Second Round Theft. Celtics & Raptors Guilty

With so much hype around Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley many of us forget who was chosen past the top 3. Those of us hardcore enough have memorised the entire lottery and can produce stats on cue at boring dinner parties (we know who we are). But for the most part the second round is a total after thought.

Cue two picks from this years draft who barring injuries for one and a total lack of exposure for the other would have been locks for the top 15.

With 41st pick the Indiana Pacer select........Nathan Jawai from Australia. Jawai is one of those out of nowhere picks. He has only been playing for 4 years and grew up in the remote North Queensland outback. Better known for it snake that it's power forwards. But this guy is a gem. A 7-5 wingspan, incredible nimble feet under a 6-11 285 pound frame built to hurt people. Packaged of to the Raptors in the O'Neal trade Toronto have quickly signed him to a 2 year deal.

With 47Th pick the Washington Wizards select......Bill Walker from Kansas State. Coming out of high school Walker was being compared to Vince Carter. The comparisons where not an understatement. He was an amazing athlete, world class and similar to Carter has been cut down by injuries. I remember watching the draft thinking how crazy team late in the first round where passing up on this guy. If the body recovers this guy could be anything. The Wiz traded Walker to the Celtics in exchange for Cash considerations. To put it all in perspective Walker was more highly regarded than Michael Beasley when recruited to Kansas State.

Miles away from a Celtic

We have all read the stories. The knee is better...’I’m moving like I did in high school’. The real question is. Can Celtics fans really believe this guy? Danny Ainge no doubt has done his due diligence on this guy. Former number 3 pick. Used to bang his head a lot...was ran out of Lebron Town...Jail Blazer extraordinaire... The talent is unquestioned. The attitude is unknown.

At a glance this looks like a good signing by Boston, Posey has left town for a little extra security and Mr Ainge wasn’t willing to bet the farm on him being the key some people believe he was. I agreed with Ainge. Of course after a championship not many will disagree.

But Darius Miles doesn’t fit the Celtic mould all too well. The plan is to put him under the player he was compared to coming out of high school Mr Kevin Garnett. Garnett demands 110% from his teammates and he himself is well known for leaving it all out on the floor. What if Darius doesn’t play by KG’s rules? What if this upsets what currently is impeccable team chemistry? Boston fans will only forgive Ainge because has already delivered.

The knee seems to be the main talking point by most. Surely Darius Miles character should come to question just as much. Hopefully they had both have been fully rehabilitated.

NBA Season Preview: LA Lakers

The Lakers failed at the final hurdle after being heavily favoured against the Celtics. Have kept the core group together and with the addition of a healthy Bynum the Lakers will make a lot of noise.

Last Season 57-25

Ins:

Sun Yue (Draft)

Joe Crawford (Draft)

Josh Powell (Free Agent)

Outs:

Ronny Turiaf (Free Agent Signed with Warriors)

Best Player: This is a no brainer, Kobe had an outstanding regular season. He was roundly acclaimed for his effectiveness in the triangle offence. This past season combined with his teammates like never before. Is currently the best player in basketball and helped lead the US to Olympic gold in the summer. Once again will be a hot favourite to take home another MVP award.

Offence: Could this be the most exciting offensive unit we have seen? Their front line reads 7-1, 7-0 and 6-10, are all multi-talented and skilled. This team will easily average over 100 ppg. Gasol has found his niche as Robin to Kobe's Batman.

Defence: Perimeter defence is always going to be a problem for the Lakers when they play that big line-up. Kobe is a A-grade defender but outside of him they have no stoppers. Trevor Ariza is a talent but has been inconsistent. If Ariza steps up he could be the answer to the Lakers prayers.

Play Maker: The traditional point guard position is redundant in the triangle, so this team will again rely solely on each player knowing their role in the system. The high post player is crucial in getting the Lakers into their offence. You would have to say Gasol is the ideal big man to play in this system.What’s Missing: Toughness. This team go out hustled and pushed around by the Celtics in the finals. There are question marks over Gasol's physical game. Bynum will definitely help in this department but at 21 years old he may require more play-off hardening.

Who's Underrated?: Nobody. The Lakers get so much publicity their players are far to well advertised and sometimes overrated. Sasha Vujacic got a big contract this summer. For a spot up shooter he is solid, but his defence is’nt always committed, Think back to a 33 year old Ray Allen driving past him like he was nailed to the floor in the finals.

Prognosis: 82 games from Bynum and this team will win 60+. They have all the ingredients to be great and only failed at the last hurdle. Although the west is going to be even tougher this year and Houston have improved significantly. My other concern is once again this team really lacks blue collar toughness. An Odom for Artest trade would have put them over the top in my opinion.

Predication: Loose in Western Conference Finals.

NBA Season Preview: Boston Celtics

After going all the way last season the Celtics biggest hurdle this coming campaign appears to be age. With their 3 superstars all into their 30’s, the big question is can they battle through the rigours of another 82 games season? Not to mention another deep playoff campaign.

Last Season: 66-16 NBA Champions
Ins:
Darius Miles (Ex Blazer Free Agent)
Patrick O’Bryant (Ex Warrior Free Agent)
J.R Giddens (Draft)
Bill Walker (Draft)
Outs:
P.J Brown (Retirement)
James Posey (Signed with Hornets)

Best Player- Kevin Garnett. Expect Garnett to have another all round marvellous season. One of the most durable players in the game he is the glue to everything that Boston achieves offensively and defensively. Expect his numbers to be around the 20-10 with stellar defence and all-round intensity fueling the Celtics fire. Special mention to Paul Peirce who carried the Celtics so many times in the playoffs last season when Garnett and Allen where cold.

Offence: No problems here the Celtics can get 30+ from any of Garnett, Peirce or Allen. Peirce is one of the finest all round offensive players in the game and will once again be relied upon as the go to guy late in the game. Allen is one of the best 3 Point shooters in NBA history and after struggling in the playoffs early, came to life in the finals and was a crucial piece.

Defence: Amazing team defence is really the key to the Celtic success. Much credit needs to be given to assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau for transforming this team into a defensive beast.

Play making: Rajon Rondo surprised everyone except his team mates last season. He is a stellar defender and underrated passer. His jumper can be scratchy but he seemed to make all the important ones. Returning for another year is Sam Cassell. Will turn 39 during the season, but ad's instant offence and steady ball handling of the bench. Expect him to play limited minutes during the regular season then stepping up in the post season. Eddie house will also spend some time at the point and his dead eye outside shot will be handy.

What's Missing: James Posey's clutch shooting and great defence. He was a key for the Celtics and will be sorely missed. Darius Miles has been signed to help relieve his loss. The drafting of Gidden's should also help, he is an extremely athletic wing that should develop quickly. Bill Walker is a world class athlete but injuries cut him down at Kansas State, if the body comes good will be a second round steal.

Who's underrated: Kendrick Perkin's has improved every year in the league. His lane clogging will be relied upon heavily this season will no clear backup centre on the roster as yet, he is statistically quiet but wil be a key to the Celtics season.

Prognosis: Baring luck with injury this team is going to go very deep into the playoffs. A high 50 win season is most probable although I do expect them to have some injury problems with their aging line-up. They will battle Lebron in the East finals and depending on James’s supporting should get out of the east again.

Prediction: NBA Champions

Great Britain qualify for EuroBasket 2009

Thanks to the superb play of Loul Deng and Pops Bensah Monsu, Team GB has qualified for the European Championships to be held in Poland 2009. After picking up a hefty insurance bill (£250K) to enable Deng to play he was well worth the price tag averaging just a tick over 24 points per game.

After a tight first game loss to Israel, Team GB went undefeated until their final game loss to Bosnia. They finished top of their pool with a 4-2 record.

The only question remaining for 2009 is will Ben Gordon make himself available? If he does GB will be a huge chance for a medal.

Gordon's game is built for international basketball with his deadly outside shot.




For higlights of the games go to: www.basketball247.co.uk