Saturday, June 21, 2008

TRADE TARGET: TYRUS THOMAS

I know Tyrus Thomas has been a disappointment for the Bulls, but he's still young (21 years old), fits our style of play, and could be had for relatively little for such a high draft pick. Bulls have Noah, Nocioni, and Gooden at PF and they could add more depth if they trade Thomas with their #39 Pick (Pekovic, Anderson, Hendrix, Jawai, Plaisted). It's crowded at the 4 spot, and Thomas will have a difficult time getting a chance develop and gain real-game experience. Perhaps the Bulls have lost patience with him (similar to our situation with Patrick O'Bryant) and are will to get rid of him for a package including Al Harrington and a future pick.


Tyrus Thomas could bring a much needed rebounding, shot-blocker that could energize the crowd and his teammates with thunderous dunks. He could replace the missing monster J-Rich dunks that brought the crowd out of my seats at the Oracle. Pietrus is the closest thing we have now that Richardson is gone, but now, we will likely let Pietrus walk to another team. Let's reload and take a gamble on a uber athletic difference maker on the defensive end that is built to fly in Nellie-ball.








From ESPN:

2006-07 season: After a slow start that included suffering a broken nose in his first pro game, Thomas got his bearings at midseason and showed he'll be a force to be reckoned with in coming seasons. Selected fourth overall on draft day and then traded to the Bulls, Thomas' physical skills are something to behold, and he could be an absolutely dominant defensive player in a very short time .

Consider this: As a 20-year-old rookie, Thomas had the fourth-best rate of blocks per minute in the NBA, and the best among power forwards. The three guys ahead of him were bigger, veteran centers (Marcus Camby, Alonzo Mourning, and Joel Przybilla).

Now here's the other half of the equation: Thomas also had the second-best rate of steals per minute at his position. Only Charlotte's Gerald Wallace was ahead of him; Thomas was the top-ranked player 6-9 or taller, and the only one to crack the top 25 overall. Once he plays more extended minutes and these skills become more apparent in his per-game averages, his ability as a defensive disruptor should get a lot more notice.

In the meantime, Thomas will have to learn to control his offensive impulses. As you might expect from a player this young (especially one as cocky as Thomas), he tried to do a lot of things he couldn't. Thomas tried 26 long 2-point jumpers and made only three of them; on non-layup 2-pointers, Thomas' 24.3-percent mark was the third-worst in the league. That might not be a problem except those shots comprised a quarter of his field-goal attempts.

Scouting report: A freak of an athlete, Thomas is a great finisher around the rim but needs to learn to rein in his desire to take opponents off the dribble, a facet of his game on which his skills are decidedly unrefined. Thomas had the third-worst turnover ratio among power forwards last season, something that shouldn't happen for a player whose game is large based on the catch-and-dunk.

He also needs to get way better at the free-throw line, where his 60.6-percent mark all but negated one of the league's highest rates of free-throw attempts per field-goal attempt (fourth among power forwards). Down the road, he's going to need to add strength to his 215-pound frame so he can add a post game to his repertoire.

But in the short-term, adding strength will be more of an asset on defense, as his thin frame means he can be pushed around under the basket. More muscle would also help on the glass -- Thomas had the 17th-best rebound rate at his position, but with added strength he'll crack the top 10 easily.

2007-08 outlook: Thomas is a prodigious talent and in a couple years he could be unbelievable. The dilemma for Chicago is that the Bulls don't have the luxury of letting him play through his mistakes. The organization is in win-now mode, and Thomas' youthful indiscretions at the offensive end can make it tough to leave him on the court at times.

On the other hand, athletes like this don't grow on trees. If Thomas blows up this season and takes over the starting power forward spot, it could be the catalyst Chicago needs to get over the hump in the East. He'll battle Joakim Noah, Joe Smith and Andres Nocioni for minutes at the power forward spot, but on talent the position is his to lose.

Most similar at age: Shawn Kemp


Chicago Bulls


Incoming Players
Photo: Al Harrington
Al Harrington
Salary: $8,425,625 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 13.6 REB: 5.4 AST: 1.6 PER: 15.70
Photo: Kosta Perovic
Kosta Perovic
Salary: $1,800,000 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 1.4 REB: 1.9 AST: 0.1 PER: 10.36

Outgoing Players: Larry Hughes, Tyrus Thomas

Golden State Warriors


Incoming Players
Photo: Larry Hughes
Larry Hughes
Salary: $12,000,084 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 12.2 REB: 3.4 AST: 2.7 PER: 11.98
Photo: Tyrus Thomas
Tyrus Thomas
Salary: $3,505,320 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 6.8 REB: 4.6 AST: 1.2 PER: 14.69
Obtained with a trade exception

Outgoing Players: Al Harrington, Kosta Perovic


Chicago Bulls 2009-2010

With the Bulls looking like they are going to select Derrick Rose with the #1 pick, they would be more than happy to find any takers for Larry Hughes' huge contract because of the logjam and duplication of talent at the PG position. They also need to get rid of as much salary as possible if they want to resign Gordon and Deng. Tyrus Thomas will be the incentive to get the Warriors to deal.

Harrington will give them more firepower from the 3 point arc. The Bulls were 23rd in the league in 3 pointers made. Perovic gives the Bulls additional depth at Center.

Add Jason Hendrix (Nikola Pekovic or Devon Hardin) at #39 and the Bulls look mighty good for the 2009-2010 season.

PG: Rose/Hinrich
SG: Gordon/Sefelosha/FA
SF: Deng/Nocioni/Nichols
PF: Harrington/Gooden/Hendrix/Simmons
C: Noah/Gray/Perovic


Golden State Warriors 2009-2010

Warriors now have an athletic big in Tyrus Thomas that specializes in rebounding, blocking shots, and finishing at the rim. As you could see in his 'Hotspots' chart, he's an improving midrange shooter. He is a great instinctual raw talent that could thrive in our system. If you loosen the reigns a bit, he could explode and finally live up to his lofty expectations and potential.

In addition, Hughes comes in for added backcourt depth, giving Baron relief and backing up the SG position as well. He'll expire in the Summer of 2010, so the salary commitment isn't crippling. Who knows, if Hughes can stay healthy, he could be a good backcourt mate to run alongside Ellis once Baron is gone.

We give up Harrington, a perimeter oriented big, but we could replace his outside shooting through the draft. Word on the street is that Harrington is tired of being Nelson's whipping boy and wants out of Golden State.

Draft Kosta Koufos at #14.
Draft Pat Calathes at #49.
Resign Ellis, Biedrins, Azubuike, Barnes, Croshere, and Watson.
Sign Francisco Elson using part of the MLE.

PG: Davis/Hughes/Watson
SG: Ellis/Azubuike/Belinelli
SF: Jackson/Barnes/Calathes
PF: Wright/Thomas/Croshere
C: Beidrins/Elson/Koufos

The Warriors will have one of the most athletic front courts in all of the NBA with Wright, Thomas, and Biedrins. All are athletic enough to excel as big-men in Nelli-ball. And the three-some will bring excitement and swagger back to the bay. Koufos gives them a 7 footer with excellent skills and a legitimate perimeter threat. He'd be a great change of pace big that could play alongside any of the three other bigs.



Tyrus Thomas Highlights
by xcrnrkyle




Tyrus Thomas Mix
by LilPharmacist11




Larry Hughes Mix
by paulsilky




The Real Kosta Koufos Highlight Video
by rightside04

Thursday, June 19, 2008

HYPOTHETICAL TRADE: Love, Varejao, Wilkins, Snow, Collison, #59


It's widely believed that this draft has only two future studs in Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. Put Kevin Love on the Warriors and you will have an impact big that could contribute from Day 1. His advanced low post game, unequaled passing ability, and high basketball IQ is exactly with the Warriors need. He might not be the most athletic big in the draft, but like his entire basketball career, he will out-play, out-hustle, and out-think his opponents and more often then not, get the best of them.

Statistics and Game Log

With this proposed three-way trade, we get Kevin Love, and three other veterans that will improve depth and bring consistency and relief off the bench. Miraculously, this trade works on ESPN's Trade Machine.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Incoming Players
Earl Watson
Salary: $5,800,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 10.7 REB: 2.9 AST: 6.8 PER: 14.56
Kosta Perovic
Salary: $1,800,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 1.4 REB: 1.9 AST: 0.1 PER: 10.36
Brandan Wright
Salary: $2,323,080 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 4.0 REB: 2.6 AST: 0.2 PER: 17.29

Outgoing Players: Eric Snow, Anderson Varejao, #19, #1 2009 (lotto protected)


Seattle SuperSonics

Incoming Players
Al Harrington
Salary: $8,425,625 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 13.6 REB: 5.4 AST: 1.6 PER: 15.70
#14 Pick
#19 Pick
#49 Pick
Cleveland #1 Pick 2009 (lotto protected)

Outgoing Players: Damien Wilkins, Earl Watson, Nick Collison, #4, #56


Golden State Warriors

Incoming Players
Damien Wilkins
Salary: $2,900,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 9.2 REB: 3.2 AST: 2.0 PER: 11.26
Obtained with a trade exception
Eric Snow (T.E.)
Salary: $6,703,125 Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 1.0 REB: 0.9 AST: 1.9 PER: 3.11
Anderson Varejao
Salary: $5,356,000 Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 6.7 REB: 8.3 AST: 1.1 PER: 12.02
Nick Collison
Salary: $5,750,000 Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 9.8 REB: 9.4 AST: 1.4 PER: 15.03
#4 Pick
#56 Pick

Outgoing Players: Al Harrington, Kosta Perovic, Brandan Wright, #14, #49



CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 2008-2009
  1. The Cavaliers have a whole lot of money tied up in their PF/C position with players either at the end of their careers or with no hope for big dividends down the road. Trading for Brandan Wright infuses them with young, exciting talent and a player that can grow alongside Lebron James and help solidify a promising core. The Cavaliers are in 'win now' mode and Wright gives them a much better offensive option to turn to in the post than either Wallace or Varejao.
  2. Kosta Perovic becomes the 2nd coming of Illguskas, mentored by the man himself.
  3. Watson gives them a true PG that could help stabilize the backcourt and increase its depth and quality.
  4. Cavaliers give up the #19 overall pick and their 1st round pick in 2009 (lottery protected but likely a pick in the mid-20's), but in exchange, they shed fat off their finances in ditching Snow and Varejao's generous contracts, and get 2 valuable pieces in return.
  5. Sign Mickael Pietrus with the M.L.E.
PG: Watson/West/Jones
SG: Gibson/Pavlovic
SF: James/Pietrus/Szczerbiak
PF: Wright/Smith
C: Illgauskas/Wallace/Perovic



SEATTLE SUPER SONICS 2008-2009
  1. Sonics are rumored to be willing to trade out of the #4 spot. They get an additional 1st round pick but best of all shed $14.5 mil in salary while only taking in $9.4 mil - something that the new ownership would love to do.
  2. Draft Brandon Rush at #14. He could play the 2 or 3, is perhaps the draft's best perimeter defender, and is ready to play significant minutes right off the bat.
  3. Draft Marreese Speights at #19. Wilcox is in his last year and Speights could take over after playing behind him, learning the ropes. His versatility is a plus because he can hit the midrange jumper as well as score effectively in the paint. Speights can play either the 4 or 5.
  4. Draft Mario Chalmers at #24. Ridnour needs a backup and Chalmers is as solid an option coming out of this draft in terms of leadership, competitiveness, and skill level.
  5. Draft Bill Walker at #32. If his knees check out, he'll be hit in Seattle or Oklahoma City.
  6. Draft Richard Hendrix at #46. If he's there as nbadraft.net predicts, snatch him up and add him to your frontcourt rotation.
  7. Draft Pat Calathes at #49. He's a do-it-all SF/PF that plays smart, unselfish basketball.
PG: Ridnour/Chalmers/Weaver
SG: Durant/Rush
SF: Green/Walker/Calathes
PF: Wilcox/Speights/Hendrix
C: Swift/Petro/Sene

Those are a lot of picks, so if they want to, they could combine or trade picks to bring in veteran leadership or move up in the draft to get someone they like.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS 2008-2009
  1. Warriors get a warrior down low. Wright is the sacrificial lamb that gets it done, but in my opinion, it is worth the price considering the questionable fit Wright is with Biedrins. They both can't shot from the perimeter with consistency and they are rail thin - unable to slow down bigger PF/C of the league. Love is a wide body that commands attention and is dangerous from anywhere on the court as either a shooter or passer. He could slow down a lot of bigs because he is so massive while Biedrins, Collison, and Varejao play help defense if need be.
  2. Everything else is icing on the cake. Wilkins (2 years remaining) is a versatile Point Forward type player that Nellie would love to create mismatches with. Collison (3 yrs remaining) is a hard-nosed big that isn't afraid to play physical and do all the dirty work that needs to be done. Varejao (2 years remaining) is a decent backup to Biedrins giving the Warriors a lot of energy and defensive intensity coming off the bench. Snow (expiring) is a veteran that can sub in for short stretches, giving Baron some rest here and there.
  3. Draft Maarty Leunen at #49.
  4. Resign Ellis, Biedrins, Azubuike, Barnes, and Watson. The Warriors are close, and bringing back these guys while adding key bench players will get them further than before.
  5. Sign Francisco Elson using part of the M.L.E. He gives the Warriors a legit center that is an midrange threat.
  6. Sign Walter Herrmann using part of the M.L.E. He's an athletic scoring big that has good consistency from 3 point range.

PG: Davis/C.J. Watson/Snow
SG: Ellis/Azubuike/Belinelli
SF: Jackson/Wilkins/Barnes
PF: Love/Collison/Leunen
C: Biedrins/Varejao/Elson (FA)








Kevin Love highlights - UCLA vs. Arizona

by ewcorpuz

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

YAHOO! 2008 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS VIDEO

Here's a link to a large collection of videos for a majority of the NBA draft hopefuls. Each shows roughly 2 minutes of highlights for each player.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/prospects?rank_type=1

Click on each position to see more videos beyond the Top 20. There are videos of almost all the prospects projected to be drafted. Only a handful of college players and all the International players are excluded in this collection of videos.

MOCK DRAFT 6.0

01. Bulls - Michael Beasley
6-9 235 SF Kansas St. Fr.
02. Heat - Derrick Rose
6-3 195 PG Memphis Fr.
03. Timberwolves - Brook Lopez
7-0 260 C Stanford So.
04. Super Sonics - O.J. Mayo
6-4 210 SG USC Fr.
05. Grizzlies - Kevin Love
6-9 260 PF UCLA Fr.
06. Knicks - Jerryd Bayless
6-3 182 SG Arizona Fr.
07. Clippers - Eric Gordon
6-4 220 SG Indiana Fr.
08. Bucks - Joe Alexander
6-8 230 SF West Virginia Jr.
09. Bobcats - Anthony Randolph
6-10 200 SF LSU Fr.
10. Nets - Danilo Gallinari
6-10 220 SF Italy 1988
11. Pacers - Russell Westbrook
6-4 187 PG UCLA So.
12. Kings - D.J. Augustin

6-4 180 PG Texas So.
13. Trailblazers - Brandon Rush
6-6 210 SF Kansas Jr.
14. Warriors - Marreese Speights
6-10 232 PF Florida So.
15. Suns - Kosta Koufos
7-0 252 C Ohio St. Fr.
16. 76ers - DeAndre Jordan

7-0 250 C Texas A&M Fr.
17. Raptors - Nicolas Batum
6-8 210 SG/SF France 1988
18. Wizards - Roy Hibbert
7-2 278 C Georgetown Sr.
19. Cavaliers - Darrell Arthur
6-9 230 PF Kansas So.
20. Nuggets - Mario Chalmers
6-2 170 PG Kansas
21. Nets - JaVale McGee
7-0 237 C Nevada So.
22. Magic - Donta Greene
6-10 226 SF Syracuse Fr.
23. Jazz - Robin Lopez
7-0 255 C Stanford So.
24. Super Sonics - Serge Ibaka
6'10" PF Congo Intl.
25. Rockets - J.J. Hickson
6-9 235 PF NC State Fr.
26. Spurs - Jason Thompson

6-10 245 PF Rider Sr.
27. Hornets - Courtney Lee
6'5" SG Western Kentucky Sr.
28. Grizzlies - Chris Douglas-Roberts
6-7 200 SG Memphis Jr.
29. Pistons - Alexis Ajinca
7'1" 225 C France Intl.
30. Celtics - DeVon Hardin
6-11 250 C Cal Sr.
NBAStore.com