Doesn't Jerry Buss look like Frank Costanza?

Geez, I thought this story was dead. Maybe it is, and the only reason it's sticking around is because we have 2 weeks to kill before the draft. But here's the kindling for the fire:

Kobe tells Buss he still wants out:

Buss wanted to appeal to the nine-time All-Star, reminding him that trades take time to develop and that winning remains the focus of the organization, but Bryant voiced concerns about the direction of the franchise and reiterated his demand to be traded, said a source with knowledge of the situation.

The Lakers' trade for Jermaine stalls.

BOTH Chad Ford and Chris Sheridan write new articles about where Kobe could go, and Ford's actually sounds somewhat possible.

He's figured out a 3-way with LA, the Bulls and either Boston or the Bullets. LA would get either Pierce or Arenas, Chicago would get Kobe and give up Tyrus Thomas, PJ, Gordon and the #9 pick.

I still hate Skiles, and don't believe that Paxson is really interested in any big deals. But maybe they could also throw in Skiles and get Phil back??

Why the Bucks will take Conley

Again, who am I to judge who has the most talent among the top draft prospects? What I can judge, however, is which prospect is the most boring. Barring someone like Jeff Green, the pick that most depresses me is Conley, only in that it doesn't do much to progress the team.

So why do I get the feeling that he's the guy? It's the scenario that best fits if Herb is thinking about selling. It's the best pick for keeping the bottom line as low as possible. They won't catch any flack for not re-signing Mo, because Conley will be their PG of the future. So they get a bargain exchange.

I could be wrong, and this could be a setup for taking that same money and paying Gerald Wallace (a player who Charlotte won't be letting go, but why not dream?), but they don't give the appearance of a franchise about to make a big push.

Does it matter? If the Bulls could actually pull off a trade for Kobe, I might be able to put aside my hatred for all things Skiles.

How to get Horford

Option #1) Don't screw up the lotto.

Option #2) Trade up with Atlanta. How? Here's Chad Ford in his blog today:

I'd say that everyone seems to be trying to get their hands on Al Horford ... but with Memphis almost a lock to take him at No. 4, that means they have to deal with Atlanta at No. 3. The Bucks, Bulls and Sixers would all love to move up and get him.

I could see a scenario where they (Atlanta) trade down a few spots (to a team like the Bucks for example) pick up an asset and get Conley there. Probably would cost them (Milwaukee) Charlie Villanueva ... or maybe Mo Williams in a sign-and-trade?

I'm torn on him (Brendan Wright). Love the physical tools ... not thrilled about his energy and skill level. I don't know why someone would take him over Al Horford. Both are roughly the same size, length and athleticism ... but Horford has 40 pounds on him and is more skilled.

Yovani Gallardo

OMG, OMG, OMG!

The Brewers are going to summon Gallardo and there is a good chance he will start Monday against the Giants. I *think* that this is the beginning of the end for Claudio Vargas in the rotation. Once Capuano comes off of the DL, I think the rotation will be aligned such that Sheets, Gallardo, Cappy, Suppan and Bush will be the starters and Villanueva will continue to move up the bullpen pecking order. Vargas will become what Villanueva was, a long reliever and emergency 6th starter, then finally Elmer Dessens will likely be DFA.

This plan can be knocked off track if the Brewers need to use Gallardo in relief this weekend, which is plausible. Villanueva is not useable this weekend and the bullpen was taxed yesterday, so hopefully they can get nice long starts from their starters starting with Sheets today.

Anyway, get excited for a mid 90's fastball and a killer curveball.

Matt LaPorta

Meet the new Brewers prospect (and immediately one of their top prospects once the call up of Gallardo completely drains teh pool) Matt LaPorta. Or, more like meet Matt LaPorta's swing (scroll down to pick 7):

This guy thinks that he is going to be one of the best hitters to come out of the draft. That being said, if the Brewers can somehow get him to play a passable left field, they may be looking at a 2009 lineup:
C - unknown
1B - Prince
2B - Weeks
3B - Braun
SS - Hardy
LF - LaPorta
CF - Hall
RF - Hart
SP - Gallardo

That is a lineup with a lot of power potential. Every single one of those players could probably be projected to hit 20+ dingers, with Prince and Braun looking at 30+.

Clowney vs. Jones

Here's a couple interesting tidbits from Mike Vandermause's chat Monday:

Do you see WR Clowney getting a chance to start over WR Jones that was taken in the 2nd round?

MIKE VANDERMAUSE: No. Clowney looks too small. Jones looks the part.

and

As for the receivers, Ferguson is as good as gone, in my opinion. Driver, Jennings and Jones will make up the top 3, and Holiday, Bodiford and Ruvell Martin will make strong bids for the 4 and 5 spots.

NBA Mock Draft

1 - Portland - Greg Oden - This is too easy. I actually think that Portland is a very good fit for Oden because they have a lot of young guys to grow together, there is a changing, positive attitude in the organization and the city seems like a good fit because it is somewhat out of the spotlight and will have less pressure.

2 - Seattle - Kevin Durant - I am good at this. Anyone who is wondering about Durant's bad workout, I say this: Seattle would trade this pick for Kobe, Wade, LeBron and maybe Duncan. This is it. No workout will have any impact on that. This kid isn't even close to realizing his potential and he was ridiculous last year.

3 - Atlanta - Mike Conley Jr. - I have heard rumors they are looking at Brandon Wright, I just don't believe it. There is no way they can pass up a PG again, is there? I also don't think that Acie Law IV is there man. He is not as much as distributer and seems more like a college guy to me. If they were looking at taking a PG at 11, I would think Javaris Crittenton would be there man because he is more of a passer and they already have a roster filled with scorers. This pick of either Conley or Wright has a profound impact on the rest of the draft.

4 - Memphis - Brandon Wright - Memphis becomes the all upside team with another young player that could make this team look really good in a year or two.

5 - Celtics - Corey Brewer - A guy who can step in right away and contribute on the defensive end. If they cannot trade this pick, this would fit their modus operandi perfectly - they would be taking a guy who would help right now, but probably not enough to get them over the hump, thus not committing to go all out to win right now, nor blowing the team up for the future.

6 - Milwaukee - Al Horford - Milwaukee runs instead of walks up to the podium to get this pick in. Horford is exactly what the Bucks need to make the pieces they have right now work better. Bogut's main deficiency is defense and he is not an elite rebounder. Horford should be able to step in and immediately help out on the defensive and rebounding ends. He is also a guy who is not going to demand the ball, which will help a team that will likely start 4 other guys who perform with the ball in their hands: Bogut, Villanueva/Simmons, Redd, Williams.

If the Bucks added Horford and Gerald Wallace in free agency, they would dramatically upgrade their ability to play defense, along with creating a strong 2nd unit with guys like Villanueva at the 4 and Simmons at the 3.

7 - Minnesota - Joakim Noah - KG could use some frontline help and another guy with the right type of hunger to win. Noah would fit that mold perfectly. After this pick, they could move some pieces to get another scorer.

8 - Charlotte - Yi Jianlian - Easy pick for Charlotte because they can market him to China and he becomes another young, developmental prospect type of player. It also makes it easier for them to let Gerald Wallace go.

9 - Chicago - Spencer Hawes - Allegedly a low post scorer, Hawes goes here because it is literally the Bulls only need. Wouldn't be surprised to see the Bulls try to make a play for the 5th pick if Horford is still there.

10 - Kings - Jeff Green - "Glue guy" who represents the opposite mentality as Ron Artest.

11 - Atlanta - Jason Smith - Who, you may ask? Athletic 7' PF/C who can get up and down the floor. Picture in your head for a moment, Mike Conley Jr. running up the court with Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams/Josh Childress and an athletic 7' scorer. Seriously, that would have to be much better than whatever the Hawks were doing last year.

12 - Philly - Al Thornton - A beast of a man who can play the 3/4 would help the team on the glass, can get up and down the court, and can hit a jumper.

13 - NO - Julian Wright - NO would be pretty obligated to take him here because he is clearly the best available player left.

14 - Clippers - Javaris Crittenton - Shaun Livingston's knee is not right (don't youtube "Shaun Livingston and knee") and Cassell is very old, so this gives the Clip Show a PG option that could develop well.

Mike Conley

Chad Ford's new mock draft (Insider) has Atlanta selecting Brandan Wright, bucking the conventional wisdom that they need to take the best PG since they passed the past 2 years (missing out on both Chris Paul and Deron Williams). This leaves the Bucks as the logical place for Mike Conley.

I'm not going to comment on how good Conley may be, since that's all speculation. But I think that in the short run this would be among the least advantageous results. If they pick a PG they obviously let Mo leave in free agency. So how much do their playoff chances go up from last year? Trading a proven, yet non-traditional, PG for a rookie, how much does it improve the team? It's doubtful this will help their defense, which is the biggest need.

This is the dark results of their lottery luck. Instead of having their pick of the bigs, especially Brandon Wright and Tito Jr., they now will likely be picking from the riskier selections. In Ford's projection, I prefer a player like Noah who's been devalued but could be a major sleeper. He provides the type of defensive specialist who could improve the team immediately off the bench.

Then again, the workouts haven't even started. I'm sure there'll be some major shuffling in the coming weeks.

Billy Donovan

Re: Billy Donovan trying to get out of his signed contract with Orlando
We try to keep it family here, but I just have to say it:

What a dong.

To borrow from an Uncle of mine, show some personal responsibility and honor your commitment. He took a job which immediately caused excitement about the team, extra season ticket sales, etc. If he was not sure or having second thoughts, why did he take the job in the first place?

This just doesn't make any sense to me. If I were Orlando, I would allow him three options:
1) Work for the Magic and love it.
2) Take 5 years of unpaid vacation (the duration of the contract) and then he can go work for the Gators.
3) Get a sandwich board with "I'm sorry I'm an idiot on it" and walk around Orlando for a few days.

Ugh...I hate how once they become well regarded they are so coddled...(see: Saban, Nick)

Finals dreaming

With the Pistons out, at least the NBA avoided the most boring playoff matchup since Spurs-Jazz. But I can't help but imagine how exciting it would be right now if the Suns had pulled it off and were facing LeBron next week. That series would have been just the jolt that the NBA needs (although the King's historic performance will have long-lasting effects).

As it is, I can't imagine the Cavs making much of a dent against the Spurs. LeBron might be great, but so is Nash, and he had a better supporting cast. This series won't go past 5, and very well could be a sweep.

LeBronculous!

Uhhh...If you didn't get a chance to watch the 4th and 2 OT's in the LeBron vs. Detroit series, you really missed out. LeBron was essentially unstoppable, his teammates were hilariously inept, the coaches was bad...it was very interesting.

LeBron:
Scored all of the Cavs points in 2 OT's and a large portion of their 4th quarter points, including all of the ones that came late. His winning basket involved him slicing through most of the pistons and basically laying it up with 2 seconds left. That was probably the 5th time he had done that during the back end of the game while carrying Cleveland around on his back.

LeBron's teammates:
See above and note that they did indeed take some shots in that span of time. They are so bad that, were it legal in the NBA, it would be most appropriate for DET to run a triangle and two on LeBron, largely ignoring Eric Snow and Varajao when they are on the floor.

Coaches:
Mike Brown didn't have a timeout to use to give them a half-court inbound at the end of regulation to win. Much worse, Flip's 9 seconds left, tie score is to have Billups dribble to 4 seconds and then shoot a double-pump 3. That makes no sense.

Kobe to the Bucks?

J.A. Adande as channeled through Henry Abbott:

In his final column for the L.A. Times, J.A. Adande makes a call as to how this will all shake out:

"My prediction: He's here for another year, then there's another frustrated outburst when they don't improve, and the Lakers trade him rather than have him walk as a free agent. For now, the Lakers can't -- can't -- send him anywhere in the Western Conference, even though that's where most of the talent is. The one Eastern team with an abundance of good young players -- Chicago -- needs a low-post player more than a guard. And Bryant will come to realize that if you're going to be on a rebuilding team, it's much better to be in L.A. than some place like Milwaukee."

Kobe

Kobe has demanded a trade. Various offers are popping up all over the internet. What about the Bucks? I am not certain that Kobe would be willing to come to Milwaukee, but if he were, he could be the king.

How about Kobe Bryant for
Bobby Simmons
Charlie Villanueva
Dan Gazuric
The #6 pick
Next Years 1st Rounder - unprotected.

This would give the Lakers a guy like Brandon Wright, a young big in Charlie V, another 1st rounder next year. All of this would help accelerate the rebuilding process in LA. It would also allow them to get started with an uptempo team if they were interested in going that direction.

This would leave the Bucks with Redd and Kobe at the #2 and #3, Bogut at the #5 and cap room to fill the other spots.

Who knows?

Dog Fighting

Punishing PacMan Jones and Chris Henry and Tank Johnson is easy for Goodell to do because it sends a message through non-stars in the NFL. The question is whether Goodell has the stones to suspend a marquee player for a considerable length of time.

Let's think about this for a second:
1) It seems like Vick's actions may not be as terrible as PacMan's (his directly lead to a death of a bouncer), but worse than Chris Henry's (perpetual acting like an idiot).
2) That being said, while Vick's actions have allegedly been occurring over time, he has not been a repeat offender like Henry and PacMan in the sense that he hasn't had different crimes come to light at different times.
3) I wonder if that makes his case the most comparable to Tank Johnson. It should then be interesting to find out whether he gets the same fate as Johnson.

Thought experiment: The league finds out Tom Brady hits his girl friend out in public and is tried and convicted of some sort of domestic abuse, what do they do? What if he does it again? Does he get comparable punishments? How does the league order crimes? It cannot be arbitrary because then it opens the door to threats of racism and protection of stars.

This should be interesting...
Also, and this is obvious, but...there had been discussion about trading Vick and going to Schaub for a year or so. Arthur Blank tells his new coach that Vick is the man this year, they trade Schuab, and Vick gets busted. Talk about a raw deal.

Beaten to the punch!

Damn, I was planning on doing this myself, but NBA.com beat me to it. They have what the call a Consensus Mock Draft, in which they collect the mock drafts from media around the web. http://www.nba.com/features/draft2007_consensus.html

This system is far more informative than someone's speculation about who will pick who; you get a sense for what the league might be thinking. The list ain't bad for someone with a top 6 pick, but it currently looks likely that both Horford and Wright will be gone by then. Here's their current top 8 (I don't much care for any of the players beyond that):

1. Oden
2. Durant
3. Brandan Wright
4. Tito Jr.
5. Conley Jr.
6. Yi
7. Brewer
8. Noah

UPDATE: Today they added in rankings from MSNBC and FOX, resulting in this new top 8:

1. Oden
2. Durant
3. Brandan Wright
4. Tito Jr.
5. Yi (moves up)
6. Conley Jr. (moves down)
7. Brewer
8. Noah

Gazette scoops JS on Harlan/Jones

Read the Journal/Sentinel article about John Jones' "leave of absence," and you'll be left wondering what the hell is going on:
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=611059

Then read Mike Vandermause's column on PackersNews.com to get the full story:
http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070527/PKR07/705270670/1989

It's a bizarre story, that's for sure. To be several days away from giving over control of the organization, and then let a guy go? There must be some crazy shit behind this. Dog fighting? Cross-dressing?

And how did the J/S let this one slip by them?

Braun and Gallardo

Holy crap, the Brewers have called up Ryan Braun (left). This kid has been raking in AAA and seriously, then number of extra bases he may give up defensively is well going to be made up with his offense over the crappy 3rd base platoon the Brewers have going right now.

Check out this comment from Jerry Crasknic about Yovani Gallardo (right):

I talked to a scout at a Phillies game who told me that Yovani Gallardo is better than any starter the Brewers have right now.

That is pretty much the coolest thing I have read in a while.

Dave Babcock on pick #6

J/S has an audio interview with Bucks Director of Player Personnel Dave Babcock. He says that he sees Brandon Wright as the 3rd best player in the draft. When asked about Yi, he compared him to Tony Kukoc, and expected him to go anywhere from 3-8. He doubted, however, that he would last to 6. He also included Noah in the group with Horford and Wright. Not one mention of Conley. (I don't know who the interviewer is, but he sure does like to repeat what Babcock says. It'll drive you crazy now that you're listening for it.)

Speaking of crazy, it's insane how much variation there is between projections on the top 10 picks. It's impossible to get any real idea of who might be there at 6 at this time. I guess it's fun, but I'd be happier if the Bucks were back at 3 and could make the decision themselves instead of having it forced upon them.

NBA and pot

From Chad Ford's chat:

Henry (NY): What do you think of Sean Williams to the Nets at 17? He seems like a good fit with Krstic.

SportsNation Chad Ford: (12:53 PM ET ) That's where I have him in the mock draft. The kid had some trouble with smoking pot in college ... but honestly, so many NBA players smoke I'm not sure how big of an issue that's going to be for NBA teams. He's the best shotblocker in the draft and a very good fit in NJ. Had he stayed with Boston College all year, he would've been a lottery pick.

I personally think that that is hilarious.

2nd Pick Value

What is the value of the 2nd overall pick if it is Durant?
Lang at SLAM says the following:

What would I do if I was the Hawks GM? Immediately get on the phone to Seattle. I’d offer them the 3 and the 11 and Seattle native Marvin Williams for the 2 slot. The Hawks were the youngest team in the NBA last season and the last thing we need are two more teenagers. Offer up that bounty to Seattle and see if they’ll bite. They could add three really good players. And after all, Lenny’s in charge — who knows what will happen?

The question is, would Seattle possibly bite on something like that?
1) First off, the Bill Simmons theory of NBA GM's says that Seattle won't consider anything because if it does not work out, the GM will be fired, whereas if Durant doesn't play out well, the GM cannot be faulted for the pick. Since GM's seem to exist and operate solely to keep their jobs, the trade would never happen.

2) Let's pretend for a moment that the Sonics are rational actors at the team level, meaning they will do what is best for their team, not to keep their jobs. There has to be some offer for Durant that is worth doing.
Analyzing that proposed trade:
Situation A: Ray Allen, Kevin Durant, Wilcox, Luke Ridnaur, Saer Sene/Johan Petro/other crappy center - probably do not sign Rashard Lewis because he plays the same position as Durant.
Situation B: Ray Allen, Marvin Williams, Wilcox, Acie Law and Yi (west coast Asian exposure works for other Seattle teams) and maybe make an attempt to sign Rashard Lewis.

Personally, I think team B is better. I also think you could bleed more out of the Hawks in this deal.
What do you think, Lenny Wilkin's?