DraftExpress Mock 6/12 - Alexander

[cam2win]

This is the first mock post-Orlando that I've really seen Alexander listed as our pick. Definitly made me happy as he's the guy I now really want at 8. Interesting to see Westbrook and Randolph slide down on this mock, I wish there was detail as to the thoughts behind each pick.

Also interesting seeing Jason Thompson as our second round pick. Admittedly I know nothing about him but in reading a little about him he seems like a solid pick and someone that could make the club.

Here's the full list:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2008/

[wichmae]

if we pass on Westbrook and Randolph at 8 for Alexander I am going to be pissed...

[LUKE23]

I've been having the feeling we are going to draft Alexander for a little over a week now. Don't know why, just have that feeling.

Still have Westbrook over him though.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

I'm ok with Alexander.

[cam2win]

I think I'm very surprised that Augustine is projected over Westbrook. I thought I read Westbrook did fairly well against him when they matched up in Orlando.

[LUKE23]

Actually one of the more realistic mocks I've seen actually, I have the same first five, the Knicks are going to be the swing team.

Still also don't know why they don't update the height/weights on the mock given they just did the pre-draft measurements.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

It says at the top in bold that team needs have not been taken into account. That means that no matter which team is picking in NY's spot, they're likely to take Augustin?

[emunney]

I think they've just forgotten to change that. The lotto portion of the mock changed drastically after the lotto, which is typically when they start to consider team preferences.

[Milwaukee'sBEST]

If Westbrook is gone, then I'd be happy with Joe. However, is Russ the Muss is still left and we take Sloppy Joe...I'll be ubber pissed

[smauss]

This is the first mock post-Orlando that I've really seen Alexander listed as our pick. Definitly made me happy as he's the guy I now really want at 8. Interesting to see Westbrook and Randolph slide down on this mock, I wish there was detail as to the thoughts behind each pick.

Also interesting seeing Jason Thompson as our second round pick. Admittedly I know nothing about him but in reading a little about him he seems like a solid pick and someone that could make the club.

Here's the full list:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2008/

From Draft Express about Jason Thompson:

Strengths

[xTitan]

if we pass on Westbrook and Randolph at 8 for Alexander I am going to be pissed...

I sure hope you are pissed..

[EastSideBucksFan]

Jerry West thinks Alexander should stay in school another year. He said if he did he would be a Top 5 pick for sure next year. He's got the physical tools, but he's already a junior and a projected Top 12-15 pick so I don't see him pulling out.

[stellation]

What is the dollar value difference between a #5 contract and a #12 one?

[DanoMac]

if we pass on Westbrook and Randolph at 8 for Alexander I am going to be pissed...

Agreed.

[worthlessBucks]

Thompson reminded me of a poor man's Aldridge when I watched him this year. Smooth jumper out to college 3, athletic, long, and very skilled for the MAAC. He was Mr. everything for Rider. He's certainly a first round talent so I'd be stoked if he was there at 37.

[Tug0bwerdna]

What is the dollar value difference between a #5 contract and a #12 one?

$1,269,840/ yr.

[paulpressey25]

Ty on his blog tonight has a great write-up about Alexander.

http://www.bucksdiary.blogspot.com/

The really important part is the later paragraphs raising the "juice" issue.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

Is there any truth to his allegations? I don't know anything about working out. Is it possible to gain 20 lbs in a year? If not, was he weighed officially the year prior? Can you really calculate a max lift by seeing how many reps a guy can do? I doubt Alexander or any other player can lift 500 lbs.

If he does juice, is it something he won't be able to continue doing in the NBA? Don't they test for that in college too?

[LUKE23]

Given how little steroids is an advantage in basketball compared to baseball/football, along with the type of work ethic Alexander has makes me sluff off this until I see some concrete proof. It's quite easy to gain 20 pounds of muscle in one year without any assistance.

Ty needs to read up on muscle building.

Irresponsible to even throw that in there.

[andonewheel]

Wow, what a horrible accusation. Not so much because it is entirely unfounded, but because it displays a total lack of understanding of weight training. You can project a one rep max from a number of reps, but it won't be precise and in now way does his bench numbers project to anywhere close to 560 lbs, that is laughable. Also, gaining 20 lbs of muscle in one year is not only possible, it is very attainable by ANYONE who understands how to eat properly to gain weight.

Anyways, Alexander looks like a top notch athlete with a great work ethic. I think he projects very well in the future as a consistant, reliable starting SF. I think he's the type of player who will add something new to his game every offseason.

I'd prefer Randolph's upside over Alexander but I'd have no complaints with either. As long as we don't draft Westbrook who will be either a point guard without point guard skills or a shooting guard who can't shoot. We need a SF, either Alexander who can step in and give us minutes or Randolph who has the potential to be an all-star.