RealGM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008 ... ate-080624

This would be our dream scenario, sadly it will never happen, but in their draft they have Bayless falling right into our laps. Mostly because Simmons doesn't know a thing about the NBA outside the Boston Celtics, Love at 3? Really? With Al Jefferson? But wow, if this happened I would be sooooo happy. They haven't actually made the Bayless pick yet, but I can't imagine them taking anyone else.

I highly doubt that will happen.

To be honest, I read their Mock through the 7th pick...and then closed it.

I think Love going 3rd could happen, though its not likely. Kevin McHale really likes Love, and Kevin McHale is an idiot. You never know with that guy.

They now have Chalmers over Augustin. That is interesting to me because I really don't like Augustin, honestly, at the PG position we need someone who can play defense and get the ball to Granger, Dunleavy, and maybe O'Neal. Augustin can pass the ball, but apparently he got torched on defense in college and I don't know that he can play against NBA level guards. I think I would rather take Chalmers later on in the draft. Maybe take Arthur at 11, unless someone else falls, then trade for a later pick and take Chalmers.

DGrangeRx33 wrote:They now have Chalmers over Augustin. That is interesting to me because I really don't like Augustin, honestly, at the PG position we need someone who can play defense and get the ball to Granger, Dunleavy, and maybe O'Neal. Augustin can pass the ball, but apparently he got torched on defense in college and I don't know that he can play against NBA level guards. I think I would rather take Chalmers later on in the draft. Maybe take Arthur at 11, unless someone else falls, then trade for a later pick and take Chalmers.

Interesting, Augustin's downfall is playing against top flight competition in college, he did not fare well. Augustin has really impressed lots of people on the workout circut though, and I have seen some mock drafts where he is projected at high as 6 to the Clippers. I will still maintain I am not a fan of drafting him in the top 11, but he has been impressing some. I wonder what has shot Chalmers up so high recently?

Its more so the fact that Augustin can't play defense. Can anyone imagine a Augustin/Dunleavy back court defensive duo? That would be a nightmare, as long as the guy can pass the ball and play defense, in a weak PG draft(at least after Rose, maybe Bayless) we should just go for one in another direction and if that doesn't work draft a defensive minded PG with a later pick. 11 is way to high for a rich mans Travis Diener.

I think Bayless is now the 25th different player that I have invisioned the Pacers taking in the last month. There are so many possibilities its ridiculous.

Granger da OG wrote:I think Bayless is now the 25th different player that I have invisioned the Pacers taking in the last month. There are so many possibilities its ridiculous.

I think the key picks are the 3rd, 4th, and 6th picks. Those are the 3 picks that will change the direction of the draft.

I absolutely agree with GrangerRX33 on this one. Augustin isn't lighting quick for a player his size, and that going to give him problems with his defense in the NBA. Also, I don't think he has a long wingspan.

Chalmers is bigger, more physical, and is near the shooting ability of Augustin. I am with Rx33 in the fact if we are picking a PG, I'de rather pick Chalmers later on than use #11 on Augustin. I think DJ can be a quality offensive player, but the Pacers will get killed on D. Guys like Parker, Paul, Rose, etc... would just kill DJ, and I don't think that will ever change in DJ's career.

Anyway we can unload JO and Tinsley, get back bad 1st round picks and just take DJ, Mario, and Arthur. Call it a rebuilding year, and see what the hell happens?

I'm thinking that "mock" was more for entertainment than anything else.

Yeah, Simmons has no idea what he's doing. No way we get Jerryd Bayless.

I think it was more for entertainment than anything. Not only that, its not what they think will happen...its who they prefer. Big, big difference. You can tell Ford is a big Jayhawks fan, and you can tell Simmons likes about 4 guys in the draft and thats it.

It seems I am in the minority here, but I love Bill Simmons. I dont necessarily agree with him on a lot of things, but I do think he knows what he is talking about, and is pretty entertaining in the process. The blatant Boston homerism is annoying, I will admit, but his perspective is different and his writing style is very unique. It seems people either love him or hate him.

I know it's unlikey but not impossible. Barbosa could be dealt to the Clippers anyday and who knows, maybe even Toronto deals TJ Ford to like Seattle or something or another team looking to pick up a PG? Many players value could increase in the final days. Although i do agree with most, Bayless wouldn't drop to the 11th, he's just too good, but maybe Eric Gordon or Russell Westbrook? All i know is it's going to be a very intense few days leading up to the draft.

Not that you should really base a draft decision upon March Madness, but look at the Memphis-Texas and Memphis-Kansas games specifically how Mario and DJ played Rose. Rose probably won't be better or faster than Chris Paul but he's got the size and speed and talent of a starting PG in the association. DJ was shell-shocked, Mario did well. Whichever one you draft, you'll be seeing more of the same. Add to that how well Chalmers shoots and played in the championship game...

I'd take Chalmers over Augustin without question. Just not sure about #11.

cdash wrote:I think it was more for entertainment than anything. Not only that, its not what they think will happen...its who they prefer. Big, big difference. You can tell Ford is a big Jayhawks fan, and you can tell Simmons likes about 4 guys in the draft and thats it.

It seems I am in the minority here, but I love Bill Simmons. I dont necessarily agree with him on a lot of things, but I do think he knows what he is talking about, and is pretty entertaining in the process. The blatant Boston homerism is annoying, I will admit, but his perspective is different and his writing style is very unique. It seems people either love him or hate him.

I agree man, I really like him. I don't always agree with him either, but his draft day blogs are hilarious.

Also, Grang33r, I hope that the Clippers-Suns deal happens. The Suns would then take Joe Alexander, forcing the Bucks to go with Randolph or Gallinari, I'm not sure who the Bobcats would take - Westbrook or Lopez - but I have a feeling it would be Westbrook - then the Nets is a toss up, I don't see them taking Westbrook with Carter/Harris/Williams but who knows. Westbrook could fall back to us, but that is all dependent on Knicks not taking him, so who knows. This draft is crazy.