CB Draft '09 Mock Press Conference: Northwest Division

[Edgar]

I'm just going to say now, my preference is for more animated gifs next year.

Youtube mixes are overrated.

Word. My presser will not contain one youtube mix.

[Roy Hobbs]

I'm just going to say now, my preference is for more animated gifs next year.

Youtube mixes are overrated.

Word. My presser will not contain one youtube mix.

Who the heck are the Blazers?!

[Edgar]

I'm just going to say now, my preference is for more animated gifs next year.

Youtube mixes are overrated.

Word. My presser will not contain one youtube mix.

Who the heck are the Blazers?!

lol
too fast to find a crotornats one 

[Scribbles]

Questions for Utah

1) Are you worried about your players being distracted by the Utah night life?

2) What's the status on Dirk's baby mama drama?

3) If you matched up with Seattle in the playoffs, who wins the series and why? If you matched up with Portland in the playoffs, who wins the series and why?

1.  Not really. I'm not fimiliar with Utah anyways, but we have mature players on our roster imo.  

2.  As far as I know she's in jail and kissed goodbye.  Only thing that's a wait and see is the DNA test too see if its his kid or not.  So if it is his kid, then he's going to seek full custody.  I slight distraction, but nothing major.

3. Its really a tough division/conference.  If matched up with Seattle, I think we can win due to the size across the board.  We can post up Billups, Dunleavy, and Miles while drawing Duncan away from the basket to cover Dirk on the wing.  That's a serious mismatch in our favor, is the height.  Another reason I think we can beat Seattle, is Dirk has lead the Mavs past the Spurs before in real life, so why would it be any different with a better supporting cast on this team.  However in all honesty it could go either way.  

As far as Portland goes, any given day we could compete with them.  However, they do have more depth and quality starters across the board.  Again though, Dirk and Billups are my big guns and I don't see how Jermaine O'Neal can cover him a full game without getting in foul trouble.  Turiaf is a physical player, but way to short to cover Dirk for long periods of time.  They could put Lewis or Gomes at the 4 and cover Dirk, but I'd like to think Dirk would post them up, though that doesn't happen often.  I'd also like to think Billups would dominate Bibby/Delonte, but how many years Billups has left is a question mark.  Obviously I think we can beat them, but I'd most likely need a huge break or catch them having an off series.  

[Gainesville Celtic]

My thoughts...

1) Portland - Just too many weapons to scheme against.  Team doesn't get enough credit for a terrific bench.  I see one or two starters missing a few chunks of games, but i see the bench as more then capable of keeping things afloat.

2) Utah - I really like this team.  Great vets, great leadership, great work ethic, and a solid supporting cast.  I have Portland at 1 but i doubt they or anyone else would want an early matchup with Utah.

3) Seattle - Terrific pillar in Duncan.  I do have concerns over Gordon's ball dominance but am a huge fan of Thad Young.  The pieces are there but i see them falling short of Utah in the Divisional standings by just a hair.  Again, a team few would want to see in the postseason with a microwave like Gordon and the pedigree of Duncan

4) Minny - As many have expressed, great effort in impossible circumstances.  i don't think this team is functional enough to make a ton of noise, but i think this team would be a bigtime spoiler for anyone they matched up with late in the season and who needed a few more W's to secure a spot.  Haven't taken a look at the entire West, but depending on how things shape up i could possibly see Minny sneaking into the playoffs.

5) The vet leadership of Haslem and Pietrus should help sheaperd the kids along, but i don't see this team competing for several more years.

I agree with this more actually. I think people are underselling Chauncey, and underselling Dirk, both of which were top 10 NBA players last year. On top of that there is a possibly healthy Dunleavy, Chris Caveman, and solid role players Collison, Wright, and Songalia.

Utah is probably the number 2 team in the division and a probably playoff team. I don't think talent wise they are too far from Portland.

I'm prepared to be in the minority, but I have it:

1. Portland - their depth carries them through a regular season that sees at least 2 of their top 7 miss 20+ games. Just too much talent over the course of a long season.

1a. Seattle - the Ford/Gordon backcourt is a little small but lighting quikc, and I got my mind changed on Ben Gordon a bit last year, a deadly scorer. the only question marks in their top 10 are Brewer comign back from injury (same injury as Redd) and can Ratliff give 15-18 mins game in, game out.

I LOVE how Seattle potentially matches up vs. Portland in a 7 game series... Right now I might pick them to squeak out a 7-game upset due to some quirky matchups. I believe in Duncan and an underrated bench that much. Probably won't come to that but I wanted to go on record in case the matchup doesn't come.

3. Utah - the only thing holding them back from a 1a, 1b, 1c situation is a bench that's just a bit thin --- since I'm thinking anything Dunleavy gives is gravy. Utah is battling with 4-5 other teams for 3-4 playoff spots.

4. Denver - i have faith in the kids DEN has to make a run at .500; they're all good kids and there are a few wiley vets mixed in.

5. Minnesota - keep going back and forth, the toughest call. If Randolph flakes they're sunk; if he stays in line they could join Utah in battling for thos final 3-4 spots. Guess i'm not sold he keeps it together all year.

Tough division in a tough conference. Well done by all the GMs

[Scribbles]

Utah,

1) With Mike Dunleavy out for the first couple months of the season, is the Miles / Wright swingman combo good enough to keep you afloat?

2) What is Chris Kaman's health status?  If he goes down, can Lopez step in?

3) Is Dragic a good enough distributor to spell Chauncey?

4) Why is your team better than Seattle or Minnesota?

1. I think Miles and Wright can keep the team going for the first couple of months that Dunleavy is out.  Both started last year and played around 20-25 minutes a game.  I also have Flip Murray, who can start, though he is a smaller guard.  Obviously, neither of those players could pick up the scoring/passing skills Dunleavy has but, I think we'll be fine for a few months.  If he ends up being out the year I'm in trouble obviously.

2.  As far as I'm aware he's going to be fine for the start of the season.  He does seem to miss games every year but he is just 27. I think R. Lopez will see a ton of minutes this year and put up numbers close to his brother Brook. Though if that doesn't happen I have Collison and Songaila to play center, though they are both more forwards and that would hurt my depth by starting one of them. Also in these two videos...he seems fine to me...well at least physically.    

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0PgZeumSJI

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

3.  Well Dragic played 55 games last year, at just under 14 minutes a game.  He averaged 4.5 points and 2 assist, to 1 turnover.  If he can not turn the ball over and give me 12-15 minutes a night I think he's a quality backup for Billups then.  If he can't I have Mike James, though more of a scorer, who can backup Billups, or when Dunleavy comes back I can use him as a Point-Forward.  

4.  I don't like to say I'm better than anyone..I like to lay low haha.  But for Seattle I think I'm better because I have the height advantages over their back court and I just like Dirk in the matchup.  If they put Martin on him...well we saw what happened in that series this year..sure Denver won but Dirk averaged 34.4 points and 9.8 rebounds that series.  If they put Duncan on him that opens up things for our team because it pulls Duncan away from the basket. Not to mention he averaged 26.8 ppg this past post season against the Spurs.  I also have questions if Bayless can handle full time backup pg duties yet, but the do have Daniels for insurance.  Gordan will be a tough cover, but C.J. Miles is a solid defender that could give him trouble with his height/length.  

As far as 'Sota goes I like their team but they don't have a true go to scorer and I think that will hurt them.  Nelson just came off an injury, and while he played in the finals, he didn't play that well imo. Is he going to be able to withstand the physical Billups on him?  I also have question marks with their bench outside of Bonner and Peja.  I think Farmar is alright, but he lost minutes to Shannon Brown last year in the playoffs and that's not a good thing.  The rest of the bench is very young so it could be better than I envision it, but its wait and see there.  And while Randolph is a talent, is he going to destroy chemistry there.  I think they are a very team orientated as anyone in the league with some talent, but Randolph just kills that sort of thing.  Again its a wait and see.  Plus again who's going to match up with Dirk?  

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

I contacted Scribbles, to let him know his press conference is today.  I think Seattle and Utah are both very close (and both should be playoff teams), so I'd like some help in deciding.

In the interim:

Seattle, why will your team finish ahead of Utah?  How do your teams match up?

We plan on using Kenyon Martin on Dirk. Nowitzki is a singularly impressive offensive talent, no question about it. However, he doesn't fare too well against the really physical and hardnosed defenders. Martin can and will disrupt shots, leaving Duncan to contend with Kaman in the paint, a matchup I like for us.

Also, while Billups-Nowitzki is a better then solid duo for Utah, the 3-4-5 options for Seattle in my mind are significantly better then 3-4-5 for the Jazz. Dunleavy on Thaddeus Young is a major Seattle advantage on both ends of the floor in my opinion. Also, CJ Miles, while a talented scorer, will not be able to stay with Gordon. Billups can certainly post up Ford, but no way Billups stays in front of TJ, and if Bayless gets run against Billups he brings the same slashing ability while being a better post defense option. I see the matchups as:

Billups > Ford
Miles < Gordon
Dunleavy < Young
Nowitzki > Martin
Kaman < Duncan

[Scribbles]

I contacted Scribbles, to let him know his press conference is today.  I think Seattle and Utah are both very close (and both should be playoff teams), so I'd like some help in deciding.

In the interim:

Seattle, why will your team finish ahead of Utah?  How do your teams match up?

We plan on using Kenyon Martin on Dirk. Nowitzki is a singularly impressive offensive talent, no question about it. However, he doesn't fare too well against the really physical and hardnosed defenders. Martin can and will disrupt shots, leaving Duncan to contend with Kaman in the paint, a matchup I like for us.

Also, while Billups-Nowitzki is a better then solid duo for Utah, the 3-4-5 options for Seattle in my mind are significantly better then 3-4-5 for the Jazz. Dunleavy on Thaddeus Young is a major Seattle advantage on both ends of the floor in my opinion. Also, CJ Miles, while a talented scorer, will not be able to stay with Gordon. Billups can certainly post up Ford, but no way Billups stays in front of TJ, and if Bayless gets run against Billups he brings the same slashing ability while being a better post defense option. I see the matchups as:

Billups > Ford
Miles < Gordon
Dunleavy < Young
Nowitzki > Martin
Kaman < Duncan

Again, like I said above Dirk scored 34 points a game and grabbed almost 10 boards.  The "he's a soft 7 foot big man" isn't really true.  Does he like contact, no, but who does? 

I also disagree with Young being better than Dunleavy.  I hurt Dunleavy, maybe, but if he comes back healthy he's a way better overall player than Young.  Young is a better defender than Mike is.  I think this series comes down to who's bench performs better/who's healthier.

[Scribbles]

I'm just going to say now, my preference is for more animated gifs next year.

Youtube mixes are overrated.

Word. My presser will not contain one youtube mix.

Where does one find animated gifs?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCQH8GMaZNQ

I found the animated gif on photobucket. 

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

I contacted Scribbles, to let him know his press conference is today.  I think Seattle and Utah are both very close (and both should be playoff teams), so I'd like some help in deciding.

In the interim:

Seattle, why will your team finish ahead of Utah?  How do your teams match up?

We plan on using Kenyon Martin on Dirk. Nowitzki is a singularly impressive offensive talent, no question about it. However, he doesn't fare too well against the really physical and hardnosed defenders. Martin can and will disrupt shots, leaving Duncan to contend with Kaman in the paint, a matchup I like for us.

Also, while Billups-Nowitzki is a better then solid duo for Utah, the 3-4-5 options for Seattle in my mind are significantly better then 3-4-5 for the Jazz. Dunleavy on Thaddeus Young is a major Seattle advantage on both ends of the floor in my opinion. Also, CJ Miles, while a talented scorer, will not be able to stay with Gordon. Billups can certainly post up Ford, but no way Billups stays in front of TJ, and if Bayless gets run against Billups he brings the same slashing ability while being a better post defense option. I see the matchups as:

Billups > Ford
Miles < Gordon
Dunleavy < Young
Nowitzki > Martin
Kaman < Duncan

Again, like I said above Dirk scored 34 points a game and grabbed almost 10 boards.  The "he's a soft 7 foot big man" isn't really true.  Does he like contact, no, but who does? 

I also disagree with Young being better than Dunleavy.  I hurt Dunleavy, maybe, but if he comes back healthy he's a way better overall player than Young.  Young is a better defender than Mike is.  I think this series comes down to who's bench performs better/who's healthier.

No doubt it is a really close matchup, and another reason why I think this is the best division in the whole thing.

Dirk is impressive, but doesn't generally contend to the tune of 34/10 with players who combine the physicality with the athleticism like Martin does. He'll score, no doubt, but Martin will do enough to keep Dirk at bay for the Sonics to win.

Young has gotten a very small amount of credit in these discussions. Bottom line? If we don't fare well in the vote this go around, my sights are set on the midway vote because Thaddeus Young is a much better player then people around here are giving him credit for. People will see. As for Young versus Dunleavy, there is no way Mike Dunleavy right now is better then Thaddeus Young. Young has a major defensive advantage, and offensively he's a more rounded player who can score consistently in every way.

The benches are key, definitely... Nice job drafting and dealing.  

[Roy Hobbs]

On the Young vs. Dunleavy debate, head to head Dunleavy has been better, I think.  Link.  Also, if you compare Young's season last year to Dunleavy's 2008 (when he was healthier), Dunleavy was a better and more efficient scorer, got more assists, and about the same number of rebounds.

Does any of that change your opinion, Seattle?

[Hoyo de Monterrey]

On the Young vs. Dunleavy debate, head to head Dunleavy has been better, I think.  Link.  Also, if you compare Young's season last year to Dunleavy's 2008 (when he was healthier), Dunleavy was a better and more efficient scorer, got more assists, and about the same number of rebounds.

Does any of that change your opinion, Seattle?

Not when you remember that Thaddeus Young was 20 years old last year. One more year seasoning is the key, especially when factoring in the tremendous work ethic and maturity Young has. Young played 1 year in college and 2 in the pros, and is already this good. Also, the bottom line is Dunleavy is not healthy right now, no matter the qualifiers. How are those numbers going to look with another year of Young's experience on an up and coming possible playoff team in real life (Philly), while Dunleavy played in 18 games last year with 3 surgeries since. Major knee surgery will certainly not help any of those numbers.

My opinion is still that next season, if/when these two teams meet in the playoffs, Young over Dunleavy or the fill in SF is a major Seattle advantage.

[celticinorlando]

Questions for Minny
Kudos for taking over the Wolves in the second round
1)Did leaving the Grizz pose any conflicts of interest? Did KC make you sign a confidentiality agreement or an agreement not to draft Bargnani at least?

2) You chose Jameer Nelson and RJ to lead your team. I know you also liked Vince, but he was taken seconds before RJ.  It must have been a tough task picking your leaders in the middle of round two. Take us through the thought process that gave Minny Jammer and RJ over let's say the remaining 2nd rounders?

Emeka Okafor
 Manu Ginobilli
 Ben Gordon
 Brook Lopez
Jose Calderon
Andris Biedrins
 Andrew Bynum
 Paul Millsap
 Tyson Chandler
David Lee
 Gerald Wallace
  Monta Ellis

1. KC was great to work with. It was tough to leave him because we did a lot of predraft work to get ready. There wasn't really a conflict with him because he was targeting different guys than i was. He had his PG right out of the gates. We tried to work a deal after the draft but couldn't come to it. I was hoping for a danny-mchale type deal but he wasn't willing  

2. I knew going into the second round that if I got the franchise I wanted a PG with one of the 2 picks...Nelson to me is really figuring out how to play the position in the NBA...the injury didnt concern me.....Vince Carter was my second pick but he went before i could get it in. I had Jefferson pegged third so I went with him. I really felt like this league you have to have strong wings and I wanted to get the best one possible so i took jefferson when carter was gone.

[nickagneta]

On the Young vs. Dunleavy debate, head to head Dunleavy has been better, I think.  Link.  Also, if you compare Young's season last year to Dunleavy's 2008 (when he was healthier), Dunleavy was a better and more efficient scorer, got more assists, and about the same number of rebounds.

Does any of that change your opinion, Seattle?

I've seen you discuss the very mediocre Dunleavy a couple of times now Roy and each time you revert back to mentioning his 2007-08 year as if that year was the year that is his most common one. He's going to be 29, he's entering his 8th year in the league and you are pointing to his "career" year as being the year we should judge him by?

Thaddeus Young is 21 and in his second year had a better year than any that Dunleavy ever had except for that 2007-08 year when Dunleavy was 27. Dunleavy was still in college at 21 whereas Young put up 15.3 points 5 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the NBA at the age of 20.

I think you are all wrong on this one and think Thaddeus Young is not only now, by far the better player, but also the much, much better long term prospect. Given that Dunleavy is a huge injury question mark, for me, that puts Seattle ahead of Utah and honestly, breathing down Portland necks.

To me Dunleavy is more of a 12 PPG, 5 RPG, 2 APG 44% FG% 36% 3FG% player than the player I envision Young being which will be close to 20 PPG, 6-7 RPG, 3 APG, 50% FG% 35% 3FG% with much tougher defense and athleticism.

[indeedproceed]

On the Young vs. Dunleavy debate, head to head Dunleavy has been better, I think.  Link.  Also, if you compare Young's season last year to Dunleavy's 2008 (when he was healthier), Dunleavy was a better and more efficient scorer, got more assists, and about the same number of rebounds.

Does any of that change your opinion, Seattle?

On top of that you've got to look at how Young has performed as a PF as compared with a SF. As a SF his teams win % was 46, as a PF, 56%.

As a SF he scored 20 pts per 48, as a PF, 22. 2 more rbs per as a PF than SF, more blocks as a PF than SF...

I think in a strict positional sense, Dunleavy is better if healthy.

In a team helping sense, factoring Young's versatility he WOULD be a better option, but behind him you got Brewer, who obivously you can't count on yet (if ever..his per min stuff is pretty bad)..so you'll have to take a less effective Thad Young if you want to compete with Portland and Utah.

Thad Young should have been your Manu GInobli, and he matches up great with Rashard.