2008 CelticsBlog draft board.

[Edgar]

So my team right now is

PG- Jarret Jack
SG- Josh Howard
SF- Tayshaun Prince
PF- Jason Maxiell
C- Nedad Kristic

Bench: Linas Kleiza

Due to the mismanagement of my team prior to when I took over I was left in a tough spot.  I realize my team isn't in position to contend for a title, but I do think (depending on the filling out of the bench) this team could compete for a playoff spot.  Scoring is the biggest issue I see right now.  A backup PG, and a shooter on off the bench are probably my biggest needs right now...any other thoughts/critiques.  I also think I overpaid for Kristic (2 6ths for a 5th and 9th)  I really thought he was the best option for a low post big man who can rebound a little and score on the block.  I think Howard has some potential, but is overrated more than anything else.  I like Jack as someone who can steady the ship, play physical D, and get the team into the offense.  The real potential in this team lies in Kleiza and Maxiell (IMO) If one of those guys can average 16-18 and the other can contribute 11-14.  I like the chances. 

Any thoughts?

Didn't Kristic just sign a deal over seas? Even if you could argue he will play, he's not close to 100% now, and no one knows if he ever will be again. If he could contribute anything this season, he'd be on a squad in the states.

mmm...no center....
eddie curry is available 

[wdleehi]

Who is up anyways? 

[bdm860]

The Nets select Ghostface Przybilla aka Joel Przybilla

There were several guys I liked here, but maybe Edgar made me nervous talking about the lack of quality C's so I had to go with a Center.  Przybilla averaged 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 58% from the field in only 23.6 minutes! I think this guy is going to fit in well as my backup C.

When I was doing my scouting I came across this link http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/5/4/472825/player-by-player-joel-przy and after reading some fan quotes was immediatley sold:

Like a beast...
That is how Joel played this season. Never backing down from players. Very physical play and managed to stay out of foul trouble the whole season. If he can still produce with a decrease in minutes next year, he will be the best back-up center in the NBA. Przybilla definitely proved himself this year and that’s to say the very least.

The turnaround began with Joel

Joel is a keeper
I agree with all Dave said, but I’d go further: he absolutely saved this past season. Without him, we’re talking about a fiasco. In those early games, he was like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike. Without Joel on defense, opposing teams would have washed the Blazers away into oblivion.

8.4 rebounds in 23.6 minutes?
Uhhh… that’s pretty good.

[Roy Hobbs]

Sorry to hold things up...  I actually *do* have a job, believe it or not.

I'm on a ten-minute break, so the Blazers select Brandan Wright.  He's one of the very, very few guys left with All-star potential, and frankly, at this point my team is deep enough to take one gamble.

You're killing me Roy, I bet if you didn't draft him now he would have slipped a lot lot further. Dwight Howard will enjoy dunking on all 175 pounds of Wright.

Wright was three-time Tennessee Basketball Player of the Year, A.C.C. Freshman of the Year, and put up very good numbers (PER of 17+, shot well over 50% from the field) last season.  This kid's *downside* is guys like Tony Battie and Stromile Swift, and his upside is Marcus Camby with a post game.  Frankly, if the other GMs in this draft would have let him slip "a lot lot further", then they don't know what they're doing.  However, I don't think that's the case, and I'm sure you would have seen Wright taken this round.  I like his upside a heck of a lot better than I do some of the other young guys drafted so far.

As I said, this pick is a pick for the future, but he's a guy who is going to help in terms of cleaning up around the basket *now*.  Since he's the equivalent of my 9th round pick, I think a gamble (but a relatively low risk one) is worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo5DUPKderw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EykyuxQnEms

(Lousy mix...  great highlights.  Show me another guy taken in the 7th round who can do the things in that video.)

[Roy Hobbs]

Przybilla is a great pick here, especially for your team.  He doesn't do much offensively, but he's a feisty player who can rebound and play some defense.  Plus, he'll enjoy getting under KG's skin in your division.

[zerophase]

wright was a good pickup. one of the few big men left.

[Celtic Fan Forever]

The Nets select Ghostface Przybilla aka Joel Przybilla

There were several guys I liked here, but maybe Edgar made me nervous talking about the lack of quality C's so I had to go with a Center.  Przybilla averaged 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 58% from the field in only 23.6 minutes! I think this guy is going to fit in well as my backup C.

When I was doing my scouting I came across this link http://www.blazersedge.com/2008/5/4/472825/player-by-player-joel-przy and after reading some fan quotes was immediatley sold:

Like a beast...
That is how Joel played this season. Never backing down from players. Very physical play and managed to stay out of foul trouble the whole season. If he can still produce with a decrease in minutes next year, he will be the best back-up center in the NBA. Przybilla definitely proved himself this year and that’s to say the very least.

The turnaround began with Joel

Joel is a keeper
I agree with all Dave said, but I’d go further: he absolutely saved this past season. Without him, we’re talking about a fiasco. In those early games, he was like the little Dutch boy with his finger in the dike. Without Joel on defense, opposing teams would have washed the Blazers away into oblivion.

8.4 rebounds in 23.6 minutes?
Uhhh… that’s pretty good.

Wow, great pick, another one of mine gone.

[Big Ticket]

Godzybilla was one of the others on the short list of guys I wanted in this round.  Needed another PF before another C though.

[JSD]

Rockets select: Luke Ridnour

Is he still any good? How come no one talks about him anymore

I was gonna ask the same thing --- and i mean the question honestly...  Is it fallout with PJ Carlisemo or just a matter of SEA bringing in too many other PGs??

He looked like a better PG prospect than most his first 3 years, got a decent extension, then lost his job to Watson... Wasn't Ridnour the starting PG on the team w/ Ray Allen aand Rashard Lewis that Nate McMillan got deep in teh playoffs 2-3 years back?

As did much of the Seattle roster Luke had a down season in 08.

There was a couple SG trapped in a point guards body left at this spot. None possessed the passing ability to get his teammates involved like Luke. I’m very happy with this pick, He'll be a good backup PG on this team.

[jgod213]

Hey i've just been named assistant GM for the Pacers.  Could someone provide me some links that you guys are using like an available players link and the current draft order?  Don't mean to seem lazy but i'm running out to lunch and will be picking shortly after i return (i believe), so any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

[wdleehi]

Hey i've just been named assistant GM for the Pacers.  Could someone provide me some links that you guys are using like an available players link and the current draft order?  Don't mean to seem lazy but i'm running out to lunch and will be picking shortly after i return (i believe), so any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Read the 1st three posts on this thread.

[Celtic Fan Forever]

Hey i've just been named assistant GM for the Pacers.  Could someone provide me some links that you guys are using like an available players link and the current draft order?  Don't mean to seem lazy but i'm running out to lunch and will be picking shortly after i return (i believe), so any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Congratulations, and welcome. As Wdleehi said, just click on page one and look at the 1st post for the order, and the second for available players. Your pick must be in by the time next to your name.

[JSD]

Rockets select: Luke Ridnour

Is he still any good? How come no one talks about him anymore

I was gonna ask the same thing --- and i mean the question honestly...  Is it fallout with PJ Carlisemo or just a matter of SEA bringing in too many other PGs??

He looked like a better PG prospect than most his first 3 years, got a decent extension, then lost his job to Watson... Wasn't Ridnour the starting PG on the team w/ Ray Allen aand Rashard Lewis that Nate McMillan got deep in teh playoffs 2-3 years back?

As did much of the Seattle roster Luke had a down season in 08.

There was a couple SG trapped in a point guards body left at this spot. None possessed the passing ability to get his teammates involved like Luke. I’m very happy with this pick, He'll be a good backup PG on this team.

Oh, and to answer your question, Yes he was the starting PG of that 05 Sonics top seeded playoff team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yM9Gp0aE2LM&feature=related

[jgod213]

thanks y'all

[zerophase]

so many picks left before mine...