NBA Draft Mock Lottery

Here is my mock draft for the NBA Lottery (First 14 picks)

1) Los Angeles Clippers- Blake Griffin PF

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has already stated that they will choose Griffin, this pick should be a no-brainer for the Clipps. Dunleavy will have to find a way to divide the PF/C minutes between Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and Zach Randolph.

2) Memphis Grizzlies- Ricky Rubio PG

Despite Mike Conley's improvements at the end of the year, there were rumors of the Grizzlies trying to trade Conley to the Blazers (To pair him up with High School teammate Greg Oden). Look for the Grizzlies to trade the young point guard in order to make room for one of the top 19 year old prospects. Rubio has a unique style that reminds some of Pete Marovick and Steve Nash.

Other possibility- Hasheem Thabeet C

3) Oklahoma City Thunder- Hasheem Thabeet C

Oklahoma would have liked Griffin, but the shot blocking 7'3 center will do just fine. The team uses Jeff Green as their PF most of the time. Green is not your typical PF defensively, so Thabeet should sure up the defense with his abilities. A line-up of Westbrook, Sefolosha, Durant, Green, and Thabeet, will be just fine.

Other Possibility- James Harden SG

4) Sacramento Kings- James Harden SG

The Kings lost out on Griffin and Rubio, but Harden will do just fine. A combination of Harden and Kevin Martin at the SG/SF position will be quite talented. Harden is a smooth player that is able to do many different things. He is a very good passer and rebounder for the SG position. Jordan Hill could have been this pick, however, the Kings just selected their future PF and C in the last two drafts (Spencer Hawes & Jason Thompson).

Other Possibility- Brandon Jennings PG

5) Washington Wizards- Jordan Hill PF/C

Hill has the ability to be a dominant PF in the Eastern Conference, but he could also spend some time playing the center position for the Wizards. A line-up of Arenas, Stevenson, Butler, Jamison, and Hill, could do some damage in the eastern conference. Or a line-up of Arenas, Butler, Jamison, Hill, and Haywood, would work.

Other Possibility- DeMar DeRozan SG

6) Minnesota Timberwolves- DeMar DeRozan SG

The Timberwolves have a lot of holes, at the PG,SG, and SF positions. DeRozan ended the season strong at USC last season, he showed a good mid-range game, but he does need to work on his 3-point shot as he shot 16%. He is young and has a lot of potential, and the Timberwolves have time to wait for him to hit his potential because the team is not going to compete for the playoffs for a couple of years.

Other Possibility- Brandon Jennings PG

7) Golden State Warriors- Tyreke Evans PG/SG/SF

This pick seems to fit the Warriors current player personnel. Jamal Crawford has not fit as a good complement to Monta Ellis in the backcourt. Evans is a big 6'6 PG/SG who could handle the ball and play off the ball. Monta Ellis is more of a SG, but he doesn't have the size to guard the opposing SG's. Evans can come in and share the PG responsibilities with Ellis, and guard the SG with his ideal size.

Other Possibility- Brandon Jennings PG

8) New York Knicks- Stephon Curry PG/SG

The Knicks need a C, SG, or PG, Curry has showed glimpses of being able to run the point guard position. Many critics have questioned his size and strength to compete in the NBA. Curry is a deadly shooter that has a unique ability to create his shot, with his quick release. Curry moved to the PG position during his junior season at Davidson, and he showed that he has the ability to create for his teammates, while finding his own shot. Curry, also seems like a player that would fit in nicely in D'Antoni's offense.

Other Possibilities- Brandon Jennings PG or Jrue Holiday PG

9) Toronto Raptors- Earl Clark SF/PF

Clark is a versatile 6'9 player that has the ability to defend, pass, and rebound. Clark should be able to come in and start for the Raptors, next to Calderon and Bosh. This pick really seems to fit the need for an athletic wing for the Raptors.

Other Possibilities- Gerald Henderson SG

10) Milwaukee Bucks- DeJuan Blair PF

Blair is a beast of a player that averaged 12.3 rebounds per game during his sophomore season. The Bucks lack interior toughness and grit, he should complement Bogut pretty well. Blair has shown the ability to lose weight and refine his shooting touch. Skiles will fall in love with Blair's toughness, considering Skiles is a hard-nosed coach.

Other Possibilities- Brandon Jennings PG

11) New Jersey Nets- James Johnson SF/PF

The Nets have have a need at the SF/PF position and James Johnson seems like the perfect fit. Johnson is a great rebounder (8.5 rpg), solid passer (2.0 apg), good shot blocker (1.5 bpg), and a decent 3-point shooter (32 %). As you can see Johnson is very versatile and has the ability to play two positions.

Other Possibilities- Chase Budinger SG/SF

12) Charlotte Bobcats- Wayne Ellington SG

The Bobcats have a track record of drafting well known NC college players. Ellington is a solid prospect who is a little undersized for a SG. However, he has great length and is an elite outside shooter. Ellington has also improved his rebounding and passing through his years at UNC.

Other Possibilities- Gerald Henderson SG or Chase Budinger SG/SF

13) Indiana Pacers- Brandon Jennings SG

Jennings finally comes off the board, he might not fit a desperate need, but he had too much talent to pass up. Jennings is a great passer who played professionally in Italy last year. He really needs to work on his outside shot, but he has great potential. I wouldn't be surprised to see a team move up in the draft to draft him before this pick.

Other Possibility- Gerald Henderson SG

14) Phoenix Suns- Johnny Flynn PG

Flynn is the perfect PG to run the Suns offense after Nash leaves in 2010 free-agency. Flynn is a quick PG that has shown great leadership during his time at Syracuse. Flynn reminds me of a poor man's version of Chris Paul.

Other Possibilities- Ty Lawson PG or Eric Maynor PG

NBA Lottery

The NBA Draft Lottery is tonight at 8:30 pm and the future of many teams can change with a bounce of a lottery ball. The main prize in this draft is the 6'10' Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin, and his amazing Lebron like power dunks. His production and size combined with his quickness and soft touch are deadly. Here are the teams in the lottery and their probability of winning the 1st pick.

1) Sacramento Kings 25%
2) Washington Wizards 17.8%
3) Los Angeles Clippers 17.7%
4) Oklahoma City Thunder 11.9%
5) Minnesota Timberwolves 7.6%
6) Memphis Grizzlies 7.5%
7) Golden State Warriors 4.3%
8) New York Knicks 2.8%
9) Toronto Raptors 1.7%
10) Milwaukee Bucks 1.0%
11) New Jersey Nets 0.9%
12) Charlotte Bobcats 0.7%
13) Indiana Pacers 0.6%
14) Phoenix Suns o.5%

Here is a breakdown of the 14 teams, and their team needs for the upcomming season.

Sacramento Kings
The Kings do not have a lot of talent on their roster, however, their big-man pairing of Jason Thompson (PF) and Spencer Hawes (C) is promising. The Kings also have a stud SG in Kevin Martin who averaged nearly 25 ppg, when he stays healthy. Outiside of these three, Donte Green the 6'11' SF out of Syracuse might have a future with the team if he is able to progress his talents that he showed while at Syracuse. The team is in dire need of a PG and SF, however, Blake Griffin (PF) has to be the #1 pick.

Washington Wizards
The Wizards are an intriuging team when all of their key components are healthy. The big three of Gilbert Arenas (PG/SG), Caron Butler (SF), and Antawn Jamison (PF), are one of the top Big Three's in the Eastern conference when they are all healthy. The team also has some young players that could develop into key players, Andray Blatche (FC), Javaris Crittenton (PG), JaVale McGee (C), and Nick Young (SG). The Wizards could use a PG like Ricky Rubio to team with Arenas in the backcourt. Blake Griffin and Hasheem Thabeet would also fit in nicely.

Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are in the their usual spot, the lottery. The team does have some individual talent in the aging Marcus Camby (C), the unintersted one Baron Davis (PG), the future Eric Gordon (SG), Chris Kaman (C), the selfish one Zach Randolph (PF), and Al Thorton (SF). As you can see, the Clippers do have talent, however, this talent will never mesh well together. The Clippers seem to have a some-what "solid" penciled in starter at each position next year, so it looks as if the Clippers can pick from a best player available senario.

Oklahoma Thunder
Looking at the Thunders roster for the future, makes me wish that I was a Thunder fan. They are set at the PG position with Russell Westbrook, and are also set in the SG/SF/PF positions with the combination of Jeff Green and Kevin Durant. These three players are very talented and will lead the Thunder to the playoffs very soon. The Thunder would love to add Oklahoma native Blake Griffin to the roster at PF, however, Hasheem Thabeet at C, James Harden at the SG, or Jordan Hill at the PF would fit in very nicely to this up and coming team.

Minnesota Timberwolves
The frontcourt for the Wolves seems to be their strong point, with Kevin Love at PF and Al Jefferson at the C. Outside of these two, the team has a solid SG/SF in Mike Miller, and a solid PG/SG in Randy Foye. The Wolves have lot of holes that need to be filled before they become a successful team. The Wolves are in a tough spot because this pick could be filled with talented big men, but the Wolves seem set with their PF/C combo. The Wolves could look to their future PG in Ricky Rubio or Branon Jennings. They could also look to add a future SG in DeMar DeRozan or James Harden. The Wolves have some many options because of their lack of talent of thier roster.

Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies are very intruiging much like the Thunder, they have alot of nice young talent. The team is set at PG with Mike Conley (Who came on very strong at the end of the year), SG with OJ Mayo, and SF with Rudy Gay. The team also has some nice young talent with C Marc Gasol and the skinny PF combo of Hakim Warrick and Darrel Arthur. The PF position is the place where the Grizzlies need to upgrade, adding a Blake Griffin or a Jordan Hill would be ideal.

Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are a hard team to evaluate because they have a lot of talent on their roster, but much like the Clippers it does not mesh well together. The team is led by Monta Ellis at the PG/SG, Stephen Jackson at the SF, Anthony Randolph at the PF, and Andris Biendris at the C. Brandan Wright the talented PF out of UNC still has the ability to become a good player. The team also has a pair of talented veterans in Jamal Crawford and Corey Maggette, who might not fit into the future plans. The Warriors have the ability to pick the best player available because there are no guranteed spots on their roster. Monta Ellis is their best player and he might be best suited at the SG, so maybe a Brandon Jennings or Ricky Rubio pick would fit. Warriors also have to be looking for some size and toughness from Grffin or Hill. Do not know is Thabeet would fit into the Warriors style of play.

New York Knicks
The Knicks have a couple of nice young players, and alot of cap space for free agency in 2010. Wilson Chandler has proven himself to be a major part of the Knicks future at the SG/SF/PF. Danilo Gallanari the Italian import from last years draft showed great flashes in his injury plagued season. David Lee and Nate Robinson also had solid seasons, however, both are restricted free agents, and we have to see what managent does with these two players. The Knicks will be looking for guards (PG/SG) or a big man (PF/C). Ricky Rubio, James Harden, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings ,and DeMar DeRozan should be targeted in those positions from the guard positions. Blake Griffin, Jordan Hill, and Hasheem Thabeet should be targeted in those positions from PF/C positions. They have to find a player that would fit in with Lebron in 2010. A guard seems like the ideal pick.

Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have some talent behind Chris Bosh (FC), Andrea Bargnani (FC), and Jose Calderon (PG). The Raptors have some holes at the SG/SF positions, especially after Shawn Marion leaves as an unrestricted free agent. James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, and Earl Clark seem like players that can fit right in to the Raptors starting line-up. The Raptors have to pray that Bosh does not bail on the team after the 2010 season.

Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks pick has a lot to do with the free-agency situations of Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villaneuva. Outisde of these two, Andrew Bogut seems to be the future C, Richard Jefferson the SF of the near-future, and Michael Redd the SG of the near-future as well. The team has to also see how Joe Alexander matures as an NBA player. This pick is hard to judge because of free agency, its seems as if the Bucks can use a tough PF to pair with Bogut. DeJuan Blair might be a little of a reach at their projected spot, however, Blair could complement Bogut's playing style, and Coach Skiles coaching toughness.

New Jersey Nets
The Nets have a great future guard-center pairing of Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. Both players are very talented and are players that you want on your team. The team is still getting good production from the 32 year old SG Vince Carter. Outside of the big three, there is limited talented on the team. This makes Rod Thorn's job a little easier when picking. Earl Clark, Chase Budinger, James Johnson, or Tyreke Evans seem like ideal fits at the SG/SF/PF positions. The good thing about all of these players is that they are versatile and they can fill many roles for the Nets. A SF/PF seems like the right fit.

Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats had an improved season, which should give them hope for a brighter future. Emeka Okafor is their future C, Gerald Wallace when healthy is their SF of the future, and the combination of DJ Augustin and Raymond Felton seem to be the future at PG. Outside of these 3/4, the Bobcats have many holes to fill. SG and PF seem to be positions that need to be filled. Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are home state NC college players that could fit the SG positions. We all know about the Felton/May draft. James Johnson and DeJuan Blair could fit the bill at the PF. James Johnson might be to similar of a player to Boris Diaw, however.

Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have a lot of young players that are trying to find their way around their potential super-star teammate Danny Granger. The PG position has the steady combo of TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack, the SG/SF position has Mike Dunleavy and Danny Granger, and the PF/C position has Troy Murphy and Roy Hibbert. Other players that have roles are Brandon Rush and Marquis Daniels. The team seems to need better big man, and at their spot there is not going to be many good PF/C. My personl opinion is that someone is going to bite early on DeJuan Blair because there is not many talented PF in the middle of the draft (Between picks 4 and 20).

Phoenix Suns
Weird seeing the Suns in the lottery, but the mighty are bound to fall. The Suns need to look to replace Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Nash because their Phoenix time is almost up. The Suns have Amare for the future for the time being at the PF position. Jason Richardson is solid at the SG. No pick jumps out at me more for the Suns, then Johnny Flynn for the Suns. He would be the ideal pick to be the future leader of the Suns well-known offense.

-Look out for the NBA Mock Lottery after the picks are set.

Picture of the Day

The historic 1980 Men's Ice Hockey team after beating the highly favored Soviet Union. I grew up hearing all about this from my uncles', grandpa, and mom. My mom did also have a big crush on the goalie, Jim Craig.

MLS Team Expansion

The MLS has recently announced the expansion of the league from 15 to 18 teams, with the addition of a team in Philadelphia (2010), a team in Portland (2011), and a team in Vancouver (2010). When looking ahead toward MLS expansion, the two most important factors to understand are profit ability and quality of play.

In order for the league to stay financially stable, these new teams need to be able to sell tickets. From the past two additions to the league, it is evident that new teams can succeed. These new teams were Toronto FC in 2007 and Seattle Sounders FC in 2008. Both teams have sold out their home stadiums to passionate fans, who are led by great ownership groups. The league commissioner Don Garber has done a great job at targeting future MLS cities that have a passionate fan base already set-up.

When the league started in 1996, they did not understand what they were getting themselves into. They had no soccer specific stadiums set up, and the league relied on the honey-moon effect. The honey-moon effect is when a new phenomenon occurs in sports and there is great popularity because it is new, but after the beginning years it begins to fade in popularity. The league experienced successful attendance numbers in the beginning years. The MLS had a league attendance average for its first 3 season (96'-98') of 15,445. Then in the middle years of the league (01'-03') the league experienced an average attendance of 15,227. Finally, over the course of the final 3 seasons (06'-08') the league experienced an average attendance of 16,224. It seems as if the league is on solid footing from a tickets standpoint, but there are many other profit variable in MLS business.

Many opponents of MLS expansion say that this quick expansion will hurt the quality of the league. I believe that MLS fans do not set the bar that high to the quality of soccer that they need to see. Most fans are American soccer fans who are happy that we have a league. Majority of the players in the league come from outside of the United States, this means that we do not have to worry about developing our US players as much, because we can choose players for our league from around the world. Also, the league has done a great job at identifying cities that will succeed in the MLS. All of the new teams have great playing venues, great fan base, and a solid ownership group.

The MLS will never be the EPL, but the league has done a great job of understanding where their markets need to be. The new teams are in cities that create rivalries with current teams. Soccer specific stadiums (SSS) are the future of the MLS, and SSS will lead the MLS to a brighter future. These new stadiums will finally let fans believe that they have a stadium to their own, and not have to borrow it from the major 3 leagues in North America. Finally, individual team profit success will ultimately come down to having a winning team.

First Sports Blog

This is the first blog of my blogging career. My name is Joseph Rigert, and I am a recent graduate of Guilford College. I grew up in New York, but recently moved to North Carolina. I love sports and grew up playing many of them. My blog will talk about American sports, especially targeting the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and MLB. Hope you enjoy what I have to say about the many issues in sports.