Possible Destinations for LaMarcus Aldridge

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

           With the NBA Draft finished and free agency looming, LaMarcus Aldridge has some important decisions to make. The 29-year-old Power Forward has led the Portland Trailblazers into the playoffs in a powerful western conference since he was drafted in 2006. While he has always expressed love for Portland, Aldridge hasn’t come close to winning an NBA title in his 9 year professional career. In 2012, the Blazers selected Damian Lillard with the 6th overall pick and found a new face to the franchise. While Aldridge continued to increase his level of play, his abilities started to be overshadowed by the hype surrounding Lillard and the Blazers. At this point in his career, LaMarcus needs change and that’s exactly what he’s seeking this summer.

New York Knicks

The Knicks are clearly in a rebuilding stage and will take on any talent that they can reach. Most big names in the Free Agency pool have been targeted by the Knicks, whether they’re interested or not. Aldridge hasn’t expressed explicit interest in joining the Knicks, but his talents would result in a huge payload from the basketball mastermind, Phil Jackson. While the Knicks drafted Kristaps Porzingis, a talented power forward/center, Porzingis can be transitioned into a Center and LaMarcus could easily fit into the triangle offense. The Knicks may win a championship immediately, they have the potential to explode in the weaker Eastern Conference with the right talent and a stroke of luck

Dallas Mavericks

           Aldridge is a native of Dallas, so returning to his hometown and playing for the Mavericks is a strong possibility. The Mavericks are desperately in need of some change. While Aldridge may seem like a great option in theory, Dirk Nowitzki is going to be the starting power forward for the Mavs until he retires which won’t be for a few years. Another problem with the Mavs is that they have no defined guard rotation with Monta Ellis and Rondo leaving. They need to fix their guard rotation before signing a second starting power forward. They cannot offer a max contract to Aldridge and they definitely cannot promise to win in the West.

Los Angeles Lakers

           Like the Knicks, the Lakers are pursuing the majority of the big name free agents, including LaMarcus Aldridge. Playing alongside Kobe would be an honor for Aldridge, but besides that, there isn’t much upside to playing for the Lakers besides a massive contract. If Aldridge wants to make a lot of money, he should pursue the Lakers as an option. They cannot offer winning, but they can offer a positive future. After drafting Ohio State phenomenon D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers have set up for the future with their latest acquisition. Adding Aldridge could save them from continuing the terrible downfall they faced last season

Houston Rockets

           Every summer the Houston Rockets pursue a new free agent in order to make title run. They continue to make their way into contention with James Harden and Dwight Howard rising as one of the best duos in the league. The Rockets are a rising team, but they’re missing a solid starting Power Forward to increase their level of play in order to become real championship contenders. LaMarcus Aldridge needs to consider the Rockets if he want to win games and contend, but he’d also have to be giving up a lot of ball possession. James Harden will always be the primary ball handler in Houston, and Dwight Howard will always be the second option. Aldridge is too skilled to be a third option, but Houston can give him money and wins.

San Antonio Spurs

           After a devastating loss in game 7 of the first round to the Clippers, the Spurs need to make a change in order to contend for one last title in the Duncan era. The Spurs are predicted to offer Kawhi Leonard a max deal before figuring out what the next step in Free Agency will be. Danny Green and Marco Belinelli are both unrestricted free agents who were critical to their 2014 title run. Bringing Aldridge to the Spurs would be an incredible addition, but it is definitely going to cost the Spurs some players. Aldridge would fit great with Gregg Popovich’s rotation, allowing Duncan to rest more and allowing Aldridge to stay healthy. San Antonio could make a championship run while also giving Aldridge a great contract. 

           LaMarcus Aldridge has proven himself as one of the best bigmen in the league. He averaged 23.4 PPG on 46.6% shooting along with 10.2 RPG. After arguably the best year of his career, Aldridge has shown that he's ready and eager for a championship ring. While he may not have decided which team he'll sign with next, one thing is for sure: The choices LaMarcus decides in the next week can make or break his legacy as a whole.

http://usatftw.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/usatsi_78844741.jpg?w=120

Most Controversial Picks of the 2015 NBA Draft

                                      

 Written by Taylor Odenat

The 2015 NBA Draft ended as an interesting and bizarre one, finishing with multiple questionable picks and debatable decisions. From Jahlil Okafor being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the third pick, to the Boston Celtics selecting Terry Rozier with the sixteenth pick; many NBA fans were left shaking their heads after watching the picks their favorite NBA teams had made. Out of the thirty prospects drafted in the first round of the 2015 Draft, these were the most disappointing selections:

Philadelphia 76ers: Jahlil Okafor

The first of five centers selected in both rounds by Philadelphia, Jahlil Okafor was drafted with the third pick behind D’Angelo Russell. After being the top prospect in this draft class for quite some time, Karl Anthony-Towns snatched that spot from Jahlil and was, therefore, selected first by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Okafor was then predicted to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and become one of the infamous big men to don the purple and gold, but that would also turn out to be incorrect. Following a lackluster workout for the Lakers, Los Angeles drafted D’Angelo Russell with the second pick because of his superstar upside, creative handle, and shot creating ability. Russell may just be the superstar that L.A has been looking for to replace Kobe Bryant once he retires, or L.A could regret not drafting the franchise big man that could have added on to their line of historic centers. Unless Okafor is traded by Philadelphia, we may never see the true potential that he possesses. Philly drafted the best prospect on the board at that point which isn’t necessarily a problem. However, with Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid manning the middle Jahlil has no reason to be on the roster. Although Joel Embiid has shown to be injury prone, he is still a high upside player. So instead of possibly making him feel like the team he plays for has no faith in him, they should have drafted either Emmanuel Mudiay to be the future floor general or Justise Winslow to be the future All-Star for the franchise.

New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis

A very unpopular pick by New York Knicks fans everywhere, Kristaps played overseas and showed out in his workout with the Knicks. Not many europeans selected in the lottery have been All-Stars, (Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and Pau Gasol) so the chances of Porzingis becoming one is pretty slim. However, this is was a pick for future upside and not one for the present. With this pick, Phil Jackson and the New York Knicks plan to continue to rebuild and not rush to seek playoff contention. Carmelo Anthony may not be happy with this decision to keep rebuilding but Porzingis was a pick that will pay off in a couple seasons once he develops into a sharper player. However, Knick fans in the building at the Barclays Center thought otherwise as they booed him when he walked across the stage to receive his handshake from Commissioner Adam Silver. Knick fans enjoy instant gratification, and they don't feel like Kristaps will give the team the same instant improvement that Emmanuel Mudiay would or Justise Winslow would. Kristaps will be a efficient and productive player wants he gets use to the NBA game and speed and he will prove to New York that he belongs and that they should embrace him. Additionally, New York will always be a top spot for free agents so there is the possibility they will sign a couple players that will advance them out of the lottery.

Boston Celtics: Terry Rozier

This was a very questionable pick for the Boston Celtics as they just added another guard to their coalition of guards. Isiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Evan Turner, Marcus Smart, Phil Pressey, R.J. Hunter, Marcus Thornton, James Young, and now Terry Rozier. There is no real reason that Boston should desire to have so many guards, several of which don’t have a consistent jump shot. Of the nine guards listed here, six of them played last season for the Boston Celtics and of those six only Avery Bradley shot over 34% from beyond the arc. R.J. Hunter should improve their very poor shooting, but Terry Rozier is also not much of a knock down shooter so that won’t help the Celtics in an area that they are lacking heavily in. Rozier is a high volume scorer and has a good eye for finding open teammates, but nonetheless his poor shot selection mixed with somewhat of a small size may hinder Rozier from progressing in the NBA. Boston instead should have went with a wing that was still available where names such as Sam Dekker and Kelly Oubre were still in the green room. Rozier lucked out being selected with such a high pick as he projected to slip to even the second round, but now he  has to prove himself as a commodity to the Celtics in this upcoming season.

Charlotte Hornets: Frank Kaminsky

Michael Jordan is now seemingly making a habit of banking on floor spreading forwards with this selection of Frank Kaminsky. First Josh McRoberts, then Cody Zeller, then Noah Vonleh, now Kaminsky. This obviously wasn't a terrible pick for the Hornets as Frank led Wisconsin to the National Championship game to face Duke with his excellent shooting, post moves, and rebounding. However, seeing as he failed with his drafting of Vonleh in the previous draft and Zeller in the draft before that, picking yet another floor spreading forward may not have been the smartest decision for Jordan. Frank won’t be the scorer that he was in college, but his shooting could conclude him shaping his career around a Spencer Hawes type build where he provides rebounding and three point shooting. Spencer Hawes was even starting at points of his career, so if Frank strived to be Hawes that wouldn’t be head-scratching player choice. If Kaminsky’s game translates to the NBA, then Al Jefferson would surely be happy as he hasn't had a vast amount of shooters to kick out to from the low block. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Gerald Henderson, and Noah Vonleh are all inefficient shooters to kick out to; as a matter of fact two of those players now play for the Portland Trailblazers via draft day trades. Al Jefferson would now have Nicolas Batum and Kaminsky, so for the Hornets sake Frank Kaminsky needs to practice hard, get stronger, and keep his shooting stroke in order to not be perceived as a bust or a waste of a No. 9 pick.

All statistics came from Basketball Reference unless stated otherwise.

Lance to LA: Will the Clippers improve?

 

Written by Taylor Odenat

It’s about that time again for basketball fans to once again begin proclaiming that the Los Angeles Clippers are destined for a NBA finals run. This time around it’s due to their recent acquisition of erratic and crafty forward/guard Lance Stephenson. On June 15, 2015 the Clippers agreed to trade Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to Charlotte for Stephenson in hopes that they’re improving their hole at the small forward position. Matt Barnes wasn’t terribly unproductive as he finished the season averaging 10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 1.5 apg in 74 starts, but he is increasing in age and reaching the last year of his deal won’t be detrimental to the team. Spencer Hawes wasn’t what they hoped he would be when they signed him over the offseason, his long ball has been off as he only shot it at 31% from beyond the arc. LA acquired him as productive backup big man behind DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin, however, he was not able to live up to that role so losing Hawes will also not be a hit to the organization. So in saying all that, was the Lance Stephenson trade a smart move for the Clippers?

Lance Stephenson can either prove to be a risk or a reward for the Los Angeles Clippers. On one hand, Stephenson is versatile, can guard more than one position, can play more than one position, can play well into the “Lob City” system, rebounds well for his position, and has has the ability to put on a show for the fans which LA loves to do. Stephenson has outplayed the expectations he was given when he was first drafted to the league at No. 40 in the 2010 draft and went from the league’s most underpaid player to being paid $18.4 over the next two years. On the other hand, he is erratic, has an inconsistent jump shot and hadn’t performed up to his contract expectations this past season with the Hornets. He was inefficient, took some questionable jump shots, and wasn’t able to pick up the slack once Kemba Walker underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee. Will the benefits outweigh the risks that Lance brings is what the Los Angeles Clippers will be asking themselves when the season starts to approach in October.

Whether Lance makes LA a title contender won’t be shown right away, but Stephenson is an upgrade over aging veteran Matt Barnes so the Clippers are a step closer in the right direction. Stephenson is a young gun whose athleticism and defensive prowess will collaborate excellently with DeAndre and Blake. Although his poor shooting may disable him from being a reliable kick out option, LA still benefits from this trade. They rid themselves of a forward not getting any younger, a big man who lost his touch, and at the same time they acquire a young ball handler and playmaker with a willingness to do anything to win. However, this should not be the last move the Clippers make. They still have a long ways to go with improving their bench and resigning their defensive stud DeAndre Jordan, but this is definitely a step in the right direction for the team constantly getting eliminated in the second round of the playoffs.

All statistics came from Basketball Reference unless stated otherwise.

Four Steps to Save the Pacers

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

The Indiana Pacers franchise has always been seen as a winning team backed by President Larry Bird. Reggie Miller led them to the playoffs throughout the nineties and early 2000’s before leaving them in a rough spot. Behind Danny Granger, the Pacers struggled to make an impact in the playoffs until Paul George was drafted in 2010. His impact wasn't immediate but it was clear that he had incredible potential. The team improved each year with the talents of Paul George, David West, Lance Stephenson, Roy Hibbert, and George Hill. After losing in the playoffs to the Miami Heat in the 2014 Postseason, Paul George suffered a catastrophic leg injury during a scrimmage in preparation of the Fiba World Cup of Basketball. George was to miss the entire 14-15 NBA Season. With Stephenson leaving to join the Charlotte Hornets and George out for the season, the Pacers were doomed to have a difficult season. George unexpectedly announced an early return with restricted minutes for the Pacers in March during their Playoff Push. The Pacers finished the season with a record of 38-44 and the ninth seed in the East. So with the off-season approaching, the Pacers have a difficult task at hand and one question on their minds: What will it take?

1. Let Roy Hibbert leave, sign Greg Monroe

Hibbert, although he has provided incredible playing time in the past, has proven that he cannot operate under pressure and he cannot lead the team. His contract will not be worth his low productivity on the court. Allowing Hibbert to leave will create more cap space and will allow the Pacers to sign unrestricted free-agent Greg Monroe, who plays with fluidity, consistency, and aggression that Hibbert does not. Monroe would provide a clear second option for the Pacers, who sorely need it since the departure of Lance Stephenson.

2. Retain Chris Copeland and Rodney Stuckey’s contracts

Copeland and Stuckey are two players who stepped up for the Pacers without Paul George and have become two key components to their rotation. Retaining their contracts would greatly increase their chances of reaching the level of play they once had. Copeland’s fantastic shooting stroke bailed the Pacers out countless times and Stuckey’s all around play style created versatility for the team. They have also created chemistry with most players on the team.

3.  Get Paul George back to superstar form

George’s talent and superstardom are not in question, but his health is. His comeback in March showed great signs of the player he was a year ago, but he also has shown that he needs to shake off the rust and work even harder to improve. This shouldn’t be hard for George, as his hard working mentality drove him to an early recovery, but he shouldn’t have to do it alone. The Indiana training staff has to be ready to spend a lot of time with him during the offseason to prepare him for another long 82 game season where he’ll be expected to come up big. If there’s any player who can return from an injury like this and improve their game at the same time, it’s Paul George.

4. Make a Smart Acquisition with the 11th Pick

There are plenty of hidden gems in the 2015 Draft, the Pacers have an opportunity to make a pick that could impact their team as a whole. Its very likely that some great picks will be slipping in the draft because of the needs of other teams. The Pacers need to be aware of this and make sure they use their picks wisely. If no one slips in the draft then the Pacers still have the opportunity to pick an underrated player such as Sam Dekker or Frank Kaminsky. This is a great draft class and the Pacers have lots of options. It’s crucial that they make a smart pick.

One bright side that the Pacers always have to remember is that the East is a very weak conference compared to the West, and they’re a very talented team with great players and a great coach. Overcoming their hardships will be a lot easier when the competition is easier. George Hill, although he was hurt, had a fantastic season last year. Between George’s return, the emergence of Hill, and the opportunity of free agency, the Pacers shouldn’t have any problem returning to the playoffs next season.

https://nbcprobasketballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/paul-george.jpg?w=320

NBA Finals Game 1: Analysis and Predictions

 

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

Game 1 is over and the Golden State Warriors lead the Cleveland Cavaliers 1-0. LeBron James led his Cavs to a 10 point lead in the first quarter with his 12 points. The game seemed to be doomed for Warriors fans with the Cavs playing well on all cylinders; but in usual Warriors fashion, they came back off an energetic run led by the league MVP Stephen Curry and swingman veteran Andre Iguodala. Curry forced the game into overtime where they outscored the Cavaliers 10-2. This series is clearly going to be great as the story develops behind the scenes. 

           All Star point guard Kyrie Irving was diagnosed with a knee fracture which will keep him sidelined for 3-4 months, eliminating him from the finals. Now without any solid defender in his path, Stephen Curry is on track to win his first championship. Matthew Dellavedova, who has shown potential throughout the playoffs, is no match for the reigning MVP’s skill set. Kyrie played strongly against Curry in the first game with 4 Steals and 2 Blocks. After his 4th quarter injury, the Cavs fell apart and gave up the game in overtime. The impact of Irving’s injury to the series is catastrophic for Cleveland Fans, who now look to LeBron James and his supporting cast to make a final push without 2 players of their Big 3. 

           J.R. Smith started the game shooting lights out from 3 Point Range. In the first quarter, Smith shot 2/3 from behind the arc and surged the Cavs into a 10 point lead. From then on, Smith lost his touch as a whole. He shot 1-7 from the second quarter on and totaled 9 points on 13 shots in the game. Smith is seen as an X-Factor in the series due to his obscene shooting skills which disappeared in game 1. It’s no surprise that the Warriors are going to out-shoot the Cavs from deep in the series and Smith was seen as the one player who could counteract the shooting of the Dubs. With his game disappearing, the Cavs championship hopes will plummet.

Smith wasn’t the only player to disappear in Game 1. Draymond Green shots 0-3 from 3 Point range and 4-13 on the night. Green has become a focal point in the Warriors’ play style as the team’s third scoring option behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. In order to effectively maintain a grasp on this series, Green needs to step up his game and improve his shooting stroke. Green also struggled to defend against LeBron James, Andre Iguodala, and Harrison Barnes who each played very well. 

           One positive sign for the Cavs was the fantastic play of Timofey Mozgov who they acquired from the Nuggets earlier in the season. Mozgov shot 5-10 and 6-8 from the free throw line and totaled 7 rebounds. He also kept Australian center Andrew Bogut to 4 points on the game. The center has proven himself ready to take on the Warriors in the paint and assume the role of a reliable big man that the Cavs need in the absence of Kevin Love. 

           Andre Iguodala and Harrison Barnes were both on fire, combining for 26 points on 5-8 shooting from 3 Point Range. Iguodala showed a glimpse of his old self with his performance off the bench with fantastic shooting and athletic play. He’s come alive in the playoffs and is clearly looking to win his first ring in his 11 year career. Barnes, who is only in his third year in the league, is an incredibly versatile and important component to the team’s rotation. 

All aspects of the series being considered, I predict that the Warriors will win the series in 6 games and claim their titles as NBA Champions. With the continuing skill of Stephen Curry on display and the lack of efficiency shown by the Cavaliers, it's clear that the Cavs are in need of some changes in the rotation and a bit of luck to maintain a fighting chance in this series. With both teams healthy, the outcome may have been different but the core of the Cavs has been broken and now LeBron needs to pick up the pieces.

http://cdn.abclocal.go.com/content/kgo/images/cms/060415-ap-game-1-4-img.jpg

Is Rajon Rondo still worth a Max-Contract?

Written by Taylor Odenat

NBA Champion Rajon Rondo was once considered one of the elite point guards in the NBA. However, since his departure from the Celtics along with his former running mates Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen; his name just isn't mentioned very often. His recent tenure with the Dallas Mavericks ended very poorly with Rondo faking injury in order to stop playing for the Mavericks any longer. This past season may have hurt Rondo’s stock on the free agent market this offseason and has shown that he isn't as much of an asset as he once was.

During his sixth year run as point guard for the Boston Celtics, Rajon was very productive and ran the show with his dishing and diming on the offensive end. Rondo also got it done on the defensive end, leading the NBA in steals in the 2009-2010 season as well finishing top 5 in steals in the 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 seasons. Rondo is a leader on the offensive end and an outright floor general. His flashy and precise passes would constantly top highlight reels and keep him in the talks for best point guard in the NBA. Even though Rondo has yet to develop a consistent jump shot from anywhere on the court, he thrived as the fourth option for the Celtics and showed off offensive outbursts when he needed to.

Rondo, however, is not the most cooperative person to work with. Rondo is a ball dominant point guard who wants the ball is in his hands to set up the right play at the right time and demands the ability to call and change the plays at his say so. That isn’t a luxury many coaches would let their players have but under his former coach Doc Rivers, Rondo had that freedom. He knew the playbook front to back so Rivers gave him the privilege of calling the plays on offense that he thought would best suit the situation. However, as many would assume, not many NBA coaches are going to be as accommodating. 

 Rick Carlisle certainly wasn’t accommodating to Rondo’s need to feel in charge. The two shared several verbal transfers and just weren’t compatible. It isn’t completely necessary, but it is in a team’s best interest that their point guard and their coach be on the same page. This was not the case this season in Dallas. Rondo has a strong tendency to make the complicated and unnecessary pass instead of the first pass he sees; that is apart of the package that is Rajon Rondo. Carlisle wasn’t pleased with the turnovers this style of play brought about which would commonly lead to disagreements between the guard and head coach. Although it was prior established that Rondo has some personality issues, this failure of a trade may cost Rondo a ton of money in the offseason.

When Rondo was putting up insane triple doubles and leading the league in assists, it wouldn't have been a question if he deserved a max contract. Despite his constant shooting woes, his play in the other aspects of the game made up for it. He was a great passer, rebounder for his position, and perimeter defender. Those important feats have not been evident at this stage of his career. He’s 29 years old, so its not like he's got nothing left in the tank, but Rondo did not improve the Mavericks like he was initially expected to when they traded for him. Mark Cuban thought he made the perfect offensive juggernaut with Rondo at point guard, Monta Ellis at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, Dirk Nowitzki at power forward, and Tyson Chandler at center; but Rondo struggled to bring this dream to life. He finished the season with the Mavericks averaging 9.3 ppg, 6.5 apg and 4.5 rpg on 43% shooting. Rondo was never much of a scorer, but these numbers don’t match up to those of prior seasons.

The only place where Rondo seems to fit is in Los Angeles, but not for his former coach Doc Rivers on the Clippers. Instead, he fits playing for Byron Scott alongside Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers. Most NBA teams aren’t looking for a ball dominant point guard with erratic shooting and an attitude problem, but the Lakers need to give their fans a reason to come to the games and the lottery finishing season they had doesn't give fans a reason to pay for tickets.

The question that remains is as follows: Should Los Angeles pay Rondo max contract money? Well, playing for a new coach under a new system with different players might show the basketball world that he’s still an elite point guard, so LA should offer him a max deal. Max contract money can either change a player for the better or for the worse, in Rondo’s case in order to show that he is still elite in this league it needs to change him for the better. This by no means will shoot the Lakers back into title contention as Rondo was unable to lead a more skilled Mavericks team back to the Finals. However, it will give Lakers fans a reason to buy tickets and will entice other free agents to sign as well. A Rondo signing will show free agents that the Lakers are making an effort to push themselves back into Western Conference playoffs.

All Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference unless stated otherwise

The 2015 NBA Draft: Top 10, 6-10

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

The 2015 NBA Draft is full of potential at every position for years to come. With the 6th through 10th picks, 5 teams will make crucial decisions about the future of their teams and the young talents who will lead them to future success. The Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat hold picks 6-10 and possibility for prospects full of potential at every position. Here’s the 2015 NBA Mock Draft for Picks 6-10.

NBA MOCK DRAFT PICKS 6-10

6. Sacramento Kings: Kristaps Porzingis

It’s no surprise that the Kings are in need of a strong presence at the Power Forward position and Porzingis is the answer to their problems. Porzingis is an all around player standing at 7’0 and 220 lbs. Porzingis is known for his solid jump shot, athleticism, and interior defense. He’s also exceptionally quick on his feet for a 7-footer and maintains excellent pick and roll versatility. Jason Thompson never quite filled the role as a sidekick for DeMarcus Cousins in the low post and Porzingis would be a fantastic option for the Kings at the 4. Skills that Porzingis lacks such as tenacity in the post and passing are skills that Cousins strives in. Additionally, Porzingis and Darren Collison both excell off of Pick and Roll plays, which would provide a deadly combination against any team. Porzingis supplies a reliable option for the Kings with the 6th pick.

NBA Player Comparison: Young Pau Gasol

7. Denver Nuggets: Willie Cauley-Stein

Only 3 players remain under contract for the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming season: Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, and Jusuf Nurkic. While Nurkic does fill the center position, he hasn’t proven himself as a trustworthy starter quite yet. With solid size at 6’11 and 240 lbs, Cauley Stein can provide excellent inside presence for the Nuggets. In his tenure with Kentucky, he’s exemplified himself as a fantastic rebounder and a solid inside scorer. His mid range jumpshot has improved and his defense is exceptional. Cauley-Stein is also a fantastic target for lobs and can compliment the athletic playstyle of the Nuggets with his powerful offensive rebounding and monster athleticism. Cauley-Stein can fill a much needed void for the Nuggets inside.

NBA Player Comparison: Tyson Chandler

8. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson

The Pistons have established a young core with tons of potential for the future. They have their work cut out for them this offseason, looking to retain Reggie Jackson and Greg Monroe while looking for new talent to bring them back to the playoffs. One position totally lacking depth for the Pistons is the small forward. The position was filled by Josh Smith, Caron Butler, and Tayshaun Prince over the past few seasons, but the Pistons haven’t found the right player to fit into their gritty style of play. 6’7, 242 lbs Small forward Stanley Johnson can provide the Pistons with exactly what they need: versatility. Johnson is an all around player to say the least. In his NCAA career with Arizona, Stanley has proven to be a fantastic all around player with potential to develop further. Alongside Drummond and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Pistons would have the right pieces to develop into a playoff team once again.

NBA Player Comparison: Jimmy Butler

9. Charlotte Hornets: Mario Hezonja

The all around swingman from Barcelona is a versatile player with a solid shooting stroke which is a necessity of the struggling Charlotte Hornets. Lance Stephenson has proven himself unreliable and streaky and Gerald Henderson lacks the offensive flexibility that the Hornets need. Hezonja can provide a reliable catch and shoot offense for rising point guard Kemba Walker to dish off to. The shooting guard and small forward positions in Charlotte are up for the taking and the addition of Hezonja could contribute the explosiveness that the Hornets need. With the exception of Kemba Walker, the Hornets have been lacking heart in their game. Hezonja is extremely passionate and can energize his teammates as well as the disappointed Charlotte fans.

NBA Player Comparison: Young Manu Ginobili

10. Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky

Throughout his college career with Wisconsin, Kaminsky was the heart and soul of their team, however; to many scouts he isn't considered ready for the NBA level. Kaminsky will hope to prove them wrong and show that he can create his own offense and work in a system with his fantastic arsenal of skills. He’s been known as a great shooter and a great inside player. While he has been doubted in the past, the Heat have had a history of helping skilled big men find their perfect game with names such as Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh, and Hassan Whiteside coming to mind. With the help of the Miami Heat organization, Kaminsky can prove those who doubt him wrong, creating a valuable asset to the Heat in the process. Whiteside has become a big target for many teams after his breakout season and he may be looking for a large contract that the Heat won’t be able to offer him in the summer of 2015. Kaminsky can provide security for the Heat in case Whiteside decides to leave. Miami is in need of consistent skill and stability at the center position, and Kaminsky can provide that for them in their efforts to return to the playoffs.

NBA Player Comparison: Kevin Love

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/38/files/2015/05/frank-kaminsky-willie-cauley-stein-ncaa-basketball-final-four-wisconsin-vs-kentucky.jpg

The 2015 NBA Draft: Top 10, 1-5

                                                

Written by Taylor Odenat

On June 25, 2015, more than 100 prospects will enter the 2015 NBA Draft in hopes of being selected by one of the 30 teams in the NBA. Of these prospects, 30 will be given guaranteed contracts in the first round and 30 will be selected in the second round and given non-guaranteed contracts. The first fifteen teams in the draft can all benefit greatly for the future with the players they draft, however, they should be mindful of who they pick. No star career is guaranteed out of any of these players, but each NBA team just hopes that they chose the right player that will fit their system and be the most productive for years to come. 

May 20, 2015, the ping pong balls determined which lottery team would select at each position of the draft. After finishing with a 16-66 record seemingly pulling off a successful tank of a season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have walked away with the Number One pick in the NBA Draft. This will now give the Wolves two number one picks on the roster with Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins currently in their possession. Whoever the Wolves decide to draft, whether it be Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns, or D’Angelo Russell; will be a cornerstone of their progression towards playoff contention in the Western Conference. How the rest of the NBA squads pick their next prospects will be illustrated in this post-draft lottery mock of the top 10 picks in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

NBA MOCK DRAFT PICKS 1-5

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns Jr.

           For months, Jahlil Okafor of Duke reigned as the consensus Number One pick as his gigantic hands and polished post play dazzled scouts and gave off the impression that he could be an integral part of an offense for years to come. However, over the last few games of the season, Towns exhibited a great deal of versatility on the defensive and offensive end, knocking down jumpshots, scoring on the low block, blocking shots in the paint and holding his own on the perimeter. His athleticism fits with the young, athletic backcourt of Zach Lavine and Andrew Wiggins; so it would be a more logical fit for Towns to join Minnesota over National Champion Okafor. 

NBA Player Comparison: Rasheed Wallace

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor

           Los Angeles has a history of raising dominant, championship winning big men and Okafor has the chance to be the next in that line of centers joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. Jahlil is a big body and game changing prospect with vision and scoring talent from the low block. His wide frame however doesn't make him slow and sluggish, with his listed 6’11 height and 270 pound weight, Okafor is still very deft and dexterous for a player of his size. His defense does need improvement, but he is a can't miss prospect and with Kobe Bryant retiring sooner rather than later Los Angeles needs a big time player they can sell to their fans; if Okafor pans out like he is projected too then he will definitely be that player.

NBA Player Comparison: Patrick Ewing

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell

           Philadelphia has gone through seasons of purposeful tanking and racking up draft picks and it could all be for this man right here. He is an electric scorer, can put up points in bunches, get hot in a hurry and score from either guard spot. If Philly decided to go with Emmanuel Mudiay that wouldn't be a horrible decision, but Russell displays more upside and a superior shooting stroke. He has the tools and the talent to bring Philly out of their constant inevitable draft lottery appearances with his resplendent ball handling, astounding court vision, and terrific basketball instincts.

NBA Player Comparison: Brandon Roy

4. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay

           Although it's been reported that the Knicks are shopping this pick seeing as they didn't make the top 3 after their season long tanking attempt, they should keep the pick and draft Mudiay. Granted, he hasn't played any of his fellow prospects in collegiate competition, however Mudiay has played overseas in China for the Guangdong Southern Tigers where it's possible to say the competition is more challenging. He obviously didn't receive as many minutes as he would have playing for Larry Brown at SMU, but Emmanuel Mudiay still flashed the potential scouts first saw when he first announced to play for a college team. He is a solid floor general, has a creative handle, works well in the pick and roll, and possesses tremendous upside at the guard position; which is a position of great need for the New York Knicks. Mudiay does lack shooting range and does make questionable decisions with the basketball at times, but these are both fixable aspects of his game; he is a high risk-high reward type of a player but that shouldn't stop the Knicks from taking a chance on the 18 years old.

NBA Player Comparison: Jrue Holiday

5. Orlando Magic: Justise Winslow

           The recent National Championship winning lefty can be drafted as the long term replacement for forward Tobias Harris. He has had a productive season and may want to jump ship for a city such as the New York Knicks where he has shown interest in playing. This allows Justice to come in from day one as the starting wing playing with a young starting lineup in Payton, Oladipo, Gordon, and Vucevic. Winslow brings the ability to guard at least three positions to the table as well as a developing three point stroke, strong slashing ability, and a relentless motor that’ll him in games that start to get tedious and tiring. Winslow can play either the 2 or the 3, complementing Oladipo on the wing. He has a strong first step, is extremely athletic as many saw on display in the National Championship game against Wisconsin, and a smart passer; what more can Orlando ask for as they are still a rebuilding team. Even in saying that, this upcoming season they have the chance to be a repeat of the Milwaukee Bucks and make their way into Eastern Conference playoff contention with their lengthy and young talent they have stacked on their roster.

NBA Player Comparison: Offensively Capable Bruce Bowen/ Defensively Capable James Harden

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Justise-Winslow-7190/, http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/D-Angelo-Russell-7175/, http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Emmanuel-Mudiay-6472/, http://basketball.asia-basket.com/player/Emmanuel_Mudiay/Guangdong_Southern_Tigers/329244,

The Fall of the Wizards and the Future of Paul Pierce

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

              Paul Pierce, the 37 year old small forward for the Washington Wizards has played a masterful game since his draft selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 Draft. Since then Pierce has proved himself as an elite scorer and player with his dynamic play style and personality. Pierce landed in a Washington Wizards uniform this season as the experienced yet effective veteran on a young rising team. In last night's crucial game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, Pierce hit a clutch fading three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, the celebratory moment was cut short as referees reviewed and waived off Pierce's shot as the ball was released after the clock expired. A heart broken Paul Pierce spoke to the press after the game and claimed that this game may have been his last. Pierce is quoted as saying "I don't even know if I'm gonna play basketball next year. I don't know how many more playoff rides I have left."

           Although it may have been a tough game, Pierce still has a year in his contract and he played incredibly in the playoffs. Pierce averaged approximately 15 PPG on 52% shooting from three point range. Although he wasn't able to save the season, Pierce put up a great fight. His age has not reflected in his stats or his health. Whether he returns to basketball or enters retirement depends on his body, his heart, and his family.

           As for the Washington Wizards as a whole, they have the potential to improve and work towards championship contention. The Hawk's front court duo of Al Horford and Paul Milsap dominated the Wizards front court of Marcin Gortat and Nene Hilario. Both Gortat and Nene are fantastic post players and defenders, but their energy and strength both need to intensify to bring the Wizards to contention. John Wall, who missed some time with multiple hand fractures, performed at an incredibly high level on both sides of the court. Third year guard Bradley Beal also pr Bed himself as a highly effective asset to the Wizards offense, emerging as a massive threat to all defenders. If the intensity held by Wall, Beal, and Pierce carries on to the front court of Gortat and Nene, the Wizards could possibly fight for another playoff run again next season. 

           As for the Atlanta Hawks, they will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history against Kyrie Irving's Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 20th at 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/2015/04/18/wizards-paul-pierce-has-it-in-game-1-win-over-raptors/paul-pierce.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg