06/19 ESPN & DX.com Speculation

[Wise1]

And Randolph is reportedly falling like a rock because of the poor conditioning/intensity level he's showing in workouts.

New Jersey (11) and Milwaukee (8) thought he was very impressive. If Randolph believes he's going to be a top 11 pick, perhaps he wouldn't sell out for teams picking later in the draft. Not adivisable strategy, but again he's 18.

...and of course, these "reports" could be ficticious attempts to get a top prospect to fall to that particular team's position. This is the most likely scenario. It makes no sense for teams to knock any player's workout. It's not to that team's advantage for other teams to think that they don't like a particular player. Hurts the bluff.

[Licensed to Il]

Interesting info.

Thanks Wichamae. I am so $&#^@ curious about your sources and info. But I respect that you have risked a lot to post what you did.

I tend to agree with the previous eval... that Minny is looking to deal the #3 if Rose and Beasley are gone. Taking Rose would be a no brainer for any team. And Beasley has enough of an outside game (reminds me of a modern day Bernard King... a "power" small forward) to pair with Al Jeffersen. Plus, with more and more of the league playing small ball, you could play Al at 5, Beasley at 4, and throw out three guards. But I digress, all this seems logical. But isn't it a huge assumption to assume that it is Mayo that we are targeting? What if it is Love? I think any other prospect could be targeted lower in the draft. But if a team is shooting for the third pverall pick, I think it is reasonable to assume that they want Mayo or Love.

[Mike X]

well things right now hinge on alot.

Specifically what Miami is going to do.

I still maintain that there will be a draft day deal done....

If there isnt (which I think there will be) we have made a promise from my understanding to a player at 8.

I don't know if this has been mentioned at all, but Andy Katz was on SportsCenter earlier tonight and said that Joe Alexander really would like to play for the Bucks. My guess, as I assume is many others, that he is the player we may have made that promise to.

I don't think Alexandar has the promise. If he did, why is he still campaigning? If a team gives a guy a promise, it would stand to reason that they'd tell him to not draw attention to their mutual interest since some other team could take the player or try to bluff the promise team into giving up an asset to secure "their guy".

Meanwhile, we haven't heard a peep out of Randolph. Perhaps he isn't the promise guy (Love) but he certainly fits the profile better by remaining silent.

Didnt he work out quit well with us and lately his work-outs have been sub-standard....like he's comfortable in his future maybe.

[Wise1]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

[paulpressey25]

Redd/8 for Jaric/Antoine/#3?

I can't see that deal going down from either team's perspective. And would the Bucks take Mayo or surprise and take Love? Would be one heck of a draft night if that deal went down.

[xTitan]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Who told you the Bucks liked Randoph's workout?

[europa]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Who told you the Bucks liked Randoph's workout?

I'm trying to figure out who Kirby was referring to when he stated that Randolph was the best player on the floor after working out with Alexander and Green. Did the Bucks say that? If so, can we see the quote? Did Randolph say that? If so, I ask - who the hell cares what he thinks?

[Bernman]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Smells like teen promise.

How bout knocking Randolph for not showing up for LSU during his freshman season.....from anything other than a stat-stuffing standpoint?

[xTitan]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Who told you the Bucks liked Randoph's workout?

I'm trying to figure out who Kirby was referring to when he stated that Randolph was the best player on the floor after working out with Alexander and Green. Did the Bucks say that? If so, can we see the quote? Did Randolph say that? If so, I ask - who the hell cares what he thinks?

I have heard that Randolph has proven through a number of his workouts with various teams that he is obvious NOT a #3..he will be another anorexic 4. What's not to love about Randolph? Could it be the fact he can't pass? Perhaps that he is a human turnover machine? Maybe just his lack of killer instinct or questionable basketball IQ?

Last night Andy Katz said a few things, first the Bucks were not on of the teams to be in on the incredibly great OJ Mayo, who Katz said could conceivably fall to the Knicks. This is hard to believe since OJ Mayo is obviously one the the greatest guards to come out of college (although he showed how over-hyped he was last year at USC). Katz also mentioned that it appeared the Bucks and Alexander are big fans of one another........................I also heard from a seperate source that the Knicks have been to a couple of Alexanders workouts.

[europa]

I'm starting to suspect that the Bucks have Love ranked No. 3 on their draft board behind Rose and Beasley. Just a guess at this time but it's starting to fit.

As far as Alexander, the Bucks definitely like him and he definitely likes the Bucks. Love also would like to play for the Bucks. So if those are the two guys the Bucks really like at this point (and I'm thinking they are with Love first and Alexander second), you have two players who both want to play in Milwaukee. That's a refreshing change after last year's mess with Yi.

I think if there's one team that could take Alexander before the 8th pick it would be the Knicks. His athleticism would definitely fit D'Antoni's up-tempo style of play. I posted earlier that I'd be surprised if the Bucks traded up to get Alexander but I can't rule it out because I've heard enough comments about the Knicks liking him a lot too. Perhaps the Bucks are trying to move into the Top 5 to ensure they'll get one of the two guys they like - Love or Alexander.

[Wise1]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Who told you the Bucks liked Randoph's workout?

I'm trying to figure out who Kirby was referring to when he stated that Randolph was the best player on the floor after working out with Alexander and Green. Did the Bucks say that? If so, can we see the quote? Did Randolph say that? If so, I ask - who the hell cares what he thinks?

They were Randolph's words. If it were your candidate of choice, wouldn't you admire his confidence?

[xTitan]

I'm starting to suspect that the Bucks have Love ranked No. 3 on their draft board behind Rose and Beasley. Just a guess at this time but it's starting to fit.

As far as Alexander, the Bucks definitely like him and he definitely likes the Bucks. Love also would like to play for the Bucks. So if those are the two guys the Bucks really like at this point (and I'm thinking they are with Love first and Alexander second), you have two players who both want to play in Milwaukee. That's a refreshing change after last year's mess with Yi.

I think if there's one team that could take Alexander before the 8th pick it would be the Knicks. His athleticism would definitely fit D'Antoni's up-tempo style of play. I posted earlier that I'd be surprised if the Bucks traded up to get Alexander but I can't rule it out because I've heard enough comments about the Knicks liking him a lot too. Perhaps the Bucks are trying to move into the Top 5 to ensure they'll get one of the two guys they like - Love or Alexander.

I am trying to remember everything Katz said last night ( I like Katz, his sources usually aren't agents like many "insiders")...I think Katz hinted that the Wolves are totally enamored with Love.....that is why he thought Mayo could fall. Bilas said tonight he would not be surprized if Lopez fell to the 7-9 slot because there are questions about his athleticism...I would also throw in his maturity.

[europa]

I'm trying to figure out who Kirby was referring to when he stated that Randolph was the best player on the floor after working out with Alexander and Green. Did the Bucks say that? If so, can we see the quote? Did Randolph say that? If so, I ask - who the hell cares what he thinks?

They were Randolph's words. If it were your candidate of choice, wouldn't you admire his confidence?

Sure, but it doesn't mean anything. I'm sure Alexander and Green thought they did well too. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what any of them think or say. It's what the Bucks believe that matters.

[europa]

I'm starting to suspect that the Bucks have Love ranked No. 3 on their draft board behind Rose and Beasley. Just a guess at this time but it's starting to fit.

As far as Alexander, the Bucks definitely like him and he definitely likes the Bucks. Love also would like to play for the Bucks. So if those are the two guys the Bucks really like at this point (and I'm thinking they are with Love first and Alexander second), you have two players who both want to play in Milwaukee. That's a refreshing change after last year's mess with Yi.

I think if there's one team that could take Alexander before the 8th pick it would be the Knicks. His athleticism would definitely fit D'Antoni's up-tempo style of play. I posted earlier that I'd be surprised if the Bucks traded up to get Alexander but I can't rule it out because I've heard enough comments about the Knicks liking him a lot too. Perhaps the Bucks are trying to move into the Top 5 to ensure they'll get one of the two guys they like - Love or Alexander.

I am trying to remember everything Katz said last night ( I like Katz, his sources usually aren't agents like many "insiders")...I think Katz hinted that the Wolves are totally enamored with Love.....that is why he thought Mayo could fall. Bilas said tonight he would not be surprized if Lopez fell to the 7-9 slot because there are questions about his athleticism...I would also throw in his maturity.

I think he should fall farther than that but he probably won't. Somebody will take him because he's big.

A Love-Jefferson combination makes a ton of sense for the T'Wolves. But it's McHale, so who knows what he's going to do? I don't think the Sonics will take Mayo - I don't see Durant and Mayo working well given how both are scorers who need to shoot a lot. But I still think if he was on the board at five the Grizzlies had the pick, they'd have to take him over Bayless or Lopez or anybody else. I don't see superstar in O.J. Mayo's future but I do think he's a safe pick with little potential to bust and I think he'd be a fine fit with Conley and Gay as their PG, SG and SF of the future. It would be a gift for the Knicks if he fell to six.

[Wise1]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Smells like teen promise.

How bout knocking Randolph for not showing up for LSU during his freshman season.....from anything other than a stat-stuffing standpoint?

Can we say jaded, biased and uninformed opinion. Geez. The guy was a freshman PF in a tough conference that rebounded the ball extremely well and blocked a lot of shots. Say what you want, but you can't take that away from him. It's not like he was the team's point guard. In fact, selfish guard play has been attributed to the few sore spots that the kid has. His guards have been described as shot happy and inconsistent. Randolph's turnovers (less than Lamar Odom's were as a collegiate) have been attributed to his trying to do to much to help his team win. I don't think you can paint this kid as a selfish stat stuffer. His team was awful and as an 18 year old freshman, he was the best player on the floor. Not his fault. I'm sure the Bucks wouldn't mind the kid stuffing the stat sheet with rebounds and blocks in Milwaukee.

[europa]

That's my take Mike X. Smells like a promise. If you give a promise to an 18 year old guy that claimed that he was "the best player on the floor" after working out with Alexandar and Green, he probably would give less than inspired efforts for teams picking later than his promise. Heck, some guys don't even show up for workouts in similar scenarios, so I won't knock Randolph who at least has shown up for his workouts.

Smells like teen promise.

How bout knocking Randolph for not showing up for LSU during his freshman season.....from anything other than a stat-stuffing standpoint?

Can we say jaded, biased and uninformed opinion. Geez.

Kirby, I'd be interested in your thoughts on DX's review of the PFs in the link that CBQ provided. Randolph scored poorly in nearly every category. How do you explain all of that away?

[xTitan]

The SEC was a VERY WEAK conference last year still average more than 3 to's to one assists....Randolph is all paper no play.= to this point.....and he will end up being a thin 4.

[LISTEN2JAZZ]

I'm sure the Bucks wouldn't mind the kid stuffing the stat sheet with rebounds and blocks in Milwaukee.

I agree, but if the rebounds and blocks are likely to transfer over to the NBA, so are the turnovers and missed shots.

Randolph was not a good college player, and most players see a decline in production when they hit the NBA. I wish I could see a list of some players who had atrocious college win scores, but ended up having good NBA win scores down the road.

If we draft Randolph I'll accept it and hope for the best. He's amazingly long, and has the eye hand coordination to play basketball. I'd be a lot happier if we picked a player who produced at the college level though. I want them to develop into an NBA caliber player before Yi retires.

[Wise1]

I'm trying to figure out who Kirby was referring to when he stated that Randolph was the best player on the floor after working out with Alexander and Green. Did the Bucks say that? If so, can we see the quote? Did Randolph say that? If so, I ask - who the hell cares what he thinks?

They were Randolph's words. If it were your candidate of choice, wouldn't you admire his confidence?

Sure, but it doesn't mean anything. I'm sure Alexander and Green thought they did well too. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what any of them think or say. It's what the Bucks believe that matters.

But neither of them were confident and bold enough to verbally put their competitors firmly behind them. Remember the 80's whenever Bird or Magic where asked who the best player in the game was and they'd always point at each other as being the best? Well, Jordan NEVER said anyone was better than he was and it was that confidence, coupled with his talent, that made him the best ever.

I like Randolph's comments and in my mind, he has an edge over Green and Randolph from a competitive standpoint just because he had the courage to express the fact that he thought he was better than everyone else on the floor. I'm sure if he'd had a sucky workout against the competition, he'd be a bit less boastful.

Skiles and Hammond thought well enough of Randolph to take him out to dinner afterwards. I have heard no report stating Hammond/Skiles wined and dined the other players that worked out that day....specifically, Joe Alexandar.

[europa]

I like confident players. This forum doesn't always seem to like them but I've never had a problem with that. I'm not being critical of Randolph's confidence. I'm saying that ultimately I don't think it means anything. I do think the fact Skiles and Hammond took him out to dinner is a strong point in his favor. No question. I just don't think he's the guy they're targeting. I really think it's Love first and Alexander second.