Random Ramblings

With the NBA Draft Thursday it’s time to breakdown how things could shake out, and there are plenty of scenarios to choose from.

But first and foremost, trade winds are in the air.

Locally, the Celtics have been rumored in dealings with a number of teams, reportedly offering the rival Detroit Pistons Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. On Tuesday a rumored Rondo and Brian Scalabrine to Memphis for Rudy Gay and Michael Conley trade was floating around as well.

If you’re surprised by the news, you’re not alone. Considering Ray Allen’s hefty contract, along with Rajon Rondo’s stock being at an all-time high Danny Ainge could have a few tricks up his sleeve. Despite all the talk, the likelihood of any of these rumors becoming a reality is slim to none.

Speaking of reality, there were two trades made Monday. One sending the Spurs a proven veteran scorer, and the other giving the Timberwolves a fourth first-round pick.

San Antonio’s addition of Richard Jefferson can’t be taken lightly. He led the Bucks in scoring last season, and has never played with an elite big man like Tim Duncan. Not to mention the Spurs only lost an aging bench playing in Bruce Bowen, and a couple of back up bigs in Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto.

The second trade is extremely interesting with Minnesota stockpiling first-round picks in what many experts are calling a weak draft.

(Jay Bilas compared this year’s crop to the drafts of ‘00 and ‘01. Yikes! Chad Ford reiterated this sentiment saying the eight pick in this draft is like the 18th in a normal draft.)

Departing Sota’ are Randy Foye and Mike Miller and are heading to the Capital to play alongside a Wizards squad that suddenly looks like an offensive juggernaut.

On Thursday morning, the biggest trade of the offseason took place with the Suns sending the Cleveland Cavaliers Shaquille O’Neal. In return the Suns got a bag of balls (Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, the 46th pick in Thursday’s draft and cash). 

The question is if the Diesel’s engines have enough horsepower for one last title run. If it means sticking it to Kobe, Shaq will undoubtedly come through. 

Enough with trades though, as the draft is less than 24 hours away. Even with the draft being weak there are plenty of great players to be had in the Top 10 . Here is some insight into how the Top 10 might shake out.

1.    Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin- PF

It’s fitting the first pick is such a no doubter, while everything to happen after should be like a craps shoot. Griffin is the real deal, but the Clippers track record of No. 1 overall picks isn’t the best. When the ping-pong balls fell the Clips’ way it sort of became a running joke that Griffin was the next big bust. After all, it is the Clippers.

2. Memphis Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio- PG

Rubio has publicly stated he will not play for the Grizzlies, but if I’m Chris Wallace I have to call his bluff. He would be a great fit in the backcourt alongside O.J. Mayo. Many mock draft have Hasheem Thabeet being taken here, and that may be the case, but with Mark Gasol coming off an excellent rookie campaign there is no need in drafting Thabeet. Even if Rubio holds true on his statements it’s not like half the NBA isn’t in a drool fest over the teenage Spaniard. Sell high and net some more first-round talent.

Unfortunately for Grizzlies fans (all 10 of them) I am not Chris Wallace. So in all likelihood the Grizz will pull a trade that nets them a bunch of bad contracts, or Chris will some how mortgage their future for a one year shot at winning over 30 games. As a Celtics fan, I don’t have the utmost confidence in Mr. Wallace, and if you need to know why Google: Vin Baker Celtics trade.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder- Hasheem Thabeet- C

During the season the Thunder attempted to pull off a trade with the Hornets, which would have landed them Tyson Chandler. Chandler’s infamous “big toe” injury nixed the deal, and GM Sam Presti has been looking for a defensive center to team with Kevin Durant ever since. 

If Rubio falls the Thunder could snatch him up, but it would make no sense. Rubio is a 19-year-old point guard! Point guards that young take at least two seasons to adapt to the pro game. Not to mention the learning curve of adapting to American life. The Thunder are ready to compete now and if they want Durant to even think of resigning with them, they need to get a winning team on the floor. Thabeet could give them a defensive presence right away.

4. Sacramento Kings- Stephen Curry- PG

The Kings are hoping Rubio falls, and considering his refusal to play in Memphis or Oklahoma it’s likely.  The backup plan is to go after a young guard, preferably one that could play the point.

Curry’s natural position will likely be shooting guard, but Sacramento has had a propensity of going after undersized shooting guards in the past. Think Mike Bibby. Curry quarterbacked the offense of Davidson for three seasons, and could be doing the same in northern California for years to come.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves- James Harden- SG

With the trade that was noted above Minnesota has back-to-back picks in the Top 10. A trade seems likely, especially if the Grizzlies go with Rubio at the two spot. If they don’t pull a deal Harden will be a lock with the fifth pick.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jrue Holiday- PG

The sixth is another question all together. In the deal with Washington ‘Sota lost their starting backcourt and needs to get something back. Although it maybe a little high for Holiday, he’s the best point guard on the board and fills a need for Minnesota.

7. Golden State Warriors- Tyreke Evans- SG

Jay Bilas has Evans No. 1 overall on his board, but in every draft a great player falls through the cracks. Evans might be the perfect fit of size and speed the Warriors need.

8. New York Knicks- Jordan Hill- PF

David Lee is hitting free agency and with it the Knickerbockers have a hole in their lineup. Despite Hill’s name probably being announced amongst a smattering of boos from the New York faithful, a player of his size and athleticism is exactly what Mike D’Antoni has been missing since leaving Phoenix. 

9. Toronto Raptors- DeMar DeRozan- SG

Other than Griffin going first, this is the only other consensus pick. The dinosaurs need a two guard, and with Anthony Parker leaving for free agency DeRozan could be the perfect fit.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- Jonny Flynn- PG

Flynn seems to be another consensus pick with Ramon Sessions hitting free agency. However, with Richard Jefferson gone and Michael Redd’s health still up in the air don’t be surprised if Terrance Williams or Gerald Henderson sneak into the Top 10.