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It may still be premature to put together one of these typical 'Winner and Losers' posts, because I'm certain Kevin Pritchard still has it in him to work over one more general manager. I realize I have it in the bag for the Trail Blazers GM, but how can you not? He's got a plan - which already puts him a step ahead of 75% of the league, and he's thoroughly executing that mission, not content to just sit around and let things happen. Pritchard is making it happen, and made a lot of moves last night, determined to break his one night trade record for the previous draft.
Obviously Chicago and Miami made out well, but here are the other draft night successes:
The Winners
Portland Trail Blazers I'm still not positive I have this right, but in the end Pritchard acquired the draft's top point in Jerryd Bayless, a 4th year pro in Ike Diogu, and then arguably one of the best European stars in Nicolas Batum, whom he can let develop in France for a few years. In all of his wheeling and dealings, he also picked up a handful of future draft picks.
As I stated last night, Jerryd Bayless is the perfect compliment for Greg Oden and Brandon Roy. You may not like that he passed on Brandon Rush, but with Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw already filling that need, I don't think the former Jayhawk was necessary, even though, I too, think he's an immediate impact player.
Enjoy the run you're about to begin, Blazer fans. John Canzano summed the night up well:
"Dr. Deal entered the day with five draft picks, and so the Blazers selected Brandon Rush (Kansas), Darrell Arthur (Kansas), Joey Dorsey (Memphis), Omer Asik (Turkey) and Mike Taylor (Iowa State). Then, Pritchard traded every one of them away.New Jersey Nets We won't be able for formally grade New Jersey's draft night until the 2010 free agency period ends. If Lebron James is a Net, A+++++. If not, well, they still succeeded in drafting the best available talent last night.
Josh McRoberts is gone, too. Also, Jarrett Jack gone. Oh, and Pritchard traded for Ike Diogu. Pritchard also netted Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless, the No. 11 pick. And the Blazers also end up with Nicolas Batum of France, which amounts to a clever use of a Euroleague roster pawn. Also, Portland got four future second-round picks.
Before Thursday, maybe you believed the Blazers needed a small forward and a point guard. Today, what they need is roll call.
If you're a Blazers fan you have to love all the good action, and the drama, and the fact that the front office of your basketball franchise is playing to win. And as long as Pritchard has the confidence of owner Paul Allen, and the autonomy to work deals, draft day is always going to be more fun in Portland than it is in Chicago, Los Angeles or New York. Or probably anywhere else.
Don't take this for granted, Portland."
Brook Lopez fills a desperate need in the post. When he left for Dallas, Jason Kidd was the team's top rebounder. Sean Williams could be a formidable post player, but only with a legit center down low alongside him. At No. 10, this may be one of the best valuable picks in the draft if not for...
Stealing Chris Douglas-Roberts at 40. CDR reminds me of Tayshaun Prince in numerous ways. They both won a lot of games in college, have a slightly awkward game, but always manage to get it done. He may be more like Prince, but I'll go on record as calling Douglas-Roberts the next Michael Redd. Ryan Anderson is no slouch himself.
Los Angeles Clippers This is not a total winner, but since I have such low expectations for the Clips on draft night, they can only be viewed as having a postive night.
Eric Gordon was unfortunately the victim of an injury to his wrist, and a very severe injury to the psyche of his college team. The kid is good, real good, and may very well lead all rookies in scoring.
I'm not terribly huge fans of DeAndre Jordan and Mike Taylor, but getting those guys with yes, tremendous upside potential, in the second round is a steal. It's entirely possibly that Jordan is an All-Star in five years.
Memphis Grizzlies O.J. Mayo and Darrell Arthur. Someone check on Chris Wallace, asap. Did someone competent tie him down and make some late night wheeling and dealing? I love Kevin Love, and he too would have been a good fit, but no one in the NBA needed star power more than the Grizzlies.
The Losers
Atlanta Hawks They didn't have a single pick, which can be viewed as a positive. However, unfortunately they had the huge loser of a fan sitting right behind the 'green room' who embarrassed himself throughout the night while wearing a Hawks jersey. I know you're all not like that DB, but a rough night for the ATL nonetheless.
Charlotte Bobcats Is D.J. Augustin going be more capable of running the team than Raymond Felton? Brook Lopez was there for the taking. I've never been a fan of the trigger, dribble happy point guards. I did like the Kyle Weaver pick, a defensive specialist who could become a Bruce Bowen time sans that cheating. Alexis Ajinca at 20? Meh. Golden State Warriors Anthony Randolph is EXACTLY the same player as Brandan Wright, whom they drafted last year in this range. For a team capable of winning right now, Darrell Arthur sure seemed to make a lot of sense.
Sacramento Kings Jason Thompson at 12? Way to draft a role player with a lottery pick. At least Spencer Hawes will have some company in this department. Allow me to list the players who would have made more sense: Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, J.J. Hickson, even Anthony Randolph and Kosta Koufos.
Your winners and losers?
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