|
 With the NFL draft all wrapped up, it's time to start looking ahead to the 2008 NBA draft. While most of you aren't too worried about the NBA draft yet with the NBA Playoffs Handicapping just getting started, I'm taking the stance of those teams left out of the playoffs which are starting to weigh their draft options. In this article for Point-Spreads.com, I'll take a look at the NBA draft early entrees and profile how high I think they will go and their chances of becoming a good professional player. Bet on the NBA Playoffs at SportsBetting.com.
Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis - Rose is a potential top draft choice depending on the way the lottery lines up. With the way point guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams have changed the complexion of their respective teams in a hurry, many organization will be looking at Rose with the potential to do the same. Rose has all the tools to become a NBA superstar already having a solid NBA body with athleticism and size to go with it. His stock really rose, if you will, during the NCAA Tournament where he was magnificent. His only knock is that he does not shoot the three particularly well but neither did Chris Paul when he came out. Rose won't stick around past the second pick and likely goes number one.
Michael Beasely, F, Kansas State - After seeing Kevin Durant star for Texas in 2006-07, I didn't think another player like that would catch my eye for quite some time, but Beasley out did him. This big lefty reminds me of Derrick Coleman with better perimeter skills. He was a force on the glass, dominating the boards the way I saw Dwight Howard do it this season. A team like the Miami Heat would likely grab him to complement Dwayne Wade if the lottery lines them up as the number one overall selectors. I'm not sure if he will be the absolute stud that he was in college in the NBA, but he has double-double machine written all over him.
Brook Lopez, C, Stanford - Brook Lopez looks to be the top center prospect in the 2008 NBA Draft and I don't see that changing. He can flat out score the rock in the painted area and has enough size and athletic ability to step right in and do it as a rookie. His twin brother Robin plays better defense, but that won't stop teams from making him a top five pick.
Jerryd Bayless, G, Arizona - Bayless didn't get quite the hype that other sensational freshman
guards like Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, and Eric Gordon received, but he'll likely go higher than everyone on this list but Rose after a spectacular freshman year at Arizona. Bayless is a lethal scorer who already hoists three-pointers from NBA range. He'll have to improve his playmaking skills, but likely will have some NBA teams sold that he can play the point. He kind of reminds me a little bit of Allen Iverson. He'll likely go anywhere from the 3rd to 8th pick.
O.J. Mayo, G, USC - Mayo was thought to be a potential number one pick last summer but saw his stock slip to late lottery pick status early in the season. The 6'5'' guard is silky smooth and looks to potentially be a dominant NBA scorer. A solid season in the deep Pac 10 likely has scouts convinced that he also fits into the 3 to 7 pick range.
Eric Gordon, G, Indiana - Gordon was heralded by many experts as the best player in the country heading into his first college season. That's not still the case, but he did enough in his freshman campaign to warrant being a top 10 selection. He's a great athlete with a NBA body who can score a variety of way and has also shown a willingness to play defense.
Kevin Love, F/C, UCLA - Love was, without question, one of the best players in the country this season and the media fell in love with him as a result. He is the best big man passer in the game and became known for his ability to throw great outlet passes. He was able to score both inside and out in the college rank, but his lack of athleticism raises some questions among prospective takers of how his game will translate to the pros. Love could go in the top 10 and I don't see him slipping lower than 15th.
Russell Westbrook, G, UCLA - Before the season started, many people didn't even know who Mr. Westbrook was and he certainly wasn't on any draft boards. Now some scouts have him rated as a higher prospect than teammate Kevin Love. He just might be the most versatile guard outside of Rose in the draft and is already a very strong defender. He also has top ten potential.
D.J. Augustin, PG, Texas - Augustin is considered the best PG in the draft after Rose. His stock dropped for me when he struggled against Memphis in the NCAA Tournament. He has incredible floor vision and is an excellent passer, but many times that had to take a backseat to his scoring because the Longhorns needed his points to be successful. His lack of size likely keeps him out of the top five, but a team with big point guards needs will take a shot. He reminds me a lot of Mike Bibby in his prime.
Anthony Randolph, F, LSU - Randolph may be the best athlete projected to go in the top ten. He has great size and is an excellent rebounder. His offense game is not polished, but it continues to improve. Many GM's are comparing him to Chris Bosh and Brandan Wright.
Get the latest betting odds for the NBA Playoffs at SportsBetting.com.
|
