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NBA Draft 2008


Posted on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 at 12:35 pm by Big Chris

(somewhere in the nether regions of the internet the original version of this post disappeared. I’m reposting it just for a reference point. Hopefully/possibly the comments can be resurrected by our host provider. -Big Chris)

Brian Robinson and Co. are at Jeff Green’s party. For those who are stuck at work or home or simply can’t make it to the draft day party, this is your thread. I expect the comments to be fast and furious tonight (especially if we draft Brooks Lopez!) so we’ll try to keep our comment counts under 250 with new threads. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride!

This just posted on ESPN by Chad Ford:

Updated: June 26 — 3:31 p.m. ET

Two big deals have just gone down in the past few minutes that could change the face of the draft.

The Clippers and Sonics have agreed to swap picks as long as the Wolves take O.J. Mayo at No. 3. If Mayo isn’t drafted at 3, the deal is off according to two sources close to the information.

With the No. 4 pick, expect the Clippers to take Eric Gordon of Indiana. They’ve coveted him as the type of dominant scorer that they’ve been looking for.

The Sonics will take Brook Lopez or Jerryd Bayless at No. 7. However it seems like Lopez will be the guy.

Nets trading Richard Jefferson to the Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons
Jermaine O’Neil to Raptors for TJ Ford and Rasho + #17 pick

Chad Ford’s final Mock Draft

(Sorry All, I closed the previous thread so we don’t have competing threads.)

119 Responses to “NBA Draft 2008”

  1. Big Chris Says:

    In my dream world we send Chris Wilcox to the Heat and swap draft picks. My second choice would be to swap with Minnesota and take OJ Mayo (presumably). I’m not hot on Brook Lopez, but he would be an improvement over our current front court players. Lopez reminds me too much of Napolean Dynamite.

    Presti, work your magic.

    Big Chris

  2. Big Chris Says:

    And I’m pro Kevin Love. I think he has skills, and is athletic enough. And he’s enough different than Nick Collison that I don’t see them as redundant.

    Big Chris

  3. Myk Says:

    Wow…that Bucks/Nets trade is huge…perhaps Presit is trading down to draft Joe Alexander. I know he is a SF and I think KD is the SF of the future, but he does seem very talented…this draft is getting a bit more interesting.

  4. MC Nuggit Says:

    I know we don’t have a center, but I don’t think Lopez is the answer. Has there ever been a (really) good NBA player from Stanford?

  5. Otto Says:

    Smart move.

    Get Mayo, Mayo not there, then trade down to get the next player you want, and secure additional assets.

  6. Jake R Says:

    Eat your ham, Tina!

  7. Otto Says:

    Paul Schneiderman to be on with Ian

  8. Moffet Says:

    Bennett’s pretty savvy the way he’s pulling Presti’s strings, isn’t he?

    Just think if the PBC had been as close-lipped as Presti’s been.

  9. DGomez Says:

    Brook Lopez has mad skills. You know, like, basketball skills, tetherball skills, computer hacking skills…

  10. TB Says:

    I’m amazed Chad Ford made it all the way through that mock draft without saying the Sonics will be playing in OKC soon enough.

  11. NickS Says:

    Trading down to 7 seems perfect, if they can’t trade up to 2. That’s a nice spot, in that there will still be top talent available, but you should get something in return for moving down.

    I’m pro love as well if he’s around at 7. But at #7 I couldn’t complain too much about any of Lopez, Bayless, or Westbrook.

  12. dave Says:

    Could there be another deal where we trade Mayo with Miami? What is the feeling with you guys: Are we puting that contingency in place to deal Mayo to Miami or because Presti likes him?

  13. bob Says:

    from Percy

    ESPN writer Ric Bucher is reporting the Sonics have traded their fourth pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for their seventh pick and a protected first-round pick in 2009.

    Before the deal, the Sonics had two first-round picks in 2009 and now it seems as if they will have three.

    The Clippers covet Indiana guard Eric Gordon.

    The Sonics seemingly want to move back to select UCLA guard Russell Westbrook or Bruins center Kevin Love.

  14. Otto Says:

    Bennett’s pretty savvy the way he’s pulling Presti’s strings, isn’t he?

    Just think if the PBC had been as close-lipped as Presti’s been.

    Bennett is a better GM than owner!

  15. West Seattle Tim Says:

    Lopez just went on the IR cause his lips hurt real bad!

  16. Otto Says:

    Bob: that has been updated by Bucher.

  17. Frozenropers Says:

    Are we puting that contingency in place to deal Mayo to Miami or because Presti likes him?

    I don’t think we’ll be able to answer that one until after the draft. It could be for either case. Mayo is definately in the top tier of talent in this draft, so it would make sense that Presti identifies the value in that. What he choses to do with that is another story. He might like the fit on the Sonics or he might just recognize the value of having Mayo as a trade chip.

  18. TB Says:

    how’s that for a settlement? Bennett sells the team as long as he can be GM!

  19. Crow Says:

    Conditional trade based on Mayo availability at 4 could indeed be related to another trade discussion or deal as you suggest Dave.

    Supposedly trades involving picks not complete before 2 pm (I assume eastern time) have to wait til after the picks so I don’t expect we’ll know for sure til after the picks.

  20. Otto Says:

    For those that think we are losing the court case, Paul schneiderman will be on to help settle those fears. (of course nothing is 100%)

  21. DowntownFB Says:

    From the Seattle Times Sonics Blog:

    A Sonics team source steadfastly denied an ESPN report that has Seattle sending its fourth pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for the No. 7 pick and a protected first-round pick in 2009.
    ESPN writer Ric Bucher first broke the story earlier today and ESPN college basketball analyst Steve Lavin is also reporting the trade.
    The team source, however, says the Sonics are not making a deal involving those picks. The source declined to verify or deny if Seattle is engaged in other trades, but repeatedly said: “What’s being reported is not true. It’s inaccurate.”

  22. Derek Says:

    I really hope all of this matters…I’m so torn as to whether or not I should even be excited about this…it’s tough. I used to be a draft junkie…now, I can’t even enjoy the one think I always looked forward to at this time of year….I wanna scream

  23. El Presidente Says:

    Will be interesting to watch…. I get the feeling that Presti set this up as a safety net, in case he can’t swing a deal with the Heat…. All indications are that Riley is asking too much for the #2 pick, so I don’t think Wilcox and #4 is going to do it. Maybe we can throw in Ridnour, Sene, Swift, Petro or any one of our other NBDL all-stars

  24. dave Says:

    Derek, just do what i’m doing: assume the Sonics will be in Seattle for centuries to come, then immerse yourself in the draft accordingly. The way I see it, if this IS the last time I can enjoy draft day then I may as well give it my full-flegged effort and dive in. Of course I also have king5.com open in another window, waiting for the 1:30 lunch break to be over ;)

  25. TB Says:

    ian just said puckett is going to be on

  26. TB Says:

    schniederman at 2:15 (or 50, i’m not sure which he said)

  27. SeaSonics Says:

    How crazy is this day? Geez. All i have to say is that I am glad lawrence is on our side!

  28. Otto Says:

    Everyone please turn off the radio..puckett falls for the PBC theatrics.

  29. JeffGreen! Says:

    I will cry with happiness if we get Mayo

  30. Kerry Says:

    This is the craziest draft day ever

  31. TB Says:

    if you’re going to listen to Puckett, please stay away from sharp things or high ledges.

    don’t take his bullshit to heart.

  32. SpeedCat Says:

    Westbrook over Lopez…. PLEASE!!

  33. SeaSonics Says:

    You know i’ve been thinking long and hard about drafting Lopez, and truthfully I am not opposed to it at all.

    What he has that none of our centers have….Intensity and Defense! I can see him and Durant tearing it up together.

  34. SeaSonics Says:

    Think about brooks intensity, did any of our centers ever have that?

  35. Otto Says:

    Puckett wasn’t as doom and gloom, but thats because Ian basically put him down the path that the theatrics did not matter.

  36. JeffGreen! Says:

    “Think about brooks intensity, did any of our centers ever have that? ”

    No but Mark “Maddog” Madsen does

  37. JeffGreen! Says:

    Jerryd Bayless is on Jim Rome today.

    BTW the show has just started

  38. dave Says:

    Well if Lopez is the way we go, here’s hoping he has a lot of triple doubles for us (pt/reb/blk) lol

  39. dave Says:

    In other news: 30 minutes left on the shotclock for the Seattle lawyers. Give nothing, take from them EVERYTHING!!!!!

  40. SeeJ Says:

    So assuming this goes through, that would put Love on the Grizzlies (YES!!! GAY/LOVE FOREVER!) and Bayless would most likely go to the Knicks, giving them their point guard to run the team. Neat stuff!

  41. UNDFTD Says:

    Does this deal with the Clippers mean that any talks with Miami to get Beasley is off?

  42. Rock Says:

    I would pick Lopez at #4. He is a bargain if he falls to #7. The Clippers moving up to take Eric Gordon does not make sense, as he would likely still be there at #7.

  43. dave Says:

    AAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Here’s hoping that the Grizzlies will move to OKC eventually, then see how Benett feels about having GAY-LOVE leading the team….. of course if they came here we’d be totally fine with it :)

  44. Otto Says:

    Does this deal with the Clippers mean that any talks with Miami to get Beasley is off?

    No, the rumored deal does not mean a trade is off.

    IF mayo falls to #4, we could still flip that for #2.

  45. Vinny Says:

    I wonder how Bayless feels today? Falling from #4 to 11 or 12? Hopefully he is not even paying attention.

  46. Xteve Says:

    “Does this deal with the Clippers mean that any talks with Miami to get Beasley is off? ”

    Maybe not, because nobody really knows who the other team is in the Miami rumor. Remember that supposedly Miami is taking Mayo #2 to deal him to an unspecified team…

    “So assuming this goes through, that would put Love on the Grizzlies (YES!!! GAY/LOVE FOREVER!) and Bayless would most likely go to the Knicks, giving them their point guard to run the team. Neat stuff! ”

    LOL! hadn’t thought about that, but that is pretty funny.

  47. Crow Says:

    Hope the evening works out for you Speedcat. Are you checking in before you go or will you be giving updates during?

  48. Vinny Says:

    How come no one is talking about Marreese Speights with the #24 pick? He seems like a good choice.

  49. JeffGreen! Says:

    I repeat, Bayless on the Jim Rome Show on ESPN here in a few.

  50. lox Says:

    Imagine the headlines-

    “Brokeback Grizzlies? Gay, Love push team to victory”

  51. SeaSonics Says:

    So freakin nervouse for the verdict!

  52. Vinny Says:

    Imagine the headlines-

    “Brokeback Grizzlies? Gay, Love push team to come from behind victory”

  53. lox Says:

    haha, that’s way better Vinny. Lol…

  54. TB Says:

    try not to pee yourself, seasonics ’cause it ain’t coming today.

  55. Crow Says:

    On the stats Speights looks attractive. Some have questioned effort. I’d guess he is gone before 24.

  56. NJ Says:

    you’ll probably see Pechman’s decision by next week, though

  57. kdizzle Says:

    King5 case blog reports that Lawrence cited “examples of five cases were “unclean hands” was found, but says none of the circumstances in those cases match what’s happening in this case.” Any ideas what these examples were?

  58. kdizzle Says:

    King5 case blog reports that Lawrence cited “examples of five cases were “unclean hands” was found, but says none of the circumstances in those cases match what’s happening in this case.” Any ideas what these examples were?

  59. JeffGreen! Says:

    Wow Bayless is in wonderful shape, hes RIPPED, and does alot of things very well

  60. TB Says:

    Ian keeps saying the Sonics could pick 9. Is there a rumor with the Bobcats I haven’t heard?

  61. lox Says:

    Bayless is awesome, I’ve been hoping he would be the pick for the last 6 months.

    Just curious though, weren’t you the one knocking him in the past weeks for being small, weak, short-arms etc…Have you changed your mind?

  62. JeffGreen! Says:

    The team source, however, says the Sonics are not making a deal involving those picks. The source declined to verify or deny if Seattle is engaged in other trades, but repeatedly said: “What’s being reported is not true. It’s inaccurate.”

    WE arent trading the 4th apparently

  63. TB Says:

    WE arent trading the 4th apparently

    not necessarily. we’re just not trading it to the clippers for the 7

  64. JeffGreen! Says:

    lol I said Gordon is stronger, is more athletic, has longer arms and is more agile.

    Yes I did knock Bayless short arms but Bayless looks to be a warrior/baller and if we don’t get Mayo I would want Bayless.

  65. dave Says:

    “The Spurs sent an e-mail to every team in the league at 3:30 p.m. saying that they were willing to move the 26th pick. The e-mail asked league executives to “E-mail us your interest and your offers to 26.”
    That’s the first time I’ve heard of something like this in all of my years covering the draft. Make your Spurs pitch below in our comments section.”

    Thats hilarious! maybe we should throw something out there, a pick at 26 AND 24 would be fun lol!

  66. JeffGreen! Says:

    This seems to have been a bi-polar draft. 1 week im high on one dude the other im high on another.

  67. RmcD Says:

    If you have the TIME…this is quite a revealing DETAILED article on what Stern will do tonight when the Sonics pick(s) are announced…

    http://newsok.com/stern-to-introduce-sonics-pick-as-seattle-supersonics/article/3262309/?tm=1214451458

  68. Guy Says:

    My only problem with Bayless is that he didn’t make anybody on that team better

  69. dave Says:

    Any interest in James Jones? He’s tessting FA market and we have plenty to spend (technically) and a shooter off the bench is better than some of our current guys can offer on a day to day basis.

  70. RmcD Says:

    Lawrence’s closing sentence…..”The Sonics and Storm are Synonimous with Seattle….Clayton Bennett” shown on powerpoint…WOW!!

  71. Myk Says:

    If you have the TIME…this is quite a revealing DETAILED article on what Stern will do tonight when the Sonics pick(s) are announced…

    - LOL…they deleted my comment I posted yesterday about the fact he said the draft was occurring TONIGHT (i.e. Wednesday night)

  72. Crow Says:

    kdizzle that was discussed near the end of the findings of fact / conclusions of law pdf

  73. dave Says:

    RmcD: hilarious link, I think your intro of what was said in the article may have been longer than the article itself…..

  74. TB Says:

    Keller says this case wouldn’t even be happening if there wasn’t a specific “home game” clause in the contract.

    DUH!

  75. TJKK Says:

    NBadraft.net is reporting that the clip/sea swap is finalized…

    http://nbadraft.net/node/1279

    I was really hoping for Beasley.

  76. TJKK Says:

    NBadraft.net is reporting that the clip/sea swap is finalized…they even swapped our spots on the draft board

    http://nbadraft.net/node/1279

    I was really hoping for Beasley.

  77. Crow Says:

    If they had thought they room at SF, wanted to win now, were willing to spend money James Jones and his accurate, high frequency 3 pt game would be worth considering depending on market price. Probably he gets most of exception from a good team.

  78. Frozenropers Says:

    NBadraft.net is reporting that the clip/sea swap is finalized…

    The part, “Sources close to nbadraft.net……” lost me. They don’t have any more info than what is floating out there right now on ESPN. ESPN’s version is probably more accurate, where the trade is in place, but only if Mayo is picked by the Timberpups at #3.

  79. Guy Says:

    We could still get Beasley, all along the only way we could get him was if Mayo slipped to 4, if that happens the clip trade is off and I think we make a run at trading with Miami

  80. Hambone Says:

    Keller says this case wouldn’t even be happening if there wasn’t a specific “home game” clause in the contract.

    TB, that’s exactly what I was thinking when I read that. Whoda thunk that a case about specific performance would be about, well… specific performance. LOL at these clowns.

    Can someone publish a pic of Brad Keller? I want to actively “boo” him on the streets of Seattle.

  81. TB Says:

    I love how Lawrence quotes King County v. Seattle Seahawks and Keller quotes Washington Trust Bank v. Circle K

  82. SeaSonics Says:

    2:20 p.m. - Keller sites in Washington Trust Bank v. Circle K (1976) “A suit for specific performance will not lie if there is an adequate remedy at law available to the injured party. It has long been held in Washington that there is an adequate remedy at law in damages for the breach of a lease agreement. Consequently, the trial could did not abuse its discretion in denying the Bank’s request.”

    Ouch, the sonics are putting up a good case. fukshit

  83. West Seattle Tim Says:

    Speedcat, did you get in? How is the SOS message being received in NYC?

  84. supafish10 Says:

    As long as nothing happens like last year I’m fine.

  85. Call it like Calabro Says:

    Bayless, Westbrook, Augustine, Arthur. I like Arthur to possibly become a LaMrcus Aldridge type.

    Anyone BUT BLopez, IMO. I read he wasnt much on defense. And Presti said he demanded that in any draftee.

  86. GP are you wit'me? Says:

    So the trade is finalized now?
    what??

    and when will we hear the verdict on the trail?

  87. SeaSonics Says:

    NOT!!!! Man circle k? Really?

  88. TB Says:

    http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0d9u49L2ieeTi/340x.jpg

  89. West Seattle Tim Says:

    Circle K? That is just awesome, the Sonics are pulling out all the stops! Even the Quik-Stops!

  90. Otto Says:

    Sources close to NBAdraft.net = No one still has a clue.

  91. MarkS Says:

    “2:20 p.m. - Keller sites in Washington Trust Bank v. Circle K (1976) “A suit for specific performance will not lie if there is an adequate remedy at law available to the injured party. It has long been held in Washington that there is an adequate remedy at law in damages for the breach of a lease agreement. Consequently, the trial could did not abuse its discretion in denying the Bank’s request.”

    Ouch, the sonics are putting up a good case. fukshit ”

    How so? How is a convinience store similar to an NBA team?

  92. SeaSonics Says:

    check out my next post marks

  93. Otto Says:

    So the trade is finalized now?
    what??

    No.

    we got sources of sources of sources.

  94. NJ Says:

    Anyone have solid information that Minn IS going to take Mayo? He doesn’t seem like a McHale pick, plus they already have Foye and Brewer.

  95. West Seattle Tim Says:

    TB, looks like CB is eating away his guilt at stealing the Sonics!
    “I eat ’cause I’m unhappy and I’m unhappy ’cause I eat” - Fat Bastard, 2005

  96. SeaSonics Says:

    I was being sarcastic, and I cant believe this is all they got! Its freakin awesome!

  97. TB Says:

    KJR reports the trade is still just an offer and has NOT been finalized.

  98. Otto Says:

    2:20 p.m. - Keller sites in Washington Trust Bank v. Circle K (1976) “A suit for specific performance will not lie if there is an adequate remedy at law available to the injured party. It has long been held in Washington that there is an adequate remedy at law in damages for the breach of a lease agreement. Consequently, the trial could did not abuse its discretion in denying the Bank’s request.”

    Ouch, the sonics are putting up a good case. fukshit

    Lol. Comparing Circle K to the Sonics. Thats funny. This is a reach if at all.

  99. West Seattle Tim Says:

    Chad “Kreskin” Ford has Bayless now going 12th. Maybe we package Wilcok and 24 for Charlottes 9, they need a PF.

  100. SeaSonics Says:

    Its too funny Otto, ahaha!

  101. TB Says:

    Hambone asked for a pic of Brad Keller. So I obliged.

  102. Kodi08 Says:

    2:30 p.m. - Keller is showing a rather amusing illustration of Slade Gorton’s brain. One side in green is labeled City’s litigation lawyers. The other in blue is called Griffin Group’s lawyers. Again, keep in mind that Gorton, a lawyer for K&L Gates, was also part of the PowerPoint group. Basically, Keller making the point that the two were merged through Gorton.

    Thank goodness they only have about 20 minutes left to show pictures of Gorton’s brain.

  103. SonicComic Says:

    LOL…they deleted my comment I posted yesterday about the fact he said the draft was occurring TONIGHT (i.e. Wednesday night)

    Myk, what’s even funnier is a few posts underneath yours where you are talking about how your post was deleted in that response to the article was a guy named “Bend” from “Over Clay”

  104. dave Says:

    Miss Pencham I would like to show how the Supersonic franchise is much like AM PM, in our history we have had Danny Fortson as the super big gulp, luke ridnour as a twinkie, Big Snacks as…. big snacks, and Benett as a Ding-Dong, PJ as a ho-ho and of course the PBC attorneys as a commemorative Star Wars Wookie-Defense slurpee cup (now only $1.99). THE PBC AM-PM: TOO MUCH GOOD STUFF.

  105. Otto Says:

    Anyone have solid information that Minn IS going to take Mayo?

    even the talking heads don’t have solid information.

  106. Mr. Stranex Says:

    Keller actually seems pretty desperate in his closing statement as far as the content goes. Amusing illustrations of Slade Gorton, dramatic “is this court willing to be used” comments, using a quickie mart precedent. Not a lot of meat there.

  107. TB Says:

    2:36 p.m. - Keller says he can’t cite a case where a landlord has tried to undermine a tenant like this

    I can think of two.

    Cleveland Browns.

    Minnesota Twins.

    Owned.

  108. TB Says:

    Lawrence quotes a case from 1996. Keller quotes two cases, one from 1976 (Circle K) and now one from 1969. Things have changed in 40 YEARS!

  109. West Seattle Tim Says:

    Lucky for Bennett, he has been a model tenant, further proving the city has been vindictive in all its dealing with the PBC. I mean, what did Bennett ever do to them? Bennett knew this was coming so he beat them to the punch and decided to try and move before the city attempted to hold him to his obligations or keep the team in Seattle. What a bunch of jerks, Clay doesn’t deserve any of this.

  110. charliesonic Says:

    your memory is short: baltimore colts. st. louis (footbal) cardinals. seattle pilots. brooklyn dodgers. ny giants. . .

    this did not start with cleveland’s browns. and cleveland wound up with the best situation of most ‘jilted’ burgs. seattle cannot count on the same level of notice and concern from the national medial.

    they’ll ‘cluck cluck’ in sympathy and go on about their business. seattle is more like baltimore — a city that is getting screwed that needs to decide how much it wants a team. that was the situation in 1970 when mlb yanked the pilots after THEIR CHOSEN OWNER, dewey soriano, proved to be undercapitalized (hey, bud: D-U-E-D-I-L-I-G-E-N-C-E). . . which is why slade gorton, who supervised that successful attempt to slam back at the big league thieves, is our BEST hope. . .

    history, boys and girls. the world wasn’t invented today. this is not the first time a city has fought for its team against a carpetbagging lying owner and a shill of a commissioner. it won’t be the last.

    go sonics. i mean, stay, sonics!!!!!!!!!

  111. Otto Says:

    LOL.

    again comparing situations.

  112. Xteve Says:

    Keller must be going for the old ‘How I got her to go out with me’ defense.

    If you can’t make your case on merit, bamboozle them with bull$h!t. . .

  113. Otto Says:

    Of course my internet stream goes down..dangit.

  114. TB Says:

    **Keller admits that he didn’t have case law to reference towards Seattle “bleeding” Bennett**

  115. Versio Says:

    I’m not sure people are reading the same reports and transcripts that I am. The City looks very bad - they may still win this thing, but this is a bad situation for the Sonics and it has been for many years. This judge might see this as a vicious attempt to cause harm to hte Sonic’s ownership rather than an attempt to keep the team overall.

    Where was the Seattle leadership over the years? The true villans. god I hope we keep this team, but man…this sucks.

  116. brett b Says:

    Did you read the Powerpoint Versio? I don’t see how you can possibly come up with any conclusion other than the city was trying to keep this team here. There is no evidence in the Powerpoint that they were trying to cause harm to Bennett. These efforts occurred after Bennett announced his intentions to move the team.

  117. Silvio Says:

    The guys on Sportscenter just reported that we talked to the Clippers and Bobcats but asked for too much. Therefore we’re staying at #4.

  118. Silvio Says:

    The guys on Sportscenter just reported that we talked to the Clippers and Bobcats but asked for too much. Therefore we’re staying at #4.

  119. Otto Says:

    ‘its a bad situation for the sonics, and has been for many years’

    ANd clay bennett knew that when he went into the contract. He knew about the specific performance clause, he KNEW he was going to lose money.