Oklahoma City Thunder: NBA Draft

Oklahoma City: 2009 NBA Draft

Jason Hirschhorn — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:04:19 -0700

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

- We’ll update our Team Capsules with more specific info once the lottery is complete.

Oklahoma City Thunder

2008-09 Record: 23-59; 5th Northwest

Draft Picks: 4, 25 (Pending Lottery)

Key Free Agents:

Damien Wilkins (Early Termination Option)

Desmond Mason

Malik Rose

Robert Swift

Projected Roster:

PG: Russell Westbrook

SG: Thabo Sefolosha

SF: Kevin Durant

PF: Jeff Green

C: Nenad Krstic

Key Bench: Nick Collison, Earl Watson, Kyle Weaver

How they got here and what they need:

Despite their 23-59 record, the franchise’s first year as the Oklahoma City Thunder can be considered somewhat of a success. They now have an established star in small forward Kevin Durant who still hasn’t come close to reaching his ceiling as a player. Many pundits are now referring to Oklahoma City as “the next Portland”. While Portland has more overall talent, only Oklahoma City has a true superstar in the making (Brandon Roy is a very good player, but he probably isn’t going to get much better than he is now where as Durant will be a top 5 player in the NBA).

The Thunder came dangerously close to making what might have been the trade of the year in the Tyson Chandler deal, but team doctors prevented it. With Tyson, this would have been a complete starting lineup. As it stands, the Thunder’s starting five is still a pretty solid lineup, but there are flaws. Despite his stellar rookie season, there is a school of thought that Russell Westbrook cannot be a point guard on a championship team. Westbrook average 5.3 assists per game, a good total for a rookie. However, he also averaged 3.3 turnovers. He absolutely must improve both areas in order to establish credibility as a point guard.

Another issue is bench support; an area the Thunder will address in the offseason. Oklahoma City can probably pick up a capable backup with the second of its two second round picks. With their top pick, look for Oklahoma City to add size in their front court.

Who they take:

Oklahoma City’s record gives them a very good shot at the first overall pick. Like just about any team picking there, they’d go with Blake Griffin. That said, three to five is a much more likely draft position. The ideal choice in this scenario is Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet. Thabeet will be able to contribute right away on the defensive end, and with scorers like Durant and Westbrook, there won’t be too much pressure to produce offensively during his rookie season. If Thabeet is unavailable, look for the Thunder to look at Arizona State’s Jordan Hill.

10 Year Draft History (as Seattle Supersonics):

2008: Russell Westbrook (4th); Serge Ibaka (24th); Walter Sharpe (32nd); Trent Plaisted (46th); DeVon Hardin (50th); Sasha Kaun (56th)

2007: Kevin Durant (2nd); Carl Landry (31st); Glen Davis (35th)

2006: Saer Sene (10th); Denham Brown (40th); Yotam Halperin (53rd)

2005: Johan Petro (25th); Mickael Gelebale (48th); Lawrence Roberts (55th)

2004: Robert Swift (12th); Andre Emmett (35th); David Young (41st)

2003: Nick Collison (12th); Luke Ridnour (14th); Willie Green (41st)

2002: Peter Fehse (49th)

2001: Vladimir Radmonovic (12st); Earl Watson (40th); Bobby Simmons (42nd)

2000: Desmond Mason (17th); Oluminde Oyedeji (42nd)

1999: Corey Maggette (13th)

2009 NBA DRAFT: NBA Team Needs/Capsules - NBA Mock Draft - Top 100 Prospects

Top Prospects

Stephen Curry - PG/SG - Davidson

Tyreke Evans - PG/SG - Memphis

Blake Griffin - PF - Oklahoma

James Harden - SG - Arizona State

Jordan Hill - PF - Arizona

Ty Lawson - PG - UNC

BJ Mullens - C - Ohio State

Ricky Rubio - PG - DKV Joventut

Brandon Jennings - PG - Arizona

Hasheem Thabeet - C - UCONN

NBA: Top Preseason Rookies

Hoopsworld — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:11:30 -0700

By: Travis Heath

Preseason is what it is. Win and losses really do not matter. However, preseason games do give the masses a chance to see the first glance of the stars of tomorrow. Here's a look at some of the rookies who have performed well thus far during the league's version of a dress rehearsal.

Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers

It took a year longer than most fans had hoped, but Oden has finally taken the NBA hardwood. The big-man from Ohio State hasn't disappointed, either. His physical size alone has made him a factor. This much is clear so far: If my man gets near the rim, he's going to try and rip it off. Defensively, he's also going to block a heck of a lot of shots this season, too. Just think what Oden will be capable of when he gets into "game shape." He will be a factor for the Blazers this season. When he gets a fully refined offensive game a couple of years down the road, he may evolve into the best big-man in the game.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Yes, Rose looked nervous early during his first action in his hometown of Chicago last week and turned the ball over a few too many times. Of course, it would have helped if his teammates had caught a pass or two. This kid is a big, strong point guard who will be able to get into the lane whenever he wants to. He looks a lot like Deron Williams out on the floor but with better springs. Chicago won't regret taking Rose. This kid has a chance to be a factor for the Bulls for the next decade-plus.

Michael Beasley, Miami HEAT

Everyone knew the Beazer could play, and he's done just that during the preseason. His ability to score inside and out will help him be effective right out of the gate. He's the kind of kid who can score 20 points without even trying. When he's focused, he's shown the ability to be very good on the boards, as well. Miami has been bringing Beasley off the bench so far this preseason, but it will be hard to keep him out of the starting lineup if he continues to score the basketball like he has been. If he commits to defending and keeps his head right, Beasley has the chance to be special.

O.J. Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies

There's something about this kid that just screams professional. He's already started taking on a leadership role and is fiercely competitive. His outside jumper has been questioned by some, but given his work-ethic one would have to believe it's only a matter of time until he becomes a legitimate deep threat from behind the NBA three-point line. And just for the record, Mayo hit six three-point shots in a game on Monday night and is shooting over 36% from beyond the arc in the preseason. At just 6-foot-4, there will be nights where Mayo will get taken advantage of on the defensive end by some of the league's bigger shooting guards. However, he'll become a more crafty defender over time as he gains more experience. Mayo no doubt has All-Star potential.

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

No, Love hasn't been the most athletic or physically talented rookie this preseason. However, he has been solid and smart. There will be moments this season like the one in last Friday's preseason game in Denver where he gets embarrassed by athletic veterans like Kenyon Martin. There will also be moments where he throws a great pass from the high-post down to Jefferson in the low-post or where he stretches the defense with his outside shooting ability that leave Wolves' fans optimistic about what the future might hold. His ability to position rebound and throw quick pinpoint outlet passes might not make the highlight reel, but these skills will certainly benefit his team.

Robin Lopez, Phoenix Suns

This is probably not the Lopez many readers were expecting to see on this list, but his defense and hustle have raised eyebrows in the preseason. His brother Brook may have a more refined offensive game, but Robin's energy has been hard to ignore. He's relentless on the offensive glass and a deceptive shot-blocker on the other end. He likely won't ever be a superstar, but he'll be just the kind of hard-nosed energy player every championship-caliber team has to have.

Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers

Okay, so Fernandez got injured early in the preseason. But what we saw left us yearning for more. The first thing fans are likely going to do when watching this kid play is check to make sure they didn't accidentally hit the fast-forward button on their Tivo remote; dude is in a perpetual state of motion on the court. His high basketball IQ combined with his flare for the dramatic will make him an instant fan favorite in the Rose City. This guy has a chance to be the next major international superstar in the Association.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Westbrook was a somewhat risky pick by GM Sam Presti. Like Rose, Westbrook has had his ups and downs this preseason. Such is life in the NBA as a rookie point guard. However, his physical prowess and defensive effort and instincts have to excite the Oklahoma City faithful. And don't take it from your friendly neighborhood columnist, either. Check out what former UCLA teammate Kevin Love told HOOPSWORLD about Westbrook after getting a chance to compete against him in the preseason. "He looked great the other night. I'm not just saying that because that's my boy, either. His change of direction, how fast he was, the way he can run the point and how he passed the other day... he looked great. The one question-mark about him has been his shooting, but I've seen him shoot at practice. If he can shoot when the lights come on as well as he does in practice, he's going to be a star player."

Baylor's Bruce Joins Sonics Summer League Team

Press Release — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:23:12 -0700

Former Baylor guard Aaron Bruce is part of the NBA franchise formerly known as the Seattle Sonics' summer league roster and will participate with the squad at the Orlando/Pepsi Pro Summer League that begins play Monday.

The team, part of the franchise that will relocate and play in Oklahoma City, is one of six NBA teams playing in the Orlando league.

Bruce was a three-time All-Big 12 honoree at Baylor and a former freshman All-American. He was named to Baylor All-Centennial Team as one of its top 17 players of all-time and is one of four Bears ever to surpass 1,000 career points and 300 career assists. His 1,330 career points are the seventh-most in school history.

Unsubstantiated Speculation: Team by Team Draft Rumors & Links

Jason Tomassini — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:21:55 -0700

Team by team 2008 Draft links and rumors:

1. Chicago Bulls
It's becoming more and more apparent that Chicago will take Rose, even though I don't think they should. Although those ready to put Miami on the clock should be wary that Rose is openly politicking for his hometown team to pick him just a week before the draft. The one thing I don't like is this idea that Rose is a better pick because he acts serious and professional in interviews and Beasley does not. These kids are 19, neither of them are professional. Rose is shy, Beasley is not. Can Rose do his taxes better than Beasley or something? Is Rose more proficient in Excel? No. They are both really good at basketball but happen to have different personalities. Derrick Rose is going to be freaking great but give me Beasley this year. That is all. Now, the idea that Rose should be the pick because he is by far the best true point guard for a league that covets them more than ever -- that works.

2. Miami Heat
This is probably where Beasley is going to go, whether it's by Miami or not, so let's talk about him. First, ESPN is cashing in on this whole, "The Next Arenas" thing by capitalizing on Beasley's personality even while its writers bash his draft prospects. They have him blogging. They have an "in-depth" feature on him, which tries to overtake that old Wash Post feature as the "link all Internet writers must provide when discussing Beasley's character issues." They have some ESPN Digital Video things (part 1, part 2) of him, which are pretty tame but awesome for a Philly native like me because he hangs out in the city all day. For the record, he does not stab anyone in the videos nor does he give anyone a wedgie. Rose did work out for Miami so if you're the type of person that likes to make blind leaps of faith (and as someone writing about the Draft, I am), that's another sign that Chicago hasn't made up its mind.

3. Minnesota Timberwolves
They hold the key to the rest of the Draft. Not only does their pick affect those after it but it apparently affects those in front of it. If Miami thinks they can get Mayo at No. 4 or No. 5, they may be inclined to trade the No. 2. The T'Wolves seem to be all over the board. Mayo should be the pick but they have brought in Eric Gordon and Jerryd Bayless recently. Brook Lopez and Danilo Gallinari were in there too. As Ian Thomsen at Sports Illustrated writes, this is one of the toughest drafts to predict in recent memory and a lot of it rests on Miami and Minnesota's uncertainty. Thomson says it's down to Mayo and Love. Mayo has been neglecting small markets (although given that he worked out in Minny, his tune may have changed), and Love is a white person. You do the math.

4. Seattle Supersonics
Another team that long seemed to be locked in on a player (Jerryd Bayless), but now could go any number of directions. It appears Brook Lopez and Russell Westbrook (who Chad Ford has the Sonics taking -- now who is the one with the crazy man crush on Russ?), are very real possibilities. Apparently my man Westbrook has shut down workouts and according to Ford, has a promise in the mid-lottery, possibly at No. 4.

5. Memphis Grizzlies
Many reports have the Grizz trading this pick along with Mike Miller (good) and Brian Cardinal (and his franchise crushing contract). It seems like the Grizzlies best bet is if Mayo falls to them so Miami or another teams that wants him will come calling. Otherwise they will probably take Kevin Love. Some are reporting "Chubby Bryce Drew" Gordon is high up there, but others are reporting he doesn't want to play there. Also, this made me laugh out loud, although I'm sure that wasn't the writer, or Chris Wallace's, intention.

6. New York Knicks
Another pick that seems to be way up in the air and also seems to affect all that comes after it. Danilo Gallinari worked out there recently and supposedly balled, which is good because he said he won't play anywhere besides the Knicks or the Nets. Obviously with Donnie Walsh at the helm, who is very much unlike Isiah Thomas, trades are distinct possibilities if the right vet is available.

7. Los Angeles Clippers
It's highly possible that none of the current Clippers besides Al Thornton and Chris Kaman will be on the team next year. It looks like they will be going small, which assumes they are for some reason optimistic that Thornton, Brand, Kaman will be their front line for more than another month or so.

8. Milwaukee Bucks
Another team that will likely look far different next season. With Scott Skiles now at the helm you can be certain that the pick will be boring. Joe Alexander seems about right. I'm not entirely sure why DJ Augustin isn't an option here, seeing as how Mo Williams stinks and is a shoot-first PG on a team with a glut of shot-hoisting forwards, but then again, it's the Bucks so I guess I should be surprised they won't be taking Sasha Kaun.

9. Charlotte Bobcats
If it was up to Larry Brown he would try to take Aaron McKie, but alas, there is no such option. I haven't read much about the Cats trading this pick which means they most certainly will. But if they do pick, it might be someone that hasn't worked out for them, because no one wants to. I suppose playing for Michael Jordan and Larry Brown has lost its luster. Besides you can wait one more spot and play for Jay-Z!

10. New Jersey Nets
Speaking of Hov, he is about to make a new friend. Who that friend could be is completely impossible to predict however. Logic says another big man for NJ, but then again logic has no place in the Meadowlands. Gallinari seems to be a lock if he is available because, you know, he doesn't want to play anywhere else, but a "rich man's Bostjan Nachbar" probably isn't too appealing to a future Brooklyn fanbase. They can barely understand the dude who sells Gyros on the corner.

11. Indiana Pacers
With the rumors surrounding a makes-too-much-sense deal involving TJ Ford and Jermaine O'Neal, DJ Augustin might not be the surefire pick here anymore. I guess Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are long-term options so one of those wacky, athletic bigs will probably go here if Augustin does not.

12. Sacramento Kings
Not a lot of action on this pick. It seems like they will just keep it and probably take Augustin if he's available. Otherwise a Wheel O' Big Man will be spun and any of the Speights/McGee/Jordan mess will be chosen.

13. Portland Trailblazers
Some have them trading this thing for sure, others have them keeping it and taking something called Alexis Ajinca. One thing is for sure, the Blazers have options and probably don't need to get any younger.

14. Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are the team that every prospect seems tailor-made for, which is funny because Don Nelson hates youth. Apparently Jason Thompson, a guy who has been underrated throughout this process, is in play. A 7-footer who can run and shoot? Doesn't sound like something thing that would interest Nellie at all. Initially an upside big man like Koufos, McGee or Randolph would seem to make sense, but don't they already have Brandan Wright and Patrick O'Bryant? (Yes, they do).

-Read more of Jason's Draft coverage at the Super, Scintillating, and Sarcastic blog

Seattle Supersonics: NBA Draft Team Needs

Raphielle Johnson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 07:53:26 -0700

2007-08 Record: 20-62; 5^th Northwest

Draft Picks: 4, 24, 32, 46, 50, 56

Key Free Agents

C Robert Swift (restricted)

How they got here and what they need

It's been a rough year for this franchise, and that's before you even talk about their dismal performance on the court. So where will they be playing next season: Seattle or Oklahoma City? It was a foregone conclusion that 2007-08 would be their last in Seattle, but with the case currently in court who really knows. As for the actual product, they were dreadful at time last season even though Kevin Durant was the runaway winner of the league's Rookie of the Year award.

P.J. Carlesimo's uptempo offense produced one of the NBA's worst offenses, and there were some nights in which the Sonics couldn't guard the chair that took part in Yi Jianlian's famed workouts last spring (they gave up 160 points to Denver). But they do head into the draft this season with six picks, two of which come in the first round. Is Luke Ridnour the floor general best suited to run the team, or does Carlesimo want to find someone else? This is an interesting roster with an almost even mix of youngsters trying to find their way and veterans who in some cases should be out of the NBA by now.

Who they take

Don't be surprised if Seattle packages some of their picks for a veteran or two on draft night. But they could also use some help on the perimeter, so I'll go out on a limb and say that the Sonics will draft Arizona's Jerryd Bayless. He'll most definitely have to learn how to play the point, but for the time being he can put some points on the board and relieve a little of the load on Durant's shoulders.

Draft History (since 2000)

- 2000: Desmond Mason (17^th), Olumide Oyedeji (42^nd), Josip Sesar (47^th)
- 2001: Vladimir Radmanovic (12^th), Bobby Simmons (42^nd)
- 2002: Peter Fehse (49^th)
- 2003: Nick Collison (12^th), Luke Ridnour (14^th), Willie Green (41^st)
- 2004: Robert Swift (12^th), David Young (42^nd)
- 2005: Johan Petro (25^th), Mickael Gelabale (48^th), Lawrence Roberts (55^th)
- 2006: Saer Sene (10^th), Denham Brown (40^th), Yotam Halperin (53^rd)
- 2007: Kevin Durant (2^nd), Carl Landry (31^st), Glen Davis (35^th)

Bull Market: 2008 NBA Draft Lottery Results

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 20 May 2008 19:04:08 -0700

The 2008 NBA Draft Lottery was held Tuesday night, May 20th. The Bulls were the big winner, moving up to the 1st despite owning less than 2% of the ping pong balls. Seattle was the biggest loser as they fall down to the 5th spot.. a frontcourt of Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley will no longer be possible.

Actual order:

#	TEAM	RECORD
1	Chicago	33-49
2	Miami	15-67
3	Minnesota	22-60
4	Seattle	20-62
5	Memphis	22-60
6	New York	23-59
7	L.A. Clippers	23-59
8	Milwaukee	26-56
9	Charlotte	32-50
10	New Jersey	34-48
11	Indiana	36-46
12	Sacramento	38-44
13	Portland	41-41
14	Golden State	48-34

Here are the odds leading up to the Lottery:

TEAM	RECORD	COMBOS	1st	2nd	3rd
Miami	15-67	250	25.00%	21.47%	17.72%
Seattle	20-62	199	19.90%	18.78%	17.07%
Minnesota	22-60	138	13.80%	14.24%	14.54%
Memphis	22-60	137	13.70%	14.16%	14.48%
New York	23-59	76	7.60%	8.44%	9.47%
L.A. Clippers	23-59	75	7.50%	8.33%	9.37%
Milwaukee	26-56	43	4.30%	4.93%	5.77%
Charlotte	32-50	28	2.80%	3.26%	3.87%
Chicago	33-49	17	1.70%	2.00%	2.40%
New Jersey	34-48	11	1.10%	1.30%	1.57%
Indiana	36-46	8	0.80%	0.95%	1.15%
Sacramento	38-44	7	0.70%	0.83%	1.01%
Portland	41-41	6	0.60%	0.71%	0.87%
Golden State	48-34	5	0.50%	0.59%	0.72%

Cheerleader of the Day: Seattle Sonics

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:55:55 -0700

Cheerleader of the Day

Thanks to our friends over at Icon Sports Media, we have access to thousands of great college & NBA basketball photos to use on the site. Each day, along with our Picture of the Day, we'll be featuring a Cheerleader of the Day. In honor of the upcoming NBA Draft, we'll be focusing on NBA dancers until the end of June!

Seattle Sonics

- Check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- Also check out the Picture of the Day!

NBA Draft Review: What I Learned..

Adam Stanco — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 03:51:10 -0700

The 2007 NBA Draft has taught us many things…

Joakim Noah has an interesting sense of style. The Blazers would’ve made all 60 picks if David Stern allowed it. Spike Lee likes Zach Randolph a lot more than Channing Frye. And Stephen A. Smith isn’t a big fan of Jason Richardson.

But of all the things I learned during the NBA Draft, this is what I learned the most…

1. NBA teams gave up on last year’s picks awful quickly

We all knew last year’s draft class was laughable, but most of the league acted like it never even happened. Team after team scrapped the investment they made just one year ago and nabbed shiny new prospects at the exact same positions.

Last season the Grizzlies took Kyle Lowry with their first round pick, but they selected Mike Conley – another very young point guard – this year. Atlanta grabbed Shelden Williams at No. 5 in 2006 and they took another bruising power forward, Al Horford, on Thursday. The Lakers picked incredibly talented point guard prospect Javaris Crittenton, despite picking a fairly talented point guard a year ago in Jordan Farmar.

And Philadelphia, who we’ll discuss in more detail later, snatched up Rodney Carney and Bobby Jones in ‘06, yet didn’t hesitate to draft Thaddeus Young at No. 12 this year. The Sixers are already maxed out at the wing positions, but at least Carney and Jones will have someone to hang out with on the bench as the team waits for Young to develop.

2. Joakim Noah, Marcus Williams, Aaron Gray, and Josh McRoberts lost the most financially by returning to school

After last year’s stunning NCAA Tournament run, Noah had a rush of momentum on his side. He almost certainly would have been selected before Andrea Bargnani. However, the arrival of Greg Oden and Kevin Durant, plus a year of Noah-nitpicking by NBA scouts, devoured his draft stock. He went from possibly being the first overall pick to becoming the No. 9 selection.

But, in Noah’s mind, it still worked out. He’ll be playing for a promising Bulls team and he’s got two permanents: A second ring and a secure place in college basketball lore.

Others weren’t so lucky.

McRoberts could’ve been a top ten pick in ’06. Sure his game had flaws, but the consensus was that all of his issues were fixable. Apparently, that’s no longer the consensus. The former Duke disappointment slid slowly to the second round. He was even drafted after Carl Landry and Glen Davis. Some may say that McRoberts left school too early, but he actually left too late.

Gray and Williams were also assured they’d be first rounders a year ago. That would’ve meant first round money and, even more importantly, guaranteed deals. Now, after also falling to round two, they’ll be fighting simply for roster spots.

There’s no reason to believe we won’t be seeing them all in the league next season – or even getting some quality minutes – yet they each would have been much more secure financially had they left school last year.

3. The Sixers have no idea what they’re doing

Owning three first round picks and an early second rounder in one of the deepest drafts in years, Philly ended up with Colorado State enigma Jason Smith, Ukrainian big man Kyrylo Fesenko, Thaddeus Young, and Derrick Byars.

Smith is an interesting prospect because of his athletic ability, solid skills, soft touch, and 7-foot frame. In other words, he’s brilliant in workouts. But he also averaged just 16.8 points a game against weak competition and turned the ball over far too often.

Fesenko apparently has a bunch of off-court issues and might not ever end up suiting up for the Sixers.

Young and Byars are gifted, but Philly is overloaded at the wing positions. In addition to the aforementioned Carney and Jones, the Sixers also have Willie Green, Kyle Korver, and Andre Iguodala all playing significant minutes.

Keep in mind, Philadelphia earned the No. 12 pick, but acquired the two late first rounders as part of the Allen Iverson trade. Billy King should’ve made sure he got another lottery pick in that deal.

He didn’t.

This is what King did essentially get for one of the league’s most decorated and marketable stars…

Andre Miller, Joe Smith, Jason Smith, Derrick Byars, and cash.

That’s just disgusting.

4. The Spurs know exactly what they are doing

There’s one simple reason that San Antonio is one of the best organizations in all of sports: They make informed decisions.

That well thought-out decision-making is the reason they picked talented post player Tiago Splitter at No. 28. Splitter apparently has a big buyout in his contract, meaning the Spurs will probably have to wait a year to get him, but he can play.

Despite talk of the buyout as the rumored reason teams passed on him, the real reason was more likely his poor play during the Euroleague Final Four. Instead of judging his full body of work, teams overanalyzed his putrid performance (7 points and 6 boards) against Panathinaikos in the semi-final. Considering that most scouts didn’t observe him throughout the year, his poor showing against the Greek power slanted the scouts’ opinion of him.

Combine the bad game on a big stage with the buyout and the slip seemed somewhat inevitable. But should it make Splitter an even bigger risk than the troubled Sean Williams, who was drafted No. 17 by the New Jersey Nets?

Of course not.

Yet somehow Williams – who failed to score in double-figures in four of the 15 games he played prior to his dismissal from the team – still went 11 spots ahead of Splitter.

And that’s why San Antonio won’t be leaving their perch atop the NBA’s elite any time soon.

5. The Sonics could have a groundbreaking lineup

While everyone is talking about Ray Allen going from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast, I’m more interested in what’s staying in Seattle. If the Sonics re-sign Rashard Lewis, which now looks like a possible scenario, they will have an incredibly intriguing roster.

Three of the Seattle starters would be versatile, yet stunningly similar players.

Kevin Durant is about 6-foot-10 and can play the 2,3, or 4, but is most comfortable as a small forward.

Jeff Green is about 6-foot-10 and can play the 2,3, or 4, but is most comfortable as a small forward.

Lewis is – you guessed it – about 6-foot-10 and can play the 2,3, or 4, but is most comfortable as a small forward.

Expect Seattle to play all three at the same time with each player rotating between the shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions. The offensive possibilities are endless. The league hasn’t seen anything even remotely like what the Sonics could put on the floor.

Of course, before Seattle starts a revolution, they need to hire a head coach first.

Lottery Lowdown: Part One - The Draft's Top Six Picks

Adam Stanco — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:19:41 -0700

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest, Mr. Oden and Mr. Durant. We’re sure you will love the nationally televised games and close proximity to Nike headquarters. Please let us know if you have any issues at all…

Yes, the basketball gods have spoken and they’ve told us Greg Oden will be a Blazer and Kevin Durant is Seattle-bound. But you already knew that. What you may not know is what the entire NBA Draft Lottery really means. So let’s start at the top…

1. Portland Trail Blazers

Oden is the final re-building block for Portland. No longer is their roster comprised of troublesome disappointments (well, aside from Darius Miles). Martell Webster, LaMarcus Aldridge, Travis Outlaw, Jarrett Jack, Sergio Rodriguez, Zach Randolph, and Brandon Roy aren’t just athletic and skilled, they’re also young. None of them is older than 25. Joel Przybilla is older than 25, but his stay in Oregon may be short lived once Oden shows up.

Roy and Oden would give the Blazers an opportunity to receive the rarest of rarities: Back-to-back “Rookie of the Year” awards. Not bad for a franchise famous for choosing Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan.

The Blazers are already calling the news of the top pick “Monumental,” “Historic,” and “Epic” on their web site. And the timing of it all couldn’t be better for Comcast SportsNet, who announced that their new regional sports network – Comcast Sports Northwest – would be covering the team just days before the lottery.

There is some talk of the team trying to grab Oden’s high school and college teammate – Mike Conley – a few slots later in the draft, yet the odds of getting both are slim. However, the Blazers probably will move Randolph at some point this summer.

2. Seattle SuperSonics

The Sonics are going to love having a 6-foot-10, former high school superstar who does it all, including shoot with remarkable range.

In fact, they already know what having one feels like.

Rashard Lewis was Kevin Durant before Durant was Durant. At Alief Elsik High School in Houston, Lewis was such a special, sweet-shooting stud that the league invited him to the green room on draft day. His ensuing slide to the second round is a legendary tale, but he went on to prove oh-so-many teams wrong, averaging over 22 ppg last season.

Just days before the lottery, the Seattle Times reported that Sonics owner Clay Bennett intended to re-sign the unrestricted free agent, but that was before the Sonics laid claim to the second overall pick. With two players so utterly similar in style, Lewis knew the arrival of Durant signaled an end to his tenure. He consequently opted for free agency.

If Lewis had decided to stay, opponents would have had to deal with the league’s strongest axis of offense – Ray Allen, Durant, and Lewis. Now that’s not a possibility.

However, Durant will immediately be a better all-around player than Lewis was and should eclipse Lewis’s scoring output within a few seasons. New Sonics GM Sam Presti will be responsible for surrounding Allen and Durant with some capable teammates and he’s the perfect man for the job. Presti helped San Antonio build around the foundation that is Tim Duncan by helping the Spurs acquire many of the key components to their last three championship squads.

Durant’s dreadful showing at the recent NBA combine didn’t hurt the Sonics chances of drafting him. It probably just scared off some of the other teams that were willing to make ridiculous trade offers to get him. Durant’s inability to bench press 185 pounds is incredible, but just think about how truly special he could become once he starts working with a nutritionist and a professional strength coach.

3. & 11. Atlanta Hawks

The Blazers and Sonics are obviously thrilled over the bounce of the ping pong balls and the Hawks are almost as happy. As part of the Joe Johnson for Boris Diaw deal, Phoenix had the rights to Atlanta’s pick, but that pick was top three protected. The Suns will have to wait until next year to snatch the Hawks’ pick.

But just owning the pick doesn’t guarantee anything. The Hawks haven’t won more than 30 games since 2003 and they haven’t been to the playoffs since the strike-shortened 1999 season.

Atlanta’s been loading up at the wing and forward positions (Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Josh Childress, and Shelden Williams), yet they are desperate for a point guard. Their fan base still hasn’t forgiven the team for taking Marvin Williams in 2005 because the next three picks were Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Raymond Felton.

The Hawks’ choice could be Brandan Wright, who – much like Marvin Williams – is a highly-touted forward fresh off an impressive freshman season at UNC. However, if they really want to satisfy their fans, they must take a lead guard this year.

Unfortunately for Atlanta, the highest-rated available players – after Oden and Durant – are exactly the type they’ve already invested in. Wright and Florida’s Al Horford are capable of scoring from the low post in the NBA, but the Hawks don’t need them. The team could take Wright and pray viciously that Acie Law will be around for the Hawks at No. 11 (obtained from the Pacers in the Al Harrington trade). Georgia Tech point guard Javaris Crittenton is the draft’s most underrated prospect – by those in the media, not those in the league – and would also be a nice fit in Atlanta.

If the Hawks want Law, they could package their second pick and one of their many forwards in order to move up to guarantee they get him. Otherwise, they may just nab Mike Conley first and take the best available player with their second choice.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizz are a mess. Despite winning their last three games, Memphis finished with a league-worst 22 wins. Their top player – Pau Gasol – has been the subject of serious trade rumors for over a year now. The team is marketing Mike Miller as if he’s a perennial all-star, but everyone in Memphis realizes that the Grizz’s future depends solely on the development of last year’s stud rookie, Rudy Gay.

Miller and Gay appear to be the base of the franchise and the team drafted point guard Kyle Lowry last season, meaning no one knows for sure who they will take this year. In fact, Memphis is the biggest x-factor in this draft because they could go big (Yi Jianlian?), small (Mike Conley?), or trade Gasol and shake everything up.

5. Boston Celtics

Sorry, Celtics fans, turns out that Oden and Durant won’t be walking through that door either. If Boston did truly tank this past season, it was all for naught.

The team won’t end up with one of this draft’s preordained stars, but they still have a future to think about. Paul Pierce is an all-star and Al Jefferson could be joining him soon. Check out Jefferson’s scoring averages during the last four months of the season:

January – 14.6 ppg
February – 16.1 ppg
March – 19.7 ppg
April – 22.3 ppg

Yi Jianlian is skilled, energetic, and as YouTube followers know, he enjoys dunking on people. The Celtics will have to take a long look at him at No. 5 because his surprisingly smooth style might perfectly balance out Jefferson’s brute nature.

But regardless of who the choice is, that player probably won’t be able to catapult Boston among the East’s elite anytime soon.

6. Milwaukee Bucks

With Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva on the frontline and Michael Redd in the backcourt, the Bucks clearly have talent. The problem is keeping them all healthy. Bogut played in 66 games this past season, Redd played 53 games, and Villanueva played in just 39.

Al Horford would be the perfect complement to Bogut and Villanueva because of the former Gator’s ability to score, rebound, and intimidate. My sources say the Bucks are very interested in Horford, but it’s tough to say if he’ll slide down to them. If Horford is gone, the Bucks could choose another Florida phenom, Joakim Noah, or go with the best available point guard.

This is part One of Adam Stanco's Lottery Lowdown, a Two-part look at what the Draft means for the Top 14 picks.