Drafting Klay Thompson

Drafting Klay Thompson is like drafting the new school Mike Miller. Both have similar games, excellent at hitting the uncontested shot. Not dominate ball handlers, but the comparisons will stop there. Klay Thompson is a pure shooter averaged 22.1 ppg for the Washington St. Cougars. His role at the NBA level will be; make the open shot kid! Standing 6'7 Thompson has the size to be an effective NBA shooting guard. Put him along a superstar that demands a double team and Thompson could average a respectable 10-12 points per game. When watching him play two things stand out, first he understood his limits, and plays well off the ball. Its will be interesting to see who drafts Klay Thompson.
Projected to be a lottery to mid first rounder, a couple teams standout that need shooters and shouldn't pass him up. The Suns, with the 13th pick, are still built around Steve Nash's dribble drive and kick out. This plays to Thompson's strength; a good spot up shooter, and doesn't hurt him on the defensive end since the Suns don't believe in D. The Pacers, with the 15th pick, also could use a pure shooter to team up with Danny Granger. A shooter on each wing for Darren Collison to dish too, frees up space for Roy Hibbert to be more productive in the paint. The Wizards, with the 18th pick, badly need shooters. This would be a steal if they land him. Thompson would excel in Flip Saunders system, spot up shooter as John wall drives and dishes. Even with Jordan Crawford and Nick Young in the line this young team needs a shooter. Crawford and Young are streaky scorers, Thompson would give them that one pure shooter, and it helps that plays well off the ball. The only downside is Thompson plays better in a half court set then in transition. While all three teams could use Thompson the Pacers seem to be able to benefit the most if they draft him.

Drafting Brandon Knight

The 6'3 177 pound guard out of Kentucky had a somewhat mixed season in the college ranks. At the start of the season Knight showed why Coach John Calipari prized him as a high recruit. Knight created offense and showed superior ball handling skills, but lacked proper decision passing needed to be an effective point guard. In his first seven college games he averaged nearly five turnovers a game. Needing to quickly adjust his game to a tough SEC schedule, Coach Calipari started using Knight in pick and roll situations helping cut down the turnovers. As the season progressed his basketball IQ seemed to improve to the point where Kentucky's surprising run in NCAA tournament made NBA scouts pay more and more attention. While shooting 33% from the field and still averaging 3 turnovers, Knight still found ways to hit a pair of game winners, and get a 30 point game in. Leading Kentucky to the Final Four before losing to eventual champions Connecticut Huskies lead by Kemba Walker. Knight showed enough potential to declare for the NBA draft, leaving many to say he's a lock for a lottery pick.
Coach Calipari is known for recruiting one year players especially at the point guard position, and Brandon Knight was no different. With Derrick Rose being a prime example of how good Calipari's eye is, many feel that Knight has a similar skill set. Knight is a excellent ball handler who appears to play well in the limelight, in 2010 while scoring 48 in the McDonalds All American Game, he also hit the game winning three pointer. While leading his team to the Final Four, as mentioned before he also hit a couple game winning shots. There  are many things to like about Knight's game, and judging by what the NBA scouts think. Knight has NBA three point range, and creates off the dribble well. He is excellent in pick and roll situations, uses his first step and misdirection moves to get into the paint. He has the potential to be a solid point guard because he has shown glimpses throughout the season.
Some weakness in Knight's game stand out mostly due to the fact that he is young. The defensive end of the court he struggled to defend the pick and roll. Over dribbled and at times drove to the paint with no outlet passes available. The turnovers in the right system is something he will improve on, he needs to show improvement finishing with his off-hand. These weaknesses are things NBA coaching staffs will help him improve upon.
All in all Brandon Knight, has excellent potential to become a solid point guard. In his first season he might come off the bench as he is learning how to play point. One thing that he can do will is score, a streaky scorer at times, he can still score. NBA General Managers and scouts like his potential and it also helps that he played under Coach John Calipari who has shown that he tends to produce good point guards. Knight will be a project this season, but slated a top five pick he will be fun to watch. Now the question is who will pick him? If the Cleveland Cavaliers pick Derrick Williams or Enes Kanter first overall expect Knight to be taken number 4 overall by the Cavaliers. If Cleveland goes with Duke's Kyrie Irving, Knight might go to the Utah Jazz where he would fit perfectly. This draft many are saying is a weak draft filled with many role players. But Knight in the right system could be a start of something great. And Utah known for their pick and roll offense might be what Knight needs. 
       

Drafting Demetri McCamey

The senior guard out of Illinois spent four years in college perfecting his crave, showing the college world that he can be a legit NBA point guard. The promise was there in the beginning of the season, he showed excellent poise, being the setup man while displaying he has range from three. But unfortunately for McCamey the big man on campus went to his head. McCamey midway through the season was called out by Coach Bruce Weber, for lacking effort and letting off court distractions effect his game. It didn't help that McCamey didn't accept responsibility, instead placed blame on those distracting him. Coach Weber also when on to say McCamey work ethic was not the same as in the past. That's all NBA scouts need to hear, before placing you on the red flag list. Once considered the Deron Williams type place, McCamey 6'3,  205 showed that same type of style that caught scouts attention. But with a closer look NBA teams have started to breakdown McCamey's faults.      
The strengths to McCamey's game are; great court vision, has the ability to penetrate, also display excellent ball handling skills. For a point guard he shoots that ball very well from three, 45% this season. Showed some promise in his ability to create space off the dribble. When leading a fast break McCamey made excellent reads on the situation. Effective point guard and a leader of the team in the early part of the season. Has high basketball IQ for a PG.
The weaknesses in McCamey's game start with his lack of defense. He wasn't always aware on the court and showed that he couldn't keep the quicker guards in front of him. He isn't explosive when trying to get to the lane, needs to improve his floater. Didn't like to create opportunities of driving the lane and relied too much on his jumper. Out of the 11 shots McCamey took per game 5 of them were three pointers. Plus the work ethic questions won't go away, McCamey will need to focus on improving his game, and less about distractions.
While seeing his stock drop from mid first rounder to mid second round pick, McCamey might have something to prove. Thus making him a sleeper in this years draft. Most mock drafts like DraftExpress.com and NBAdraft.net, have him going to the Portland Trailblazers with the 21st pick in the second round. That would be an outstanding fit for McCamey, with the tutelage from Andre Miller, who seems to have a similar style of place, he could learn how to run Coach McMillan's second unit. McCamey showed a lot of promise at the start of the college season. While leading the Fighting Illini to huge wins over Maryland, Gonzaga and NC on a big stage like Madison Square Garden, he showed potential to be a good fit for a NBA team. The issue that General Managers and NBA scouts will look at it the off court distractions, and how he handles the interview process. Although he didn't seem to improve his stock at the NBA draft combine, all it takes is one team to give him a chance, and he might show that he was worth it.

NBA Draft Combine 2011

Day one of the NBA draft combine is over, and who helped their stock and whose stock did not improve, or now is dropping. Well first the draft about a month away, clearly the number one point guard in the draft will not be there. Kyrie Irving is not participating in any of the drills, while that's no be shocker it would have been nice to see him at least take part in the agility drills. With that said that the player that showed up did help their stock. And Enes Kanter taking part in the drills, seems to be proving to have the most upside for a big man. It wouldn't be a shocker if he replaces Kyrie Irving as the number on player taken in the June 23rd draft.
The winners out of day one seem to be TheJimmer, showing teams that he is instant offense and could impact right away. Hofstra standout Charles Jenkins, a solid 6'3 200 he showed that he will be able to compete and provide bench help for any team. Jenkins still looks like a late 1st early 2nd round pick, he could've solidified his placement as a first round choice. Teams that could use his bench production Blazers, Celtics and Bulls.
Players that didn't improve their stock Cory Joseph, while at Texas he had a lot of talent around him but was not a pure point that they needed. At 6'3 170 he looks like he could've benefited if he stayed in school one more year. He needs to polish his game, but if a team chooses to take him he will develop in the NBDL. Another year of college playing against better competition could've improved his draft stock for next year.
The combine really shows teams the fundamentals a player has and also with raw skills they possess. The team workouts and this being a weak draft, will determine if these role players can help a team win. This years draft is more about filling a bench. The NBA Draft combine has showcased that so far. That was day one, day two agility testing takes place.

Adidas Adizero "Blackout" Crazy Light

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING.
Adidas has created a strong buzz ever since Derrick Rose become this years best basketball player. They also announced the release of the worlds lightest basketball shoe, enter the Adidas Adizero Crazy Light. These sneakers not only look like they could make ballers look fresh on the court but also provide the casual look, something that seems to be helping the Adidas brand. With a June 3rd release date and four colorways dropping, Adidas Basketball is looking like the brand it once was; dominate.

Release Date: June 3rd
Black/black
$130
 

PODCAST 2nd EPIC SHOW

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2011 NBA Draft Combine, May 18-22 in Chicago Participants

So the NBA Draft Combine start May 18 and here are the participants:

Keith Benson, Oakland; Marshon Brooks, Providence ; Alec Burks, Colorado ; Jimmy Butler, Marquette; Norris Cole, Cleveland State; Kenneth Faried, Morehead State; Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young; Andrew Goudelock, College of Charleston ; Jordan Hamilton, Texas; Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame; Justin Harper, Richmond ; Tobias Harris, Tennessee; Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA; Scotty Hopson, Tennessee; Kyrie Irving, Duke; Reggie Jackson, Boston College ; Rick Jackson, Syracuse ; Charles Jenkins, Hofstra ; JaJuan Johnson, Purdue ; Cory Joseph, Texas; Enes Kanter, Kentucky; Brandon Knight, Kentucky; Malcolm Lee, UCLA; Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State; Travis Leslie, Georgia; Jon Leuer, Wisconsin ; DeAndre Liggins, Kentucky ; David Lighty, Ohio State ; Shelvin Mack, Butler ; Demetri McCamey, Illinois; E’Twaun Moore, Purdue ; Darius Morris, Michigan ; Marcus Morris, Kansas; Markieff Morris, Kansas; Lucas Riva Nogueira, Estudiantes II (Spain); Chandler Parsons, Florida ; Jereme Richmond, Illinois; Josh Selby, Kansas ; Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech; Kyle Singler, Duke; Chris Singleton, Florida State; Jamie Skeen, Virginia Commonwealth ; Greg Smith, Fresno State ; Nolan Smith, Duke ; Isaiah Thomas, Washington ; Malcolm Thomas, San Diego State; Trey Thompkins, Georgia ; Klay Thompson, Washington State; Tristan Thompson, Texas; Jeremy Tyler, San Diego HS/Maccabi Haifa (Israel)/Tokyo Apache (Japan); Nikola Vucevic, Southern California ; Kemba Walker, Connecticut

NBA Prospects Kyrie Irving

With the consensus number one pick, most people would say, Kyrie Irving is a diamond in the rough. A pure point guard that isn't blindingly quick, but a floor general that controls the pace of the game. Standing 6'2, 180 pounds the freshman guard only had the opportunity to play in 11 of Duke's game. While in those games, he proved that he is a valuable lottery pick. Kryie's game speaks for itself; when he was on the court, Duke was easily the best team in the country. Averaging 17 points and 4 assists, Irving quickly became the player Coach Krzyzewski envisioned he would be. To note just how good on a player Kryie was, Duke moved the more experienced Nolan Smith, a Senior, to play off the ball. That in and of itself tells us how much talent Coach K thought Irving possessed. Kyrie is a solid floor general with high basketball IQ; the kid is a can't miss for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have gone through a lot already. What a lucky charm Nick Gilbert proved to be. What more can you ask for...

NBA Mock Draft

Now that the lottery is over. The questions raise who is your number one pick if you were a general manager. The number one pick in this years draft looks to be Kyrie Irving, and the Cavs quickly need to build around him. But we'd like to think that the Cavs should take a two for two deal. With that said, they should draft Derrick Williams and then Brandon Knight, both players could play together. Byron Scott is excellent at teaching young guards how to play the game, look at Chris Paul, but he is horrible at knowing when to tell them grow. Look at the Charlotte Hornets when he coached young Baron Davis, lett'em play. But with that said the Cavs are in a excellent position to make great picks. With the first and forth pick, the consensus number one pick will be Kyrie Irving and they will move on from there.

the mock draft 1st round as www.draftexpress.com would have it:

First Round
1	Cavaliers From Clippers	Kyrie Irving  PG 19 years old; 6'2"; 185 lbs. Duke, Freshman
2	Timberwolves	Derrick Williams  PF 19 years old; 6'8"; 235 lbs. Arizona, Sophomore
3	Jazz From Nets	Kemba Walker  PG 21 years old; 6'0"; 180 lbs. Connecticut, Junior
4	Cavaliers	Jonas Valanciunas  C 19 years old; 6'11"; 240 lbs. Lietuvos Rytas, International
5	Raptors	Brandon Knight  PG 18 years old; 6'3"; 170 lbs. Kentucky, Freshman
6	Wizards	Jan Vesely  SF 21 years old; 6'11"; 240 lbs. KK Partizan Belgrade, International
7	Kings	Bismack Biyombo  PF/C 18 years old; 6'9"; 240 lbs. Baloncesto Fuenlabrada, International
8	Pistons	Enes Kanter  C 18 years old; 6'10"; 250 lbs. Kentucky, International
9	Bobcats	Donatas Motiejunas  PF/C 20 years old; 7'0"; 215 lbs. Benetton Treviso, International
10	Bucks	Marcus Morris  PF 21 years old; 6'9"; 225 lbs. Kansas, Junior
11	Warriors	Kawhi Leonard  SF 19 years old; 6'7"; 225 lbs. San Diego State, Sophomore
12	Jazz	Alec Burks  SG 19 years old; 6'6"; 200 lbs. Colorado, Sophomore
13	Suns	Markieff Morris  PF 21 years old; 6'10"; 235 lbs. Kansas, Junior
14	Rockets	Tobias Harris  SF/PF 18 years old; 6'8"; 210 lbs. Tennessee, Freshman
15	Pacers	Klay Thompson  SG/SF 21 years old; 6'6"; 187 lbs. Washington State, Junior
16	76ers	Tristan Thompson  PF 20 years old; 6'8"; 235 lbs. Texas, Freshman
17	Knicks	Kenneth Faried  PF 21 years old; 6'8"; 225 lbs. Morehead State, Senior
18	Wizards From Hawks	Chris Singleton  SF 21 years old; 6'8"; 210 lbs. Florida State, Junior
19	Bobcats From Hornets	Jordan Hamilton  SF 20 years old; 6'7"; 210 lbs. Texas, Sophomore
20	Timberwolves From Grizzlies	Jimmer Fredette  PG 22 years old; 6'2"; 195 lbs. BYU, Senior
21	Trailblazers	Lucas Nogueira  C 18 years old; 7'0"; 225 lbs. MMT Estudiantes, International
22	Nuggets	Reggie Jackson  PG 21 years old; 6'3"; 208 lbs. Boston College, Junior
23	Rockets From Magic	Davis Bertans  SF 18 years old; 6'10"; 210 lbs. Union Olimpija Ljubljana, International
24	Thunder	Kyle Singler  SF/PF 23 years old; 6'9"; 210 lbs. Duke, Senior
25	Celtics	Travis Leslie  SF 21 years old; 6'4"; 202 lbs. Georgia, Junior
26	Mavericks	Tyler Honeycutt  SF 20 years old; 6'8"; 200 lbs. UCLA, Sophomore
27	Nets From Lakers	Josh Selby  SG 20 years old; 6'1"; 180 lbs. Kansas, Freshman
28	Bulls From Heat	Justin Harper  PF 21 years old; 6'10"; 225 lbs. Richmond, Senior
29	Spurs	Darius Morris  PG/SG 20 years old; 6'4"; 190 lbs. Michigan, Sophomore
30	Bulls	Nolan Smith  PG/SG 22 years old; 6'3"; 185 lbs. Duke, Senior

Nba Draft Lottery Preview (Minnesota Dreaming)

The NBA Draft is the place where most bad teams try to rebuild and become better. Young talent is looked at and General managers, scouts and coaches guess on who should be the face of their struggling franchise. Their best guess at a sure thing. And this year plays no different. Last year's can't miss was a star point guard out of Kentucky John Wall proved that evaluating talent is important. But it was also clear to see the he was the best prospect in college, and John Calipari tutoring of NBA ready point guards helps too. This year we are treated to a draft that depending on the team who gets the first pick there is not guarantee who the number one pick is. If the Timberwolves get the first pick who do they pick, Kyrie Irving which would mean that they have given up completely on Ricky Rubio, right? Lets say that the Timberwolves get the first pick, and they get feel that Rubio will join them soon. Do they then draft Derrick Williams, who is a special talent, causing room for concern they already have two players that play the same position. Mike Beasley and Wesley Johnson. If win the lottery they should go big and draft Enes Kanter. he would bolster their front line making Minnesota a better team instantly. And all this Minnesota talk is of course if they win the lottery.