think of Joakim Noah’s energy and defense, Corey Brewer’s tenacity and willingness to take a big shot, Lee Humphrey’s range, and Taurean Green’s leadership. In no uncertain terms they would not be back-to-back champions without the physical prowess of Horford.
4) Memphis – Mike Conley Jr. – Ohio State – He’s coming out too early, but still has the most upside of any point guard in the draft. As long as the Grizzlies can find a way to keep Gasol and add another piece, Conley will thrive in the NBA.
5) Boston – Jeff Green – Connecticut – The Big East Player of the Year will stay in New England and try and turn the ship around in Beantown. He may not be enough to keep Paul Pierce from requesting a trade but he’ll be another young playmaker on the squad.
6) Milwaukee – Yi Jianlan – China – He’s listed as a center but doesn’t play with his back to the basket. He’s got good range for a seven-footer but may not be adept at making the three to play the four or have enough strength to play the five.
7) Minnesota – Corey Brewer – Florida – He showed the poise to be a very good player in the last two NCAA tourneys. He’s a fantastic defender but he must keep improving his offensive game.
8) Charlotte – Joakim Noah – Florida – He’ll be a decent role player but will never be an NBA superstar. He brings a ton of energy and cleans up on the boards, but his offense lacks something to be desired.
9) Chicago (from New York) – Spencer Hawes – Washington – The Bulls just keep going about their business and getting better and better each year. Hawes will be the true center that Chicago lacks. He’s got excellent hands but probably needs more schooling after one year at Washington.
10) Sacramento – Al Thornton – Florida State – He may be one of the most complete players in this draft. He’s got great size, runs the floor well and can defend. The only weakness to his game is his rebounding ability.
11) Atlanta (from Indiana) – Acie Law – Texas A&M – The Hawks desperately need a point guard and feel that Law isn’t that far of a drop-off from Conley. He’s got good ball-handling skills, wants to take the big shot and showed his leadership ability at Texas A&M. He needs to be more aggressive.
1 comment:
Milwaukee – Yi Jianlan – China – He’s listed as a center but doesn’t play with his back to the basket. He’s got good range for a seven-footer
I'm impressed that John Gottlieb has scouted and/or seen extensive footage of Yi.
Post a Comment