NFC Preview & Predictions

NFC East:

(1) Dallas Cowboys: 10-6

• The Cowboys, off their first playoff win in a decade, will play with more confidence and it will show on the field. Dez Bryant will supplant Roy Williams as starter by week 8. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, Romo is cut from the Brett Favre mold and will make a costly mistake in the playoffs preventing the Boys from reaching the Super Bowl in 2010.

(2) New York Giants: 8-8

• The Giants defense will be improved under new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, however the Giants will still be vulnerable up the middle without a solid middle linebacker. Look for the Giants to try to upgrade the MLB position next off-season. On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants will attempt to return to a smashmouth running attack with Ahmad Bradshaw leading the way.

(3) Philadelphia Eagles: 8-8

• Eagles fans will quickly learn that replacing a franchise quaterback like Donovan McNabb isn't so easy. Kolb will take some lumps in his first season as a starter and will improve over the course of the year but don't expect big things yet. LeSean McCoy will excel in Andy Reid's system as a receiver. The secondary will once again serve as the team weakness with no real big additions in the off-season.

(4) Washington Redskins: 7-9

• The Redskins had the best off-season of any NFC team. Not only did they hire future Hall of Famer, Mike Shanahan, to be head coach, but they also made one of the biggest off-season acquisitions by trading for aging star Donovan McNabb. Look for Mike Shanahan to center the offense around the running game mimicking his old Denver Broncos teams. I believe the Redskins are a team on the rise and if they can bring in a top notch WR in the off-season, they will be a team to reckoned with in 2011.

NFC WEST:

(1) San Fransisco 49ers: 9-7

• The 49ers will be the defacto best team in the NFC West due to poor competition within the division. The only other threat will be the declining Cardinals without Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner. Look for Frank Gore and Patrick Willis to carry the 49ers to their first divisional championship in quite some time.

(2) Arizona Cardinals: 7-9

• Cardinals fans will quickly realize Derek Anderson at quarterback is not the answer. In addition, the Cardinals lost too many quality players from last year's team: Anquan Boldin, Antrel Rolle, Karlos Dansby, & Bertrand Berry. Look for the Cardinals to go to a more of a run first offense with Beanie Wells taking the bulk of the carries. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Beanie Wells and Tim Hightower are both limited in their carrying abilities.

(3) Seattle Seahawks: 6-10

• Look for another long year for the talent depleted Seahawks. At least they'll have more stability this season with a healthy Matt Hasselback. Justin Forsett and Leon Washington will not provide enough punch in the running game.

(4) St. Louis Rams: 5-11

• The good news for Rams fans? QB Sam Bradford won the QB competition in pre-season outright over A.J. Feely. The bad news for Rams fans? QB Sam Bradford will be the starting QB starting game 1. Very few quaterbacks play well in their rookie year in the NFL. The speed of the game is just at another level compared to the collegiate level.

NFC NORTH:

(1) Minnesota Vikings: 12-4

• Brett Favre returns for his second season to lead the very talented and potent offense. The Vikings are loaded with stars on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The only obstacle between the Vikings and the Super Bowl? Favre's knack for making the big mistake in a big moment in the playoffs. In fact after last season's INT to seal the deal vs. the Saints, I have begun to call his big mistakes in key moments: "Pulling a Favre".

(2) Green Bay Packers: 11-5

• Aaron Rodgers reaches upper echelon NFL quarterback status by leading the lethal Packers aerial attack by spreading the ball around to a plethora of playmakers including Jennings, Driver, Finley, etc. The team will go as far as the Packers defense allows.

(3) Chicago Bears: 6-10

• Look for Head Coach Lovie Smith to be the 2nd coach fired after the season. The Bears just haven't surrounded QB Jay Cutler with enough talented WRs. Don't put all the blame on Cutlers' shoulders though, he will make the occasional dumb throw, but he has talent and would perform at a higher level if he had a top notch wide receiver

(4) Detroit Lions: 5-11

• Another team on the rise. The Lions are beginning to finally stockpile talent and will steadily improve throughout the season. Look for Jahvid Best to take over as the primary running back by year's end.

NFC SOUTH:

(1) New Orleans Saints: 12-4

• The only scenario the Saints will not win at least 10 games this season is if Drew Brees gets injured. Look for the Saints roll to a 7-2 record prior the bye week. The Saints will be a tough out for any team in the playoffs.

(2) Atlanta Falcons: 10-6

• The Falcons will return to the playoffs with the resurgence of a healthy Michael Turner. Unfortunately for Atlanta, they play in the same division as the Saints and will reach the playoffs as a Wildcard. The defense will have to improve for the Falcons to make a real run at the Super Bowl.

(3) Carolina Panthers: 8-8

• The Panthers will struggle with QB Matt Moore at the helm. Look for the Panthers to rely heavily on the two headed monster of D'Angelo Williams & Jonathan Stewart. The defense will hold up fairly well in the absence of departed star DE Julius Peppers.

(4) Tampa Bay Bucaneers: 4-12

• Expect another long year for Bucs fans as they have yet to surround young QB Josh Freeman with any playmakers. The good news? The Bucs will have a top 3 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

NFC PLAYOFFS:

Wildcard Round:

(6) Atlanta Falcons @ (3) Dallas Cowboys

(5) Green Bay Packers @ (4) San Fransisco 49ers

Divisional Round:

(5) Green Bay Packers @ (1) New Orleans Saints

(3) Dallas Cowboys @ (2) Minnesota Vikings

Conference Championship:

(5) Green Bay Packers @ (2) Minnesota Vikings

NFC CHAMPIONS: GREEN BAY PACKERS

NFC AWARDS:

• NFC MVP - Aaron Rodgers
• NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year - Sam Bradford
• NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year - Rolando McClain
• NFC Coach of the Year - Mike Singletary

The Bottom Line:

• The Green Bay Packers will have an extremely difficult road to Super Bowl XLV entering the playoffs as a Wildcard. However, the Packers have the luck of playing the 49ers in the Wildcard round. Following, they will have to play at their best to knock off the Saints and Vikings on the road. I think the Packers defense will carry them to a victory over the defending super bowl champs and Brett will "pull a Favre" in the NFC Championship game. As long as Aaron Rodgers and Ryan Grant stay healthy, the Packers stand a good shot at knocking any team off. The Green Bay Packers will meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLV.

Super Bowl Preview to follow.

AFC Preview/Predictions - Ravens to the SB?

AFC EAST:

(1) New York Jets: 10-6

• The Jets will be an improved team with a more seasoned Mark Sanchez in year 2. The return of Revis along with the addition of Kyle Wilson keeps the Jets defense well stocked.

(2) Miami Dolphins: 9-7

• The dolphins will be improved with the progression of Chad Henne & the addition of Brandon Marshall. Still count on the fins to be a run heavy team.

(3) New England Patriots: 9-7

• A difficult schedule combined with a depleted defense will hinder a playoff appearance for the Pats. The Pats will be a stronger team in the 2nd half of the season as Welker fully returns from injury and the defense develops more cohesion.

(4) Buffalo Bills: 6-10

• The Bills will actually play better than their 6-10 record will indicate. Trent Edwards will be improved, however he still lacks a true #1 wide receiver.

AFC WEST:

(1) San Diego Chargers: 11-5

• The Chargers open up with an extremely friendly schedule: @KC, vs. Jags, @Seattle, vs. Cards, @Oakland, @Rams. I expect the Chargers to open up 6-0. Look for rookie RB Ryan Matthews to make himself a household name, especially with fantasy football owners this fall.

(2) Oakland Raiders: 7-9

• The Raiders made one of the biggest off-season acquisitions by acquiring QB Jason Campbell from the Redskins. This move will pay off dividends immediately on the field however they will pay for their poor drafting the past decade. Look for WR Louis Murphy out of Florida to outplay former 1st round pick Darius Heyward-Bey.

(3) Denver Broncos: 7-9

• The Broncos offense should be improved this season with the progression of the injury prone Knowshon Moreno and possible emergence of Eddie Royal in the slot. However, the Broncos D will have an extremely difficult time stopping the run and pass without the injured Elvis Dumervil.

(4) Kansas City Chiefs: 6-10

• Last season, the Chiefs were one of the youngest teams in the league. Even though the record won't indicate it, the Chiefs should be an improved team with the addition of workhorse Thomas Jones.

AFC North:

(1) Baltimore Ravens: 11-5

• Sometimes, the rich just get richer. The Ravens traded for star WR Anquan Boldin in the off-season and added WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh for $800k. Housh is so talented that even with miserable QB play for the Seattle last year, he still managed to have 79 catches for 911 yards.

(2) Cincinnati Bengals: 9-7

• Carson Palmer and moreover, the Cincinnati Bengals, will benefit from the addition of T.O. However, the bengals face an extremely challenging schedule with very few gimmes

(3) Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-9

• Coach Mike Tomlin will have his work cut out for him especially early in the season playing without QB Ben Roethlisberger.

(4) Cleveland Browns: 4-12

• Lameduck coach, Eric Mangini, will lead the hapless Browns to another dismal record. GM Holmgren will fire Mangini perhaps even before the off-season and may try lure offensive guru, Jon Gruden away from ESPN.

AFC SOUTH:

(1) Indianapolis Colts: 11-5

• Peyton Manning will continue to torment opposing teams defenses. Reggie Wayne will take another step back, but Pierre Garcon will continue to progress under the tutelage of Manning and Wayne. Anthony Gonzalez will finally blossom in the slot. Donald Brown will begin to take a portion of the carries away from Joseph Addai.

(2) Houston Texans: 9-7

• The prolific Texans offense will finally enable Gary Kubiak's team to a record above .500. Matt Schaub will continue to blossom into an upper echelon quaterback. Arian Foster will prove to the workhorse back with Slaton serving as a the 3rd down back. The defense, albeit improved, will prove to be the downfall for the Texans.

(3) Tennessee Titans: 8-8

• Chris Johnson will help keep the Titans in most games but Vince Young will make too many big mistakes for the Titans to take the next step into the playoffs. Albert Haynesworth will be traded to the Titans at some point in the season.

(4) Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-10

• Jones-Drew will help carry the Jaguars but unfortunately they still lack any other offensive punch and will have major difficulty moving the ball on most teams.

AFC PLAYOFFS:

Wildcard Round:

(6) Houston Texans @ (3) San Diego Chargers

(5) Dolphins @ (4) New York Jets

Divisional Round:

(6) Houston Texans @ (1) Baltimore Ravens

(4) New York Jets @ (2) Indianapolis Colts

AFC Championship:

(2) Indianapolis Colts @ (1) Baltimore Ravens

AFC Champion: Baltimore Ravens

AFC AWARDS

• AFC MVP - Peyton Manning
• AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year - Ryan Matthews
• AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year - Eric Berry
• AFC Coach of the Year - John Harbaugh

The Bottom Line:

• The Ravens will be the AFC representative in the Super Bowl for the first time since their last championship in 2000. The Ravens have some injuries on defense but their new and improved passing offense will complement budding superstar Ray Rice enabling them to reach the big game. Joe Flacco will have a 2:1 QB to INT ratio and safety Ed Reed will return to pre-injury form by the latter half of the season.

Rutgers vs. Norfolk State Preview

Norfolk State University

70th season

2009: 7-4, 3rd place in MEAC

· Key Notes:

o Seven starters are back from a defensive unit which ranked second in the MEAC and sixth in the nation last year in yardage allowed (265.6).

o Norfolk State boasted one of the more productive offenses in the MEAC last season, ranking third in the conference in both scoring (26.6 ppg) and total offense (348.4 ypg)

· 2008 Statistics

o NSU 26.6 ppg

o Opp- 19.8 ppg

· Last 3 Games:

o Norfolk 28 – Winston Salem State 21

o Norfolk 21 – Delaware St. 16

o Norfolk 31 – Morgan St. 23

· Key Players:

o Offense - RB DeAngelo Branch. Branch is a two-time All-MEAC second-team pick. Now a senior, Branche is already fourth in school history in rushing yardage, and has recorded 1,977 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground in his two seasons as a starter

o Defense - NT Josh Turner. Turner is back after earning first-team All-MEAC honors. Turned amassed 46 tackles, eight for loss.

· Summer Camp Impressions:

o The defense dominated the intrasquad summer scrimmages; Branch did not play in the last scrimmage and the offense was limited to 1 TD by reserve RB Takeem Hedgeman. Overall, it seems the senior-laden defense along with Branch will be relied upon heavily for the 2010 season.

Rutgers University

141st season

2009: 9-4 (3-4), 4th place in Big East

· Key Notes

o The Scarlet Knights return 6 starters on offense and 6 starters on defense.

o RU returns promising sophomore signal caller Tom Savage, WR Mohammed Sanu, and leading rusher Joe Martinek.

· 2009 Statistics

o RU – 28.8 ppg

o Opponents – 17.9 ppg

· Last 3 Games

o RU 45 – UCF 24 - St. Petersburg Bowl

o WVU 24 – RU 21

o RU 34 – Louisville 14

· Key Players:

o Offense – WR/QB Mohammed Sanu. As a true freshman in 2009, Sanu, a jack of all trades, caught 51 passes for 639 yards & 3 TDs. In addition, Sanu rushed for 342 yards & 5 TDs. Sanu has the rare ability to take over a game from the WR or QB position.

o Defense – MLB Steve Beauharnais. As a true freshman in 2009, Beauharnais had 36 tackes & 1 forced fumble as a reserve. Beauharnais will be counted on heavily by the Knights defense taking over the “QB” of the defense role.

· Team Strength:

o Defensive Line: The Knights will be able to rotate 7 Big East caliber players. The Knights defensive line will be lead by anchor DT Scott Vallone and sack specialist DE Jonathan Freeny.

· Team Weakness:

o Offensive Line: The Knights are returning only 2 offensive lineman from an underachieving line in 2009. The returning starters include Art Forst who has moved over to right tackle from guard and Howard Barbieri at center. Desmond Stapleton, Caleb Ruch, and Desmon Wynn will fill out the rest of the offensive line. Look for early season difficulty.

· Summer Camp Impressions:

o The injury bug hit the Scarlet Knights WRs throughout training camp. The Knights lost three WRs including Quron Pratt, Tim Wright, and J.T. Tartacoff. In addition the Knights will be without RB Casey Turner.

o The Knights defense dominated the first scrimmage, however the offense had improved results in the second scrimmage. Freshman RB Jordan Thomas and freshman WR Jeremey Deering had impressive showings elevating them to the 2 deep.

The Bottom Line:

· I expect the Rutgers defense to run blitz until Norfolk proves they can throw for a first down. On the other side of the ball, I don't believe NSU has the level of playmakers that Rutgers has in its arsenal. Even though RU's makeshift offensive line scares me, I don't think they'll truly be tested until week 2 versus Florida International.

Prediction: Rutgers 34 - NSU 13

I'm Baaaaack

I'd like to first apologize to my followers!

Unfortunately, I had a lot going on this past year and I had to take a hiatus.

Like many great performers in the past: Michael Jordan (baseball), Brett Favre (tractors), Ricky Williams (weed), I had to take a brief "retirement" to finish up my coursework.

The good news is that I'm back and better than ever. This is a great time of year for me to make my return. MLB and MLS are winding down and NFL & NCAA Football are starting up.

As usual, I will be stirring the pot a bit, making some jokes, and the popular "Just Shutup Awards" will be returning as well!

The Bottom Line: I'm back and I will be taking my talents down to South Beach

Revised - NBA Draft 2009 Prediction

Happy NBA Draft Day! Here is a quick updated draft prediction. For more about team needs/who they should draft/who they will draft, check out my previous entry: "NBA Draft Preview"

NBA DRAFT 2009:

1. Los Angelas Clippers - Blake Griffin
2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet
3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ricky Rubio
4. Sacramento Kings - Stephen Curry
5. Minnesota Timberwolves - James Harden
6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Johnny Flynn
7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings
8. New York Knicks - Jordan Hill
9. Toronto Raptors - Tyreke Evans
10. Milwaukee Bucks - DeMar DeRozan
    
11. New Jersey Nets - Terrence Williams
12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson
13. Indiana Pacers - Earl Clark
14. Phoenix Suns - B.J. Mullens
15. Detroit Pistons - DeJuan Blair
16. Chicago Bulls - Tyler Hansborough
17. Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson
18. Minnesota Timberwolves - DaJuan Summers
19. Atlanta Hawks - Eric Maynor
20. Utah Jazz -Jrue Holliday
21. New Orleans Hornets - Chase Budinger
22. Portland Trailblazers - Omri Casspi
23. Sacramento Kings - Taj Gibson
24. Dallas Mavericks - Jeff Teague
    
25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Austin Daye
26. Chicago Bulls - Derrick Brown
    
27. Memphis Grizzlies -Sam Young
    
28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Josh Heytvelt
    
29. Los Angelas Lakers - Wayne Ellington
    
30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Toney Douglas
    

Top 3 Players to come out of the 2009 NBA Draft:

1. Blake Griffin
2. Ricky Rubio
3. Johnny Flynn

Top 3 Busts to come out of the 2009 NBA Draft:

1. Jrue Holliday
2. Tyreke Evans
3. Stephen Curry

Top 3 Sleepers in the 2009 NBA Draft:

1. Eric Maynor
2. DaJuan Blair
3. Sam Young
   

2009 NBA DRAFT PREVIEW



1. Los Angelas Clippers - Blake Griffin

• Team Needs: Point Guard

• Who the Clippers should draft: Blake Griffin
  

• Why Blake Griffin: The Clippers finished the season 27th in scoring offense and 26th in scoring defense this past season. Griffin will immediately supply the clippers with scoring, defense, and toughness. Griffin should become an 18 ppg/10 rbp player within three seasons.

• Who the Clippers will draft: Blake Griffin

• About Blake Griffin: 6'10, 248 lbs. sophomore power forward out of Oklahoma. He averaged 22.7 ppg and 14.4 rpg. Griffin was the 2009 Big 12 player of the year, 2009 1st team All-American, and 2009 Player of the Year.
  

• NBA Comparison: Carlos Boozer
  

• Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
  

1. PG - Baron Davis
2. SG - Eric Gordon
3. SF - Al Thornton
4. PF - Blake Griffin
5. C - Chris Kaman

The Bottom Line: With the 1st overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angelas Clippers will and should select Blake Griffin out of Oklahoma. He will be an all star caliber player in three seasons.




2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet

• Team Needs: Power Forward, Point Guard

• Who the Grizzlies should draft: Jordan Hill, Arizona, 6'10, 232 lbs.

• Why Jordan Hill: The Grizzlies finished 29th in scoring offense in '08-09. Hill's stock has soared over the past few weeks. He has excellent athleticism for a 6'10 power forward. In fact, Hill's combination of size, athleticism, and scoring ability will translate well to the NBA. He would fill a glaring hole at the power forward spot for the Grizzlies for years to come.

• Who will The Grizzlies draft: Hasheem Thabeet

• About Hasheem Thabeet: 7'3 Center averaged 13.6 ppg, 10.8 rbg, 4.2 bpg. 2008 Defensive Player of the Year and 2009 Big East Co-Player of the Year.

• NBA Comparison: Samuel Dalembert
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG -Mike Conley
2. SG - O.J. Mayo
3. SF - Rudy Gay
4. PF - Hakim Warrick
5. C - Hasheem Thabeet
   

The Bottom Line: Even though the Grizzlies sorely lack a true power forward in their lineup, they will most likely draft Thabeet based on his size and defensive prowess. In my opinion, Thabeet will turn out to be an average center in the league.




3. Oklahoma City Thunder - James Harden

• Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Center

• Who the Thunder should draft: James Harden

• Why James Harden: The Thunder finished 24th in scoring offense and 8th in scoring defense. Harden would provide the Thunder with the most polished scoring guard in the 2009 draft. Adding Harden would make the Thunder a much more formidable opponent.
  

• Who the Thunder will draft: James Harden

• About James Harden: 6'5 sophomore SG out of USC. Averaged 20.1 ppg, 4.2 apg, and 5.6 rbp. 2009 Pac-10 Player of the Year. 2009 All American.

• NBA Comparison: Paul Pierce
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:
  

1. PG - Russel Westbrook
2. SG - James Harden
3. SF - Kevin Durant
4. PF - Jeff Green
5. C - Nenad Kristic

The Bottom Line: The Thunder have two major needs in their current lineup including shooting guard and center. Since Thabeet came off the board already, Harden would be the best value with this pick for the Thunder.




4. Sacramento Kings - Ricky Rubio

• Team Needs: Point Guard

• Who the Kings should draft: Ricky Rubio

• Why Ricky Rubio: The Kings have some talent but really lack a point guard to lead the team. Drafting Rubio makes all the sense in the world. If you haven't watched Rubio before, I highly recommend checking out his YouTube clips. He's a poor man's Steve Nash (doesn't quite have the shot yet). He has the innate ability to make all the players around him better. In addition, he is only 18 years old and has a ton of potential for improvement.

• Who the Kings will draft: Ricky Rubio

• About Ricky Rubio: 6'3 PG out of Spain. Rubio was the Spanish league rising star in 2007. Rubio was the FIBA European Young Player of the Year in 2007 & 2008. In 2008, Rubio was Mr. Europa European Player of the Year. This past season, Rubio was named Spanish League Defensive Player of the Year.

• NBA Comparison: Steve Nash
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Ricky Rubio
2. SG - Kevin Martin
3. SF - Fransico Garcia/Donte Green
4. PF - Jason Thompson
5. C - Spencer Hawes

The Bottom Line: The Kings will be extremely fortunate to have Rubio fall to them at the #4 pick. A month ago, he was projected to go as high as #2. They must draft Rubio to fill their void at point guard.







5. Washington Wizards - Jordan Hill

• Team Needs: Center, Shooting Guard

• Who the Wizards should draft: DeMar DeRozan, USC, 6'7, 211 lbs.
  

• Why DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan fills a gaping hole at the two guard for the Wiz. At 6'7, DeRozan's size at shooting guard will provide match up problems for almost every team in the NBA.

• Who the Wizards will draft: Jordan Hill

• About Jordan Hill: 6'10 sophomore power forward out of Arizona was an honorable mention all-Pac-10 and Pac-10 all-Defensive team selection this past season. He averaged 18 ppg and 11 rpg.
  

• NBA Comparison: Chris Bosh
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Gilbert Arenas
2. SG - Deshawn Stevenson
3. SF - Caron Butler
4. PF - Antawn Jamison/Jordan Hill
5. C - Brendan Haywood

The Bottom Line: Even though I believe selecting DeMar DeRozan would fulfill one of the Wizards major two needs, it is more likely that they will draft Jordan Hill based on his potential and the probability of trading Antawn Jamison in the near future.






6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Stephen Curry

• Team Needs: PG, SF

• Who the T-Wolves should draft: Johnny Flynn

• Why Johnny Flynn: The Timberwolves were 21st in scoring ppg and 22nd in scoring defense. It is apparent to me that Sebastian Telfair will never be a great point guard in the NBA. Drafting Flynn will dramatically improve the T-Wolves point guard play.

• Who the T-Wolves will draft: Stephen Curry
  

• Who is Stephen Curry: 6'3 junior point guard/shooting guard hybrid was a 2008 Wooden All-America, Sporting News Player of the Year, and Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year. Curry is known for his unbelievable shooting ability and leadership attributes. Curry averaged 28 ppg, 4 rbp, and 6 apg.

• NBA Comparison: Ben Gordon
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Stephen Curry
2. SG - Mike Miller/Randy Foye
3. SF - Corey Brewer
4. PF - Al Jefferson
5. C - Kevin Love

The Bottom Line: The T-Wolves need immediate assistance at point guard and small forward. Drafting Curry will help the T-Wolves score, but can he make the transition to being a true point guard at the next level? Only time will tell.






7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings

• Team Needs:Center, Point Guard

• Who the Warriors should draft: Johnny Flynn

• Why Johnny Flynn: Currently the Warriors have Jamal Crawford playing point guard. Although Crawford is a good scorer, he is too streaky and selfish to be an upper echelon point guard. Flynn possesses more innate point guard characteristics and drafting him would improve the rest of their lineup.

• Who the Warriors will draft: Brandon Jennings

• Who is Brandon Jennings: 6'1 freshman point guard who played this previous internationally in Italy. Jennings is a talented point guard who did not produce very well overseas. He only average 5 ppg and 3 apg.
  

• NBA Comparison: Kenny Anderson
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Jamal Crawford/Brandon Jennings
2. SG - Monta Ellis
3. SF - Stephen Jackson
4. PF - Anthony Randolph
5. C - Andris Biedrins

The Bottom Line: The Warriors are a very talented team and the addition of Jennings will pay dividends in a few seasons. Jennings' will be ready to step into the point guard role by 2011-2012 season.




8. New York Knickerbockers - Johnny Flynn

• Team Needs: Point Guard, Center

• Who the Knicks should draft: Johnny Flynn

• Why Johnny Flynn: Flynn fits the mold of a D'Antoni system. He's a strong, durable scoring point guard who loves to play in a fast break tempo style of basketball. It is likely that Nate Robinson will not be re-signed due to monetary issues and Flynn will step into the starting point guard role.

• Who the Knicks will draft: Johnny Flynn

• Who is Johnny Flynn: 6'0 , 185 lbs. Sophomore PG out of Syracuse. Flynn was the 2009 Big East Tournament MVP and Team USA U19 Team in 2007. He averaged 17.4 ppg, 2.7 rbg, and 6.7 apg.

• NBA comparison: Deron Williams
  

• Projected Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Johnny Flynn
2. SG - Larry Hughes
3. SF - Wilson Chandler
4. PF - Al Harrington
5. C - David Lee

The Bottom Line: Flynn is a prolific scorer who will replace Nate Robinson in the lineup. I expect him to be a solid point guard in the NBA for many years if used correctly by D'Antoni.




9. Toronto Raptors - Tyreke Evans

• Team Needs: SG

• Who the Raptors should draft: Tyreke Evans

• Why Tyreke Evans: The raptors lack a true slasher and Evans can immediately provide them with a player who has the athletic ability to consistenly drive to the basket. Evans has ideal size for a shooting guard at 6'6, 219 lbs. His athleticism would fit the raptors perfectly.

• Who the Raptors will draft: Tyreke Evans

• About Tyreke Evans: 6'6, 219 lbs. freshman shooting guard out of Memphis. Evans was the only freshman finalist for the 2009 U.S. Basketball Writers of America National Player of the year award. He averaged 17.1 ppg, 3.9 apg, and 5.4 rpg.

• NBA Comparison: Josh Howard
  

• Raptors Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Jose Calderon
2. SG - Tyreke Evans/Anthony Parker
   
3. SF - Shawn Marion
4. PF - Chris Bosh
5. C - Andrea Bargnani

The Bottom Line: Tyreke Evans would be an ideal fit for a team that lacks a true slasher. Evans has the potential to be a prolific scorer in the NBA if he develops a more consistent outside shot.



10. Milwaukee Bucks - Jrue Holliday

• Team Needs: Point Guard, Center

• Who the Bucks should draft: Ty Lawson
  

• Why Jrue Holliday: After losing Mo Williams to the Cavs last off season, the Bucks have still not found a point guard solution. Lawson would step right into the starting point guard role.

• Who the Bucks will draft: Jrue Holliday

• Who is Jrue Holliday: Jrue Holliday is a 6'3, 180 lb. freshman out of UCLA. He averaged 8.5 ppg, 3.7 apg, and 3.8 rbg this past season. Drafting Holliday is purely based on potential since he did not put up great numbers at UCLA this past season.

• NBA Comparison: Delonte West
  

• Bucks Potential Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Jrue Holliday
2. SG - Michael Redd
3. SF - Richard Jefferson
4. PF - Charlie Villaneuva
5. C - Andrew Bogut

The Bottom Line: The Bucks are in dire need of a point guard and drafting Holliday will help fill that void. I believe drafting Lawson would be a better fit and Holliday will end up being a bust.



11. New Jersey Nets - Terrence Williams

• Team Needs: Small Forward, Power Forward

• Who the Nets should draft: DeJaun Blair

• Why DeJaun Blair: Blair is a powerful, bullish player who has a knack for scoring and rebounding. He will provide the Nets with a complimentary post-up player alongside Brook Lopez.
  

• Who the Nets will draft: Terrance Williams

• About Terrance Williams: A 6'6, 220 lbs. senior swingman out of Louisville. Williams averaged 12.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 5.0 apg. He was a 2009 All Big East selection. Williams is versatile player who can play shooting guard or small forward.

• NBA Comparsion: Shawn Marion
  

• Nets Potential Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Devin Harris
2. SG - Vince Carter
3. SF - Terrance Williams
4. PF - Yi Jianlian
5. C - Brook Lopez

The Bottom Line: The Nets need to fill the scoring void left by the departure of Richard Jefferson last off season. Adding DeJaun Blair will help the Nets down low but I see Rod Thorn drafting the versatile Williams as a possible future replacement for Carter.





12. Charlotte Bobcats - Gerald Henderson

• Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Power Forward

• Who should the Bobcats draft: Gerald Henderson

• Why Gerald Henderson: Henderson would fit right with the Bobcats backing up Raja Bell at shooting guard and Gerald Wallace at small forward. He is a natural scorer and leader who should help the Bobcats make the playoffs next season for the 1st time ever in their existence.
  

• Who the Bobcats will draft: Gerald Henderson

• About Gerald Hederson: 6'4, 215 lbs. junior shooting guard out of Duke. Henderson averaged 16.5 ppg, 2.5 apg, and 4.9 rpg. In 2009, Henderson made the 1st-team All-ACC.

• NBA Comparison: Caron Butler
  

• Bobcats Potential Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Raymond Felton
2. SG - Raja Bell/Gerald Henderson
3. SF - Gerald Wallace
4. PF - Boris Diaw
5. C - Emeka Okafor

The Bottom Line: 2009 was the best year in franchise history for the Bobcats. Adding Henderson will help the Bobcats at shooting guard and small forward. With the addition of Henderson, I believe the Bobcats will finally make the playoffs for the first time in their franchise history.





13. Indiana Pacers - Earl Clark

• Team Needs: Shooting Guard, Point Guard

• Who the Pacers should draft: Ty Lawson
  

• Why Ty Lawson: Lawson was a terrific point guard in college who is ultra-quick and athletic. He has the potential to be very good point guard in the NBA and can be a great asset eventually replacing T.J. Ford.
  

• Who the Pacers will draft: Earl Clark

• Who is Earl Clark: 6'9, 225 lbs. junior power forward out of Louisville. He averaged 14.2 ppg, 3.2 apg, and 8.7 rpg. He was a 2009 3rd team all Big East selection in 2009. Clark has some off the court issues but is known as a versatile, talented player.

• NBA Comparison: Boris Diaw
  

• Pacers Potential Starting Lineup:

1. PG - T.J. Ford
2. SG - Mike Dunleavy
3. SF - Danny Granger
4. PF - Troy Murphy/Earl Clark
5. C - Roy Hibbert
   

The Bottom Line: In my opinion, the Pacers would be best served by drafting a point guard, such as Ty Lawson to replace T.J. Ford, but I feel it is more likely they will select Earl Clark with at the 13th pick. With the addition of Earl Clark, the Pacers have a solid, versatile player who can fill in at power forward and for short periods backing up Danny Granger at small forward.




14. Phoenis Suns - B. J. Mullens


15. Detroit Pistons - DeJuan Blair


16. Chicago Bulls - Tyler Hansborough


17. Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson

• Team Needs: Point Guard, Shooting Guard

• Who the 76ers should draft: Ty Lawson

• Why Ty Lawson: Andre Miller is 33 years old and finding his replacement with Lawson is a great idea. Lawson would be an absolute steal this low in the draft. He does have flaws (can't drive left very well) but his leadership, strength, and speed are huge positives.
  

• Who the 76ers will draft: Ty Lawson
  

• Who is Ty Lawson: 5'11, 195 lbs. junior point guard out of UNC. Lawson averaged 16.6 ppg, 6.6 apg, and 2.1 steals per game. He was the 2009 ACC Men's player of the year and 2nd team All-American.

• NBA Comparison: T.J. Ford
  

• 76ers Potential Starting Lineup:

1. PG - Andre Miller/Ty Lawson
2. SG - Willie Green
3. SF - Andre Iguodala
4. PF - Eltron Brand
5. C - Samuel Dalembert/Marreese Speights

The Bottom Line: At this point in the draft, drafting Ty Lawson would be great value for the sixers. I believe the have a much bigger present need at shooting guard, but their I have Lawson rated much higher than any other available shooting guard at this juncture in the draft. Lawson will be a very solid point guard in a couple years when he steps into the starting lineup replacing the aging Miller.