Well, no longer, as the Count counts down an epic mock draft, with a round a day for the next twelve days. Today? Adhering to logic, it’s round one!

The Sport Count offices hard at work. We fired the idiots who turned up in baseball jerseys.

First, let’s introduce the teams: Kahn’t Buyout Love, Danny Aingent 007, Drinking Derrick Rosé, The Memphis SATs, That’s My Power Forward! That’s My Teammate!, Facilitatin’ With Mr. Wallace, Mark Cuban Missile Crisis, On Grounds Of Vinsanity, Andrew Bynom Nom Noms, The Buss Family All-Star Band, John Hollinger’s W.A.S.S.U.P System, and The Funston Freaks.

Fantasy notes: we’re working with a 12-team, head-to-head league, playing with standard categories.

1. Kahn’t Buyout Love: Chris Paul | New Orleans Hornets

Try as I might, I can’t go past Paul at the first overall; his ability to lock down two cats — and hard to get ones at that — is just too tantalising to pass on.

2008-09: 78 games played | 22.8 points | 5.5 rebounds | 11.0 assists | 50.3% field | 86.8% free-throw | 0.8 threes | 2.8 steals | 0.1 blocks | 3.0 turnovers

2. Danny Aingent 007:  LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers

While there is a legitimate concern that the depth and quality of Cleveland’s squad might see LBJ benched in blow-outs, effecting his overall minutes, his across-the-board stud numbers can form the basis of any type of team.

2008-09: 81 games played | 28.4 points | 7.6 rebounds | 7.2 assists | 48.9% field-goal | 78.0% free-throw | 1.6 threes | 1.7 steals | 1.2 blocks | 3.0 turnovers

3. Drinking Derrick Rosé: Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder

It’s between Durantula and Wade here, and I’m going with upside. Dwyane is a proven performer across multiple categories (the addition of the three-ball to his arsenal really boosted his already top-notch value last year), but he’s also a proven injury risk.

Durant boasts beautiful percentages and versatile defensive numbers. Significantly, I can only see his rebounding and assists increasing as he’s surrounded by improved players this season.

2008-09: 74 games played | 25.3 points | 6.5 rebounds | 3.0 assists | 47.6% field-goal | 86.3% free-throw | 1.3 threes | 1.3 steals | 0.7 blocks | 3.0 turnovers

4. The Memphis SATs: Dwayne Wade | Miami Heat

Wade at the 4 is almost a no-brainer based on last year’s numbers, and you’ll be lucky to see him go this low.

Whilst I don’t like his propensity towards injury, you’re potentially getting first overall numbers.

2008-09: 81 games played | 30.2 points | 5.0 rebounds | 7.5 assists | 49.1% field-goal | 76.5% free-throw | 1.1 threes | 2.2 steals | 1.3 blocks | 3.4 turnovers

5. That’s My Power Forward! That’s My Teammate!: Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers

There’s an argument for taking other players at this pick, but with the addition of Artest to spread the floor in LA, Kobe should have an even better shot selection, and will be able to conserve energy for his offensive game with Ron Ron presumably taking the opposition’s best 2- and 3-men on the defensive end. Also, it’s Kobe — he doesn’t take a day off.

2008-09: 82 games played | 26.8 points | 5.2 rebounds | 4.9 assists | 46.7% field-goal | 85.6% free-throw | 1.4 threes | 1.5 steals | 0.5 blocks | 2.6 turnovers

6. Facilitatin’ With Mr. Wallace: Danny Granger | Indiana Pacers

A tough call, as fantasy geeks will demand you take the rock solid Nowitzki, despite the fact he’s aging, and likely to deliver less than last year now he’s on a team with serious scoring depth.

So, the pick is young Danny, a lock to continue scoring 25+ on a weak team missing Mike Dunleavy. The fact Keys To The Grange showed brief flashes of an assist ability last year — alongside his usual defensive stats and long range bombing abilities — makes this pick feel good, despite his potentially worrisome knee injury.

2008-09: 67 games played | 25.8 points | 5.1 rebounds | 2.7 assists | 44.7% field-goal | 87.8% free-throw | 2.7 threes | 1.0 steals | 1.5 bocks | 2.5 turnovers

7. The Mark Cuban Missile Crisis: Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks

Dirk is the safe pick here. They guy has never played fewer than 76 regular season games, which is the stability you want with a first rounder. You have to be happy with him at #7, although the possibility of his off-court issues effecting his output is a vague concern.

2008-09: 81 games played | 25.9 points | 8.4 rebounds | 2.4 assists | 47.9% field-goal | 89% free-throw | 0.8 threes | 0.8 steals | 0.8 blocks | 1.9 turnovers

8. On Grounds Of Vinsanity: Pau Gasol | Los Angeles Lakers

I considered Al-Jeff or STAT here, but I’m wary of the injuries, and Bosh’s softness means limited D stats. Pau is a 19/9 guy, who shoots at 56% and averages 3.5 dimes — incredible from a C-eligible player. If he can get his blocks back up around 2, he’s looking at Best Big numbers. Unless Bynum is healthy — and has seriously addressed his foul troubles — Pau’s minutes are a lock.

2008-09: 81 games played | 18.9 points | 9.6 rebounds | 3.5 assists | 56.7% field-goal | 78.1% free-throw | 0.0 threes | 0.6 steals | 1.0 blocks | 1.9 turnovers

9. Andrew Bynom Nom Noms: Al Jefferson | Minnesota Timberwolves

It’s always risky taking a big man coming off a season-ending injury. Just ask anyone who drafted Elton Brand in the first round last year. They’ll be the ones crying in a corner, bunched up in the foetal position.

But in the case of Jefferson, the risk is worth it. Assuming he’s healthy, you’re locking in a double-double monster on a weak team. All offensive roads run through Al in the twin cities. He gives you near-Dwight numbers without the wrecking ball effect Howard has on your charity stripe percentage.

2008-09: 50 games played | 23.1 points | 11.0 rebounds | 1.6 assists | 49.7% field-goal | 73.8% free-throw |  0.0 threes | 0.8 steals | 1.7 blocks | 1.8 turnovers

10. The Buss Family All-Star Band: Deron Williams | Utah Jazz

Owners might be soured on Williams’ injury plagued beginning of the season last year, but his end of season numbers were nothing short of top ten value.

I see Williams as the 2nd best PG in the league (not including Wade’s eligibility in some leagues) and I have no reservations about taking him here. He has the keys to the franchise, and with Boozer almost certainly on the way out, don’t expect Williams to defer too much to his partner in the paint.

2008-09: 68 games played | 19.4 points | 2.9 rebounds | 10.7 assists | 47.1% field-goal | 84.9% free-throw | 1.0 threes | 1.1 steals | 0.3 blocks | 3.4 turnovers

11. John Hollinger’s W.A.S.S.U.P System: Brandon Roy | Portland Trail Blazers

Roy has improved every season and contributes across the board. He wears himself out and can miss games in the back-end of a season, but he should be a lock for 25-5-5 with at least a triple and a steal, on very solid percentages (48%FG, 5/6FTA). As the backbone of this young Portland squad, his minutes shouldn’t dip below the 37mpg he averaged last season.

2008-09: 78 games played | 22.6 points | 4.7 rebounds | 5.1 assists | 48.0% field-goal | 82.4% free-throw | 1.1 threes | 1.1 steals | 0.3 blocks | 2.0 turnovers

12. The Funston Freaks: Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic

Here it is. The choice that decides the entire draft strategy from here on. Yes, fantasy geeks will claim this is a reach — who knows when the other managers would pull the trigger on Howard? — but the man is a genuine statistical monster. In roto, Howard’s charity shooting will kill you, and his turnovers will kick the corpse. But in H2H, picking up top-5 fantasy value with the last pick of the 1st round is a huge steal.

20 blocks, 14 boards, 3 blocks, and a stupendous FG% (57.2% on 12.4 shots last season)? Yep, I’ll live with the bad free-throw shooting. And I’ll relish the chance to punt the category, freeing me up to draft high on other free-throw liabilities, like Rajon Rondo.

2008-09: 79 games played | 20.6 points | 13.8 rebounds | 1.4 assists | 57.2% field-goal | 59.4% free-throw | 0.0 threes | 1.0 steals | 2.9 blocks | 3.0 turnovers

Round 2 is up.

Posted By: Anton, James & Alex

Follow the Sport Count on Twitter.

Yes, we’re a website, not a professional basketball organisation. But we still feel it’s a perfect fit.

Quentin hangs out in the Count offices.

Throughout his career, Quentin has shown a prolific and no doubt well-meaning willingness to shoot. It doesn’t matter if he’s open, or guarded by two big men. He cares not whether the shot is appropriate, or indeed makeable. He just shoots. And we appreciate that single-mindedness. We’re impressed by his focus, and determination.

That’s why we’ve acquired him from the Miami Heat, who just today acquired him from the Minnesota Timberwolves, who acquired him from the L.A. Clippers, who acquired him from the Memphis Grizzlies, who acquired him from the New York Knicks.

We know he’ll be fine with the move. He’s become accustomed to renting, not buying. He’s learned to pack light, bringing only three pairs of boxer shorts and a couple of singlets with him whenever he flies into a new town.

We’re not sure what we’ll do with him yet. We just saw that he was available, and — modeling ourselves on some of the least successful general managers in the game — we pulled the trigger. We’re positive we’ll be able to offload him for salary relief, or to bring in a fading veteran. Having him around the Sport Count offices gives us options.

In the meantime, we’re not exactly sure what we’ll do with him. He doesn’t seem to be particularly internet-minded, using his Twitter account almost exclusively for posting horoscopes. Can he use a photocopier? Can he make coffee? We don’t know. But not knowing what you’ll actually do with Quentin is half the fun — just ask Pat Riley, David Kahn, Mike Dunleavy, Chris Wallace and Donnie Walsh.

For now, we’re just happy to have him on board.

Posted By: Anton

Miami's South Beach: citizens are currently considering a motion by Dwyane Wade to rename the beach 'Dwyane Wade.'

Miami Heat: With Shaq out of town, crime in Miami skyrockets, and the beleagured police force call on the heightened talents of their city’s basketball team to help out: Wade is able to run down and catch any thief on foot and most any thief in cars; Beasley talks such epic trash that even hardened criminals break down in tears; and Chris Quinn spends his off-court time mixing potions that either restore the flagging energy of Miami’s police force or add +1 to Marion’s mana.

Erik Spoelstra has marginal success in his first season as coach, taking Miami to 25 wins, largely due to the answers he gets to his coaching inquiries on Yahoo! fantasy forums. His off-court time is spent blazing up with Mario Chalmers and referring to Pat Riley as “Old Father Time.”

Charlotte Bobcats: What will Larry Brown bring to the franchise this year? It’s well known that Charlotte are probably one mid-level player away from genuine play-off contention, when things are going right. If J-Rich, Gerald Wallace, Okafor and Felton can contribute for a full season, Charlotte could pull off some surprising upsets and finish the regular season with a shot at the 8th spot.

This, however, ignores the very real possibility that Felton cracks it over the decision to draft yet another point guard who will challenge for his spot, and demands a trade, thus disrupting team chemistry — which will see Adam Morrison out for three weeks with an injured tear duct.

There are at least two further major concerns: is Gerald Wallace’s brain still functioning, and will another knock render him disabled; and what will be the atrocious decision Michael Jordan makes this year?

Atlanta Hawks: The big question on everyone’s mind will be the effect Josh Childress’ absence will have on Atlanta’s depth and presence off the bench. While this will be an unknown quantity until the season starts, The Sport Count has the answer to the second biggest question on everyone’s mind: yes, there is now a huge excess of weed in Atlanta as a result of Childress’ move.

J-Smoove’s off-season signing to $58M should placate him enough to continue being ridiculous on the defensive end, and Joe Johnson should return to his marksmanship ways. With Al Horford only getting better, look for this team to still be in contention in the second round of the playoffs. Don’t look for Mike Bibby though, who will by that time have sprained both wrists, broken his neck, accidentally gnawed one of his legs off, and covered his head in so many bad tattoos he is no longer recognisable.

Washington Wizards: This is just frustrating. If Washington had their All-Star trio of Arenas, Jamison and Butler all healthy, they’d probably one of the most exciting teams to watch in the East. As it is, Antawn hurt himself before the season, Gilbert is unsurprisingly out due to his terrible rehab routine, Caron is almost as fragile as T-Mac, and starting Center Brendan Haywood is potentially out for the season. Talk about starting on the back foot. If the Wiz can overcome these injury concerns and post a reasonable record, it will be one of the great achievements of the season.

The one horrible inevitability is that injuries will mean Nick Young gets more court-time, which will result in him jacking up so many ill-advised shots that it’ll make Larry Hughes look like Ray Allen.

Orlando Magic: Is there any chance they won’t top the division? Dwight is continuing to put up the kind of numbers that destroy small towns, Turkoglu is coming off a career season that all the pundits think will be repeated, Rashard Lewis is playing well enough that you forget he gets paid as much as Kobe and 50% more than LeBron, and Jeff Van Gundy has been signed to ESPN to now Stan can stop worrying what his lovable-but-mentally-deficient brother is doing and actually concentrate on the game. All signs point to the Magic being a dominant force in the Eastern Conference.

The highlight will be when Dwight offers to correct the geological problem Oden caused on the west coast by starting his run-up in Philly and dunking the Chrysler building.

Posted by: Alex

'Who? Danny Ferry? I'll call him back. I'm resting my feet.'

Just when you thought Danny Ferry–that shiny-headed testament to expensive mediocrity–had stepped his game up, he reminds you why he should be fired. From HoopsWorld.com:

A report from the Cleveland Plain Dealer has linked the Cleveland Cavaliers to free agent forward Juwan Howard. They cite his numbers from Houston two years ago – 9.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 27 minutes per game – and label him “productive.”

The last time Juwan Howard was a serious frontcourt force, Jay-Z was still retired, The Passion Of The Christ was getting panties in bunches, and Marilyn Manson was culturally relevant.

Similar story with Jamaal Magloire, who recently inked a minimum money deal with the Miami Heat — a team apparently basing its personnel decisions on the ‘hey, at least we’re not just calling up another D-Leaguer, right?’ principle. The most positive spin on Magloire we’ve seen? From Slam: ‘it can’t turn out worse than the Smush Parker signing last season.’ Unless Jamaal chokes two valets.

Sure, the veterans minimum won’t kill your cap space, and the temptation to chance a previously useful veteran is semi-understandable. But are you seriously telling me that a lumbering goon like Ol’ Man Magloire is going to help your team more than, say, Rod Benson? Does Danny Ferry really think Juwan Howard represents the frontcourt help LeBron needs?

Posted By: Anton

In breaking news: The Philadelphia Enquirer reports that the Sixers are set to sign Donyell Marshall.

More breaking news: The Sport Count reports Kevin McHale has been impressed with John Havlicek in workouts. ‘He’s still got it,’ McHale said, wearing a sweater. ‘He’s as old as time itself, but he’s still got great footwork, and he’ll be a great veteran influence on our young team.’

This man: a little iffy about the whole China thing.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m a real fan of the Sports Illustrated vault. In this feature from 2006, Jack McCallum follows David Stern around Europe. Early in the piece, the commissioner receives a Blackberry message telling him that Stephen Jackson, then a Pacer, has been arrested after firing a gun outside a strip club:

The commissioner shakes his head as he scrolls. “I wish we could legally ban players from carrying guns,” he says. “But we can’t.”

Then, on page three, things take a turn for the topical:

It troubles [Stern] that the league is increasingly doing business in countries with abhorrent or at least questionable government policies [...] China presents a great conflict for Stern because it has both colossal business potential and a terrible human rights record. The commissioner has traveled throughout the country, both for business and to satisfy his intellectual curiosity, and there is no doubt that China is critical to the global future of the NBA. Yet its repressive policies fly in the face of the league’s mission statement.

Miami is considering inking former All-Star Jamaal Magloire. (And yes, seriously, he was in the All-Star game. I swear). Kelly Dwyer at Ball Don’t Lie is justifiably baffled by that. You do wonder why NBA teams insist on re-signing old, busted veterans who offer nothing but a warm arse for your bench (speaking of which, Juwan Howard is a free agent, ladies and gentleman).

Now that Condoleezza Rice — a real Hornets fan, I assume — has personally approved NBA teams negotiating with Iran, Yahoo reports that the Grizzlies are seriously considering signing Hamed Ehadadi. Please let this happen. The Grizzlies are already set to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch in ‘08-’09, even if they won’t be particularly good. Throw a 7′2″ Iranian in there, run the ‘triangle offense of evil,’ and you can guarantee I’ll be torrenting Grizzlies games like a fratboy torrents Girls Gone Wild videos.

The Pacers are still looking to trade Jamaal Tinsley. Really? There aren’t takers? I’m shocked. The bad news is we’re getting closer and closer to Tinsley shooting TJ Ford. Having to replay and analyse the murderous footage five or six times will be the worst night of Stuart Scott’s life.

Posted By: Anton

That’s got to feel good, Heat fans. When your franchise guy — who has recently been plagued by substantial injuries — can successfully pull off a windmill alley-oop (seriously, a windmill alley-oop), that’s a good sign for the future. I think we can say Dwyane is healthy.

Indeed, that dunk alone has probably vaulted Dwyane straight back into the first round of your upcoming fantasy draft.

Posted By: Anton

We’re talking guys with mad handles, crowds being distracting, Globetrotter-esque passing, the works. But there’s one talent available to only a select few players, those naturally gifted in a certain way; the ability to trick people with your looks. Specifically, looking eons older or younger than you actually are. The Sport Count brings you, in no particular order, its top five Age Trickers.

1. LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers | The man is now, allegedly, not quite 24 years old. Arguably the best player in the NBA, LeBron also tricks you by looking like a wizened old sage and, while this confuses you, he throws down monster dunks all over the shop.

Actual Age: 23
Tricking Age: 42

2. Jason Maxiell | Detroit Pistons
Maxiell was drafted in 2005. His trickery is so good though, that he looks like your Dad’s best friend. While you’re thinking about all the fun times he and your Dad had after school, he’s displaying his not inconsiderable upside by hauling in caroms and stuffing it.
Actual Age: 25
Tricking Age: 55

3. Chris Quinn | Miami Heat
Chris Quinn fooled the system. Everyone thinks he’s a college-educated kid who can play competent point guard. He’s not. He’s actually an elf, and finds it uncomfortable to be holding a basketball and not a longbow. So really, he’s doing okay.
Actual Age: 24
Tricking Age: 11
Elf Age: 700

4. Greg Oden | Portland Trailblazers
I don’t even have to explain this. The only thing worth mentioning here is that he has an incredible vertical leap for a 68 year old man.
Actual Age: 20
Tricking Age: 68

5. OJ Mayo | Memphis Grizzlies
OJ is in fact not a child basketball prodigy. If you look at him, you can tell he’s actually a successful San Francisco lawyer. Or that’s what his tricking talent suggests, before he totally runs the floor and you’re left standing there going “Huh? Nailing a triple? I thought he was about to serve me with an affadevit.”
Actual Age: 21
Tricking Age: 32

Posted by: Alex

The Simmons Draft Diary: always a pleasure to read Simmons in his element.

Wendi Nix interviews new Knicks GM Donnie Walsh, one of those guys you find yourself staring at and trying to figure out how many cigarettes he has smoked over the past 40 years. (My guess: 85,450.) He’s like a cross between Johnny Sack and Joe Pesci.

David Thorpe gets dubious in his first Rookie Watch: Derrick Rose is apparently the fifth-best rookie, right after two untested Spaniards (Thorpe compares Rudy Fernandez to Juan Carlos Navarro: compliment or not?). An odd bout of Eurofetishism from ESPN.

If you’re going to read one ‘Grading The Draft’ feature — and I guarantee you will — it may as well be the one about to go up on the Count. But if you’re going to read two, the other should be Kelly Dwyer’s judgements over at Ball Don’t Lie.

Quick question about Dwyer: Is he Australian? Because you get a lot of ‘bloody’ in his work.

Rod Benson goes to the Miami mini-camp: If Benson doesn’t end up on an NBA roster this year, could there be any justification? Even if Benson spent his game time sitting on the end of the bench blogging on a MacBook, at least he’d generate some publicity. Can’t say that about Michael Doleac.

Why didn’t the Heat add Benson last year during their old, wrecked, busted and useless period (yes, that period lasted all season)? It would’ve been one of two positive moves made by the Heat last season (the other was giving DJ Quall’s 12-year old brother the starting point guard job). Rod isn’t all internet-based Boom Tho; he averaged 13 and 12 with the Dakota Wizards.

Basketbawful answers a nagging question: ‘Yes, the WNBA is the only sport you’ll spend more time reading more about in piss-taking blogs than actually watching on ESPN.’

Just quietly: I’d love to see Klosterman back at Page 2.

Posted By: Anton

The draft is exciting for three main reasons:

1. Ballheads of the world get to watch a new set of players trying to carve out a future in the league. You get the surprise guys who come from nowhere (Jamario Moon); the late-season bloomers who justify their draft position (Al Thornton); the high-scoring question mark (Kevin Durant).
2. Draft day sets the trade gears in motion. We’ve already seen the most injured trade ever!
3. New guys for fantasy draft day.

So with the first Sport Countdown, we’ve got the top five fantasy rookies, and some draft notes:

1. Derrick Rose | Chicago Bulls | #1 | You Should Pick Him: 3rd or 4th round, a round after Deron Williams.

In the space of a year, the Bulls went from conference contender to totally busted rebuilding project. It’s that fact that’ll guarantee Rose delivers his fantasy owners the most helpful rookie numbers this year.

Though not a foregone conclusion, a Kirk Hinrich swap isn’t unlikely; despite his abominable efforts last season, other teams still see a grind-it-out defender with an improveable jump shot. If Kirk goes, Rose’ll get close to full starter minutes at the point.

Odds are that if Hinrich stays, Gordon leaves. Either way, Rose’ll get assists; he’s a good passer, and the Bulls will be constantly shaping him as a playmaker. And, don’t forget, the Bulls actually have a lot of young scoring options for Rose to set up.

*What happens to Larry Hughes? Well, can he play some small forward in a Nellieball style offense? Or is Vinny Del Negro just the coach that finally stops giving Hughes minutes he doesn’t deserve? As for Chris Duhon? He’s getting out of Illinois.

Expect: 17 points, 8 assists, 1.5 steals, and a few too many turnovers or ugly lines in the opening months of the season while Rose and the Bulls adjust to each other.

Posted By: Anton

2. Greg Oden | Portland Trailblazers | #1 (2007) | You Should Pick Him: 4th round, right after Andrew Bynum.

The big man will be eased into his delayed rookie season, but if he’s healthy — and for the good of sport-loving alcoholics in Portland, he better be — Greg will start.

He’ll also get good, predictable, statistics with the occasional gem (a seven-block masterpiece, or a 23 rebound surprise) and the occasional Manchild-esque shockers (a 10-turnover disaster, or consecutive 0-point games).

Expect: 14 points, 11 boards, 2.5 blocks, and a beautiful field-goal percentage (with a predictably terrible free-throw rate).

Considering he’s just missed a year, owners might have some justified injury list concerns; they’ll be soothed by the 82 games Amaré Stoudemire played in his comeback from microfracture surgery.

3. Michael Beasley | Miami Heat | #2 | You Should Pick Him: 5th-6th round, two or three rounds after Carlos Boozer.

Potential Beasley owners will worry: a) will Beasley definitely start all season, forcing Udonis Haslem to the bench? b) should we care about those attitude questions*? c) will Marion be sent elsewhere, leaving Beasley to pick up the spare boards and points?

*The Sport Count tip? No. Until he shoots a dog or sets fire to a nightclub, give the benefit of the doubt.

We won’t have to worry about boards with Beasley; he’s a top-notch rebounder. His points will come too. And if Miami’s reluctant attitude keeps up? That might just fire him up.

But there are a lot of ifs, and that means you should wait Beasley out and try to get him late. If someone takes him in the second round, it’s their loss.

Expect: 19 points, 11 boards, 1.4 blocks (if Alonzo comes back in a Lindsey Hunter-ish player-assistant role, that number goes up), and lower than expected turnovers (because Wade gives the ball away enough for all of the Heat).

4. OJ Mayo | Memphis Grizzlies | #3 | You Should Pick Him: 6th round, right after Ben Gordon.

Is the fantasy draft order looking a little obvious? That’s because it is. OJ owners can expect a frustrating, sporadically rewarding season.

Mayo is desperate to prove his NBA worth, and he’s accustomed to scoring — he’ll be delighted to find his teammates, on the whole, aren’t very good at it, so he’ll get a lot of opportunity. They’re not a great group of players either, so there’ll be minutes to burn.

Most of the season will be spent at shooting guard, but Mayo will get more dimes than turnovers. His field-goal percentage won’t help, but if the Grizzlies go run-and-gun his 80%+ free-throw shooting might.

Expect: 19 points, 2.5 assists, a steal, and some worrying 2-from-17 games (afterwards you’ll read: ‘Mayo is a young player on a young team’).

5. Eric Gordon | Los Angeles Clippers | #7 | You Should Pick Him: up off the waivers, like Nate Robinson.

If you draft Eric Gordon, you’ll regret it. He’ll have some disgusting games (1-14 with four turnovers? He’ll do it), there’ll be a position battle at the Clippers with Quinton Ross, Cuttino Mobley, Smush Parker, and Brevin Knight all demanding backcourt time. And Gordon will find it tough to adjust to the NBA.

So Gordon will hit the waivers, and a month or two later he’ll score 35 off the bench, leading to a rush of adds. Then, when the Clippers predictably descend into lottery territory, the backcourt opens up (Brevin Knight will get bought out, and the Spurs will make an offer on Q-Ross), and Gordon rewards his new managers.

Those who drafted him will be angry about all of this.

Expect: A first-half-of-the-season split of seven points per game on 32% shooting, with 2.5 giveaways and absolutely nothing else that helps. Followed by a second-half split of: 18 points, four boards, a steal, two threes and a 35-point thriller every month.

Like Al Thornton basically, with even less rebounding. Or a less consistent Ben Gordon (Gordon owners: ‘less consistent than Ben Gordon? Really? Wow.’)

Some Fantasy Rookie Notes: Westbrook will perform someday, but a first-year point guard on a ridiculously young team in turmoil is going to find things tough, so steer clear on draft day… Gallinari is bound to get shot opportunities in D’Antoni’s Italy-friendly system, but the potential for Bargnani-like numbers is too great.

Nic Batum probably isn’t worth drafting, but he’s worth adding to a watch list — if someone goes down in the Portland frontcourt, Batum could start racking up hustle stats (if, that is, he opts to hussle)… ‘Development’ Joe Alexander isn’t worth considering this year, as the Bucks have Richard Jefferson and Desmond Mason at small forward.

JaVale McGee will end up on your roster for a week after the entire Washington frontcourt gets injured and Eddie Jordan chances the developing McGee. McGee will deliver 3 blocks in five games along with absolutely nothing else.

Posted By: Anton

From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (way to go on sounding like an Uncanny X-Men bad guy):

Heat President Pat Riley [is] apparently working on his team’s possibilities at No. 2. Having yet to publicly comment on his team’s draft outlook since the end of the late-May draft camp in Orlando, Riley instead has been assessing his alternatives, with ESPN reporting early today that the Heat spent Tuesday working out Southern Cal guard O.J. Mayo and Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless.

Want to know why the Heat worked out Mayo and Bayless? Due diligence. That’s it.

Pat Riley might be arrogant, but he’s not an dumb. There was, and is, a good chance the number two pick was getting sent out of Florida, and Riley realised that in return the Heat might get a lower pick. And that pick might be Mayo or Bayless. They wanted to see what Memphis’ 5th round pick was really worth.

If the Heat keep the second pick (and would it be that crazy if they did?) they’re picking Michael Beasley. The South Florida conjecture — that Sportscenter joined all yesterday — is ridiculous. Marty Burns at Sports Illustrated got in on the action too:

[I]f Riley can’t swing a deal, it is possible he could shock the world and take Mayo at No. 2 anyway. Keep in mind, Riley is one of the few team presidents with the standing and authority to make such a bold decision.

The Beasley pick is a sure thing. It’s done. Unless Paxson blows minds by letting Rose go (but he’s from Chicago!), the Heat head home with the Kansas State kid.

More interesting than the draft talk in Miami is the Marion talk:

A source familiar with the situation said Wednesday night that the Heat already has received overtures from the Raptors, Pacers, Clippers and several other teams regarding Shawn Marion, who is seeking the type of lucrative extension Heat President Pat Riley appears reluctant to consider.

Whether Riley a) trades the 2nd pick b) Marion c) less likely: both of them or (d) lesser still: neither, will indicate exactly where the Heat plan to be in ‘08-’09.

If Marion heads North in return for a developing, young big fella (Josh Smith? He’s Matrix 2.0* anyway), the Heat will expect to at least make the conference semis.

But should that 2nd pick get sent elsewhere in exchange for a veteran star? Well, Miami will expect nothing less than another set of rings.

Posted By: Anton

*That nickname makes me feel like I’m posting from 1999.