Built Ford Tough

Who needs Deron when you have Hump? Dude having the game of his life lol.

New York is doing a nice job on preventing Rose from turning the corner off of picks and holding him to very poor shooting numbers. It has led to some free throws for Gibson off the roll. Tough call on Lin there. I do find it funny how refs were told to stop calling those pump and jump fouls, and they have for guys like Kevin Martin (who made a living off of those), but guys like Rose and Durant still seem to always get the call.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120311_ATL@SAC

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120311_MEM@DEN

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120311_IND@ORL

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20120311_HOU@CLE

I like Wroten's ability to break down the defense, his size and his athleticism, but there is one serious red flag about his game for me that makes me question whether he will ever be able to be a point guard or if his career is destined to be a combo guard off the bench. That red flag is his assist/turnover ratio. He averaged 4 turnovers a game this year and 3.6 assists a game. Compare that to other combo guards' numbers in college: Jerryd Bayless @ Arizona: 4 apg/3 topg OJ Mayo @ USC: 3.3 apg/3.5 topg Jamal Crawford @ Michigan: 4.5 apg/3.1 topg George Hill @ IUPUI: 3.3 apg/3.2 topg I'm sure if I really looked hard I could find more examples, but these 4 prove my point. The hope with all of these guys when they were drafted was that they would become point guards but all of them have ended up developing into combo guards who project as career 6th men at best. Based on what I saw from Wroten and combining it with what I saw from these guys at college (although I didn't see much of Crawford) it makes me think that Wroten's career will follow a similar trajectory. A team will draft him, try to develop him as a point guard and then eventually designate him as a scorer off the bench, just like what all of these guys have went through (or in Bayless' case, is currently going through in Toronto). That is exactly why I had him go there. He has talent but there is absolutely no accountability at UCLA right now (talk about a complete fall from grace for that program over the last few years) and he is allowed to just coast. If he were to get in shape and have people constantly pushing him, I can see him having a very good career. Of course, I can also see him pulling a Michael Sweetney or Oliver Miller and eating himself out of the league. Miami can afford to take a gamble on a guy like him, though.

Lol, no worries. As far as Marshall goes, I do think that he will end up going higher if he has a strong tournament run, especially if he continues to score the ball as he has over his past 4 (15 ppg on 52.7 FG% and 45.8 3PT%). He will never be much of a defender and I think people are ok with that given his playmaking ability. His playmaking ability alone will get him drafted in the first round but if he ends up proving that he can also chip in with his own scoring I see that elevating him into the lottery. With Phoenix and Utah both in desperate need of point guards, I definitely think he ends up going to one of them. However, if he proves these last few offensive games are an anomoly and he goes back to the Marshall of the beginning of the season (didn't score in double digits until his 17th game of the season) I can see teams being hesitant to take him since he will really only be giving a team one thing. Of course that one thing is elite, but he would still be highly one dimensional.

So with the conference tournaments wrapping up yesterday, here is the 2nd of what should be 5 versions of my mock. Just a quick FYI, I am using my judgement on who I think will enter the draft. So even though guys like Andre Drummond, Cody Zeller and Michael Kidd-Girlchrist have hinted at staying another year, I am including them because I believe they will enter (although Zeller wouldn't surprise me if he stayed). On the other hand, I am not including guys like Austin Rivers or James Michael McAdoo because I don't believe either will enter despite obvious first round talent. Some players, such as Fab Melo, Doron Lamb, Dion Waiters, Myck Kabongo and CJ Leslie I have no idea about, so I'm just going to include them. Also, unlike last time I am going to take all trades into consideration. Last time I left teams like Dallas, LA Clippers, etc.. with their own picks but this time I'll transfer them over to their rightful owners. I forgot to do that last time, so I apologize for that. Other than that, I'm following the same guidelines as my first edition. So with that said, here we go: 1. Charlotte Bobcats: PF Anthony Davis, Freshman, Kentucky Davis is going to go first overall regardless of who is picking first come June 28th. He possesses the rare combination of size and skill combined with elite athleticism, length and motor. Towards the end of the SEC regular season Davis was given a more promminent roll in Kentucky's offense and took full advantage showing a much more refined offensive game than originally thought, which only further cemented his status as the best prospect in this draft class. 2. Washington Wizards: SF Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Feshman, Kentucky UNC small forward Harrison Barnes is another possibility with this pick, but he has struggled down the stretch and it has resulted in many people ranking MKG as the better small foward prospect. A strong tournament from Barnes can just as easily elevate himself back into this position. As for Kidd-Gilchrist, he gives the Wizards the huge character boost that they need. He has elite defensive potential and projects to be one of the league's premier perimeter defenders for years to come. He is also a great rebounder from the small forward spot, has a relentless motor, is a fantastic leader and gives this Wizards team a toughness that they desperately need. His offense is still inconsistent and that may be worrisome given that if he is never able to put it together on that end of the floor, Washington will likely have used a 2nd overall pick on a role player, possibly the best role player in the league, but still a role player. However, given his passion for the game and awesome work ethic, he should develop into a reliable offensive option. 3. New Orleans Hornets: PF/C Andre Drummond, Conneticut, Freshman Drummond has continued to battle inconsistency problems and has not lived up to the expectations he had coming out of high school. However, he still has elite physical tools and athleticism and he has shown glimpses of how dominant he can be when he puts it all together. With the Hornets being completely devoid of talent, Drummond's potential is simply too much to pass up. If they are able to re-sign Eric Gordon in the summer, him and Drummond have the potential to be the most formidable inside-out duo in the league. 4. Toronto Raptors: SF Harrison Barnes, North Carolina, Sophomore Barnes hasn't lived up to expectations this year after deciding to comeback for his sophomore season. He has shown glimpses here and there of his talent, but he hasn't dominated like scouts expected of him. He has a lethal jumper, is a solid defender and rebounder, but he goes through stretches where he disappears and doesn't show the assertiveness that you would want in a number one option. Despite that, he has the size, shooting ability and basketball IQ that you want in a small forward and should make for a solid pro. If he ever manages to put it all together and become the player many expected him to be coming out of high school, he could become a top player in the league. A strong tournament run will likely see Barnes vault himself back into the discussion for the 2nd pick. 5. New Jersey Nets: PF Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, Sophomore Sullinger is the best low post scorer in the draft, but what has impressed people most about him this season is the development of his outside game. He has added a reliable mid range jumper to his game and has also shown the ability to step outside and make the occasional college three. His bread and butter will always be his ability to score in the post and wreak havoc on the glass. There are concerns about his size and therefore his ability to defend opposing bigs at the next level, which may prompt a team to go with Kansas' Thomas Robinson instead, but Sullinger's refined post game could make him a forimidable low post presence that you can run an offense through and that may be too much for teams to pass up. 6. Sacramento Kings: PF Thomas Robinson, Kansas, Junior Robinson is a high energy big man who has a very high motor, great athleticism and strength. He is experiencing a breakthrough season as the focal point of the Jayhawks team. He has shown much more skill offensively than originally thought and has continued to show a strong presence on the glass. With high usage players such as DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thronton on the roster, the Kings need a guy who can bridge the talent and do the dirty work. Robinson and Cousins would combine to be one of the best rebounding duos in the game and would both be a load down low for opposing teams. 7. Detroit Pistons: PF John Henson, North Carolina, Junior May be a bit of a reach here and many people will point to Indiana's Cody Zeller as being the player that Detroit should take, but pairing Hensons' defense with Monroe's excellent offensive game makes them a perfect compliment for each other. Henson has shown elite shot blocking skill during his time at UNC and is a two time ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He led the conference in both rebounding and shot blocking this year. His offense isn't anything special, but he has shown a strong left handed hook shot and is a strong finisher around the rim with his length and athleticism. Pairing him with Monroe and last years lottery pick Brandon Knight gives the Pistons a nice compliment of offense, shooting, defense and length. 8. Cleveland Cavaliers: SG Bradley Beal, Florida, Freshman Beal is just a very well rounded player. He is arguably the best rebounding guard in all of college basketball, has a strong jumper, can handle the ball, has solid athleticism and a good feel for the game. He has struggled at times throughout the season as he is stuck out of position with the Gators and at times is forgotten in the offense which has resulted in him forcing shots or drives to compensate. There are concerns about his size, but his long wingspan should make up for it, should he measure under 6'4. Over the past month, Beal has established himself as the best shooting guard in this class and with the Cavs locked in at the 1, 4 and 5, Beal makes perfect sense to grow with fellow last years lottery picks Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson. 9. Milwaukee Bucks: PF Cody Zeller, Indiana, Freshman Zeller has burst onto the scene this year by leading Indiana to wins over powerhouses such as Kentucky and Ohio St. He is the Hoosier's leading scorer and has a nice feel around the basket. He runs the floor very well, is a high efficiency player who always plays within his limits and doesn't force his game. He has solid athleticism but will never blow you away with a highly athletic play, but rather will beat you with his skill set. He would rather go around you than through you as he utilizes fakes very well to keep the defense off guard. Zeller will certainly have a long, successfull career regardless of if he declares this year or not. 10. Utah Jazz (From Golden State): SG Jeremy Lamb, Conneticut, Sophomore Like the rest of the Huskies, Lamb has struggled with erratic and inconsistent play this season. There are times he looks like a future number one option and there are other moments where you don't even notice him on the floor. He is very good at using screens to free himself up for open jumpers but he isn't limited to being just an off the ball scorer. While he doesn't have a great handle, he does have the ability to break his man down off of the bounce with a strong crossover. He doesn't have great size at the shooting guard position as he is just 6'5, but he has tremendous length with a wingspan that is around 7 feet long. This length makes him able to rise over defenders to shoot, allows him to contest shots and play the passing lanes really well. 11. Utah Jazz: PG Damian Lillard, Weber State, Junior Lillard exploded onto the scene this year with a superb junior season playing for the relatively unknown Weber State. He is one of the most explosive scorers in the country who can beat you both inside, outside and off the dribble. He had the 2nd best PER among any college player this year, trailing only future first overall pick Anthony Davis. There are concerns about his playmaking, vision and whether he is a true point guard. He played for a small school in a small conference which makes some people hesitant about him as well. Is he really this good or did he benefit from playing weak competition? These are both valid concerns, but at the end of the day Lillard is a talented basketball player and the best point guard prospect in this draft. 12. Phoenix Suns: PF Perry Jones III, Baylor, Sophomore Jones may be the most natrually gifted player in this draft. He has great size, length, athleticism and skill. On paper, Jones is a top 3 pick in this draft. However, he has been a huge disappointment this season. He becomes invisible for extended periods of time. We aren't talking just minute to minute here, but game by game. During Baylor's final handful of conference games Jones averaged less than 10 points a game and was a complete non factor. He did bounce back in the Big 12 tournament with a dominant performance against Kansas St and two solid performances against Kansas and Missouri. If he has a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament he will see his stock soar back into the discussion for a top 5 pick. However, if he has another disappearing act he just may find himself slip further and further down the draft board. With his talent, expect somebody to take a chance on him with a late lottery pick at the very least, probably even earlier. 13. Portland Trailblazers: C Tyler Zeller, North Carolina, Senior Zeller runs the floor as well as any big man in the country. He has a strong hook shot with both his right and left hand. He is a very good free throw shooter for a big man and he is also a strong positional rebounder. Much like his younger brother, Zeller won't overwhelm you with his physical attributes. He is just a fundamentally sound basketball player and will have a long, successfull career because of it. He will never be an All-Star or win any major award but he will be a permanent fixture on contending teams. 14. New Orleans Hornets (From Minnesota): SF Quincy Miller, Baylor, Freshman Miller hasn't had the season expected with the Bears. Whether it is because of lingering problems with his knee injury he suffered his season year of high school, not fitting in with the Baylor offense or just needing time to adjust to the college game, he has had an up and down season. One game he will look like the Kevin Durant-lite player many people projected him to be coming out of high school and the next game he will barely have an impact at all. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can play both inside and out. He is capable of creating his own shot, although he may struggle at the next level if he is never able to regain his athleticism that he lost after blowing out his knee. 15. Houston Rockets (From New York): SF Moe Harkless, St. John's, Freshman 16. New Jersey Nets (From Houston): SG/SF Terrence Ross, Washington, Sophomore 17. Boston Celtics: C Meyers Leonard, Illinois, Sophomore 18. Los Angeles Lakers (From Dallas): PG Kendall Marshall, North Carolina, Sophomore 19. Denver Nuggets: SF/PF Terrence Jones, Kentucky, Sophomore 20. Atlanta Hawks: PF Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State, Junior 21. Boston Celtics (from LA Clippers): SF Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt, Senior 22. Indiana Pacers: PG Myck Kabongo, Texas, Freshman 23. Philadelphia 76ers: PF/C Patric Young, Florida, Sophomore 24. Memphis Grizzlies: PG/SG Tony Wroten, Washington, Freshman 25. Los Angeles Lakers: SG Dion Waiters, Syracuse, Sophomore 26. Orlando Magic: SF/PF Tony Mitchell, North Texas, Freshman 27. San Antonio Spurs: SF/PF CJ Leslie, NC State, Sophomore 28. Miami Heat: C Joshua Smith, UCLA, Sophomore 29. Oklahoma City Thunder: C Fab Melo, Syracuse, Sophomore 30. Chicago Bulls: SG Doron Lamb, Kentucky, Sophomore

Since making this thread the Knicks have lost 4 in a row, Cleveland has gone 3-1 including winning 3 straight and Milwaukee has also gone 3-1 with the one loss coming by 2 against the Bulls. Both the Cavs and Bucks are just a game back of the Knicks for the 8th playoff spot. Hell, Detroit is only 3 games back of the Knicks, although they are a terrible road team (3-15) and 9 of their next 10 games on the road and the one home game is against the Heat, so I think we can count them out. So is it really that safe to assume that the playoffs are set already or do either one of the Cavs or Bucks have what it takes to knock out the Knicks?

Actually, I've never even filled out a bracket before. With that said, I figure I'll give it a shot this year even though I'm sure it will be terrible. My predictions always are, haha.

Bayless started out the game playing well, but as the game went on I thought he forced things too much and it hurt the Raptors offense. They played very well in the 1st and at the start of the 3rd, but then they hit a rough patch and he tried to play a bit of hero ball. Not saying that this loss is on him by any means because it certainly wasn't. DeRozan's 9/22 shooting was a huge factor as he missed a lot of open looks from mid range. Bargnani looked a bit better tonight than he did in Detroit, but he is still going to need a couple more games to get his legs under him and rid himself of the rust.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7676569/san-antonio-spurs-tj-ford-retiring-latest-injury-neck Here is a video of him discussing his career, decision to retire and what the future holds for him: http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/120313_tj_ford_season_over Really sad to hear this. For those of you who know the backstory to my username, you know that Ford is not only one of my favourite Raptors, but one of my all-time favourite players. I loved his time in Toronto and how he carved out a successfull career for himself despite the odds being stacked against him of being under 6 feet tall, weighing under 180 pounds, having spinal stenosis, battling back from 2 seperate career threatening injuries (one in Milwuakee and one in Toronto) and still carving out an 8 year NBA career. I'll definitely miss being able to watch him play, even if he was never the same after Horford nearly decapitated him back in 2007. Still, this decision is for the best. He has been playing against doctors orders for a couple years now as they advised him to retire and every time he stepped on the court he was risking permanent injury due to his condition.

Lame T on Walton there. Very, very weak call. Robinson off to a poor start. A forced shot over PJ3 that he missed, a pass thrown out of bounds and then an up and down violation. PS: Come on Brandon, where are you? The times I actually watch KU games and you are never online to post with me.

Which PJ3 shows up against Kansas? The dominant, 31 point, 11 rebound on 11-14 shooting version we saw yesterday or the invisible version we saw for much of the final month of the season? Hopefully it is the former because I really want to see an epic battle between him and Thomas Robinson.

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2012/03/08/bargnani-back-for-the-weekend Hello mediocore lottery pick! Unless of course Casey decides to play him 40+ minutes on back-to-back nights again.

Beaubois with two pretty good looks to end the game, but can't convert. Hill did a nice job on those last two possessions of preventing Dirk from getting the ball.

Nice choke at the line by Hill.

http://www.csnnw.com/pages/landingdwight?Trade-rumors-swirling-around-Crawford-Fe=1&blockID=664256&feedID=8351 Shouldn't really be a suprise with how awful Felton has been for them this season and Crawford is not a point guard. Do you think they make a deal before the deadline or do they just ride the season out with Felton and re-asses the matter in the summer?

Nothing new. Webber was a hell of a player, but much like Reggie Miller, he is a bad commentator. I liked him more as an analyst than a commentator.

Pinned. Sorry I didn't do it earlier, I didn't really see this thread until now.

Why 19.8 exactly? Why not 19.9 or 19.7? Seriously though, I'm more impressed by his defense than I am with his offense. Since that Charlotte game where Reggie Williams went off on him, he has picked it up a lot defensively. Feb 22 vs. Detroit - Stuckey/Gordon went 3-8 for 6 points. Feb 28 @ Houston - Martin went 3-15 for 14 points Feb 29 @ New Orleans - Belinelli went 6-15 for 20 points Mar 2 vs Memphis - Allen/Mayo went 6-16 for 21 points Mar 4 vs. GS - Rush/Thompson went 5-12 for 12 points Mar 5 vs. Orlando - Richardson went 2-10 for 6 points Mar 7 vs. Houston - Martin/Lee/Williams went 3-17 for 12 points Now obviously he wasn't guarding these guys for the entire time they were out there and there were moments when switches occured and what not, but for the most part, these were the guys who he was guarding for the vast majority of these games.

They are supposedly really good friends as well after playing on the same AAU team back in 2003. I remember reading something about how they were basically inseperable back then, along with Randolph Morris. Anyways, I agree with you that it would help convince Dwight. There is literally a 0% chance of the Hawks trading him to the Magic, though. Not only because they are in the same division but because Orlando has shit to offer for a player like Smith, especially with him having the best season of his career so far.

Oregon State just beat Washington in the Pac-10 tourny. They became the first 9 seed to ever beat the 1 seed in the Pac-10 tourny. Tony Wroten was awesome for Washington scoring a career high 29 points, which I also believe is a school record for a Washington freshman. However, he missed 4 straight free throws that would've given Washington the lead with under a minute left in the game after hitting 6 straight freebies prior to that. Very difficult final minute for him after a stellar game.