2016 NBA Mock Draft

With the current hype on the #NBAPlayoffs we can’t forget to keep our eyes on the 2016 NBA Draft prospects. I just love this time of the year. With so much talent coming out of the NCAA and select international teams, what is not exciting about finding out who our next generation of talented players will be in the 2016-17 NBA season?

Seems to me that this year the NBA had its eye on amping up the post game and bringing in some talented power forwards and centers.. what are your thoughts?

**Team needs have not been taken into account**

1. Philadelphia 76ers (10-72):  Brandon Ingram 6’9 SF Duke Freshmen. Averaged 17.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 22.9 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 36 games played.
2. Los Angeles Lakers (17-65): Ben Simmons 6’10 SF/PF LSU Freshmen. Averaged 19.2 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 4.8 APG, 29.7 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
3. Boston Celtics (21-61): Dragan Bender 7’1 PF Maccabi Tel Aviv International. Averaged 4.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.7 APG, 15.9 PER. 15-16 Israeli Euroleague Season 36 games played.
4. Phoenix Suns (23-59): Jaylen Brown 6’7 SF California Freshmen. Averaged 14.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 34 games played.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (29-53): Kris Dunn 6’4 PG Providence Junior. Averaged 16.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 6.2 APG, 23.5 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
6. New Orlean Pelicans (30-52): Jamal Murray 6’5 PG/SG Kentucky Freshman. Averaged 20.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 22.9 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 36 games played.
7. Denver Nuggets (32-50): Buddy Hield 6’4 SG Oklahoma Senior. Averaged 25.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 29.6 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 37 games played.
8. Sacramento Kings (33-49): Jakob Poeltl 7’1 C Utah Sophomore. Averaged 17.3 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 31.3 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
9. Toronto Raptors (33-49): Henry Ellenson 6’10 PF Marquette Freshman. Averaged 17.0 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 21.2 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
10. Milwaukee Bucks (33-49): Skal Labissiere 7’0 PF/C Kentucky Freshman. Averaged 6.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.3 APG, 18.8 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 36 games played.
11. Orlando Magic (35-47): Demetrius Jackson 6’1 PG Notre Dame Junior. Averaged 15.8 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.7 APG, 21.7 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
12. Utah Jazz (40-42): Timothy Luwawu 6’7 SG/SF Mega Leks International. Averaged 14.6 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 16.8 PER. 15-16 Adriatic Season 28 games played.
13. Phoenix Suns (from WAS 41-41): Deyonta Davis 6’10 PF/C Michigan St Freshman. Averaged 7.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.7 APG, 24.2 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
14. Chicago Bulls (42-40): Marquese Chriss 6’9 PF Washington Freshman. Averaged 13.8 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 22.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 34 games played.
15. Denver Nuggets (from HOU 41-41): Wade Baldwin 6’3 PG Vanderbilt Sophomore. Averaged 14.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.2 APG, 20.8 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
16. Boston Celtics (from DAL 42-40): Denzel Valentine 6’6 SG Michigan St Senior. Averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.8 APG, 30.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 31 games played.
17. Memphis Grizzles (42-40): Furkan Kormaz 6’7 SG Anadolu Efes International. Averaged 4.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.7 APG, 13.6 PER. 15-16 Turkish Euroleague Season 43 games played.
18. Detroit Pistons (44-38): Domantas Sabonis 6’10 PF/C Gonzaga Sophomore. Averaged 17.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 29.5 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
19. Denver Nuggets (from POR 44-38): Tyler Ulis 5’9 PG Kentucky Sophomore. Averaged 17.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 7.0 APG, 24.1 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
20. Indiana Pacers (45-37): Damian Jones 6’11 C Vanderbilt Junior. Averaged 13.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 23.5 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
21. Atlanta Hawks (48-34): Taurean Prince 6’7 SF Baylor Senior. Averaged 16.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 21.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
22. Charolette Hornets (48-34): Diamond Stone 7’0 C Maryland Freshman. Averaged 12.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 27.7 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 34 games played.
23. Boston Celtics (48-34): Ivica Zubac 7’1 C Mega Leks International. Averaged 8.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 0 APG, 26.9 PER. 15-16 Adriatic FIBA Europe Cup 7 games played.
24. Philadelphia 76ers (from MIA 48-34): Ante Zizic 6’11 C Cibona Zagreb International. Averaged 14.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 0.7 APG, 24.7 PER. 15-16 Adriatic FIBA Europe Cup, Croatia 41 games played.
25. Los Angeles Clippers (53-29): Stephen Zimmerman 7’0 C UNLV Freshman. Averaged 10.3 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 17.3 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 25 games played.
26. Philadelphia 76ers (from OKC 55-27): Zhou Qi 7’2 C Xinjiang International. Averaged 15.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 23.4 PER. 15-16 China Season 42 games played.
27. Toronto Raptors (56-26): Juan Hernangomez 6’9 SF/PF Estudiantes International. Averaged 9.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG,0.5 APG, 16.7 PER. 15-16 ACB Season 29 games played.
28. Phoenix Suns (from CLE 57-25): Malik Beasley 6’4 SG Florida St Freshman. Averaged 15.6 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 21.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 34 games played.
29. San Antonio Spurs (67-15): Petr Cornelia 6’11 PF Le Mans International. Averaged 8.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 0.3 APG, 17.7 PER. 15-16 French Eurocup 42 games played.
30. Golden State Warriors (73-9): DeAndre Bembry 6’6 SF Saint Josephs, Junior. Averaged 17.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 22.6 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 36 games played.
31. Boston Celtics (from PHI 10-72): Brice Johnson 6’9 PF North Carolina, Senior. Averaged 17.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 35.3 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 40 games played.
32. Los Angeles Lakers (17-65): Dejounte Murray 6’5 PG/SG Washington, Freshman. Averaged 16.1 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 17.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 34 games played.
33. Los Angeles Clippers (from BKN 21-61): Cheick Diallo 6’9 PF/C Kansas, Freshman. Averaged 3.0 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0 APG, 21.6 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 27 games played.
34. Phoenix Suns (23-59): Patrick McCaw 6’7 SG UNLV, Sophomore. Averaged 14.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.9 APG, 20.7 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 31 games played.
35. Boston Celtics (from MIN 29-53): Isaia Cordinier 6’5 SG Denain, International. Averaged 10.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.0 APG, 18.6 PER. 15-16 Hoop Summit, France 29 games played.
36. Milwaukee Bucks (from NOP 30-52): Melo Trimble 6’3 PG Maryland, Sophomore. Averaged 15.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 20.5 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
37. Houston Rockets (from NYK 32-50): Malcolm Brogdon 6’5 SG Virginia, Senior. Averaged 18.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.1 APG, 26.1 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 37 games played.
38. Milwaukee Bucks (33-49): A.J. Hammons 7’0 C Purdue, Senior. Averaged 15.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.1 APG, 31.3 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
39. New Orlean Pelicans (from DEN 33-49): Thon Maker 7’0 PF High School 19 yr old Senior.
40. New Orlean Pelicans (33-49): Paul Zipser 6’8 SF Bayern Muenchen, International. Averaged 7.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.4 APG, 17.6 PER. 15-16 German Euroleague Cup 49 games played.
41. Orlando Magic (35-47): Caris LeVert 6’7 PG/SG Michigan, Senior. Averaged 16.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.9 APG, 28.8 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 14 games played.
42. Utah Jazz (40-42): Wayne Selden 6’6 SG Kansas, Junior. Averaged 13.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 18.2 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 37 games played.
43. Houston Rockets (41-41): Malik Newman 6’4 PG/SG Mississippi St, Freshman. Averaged 11.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 13.1 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 28 games played.
44. Atlanta Hawks (from WAS 41-41): Gary Payton II 6’3 PG Oregon St, Senior. Averaged 16.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 26.0 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 31 games played.
45. Boston Celtics (from MEM 42-40): Jake Layman 6’9 SF Maryland, Senior. Averaged 11.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 19.3 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 35 games played.
46. Dallas Mavericks (42-40): Georgios Papagiannis 7’2 C Panathinaikos, International. Averaged 5.3 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 0.4 APG, 24.1 PER. 15-16 Euroleague Greek Season 27 games played.
47. Orlando Magic (from CHI 42-40): Jarrod Uthoff 6’9 SF/PF Iowa, Senior. Averaged 18.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG,1.1 APG, 27.5 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 33 games played.
48. Chicago Bulls (from POR 43-38): Prince Ibeh 6’11 C Texas, Senior. Averaged 4.1 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.1 APG, 15.1 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 32 games played.
49. Detroit Pistons (44-38): Dorian Finney-Smith 6’8 SF Florida, Senior. Averaged 14.7 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 2.1 APG, 22.4 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 36 games played.
50. Indian Pacers (45-37): Damion Lee 6’6 SF Louisville, Senior. Averaged 15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 20.4 PER. 15-16 NCAA Season 30 games played.

 

 

The Complete 16′-17′ NBA Free Agency List

With a massive amount of salary cap space coming for most teams… This should be an interesting July & at a team level, there’s a lot of intrigue. But it’s pretty difficult to get worked up about the actual available FA outside the top 25 that have been on the watch list for a couple years now…
ATLANTA HAWKS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Kent Bazemore
Kirk Hinrich
Kris Humphries
Al Horford

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Lamar Patterson
Dennis Schroder
Unrestricted
Kyle Korver
Paul Millsap (Player Option)
Mike Muscala
Mike Scott
Thabo Sefolosha
Tiago Splitter
Jeff Teague

BOSTON CELTICS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Jared Sullinger
Tyler Zeller
Unrestricted
Evan Turner

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Kelly Olynyk
Unrestricted
Jonas Jerebko
Amir Johnson

BROOKLYN NETS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Markel Brown
Shane Larkin (Player Option)
Willie Reed
Unrestricted
Wayne Ellington (Player Option)
Sergey Karasev
Thomas Robinson (Player Option)
Donald Sloan

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Bojan Bogdanovic
Unrestricted
Jarrett Jack

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Troy Daniels
Jorge Gutierrez
Unrestricted
Nicolas Batum
Tyler Hansbrough
Al Jefferson
Courtney Lee
Jeremy Lin (Player Option)
Marvin Williams

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Aaron Harrison
Cody Zeller
Unrestricted
Spencer Hawes (Player Option)

CHICAGO BULLS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Aaron Brooks
Pau Gasol (Player Option)
E’Twaun Moore
Joakim Noah

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Cameron Bairstow
Cristiano Felicio
Justin Holiday
Nikola Mirotic
Tony Snell
Unrestricted
Taj Gibson
Derrick Rose

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Matthew Dellavedova
Jordan McRae (Team Option)
Unrestricted
LeBron James (Player Option)
Richard Jefferson
James Jones
Timofey Mozgov
J.R. Smith (Player Option)
Mo Williams (Player Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Sasha Kaun
Unrestricted
None

DALLAS MAVERICKS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Dwight Powell
Unrestricted
Raymond Felton
David Lee
Dirk Nowitzki (Player Option)
Zaza Pachulia
Chandler Parsons (Player Option)
Charlie Villanueva
Deron Williams (Player Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Jeremy Evans
JaVale McGee

DENVER NUGGETS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Darrell Arthur (Player Option)
D.J. Augustin
Mike Miller

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Joffrey Lauvergne
JaKarr Sampson
Unrestricted
Danilo Gallinari (Player Option)

DETROIT PISTONS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Andre Drummond
Unrestricted
Steve Blake
Anthony Tolliver

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Reggie Bullock
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Spencer Dinwiddie
Unrestricted
Joel Anthony
Aron Baynes (Player Option)
Jodie Meeks

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Harrison Barnes
Ian Clark
Festus Ezeli
James Michael McAdoo
Unrestricted
Leandro Barbosa
Brandon Rush
Marreese Speights
Anderson Varejao

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Andrew Bogut
Stephen Curry
Andre Iguodala
Shaun Livingston

HOUSTON ROCKETS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Terrence Jones
Donatas Motiejunas
Unrestricted
Dwight Howard (Player Option)
Josh Smith
Jason Terry

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
K.J. McDaniels (Team Option)
Unrestricted
Michael Beasley
Andrew Goudelock

INDIANA PACERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Jordan Hill
Solomon Hill
Ty Lawson
Ian Mahinmi

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Shayne Whittington
Unrestricted
Lavoy Allen (Team Option)
George Hill
C.J. Miles (Player Option)
Rodney Stuckey (Player Option)

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Cole Aldrich (Player Option)
Jeff Ayres
Jamal Crawford
Jeff Green
Wesley Johnson (Player Option)
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Pablo Prigioni
Austin Rivers (Player Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Branden Dawson
Unrestricted
Blake Griffin (Early Termination Option)
Chris Paul (Early Termination Option)
J.J. Redick

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Tarik Black
Jordan Clarkson
Marcelo Huertas
Ryan Kelly
Unrestricted
Brandon Bass (Player Option)
Kobe Bryant
Roy Hibbert
Robert Sacre
Metta World Peace

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Nick Young (Player Option)

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Chris Andersen
Matt Barnes
Mike Conley
P.J. Hairston
Ryan Hollins
Lance Stephenson (Team Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
JaMychal Green
Unrestricted
Tony Allen
Vince Carter
Zach Randolph

MIAMI HEAT

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Tyler Johnson
Unrestricted
Luol Deng
Gerald Green
Udonis Haslem
Joe Johnson
Amar’e Stoudemire
Dwyane Wade
Hassan Whiteside

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Josh McRoberts (Player Option)

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Miles Plumlee
Unrestricted
Jerryd Bayless
O.J. Mayo
Steve Novak
Greivis Vasquez

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Michael Carter-Williams
Damien Inglis
Johnny O’Bryant III
Unrestricted
Greg Monroe (Player Option)

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Damjan Rudez (Team Option)
Unrestricted
Tayshaun Prince

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Gorgui Dieng
Shabazz Muhammad
Unrestricted
Kevin Garnett

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Ryan Anderson
Norris Cole
Alonzo Gee (Player Option)
Eric Gordon
Kendrick Perkins

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Luke Babbitt
Dante Cunningham (Player Option)
Toney Douglas
Tyreke Evans
Jrue Holiday

NEW YORK KNICKS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Cleanthony Early
Langston Galloway
Unrestricted
Arron Afflalo (Player Option)
Lou Amundson
Kevin Seraphin
Lance Thomas
Sasha Vujacic
Derrick Williams (Player Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Jose Calderon
Tony Wroten

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Dion Waiters
Unrestricted
Kevin Durant
Randy Foye
Nazr Mohammed

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Steven Adams
Andre Roberson
Unrestricted
Nick Collison
Serge Ibaka
Anthony Morrow
Russell Westbrook

ORLANDO MAGIC

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Dewayne Dedmon
Evan Fournier
Andrew Nicholson
Unrestricted
Brandon Jennings
Jason Smith

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Devyn Marble
Victor Oladipo
Unrestricted
Ersan Ilyasova

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Isaiah Canaan
Unrestricted
Elton Brand
Ish Smith

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Jerami Grant (Team Option)
Nerlens Noel
Hollis Thompson
Unrestricted
Robert Covington (Team Option)
Carl Landry
Sonny Weems

PHOENIX SUNS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Chase Budinger
Jon Leuer
Ronnie Price
Mirza Teletovic

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Archie Goodwin
Alex Len
Alan Williams
Unrestricted
P.J. Tucker

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Allen Crabbe
Maurice Harkless
Meyers Leonard
Unrestricted
Gerald Henderson
Chris Kaman
Brian Roberts

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Cliff Alexander
C.J. McCollum
Mason Plumlee
Unrestricted
None

SACRAMENTO KINGS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Seth Curry (Player Option)
Eric Moreland
Unrestricted
Quincy Acy (Player Option)
James Anderson (Player Option)
Caron Butler (Player Option)
Rajon Rondo

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Duje Dukan
Ben McLemore
Unrestricted
Omri Casspi
Darren Collison
Rudy Gay (Player Option)

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Boban Marjanovic
Unrestricted
Matt Bonner
Tim Duncan (Player Option)
Manu Ginobili (Player Option)
Kevin Martin
Andre Miller
David West (Player Option)

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Jonathon Simmons
Unrestricted
Patty Mills

TORONTO RAPTORS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Terrence Ross
Unrestricted
Bismack Biyombo (Player Option)
DeMar DeRozan (Early Termination Option)
James Johnson
Luis Scola
Jason Thompson

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Kyle Lowry (Early Termination Option)
Patrick Patterson

UTAH JAZZ

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
None
Unrestricted
Trevor Booker

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Trey Burke
Rudy Gobert
Joe Ingles
Unrestricted
Gordon Hayward (Player Option)
Chris Johnson
Shelvin Mack
Jeff Withey

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

2016 Free Agents
Restricted
Bradley Beal
Unrestricted
Alan Anderson
Jared Dudley
J.J. Hickson
Nene Hilario
Ramon Sessions
Garrett Temple
Marcus Thornton

2017 Free Agents
Restricted
Jarell Eddie
Otto Porter Jr.
Unrestricted
Drew Gooden

 

What reasons were behind Phil Jackson’s #Duke Men’s Basketball comments? #DukeNation

By: Sandy Naser

Thought the quote coming from Phil Jackson in regards to Duke basketball was pretty interesting.

“If you look at the guys who came to the NBA from Duke, aside from Grant Hill, which ones lived up to expectations?” Jackson said over a dinner when discussing Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor.

Not sure how a quote that Jackson made in January suddenly fluttered into the sports world, but here it is. For a guy that is supposed to be a Zen master, maybe he’s just now following the Dukies the way he should be.

Put together a little list here of Duke players that have  exceeded expectations, met expectations, did not meet expectations and it’s still too early to tell

Exceeded Expectations: 

Kyrie Irving is well on his way to being a star in the NBA.

Exceeded Expectations: 

Kyrie Irving, Ryan Kelly, Mason Plumlee, Miles Plumlee, Seth Curry (just signed a two-year deal with Sacramento), Lance Thomas, Gerald Henderson, Shane Battier, Grant Hill, Carlos Boozer, Shavlik Randolph, J.J. Redick,

Met expectations: 

Kyle Singler, Josh McRoberts, Daniel Ewing, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon, Elton Brand, Dahntay Jones, Mike Dunleavy, Corey Maggette, DeMarcus Nelson, Johnny Dawkins, Roshown McLeod, Antonio Lang, Dave Henderson, Brian Davis, Brian Davis

Did not meet expectations: 

Christian Laettner, Danny Ferry, Nolan Smith, Shelden Williams, Trajan Langdon, William Avery, Cherokee Parks

The jury is still out on Jabari Parker, but the prognosis looks good.

Too Early to tell:

Rodney Hood – Utah Jazz fans love this guy.

Austin Rivers, Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, Justice Winslow, Tyus Jones

Notes: – We’re talking about 41 players from Duke in the above list.

Who knows what Phil Jackson meant with his apparent slight of Duke basketball. Those kids in the too early to tell category look pretty freaking tuff, as in Duke is going to be killing the NBA with greatness in the next few seasons.

And then, you start looking at the incoming freshman class and the kids that are starting to sign for the year after that…Well, Phil Jackson…Things are looking a-ok for Duke basketball.

Duke stars getting ready to invade NBA

#NBAFreeAgency : #Lakers (Re)Building Process

By: Sandy Naser

After being shunned by the big-time free-agents, the Lakers went with Plan B.

News Saturday the Lakers picked up former Indiana center, Roy Hibbert was followed by the news the team had picked up Toronto super reserve, Lou Williams.

Louis Williams was the 6th man-of-the-year in the NBA last season, averaging a career best,15.5 ppg. While Williams is a ten-year veteran, (came right out of high-school), he’s also playing his best basketball and is only 28-years old.

Best part of this deal is the Lakers acquire Williams for the bargain-based price of 3-years, $21-million.

While the national media booed the move by the Lakers, asking where are all of the shots going to come from, the reality is the Lakers just picked up a piece, a valuable piece that can lead the scoring punch coming off the bench.

Sixth man of the year….Lakers are adding some nice pieces that will come in handy, and or, give this team some bargaining chips following the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Ten year veteran, that is just hitting his prime…Steal!

Hibbert is just 28-years old and he’ll likely benefit from a change of scenery. Let’s not forget, this guy was a Defensive Player of the year Candidate in 2012-2013 where he averaged 11.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 2.6 apg. Two years ago, Hibbert was an all-Star and a guy many viewed as a top-5 NBA Center.

Whatever mess was going on behind the scenes in Indiana crushed that team from the inside-out and Hibbert has basically looked dis-interested for the past two seasons because of that team turmoil.

Will Hibbert help the Lakers contend for a championship? No, at least not this coming season and for Laker fans that want to win now, Hibbert probably tastes a bit like sour grapes at the moment.

Look ahead one more year.

Kobe Bryant’s 25-million in salary drops off the books, the cap expands and suddenly the Lakers have all kinds of money and all kinds of roster spots to be filled, likely with those big-time free-agents the Lakers were coveting this off-season.

2016-2017 roster

PG – D’Angelo Russell

SG – Jordan Clarkson

PF – Julius Randle

C – Roy Hibbert

If Hibbert is going to be successful in L.A., he needs to get back to concentrating on being a defensive center. Seems like him demanding the ball too much in the low-post just mucked things up and slowed things down for the Pacers. Hibbert is most effective when he’s clogging the low post and starting the break. His blocked shots and defensive presence is the kind of effort that teams and fans feed off.

If the Lakers hit the mark on this Russell kid and if, as Jordan Clarkson said the other day, Julius Randle is beasting at Lakers practice, then Clarkson, Randle, and Russell give this team a nice, young nucleus that has star power and room to grow and with Lou as the 6th man, things will look up for Lakers and fans such as myself.

Throw a Roy Hibbert, playing at a high level in there, and the Lakers have a  much  more solid foundation to go forward.

A year from now, the package of young guns, along with a proven NBA center makes for a very attractive package for the big-time guys that will be trolling the free-agency waters for big bucks and the chance to win in the next few seasons.

#NBAFreeAgency: What is Dwades worth?

By: Sandy Naser

Could be a very interesting free-agency period for Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade. He opted out of the remaining $16.1 million dollar contract and will be testing the free-agent waters.

Saw an interesting report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne yesterday in which the reporter suggested Wade is seeking a 3-year, $60-million dollar deal and the Heat are more in line with 3-years, $30-million.

That is a pretty interesting chasm of difference!

The right thing for the Heat to do would be to pay Wade, after all he’s given up $31-million over the last few year to allow the Heat to sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh. It would seem the Heat owe Wade some due diligence since he’s been so flexible and been the face of this franchise for well over a decade.

But, this is the NBA and at the end of the day, as we all know, it’s a business.

Alright, so, what is Dwyane Wade’s fair-market value? He’s 33-years old (34 in January), and while he’s coming off a 21.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 4.8 apg season, those knees aren’t getting any younger. Wade in the last three years has played 62, 54 and 69 regular season games respectively.

At the end of a 3-year deal he’ll be 36 and approaching 37. While it would be hard to say his skills have severely eroded, ya gotta think with that injury history and all of the miles on that body, that Wade’s skills an production will taper off over the next three years.

This is going to get really interesting. Do the Heat pay the man or does he walk in free agency? If he walks in free-agency, you wonder what other teams are going to think of a 34-year old 2-guard with a lot of miles on those legs.

Let the FA frenzy begin… I am too excited to see who goes where.

#2015NBADraft: Which team will regret passing up Justise Winslow?

By: Sandy Naser

Well, here we are on the eve of draft night. Kentucky PF Karl Anthony Towns is the prohibitive favorite to go off the board at No. 1.

After that, depends on who you ask!

The Lakers seem intent on grabbing former Duke center, Jahlil Okafor at No. 2, although there seems to be some talk about Ohio State SG/PG, D’Angelo Russell.

After that an unfortunate prime target has to head its way to Philly.

Which brings us to the Knicks at No. 4 and the Orlando Magic at No. 5.

If Justise Winslow falls below No. 5, well….

A. Someone is getting a steal

B. There are going to be some teams kicking themselves a few years from now for passing on a future NBA star.

Frankly, I’m not sure why D’Angelo Russell gets the nod here at No. 3? I suppose it’s the scoring numbers that have people raving about his skills.

But, NBA rookies, especially 19-year old rookies, usually have some trouble adapting their scoring to the NBA level. Russell might have a good second-half of a rookie season, but he’ll be average for the first three months.

Justise Winslow comes NBA ready: For whatever you think about Winslow’s offensive game, is there a guard/forward in this draft with Winslow’s combination of lock-down defender and motor?

Not even close!

For those that suggest his offensive game has some work to do, well, what player doesn’t need some kind of improvements, but when you’re playing on a Coach K, National Championship team, it’s not like you have free reign to hoist 20 shots per night.

Winslow stats at Duke freshman season:

12.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg

Shooting percentages: 49 %, 42% from three and 65% free-throws.

Those are good shooting percentages for someone not thought of as a shooter.

My opinion, Justise Winlow reminds me a bit of James Harden, except with a better motor and way better defensive skills. While the T-Wolves and Lakers seem to be coveting big men in this year’s draft, if the NBA finals taught us anything this season it’s, playing small ball with a bunch of athletic 6-foot-7 guys is not such a bad way to go.

Lets not hope he goes to the 76ers… crossing my fingers!

#LakerNation : Rebuilding or Reloading?

 
By: Sandy Naser

With the NBA draft approaching and with the L.A. Lakers having some money, will the Lakers opt for a playoff berth next season or will they go full on into rebuilding mode.

A day out from the NBA draft and rumor cental seems to be focused on the L.A. Lakers making a bid to lure Dwayne Wade and DeMarcus Cousins into the fold.

The Wade FA acquisition seems to be just what it appears to be, a rumor! Wade is near the end of his career and plays the same position as Kobe Bryant. While Kobe and Wade could likely coexist, how much better can the Lakers really be with the addition of Wade? Eighth seed…maybe?

And then, rumors have popped up over the last week about the Lakers trying to acquire, 24-year-old center, DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings. Whatever the package would take to lure Cousins away from Sacramento, it would appear to entail Jordan Clarkson and or Julius Randle and the No. 2 pick of Thursday’s draft, which is expected to be Jahlil Okafor. 

Interesting dilemma here for the Lakers. Should they go all in on a rebuild, keep Clarkson,Randle and Okafor or should they try to make a run at the playoffs during Kobe Bryant’s last season?

Taking it back to the draft lottery night when the No. 2 selection fell to the Lakers. A couple of very interesting tweets from former Laker and HOF’er Magic Johnson.
* The basketball gods smiled down on the Lakers, giving us the #2 pick in the draft!

* Laker Nation: This is the beginning of a rebuilding situation.

The second tweet catches one’s attention as that is the first reference from any kind of Laker authority in admitting the Lakers are in a rebuilding situation. Last we heard from Jim Buss was the Lakers were going to be contending for a championship in three years or else!! Well, It’s now year three.

Some interesting movements by Lakers in the next few days. Do you flat out admit that you’re in rebuilding mode and roll the dice with what you expect in development from Clarkson, Okafor and Randle or do you make one last run under the guidance of Kobe Bryant?

Hoop heads.. What are your thoughts? 

#Lakers: Is small ball going to be the cause of LA not drafting Jahlil Okafor?

By: Sandy Naser

Small ball: A style of play where size is sacrificed in favor of speed and three-point shooting. The team typically puts out a three-guard lineup or a lineup without a center.

The most successful small ball lineup in the NBA in 2010-11 was the Philadelphia 76ers’ five-man lineup of Jrue Holiday, Jodie Meeks, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, and Elton Brand.

Looked at an NBA mock draft this afternoon on nbadraft.net, it is interesting to see what movement has gone on.

These NBA finals have been most intriguing, especially from a small-ball perspective. As the series has moved on to it’s latter stages, Mosgov and Andrew Bogut have become non-factors.

At times, LeBron James is playing center for the Cavs.

Draymond Green has taken a turn at center for the Warriors, and he stands all of 6-feet-7.

So, is small ball the wave of the future?

Nah, it’s just a momentary glitch the NBA has right now.

Earlier someone had placed D’Angelo Russell at No. 2 to the Lakers, probably just stirring things up, you know, kind of like the NFL draft, and then all went according to plan.

Just because the NBA doesn’t have any great big-men in the finals and in the NBA period, doesn’t mean that a great big man can’t lead his team to the finals..See Tim Duncan and all the success he’s had, even in his later years.

Why Okafor is going to kill it in a Lakers uniform

* The Lakers covet great big men – Wilt and Shaq = championship.

* While the Kentucky guy, Towns is getting the love for the No. 1 overall pick, Okafor is going to be a star. Watching him at Duke, at times, he looked like Tim Duncan, banking shots off the glass, and showing incredible post move for someone so young.

* At the end of the day it’s about offense – While Towns might be a better defender than Okafor, ten years into their career, no one is going to care that Towns blocked .5 shots more than Okafor. What people are going to remember is those 35 and 20 games Okafor put up, not the 18 and 15 that Towns accrued.

Is Jahlil Okafor the most skilled, low-post guy to enter the league since Hakeem Olajuwan?

Great future for Okafor as he’ll get a year to work with Kobe. If he buys into the Kobe idea, he might just be the next great Laker.

Lance Stephenson to #Clippers: Can the Doc tame him?

By: Sandy Naser

With all eyes focused on the NBA finals, the L.A. Clippers made a bold move trading Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes to the Charlotte Hornets for Lance Stephenson.

Lots of NBA fans, experts and others not liking this trade. Here is a quote from one of those so-called experts:

Stephenson doesn’t fit with the Clippers’ roster as constructed. In Barnes, they just traded away their starting small forward, and they don’t really have a backup. Their newest acquisition likely can play spot minutes at the 3, but it’s a stretch to put the 6-foot-5 Stephenson in that position permanently.

Agree with that on paper, but, if these NBA finals have taught us anything, small-ball are thriving. Who would have expected that Mosgov would play nine minutes in game-5 and that Andrew Bogut wouldn’t play at all. Look around the floor and see guys like Draymond Green, playing PF or center at 6-foot-7…thought those guys had to be 6-foot-10 or better.

For the Clippers to stay constructed as they currently are, they are not going to win an NBA finals. Yes, Lance Stephenson is a head-case but he’s also extremely talented on both ends of the floor. Remember all those battles between LeBron James and Lance Stephenson? It’s not like anyone can stop LeBron, but like Golden State is finding out, grab a fella like Andre Iguodola and put him on James and do the best you can.

The Clippers need a Lance Stephenson at his best to elevate their game to the next level. Reports are that Doc Rivers struggled with this decision, but ultimately felt like the Clippers needed a shake up.

If anyone can get through that thick skull of Stephenson’s, it’s probably Doc Rivers. Stephenson thrived in the Pacers system where he didn’t have to be a No. 2 scorer or carry a team on his back. With Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, Stephenson won’t be asked to do so much of the heavy lifting, and that’s where he thrives.

Stephenson is a tweener, a guy that can play the 2 or the three. The Clippers just made a move that will likely make them more competitive against the small-all Golden State Warriors. The Clippers just got more athletic, more versatile and more competitive.

Trade grade – A-

Who in the #NBAFinals has played harder than Matthew Dellavedova?

By: Sandy Naser

As we reach the mid-point of these NBA finals, it has become apparent that Cavs guard Matthew Dellavedova is one of the toughest hombres to ever put on an NBA uniform.

Yeah his stat line was solid: 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists but it was his superior effort, diving after loose balls and breathing an infectious amount of hustle into his teammates as the Cavs defeated the Warriors to take a 2-1 series lead in these NBA finals.

In fact, Dellavedova played so hard he missed the media session afterwards and went to the hospital for treatment.

“Cavaliers guard Matthew Dellavedova experienced severe cramping tonight following Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Cleveland. He underwent a treatment process, including an IV, that prevented him from being available for media following the game. He will continue receiving treatment tonight at the Cleveland Clinic and his status will be updated tomorrow afternoon.”

Now that’s what you call hustling!

Matthew Dellavedova beats everyone to any loose ball.

From my stand point, the Cavs just want it more.

When is the last time you saw Mike Miller diving on the floor for a loose ball with that bad back of his?

Matthew Dellavedova is a freaking stud. He’s just good enough offensively that you have to pay attention to him. And let’s not forget that Steph Curry had just three points going into halftime, mostly because of the gnat like defense of Deli.

But it’s that extra effort that Dellavedova is bringing to the table. The full on dives to gather a loose ball and gain A possession, that’s special and you can see why the Cleveland crowd is shouting Deli, Deli, Deli.

Great story is this kid from Australia via St. Mary’s.