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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 ___________"

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"This thread is stupid / worthless / embarrassing"

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"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

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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:

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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

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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).

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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.

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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

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Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

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  • #46
    Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

    Originally posted by Jose Slaughter View Post
    As far as I know you can not use money from a sold draft pick to re-sign players

    The Lakers just didn't want to pay for a 1st round draft pick in a weak draft.
    They'll save about $0.9-$1.0mm on the rookie salary.

    However, while the $3mm does not create more cap space, it does help defray the costs of signing a player. Essentially, they'll take the $1mm they don't spend on the rookie, add the $3mm from NY, and use it to help offset the costs of the players they sign.

    It's a cash issue, not a cap issue.

    Comment


    • #47
      Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

      Originally posted by HCPacerIN View Post
      Funny how he said wait until July. It is my understanding that the Raptors couldn't acquire TJ until July. 1 if they were interested. I remember seeing someone here saying they still like him up there.
      July 1 is FA signing season, so lots of activity goes on after that. No surprise that TJ would be looking forward to that in terms of interesting activity.
      BillS

      A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
      Or throw in a first-round pick and flip it for a max-level point guard...

      Comment


      • #48
        Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

        http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns

        League executives say the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have discussed a possible trade that is centered around sending Amare Stoudemire to the Warriors for a package that would include Andris Biedrins and the No. 7 pick in the draft.
        That would change the game quite a bit for us. My guess is that Phoenix would pick a guard or Hill.

        Comment


        • #49
          Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

          Andy Katz: Memphis and Minnesota talked again about trading the No. 2 pick (Memphis) to Minnesota for the No. 5 and 6 picks or the No. 5 or 6 and Kevin Love. But the price was too high for Minnesota, so Memphis plans on keeping the pick. According to multiple sources, Memphis would pick Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet.
          • Minnesota is hoping to land a specific player at No. 18 -- who could be Earl Clark (Louisville) or James Johnson (Wake Forest), among others. If that player isn't available, then the Wolves are expected to trade the pick, according to a source.


          • Cleveland held on to the No. 30 pick in the trade with Phoenix for Shaquille O'Neal and wants to get a point guard with the selection. The Cavs are hoping a point guard projected to go higher drops down to them, according to a source.
          Brandon Jennings is scheduled to be one of the 15 players in the green room at the draft. But he could be pulled from the green room. Representatives of Jennings were huddling to make a decision on Thursday.
          The fear is that Jennings will slide if Golden State (unlikely after the trade to get Speedy Claxton and Acie Law from Atlanta for Jamal Crawford) at No. 7, the Knicks at No. 8 or the Bucks at No. 10 all pass on him. If that happens then Jennings would likely fall into the 20s. Jennings' camp wants to avoid an embarrassing situation where Jennings is sitting there and not selected for a while. If they can get assurances that he will be picked high enough then he will stay in the room.
          • Oklahoma City, Detroit and Chicago made assurances early on Thursday that they weren't dealing their top 16 picks.
          Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon received a number of calls earlier this week, and as late as Thursday, about DeJuan Blair's knees. Dixon, who is en route to New Zealand to coach the USA Under 19 national team playing in the World Championships, said he told the teams, including Indiana at No. 13, that Blair never missed a practice or game in his two years. Blair's knees have been questioned because he had ACL surgery on each knee in high school.
          From ESPN

          Comment


          • #50
            Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

            Originally posted by docpaul View Post
            DeJuan Blair's knees. Dixon, who is en route to New Zealand to coach the USA Under 19 national team playing in the World Championships, said he told the teams, including Indiana at No. 13, that Blair never missed a practice or game in his two years. Blair's knees have been questioned because he had ACL surgery on each knee in high school.
            For some reason I get the feeling Blair will be the pick because at least for a few years he'll be the safe pick. Bird is feeling the pressure and has to win next year or he's out of a job.
            You know how hippos are made out to be sweet and silly, like big cows, but are actually extremely dangerous and can kill you with stunning brutality? The Pacers are the NBA's hippos....Matt Moore CBS Sports....

            Comment


            • #51
              Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

              How is Bird feeling pressure? What has ever given you that feeling??

              Besides, I'm don't feel like Bird is in a position where he's worried about having a job. If he is fired, he'll go somewhere and sip lemonade until he's 100. It would be no sweat off his back.

              Comment


              • #52
                Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                I'll be bummed if it's Blair. To me that means trades are less likely because we won't have to move Jack or TJ or anything. I think Blair could be a good role player/hustle player possibly, and that could make him a fan fav. I don't see him as a starter though. The PFs next year will be better IMO. If they declare of course.

                Unless we can get a pick around 20 to get Maynor. I'd be cool with that.

                Comment


                • #53
                  Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                  Originally posted by BillS View Post
                  July 1 is FA signing season, so lots of activity goes on after that. No surprise that TJ would be looking forward to that in terms of interesting activity.
                  I am aware of that, just though perhaps there could be something read into it. The Pacers don't have to wait to July to trade Ford unless the team is Toronto. Given Ford's apparent state of mind during his tweets I though maybe there were some lines to be read between.
                  "The greatest thing you know Comes not from above but below" Danzig

                  Comment


                  • #54
                    Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                    Originally posted by Pacers View Post
                    How is Bird feeling pressure? What has ever given you that feeling??

                    Besides, I'm don't feel like Bird is in a position where he's worried about having a job. If he is fired, he'll go somewhere and sip lemonade until he's 100. It would be no sweat off his back.
                    I'm not in the know to know his financial situation, but I think his involvement with pro basketball would be over and for a man who loves the game as much as he does that would be devastating. LB didn't like the consultant role with his beloved Celtics and couldn't stay away after his coaching stint. So yes, I do feel he is under pressure if he wants to stay connected to professional basketball.

                    Does Bird still have any money interest in the auto dealerships he did own at one time? He got out of the hotel business a long time ago.
                    Last edited by RWB; 06-25-2009, 02:50 PM.
                    You know how hippos are made out to be sweet and silly, like big cows, but are actually extremely dangerous and can kill you with stunning brutality? The Pacers are the NBA's hippos....Matt Moore CBS Sports....

                    Comment


                    • #55
                      Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                      The Bird who stood there stoicly after Reggie hit the push off 3 against the Bulls.... pressure?

                      Comment


                      • #56
                        Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                        Originally posted by Speed View Post
                        The Bird who stood there stoicly after Reggie hit the push off 3 against the Bulls.... pressure?

                        I thought there was something written to the affect he didn't get too excited because of a heart problem?
                        You know how hippos are made out to be sweet and silly, like big cows, but are actually extremely dangerous and can kill you with stunning brutality? The Pacers are the NBA's hippos....Matt Moore CBS Sports....

                        Comment


                        • #57
                          Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                          I have to believe he just hates the losing and the mediocrity. That creates its own internal pressure. He probably isn't so much worried about getting fired, as he is about failing (when he never really has in his professional playing or coaching career).

                          Comment


                          • #58
                            Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                            Chad Ford's 7.1 is up, if someone would be kind enough to post it

                            Comment


                            • #59
                              Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                              Originally posted by count55 View Post
                              I have to believe he just hates the losing and the mediocrity. That creates its own internal pressure. He probably isn't so much worried about getting fired, as he is about failing (when he never really has in his professional playing or coaching career).
                              Right. But he should be smart enough to know that picking a guy who isn't going to help him long term isn't the best move. Maybe Blair is that guy, I dunno, but I don't think that Bird is going to pick a guy because he thinks he's the "safe pick" that may let the Pacers sneak into the playoffs instead of a guy who might turn the team into a divisional force in a few years.

                              Comment


                              • #60
                                Re: Official Draft Day Rumor Thread

                                Here's 7.1:

                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                L.A. Clippers


                                Blake Griffin

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-10
                                Weight: 248 pounds
                                Age: 20
                                School: Oklahoma
                                Confidence level in this forecast: 99.9 percent

                                Analysis: With the first pick in the 2009 NBA draft, the Los Angeles Clippers select ... Chinemelu Elonu from Texas A&M! OK ... not even the Clippers would do that. They can't screw this up, right? Griffin is the best player in the draft and for once, the Clippers won't have excuses. He has all the ingredients to become a dominant player in the NBA. If the Clippers don't pick him, they should be banned from the lottery.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Memphis


                                Hasheem Thabeet

                                Position: C
                                Height: 7-3
                                Weight: 267
                                Age: 22
                                School: Connecticut Confidence level (if player is available): 75 percent
                                Analysis: The Grizzlies continue to work the phones to find a trade, but with every passing hour it looks like they're keeping the pick and selecting ... surprise ... Thabeet.

                                We've had Thabeet here since Mock Draft Version 1, when we reported that owner Michael Heisley had a thing for Thabeet. Since then, the Grizzlies have taken a look at everyone but keep coming back to Thabeet.

                                Ricky Rubio was in the picture, but doesn't seem to be anymore. Tyreke Evans was even stronger in the mix. So was James Harden and Jordan Hill. But in the end Thabeet makes the most sense in Memphis.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Oklahoma City


                                Ricky Rubio

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-5
                                Weight: 180
                                Age: 18
                                Country: Spain
                                Confidence level (if available): 50 percent

                                Analysis: Thunder GM Sam Presti flew to L.A. on Saturday to talk to Rubio. He also got a chance to review Rubio's physical and contract -- two important pieces of the puzzle for whoever drafts him.

                                Then, on Sunday, Presti met with Harden and Thabeet in L.A. And just to make things even more confusing, we hear Presti now is hot for Stephen Curry.

                                Whom will the Thunder draft? I think this one is going down to the wire. I know Presti is a fan of all four players -- Rubio and Thabeet have the upside, and Harden and Curry are the better fits. If Presti can get a couple of assets in return for the No. 3 pick, he won't be afraid to pull the trigger on a trade, either.

                                If the Thunder keep the pick, my brain says Harden is a perfect fit in Oklahoma City next to Russell Westbrook. The scuttle is that Curry is the hot name in the Thunder's draft war room. And a few people think Thabeet's size will win the day. But I have to believe that Rubio, whom we've had here since the night of the lottery, will end up in OKC.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Sacramento


                                Stephen Curry

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-3
                                Weight: 181
                                Age: 21
                                School: Davidson
                                Confidence level (if available): 30 percent

                                Analysis: The Kings are all over the place. As of last night there was support for three candidates: Jonny Flynn, Evans and Curry. And there was owner support for Rubio.

                                Flynn brings vocal leadership, athleticism and an NBA-ready body to the table. Rubio is less ready for the NBA physically, but he's a purer point guard who understands the game better than anyone else in the draft. Evans isn't a true point, but the Kings love his strength, toughness and size, especially since his second workout. Curry is the wild card -- he's a great shooter who would fit nicely in the backcourt next to Kevin Martin, but he wouldn't give them a defensive presence.

                                I think Curry has a slight lead going into Thursday but don't count out Rubio, Evans or Flynn. All three could end up as the pick.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Minnesota


                                Tyreke Evans

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-5
                                Weight: 220
                                Age: 19
                                School: Memphis
                                Confidence level (if available): 70 percent

                                Analysis: The Timberwolves now have the No. 5 and No. 6 picks and pretty big holes at the 1 and 2, as well as at center. They worked the phones in an effort to put together a package for Pick 2 or 3, but nothing has come of it as of late last night.

                                They are hoping to grab two of these three players: Rubio, Thabeet and Evans. We have two of those players off the board. So Evans goes first, making pick No. 6 pretty problematic, because I don't know whether the Wolves are one of those teams that think Evans is a point or a 2-guard.
                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Minnesota


                                Jonny Flynn

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-1
                                Weight: 196
                                Age: 20
                                School: Syracuse Confidence level (if player is available): 50 percent
                                Analysis: Assuming for a second the Wolves think that because Evans doesn't pass, he's not a point guard, we'll put Flynn here at No. 6.

                                His main competition, if both Rubio and Curry are off the board, is Harden. Harden flew in for a workout Wednesday and I think the Wolves like him a lot. I'm not sure exactly how he fits with Evans, but by the end of the day, I could end up swapping him in for Flynn.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Golden State


                                Jordan Hill

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-10
                                Weight: 232
                                Age: 21
                                School: Arizona Confidence level (if available): 75 percent
                                Analysis: The Warriors have a young player, Monta Ellis, who thinks he's a point guard, and a coach, Don Nelson, who appears to be committed to giving Ellis a shot at running the point.

                                With the Warriors moving toward trading for Acie Law that might be enough young point guards.

                                I think that puts Hill strongly in play here. He's a mobile big man, which Nellie likes, and he's got a great motor. It wouldn't shock me to see Golden State move Brandon Wright this summer and if they do, Hill fits right in.

                                If Hill is gone, James Johnson could be the pick here.




                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                New York


                                James Harden

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-5
                                Weight: 222
                                Age: 19
                                School: Arizona State
                                Confidence level (if available): 80 percent

                                Analysis: The Knicks will be disappointed if Curry, Rubio, Hill and Evans are all off the board. But they'll still be relieved to find Harden here. The Knicks believe the draft is seven players deep and Harden is one of those seven.

                                If Harden is snatched up by the Thunder or the Timberwolves, they look at Jrue Holiday, Brandon Jennings, DeMar DeRozan and Gerald Henderson. I think they will prioritize point guard, and Holiday has a very slim lead over Jennings.




                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Toronto


                                DeMar DeRozan

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-6
                                Weight: 211
                                Age: 19
                                School: USC
                                Confidence level (if available): 60 percent

                                Analysis: The Raptors have some needs on the wing since Anthony Parker and Shawn Marion are hitting free agency. DeRozan is one of the most gifted players in the draft, and has been on the Raptors' radar screen for a while.

                                The past few days, Holiday and Johnson have also made a push for this pick. The Raptors would like a very solid backup for Jose Calderon, and Johnson would give them so much needed toughness at the 3.




                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                Milwaukee


                                Brandon Jennings

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-2
                                Weight: 165
                                Age: 19
                                Country: Italy
                                Confidence level (if available): 70 percent

                                Analysis: The Bucks have three point guards on their board -- Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday and Jennings. Over the last 48 hours, all of the momentum has been going in the direction of Jennings, even if Flynn falls to them.

                                I think Jennings' upside and star potential have the Bucks wowed at the moment.


                                PICK TEAM PLAYER VITALS


                                New Jersey


                                Gerald Henderson

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-5
                                Weight: 215
                                Age: 21
                                School: Duke
                                Confidence level (if available): 60 percent

                                Analysis: While Rod Thorn has said he needs a moose up front, the problem is there aren't any moose to be had. Luckily, the Nets have needs in the backcourt, too. Vince Carter isn't getting any younger and he could still end up being trade bait at some point in the season.

                                Henderson, Terrence Williams and Tyler Hansbrough seem to be the final three guys the Nets are looking at. While I think there's a preference, from a talent perspective, for Williams, I think Henderson's more stable personality seems to be winning him more fans in Jersey.

                                Hansbrough is likely to be the choice only if the Nets end up pulling the trigger with Chicago for the No. 16 and No. 26 picks in the draft.


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                                Charlotte


                                Terrence Williams

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-6
                                Weight: 213
                                Age: 21
                                School: Louisville Confidence level (if available): 55 percent
                                Analysis: Last week I said I thought it was close to a sure thing that Henderson would be the pick here. But Williams went in for a workout and blew Charlotte coach Larry Brown away. Williams and Henderson squared off in a second workout Monday, and Williams walked away the winner.

                                James Johnson is the other guy who could go here. While Williams seems to be the favorite of Brown, Michael Jordan has emerged as a Johnson fan and could end up trumping Brown. I would love to see those two duke it out. Think Larry will start chanting "Kwame! Kwame!" or maybe "Adam! Adam!"?




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                                Indiana


                                Jrue Holiday

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-4
                                Weight: 199
                                Age: 18
                                School: UCLA
                                Confidence level (if available): 60 percent

                                Analysis: The Pacers would feel pretty fortunate if Holiday slipped here. While they've been enamored with Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor and Tyler Hansbrough, the Pacers just can't pass on Holiday if he's still on the board. He's the type of big point guard that would be a perfect complement to T.J. Ford.


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                                Phoenix


                                Earl Clark

                                Position: SF
                                Height: 6-10
                                Weight: 226
                                Age: 21
                                School: Louisville
                                Confidence level (if available): 60 percent

                                Analysis: The Suns could go in a lot of directions, depending on where GM Steve Kerr decides to take the team.

                                There's been a lot of talk about Clark, James Johnson and B.J. Mullens here. Tyler Hansbrough has an outside shot as well. Of the three, it sounds like Clark has the most momentum right now, with his versatility being a perfect fit for the Suns' system.

                                Or Phoenix could be trading this pick -- a number of teams are trying to get into the lottery, and this could be the bait.




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                                Detroit


                                Austin Daye

                                Position: SF
                                Height: 6-11
                                Weight: 192
                                Age: 20
                                School: Gonzaga Confidence level (if available): 75 percent
                                Analysis: The Pistons will begin their summer makeover in the draft. They'd love to add a dominant low-post scorer, but in lieu of that, they'll have to settle for choosing between two upside guys: Clark and Daye.

                                Clark could be the second coming of Lamar Odom if he's willing to put in the work. The versatile forward can play the 3 and the 4 and is amazing in transition, an excellent rebounder and an emerging shooter. And he has the capability (albeit not always the inclination) to play great defense. But there are a few questions about his background that might hurt him.

                                Daye is one of the most skilled players in the draft -- sort of a 6-foot-11 version of Tayshaun Prince. He's super skinny, but he can really shoot the rock. Like Clark, he is inconsistent but has major upside.

                                I think Daye has moved into the lead here based on both his upside and his squeaky-clean background.




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                                Chicago


                                James Johnson

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-8
                                Weight: 258
                                Age: 22
                                School: Wake Forest
                                Confidence level (if available): 55 percent

                                Analysis: The Bulls have been working the phones this week trying to move up in the draft.

                                They've talked to the Nets, Bobcats and Pacers about swapping the 16th and 26th picks to move up a few spots.

                                Who are they after? I've heard everything from Johnson to Blair to Hansbrough to Williams to Mullens here. Last night a new name, Omri Casspi, surfaced as a possibility. To be honest, I can't get a terrific handle on which way they are leaning.

                                Blair is the most physical. Casspi isn't far behind. Hansbrough is the most NBA-ready. Mullens has the most upside. Johnson is somewhere in between. I'm not sure exactly how Johnson fits in Chicago with Luol Deng on one side and Tyrus Thomas on the other, but there's no question about his upside.




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                                Philadelphia


                                Eric Maynor

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-3
                                Weight: 164
                                Age: 21
                                School: VCU Confidence level (if available): 70 percent
                                Analysis: With Andre Miller hitting free agency this summer, look for the Sixers to address the point guard position. Lou Williams is nice but not really a lead guard.

                                Maynor, Lawson and Teague all are in the mix here … as are Williams, Henderson, Wayne Ellington and Sam Young.

                                Maynor would give Philly the total package as one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft. Lawson had the best season of any of the point guards and can really play in an up-tempo style. Teague also will get a look here, but he's more of a combo guard, and the Sixers have that in Williams.

                                With Lawson off the board, I think Maynor is the pick.




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                                Minnesota (from Miami)


                                B.J. Mullens

                                Position: C
                                Height: 7-1
                                Weight: 258
                                Age: 20
                                School: Ohio State
                                Confidence level (if available): 50 percent

                                Analysis: I'm not sure whether the Wolves will keep this pick, and there are a number of teams that seem to be hot for Mullens that would be willing to trade for it. If the Wolves keep it, Mullens could fill a big hole in the paint in the long term.


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                                Atlanta


                                Ty Lawson

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-1
                                Weight: 199
                                Age: 21
                                School: North Carolina
                                Confidence level (if available): 50 percent

                                Analysis: The Hawks are trading Acie Law and Speedy Claxton for Jamal Crawford. I don't think Mike Bibby is a priority anymore, especially at his asking price. So Lawson is a good pick for a veteran team that could use someone to step right in at point guard.

                                Jeff Teague, Tyler Hansbrough and Omri Casspi are also real possibilities here.


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                                Utah


                                Tyler Hansbrough

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-10
                                Weight: 234
                                Age: 23
                                School: North Carolina Confidence level (if available): 85 percent
                                Analysis: The Jazz and Hansbrough seem like a match made in heaven. If Hansbrough falls this far (he's getting a look at 11, 13, 16 and 19), I don't see them passing on him. With Carlos Boozer heading out the door, they need more toughness in the paint. But if he's off the board, they likely will be deciding among Young and Toney Douglas.

                                Young is the type of tough veteran the Jazz love. He is ready to step in and play right now, and would give them minutes at both the 2 and the 3.

                                Douglas is the type of combo guard the Jazz currently lack. He shoots, plays defense and could be a credible backup at both positions for Utah.




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                                New Orleans


                                Sam Young

                                Position: SF
                                Height: 6-7
                                Weight: 223
                                Age: 24
                                School: Pittsburgh
                                Confidence level (if available): 70 percent

                                Analysis: Young is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft.

                                He has size and strength and was super productive at Pitt the past two years. Most importantly for New Orleans, he can come in and contribute right away.

                                Daye, Darren Collison, Chase Budinger, Taj Gibson and Derrick Brown also are in the mix.


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                                Portland


                                DeJuan Blair

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-7
                                Weight: 277
                                Age: 20
                                School: Pittsburgh
                                Confidence level (if available): 60 percent

                                Analysis: Why would the Blazers move up two spots in the draft? The word around the league was the Kings had zeroed in on Omri Casspi with the 23rd pick. Casspi could be a good pick for the Blazers to either keep overseas or bring over this year to provide more toughness in the frontcourt.

                                However, I think Kevin Pritchard won't be able to pass on Blair if he's on the board.


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                                Sacramento (via Houston)


                                Omri Casspi

                                Position: SF
                                Height: 6-9
                                Weight: 211
                                Age: 20
                                Country: Israel
                                Confidence level (if available): 80 percent

                                Analysis: The Kings need toughness in the worst way, and Casspi can really deliver on that. He's not the most skilled player in the draft, but few players possess his grit. As an added bonus for Sacramento, they don't have to pay him to come over yet.


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                                Dallas
                                (via Portland)


                                Jeff Teague

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-2
                                Weight: 175
                                Age: 20
                                School: Wake Forest
                                Confidence level (if available): 75 percent

                                Analysis: This would be a pretty big slide for Teague, who thought his floor was No. 19. Actually, he could go as high as No. 10, so his range is pretty wide. Dallas would be doing backflips to get him here, and, as it happens, he's got some Devin Harris in his game.


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                                Oklahoma City
                                (via San Antonio)


                                Chase Budinger

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-7
                                Weight: 206
                                Age: 21
                                School: Arizona
                                Confidence level (if available): 40 percent

                                Analysis: The Thunder would love to get their hands on a legitimate center, but there won't be anyone worth gambling on at this point in the draft. If the team doesn't address its needs at the 2 earlier in the draft, Budinger could be an option. With his shooting ability, he would be a nice complement in the backcourt to Russell Westbrook.


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                                Chicago
                                (via Denver)


                                Nick Calathes

                                Position: PG
                                Height: 6-5
                                Weight: 185
                                Age: 20
                                School: Florida
                                Confidence level (if available): 70 percent

                                Analysis: The Bulls are still shopping this pick, but if they keep it, look for them to spend it on someone they can keep overseas for at least a year. With Kirk Hinrich likely on the move this summer, Calathes could eventually find a home in Chicago.




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                                Memphis
                                (via Orlando)


                                DeMarre Carroll

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-8
                                Weight: 207
                                Age: 22
                                School: Missouri
                                Confidence level (if available): 80 percent

                                Analysis: The Grizzlies lack toughness and energy and Carroll has an abundance of both.


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                                Minnesota
                                (via Boston)


                                Jonas Jerebko

                                Position: SF
                                Height: 6-9
                                Weight: 220
                                Age: 22
                                Country: Sweden Confidence level (if available): 75 percent
                                Analysis: It seems doubtful the Wolves would keep three rookies on their roster this season, which gives them an interesting choice of international players. Casspi would be an obvious choice. He is tough and physical and can keep developing overseas. Victor Claver is the other. But word is Jerebko, from Sweden, is the top choice at the moment.


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                                New York Knicks
                                (via L.A. Lakers)


                                Toney Douglas

                                Position: SG
                                Height: 6-2
                                Weight: 183
                                Age: 23
                                School: Florida State Confidence level (if available): 85 percent
                                Analysis: Knicks GM Donnie Walsh traded here hoping that a player he was in love with would fall. Put Douglas, whose defense and shooting ability have the Knicks really intrigued, at the top of that list. If Douglas is gone, DaJuan Summers and Derrick Brown will both be targets as well.


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                                Cleveland


                                Taj Gibson

                                Position: PF
                                Height: 6-10
                                Weight: 214
                                Age: 24
                                School: USC Confidence level (if available): 40 percent
                                Analysis: The Cavs could lose Anderson Varejao this summer. After getting bested by the Magic, the need for them to have some athletic 4s who can guard players on the perimeter is paramount.

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