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The Rules of Pacers Digest

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Whether your are a long standing forum member or whether you have just registered today, it's a good idea to read and review the rules below so that you have a very good idea of what to expect when you come to Pacers Digest.

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Below are the rules of Pacers Digest. After you have read them, you will have a very good sense of where we are coming from, what we expect, what we don't want to see, and how we react to things.

Rule #1

Pacers Digest is intended to be a place to discuss basketball without having to deal with the kinds of behaviors or attitudes that distract people from sticking with the discussion of the topics at hand. These unwanted distractions can come in many forms, and admittedly it can sometimes be tricky to pin down each and every kind that can rear its ugly head, but we feel that the following examples and explanations cover at least a good portion of that ground and should at least give people a pretty good idea of the kinds of things we actively discourage:

"Anyone who __________ is a liar / a fool / an idiot / a blind homer / has their head buried in the sand / a blind hater / doesn't know basketball / doesn't watch the games"

"People with intelligence will agree with me when I say that __________"

"Only stupid people think / believe / do ___________"

"I can't wait to hear something from PosterX when he/she sees that **insert a given incident or current event that will have probably upset or disappointed PosterX here**"

"He/she is just delusional"

"This thread is stupid / worthless / embarrassing"

"I'm going to take a moment to point and / laugh at PosterX / GroupOfPeopleY who thought / believed *insert though/belief here*"

"Remember when PosterX said OldCommentY that no longer looks good? "

In general, if a comment goes from purely on topic to something 'ad hominem' (personal jabs, personal shots, attacks, flames, however you want to call it, towards a person, or a group of people, or a given city/state/country of people), those are most likely going to be found intolerable.

We also dissuade passive aggressive behavior. This can be various things, but common examples include statements that are basically meant to imply someone is either stupid or otherwise incapable of holding a rational conversation. This can include (but is not limited to) laughing at someone's conclusions rather than offering an honest rebuttal, asking people what game they were watching, or another common problem is Poster X will say "that player isn't that bad" and then Poster Y will say something akin to "LOL you think that player is good". We're not going to tolerate those kinds of comments out of respect for the community at large and for the sake of trying to just have an honest conversation.

Now, does the above cover absolutely every single kind of distraction that is unwanted? Probably not, but you should by now have a good idea of the general types of things we will be discouraging. The above examples are meant to give you a good feel for / idea of what we're looking for. If something new or different than the above happens to come along and results in the same problem (that being, any other attitude or behavior that ultimately distracts from actually just discussing the topic at hand, or that is otherwise disrespectful to other posters), we can and we will take action to curb this as well, so please don't take this to mean that if you managed to technically avoid saying something exactly like one of the above examples that you are then somehow off the hook.

That all having been said, our goal is to do so in a generally kind and respectful way, and that doesn't mean the moment we see something we don't like that somebody is going to be suspended or banned, either. It just means that at the very least we will probably say something about it, quite possibly snipping out the distracting parts of the post in question while leaving alone the parts that are actually just discussing the topics, and in the event of a repeating or excessive problem, then we will start issuing infractions to try to further discourage further repeat problems, and if it just never seems to improve, then finally suspensions or bans will come into play. We would prefer it never went that far, and most of the time for most of our posters, it won't ever have to.

A slip up every once and a while is pretty normal, but, again, when it becomes repetitive or excessive, something will be done. Something occasional is probably going to be let go (within reason), but when it starts to become habitual or otherwise a pattern, odds are very good that we will step in.

There's always a small minority that like to push people's buttons and/or test their own boundaries with regards to the administrators, and in the case of someone acting like that, please be aware that this is not a court of law, but a private website run by people who are simply trying to do the right thing as they see it. If we feel that you are a special case that needs to be dealt with in an exceptional way because your behavior isn't explicitly mirroring one of our above examples of what we generally discourage, we can and we will take atypical action to prevent this from continuing if you are not cooperative with us.

Also please be aware that you will not be given a pass simply by claiming that you were 'only joking,' because quite honestly, when someone really is just joking, for one thing most people tend to pick up on the joke, including the person or group that is the target of the joke, and for another thing, in the event where an honest joke gets taken seriously and it upsets or angers someone, the person who is truly 'only joking' will quite commonly go out of his / her way to apologize and will try to mend fences. People who are dishonest about their statements being 'jokes' do not do so, and in turn that becomes a clear sign of what is really going on. It's nothing new.

In any case, quite frankly, the overall quality and health of the entire forum's community is more important than any one troublesome user will ever be, regardless of exactly how a problem is exhibiting itself, and if it comes down to us having to make a choice between you versus the greater health and happiness of the entire community, the community of this forum will win every time.

Lastly, there are also some posters, who are generally great contributors and do not otherwise cause any problems, who sometimes feel it's their place to provoke or to otherwise 'mess with' that small minority of people described in the last paragraph, and while we possibly might understand why you might feel you WANT to do something like that, the truth is we can't actually tolerate that kind of behavior from you any more than we can tolerate the behavior from them. So if we feel that you are trying to provoke those other posters into doing or saying something that will get themselves into trouble, then we will start to view you as a problem as well, because of the same reason as before: The overall health of the forum comes first, and trying to stir the pot with someone like that doesn't help, it just makes it worse. Some will simply disagree with this philosophy, but if so, then so be it because ultimately we have to do what we think is best so long as it's up to us.

If you see a problem that we haven't addressed, the best and most appropriate course for a forum member to take here is to look over to the left of the post in question. See underneath that poster's name, avatar, and other info, down where there's a little triangle with an exclamation point (!) in it? Click that. That allows you to report the post to the admins so we can definitely notice it and give it a look to see what we feel we should do about it. Beyond that, obviously it's human nature sometimes to want to speak up to the poster in question who has bothered you, but we would ask that you try to refrain from doing so because quite often what happens is two or more posters all start going back and forth about the original offending post, and suddenly the entire thread is off topic or otherwise derailed. So while the urge to police it yourself is understandable, it's best to just report it to us and let us handle it. Thank you!

All of the above is going to be subject to a case by case basis, but generally and broadly speaking, this should give everyone a pretty good idea of how things will typically / most often be handled.

Rule #2

If the actions of an administrator inspire you to make a comment, criticism, or express a concern about it, there is a wrong place and a couple of right places to do so.

The wrong place is to do so in the original thread in which the administrator took action. For example, if a post gets an infraction, or a post gets deleted, or a comment within a larger post gets clipped out, in a thread discussing Paul George, the wrong thing to do is to distract from the discussion of Paul George by adding your off topic thoughts on what the administrator did.

The right places to do so are:

A) Start a thread about the specific incident you want to talk about on the Feedback board. This way you are able to express yourself in an area that doesn't throw another thread off topic, and this way others can add their two cents as well if they wish, and additionally if there's something that needs to be said by the administrators, that is where they will respond to it.

B) Send a private message to the administrators, and they can respond to you that way.

If this is done the wrong way, those comments will be deleted, and if it's a repeating problem then it may also receive an infraction as well.

Rule #3

If a poster is bothering you, and an administrator has not or will not deal with that poster to the extent that you would prefer, you have a powerful tool at your disposal, one that has recently been upgraded and is now better than ever: The ability to ignore a user.

When you ignore a user, you will unfortunately still see some hints of their existence (nothing we can do about that), however, it does the following key things:

A) Any post they make will be completely invisible as you scroll through a thread.

B) The new addition to this feature: If someone QUOTES a user you are ignoring, you do not have to read who it was, or what that poster said, unless you go out of your way to click on a link to find out who it is and what they said.

To utilize this feature, from any page on Pacers Digest, scroll to the top of the page, look to the top right where it says 'Settings' and click that. From the settings page, look to the left side of the page where it says 'My Settings', and look down from there until you see 'Edit Ignore List' and click that. From here, it will say 'Add a Member to Your List...' Beneath that, click in the text box to the right of 'User Name', type in or copy & paste the username of the poster you are ignoring, and once their name is in the box, look over to the far right and click the 'Okay' button. All done!

Rule #4

Regarding infractions, currently they carry a value of one point each, and that point will expire in 31 days. If at any point a poster is carrying three points at the same time, that poster will be suspended until the oldest of the three points expires.

Rule #5

When you share or paste content or articles from another website, you must include the URL/link back to where you found it, who wrote it, and what website it's from. Said content will be removed if this doesn't happen.

An example:

If I copy and paste an article from the Indianapolis Star website, I would post something like this:

http://www.linktothearticlegoeshere.com/article
Title of the Article
Author's Name
Indianapolis Star

Rule #6

We cannot tolerate illegal videos on Pacers Digest. This means do not share any links to them, do not mention any websites that host them or link to them, do not describe how to find them in any way, and do not ask about them. Posts doing anything of the sort will be removed, the offenders will be contacted privately, and if the problem becomes habitual, you will be suspended, and if it still persists, you will probably be banned.

The legal means of watching or listening to NBA games are NBA League Pass Broadband (for US, or for International; both cost money) and NBA Audio League Pass (which is free). Look for them on NBA.com.

Rule #7

Provocative statements in a signature, or as an avatar, or as the 'tagline' beneath a poster's username (where it says 'Member' or 'Administrator' by default, if it is not altered) are an unwanted distraction that will more than likely be removed on sight. There can be shades of gray to this, but in general this could be something political or religious that is likely going to provoke or upset people, or otherwise something that is mean-spirited at the expense of a poster, a group of people, or a population.

It may or may not go without saying, but this goes for threads and posts as well, particularly when it's not made on the off-topic board (Market Square).

We do make exceptions if we feel the content is both innocuous and unlikely to cause social problems on the forum (such as wishing someone a Merry Christmas or a Happy Easter), and we also also make exceptions if such topics come up with regards to a sports figure (such as the Lance Stephenson situation bringing up discussions of domestic abuse and the law, or when Jason Collins came out as gay and how that lead to some discussion about gay rights).

However, once the discussion seems to be more/mostly about the political issues instead of the sports figure or his specific situation, the thread is usually closed.

Rule #8

We prefer self-restraint and/or modesty when making jokes or off topic comments in a sports discussion thread. They can be fun, but sometimes they derail or distract from a topic, and we don't want to see that happen. If we feel it is a problem, we will either delete or move those posts from the thread.

Rule #9

Generally speaking, we try to be a "PG-13" rated board, and we don't want to see sexual content or similarly suggestive content. Vulgarity is a more muddled issue, though again we prefer things to lean more towards "PG-13" than "R". If we feel things have gone too far, we will step in.

Rule #10

We like small signatures, not big signatures. The bigger the signature, the more likely it is an annoying or distracting signature.

Rule #11

Do not advertise anything without talking about it with the administrators first. This includes advertising with your signature, with your avatar, through private messaging, and/or by making a thread or post.
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Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

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  • Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...ckDraft-100624

    Mock Draft 7.0

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Washington


    John Wall
    Position: PG
    Height: 6-foot-4
    Weight: 196 pounds
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky

    (Wall's previous position: No. 1 to Washington)

    Analysis: John Wall is just hours away from being the No. 1 pick. He appears to be the only "sure thing" in the draft right now. Blessed with amazing athleticism and the ability to make clutch plays, Wall has the tools to be a superstar.

    The task for the Wizards now turns to filling in the spaces around him -- getting a healthy and focused Gilbert Arenas, looking for bargains or perhaps Rudy Gay in free agency, and figuring out how to turn the Wizards into a powerhouse franchise. Adding Wall is a big, big step in the right direction, but only one of many the Wizards are going to have to take.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Philadelphia


    Evan Turner
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 214
    Age: 21
    School: Ohio State

    (Turner's previous position: No. 2 to Philadelphia)

    Analysis: All the talk that the Sixers were considering going big is now fading. After they worked out Derrick Favors and DeMarcus Cousins on June 18, coach Doug Collins, who was very high on Favors before the workout, fell out of love. Collins was concerned about Favors' raw skills and wasn't impressed during the interviews.

    So at this point, I think you can use a Sharpie on Turner at No. 2. Unless another team makes a last-minute offer that includes taking Elton Brand's contract off the books in Philly, Turner will be a Sixer.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    New Jersey


    Derrick Favors
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 245
    Age: 18
    School: Georgia Tech

    (Favors' previous position: No. 4 to Minnesota)

    Analysis: After Favors' so-so workout on Monday, the Nets began to move toward Syracuse forward Wes Johnson. But a league source told me on Wednesday night that after 24 hours of debate, it looks like Favors has re-emerged as the favorite to go No. 3.

    The news squashes the prevailing theory around the league that drafting Johnson would be a precursor to the Nets' signing free-agent forward Carlos Boozer this summer. Both Johnson and Boozer are represented by the same agent, Rob Pelinka.

    The source stressed that the decision wasn't a final one and that the Nets were also exploring potential trade options with the No. 3 pick. But if the draft had been held on Wednesday night, Favors would have been the pick.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Minnesota


    Wesley Johnson
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 206
    Age: 22
    School: Syracuse

    (Johnson's previous position: No. 3 to New Jersey)

    Analysis: So we're back to Wes Johnson at No. 4, and I'm not sure if Minnesota will greet the news with joy or relief. It focused on Johnson early but got comfortable with the idea of taking Favors at No. 4 in the past 24 hours.

    The Wolves continue to look for an Al Jefferson deal (despite GM David Kahn's denials) after being rebuffed by Detroit over the weekend (the Wolves offered Jefferson for Tayshaun Prince and the No. 7 pick) and by the Grizzlies (for Zach Randolph) on Wednesday.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Sacramento


    DeMarcus Cousins
    Position: C
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 292
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky

    (Cousins' previous position: No. 5 to Sacramento)

    Analysis: The Kings, as we've been reporting all week, are still leaning toward taking DeMarcus Cousins at No. 5 if both Favors and Wes Johnson are off the board.

    A team source disputes a report that the Kings have made up their mind, but as we told you Wednesday night, the consensus remains with Cousins. He is the most NBA-ready big man in the draft, and like Tyreke Evans, should be able to come in and make an immediate impact in Sacramento.

    You either love or hate Cousins, but there's no denying that he's an incredibly gifted scorer and rebounder. Still, he clearly rubs a lot of guys the wrong way. If he matures and lives up to his potential, he's a huge steal at No. 5. And even if he causes a commotion, his talent may still be worth the trouble.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Golden State


    Ekpe Udoh
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 237
    Age: 22
    School: Baylor

    (Udoh's previous position: No. 10 to Indiana)

    Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

    If the Warriors keep the pick, they're deciding between Greg Monroe and Ekpe Udoh. My source continues to support what I first reported Tuesday night, that Udoh has the edge. How he fits alongside two other athletic, shot-blocking big men -- Anthony Randolph and Brandan Wright -- is a bit of a mystery. But then again, we're talking about the Warriors.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Detroit


    Greg Monroe
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 247
    Age: 19
    School: Georgetown

    (Monroe's previous position: No. 6 to Golden State)

    Analysis: The Pistons have been exploring a number of deals, but at this point they seem content to stay at No. 7. Of course, they would love to land DeMarcus Cousins, but the price has been ridiculously high to move up two or three spots.

    While the team is high on Greg Monroe, Ed Davis and Ekpe Udoh, Detroit is still leaning toward Monroe here if he's on the board. He is the only true center of the group, and while he lacks elite athleticism, he is a skilled passer and has a high basketball IQ. He should be able to step in and contribute right away.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    L.A. Clippers


    Al-Farouq Aminu
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 215
    Age: 19
    School: Wake Forest

    (Aminu's previous position: No. 8 to L.A. Clippers)

    Analysis: The Clippers, according to our own Chris Broussard, have been talking to the Bulls about swapping the No. 8 pick for No. 17 and Luol Deng. That's probably an admission that they're not so high on the rest of the guys left on the board.

    Of the upside guys left on the board, I think they're highest on Aminu. He's a long, athletic forward who can play both the 3 and the 4.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Utah (via New York, via Phoenix)


    Ed Davis
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 227
    Age: 20
    School: North Carolina

    (Davis' previous position: No. 7 to Detroit)

    Analysis: I continue to get mixed signals out of Utah. On one hand, with Carlos Boozer likely leaving, they need a big man, and Davis is the best big guy left on the board. He's the type of long, athletic forward the Jazz have needed for a while. The problem is that Davis is pretty raw and probably not ready to contribute right away. GM Kevin O'Connor tends to not care about that -- he likes to take the best talent available, so it's probably not a big deal.

    On the other hand, the team also has a need on the wing, and the Jazz like Luke Babbitt, Gordon Hayward and Xavier Henry. Of the three, I believe Babbitt has the lead.

    It sounds like Davis has the slight edge here, but if one of those three wings went No. 9, I wouldn't be shocked, either.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Indiana



    Gordon Hayward
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 211
    Age: 20
    School: Butler

    (Hayward's previous position: No. 11 to New Orleans)

    Analysis: This is where the draft really begins to break apart. The Pacers have been high on Greg Monroe, Ekpe Udoh and Ed Davis, but none of them are on the board here. That leaves them with a bunch of swingmen -- a position Indiana doesn't really need to fill.

    Indy has been burning up the phone lines trying to find a point guard, but if the Pacers can't make a deal, they'll likely be choosing between Hayward, Paul George and Xavier Henry.

    George has the most upside, but he's also the likeliest bust among those three. Henry is probably the safest pick of the three, but he also is the most one-dimensional and probably duplicates Brandon Rush. That leaves Hayward, the hometown boy. He's a mix of Henry and George. He doesn't have the upside of George, but he does have a higher ceiling than Henry.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    New Orleans


    Patrick Patterson
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 245
    Age: 21
    School: Kentucky

    (Patterson's previous position: No. 13 to Toronto)

    Analysis: The Hornets appear to be locked in on a couple of prospects here. They like Patterson, Xavier Henry, Cole Aldrich and Hayward.

    With the exception of Hayward, all three are pretty safe picks. Henry would give them shooting. Aldrich would fill a hole in the middle. Patterson would give them some much-needed depth at the 4 and would be able to contribute right away.



    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Memphis


    Paul George
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 214
    Age: 20
    School: Fresno State

    (George's previous position: No. 12 to Memphis)

    Analysis: It's tough to know which way the Grizzlies are leaning. During the past few weeks, the three names that have generated the most buzz have been George, Babbitt and Patterson.

    After the Grizzlies made a huge reach for Hasheem Thabeet at No. 2 last year, you'd think they would go conservative and take either Babbitt or Patterson. Although neither player has enormous upside, both are NBA-ready and can provide instant offense.

    However, as the process moves on, it appears that George remains ahead of Patterson, Babbitt and a late dark horse, Damion James. Although George is clearly the biggest risk of the group, he's also the player with the most upside. If he develops his many talents, he could be a superstar.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Toronto


    Eric Bledsoe
    Position: PG
    Height: 6-2
    Weight: 192
    Age: 20
    School: Kentucky

    (Bledsoe's previous position: No. 18 to Miami)

    Analysis: The Raptors are talking to a number of teams about trading the pick. As of late Wednesday, a potential deal of Rudy Fernandez and No. 22 for the 13th pick wasn't making much progress. The team is also talking to Oklahoma City, which now has three first-round picks and is looking to move up.

    The Raptors have been high on Patrick Patterson and Avery Bradley, but the word out of Toronto late Tuesday had them looking at Eric Bledsoe and Cole Aldrich. Between the two, I'm hearing Bledsoe may be the choice.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Houston


    Cole Aldrich
    Position: C
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 236
    Age: 21
    School: Kansas

    (Aldrich's previous position: No. 14 to Houston)

    Analysis: The Rockets are another team that has tried to move up a few spots in the draft. At No. 14, it looks as though virtually every player they covet will be off the board. If they can't move up, that should put them in the mode of taking the best player available.

    That would be Aldrich, a big man with the ability to block shots and rebound. He also has a decent face-the-basket game. With Yao Ming's long-term status really up in the air, Aldrich would give the Rockets a backup big who should be able to step in and play right away.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Milwaukee
    (via Chicago)


    Xavier Henry
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 210
    Age: 19
    School: Kansas

    (Henry's previous position: No. 15 to Milwaukee)

    Analysis: The Bucks addressed some of their needs at the wing position this week by trading for Corey Maggette and Chris Douglas-Roberts. But sources in Milwaukee say the addition of both players won't affect their draft strategy. Of the players left on the board, Henry looks to be the best value by far. He can play either the 2 or 3 and can shoot the lights out.

    Another player to watch here is VCU's Larry Sanders. If the Bucks go big, I'm hearing he's the guy.



    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Minnesota (via Denver, via Charlotte)


    Luke Babbitt
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-9
    Weight: 214
    Age: 20
    School: Nevada

    (Babbitt's previous position: No. 9 to Utah)

    Analysis: The Wolves have been actively trying to package Nos. 16 and 23 to move up a few spots in the draft to get their hands on George. But if George is gone, there aren't a lot of prospects they're in love with here.

    I think the Wolves would be more aggressive in trying to trade at this point. If they keep the pick, they might go ahead and take Babbitt. He doesn't have the upside of some of the other wing guys like George or Hayward but was one of the best scorers in college basketball last season. He would give the Wolves more shooting on the perimeter from the 3 position, though he does play the same position as Wes Johnson (see No. 4, above).


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Chicago (via Milwaukee)


    Damion James
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-8
    Weight: 227
    Age: 22
    School: Texas

    (James' previous position: No. 19 to Boston)

    Analysis: I've been hearing a lot of different names attached to the Bulls. James Anderson, Avery Bradley and Dominique Jones are the most prominent. But the latest intel Wednesday night had the Bulls leaning toward James. With the team actively shopping Luol Deng, they'll want a tough forward who can recreate the role Andres Nocioni played for them a few years ago.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Oklahoma City (via Miami)


    Solomon Alabi
    Position: C
    Height: 7-1
    Weight: 237
    Age: 22
    School: Florida State

    (Alabi's previous position: No. 21 to Oklahoma City)

    Analysis: The Thunder acquired this pick from the Heat in a deal that also netted Daequan Cook but cost them the No. 32 pick in the draft. They are working hard to move up in the draft, trying to package 18, 21 and 26. Their target, I'm told, is Gordon Hayward.

    If they stay at No. 18, the Thunder are hoping Eric Bledsoe slips here. But if he doesn't, they will have a tough call to make here between Alabi, Larry Sanders, Daniel Orton and Kevin Seraphin. The Thunder have been high on Orton all year, but a so-so workout in OKC along with concerns about his knees have given them and everyone else in the league pause.

    The Thunder, meanwhile, have been high on Alabi for a while. He may seem like a bit of a reach to some, but he appears to be one of the hotter names in the draft at the moment. The Raptors, Celtics, Spurs, Thunder, Heat and Blazers are all showing interest. Those are all teams with historically good draft track records, so watch carefully.

    Alabi measured as one of the tallest and longest players in the draft, and he showed a nice skill game and a terrific motor in drills. Some scouts are comparing him to Dikembe Mutombo. I don't think Alabi has the same sort of rebounding and shot-blocking ability, but he does have a similar demeanor and presence on the court.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Boston


    Avery Bradley
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-3
    Weight: 180
    Age: 19
    School: Texas

    (Bradley's previous position: No. 17 to Chicago)

    Analysis: Danny Ainge has been shopping this pick, but if he stays here, Damion James, Eric Bledsoe, Solomon Alabi and Avery Bradley appear to be the front-runners. James, Bledsoe and Alabi are all off the board, leaving Bradley. The super-quick combo guard could spell Rajon Rondo at times, and would give them another dynamic scoring option in the backcourt. More importantly to Ainge, he's the best talent left on the board.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    San Antonio


    Craig Brackins
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 229
    Age: 22
    School: Iowa State

    (Brackins' previous position: No. 20 to San Antonio)

    Analysis: The Spurs need size, and this pick likely will come down to either Brackins or Alabi. Although Alabi has the size and upside, with Tiago Splitter possibly coming to San Antonio this fall, the Spurs may be set at the 5.

    Brackins' ability to spread the floor and play inside and outside is coveted in San Antonio. A number of GMs have told me he could end up being the sleeper of the draft. I'm also hearing tht Jordan Crawford and Devin Ebanks are getting serious consideration here.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Oklahoma City


    Kevin Seraphin
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 258
    Age: 20
    Country: France

    (Seraphin's previous position: No. 22 to Portland)

    Analysis: This is the second pick for the Thunder and the word is that they are high on Seraphin. He is a tough big man out of France who, in a couple of years, could be a Serge Ibaka-type player.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Portland


    Daniel Orton
    Position: C
    Height: 6-10
    Weight: 269
    Age: 19
    School: Kentucky

    (Orton's previous position: No. 26 to Oklahoma City)

    Analysis: The Blazers have been very active trying to move up, but if they stay at 22, there will be a couple of guys here they like. At the top of that list are Orton and Elliot Williams. The Blazers have worked out both players and think that, at this point in the draft, they both could be steals.

    Although Orton is in the discussion starting at the 10th pick, concerns about his knees and his relative lack of playing time in the past two seasons are weighing on teams. He easily could end up going earlier to Oklahoma City, but if he's on the board here, I think the Blazers can't pass him up.

    If Orton is off the board, look for them to go with Williams. The Blazers know way more about Williams' situation than they are letting on.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Minnesota
    (via Philadelphia, via Utah)


    Larry Sanders
    Position: PF
    Height: 6-11
    Weight: 222
    Age: 21
    School: Va. Commonwealth

    (Sanders' previous position: No. 23 to Minnesota)

    Analysis: With the Wolves going with wings with their first two picks, look for them to take a swing at a player with huge upside at No. 23. Sanders has a freakishly long wingspan and can really run the floor. He also would give the Wolves something they've been in short supply of: Shot-blocking.

    Whiteside and Orton are both possibilities here as well. But it sounds as if the Wolves are a little turned off by the immaturity of both players and might not need a center anyway -- they will pursue Darko Milicic in free agency and sign former second-round pick Nikola Pekovic this summer.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Atlanta


    Hassan Whiteside
    Position: C
    Height: 7-0
    Weight: 227
    Age: 20
    School: Marshall

    (Whiteside's previous position: No. 24 to Atlanta)

    Analysis: The Hawks could go in a lot of directions here. They might end up having to replace free agent Joe Johnson. But at this point in the draft, Whiteside's upside might be too much to pass up.

    Whiteside is the best shot-blocker in the draft and, when he's playing well, reminds some of a young Marcus Camby. He's immature and needs a lot of work, but at No. 24, no player left on the board has more upside.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Memphis
    (via Denver)


    Jordan Crawford
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-4
    Weight: 198
    Age: 21
    School: Xavier

    (Crawford's previous position: No. 25 to Memphis)

    Analysis: Crawford's stock has been slowly rising, and now he's in the mix with the Bulls at 17, the Celtics at 19, the Spurs at 20, the Blazers at 22 and the Wolves at 23. But it looks as though he won't slide past the Grizzlies here. The additions of Crawford and George would give the Grizzlies a ton of punch in their backcourt.

    I'm not sure there are enough basketballs in Memphis for all these guys, but you have to like the talent the Griz are acquiring.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Oklahoma City
    (via Phoenix)


    Tibor Pleiss
    Position: C
    Height: 7-0
    Weight: 220
    Age: 20
    Country: Germany

    (Pleiss' previous position: No. 32 to Oklahoma City)

    Analysis: I highly doubt that the Thunder end up keeping all three first-round picks, but if they do, look for them to stash another European player overseas. Pleiss has great size and he's a physical defender, but he won't come over for a few more years.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    New Jersey
    (via Dallas)


    James Anderson
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-6
    Weight: 210
    Age: 21
    School: Oklahoma State

    (Anderson's previous position: No. 16 to Minnesota)

    Analysis: The Nets are high on both Jordan Crawford and Craig Brackins, but if they are off the board, Anderson could be the man. This is a pretty big slide for Anderson. An injury has held him out of a lot of workouts and his lack of elite athleticism seems to be hurting his stock a bit. But at No. 27, especially with Chris Douglas-Roberts now in Milwaukee, this is a great fit.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Memphis
    (via L.A. Lakers)


    Grevis Vasquez
    Position: SG
    Height: 6-6
    Weight: 211
    Age: 23
    School: Maryland

    (Vasquez previous position: No. 39 to New York)

    Analysis: The Grizzlies likely won't end up with three first-rounders, either. They, too, are talking to several teams about trading one or both of their picks in the 20s. However, if they stay here, I keep hearing that they love Vasquez. Not sure I really see it. He has great floor vision and plays with a passion, but Adam Morrison has better lateral quickness.


    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Orlando


    Darington Hobson
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 204
    Age: 22
    School: New Mexico

    (Hobson's previous position: No. 29 to Orlando)

    Analysis: The Magic haven't worked out many players. Each year they pick a small handful of prospects they like and then grab from there. Of the group they've had in, Crawford and Ebanks are off the board. Of the group left, Hobson and Quincy Pondexter make a lot of sense. Of the two, I think Hobson has a slight edge. His playmaking ability and versatility remind some scouts of Hedo Turkoglu. The Magic missed that this season.

    PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


    Washington
    (via Cleveland)


    Quincy Pondexter
    Position: SF
    Height: 6-7
    Weight: 220
    Age: 22
    School: Washington

    (Pondexter's previous position: No. 30 to Washington)

    Analysis: Pondexter is coming off a great senior season and is one of the best athletes in the draft. With the Wizards trying to rebuild with young players who can get up and down the floor, he seems like a good bet here.

  • #2
    Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft...-Round2-100624

    31. New Jersey Nets

    Keith Gallon | F | Oklahoma
    The Nets will consider Gallon with the 27th pick, but if he falls here, he'd be tough to pass. While Gallon needs to lose weight, he's one of the most skilled big men in the draft. If he gets in better condition, he could be a steal here.


    32. Miami (via Minnesota)

    Elliot Williams | SG | Memphis
    The Heat acquired this pick from Oklahoma City as part of the deal that sent the Thunder the 18th pick. The Blazers are hoping Williams slides to them at No. 34, but I'm told Williams is here if he slips. He would be a good pick for Miami. They need help in the backcourt and Williams can play both the 1 and the 2.


    33. Sacramento Kings

    Ryan Richards | PF | England
    The Kings could take a flier on this unproven big man from England. He doesn't know how to play yet, but he has the physical tools to be special. He had a great workout in Sacramento.


    34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)

    Terrico White | G | Mississippi
    The Blazers paid $2 million dollars plus the 44th pick for this pick, so they'd better get something good. The Blazers believe White is the best athlete in the draft and his ability to play both guards intrigues them.


    35. Washington Wizards

    Gani Lawal | PF | Georgia Tech
    The Wizards are thin all along their frontcourt and Lawal, as a three-year player, should be able to step in and get minutes right away. He's not spectacular, but he's a pretty solid pick at this point in the draft.


    36. Detroit Pistons

    Dexter Pittman | C | Texas
    The Pistons need a lot of help in the paint, and Pittman, if he ever got in shape, could make a huge impact in the middle for them. Trevor Booker is another possibility here.


    37. Milwaukee Bucks (via Philadelphia)

    Lance Stephenson | SG | Cincinnati
    The Bucks are considering Stephenson at 15, so if he were to slide here they'd be thrilled. Stephenson is a very good offensive player. It's his questionable attitude that's causing him to slip this far.


    38. New York Knicks

    Armon Johnson | PG | Nevada
    Knicks fans don't have a lot to cheer about, but if Johnson falls this far, they can get a little excited. The Knicks have been trying to move up in the draft to get this explosive, athletic guard. He lacks a great jump shot, but he really knows how to push the basketball.


    39. New York Knicks (via Clippers)

    Dominique Jones | SG | South Florida
    It would be another steal for the Knicks if Jones were to slide this far. He's getting looks as high as 17 and is a terrific scorer who can really get to the rim. The Knicks are in major need of another backcourt scorer.


    40. Indiana Pacers

    Ben Uzoh | PG | Tulsa
    This athletic combo guard is a great athlete, who could provide a spark off the bench for the Pacers at both backcourt positions.


    41. Miami Heat (via New Orleans)

    Jarvis Varnado | C | Mississippi State
    Varnado is the best shot-blocker in the draft, and -- given the huge holes Miami has in the paint thanks to free agency -- he might be able to find some minutes in Miami.


    42. Miami Heat (via Toronto)

    Devin Ebanks | SF | West Virginia
    Ebanks is a Pat Riley type of player. He might not be a special offensive player, but he can guard three positions on the floor.


    43. Los Angeles Lakers (via Memphis)

    Willie Warren | G | Oklahoma
    The Lakers know Derek Fisher can't keep going forever, and it's unclear whether Jordan Farmar is really the point guard of the future. Warren was projected as a potential top-10 pick at the beginning of the season, but injuries, a terrible sophomore season at Oklahoma and questions about his attitude have torpedoed his stock. At 43, the combo guard is a steal.


    44. Milwaukee Bucks (via Chicago)

    Trevor Booker | PF | Clemson
    This pick has already been traded twice. The Bucks got the pick from Golden State via the Corey Maggette trade. Booker is a physical player who reminds me of Jason Maxiell. A great pick for Milwaukee.


    45. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Houston)

    Miroslav Raduljica | C | Serbia
    With three picks in the first round, it's highly unlikely that the Wolves will take another American player here. Raduljica had an excellent season, and you can expect the Wolves to keep him in Europe for a few years to continue developing.


    46. Phoenix Suns

    Stanley Robinson | SF | UConn
    Robinson has struggled in workouts and his stock has dropped from the mid-first round all the way to here. He shouldn't be discouraged. If ever there were a team Robinson could thrive on, it's the Suns.


    47. Milwaukee Bucks

    Jerome Jordan | C | Tulsa
    The Bucks lost Andrew Bogut to injuries this past season and didn't have a lot to replace him in the middle. Jordan is huge and talented. If his motor revved higher, he'd be a first-round pick.


    48. Miami Heat

    Thomas Heurtel | PG | France
    Heurtel won MVP honors at the adidas Eurocamp. He's a good floor leader but not an amazing athlete. The Heat likely would leave him in France to continue to develop.


    49. San Antonio Spurs

    Alexy Shved | G | Russia
    Shved is a skilled Russian combo guard, and the Spurs could stash him in Europe for a while.


    50. Dallas Mavericks

    Sylven Landesberg | SG | Virginia
    Landesberg was productive in his first two years in college. He's a slasher who knows how to get to the basket. At pick No. 50, he's a good value.


    51. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Blazers)

    Nemanja Bjelica | SF | Serbia
    Bjelica is a crafty player who can play a little point forward. He's not a great athlete, but at this point in the draft, the Thunder don't need any more American players.


    52. Boston Celtics

    Manny Harris | SG | Michigan
    Harris is a high-scoring combo guard who, based on talent, is probably a first-round pick. With the Celtics needing help in the backcourt next season, Harris has the capability to fill in at both positions.


    53. Atlanta Hawks

    Lazar Hayward | F | Marquette
    He's a gritty, athletic small forward who has a productive career at Marquette. Could be a solid rotation player.


    54. Los Angeles Clippers (via Denver)

    Sherron Collins | PG | Kansas
    Collins has struggled in workouts because of his weight, but he recently weighed in at 219. He might be the perfect guy to come in and help the Clippers' other conditioning-challenged point guard, Baron Davis.


    55. Utah Jazz

    Jon Scheyer | SG | Duke
    Before you start cracking jokes about Scheyer, don't overlook the fact that he'd be a terrific fit in Utah. He can play both guard positions and can shoot the lights out. I've heard him be compared to Jeff Hornacek, and it's not a bad comparison.


    56. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Phoenix)

    Artem Zabelin | C | Russia
    The Wolves have a total of five picks and certainly aren't keeping them all for this year. Zabelin is thin, but very skilled. He's a long-term project who could pay off down the road.


    57. Indiana Pacers (via Dallas)

    Andy Rautins | SG | Syracuse
    Jim O'Brien loves shooters, and Rautins might be the best shooter in the draft.


    58. Los Angeles Lakers

    Brian Zoubek | C | Duke
    Zoubek didn't have a huge career at Duke, but he was a terrific rebounder and could give the Lakers some size and toughness in the middle.


    59. Orlando Magic

    Mikhail Torrance | PG | Alabama
    The athletic combo guard starred at the Portsmouth Invitational, but some concerns about his physical might cause him to slide.


    60. Phoenix Suns (via Cleveland)

    Luke Harangody | F | Notre Dame
    Harangody might not be the most athletic guy in the world, but he was super productive in college. The next Jared Dudley?

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

      Thanks Drew.
      Come to the Dark Side -- There's cookies!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

        Why don't you actually thank him by clicking that little "Thanks" button?
        Don't ask Marvin Harrison what he did during the bye week. "Batman never told where the Bat Cave is," he explained.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

          I remember Ford having us taking Willie Warren when the Mock Draft stuff came out from ESPN. If you would have told me then that he would have us taking Gordon Hayward ON THE DAY OF THE DRAFT I would have straight up laughed at you. The draft is just crazy.
          Passion. Pride. Patience. Pacers

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

            I really doubt Torrance waits to be selected until pick 59....I'd think he'd be early 2nd round at worst.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

              Warriors blurb

              Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

              So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                Originally posted by Speed View Post
                Warriors blurb

                Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

                So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.
                LOL that can't be right. I mean that would be a steal.
                You can't get champagne from a garden hose.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                  I fear picking Gordon Hayward won't bode well for the real Pacers fans tonight. Larry had better pull his head out of his *** and pick the right player.

                  "I've got an idea--an idea so smart that my head would explode if I even began to know what I'm talking about." - Peter Griffin

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                    Originally posted by Suaveness View Post
                    Why don't you actually thank him by clicking that little "Thanks" button?
                    Thanks.

                    “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

                    “If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to serve as a horrible warning.” - Catherine Aird

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                      yeah like Paul George

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                        It's a salary dump, and if we could do that, I'd be thrilled. I don't know if our team would give up on our contracts for a combo guard- it doesn't seem like Larry would be thrilled to do that, but he is certainly a very talented young player that I would love to trade for.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                          Originally posted by Speed View Post
                          Warriors blurb

                          Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

                          So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.
                          Yeah I was thinking that same thing, I wonder how bad Ellis's deal is, but if we could get him and the 6, possibly take Monroe and play him at the 4 that might just be a sick team.

                          Ellis, Rush, Granger, Monroe, Hibbert..... I like that... they may not win a championship right away, but I like the core group of guys and if they could stay around for a while and add in a good bench then I see a real Future with this line up....
                          Why so SERIOUS

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                            Originally posted by Speed View Post
                            Warriors blurb

                            Analysis: The Warriors are talking to a number of teams about potential trades and it looks like the No. 6 pick is up for grabs. The cost, however, is high. The Warriors want whoever takes the pick to also take the contract of Monta Ellis as part of the deal.

                            So you get the #6 and Ellis? Hmmmmm.
                            lol I'll take it
                            Peck is basically omniscient when it comes to understanding how the minds of Herb Simon and Kevin Pritchard work. I was a fool to ever question him and now feel deep shame for not understanding that this team believes in continuity above talent.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Mock Draft Version 7.0: Picks 1-30

                              About the Warriors and Monta.....that just seems wierd to me. I would easily send the Warriors one of our Expirings + #10 + future protected 1st rounder to get Monta+6.
                              Ash from Army of Darkness: Good...Bad...I'm the guy with the gun.

                              Comment

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