ONEBUBBLE

I got up early to catch the 2008 NBA Draft a few days ago and fortunately the ESPN channel here had a live broadcast until the 21st pick then it switched off to some Wimbledon coverage (didn’t even know it started). One thing I missed out here is being able to mindlessly chat about sports with the likes of WonkiTime (new blog alert!) and OneYearinNYC (dude, if I was home, I would’ve definitely went with you to the Nash charity thing) and debate important things such as who should be the first pick: Rose or Beasley. But since I’m not home, this blog will have to do. I know it’s a bit late but here’s my take on the top 10 picks:

#1 – Derrick Rose / Chicago

Last year was Oden or Durant, this year it’s Rose or Beasley. I like Beasley but like most experts out there I’m on the Rose bandwagon. He just seems to have that “it” factor when he’s on the floor. Like Kobe or Wade, you just know they want to win more than anyone else. Besides, he’s darn good on both ends of the floor and will help the Bulls immediately.

#2 – Michael Beasley / Miami

I know Wade was hoping to get his boy Rose but Beasley is not a bad consolation prize. You know he can score and rebound but can he defend in the NBA? I think if he’s willing to put forth the effort, he’s got the talent to become the best player of this draft. Can he be better than Boozer or West? I think so. Better than maybe Amare? Time will tell.

#3 – O.J. Mayo / Memphis (via trade)

Back when I was working for Dime Magazine, we had this kid on our cover hyped as the Next LeBron. Well, it’s safe to say that Mayo is not quite there. It doesn’t mean he won’t be a great player one day. The kid’s got something to prove. He’s hardworking and an excellent defensive player – two things that’ll help you stay off the bench. Lets hope he doesn’t become the Reggie Bush of the NBA.

#4 – Russell Westbrook / Seattle

Watching Westbrook play reminded me of another very explosive and athletic guard back in the early 90’s – Kevin Johnson of the Phoenix Suns. Westbrook doesn’t have the same offensive skills as Johnson but he’s solid on the defensive side and has the speed to match the likes of Parker, Barbosa and Rondo.

#5 – Kevin Love / Minnesota (via trade)

If you want someone who can entertain the crowd at halftime then he’s your man. I don’t know why but I’m just not sold on him. I don’t think his game will translate well in the NBA. He struggled in the tourney when he went up against good defensive teams such as Standford and Memphis. He does have a solid basketball IQ and can shoot from the 3pt range. What he needs is explosiveness to go along with his strength.

#6 – Danilo Gallinari / New York

Sometimes subtraction is addition. I don’t know much about Gallinari except that he’s a very good offensive player that fits well with new coach Mike D’Antoni’s system. What I do know is that the New York Knicks has got better this off-season by simply removing this man from the Garden.

#7 – Eric Gordon / Los Angeles Clippers

I saw him played against Jeffrey Michael Jordan (yes, the son of Michael Jeffrey Jordan) in a high school game over a year ago where he completely dominated on the offensive end. I was thoroughly impressed. He will probably end up being a part-time scorer in the NBA similar to Ben Gordon.

#8 – Joe Alexander / Milwaukee

I don’t get this pick since they just traded for Richard Jefferson who also plays the 3. I would’ve went with a point guard here to help out Mo Williams in the backcourt but that’s just me.

#9 – D.J. Augustin / Charlotte

Kwame Brown. Adam Morrison. And now DJ Augustin. Not exactly the group you want to be associated with if you are Augustin. I thought for sure the Bobcats would draft Brook Lopez here. He would have been the perfect compliment to move Emeka Okafor to the 4th spot. Jordan must really love this kid which doesn’t bode well for Raymond Felton. Also, I hope this French kid (20th pick) works out for Jordan…

#10 – Brook Lopez / New Jersey

Solid pick at the 10th spot by the Nets. They would’ve love to have Danilo Gallinari here but it doesn’t hurt to have a big man with a defensive mindset. The future looks bright for the Nets with Lopez, Harris, Williams (x2), Krstic, and now Yi Jianlian. Their picks of Ryan Anderson (21th) and Chris Douglas-Roberts (40th – a steal if you ask me!) are also solid. Now they just need to replace Vince Carter with LeBron James come 2010 and they’ll be contending for years to come. Too bad they’ll be in Brooklyn by then.

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Anyway, the 2008 NBA Draft & draftees felt a bit nondescript. Maybe it’s because I’m overseas and didn’t get all hyped up by the media. In any case, this post took way too long. I’m tired of blogging already and it’s only been 3 posts. Nonetheless, keep a look out for more updates this week. We got plenty of materials but just need some time to convert & upload all the photos and videos. Thank you for your patience.