2008 NBA Draft Winners

A few notes on the winners of the 2008 NBA Draft. You may not see a few teams you expect, just because Chicago took Derrick Rose first, I’m not giving them that much credit for the obvious pick. Next post will be the losers.

Winners:

Portland – Portland will probably be winners in every draft in the near future. Paul Allen’s wallet will be the main reason. He will probably buy a pick every year. They got Bayless, a top prospect, and Batum, a project. They filled their only hole at PG with Bayless and can put Blake where he belongs as a backup. They might have been better off with Darrell Arthur but traded him for Batum. This has got to be partially because they are already loaded with players and are better off leaving one of their picks overseas. Then they turned their 3 picks in the second round into 4 future picks, another great move and sign they do not have anymore room on the roster. They really need to see how this team will work together. After next season, they can take a look at what holes they have and what positions to draft.

Miami – The Heat are winners of the draft because they got Mario Chalmers. They lucked into Michael Beasley, made the right decision to pick him, and did not get a good enough offer to move him. PG was a huge need for this team along with another big man. With Wade in the backcourt with him, there is not as much pressure on Chalmers. Miami successfully addressed both of their needs with their two picks with great players, which is why they had one of the most successful drafts.

New Jersey – Some people criticize the Nets for supposedly clearing cap space for LeBron in 2010, which isn’t a bad idea. But another reason that is overlooked for them blowing up the team is that their roster could not win a championship. Kidd, Carter, and Jefferson’s team has been an early exit or a lottery team since Carter arrived. They needed to get younger at PG, cue Devin Harris, and bigger, trading RJ for 7 foot Yi and Bobby Simmons. They also drafted all big guys and came out with Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson. Anderson is probably a little overrated and Lopez should at least be decent. In the second round they took a chance on Chris Douglas-Roberts who should not have slid that far. CDR is a little unconventional, but teams should always take risks in the second round.

Golden State – Anthony Randolph should fit into their system nicely and should be able to play to his strengths there. Golden State is the best possible place for him to go while he gains some width to his body. The success of this team depends much more on how many of their free and restricted agents they can resign.

Minnesota – The Timberwolves were able to get the man they wanted, Love, and were able to turn their pick (Mayo) into a solid player in Mike Miller. GM Chris Wallace unsurprisingly made another stupid decision because they probably could have kept Miller and gave up less because it was well known that McHale really wanted Love. McHale proved in this draft who really was the worst GM in the NBA.

Cleveland – Drafted all big men for a team that needs youth on the front line. Either JJ Hickson or Darnell Jackson should develop into at least role men or a solid starter. Hard to argue getting a power forward and center from the national champion Jayhawks. I don’t really see Kaun coming back from Russia though. Everyone from Kansas slipped because they played very balanced good team ball and all realized their roles. Should be some steals in this draft from KU because at least a few players from should be able to develop nicely in the NBA.

Alexis Ajinca – Turned 5 points per game in the French league into a guaranteed NBA multi-year contract.