2010 CelticsBlog Draft: Southwest Division Press Conferences

[Who]

Devin Harris did not improve as a passer in NJ. He just had the ball in his hands more often.

He went from taking 10 shots a game and handing out 5 assists in his final season in Dallas to taking 14-15 shots a game and handing out 6.5-6.9 assists. His assists have remained proportional to his shot attempts. 

Harris went from being the third/fourth option to being the top two guy. He just had more touches, more time on the ball, more screen and rolls, more plays, more shot attempts. And consequently more assists.

[Roy H.]

Camby / Curry / Pittman
West / Millsap / (Villanueva)
Deng / Villanueva / Carney
Arenas / Iverson / Walker
Miller / Telfair

For the love of all that is holy ... start Paul Millsap!

With chemistry issues already a huge problem, Millsap would probably accept coming off the bench better.  West's defense can also probably be better protected playing between Camby and Deng than it can with Curry and Charlie V.  However, per your request, I switched it up. 

[Roy H.]

The Dallas Mavericks:  leading the league in guys who wore headbands for their official press photo.

[Lucky17]

Celticsblog Draft 2010 Houston Rockets

Roster / depth chart / statistics

Head Coach: Jeff Van Gundy
http://hoopshype.com/coaches/jeff_van_gundy.htm
I wanted a head coach with experience, who could relate to and motivate veteran players, and who commanded respect around the league, but still had a sense of humor and fun about the game. With Gregg Popovich and Doc Rivers off the board, I took Van Gundy. He has NBA Finals experience and has appeared in the playoffs in all but one of his full seasons as an NBA head coach.

Starters, and 6th man:
PG:  Tony Parker (6-2, 180, born 5/17/1982, 9 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=1015
http://www.82games.com/0910/09SAS1.HTM
The team’s captain, leader, and emotional rudder. Significant NBA Finals experience (three appearances, three rings, Finals MVP in 2007). Still has great handles, and the ability to get into the paint for his own shots or shots for others.

SG:  O.J. Mayo (6-4, 210, born 11/5/1987, 2 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3450
http://www.82games.com/0910/09MEM6.HTM

SG:  Arron Afflalo (6-5, 215, born 10/15/1985, 3 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3187
http://www.82games.com/0910/09DEN4.HTM

I’m listing both Mayo and Afflalo here, because I expect, based on nightly matchups, either one could start. Mayo’s offense may serve us better off the bench, or in crunchtime, while Afflalo will likely start most nights, when limiting opposing SGs will be a priority.

SF:   Danny Granger (6-8, 228, born 4/20/1983, 5 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=2760
http://www.82games.com/0910/09IND9.HTM
While Parker is the leader of the squad, Granger is our primary weapon on offense. He possesses great range, and can beat opposing SFs off the dribble. While he’ll still be option #1 on this club, he won’t have to work as hard as he has had to for a terrible Pacers team. Having a PG of Parker’s caliber will make things that much easier for Granger.

PF:  Boris Diaw (6-8, 235, born 4/16/1982, 7 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=2167
http://www.82games.com/0910/09CHA13.HTM
Diaw’s passing and shooting will be his main contributions. He’ll start for the time being, but if Hickson or Jerebko make the leap this year, he could become a super-sub for us, helping to quarterback the second unit.

C:    Sam Dalembert (6-11, 250, born 5/10/1981, 8 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=991
http://www.82games.com/0910/09PHI15.HTM
Dalembert was a top 10 rebounder last season (with 784 total, four shy of Tim Duncan), and ranked in the top 5 in blocked shots (with 151, five more than Marcus Camby). He did this while only averaging 26 minutes a game. He is extremely durable, having missed only 2 games in the last four seasons. Detractors may point to his poor shot selection, inconsistency, and bouts of moodiness, but I believe that much of these problems have come from in part from playing for a losing franchise that fielded three different head coaches in the last three seasons. I wonder what consistent (yet still managed) minutes on a winning ballclub would do for Dalembert.

Rotation:
PG:  Ramon Sessions (6-3, 190, born 4/11/1986, 3 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3231
http://www.82games.com/0910/09MIN2.HTM
I firmly believe that Sessions is a much better PG than his last season might indicate. Freed from the constraints of a triangle system that did not play to his strengths, Sessions should post numbers more in line with his last season in Milwaukee. He’ll be Parker’s understudy, but on nights when Parker may need to rest, he’ll fill in ably.

SF/PF:  Jonas Jerebko (6-10, 231, born 3/2/1987, 1 year in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3998
http://www.82games.com/0910/09DET7.HTM
The Swedish Eagle may have been the brightest spot in an otherwise terrible season for the Pistons last year. Named to the All-Rookie 2nd Team last year, Jerebko started 73 games for Detroit, filling in for an injured Tayshaun Prince, and then shifting to the PF slot upon Prince’s return. He is a high energy scrapper, with quick hands and feet and range to the 3-point line, who scores without having to have plays drawn up for him.

PF:  J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242, born 9/4/1988, 2 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3437
http://www.82games.com/0910/09CLE15.HTM
I expect Hickson to have a breakout year this year, as a post-LBJ Cleveland looks to rebuild. It’s possible that he could challenge Diaw for the starting role on this club. His presence in the post provides a different look for us at PF.

C:  Zaza Pachulia (6-11, 275, born 2/10/1984, 7 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=2016
http://www.82games.com/0910/09ATL14.HTM
As a starter during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, Zaza posted solid numbers (roughly 12 points, 7.5 boards, 1.1 steals, and good shooting numbers from the field and the line). As Dalembert’s backup, he’ll provide great physicality and grit off the bench, and ought to perform well against opposing bench centers.

Reserves:
SF/PF: Austin Daye (6-11, 200, born 6/5/1988, 1 year in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=3976
http://www.82games.com/0910/09DET8.HTM
Daye possesses an intriguing blend of length and quickness, and is capable of playing either forward slots. He needs time to develop, and ideally will work on his core strength during this next season.

SG/SF: Trenton Hassell (6-5, 227, born 3/4/1979, 9 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=998
http://www.82games.com/0910/09NJN8.HTM
Journeyman defender and glue guy.

C: Dan Gadzuric (6-11, 245, 2/2/1978, 8 years in the NBA)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/stats?playerId=1710
http://www.82games.com/0910/09MIL17.HTM
Our third-string center. He’s rangy and mobile, and posts good rebound totals per minutes played.

In Europe:
PG/SG:  Nick Calathes (6-6, 194, born 2/7/1989, no NBA experience)
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nick-Calathes-1237/
http://www.eurobasket.com/player.asp?Cntry=GRE&PlayerID=135959
Nick will continue to develop overseas, playing in the Greek league for Panathinaikos Athens. Eventually, we think his heady, steady backcourt play will translate to the NBA. He projects to be a backup guard for us.

Minutes Breakdown
PG:  Parker (30), Sessions (18)
SG:  Afflalo (24), Mayo (24)
SF:  Granger (35), Jerebko (13)
PF:  Diaw (20), Hickson (20), Jerebko (8 )
C:   Dalembert (28), Pachulia (20)

While these may be average minutes during the course of a season, I plan to exploit my roster’s flexibility and depth to roll out a number of different lineups. Starters at SG and PF, in particular, may depend on nightly matchups.


Pictures
Pictures? We don’t need no stinkin’ pictures.  If you don’t know who we are, you’ll soon find out.


Statement regarding drafting philosophy (building for the future, contending now, etc.)
As is my usual MO, I wanted to draft a team that was young, talented, and deep enough to make a playoff run this year, and still have a sizable window of opportunity to do so for several years. All of our rotation players are under the age of 30, so we feel we’ll be in the mix in the Southwest for several seasons.


Toughest decision
Although I got great return for him, I was extremely reluctant to trade away Derrick Rose. But after the 4th round, I was faced with a team (Rose, Granger, Troy Murphy, Sam Dalembert) that looked like the real-life Indiana Pacers with a legit point guard, and that would have been a tough sell. The Rose trade allowed me to make additional moves down the line that made me, I believe, a stronger, deeper team.


Best move (trade, pick, etc.) / worst move
I was pretty satisfied with all my trades. I had hoped to further spin O.J. Mayo (acquired for Caron Butler, who had been acquired for Troy Murphy) and additional assets into a top-ten center, but was fine with how my roster ended up.

If I had one regret, it would be that I was unable to move forward with Sacramento on a possible trade for Boozer. A Boozer-Parker-Granger troika would have been a solid core for a contending team, but Sacramento’s GM abruptly went MIA, and those talks died.


Your outlook for this coming season
I believe we can challenge for the Southwest Division title this year, and depending on our playoff matches, could make a run. Realistically, we may be a player short of challenging for a Finals berth, but we have tremendous depth that could allow for a mid-season trade for such a player.

[Roy H.]

Houston:

* How did you talk Sacramento into Derrick Rose for Tony Parker plus 63 draft picks?  Who approached who in that deal?  In hindsight, are you happy with the trade?  (You got great value, but arguably Rose + Mayo + Granger would have been the best young trio in the game.)

* Also, rumor has it that the centerpiece of that Boozer trade you mentioned was Troy Murphy.  Again, how did those discussions come about?

* Convince me to like Sam Dalembert, keeping in mind that I watched him play in Philly for the better part of the past five years.  What I saw was a guy with bad basketball instincts who often cared more about his own stats than winning, and who had his defense overrated due to going for blocked shots rather than for solid defensive positioning (similar to Sean Williams).

[Lucky17]

Houston:

* How did you talk Sacramento into Derrick Rose for Tony Parker plus 63 draft picks?  Who approached who in that deal?  In hindsight, are you happy with the trade?  (You got great value, but arguably Rose + Mayo + Granger would have been the best young trio in the game.)

* Also, rumor has it that the centerpiece of that Boozer trade you mentioned was Troy Murphy.  Again, how did those discussions come about?

* Convince me to like Sam Dalembert, keeping in mind that I watched him play in Philly for the better part of the past five years.  What I saw was a guy with bad basketball instincts who often cared more about his own stats than winning, and who had his defense overrated due to going for blocked shots rather than for solid defensive positioning (similar to Sean Williams).

In order:

1. I had quietly shopped Rose for a while, and BigAl expressed interest from the get-go. It wasn't until he made me the offer for Rose that I truly considered trading him, and then officially put him on the public block. I don't believe there was much haggling over specifics, as I fully recognized that it was a legitimate offer to consider.

Mayo was nowhere on my radar at the time of that deal, so that couldn't have factored into my decision. But I felt that the drop from Rose to Parker (really more acutely felt in the next several seasons that the next one or two) was palatable given the picks I would be netting. I still think Parker is a top-flight PG in the league, and with unparalleled NBA Finals experience among his contemporaries.

2. During our initial back-and-forth about Rose and Parker, I had expressed interest in Boozer. After the deal was completed, I tried again, and was told a deal would need to involve Murphy and Hickson. I initially balked at including Hickson, believing he'd have a big year this year, and when I came around on the idea to explore things further, BigAl had already bowed out.

3. I think Jeff Van Gundy has the chops and the ability to really get Dalembert to right the ship. Losing breeds bad attitudes, and while I won't say that Sam wasn't free of fault, I think a lot of his poor habits came from poor relationships with his coaches and the losing culture in Philadelphia these past few years.

Even if Van Gundy can't get through, I've hedged my bets a bit, with Pachulia as Sam's #1 backcourt; Zaza could conceivably start at C in this league.

[StartOrien]

Rockets

Any chance we'd see Grnager play some 4?

[Lucky17]

Rockets

Any chance we'd see Grnager play some 4?

I've thought about that. Not sure if that makes much difference, as it would mean Jerebko would still be the presumptive SF (I don't think Daye is ready for rotation minutes just yet).

Although perhaps a smallball lineup with Hickson (or Diaw?) at C as well. The thought crossed my mind.

[Who]

PF:  J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242, born 9/4/1988, 2 years in the NBA)

I expect Hickson to have a breakout year this year, as a post-LBJ Cleveland looks to rebuild. It’s possible that he could challenge Diaw for the starting role on this club. His presence in the post provides a different look for us at PF.

I am thinking 18-20ppg + 8rpg a night in 35-37 minutes a game.

I'm not sure he is ready for the offensive load though. He certainly wasn't last season. Based on his performances then, I'd expect his TS% to fall from 58% to about 52% with that new workload. Not much playmaking on that Cavs team so he'll have to create a large amount of his own shots and I'm not sure he is up to that yet.

-----------------------------------------------

If LeBron had stayed and Hickson was in proper role relative his ability, I think he would be a 14/8 type of threat in 33-36 minutes a night. With mediocre defense. Efficient scoring but relying heavily on LeBron to get him easy baskets.

[Lucky17]

PF:  J.J. Hickson (6-9, 242, born 9/4/1988, 2 years in the NBA)

I expect Hickson to have a breakout year this year, as a post-LBJ Cleveland looks to rebuild. It’s possible that he could challenge Diaw for the starting role on this club. His presence in the post provides a different look for us at PF.

I am thinking 18-20ppg + 8rpg a night in 35-37 minutes a game.

I'm not sure he is ready for the offensive load though. He certainly wasn't last season. Based on his performances then, I'd expect his TS% to fall from 58% to about 52% with that new workload. Not much playmaking on that Cavs team so he'll have to create a large amount of his own shots and I'm not sure he is up to that yet.

-----------------------------------------------

If LeBron had stayed and Hickson was in proper role relative his ability, I think he would be a 14/8 type of threat in 33-36 minutes a night. With mediocre defense. Efficient scoring but relying heavily on LeBron to get him easy baskets.

True. Opposing defenses that no longer have to contend with LeBron will certainly make things tougher for him.

But, alongside starters Parker and Granger, and with a rebounding partner in Dalembert, I think he would get plenty of easy buckets, putbacks, and scoring from the foul line.

Truthfully, I am more worried about Hickson's ability to defend than his scoring.

[The Walker Wiggle]

NEW ORLEANS BUCCANEERS

Rotation

PF: Al Horford/Eduardo Najera
SF: Gerald Wallace/Linas Kleiza/Dorell Wright
C: DeMarcus Cousins/Antonio McDyess/Timofey Mozgov
SG: Eric Gordon/Raja Bell/Elliot Williams
PG: Jrue Holiday/Beno Udrih

Starting Five

A model of effort under control. Playing out of position for the bulk of three year career, he's an All-Star at 23, a consensus top 5 center on a postseason staple, and with none of the serious injury concerns that have hampered nearly all of his peers. Woodson's switching defense called on Horford to do everything: guard the opposing center in the post, guard the opposing point guard away from the basket on the pick-and-roll, help on dribble penetration, and rebound the misses. And yet no center gave up fewer points in the post.

Also a top 5 passing big man, nightly double-double, and tremendously efficient scorer, who shot 70.4 FG% at the rim and a 48 FG% out to 16’-23’. (The league average is 40%.)

"Only a very small percentage of young guys can come into this league and lead. The ones who do usually are the focal point of their team. Al’s different."

The best defensive player on the best defensive team last season. The best rebounding small forward.  All Star, First Team All-Defense, 3rd in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Led all small forwards in rebounding, double doubles, and blocks. Only player in the league to average a double-double with at least 1 steal and 1 block per game. Also went ahead and finished 11th in steals (1.5), 12th in free throw attempts (7.4) and averaged 18.2 ppg (28th) on .484 FG% (39th) with 2.1 apg.

"He brings it every night. God gave him great motivation. Every drill we run, every possession we have, every practice we have - it's always the same. It’s an incredible feeling as a coach."

"Wallace is a lurching, semi-breathing basketball death wish… There to hit the floor like it was a dunk, go for blocks and steals like an agile wrecking ball, terrorize the court in a way that somehow evinces both more and less discipline. This isn't the hustle player reborn, but the blood and guts of what athleticism means at its best in the league."

The season’s first Rookie of the Month. No young player better at mean mugging officials. The most productive player in college basketball last season as a 19 year old freshman. 1st in PER last season (in fact the highest PER posted in eight years), 1st in points per-40, 2nd in rebounds per-40, 1st in field goals made and 2nd in free throw attempts. His astounding 8.3 fouls drawn per 40 is the highest rate of any players drafted in the past five years. A physical specimen with a 9’5” standing reach and the feet of a sherpa. A back to the basket scorer with a complementary mid-range game, and an able ball-handler and passer. He also runs the floor extremely well, getting out in transition (10.8% of his possessions, 2nd among NCAA centers).

Flanked by a pair of full pelt All Star forwards; backed up by a 14 year pro, former #2 pick, with a rich NBA second act as a blue-collar winner; under the direction of detail oriented, conflict-welcoming coach, Every effort has been made to put the Buccaneer’s 4th selection in an ideal situation.

[size=9]There’s no Durant in this year’s crop, but there is one prospect who rates as an A-list talent, a freshman from the University of Kentucky named DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has the fifth-highest rating in the Draft Rater's nine seasons evaluated.[/size]

[size=9]He owned the paint during the five-on-five drills and scrimmages. A lot of great rebounders do their work with positioning and hands... Cousins can do that, and came up with plenty of rebounds in what were effectively scrums...  But he can also sky for rebounds few other NBA big men can get. The dude's size is remarkable - he takes up so much space in the paint. And when he gets off his feet quickly, he can get some Dwight Howard rebounds. No, he isn't dunking on a 12-foot rim. But a few of the rebounds where breathtaking in that the Kings haven't had someone to get those rebounds in a decade.[/size]

A gifted shooter with a quick release and beyond the arc range. Gordon also has a terrific first step, a nose for the basket and low center of gravity. One-third of his shots came in the key. And he’s excellent at the rim finishing at 59.4 FG%, (The league average is 52%, for shooting guards it’s 49%.) often going right through contact to dunk (4.8 FTA/12.4 FGA). He’s also a committed, physical, quick-footed defender. Hampered by injuries and the Clippers malaise, he’s getting much need exposure as part of the National team and is due for a breakout in 2010 after treading water last season.

Eric Gordon’s beautiful, moonball, knee-weakening, once-in-a-generation jump shot. It’s just perfect. I love it. I love everything about it. Every time he shoots it, the Clippers crowd goes quiet for a split-second like one of the cheerleaders just pulled up her shirt. Even the spin is gorgeous. I can’t say enough about it. I am in love with Eric Gordon’s jump shot. I want to marry it. I want to have kids with it. I will go to at least one practice or shootaround this year just to see him hoist 200 of them.

"The things fans might not see is the little things he does defensively as far as getting steals, causing turnovers and missed shots. He's the best defensive player on this team."

Centerpiece of the nation's top-ranked recruiting class in 2008, UCLA enigma, youngest player in the NBA last season, Holiday is already a special on ball defender and high-caliber catch and shoot threat. He started the final 51 games of his rookie season with the 76ers and emerged as the cornerstone of the team's backcourt. Post All-Star break he averaged 11.9 points on 49% shooting 5.5 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals. And leads off every NBA scout and beat-writer’s list of players due for a breakout season in 2010.

"In almost every city the 76ers have visited over the past couple of months, the question from the opposing team's media has been the same , ‘What pick did the Sixers get Jrue Holiday with?’ During a season that has brought nothing but angst and frustration to Sixers fans, players and coaches, the 19-year-old Holiday has been the one subject that demands positive attention."

"Only played three games for the 76ers' Summer League team in Orlando, but was clearly the most dynamic overall player in attendance... Whether he was turning the corner on the pick and roll or breaking his man down in one-on-one situations, Holiday played with outstanding confidence and used his body exceptionally well in traffic. He was the top assist-man in Orlando and finished as the top scorer as well.

Coach

Look at that mustache; was there ever any doubt that the New Orleans Buccaneers would hire Stan Van Gundy to be the team's next head coach?

"While anyone with eyes and ears would be impressed by his groundedness and his intellect, there is something about his manner and appearance which tells you that somewhere, there's an appliance warehouse missing its night manager."

"He's like no other coach I've worked with," said assistant coach Brendan Malone, who has worked with the best since he broke in with the Chuck Daly Pistons. "Very bright, very prepared, and he has an assistant's mentality as far as preparation and attention to detail. But you can argue all night with him, because he's in the trenches as much as the assistants are - that's rare."

"And you better know this: The reason we won the Eastern Conference is because he goaded and nagged this team. He got them to stop with the short-cutting, and the lazy habits, and the sloppiness."

The Bench

"Van Gundy was like, 'Cool, you're going to guard Raja,' " Carter said. "I said, 'Uh, can I come off the bench?' He was like, 'What? Are you sure?'"

The situation was, and is, this: The Jazz don't have much leadership. Bell may not have been the team's long-term solution, in part because he wasn't a starter half the time. But he did his best. Aside from Jerry Sloan, the steadiest force against apathy was Bell… Doing everything he could, throwing himself about the court, taking charges and, of course, firing people up. He showed younger players how they should play, coaches how much he cared and fans why paying $50 for a ticket is worth it… Bell wasn't just a leader on the court, though. He was always there after games to offer perspective. He had that rare combination of civility and honesty. The man was as straightforward as a judge.

"All I can say is that he’s my best buddy and my best friend. The guys loved him."

"His only agenda is to win."

Assessment

League Average	NOLA Bucs	Rank in 09-10
.461 FG%	.475 FG%	6th
.759 FT%	.781 FT%	6th
.355 3PT%	.374 3PT%	5th

Guess how many teams ranked in the top 6 in FG%, FT% and 3P% last season? Zero.

Season outlook: Under the radar, better defense, better rebounding, higher effort, more prepared, and an aggressive, highly efficient offense.

Great depth, the team’s rotation 6 through 9 is made up of NBA veteran starters.

An elite defensive team – top 3 at least - as well as the best rebounding team in the league - with a pair of forwards that averaged 10 rpg and college basketball’s top rebounder, the Bucs – not to be confused with their Eastern Conference rivals the Bucks (boo, hiss) – should edge out the Houston Rockets for the division.

[Who]

Minutes Breakdown
PG:  Parker (30), Sessions (18)
SG:  Afflalo (24), Mayo (24)
SF:  Granger (35), Jerebko (13)
PF:  Diaw (20), Hickson (20), Jerebko (8 )
C:   Dalembert (28), Pachulia (20)

While these may be average minutes during the course of a season, I plan to exploit my roster’s flexibility and depth to roll out a number of different lineups. Starters at SG and PF, in particular, may depend on nightly matchups.

I think Jerebko has too large a role. There is no reason to play him ahead of Boris Diaw as a power forward. Diaw is a far superior defensive player and far more skilled offensive player. I wouldn't be giving Jerebko any minutes as a power forward on this team. You have two players ahead of him who both provide more than he does at the position. I'd like to see Diaw up around 30-32 minutes.

I would also give Dalembert more minutes (32-33mpg).

I think Hickson would work very well alongside Boris Diaw in a quick lineup. I would consider giving him some of Zaza's minutes ... not an every day thing but quite regular. Probably 60% of the time. Whenever the team isn't facing someone with an imposing amount of size / ability on the interior.

[indeedproceed]

And not one mention of the Buccaneers 'egoless ferocity'. Weak.

[indeedproceed]

the best rebounding team in the league

Shinanigans.

I'll take the pepsi challenge against your scrubs.

[indeedproceed]

the best rebounding team in the league

Shinanigans.

I'll take the pepsi challenge against your scrubs.

I'm sorry you have a very nice team. THat was rude.

I think that Horford should provide an excellent mentoring influence on Snot Boogie, and Gerald Wallace is the best rebounding small forward in basketball, the only guy above LeBron.