Final blogger Rookie of the Year voting: I promise I wasn’t the one that voted for Kyle Weaver or gave Russell a first 
place vote. My ballot looked like this: 1. Derrick Rose 2. Russell Westbrook 3. Brook Lopez 4. Kevin Love 5. O.J. Mayo.
I wish people would quit fantasizing about this, but yet another “the Blazers screwed up, what if they had Kevin Durant?” story. But the reality is, the more Greg Oden picks up five fouls in seven minutes and the more 30-point games KD puts up, it won’t go away: “Now, there is plenty of time for Greg Oden to become a star. He might become just what Portland needs – a defensive anchor, a dominant big man. But he looks more like a guy who is going to average 13 points and 11 rebounds, block a few shots, and struggle to stay healthy. Meanwhile, Durant turned 20 this season, and here are his relevant stats for Oklahoma City this season: 25.3 points on .476 shooting, .422 from three-point range, and .863 from the line; 6.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, 0.7 blocks. He is a genuine superstar, right now … With Durant and Roy, Portland would have been a legitimate threat to topple the Lakers this year, and in many years to come. With Oden, the Blazers are a nice team that might one day get serious. This point has been made before, but it’s being driven home right now. This is the first playoff run for Portland’s collection of young talent, and the first chance to see just what — besides experience — it is missing. And it is missing a third scorer, and another star. Right now, this is Darko Milicic over Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.”
Draft Express statisical analysis on shooting guard (pay attention): “Harden’s biggest shortcoming ended up being in the perimeter shooting department. He was terrific on the very few catch and shoot opportunities he received with his feet set (2.4 Pos/G), but really struggled when being contested (.85 PPP) or shooting off the dribble (.73 PPP). In fact, the 27% he shot from the field off the dribble is the lowest of any of the nineteen players in our sample. Fortunately for Harden, this is clearly a part of his game he can work on, but he’ll have to put in the appropriate time in the gym. In terms of things a team can count on him to do well in the short-run, his ability to score with space deserves consideration at the top of that list.”
How about that Hornets game last night? Holy Charles Barkley in a manger, what a butt-kicking. Fifty-eight points? At home? In the playoffs? Yikes. At a certain point a game like that crosses the boundary between boring blowout into this-is-really-interesting-how-much-do-you-think-they’ll-win-by territory. And you’re glued to your TV. Forty points? Nah, they couldn’t win by 40. OK, 50 points? No way. Oh my heavens, 60? Could they win by 60? The most amazing stat to me is not the 58-point deficit necessarily, but that the Hornets went 17-54 from the field. Yeah that’s 31 percent but they only took 54 shots? What the crap? I guess the fact they had TWENTY-SIX turnovers didn’t help. Oh, and one more thing – Tyson Chandler’s line last night: 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 blocks, 4 fouls in 13 minutes. Not sayin’, just sayin’.
FanHouse on Clay keeping his money: “Of course, it’s unlikely Bennett — or David Stern — ever realistically believed that money to be at risk. For the guff we’ve given Bennett (trust me, there has been plenty), the legislature is really showing its culpability on this issue. Bennett went about things in a completely devious, destructive fashion. But in the end, he has basically been shown to be correct in terms of Washington’s lack of will in keeping these Sonics fans happy, and in keeping Seattle an NBA town. It’s sad, all around.” I think you could almost say Bennett was bailed out in more ways than one. Sure he gets to keep his money, but the more Seattle refuses to stand up and do what’s necessary to bring the game they supposedly love so much back to town, the more Bennett is vindicated.
HoopsWorld wonders if Carlos Boozer played his last game in a Jazz uniform: “The scenario that may work best for both sides this offseason is a sign-and-trade. While Boozer’s injury history might scare away some teams, the fantastic numbers he has put up in the postseason should draw a number of suitors. This would allow Boozer and his agent to target certain teams that have interest in him but don’t have the cap space to sign him outright. It would also help the Jazz by allowing the team to get something of value in return for Boozer.”
Interesting article by Ian Thompson on charge or block: “Bernie Fryer, the NBA director of officials, cries foul at the notion of star treatment. Against the vast weight of anecdotal evidence, Fryer insists that the relative status of players has no influence on a call. The NBA’s grading system ultimately decides which referees work in the playoffs and earn extra money, Fryer argues, so it’s in the refs’ best interest to get the block/charge right, whether it’s LeBron James or Jerome James barreling to the hoop. In an attempt to quell the controversy around block/charge rulings, Fryer recently invited a reporter to his office to view replays of 13 calls. A difficult one from last season showed Miami guard Smush Parker driving around the Knicks’ Renaldo Balkman and straight into a suddenly appearing Jared Jeffries. In slow motion you can see that Jeffries gets position, but in real time the players seem to arrive at the same moment. “In the old days you know what [prominent former refs] Joe Gushue or Jake O’Donnell would call?” says Fryer, breaking into a smile. He rotates his forearms, the signal for traveling. “Because he didn’t know,” says Fryer. “He didn’t know, so he’d say, He must have walked.”
I don't know if anyone read the Hollinger article, but he was pretty darn convinced that Big Baby was going to be a major factor in Boston's eventual loss this playoff season. To be honest, the guy has been pretty underwhelming since he's been in the league, it's just a lot easier to mask when your playing next to Kevin Garnett most of the time.
If you all remember, we drafted big baby, he was part of the Green/Allen swap.
Don't like Davis at all - I picture him coming here and wanting to "try" and do it all by himself - let him stay in Boston . . .
@Steve H
If we don't address center in the draft, then you're right, we'll have to look at the free agent market. Collison and White can be serviceable there, but they're pure fours.
@Royce
I pictured him rotating at center with Krstic. I am way on board with DJ as our back-up 4 next year.
@Steve H
I kind of like him too, but I don't know if he'd be an upgrade over D.J. White. Close to the same size and it seems like their games are really similar with White being a little more athletic.
Been wtching the Celtics and Bulls go at it. Big Baby will be a free agent this summer, and the C's have all their cash tied up in their big 3. Wouldn't mind seeing Presti throw 3-4 mill a year at him and see if we could pick him up. Not that tall for a center, but his girth seems to make up for that, and he looks solid on both ends of the floor to me.
Oh, thanks guys, but I can't take credit for it.
http://www.nbadraft.net/players/james-harden
I read that and after seeing him, I was like 'yeah, that's pretty good".
agreed . . . someone get Harden a Thunder jersey!!!!
Nice call Joe on Ginobili. I hadn't even thought of that, but the two could be very comparable. Similar size, supposedly subpar "athletes," lefty heavy, decent jumpshooters.
I don't understand why Draftexpress failed to profile Wayne Ellington with the shooting guards, but put a couple of combo guards in there like McClinton and Teague???
Makes no sense. Ellington is a likely late first rounder as a shooting guard exclusively, yet no breakdown.
I see a little of B-roy in Harden, and a little bit of Ginobli with that left hand drive to the basket that everybody knows is coming and few can do anything about.
Jax Raging Bile Duct :I’m a game watcher, not a stat researcher. So I don’t think of Harden as a turnover machine. I’m not sure what Steph Curry’s stats say about his turnovers. But these two players are similar in my mind. They both have athleticism that is enough in college to make them above average, but mediocre in the NBA. They can both handle the ball really well. They can both pass the ball really well. They are both used to facing the opposing team’s defensive focus. They both have unlimited shooting range.
I remember other shooters that were marginal athletes who were big in college; Adam Morrison and JJ Redick. So what is going to keep Harden and Curry from becoming the next Morrison and Redick?
Another great point!
Alex :What do you guys think of Jodie Meeks? I though his write-up on draftexpress.com sounded pretty good for our needs…I have no knowledge about his defense though…
I like Meeks and his defense is pretty good on ball and off he's an interesting prospect in this draft.
Royce :@Jax Raging Bile Duct Totally agree about the officiating. I think I’ve complained about it a couple of times.
And well said JG. I think the main similarity is that they are close to the same size. But other than that… not much. Heck, I could see Harden running point and Westbrook playing off the ball a lot. They could almost form a point guard tandem together on the floor. Interchanging, swapping and running sets different times down the floor.
I meant I agree with you about this one.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
I completely agree with you there.
@Keith
excellent post . . .
@Alex
He could be a solid bench shooter. His percentages are nice, but backup is probably the best he'll be. He's small, not much of a defender, and does little else besides shoot. He's a terrible passer. Maybe with the San Antonio pick he'd be worth a shot, but it all depends on Presti's plans for the team.
The more I think about it, the less likely I feel it is that Phoenix starts selling all their players. One, they only have Amare as a real trade chip, everyone else is too old (Shaq, Nash, Hill), too limited as a player (Richardson, Barbosa), or just plain not good. They are going to be shopping Shaq around hard all offseason, but ultimately I think they'll try to make one more run with a healthy Amare. Think about it, even if they sell their players and tank, they won't have any pick to show for it, and only Amare is going to get them much talent in return.
@jk
I think your football reference is a little off. A shotblocker is more like having Champ Bailey or Nnamdi Asomugha in your backfield. They'll shut down a lot of supposedly easy plays and once in a while take something big and swing momentum. But, just like having a shot-blocking center, you're defense can be putrid even with them there (Denver and Oakland were terrible). This team needs to play better defense as a team more than it needs a single person sitting just outside the paint waiting to swat shots. Unless we can contain slashers and shooters on the wing with the players we have, it won't matter who we put in the middle, as they'll eventually foul out from trying to clean up all the mistakes.
What do you guys think of Jodie Meeks? I though his write-up on draftexpress.com sounded pretty good for our needs...I have no knowledge about his defense though...
Having a shot-blocking center is like having two freak pass rushing defensive ends--they can cover up a lot of defensive inefficiencies.
@Nix
their team is tanking and Nash is probably an icon in Arizona - they hold on to him to sell tickets . . .
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
Definitely a lottery pick...
The weirdest thing about the Suns is they aren't willing to let Nash go...Not that we'd want him...He's kind of a system quarterback...Yea he's great but his defense is awful (that's why he's system)...
Maybe Curry will be the same way...
I expect a fire sale from the Suns. And knowing the Hornets financial situation, AND seeing their performance yesterday (or lack thereof), I expect a fire sale from them as well.
Those two teams have spent the past couple of years trying to ramp up to make a run, and both of them were worse as a result. Sometimes it's just time to go back to the drawing board, and I think those two teams are there right now.
I don't think it's going out on a limb to say that the Suns pick next year will be a lottery pick.
Man...I hope the Suns tank next season...I bet the Thunder will really look to sweep them in order to make that draft pick a more beautiful thing...
What do you think our chances of being better than the Suns are next season? (there's a lot to factor in) I think we have a chance pending the draft...
I never said he was lost cause, but people write things like "Green is an all around good player" or "Green is a good defender", then I will respond. Green's defense is the worst on the team. Being young is no excuse for not playing defense, so I get tired of hearing that. It's mostly about effort. And I've harped on Westbrook and Durant's defense repeatedly, so I don't know where that came from. Hopefully, (head coach - no interim)Brooks can get all three of them to play good defense . . .
@Firemark
kev is Jeff Green...da da duuuummmm...
@kev
Why are you always riding Green so hard? I understand that you feel he can put forth a better defensive effort but from your past comments (during the season) you make it sound like he is a lost cause. Like Royce pointed out, he is still young and has room/time to improve. IMO, it just seems like you focus more on his flaws than you do Westbrook or Durant.
Can't we just draft Harden's jump shot, and then give it to Thabo?
@Nix
Good question. They don't shuffle around all that much. I think the circumstances would be more money and more control. Maybe he wants to be more actively involved in business decisions while also being general manager. Something like Donnie Walsh with New York. Who knows. I don't think he would go anywhere for at least a while unless some team started throwing money at him big time. I don't think name recognition is a big deal to GMs. Plus, the biggest team names out there aren't looking (Lakers, Bulls, Celtics). Maybe the Suns position opens up and he's enticed because Phoenix is a great basketball city and it's a great place to live. But it's really hard to say what one's goals are.
@Royce
agreed
Question..and this is a big one...Under what circumstances would Presti leave us? and wouldn't that ultimately be more devastating than Durant leaving? (that was a big one...I know)
Is there a job Presti would take the second it came open? The Spurs? Knicks? LA? (He has to be first choice of every franchise out there)
People don't realize that while we don't have a chance of losing any of the big 3 soon (save trade)...We have a legitimate chance of losing Presti at any point...
I'm really asking this question blind, because I have no idea how the GM carousel works...
@Bernard
not a good comparison - if Harden gives effort defensively, then Green and Harden aren't similar . . .
@Keith
nice post . . .
I think defensively Harden is like Green. They both need a good defensive center to help. that's why I think it is the biggest problem we need to address.
I'm not all the worried about Harden defensively. He gives effort, which is saying a lot for a star in the college game. Most players with his future are looking for a check, not to really work on both ends of the floor. If he can give solid effort on defense, he should be fine. Will he run into problems if the other teams runs an iso for his man? Yes. Should the team be playing good help defense regardless of who has the ball? Again yes. Harden isn't a Westbrook-like athlete, but he's not Eddy Curry either. Harden can keep up with most SGs enough to contest their shots. If he gets beat to the rim by really quick guards from time to time, that's what our big men are supposed to be for anyway.
JG mentioned this awhile ago, but I love the fact that he's tops in SGs in getting to the rim AND he's tops in points at the rim . . . so much for his athletic ability stopping him from penetrating - Redick rarely penetrated - he took mostly jumpers . . .
again, Harden (offensively) is a great fit . . .
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
agree - the guy was the focus of the offense, so his turnovers don't bother me in the slightest . . .
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
good points - and yes, their defensive play is suspect - HOWEVER, look at the alternatives - Thabeet? Henderson? Tyreke Evans? Mullens? all these guys either have glaring deficiencies OR they duplicate what we already have . . .
@J.G.
I'm sure I did, it's just that his turnovers didn't stand out to me as an overabundance. It seems every college game has 15 turnovers a game per team to me. Guys who turn the ball over get the whole "NO! Don't pass it to him!!!" routine from me, and it was never like that for me watching Harden play.
I just can't get over the feeling that Harden and Curry will spend their career's on the pine somewhere, due to their inability to defend. Sometimes it's a question of desire. You know that Ben Gordon and Russell Westbrook both have the athleticism to defend, but one doesn't even try, and the other is still learning the NBA game. But do Harden and Curry have enough athleticism to play good defense in the first place? I know we say defense is about effort, but I just have my doubts with these two.
Oh, Jax, surely you saw some of Harden's turnovers. I like to consider myself a game watcher and stat viewer, and there were times where Harden would try so hard to create something that he would inevitably turn it over multiple times during a game.
But when you're serving as the SG and PG, do-it-all guy on your team, that tends to happen, especially when you're double-teamed all year as well. So I'm hoping the turnover rate drops in the pro's for him.
Redick and Morrison did ONE thing well - shoot. That's it. Curry and Harden are both great passers. I would be glad to have either on my team.
Whoah, Kev just answered my question before I even asked it.
I'm a game watcher, not a stat researcher. So I don't think of Harden as a turnover machine. I'm not sure what Steph Curry's stats say about his turnovers. But these two players are similar in my mind. They both have athleticism that is enough in college to make them above average, but mediocre in the NBA. They can both handle the ball really well. They can both pass the ball really well. They are both used to facing the opposing team's defensive focus. They both have unlimited shooting range.
I remember other shooters that were marginal athletes who were big in college; Adam Morrison and JJ Redick. So what is going to keep Harden and Curry from becoming the next Morrison and Redick?
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
I am not really concerned about his perceived lack of athletic ability - he has too many intangibles to fail at the next level . . .
In Presti we trusty.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
That's a legitimate concern, for sure.
That's why I'm more impressed with his off the ball percentages/efficiency as a shooter since the Thunder already have plenty of finish-at-the-rim guys but a gaping hole at the spread the floor and pass-for-an-open-three guys.
@J.G.
great minds think alike!
@J.G.
More people read it than you might think... ;)
@Royce
Well that would just make too much sense if the Thunder chose a shooting guard that was an average penetrator but exceptional passer for his position, to help out a point guard who is an excellent penetrator but (thus far) average passer at his position.
I mean what is the Thunder trying to do here, shore up their weaknesses by adding strengths? :)
You think Presti reads this blog, Royce? Any chance that he'd "consult" with some of the dailythunder posters?
I should clarify, that while Harden exceeded at all those things in college (fast, quick, etc...), I meant that I don't see that translating to the pros. The jump in talent from college to the pros will just amplify his athletic weaknesses. I don't see the guy getting many finish-at-the-rim opportunities on his own in the NBA.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
Totally agree about the officiating. I think I've complained about it a couple of times.
And well said JG. I think the main similarity is that they are close to the same size. But other than that... not much. Heck, I could see Harden running point and Westbrook playing off the ball a lot. They could almost form a point guard tandem together on the floor. Interchanging, swapping and running sets different times down the floor.