Will Wyc?: Mock Draft Rough Draft
For now, I've changed my basketball entries from "Can Danny?" to "Will Wyc?" because that's the question that really determines the Celtics' offseason. If owner Wyc Grousbeck and partners aren't willing to spend some money, then there's really nothing that Danny Ainge can do. If they will spend money, the C's could buy a first round pick (from New Orleans), use the MLE to sign a player or two, and perhaps make a trade to improve the squad, even if it does add money to the future payroll.
I've been thinking about my second Mock Draft but haven't really put too much time into it. Keep reading to get the rough draft with the first six picks and then some thoughts on the rest of the top 10.
1. LA Clippers - Blake Griffin: Unless some sort of amazing deal comes out of nowhere, Griffin might as well already be looking for real estate in the LA area.
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet: There are deals to be made but I'm really not sure that Michael Heisley or Chris Wallace are the men to be making them. The Rondo deal is intriguing but I think it requires the Grizzlies giving up Mike Conley Jr. and I don't see that happening. Most deals seem like they won't pan out so Memphis goes with who they reportedly want and look to move Marc Gasol for a PF (perhaps to Atlanta for Josh Smith once the trade restriction is up).
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden: Harden is a nice complement to Westbrook and solidifies the backcourt of the future for the Thunder. OK City also holds onto their cap space for 2010 to try to sign or get someone in a trade.
4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio: There are some reports that the Kings are falling out of love with Rubio but I think that's a misinformation campaign to get Rubio to fall to them at 4.
5. Dallas Mavericks (from Washington) - Jordan Hill: The Wizards first make noise by dealing Antawn Jamison and Mike James to Philly for Elton Brand and the #17. The Sixers add a shooter and a couple shorter contracts. The Wizards begin their focus on defense by adding Brand. They then move Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila (or Aundray Blatche) to Dallas for Josh Howard and the #22. The Mavericks add Hill, a player they've inexplicably been interested in but if they want him, they can have him.
6. New York Knicks (from Minnesota) - Stephen Curry: I'm not really sure that the Wolves are sold on any point guard at 6 so they trade down a couple of spots. The Knicks pick up Curry, the object of their rumored affections, and take back Brian Cardinal while the Wolves get Chris Duhon and the #8.
Here's where I've left off. The rest is just spitballing.
7. Golden State Warriors: The Warriors could grab a PG here but I have to think that Don Nelson wants a veteran and is looking to trade the pick. Right now, I'm just not sure what's out there. Perhaps Jamal Crawford and the #7 for Jose Calderon but that seems like a lot to give up for Calderon.
8. Minnesota (from NY): The Wolves would grab whatever PG seems to be here, probably Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn, depending on who is remaining.
9. Toronto Raptors: I still really like the idea of Nash, Lopez, #14 for Calderon, Bargnani but I'm not sure if the Suns are interested in Calderon's contract. Of course, they are looking at adding Luol Deng so Jose's contract looks downright cozy compared to Deng's deal. The Raptors add a national icon and dump Calderon's contract. Robin Lopez is a solid enough big man and I'm just not sold on Bargnani (although he could be a nice fit in Phoenix's offense). As for the pick, Toronto moves towards the future with Dermar DeRozen.
10. Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks definitey should try to move down in the draft and dump Luke Ridnour's contract but I'm not sure who they can swing a deal with. I had Detroit but I'm not sure they take on the salary since they are going after Boozer. Maybe Memphis agrees to it but then the drop is 10 to 27. Could be made up by including Darrell Arthur (who could take over the PF spot). If the Grizzlies can make that move, maybe it changes what they do at #2.
After that, I'm not sure what happens. I might have the completed draft tomorrow or I might want until the weekend to work on it.
As for the Hedo Turkoglu news, I'm not sure what team with cap space would make a deal for him but there could be a sign-and-trade. Minnesota would make the most sense as they have expiring deals like Brian Cardinal and Mike Miller, along with picks. And a Hedo and Rafer Alston deal (the Magic have to get rid of one of their PG's) would help solve both of their major position problems (although it doesn't go too far in beefing up their defense).
