- Thread starter
- #1
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2006
- Messages
- 60,151
- Reaction score
- 2,039
At this relatively early point, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo and Derrick Rose are the clear three choices for the number one overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Unlike previous years, these three players are relatively equal in talent which will force the team that wins the lottery to greatly consider positional need.
The Knicks, Wolves, Grizzlies, Clippers are the early frontrunners for the first overall pick, but for the sake of inclusion and fun, here is who each team would likely look to select.
Western Conference
- Dallas Mavericks : Rose and Beasley would be blocked by Dirk Nowitzki, Devin Harris and Jason Terry, so Mayo would give them a needed wing scorer.
- Denver Nuggets : The Nuggets already have enough scoring so they need a floor general to manage it all. Rose wouldn’t be intimidated to step right in with intimidating veterans like Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby and Carmelo Anthony.
- Golden State Warriors : Since the Warriors’ system allows for such versatility, Rose and Mayo wouldn’t be inconceivable even if Baron Davis and Monta Ellis stick around long-term, but Beasley would give them a premiere interior scorer who can also rebound and maybe develop into a shot blocker.
- Houston Rockets : The Rockets could use either Beasley or Rose.
- Los Angeles Clippers : The Clippers were believed to be looking point guard in last year’s draft but went with Al Thornton; however, there is no way they would pass on Rose. Ultimately, they could use any of the three players.
- Los Angeles Lakers : I feel Farmar and Crittenton leave the Lakers set at point guard, and Rose is not needed as long as Kobe Bryant remains their franchise player so Beasley would be the clear choice to play beside Andrew Bynum.
-Memphis Grizzlies : Depending on what Chris Wallace decides to do with Pau Gasol, the Grizzlies either choose Beasley or Mayo.
- Minnesota Timberwolves : They would happily settle for Rose, but pairing Beasley with Al Jefferson would give them the best young frontcourt scoring tandem in the NBA.
- New Orleans Hornets : Obviously Rose is out of the question, but Mayo or Beasley would both work. I’d lean towards Mayo because of David West, and he could also take on some of Chris Paul’s ballhandling duties.
- Phoenix Suns : The Suns have Atlanta’s pick so this scenario isn’t out of the question. Beasley doesn’t do anything for their interior defensive needs, and they don’t need to score any more points with a Mayo, making Rose a highly intriguing successor to Steve Nash.
- Portland TrailBlazers: When Oden got hurt, Portland looked like they’d be a high lottery team and would be able to add a 4th franchise type of player in three drafts. It is far less likely now, but Rose would be the obvious choice.
- Sacramento Kings : The Kings are only married to Mayo’s position in Kevin Martin so Beasley or Rose would both be welcomed, but I suspect Rose would be preferred.
-San Antonio Spurs : Beasley would be the obvious choice, giving San Antonio a new superstar power forward.
- Seattle SuperSonics : The Sonics, more than any other team, are in Derrick Rose or bust mode. Neither Beasley or Mayo (especially Mayo) fit a dire need.
- Utah Jazz : The Jazz are certainly thrilled to have Deron Williams and already have an All-Star caliber power forward in Carlos Boozer so despite the improvement of Ronnie Brewer, they would likely go with Mayo.
Eastern Conference
- Atlanta Hawks : The Hawks could really use their first round pick this season, playoffs or not, but it will be going to Phoenix as part of the Joe Johnson trade.
Without question, Rose would be the preferred choice. They are an average point guard away from truly contending so the difference made by Rose in the careers of Josh Smith, Al Horford, Marvin Williams and Johnson would be tremendous.
- Boston Celtics : The Celtics are certainly pleased with Rajon Rondo’s developments but adding Rose to this Boston team would be on par with what would have happened if Len Bias had not passed in 1986.
- Charlotte Bobcats : Beasley would be an ideal fit for Charlotte, giving the franchise the multi-dimensional inside scorer they desperately need.
- Chicago Bulls : Beasley and Mayo would give the scoring they need (directly and indirectly respectively), but they already have about 26 players who play Beasley’s position and I think the allure of bringing Rose home to Chicago would be difficult to resist. But letting Gordon go and bringing in Mayo would make the most sense.
- Cleveland Cavaliers : Cleveland certainly needs a point guard, and linking LeBron James with Rose would effectively turn Cleveland into the nexus of the basketball universe.
-Detroit Pistons : Beasley is unlikely to become the kind of defender Rasheed Wallace has been during his NBA career, but he’ll have a similar inside/outside offensive game.
- Indiana Pacers : The Pacers are an excellent team when Jamaal Tinsley plays well, so they could finally sever ties with him and bring in the far more talented Rose.
-Miami Heat : Beasley would give Miami two excellent scorers, but Rose would have a larger overall impact at a position of greater need.
- Milwaukee Bucks : They just committed to Mo Williams long-term, but Rose would be a huge upgrade while Yi Jianlian and Charlie Villanueva would block Beasley and Michael Redd blocks Mayo.
-New Jersey Nets : They could bring in Rose and his William Wesley/Jay-Z relationship to transition out of the Jason Kidd-era, but as their team is built now, Beasley suits them best.
- New York Knicks : The Knicks need upgrades at both guard positions, but Rose gives them a distributor extraordinaire.
-Orlando Magic : The Magic have committed themselves at areas Rose and Beasley would fill in Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis so with his 3-point shooting ability, Mayo would be most logical.
- Philadelphia 76ers : Even though the Sixers like Louis Williams, Rose would fill their needs and maximize Andre Iguodala.
- Toronto Raptors : With Forderon (if T.J. Ford can be healthy again), Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani, there really isn’t room for Beasley or Rose, making Mayo the selection.
- Washington Wizards : Jamison, who has flourished in Eddie Jordan’s system, is a free agent, and Beasley can have a similar type of NBA game.
