THE NBA Draft

[POJO_Risin]

Okay...Will Smith starting everything off...with DJ Jazzy Jeff...

Now...I do like Will Smith...

but that sucked ass...

I'd rather WATCH Beyonce'....

[ALinChainz]

The opening bit.

Tip the damn thing off already.

Detroit should be up big in this game.

Our bench will be our weakness this series.

[Warham]

I'm beginning to think Detroit might win this series.

[ALinChainz]

Our back up point guards. Parker is going to be a little quick for Billups and they need to play better.

Hamilton seems to be to worried about drawing contact instead of finishing. McDyess is going to have to be better on the offensive end also, missing some open stuff.

I think they will win this series too, but this is a game they should win first and foremost.

[redblkwht]

Spurs win big..looks like a good
series starting out..
S.A. aint gonna lay down..
i see Detroit in 7 :D

[POJO_Risin]

SA in 6...

Parker's speed can be nullified if Billups start throwing his strength into him...he didn't do that tonight...

Hamilton will improve...but Ginobli is a lot better than I thought...good rebounder...the kid can play...

The thing I'm worried about for Detroit is that if McDyss is looked upon to carry scoring...they are in a fucking whole slew of trouble...

I don't like Nazr Muhammed...but the guy is a space filler...and an animal...

SA looked like the real deal...thing is...once they worked the rust off...this game wasn't close...

Again...Spurs in 6...

[redblkwht]

gotta remember detroit is
recovering from the flight &
no recovery time..we shall see ;)

[Matt White]

Ladies & Gents....

We MIGHT have a series on our hands!

[Matt White]

DE-TROIT!!!! BASKET-BALL!!!!:D:D:D

4 turnovers?!? UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE!

And who said the finals were gonna be boring?!?

[POJO_Risin]

Was there a game tonight?;)

[Matt White]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Was there a game tonight?;)

Not for people living in LA, or NY, or Miami, or............................

:D

[ALinChainz]

Cancel the Thursday parade plans Spurs fans ... there WILL BE A GAME SEVEN.

Suck the Bonio .... :D

[Warham]

Is anybody even watching this series?

I can't be bothered to tune in after the starting line-ups are announced.

[POJO_Risin]

Well...I'll be honest here...it's fucking idiotic to start these fucking games at fucking 9:20...I don't give a fuck if they're being played in Hawaii...

I watched last night...and assumed that the winner (obviously SA) would win the series...

Detroit in Seven...altered from my SA in 6...Detroit just plays so well with their backs against the wall...

should be a great game...

[ALinChainz]

I think the Pistons are 10-0 facing elimination, and 8-1 in closing out a series.

Have played 25 playoff games this season, tying the record I think ('94 Knicks?) and would be the first team to win 2 seven game series, closing them out on the road.

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by Warham
Is anybody even watching this series?

I can't be bothered to tune in after the starting line-ups are announced.

Though it's been painful, haven't missed a minute myself.

[Warham]

I knew you were, AL, but I'm talking about just non-Detroit or SA sports fans.

[Brett]

Ratings have been very low as usual last I read without the big markets watching.

[ALinChainz]

Oh ... lol ... probably not many ...especially with the start times on the East coast.

[Brett]

Al, no team has won two game 7's on the road in NBA history.

[ALinChainz]

Hoping to be the first Brett ... I think all the pressure has shifted now to the Spurs.

Glad they HAD to cancel the parade.

[POJO_Risin]

Originally posted by Brett
Al, no team has won two game 7's on the road in NBA history.

Of course...Detroit hadn't won a game in San Antionio since what...1997?...since Dumars PLAYED!!!!

I don't think Detroit gives a shit about interesting looking facts...as a matter of fact...I think they use them to motivate...

Good series...evenly matched teams...noone will confuse these two with the greatest teams in franchise history though...let alone NBA history...

[Warham]

Manu Ginobli, the next great white hope.

:D

[POJO_Risin]

I don't know...Manu's kinda...olivey colored...isn't he?

[Warham]

The next great olive hope?

[POJO_Risin]

We'll call him Mr. Olive...

or perhaps...

Popeye's MAIN SQUEEZE...

[Brett]

He's also going bald.

[POJO_Risin]

lmfao...

the bald olive...

nice...I like it...

[POJO_Risin]

The fucker's more like Rick Barry than Brent...or John...or Buck...or Blue...or whatever fucking Barry is playing for the Spurs...

[redblkwht]

LMAO i hope D-town
pulls it off..

[POJO_Risin]

You know basketball is in bad shape...when this hasn't gone past 1 fucking page until now...

and the major talk is how olivey and Popeye's bitch Manu Ginobli is...

[redblkwht]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
You know basketball is in bad shape...when this hasn't gone past 1 fucking page until now...

and the major talk is how olivey and Popeye's bitch Manu Ginobli is...
This is true, and they got an
agreement as of today..
hockey doesnt have a jockstrap
as of yet..pathetic.
funny thead i must say :killer:

[POJO_Risin]

Detroit up by 7...against a scoring challenged team...they might as well be up by 14...

[POJO_Risin]

Pistons up 9...

How does Larry Brown leave this team?

[Warham]

SA is a choke team.

Nothing to do with the game, but does anybody on that team ever smile? Duncan always looks like his dog got turned into roadkill.

What a bore.

[POJO_Risin]

I have been monstrously unimpressed with Tim Duncan in this game...in this series to be honest...

I'll bet you any money that Duncan wishes Mr. Robinson could suit up...

he was a tremendous presence on this team...and IMO...completely underrated later in his career...

[Warham]

Duncan's too boring to be considered one of the all-time greats.

[POJO_Risin]

And there's Wallace...

Does he ever bitch about anything?

Rumor is that he bitched to his mama five second after birth that he didn't come out of her ass instead of her cooch...

Mount Olive with a bucket...and SA only down 3...

[Warham]

The Olive Man Commeth!

[POJO_Risin]

To boring?

He's never averaged under 20 PPG...or 11 RPG...

The dude could be downright dead...and that will get you in the playoffs...

[ALinChainz]

The officiating in the NBA is atrocious.

I can't fucking stand the way they are calling this game, they want the Spurs to win this thing so bad.

The NBA sucks dick.

[POJO_Risin]

Duncan's a garbage man...always has been...kinda like McHale in that regards...a lot like him as a matter of fact...

I'm telling you...

we could market this fucking olive thing...

The Olive Man...

[POJO_Risin]

Trust me Al...as an impartial observer...I've seen shit calls on both sides...

trust me...

[Warham]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
To boring?

He's never averaged under 20 PPG...or 11 RPG...

The dude could be downright dead...and that will get you in the playoffs...

The stats are decent, but I'm talking about flair, etc.

[POJO_Risin]

Lots and lots of shit calls to be honest with you...

a couple of handcheck calls...and I'm thinking..."Isn't this a game 7?..."

[POJO_Risin]

Flair? Jesus Christ...to get in the NBA Hall of Fame...you have to have flair?

I've either walked into a gay bar...

or...

the movie Office Space...

I've gotta call Timothy...grow an afro...and stick your tongue out when you dunk...and bang some hos...

street cred...

[Warham]

I think David Stern is looking forward to next year already.

Notice that the NBA didn't mind Phil Jackson's press conference in the middle of the Finals?

That wouldn't happen in any other sport.

[ALinChainz]

Duncan can't be touched tonight, home game, game 7.

He just got his first foul call, nearing the end of qtr 3.

Bunk.

[Warham]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Flair? Jesus Christ...to get in the NBA Hall of Fame...you have to have flair?

I've either walked into a gay bar...

or...

the movie Office Space...

I've gotta call Timothy...grow an afro...and stick your tongue out when you dunk...and bang some hos...

street cred...

Guys like Barkley, even Malone were more fun to watch.

[POJO_Risin]

1 point game...

alright...I'll concede that SA is getting more calls...lmfao...every time I say that...

they call a shit call on SA...

[Warham]

Detroit will put the clamps on in the 4th quarter.

[POJO_Risin]

Well...it's not like Duncan is tearing it up...a little this quarter...

WHAT A PLAY BY MOUNT OLIVE!

sorry...don't like him...just trying to get this olive thing going...

[ALinChainz]

Rasheed on the bench is bullshit.

It does look like they are starting to call some on SA in the lane on their end.

All I can say is the pace of the game, the low scoring thing, favors the Pistons, although the Spurs were just ahead of them as the league's top defensive club.

[ALinChainz]

Lindsay Hunter is a huge liability this game.

He let the one good game he had in this series go to his fucking head.

[POJO_Risin]

Originally posted by Warham
Guys like Barkley, even Malone were more fun to watch.

Jesus Christ...you just picked two of the most flamboyant Power Forwards of all time...lmfao...

what about Moses Malone...he was like watching fucking Eeyore dump...

[ALinChainz]

And he hits the shot to end the qtr.

This fucking game ... who knows what's going to happen.

[Warham]

I still say Detroit.

[POJO_Risin]

Hunter?...christ...he's been around for what...10 years now?

didn't he PLAY with Dumars?

great game...

how about that...

the NBA season comes down to one quarter...

scratch...

[Warham]

I think Lindsay played in LA for a couple years. Hell, I can't remember. lol

[ALinChainz]

They better win ... I won't fucking sleep I'll be so pissed.

Hunter has been around that long, was a high draft pick, selected right after we took Allan Houston.

I know we need him in there to play Parker, but he's so erratic.

[POJO_Risin]

is that fag from Matchbox 20 the NBA spokesman now? WTF?

[POJO_Risin]

Ben Wallace is a man...did they get him from...

WHAT? Did they just show Rick Barry and say he was Tim Duncan's dad?

Awesome...

[Warham]

Hi, I'm Rob Thomas from Matchbox Twenty!

The NBA: It's Fan-tastic!

[ALinChainz]

I know, if I hear that song one more time ...

And something else ... FUCK Rick Barry too.

[POJO_Risin]

Man...great shot by the human bitching machine...

[POJO_Risin]

I miss the old NBA Fan-tastic commercials...

lmfao...that were always done IN LA...because of all the stars that were there...

I'll tell you this...as strong as the middle is for Detroit...

it's like a fucking colinder in the 4th quarter...

[Warham]

I think I've just seen the next coming of Michael Jordan. ;)

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Ben Wallace is a man...did they get him from...

WHAT? Did they just show Rick Barry and say he was Tim Duncan's dad?

Awesome...

We got Ben Wallace and Chucky Atkins from Orlando in a sign and trade for Grant Hill.

Dude wasn't drafted.

[POJO_Risin]

Mount Olive...

how about this...

"The condiment to a good NBA Team..."

Mount Olive!

[POJO_Risin]

I coulda sworn Wallace was in Washington at some point...or I read it...or I'm full of shit...lmfao...which is distinctly possible...

[POJO_Risin]

Al...who do you want to be your coach next year...Brown...or someone else?

[POJO_Risin]

Horry...jesus christ...HOW DO YOU LEAVE THAT GUY OPEN!!!!!!

[Warham]

Rasheed the Savior!

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
I coulda sworn Wallace was in Washington at some point...or I read it...or I'm full of shit...lmfao...which is distinctly possible...

He was. Three seasons there, 1 in Orlando, rest with Detroit.

[POJO_Risin]

and Wallace...christ...talk about a clutch player right there...I'd be getting him the ball every time...

[Warham]

AL, are you biting your fingernails? :D

[POJO_Risin]

Give "MT. OLIVE" a lot of credit...

c'mon damn it...

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
Al...who do you want to be your coach next year...Brown...or someone else?

Actually, getting a little tired of the Brown rumors for every job that comes open.

Other than that, I wouldn't mind him back. Just don't think he handles the shit right.

[POJO_Risin]

Jesus Christ...the 3's are gonna fucking kill them...

[ALinChainz]

Originally posted by Warham
AL, are you biting your fingernails? :D

I'm starting to hate it ... 6 is a big lead for them ... I still say they are getting away with more hands on the Spurs end.

Lots and lots of reaching that we're getting called for IMO.

[POJO_Risin]

What should he have done?

I don't think HE'S the one that let the rumor get out...

what was he supposed to do?

Gilbert called Dumars right?...I don't think Brown was involved...

help me out here...I'm making it up as I go...

If he goes to another team to coach...he should be burned...

[POJO_Risin]

4 points...need some stops...there's one...

[ALinChainz]

He says that Detroit is the only team he will coach.

He gets his health checked out at the end of the playoffs and then will make the decision.

He sucks as a personel man, but is a good coach.

[Warham]

And somebody other than Rasheed needs to score.

[POJO_Risin]

Did Duncan just hit a 3?

Holy fuck...Mount Olive with a 3...

[Warham]

Arrrgggghhhh!

[ALinChainz]

I hate fucking basketball.

That was probably the nail right there.

Fuck the NBA, and every offcial and Spur in it.

[POJO_Risin]

The game's not over yet...

[POJO_Risin]

Man...that wasa shit shot...and a shit call with fucking 2:19 left...

[ALinChainz]

They just threw Ben to the floor, and then call them for the reach.

7 points, 2 left ... we only have 8 in the period.

[Warham]

Bowen...I don't like him either...

For being a defensive master, he sure was never able to keep Bryant from scoring 35+ a game.

[POJO_Risin]

Bowen with five fouls...

hmm....maybe to late for it to be a factor...but if he could get out of the game...there could be some open 3's...

[ALinChainz]

Billups ... 90% at the line ... misses.

Mother fucker.

[POJO_Risin]

Okay...

they need a big fucking shot right now...

ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME...

well...that was a good call...

[Warham]

Offensive foul!!!

[Warham]

Robert Horry would have to be the first guy to win a ring with three different teams..

[ALinChainz]

Robert Horry sucks donkey balls too.

Good night everybody ...

[POJO_Risin]

There was a poll the other night...

should Horry be in the hall of fame?

and it was like 55% yes...which surprised me...I know he's won a lot of titles...

and I know he's hit a lot of big shots...

but Hall of Fame?

No way...

[Warham]

He's not HOF calibre.

[POJO_Risin]

Detroit can still win this game...

big fucking steal...

[POJO_Risin]

John Salley has won with 3 different teams...the only guy I think...

[Warham]

This minute will go on for another half-hour.

[POJO_Risin]

5 point game...they need a big 3...now...

[Warham]

You are correct, methinks...Pistons, Bulls and Lakers?

[POJO_Risin]

Well...considering Reggie Miller retired in the playoffs...and it was 6 months ago...

lmfao...30 minutes isn't a big deal...

[Warham]

Reggie Miller retired this season?

Seems so long ago...

[POJO_Risin]

Yep War...

HUGE shot by Rasheed...

Mount Olive on the line...

makes the first...

[Warham]

Final timeout? Ouch!

[POJO_Risin]

I would love to see them bury a 3...steal and bury another one...

and go into OT...

christ...77-71 in the NBA finals...

fucking ridiculous...

[Warham]

That might be the dagger..

[POJO_Risin]

Well...that's the fucking game...

that would have been a great 3...

off Wallace no doubt about it...

[POJO_Risin]

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?

[Warham]

This isn't hockey!

[POJO_Risin]

Damn it...was hoping it would stay a 2 possession game...

[Warham]

It will be...dumb foul.

[POJO_Risin]

Okay..here we go...put them down 5...didn't Mount Olive double dribble?

[Warham]

The Olive Man plays chicken.

[POJO_Risin]

fuck

[POJO_Risin]

Sorry Al...

[Warham]

Now the question is...does anybody besides San Antonio fans remember this past season? LOL

[POJO_Risin]

Larry Brown's last game?

no way...he'll be back...next year...on the Piston's bench...

and probably win the title...

(or lose to the Cavs in the semi's...;) )

[Brett]

*Yawn*

Ok when does next season start?

[POJO_Risin]

The answer War...no fucking way...I barely remember this last season...

[Warham]

Yeah, I'm ready for next season. This season was thoroughly boring.

Robert Horry's won as many as Jordan. Maybe he IS HOF calibre.

;)

[POJO_Risin]

lmfao Brett...who gives a shit about next season...other than regional...or LaLa fans...does ANYONE care about the NBA?

[Brett]

Or he just keeps coattailing great players. Thing with Rob is, he actually makes big plays.

Yes a forgettable season, that I will surely like to forget.

[POJO_Risin]

WAR...over his career...he averages less than 9 a game...no fucking way...

[Warham]

I'm ready to see LeBron in LA next year.

[Brett]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
lmfao Brett...who gives a shit about next season...other than regional...or LaLa fans...does ANYONE care about the NBA?

Nope! But that's cool, I still love my Lakers.

[Warham]

That's the cool thing about being an LA fan, right Brett? Long after Tim Duncan retires and San Antonio fades back into obscurity like the Bulls, the Lakers will be working on #20.

[POJO_Risin]

That's what I'm saying here...

LA fans are always HUGE...but really...outside of regional action...

the NBA is more of a wordly thing than a US thing anymore...

[POJO_Risin]

Fucking Tony Parker is a bitch...

[Brett]

Amen War!

That's the thing, the Lakers had a miserable season the fans are still excited about being Laker fans.

What did that cunt Parker do, I turned the shit off it was nauesating.

[Warham]

I'm more excited about next season that I was about this past one.

[POJO_Risin]

lmfao...

nothing...Duncan was holding up the NBA trophy...and the MVP trophy...

and that smarmy bastard weasled right up in front of him to get some face time...

How that bitch is dating Eva Longoria I'll never know...

[POJO_Risin]

lmfao...how could you not be...christ...

just for the entertainment value...this year will be interesting...

[Brett]

Originally posted by Warham
I'm more excited about next season that I was about this past one.

Oh of course, because the whole Shaq thing is over, we have a coach again, and there is a little direction now. I'm very excited to see what the Lakers can do this off season.

[Brett]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
lmfao...

nothing...Duncan was holding up the NBA trophy...and the MVP trophy...

and that smarmy bastard weasled right up in front of him to get some face time...

How that bitch is dating Eva Longoria I'll never know...

Considering the way Parker played, he should consider returning his impending ring. He is a smarmy little fuck stain. Loser.

[Warham]

Kobe should have an even more stellar season next year, even though he already had career bests in several stats last year.

[POJO_Risin]

The off season is key...no doubt about it...

[Brett]

Did you guys see this thing on ESPN web site that had the Lakers at 5 and Charlotte at 10 in the draft, saying they had traded picks. Nobody seems to know anything about it.

Kobe will have a much better season shooting-wise I think, because they won't shoot so many fucking 3's. That needs to stop immediately.

[POJO_Risin]

Originally posted by Warham
Kobe should have an even more stellar season next year, even though he already had career bests in several stats last year.

Will better stats mean a better season?

[Warham]

Kobe could have had 30 ppg if he would have shot anywhere nears 50%.

I think better stats for Kobe won't hurt.

[Brett]

I don't think Kobe averaging 30 would be a detriment, depends on how he's getting those points and if other guys are contributing enough.

[POJO_Risin]

Originally posted by Brett
Did you guys see this thing on ESPN web site that had the Lakers at 5 and Charlotte at 10 in the draft, saying they had traded picks. Nobody seems to know anything about it.

I didn't see it on ESPN...but I did hear about a rumored deal with Charlotte...

[Warham]

You'd think Charlotte would have learned their lesson after trading Kobe Bryant to LA for Vlade Divac in '97.

[POJO_Risin]

That was the hornets War...you bastard...

and the rumor I heard...was Caron Butler and #10...

for Charlotte's number 5 and 13...

[Warham]

Yeah, but the karma might be left on the city... :D

[POJO_Risin]

but that was a bit of time ago...

and I just couldn't fathom that deal...Caron sure as fuck isn't worth a #5 pick...it just depends what they are looking for...

[Warham]

I'd let Caron go for that deal.

[POJO_Risin]

Lakers maybe go after Chris Paul at #5...or Felton...or maybe Channing Frye?

[POJO_Risin]

I'd think they'd look at a power forward or a point guard here...and try and address both...

Frye could play PF or C...then maybe you get Bynum at 14...not sure thought...

[POJO_Risin]

I know that they are high on Gerald Green...and that's who Charlotte was looking at to pick...

[Brett]

On their draft board this afternoon, it had Lakers at 5, Charlotte at 10. Changed back now.

I would do that trade if I was sure the Lakers could get Chris Paul, he's gonna be a fucking stud. I don't think he'll be there at 5.

[POJO_Risin]

I think he'll be there at 5...I think...hmmm....you've got Bogut...and Williams...1 and 2...in whichever way...

Charlotte and New Orleans really wants Deron Williams...who they see as a true point...where as Paul is probably going be more of an Iverson type hybrid...the other will take Paul...my guess...New Orleans takes Williams at 4...and Charlotte...if they don't trade up to get Williams...will take Paul...and in-state guy at 5...

Portland's looking for a shooter...and my guess is they'll take Martell Webster...who's supposedly deadly from the outside...because Telfair is their guy at the point...

I think Paul will go 5...unless NO goes after Paul...who I think they'll see as another Baron Davis...complete with baggage...

[POJO_Risin]

The wildcard here is Felton from UNC...who's moving up on draft boards...he's the fastest guy in the draft...and can distribute as well as anyone...

and he's got some long range prowess...he's about 20 pounds heavier than Paul as well...at the same height...

Charlotte may go after Felton at 5 because again...he's a better true point...and...more recognition in the state from winning the title...positive recognition than Paul...to help fill the seats...

I'll be honest...I wouldn't be surprised to see Charlotte take both Felton at 5...and Sean May at 13...a couple of gambles...but I think they'll be serviceable players for a long time...and certainly put people in the seats...

[Brett]

Paul is a better penetrator than Felton IMO. The Lakers just need a very quick guard for defensive purposes as well. It would be nice to have another guard who can slash to the basket besides Kobe.

[POJO_Risin]

you could make a case that Paul is a better finisher in after penetrating...

Felton penetrates to open things up...I think Paul penetrates to score first...

Felton is certainly the quicker of the two...probably slightly better as a strict point...and probably a better deep scorer...

but...Paul is overall a better player...I'd take Paul long before Felton...but it's possible Felton goes before...slight...but possible...it just depends on how the cards fall...

[ALinChainz]

Andrew ``Don't Call Me Luc'' Bogut the likely No. 1 pick in NBA draft

By CHRIS SHERIDAN, AP Basketball Writer

June 27, 2005


NEW YORK (AP) -- Andrew Bogut, the Australian center by way of Croatia expected to be selected first in the NBA draft, has made two things crystal clear: He wouldn't mind playing for Milwaukee, and he doesn't want to be compared to Luc Longley.

The 7-foot center plopped himself down at an interview table Monday and kept some distance from the microphones placed in front of him, though he didn't shy away from displaying the one personality trait -- outspokenness -- that has helped make him such a unique commodity.

The Milwaukee Bucks have the first pick, and it would be a major surprise if they did not select the 7-footer with the chubby face, shaggy hair and blue eyes who played two seasons at Utah before opting to turn pro.

``I know there's a lot of beer and cheese there, and that suits me,'' Bogut said of the Wisconsin city where he'll likely be making his home for the next five seasons.

Bogut is better associated with beer and cheese than the average 20-year-old, but only because his customers used to order plenty of each when he worked as a waiter in a Salt Lake City sports-themed restaurant to help pay his rent in college. He said he chose that line of work so he could better relate to the average American.

Soon, it'll be Americans looking to get a better handle on him.

Bogut's unique blend of size, skills and smarts will likely put him atop the pecking order when commissioner David Stern steps to the podium at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night for the annual processions of prospects wearing flashy suits and million-dollar smiles.

Most American fans have been exposed to very few Australian players, with the best-known commodity from Down Under being Longley, the center who won three championships with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.

But Longley was often widely dismissed as a ``stiff'' whose success was owed to having the good fortune of playing alongside Michael Jordan during the peak of his career.

Other Australians who made it to the NBA, including big men Paul Rogers, Chris Anstey and Mark Bradtke and guards Shane Heal and Andrew Gaze, saw very little playing time before abandoning the notion of playing long-term in the United States.

Bogut, who described himself ``proud'' to be half-Croatian, half-Australian, said he wasn't even a fan of any Australian players when he was growing up playing basketball, rugby, soccer and tennis, preferring Croatian guard Drazen Petrovic as his athletic idol.

So when the inevitable Longley comparisons were thrown at him during an informal news conference at a hotel ballroom, Bogut was quickly dismissive.

``I've had a better collegiate career than anyone else from Australia that came over here,'' Bogut said. ``I'm not as slow as Luc Longley, I'm more athletic, I can shoot better, I'm more competitive. So I think it's not even fair to bring that name up.''

If Bogut is picked No. 1, he'll be the first center to go first overall since Yao Ming in 2002, and the first player from a U.S. college to be the No. 1 pick since Kenyon Martin in 2000.

Atlanta chooses second, with Portland, New Orleans and Charlotte rounding out the top five. Bobcats general manager Bernie Bickerstaff said Charlotte could move up to No. 3 if it agreed to package the fifth and 13th picks in a deal with the Trail Blazers.


``Portland has not made a move, and I don't think anything gets resolved until Portland makes a move,'' Bickerstaff said.

The Hawks are expected to select North Carolina freshman Marvin Williams, an athletic small forward who came off the bench for the Tar Heels.

``My vertical (leap) is only one inch less than Marvin Williams','' Bogut said. ``You guys call him the 'superfreak' athletic-wise, so I don't see why I'm unathletic.''

Bogut played for Australia in the 2004 Olympics, and his familiarity with the international style of play -- and its emphasis on ball movement over one-on-one moves -- is one of the skill sets that appeal most to NBA personnel directors.

Bogut also said that the choice between himself and Williams comes down to experience vs. potential, and his background of going up against the likes of Yao and Tim Duncan at last summer's Olympics has only added to his basketball IQ.

``It does seem like Milwaukee is heading toward Bogut, but I don't blame them,'' Williams said. ``He's a great player.''

Having already dismissed Kobe Bryant as the epitome of the selfish American superstar, and also laying bare his less-than-rosy relationship with former college coach Rick Majerus, Bogut has already developed a reputation as a youngster unafraid to flap his gums at the establishment.

Now that the Longley comparisons and the beer/cheese angle have been addressed, it'll soon be time to tell whether his basketball skills match his gift of gab.

Most eager of all is Bogut himself, who has grown tired of the two-month buildup to the draft. He said if the Bucks decide not to take him at No. 1, he has an assurance from the Hawks that he'll go No. 2.

``It's exciting to get it over with,'' he said. ``It's been a very long process.''

[guwapo_rocker]

Who will the Raptors draft tonight?

One of the cheerleaders from Colorado State perhaps?

[POJO_Risin]

It's funny this thread got no play today...and your fucking sig is hilarious guwapo...

[POJO_Risin]

Bogut goes #1...we'll see if this pays off...

I think Marvin Williams is going to be not only a better pro...but damn big time...

he goes two to the Hawks...

[POJO_Risin]

Deron Williams goes #1...which is funny...I know his stock is up right now...but I still think Paul and Felton have a better upside...

Paul should have gone first...

then way down the line...Felton...than Williams...

but they go 3, 4 and 5...surprising...

Portland dealt to Utah so they could get Williams...

Portland takes Martell Webster with the six pick they got from Utah...

[POJO_Risin]

The first surprise of the draft is Charlie Villanueva from Uconn...

I think the Lakers were figuring on this kid at 10...and Toronto stole their thunder...interesting pick here...since Channing Frye had moved up on many's draft boards...

Frye went to New York with the next pick...good pick for NY...I think this kid can play...and it's who the knicks wanted...

I think the Raptors were thrown by not being able to get one of those pg's...

[POJO_Risin]

in another surprise...Ike Diagu goes #9 to Golden State...he's an undersized PF...with a good wingspan...and many compared to Malik Rose...

great...but at #9????

no way is this kid a lottery pick...

[POJO_Risin]

The Lakers get Bynum...a long term project...that many compare to Jermaine O'Neal...should be rolling in three years...when the Lakers will be back to title contention...

gives them a YOUNG presence in the middle...but a presence...I'm sure the Lakers fans were happy with this pick...although I'm surprised they didn't go after Gerald Green...

[POJO_Risin]

Enough with the pick by picks...and I don't know dick about the foreigners anyways...

Charlotte did what I thought...and nabbed Sean May with #13...I think it's a smart move grabbing 2 guys off the National Title team...and May won't have to be an inside presence with Okefor...

having Felton there will only make May a better NBA player...the Bobcats are going to make some noise in a couple if they can hang onto their talent...

[POJO_Risin]

On the flip side of this...McCants goes next to Minnesota...

this guy will implode...or make his teammates want to kill themselves...

dumb fucking pick...

[POJO_Risin]

I think...the absolute steal of the draft was Gerald Green...#18...to Boston...many had this kid going top 5...

Many compare this kid to Tracy McGrady...I think he's the real deal...and am shocked he dropped this far...

fucking Green and Al Jefferson may make the Celtics a team to beat very...very soon...

[POJO_Risin]

And Danny Granger to Indiana is another great pick...this fucker can play defense...so they lose Miller...and gain Granger and fucking Artest for next year...Indy is going to be tough...and Larry Bird proves to be the man...

[Warham]

The Celtics will find some way to screw it up.

[Brett]

Originally posted by POJO_Risin
The Lakers get Bynum...a long term project...that many compare to Jermaine O'Neal...should be rolling in three years...when the Lakers will be back to title contention...

gives them a YOUNG presence in the middle...but a presence...I'm sure the Lakers fans were happy with this pick...although I'm surprised they didn't go after Gerald Green...

They needed size and his size is reminscent of Shaq, obviously without the quickness. But he is a supposedly a decent shooter. You can't teach size, and they desperately needed a stopper in the middle.

Green is a 2/3 isn't he? If that's one thing the Lakers don't need, it's more freaking 3's. I guess he could have played the 2 if Kobe was moved to the 1.

[Bret]

Originally posted by Brett
Kobe will have a much better season shooting-wise I think, because they won't shoot so many fucking 3's. That needs to stop immediately.

Kobe started playing much better once he got away with that rape charge. I hope he doesn't try to rape another woman that would be setting a bad example for inner city kids.