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Posted 06/27/2007 at 04:29 PM
I’m not a big fan of the NBA. The players control the league; guaranteed contracts make for unmotivated players who don’t give a crap. It’s one of major sports that I rarely bet. However, the draft is always interesting, it’s a time for teams to get out from bad contracts so they can clear cap space or acquire players with 1 year left on their deals.
Like the opening day of baseball season, everyone is back to even and the guy they draft will be the next superstar or will fill a gap. I’m glad that the High School player now has to go to College for at least a season. It lets the fan identify with the player and it allows the player to mature a bit as they work their NBA game into shape.
Personally, I follow the 76ers. This is a major draft for them. They just dealt troubled Allan Iverson and have 3 first round picks to operate with. This is the epitome of rebuilding. The 76ers realized they weren’t going any further with A.I and bit the bullet, I wished they had “tanked” more games than they did at the end of the season. Sure enough, the 76ers went on a winning streak in late March and April and actually made a run for the playoffs (so much for rebuilding). They blew their chance at a top tier pick and now have to pick at 12, they have Denver’s pick at 21 and Mavericks pick at 30.
So the interesting part for the fans is, will they move up? Packaging 12 and 21 and Andre Miller for something better? Plus there is the side plot of Kevin Garnett & Kobe going on.
Being a big NCAA hoop fan I saw these guys play a ton of games this season, so I feel I have a decent handle who will translate to the NBA.
1. I love Al Horford. He played on a great team, with great role players, but there where game when the other guys weren’t hitting shots and he became the got to guy and displayed some low post moves on offense. When know he can bang down low so he will be a good rebounded and D up.
2. Obviously Oden and Durant will translate into big time players, but I think it will take a little longer than most people think. Oden showed zero offense until late in the tournament, his defense is his strength; he was injured much of the season so I will cut him a break but still his moves on offense were slow and obvious, average NBA defenders will shut him down early on.
Durant has the scoring touch but might get pushed around. He’s a skinny guy with not much to hold ground, it will take him a while to get his feet under him with the physical play, not sure if he will be able body some of the bigger SF or PF in the game.
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