The Future Is Now

The 2008 NBA Draft will finally answer many questions on Thursday night in Madison Square Garden. Teams looking for the new face of their franchise. Teams looking to infuse athleticism, energy and raw talent into their very own uniform. That new bright youthful smile that will bring hope to franchises that are otherwise struggling at the turn styles to bring people in their arenas , otherwise they probably would’nt be in the lottery in the first place.

For some , they will be working the phones for last minute deals to move up in the draft and for some they will be looking to move down thinking they can get good value lower in the draft while saving money against the salary cap. For some like the Miami Heat who are involved in many a trade rumors, they will be looking to restore a franchise that went from winning a championship two summers ago to the worst team in the league this year by far. The Heat will most likely start the domino effect of other teams trading. Many are waiting to see if the Heat trade the number 2 overall pick because they are not enamored with Kansas States Michael Beasley who many consider the top talent. Despite not tipping their hands all this time, expect the Chicago Bulls to select hometown boy and consensus superstar Derek Rose with their first selection.

There already has been a reported trade as the Indiana Pacers will send former All Star Jermaine O’Neal to the Toronto Raptors for TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the #17 the pick. Personally i think its bad deal for both teams. The Raptors are getting a guy who has had his share of bad injuries in Jermaine O’Neal, although the thought of him along side All Star Chris Bosh would be a formidable front line, can O’Neal really be expected to stay healthy? Also, i cant see O’Neal resigning there next year when his contract expires. He’s been wanting to go to the New York Knicks and if they can free up some salary cap space look for that to happen and it would leave the Raptors with nothing in the deal. As for the Pacers, I like the idea of trading O’Neal , but not so much what they got for him. I would’ve tried to package him and get a star player back in the process or a higher pick. Lets face it , players are not exactly dying to flock to Indiana when free agency hits for them.

As for the hometown teams, the Clippers look to be very active, names that have been involved in rumors include Elton Brand and Corey Maggette. One strong rumor had the Suns sending Leandro Barbosa and the #15th pick for Maggette and the #7. I wouldnt make that deal if im the Clippers. Two players that are basically the same player. Both one dimensional and if thats the case why give up 8 spots to do that? But then again, were talking bout Donald Sterling here.

As for the Lakers, they too have been involved in some rumblings. What will they do with Lamar Odom? Odom has been an enigma for the Lakers ever since he was acquired from the Miami Heat for Shaquille O’Neal. He has always been a tease for Laker fans who one night see him grabbing rebounds and pushing the ball up the floor like a gazelle reminding many of the good ol Magic Johnson days. Then the next night hes inbounding the ball by walking it in himself. LMAO. If the Lakers had their druthers , they would exchange Odom for an athletic, good shooting, rebounding and defensive small forward. Not to mention any names but fill in the blank R_N A_TEST. With the 58th pick there wont be much too discuss , probably a player they can stash overseas for a year or so. They really like PG George Hill from IUPU but have heard that he may not be there when they select. Weve also heard that Mitch Kupchak is trying to move up in the second round probably to ensure they select him.

Just a reminder for Lamar Odom fans….By the way the look on Phil Jacksons face is priceless.