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NBA Draft tidbits
Posted
at
4:42 pm
by John Sleeper
So I'm here at Furtado Center for the Sonic draft and I'll keep a running update. The Heat, after tossing out several different scenarios, picked Michael Beasley of Kansas State with the No. 2 pick. The Bulls, to no one's surprise, went after Derrick Rose of Memphis.
So where does that leave the Sonics at No. 4? Depends. My bet is that Minnesota will pick O.J. Mayo from USC, leaving the Sonics with Lopez, Love, Bayless or Westbrook.
Stay tuned.
4:47 p.m.: The Timberwolves got Mayo. Great pick. Man, he can do everything. Love his athleticism. Love his quickness. Big, strong, good defender. The Wolves struck gold here.
Sonics next.
4:54 p.m.: Seattle picked UCLA guard Russell Westbrook, who was a chic selection in the last few days. The Pac-10 Defensive POY, Westbrook is an athletic, strong guy who can finish on the break as few can. Observers love his upside. He calls himself a point guard, but can also defensively match up the opposition's shooting guard. His only weakness is a mediocre jump shot, but remember that he's won't turn 20 years old until Nov. 20 Considering who else was available, Westbrook is a reach as the draft's No. 4 selection. Still, I like this pick. Westbrook reminds me a little of Dennis Johnson. Great defender. Great athlete. Great work ethic. A team guy. Like DJ, Westbrook has been criticized for an undeveloped offensive game. But he's already improved in every facet. I look for him to develop into a terrific player.
Memphis has got to be delighted with Kevin Love at No. 5. They probably can thank the Sonics for him.
I'm going to write for Friday's paper for a while. I'll update when the Sonics get closer to their next No. 1 pick.
7:10 p.m.: The Sonics picked Serge Ibaka with the 24th selection of the first round. Ibaka is 6-10, 220 pounds and from the Congo. He played in Spain this past season. I'm not going to pretend I know anything about him, but there were some who thought he might go in the first round.
We're scheduled to meet with Sonics GM Sam Presti soon. Afterward, I'll put the finishing touches on my Friday column.
Later, gators.
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