Clippers Basketball | Love The Game

[mfbmike]

You have the kings taking Tyreke

[SuperNova854]

Rubio is dropping simply for the fact he hasnt dne a single workout, and he won't do a workout. I have Tyreke being taken at 4 because the Kings want a big PG. That why they like Tyreke and Jrue so much.

[SuperNova854]

Picks 16-30 coming up My Mock 2.0 will have explanations of each pick

[SuperNova854]

Nova's Mock Draft 1.0 (Picks 15-30)

[SuperNova854]

Source: This Draft Is Unpredictable

Bucks director of player personnel Dave Babcock doesn't know how next week's draft will play out.

"It's a hodgepodge from two until after us," said Babcock. "I don't know. It could go a lot of different ways. Memphis is so up in the air, so it starts there. And supposedly there are three or four teams that are trying to trade into the lottery so that could affect things."

The only thing that appears certain is that the Clippers will take Blake Griffin with the first overall pick. Milwaukee, meanwhile, is starting to zero in on targets with the tenth selection.

"A couple weeks ago I would have said that I don't know if there's going to be a guy there we like, but I'm starting to feel better now that there might be," Babcock said. "Just from what we've seen and then a couple of the guys that stayed in the draft will affect it. And, what we've seen in guys that we may not have been as high on earlier, we feel better about now."
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Could Jordan Fall on Draft Day?

The Knicks would reportedly take Jordan Hill over Stephen Curry in a heartbeat.

The New York Post has reported that Knicks president Donnie Walsh likes Hill, and feels as though there is a better chance of the forward falling than Curry.

Walsh was scheduled to watch Hill during a solo workout on Tuesday.

"If draft day comes and goes and he's on their roster, it's a very good day for the Knicks," said one NBA GM. "He rebounds, defends, scores, and the key is he can run. Bigs that can run is a requisite in Mike's [D'Antoni's] way of playing."

[SuperNova854]

They dont need TWill

[DoubleDeuce]

Following, nice layout

[SuperNova854]

Thanks everyone. More updates later today. Ugh no milk, how am I supposed to eat my cereals....

[SuperNova854]

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Top Draft Prospect Blake Griffin Works Out For The Clippers


The Los Angeles Clippers hosted a pre-draft work-out for the prospective number one pick in the 2009 NBA Draft on Saturday, June 6 at the Clippers Practice Facility in Playa Vista.

The consensus top player in the draft, Griffin arrived at the Clippers facility around 2 p.m. to a phalanx of television crews and photographers. After completing a stretching and warm-up session with Clippers Strength and Conditioning Coach Richard Williams, Griffin impressed the Clippers coaching staff during the nearly one hour work-out.

Griffin averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma in 2008-09, and quickly put his unique skills on display for Clippers General Manager and Head Coach Mike Dunleavy, Assistant Coaches Kim Hughes and Fred Vinson and Assistant General Manager Neil Olshey.

Griffin started off the work-out with lay-ups and continued to show off his jump shot, as well as his athleticism and phenomenal ball control in full court drills that were frequently capped off with acrobatic dunks.

“We saw a really skilled and athletic player today,” said Hughes, who played a primary role in conducting the work-out. “He is a player with an NBA body and NBA skills, and I have no doubt that he will develop more. I feel like he has the ability to be an all-star for sure in the future.”

The 6-foot-10 inch power forward from Edmond, OK was named the Naismith, Wooden and AP Player of the Year in college basketball last season for his dominating performances during his sophomore year. A punishing force inside throughout his college career, Griffin exhibited strong footwork and agility while bringing the ball up court throughout the work-out with the Clippers.

The next step in the draft process for Griffin and the Clippers will take place on Thursday, June 25 during the NBA Draft at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the Clippers own the number one selection in the draft.

[SuperNova854]

Dunleavy on Griffin's Workout


On Blake Griffin's workout...
“In this case we thought it was important to do something a little different with Blake. I think because of the clear statute he has in this draft, it was really important for our fans and the media to see the potential player we might pick. The last part was something you definitely don’t see, a 6’10 guy with big hands and his length dribbling basketballs as well as he did.”

On the personality of Blake Griffin...
“Unless you spend a lot of time with a player, it is hard to know their personality and characteristics. Blake is a tremendous talent and an even better kid. His maturity and mindset leave nothing to be desired, and he has a strong work ethic. I really cannot say enough about what a great kid he is and how well he fits in to any program.”

On the Clippers and another first-round draft pick...
“The more I see the new kids who are entering the draft this year, the more I like them. Getting this first round draft pick was really important to this team, and we needed it. With a pick like this, you typically keep it.”

On Blake Griffin and the Clippers...
“Blake [Griffin] is a type of kid who would fit into any type of system. One of the things I discussed with Blake [Griffin] is his potential to play three spots, the three, four and five. The things you really cannot see in a one-on-one workout like this is the way he competes and his physical energy—and that is part of what is so special about him.”

On Blake Griffin’s adjustment to NBA play...
“I do not think the conditioning or the physical aspect of the games will be an issue for Blake. I think he will face the typical issues most newcomers face. He is going to be part of a few different systems on the court, and he will have to learn some of the terminology and placements. There is a lot for a new player to learn in that regard. He will also be playing with bigger guys than he is used to. Some guys pick things up faster than others, but I do not think Blake will have a problem adjusting to any of it.”

On a potential position for Blake Griffin...
“You all saw him. He has a good enough mid-range shot that he needs to be guarded, and he definitely is not broke shot-wise. For now, the best thing to do is to see him play and then go from there.”

On the improvement of Blake Griffin...
“He says he needs to improve on all aspects of his game. Obviously, the more range he has the better he will be, but that is the case with most basketball players. His predominant strengths are his speed and quickness. He has a good first step, big hands and a strong finish at the rim. I like his mechanics, and there are certain things about his shot that need to be improved, and he will work on them.”

[SuperNova854]

Griffin on His Workout


On today’s performance...
“I wish that I could have shot a little better but overall it was good. I love the facility out here and I think it went well.”

On the opportunity of becoming a Clipper...
“I am very excited about the possibility of becoming a Clipper. I am going into it just like everyone else. If this ends up being the place for me I would be very excited.”

On working out in front of crowd...
“I was not expecting this many people but it was good. Hopefully we will have more people than this at our games.”

On his ball handling skills...
“When I was in fifth grade I played on the eighth grade team and I played point guard back then. So I was no always the biggest guy so I had to learn to do different things from different positions.”

On meeting with Coach Mike Dunleavy...
“From what I heard we went to the best steakhouses in town and I did not order a steak but other than that it went great. I was able to talk to them and get to know them a little. They helped me get used to the city.”

On meeting with Coach Mike Dunleavy...
“We did not really get into the draft at all. Our conversations were more about getting to know each other. We did not really get into their plans at all but maybe in the upcoming weeks we can get into that more.”

On his role for the Clippers...
“Right now I am just looking to come in and fill a gap that they do not have. They have a great group of veterans and a great group of young guys. I think that if I am here that we can definitely turn around and start winning.”

On being the No. 1 pick...
“It would mean a lot to me. This is something that I have dreamt about as long as I knew what the NBA Draft was. For it to be so close is kind of surreal but it has not been something I have thought about too much.”

On the play of the Clippers...
“Obviously last year they had a lot of injuries and their record was not great. But I think if you had those players on the court that moving forward this can be a great team. They have a great cast of veterans and young guys so they can definitely turn around and be successful.”

On meeting other Clippers players...
“I have known DeAndre Jordan and Eric Gordon for awhile. I had a chance to talk to DeAndre (Jordan) this morning and I met Baron Davis during my physical. Baron (Davis) is a great guy and seems like he is working hard.”

On being in Los Angeles...
“It is a little different. No part of Oklahoma is like Los Angeles But I feel like I could get used to it.

On who he models his game after...
“I was a big fan of Shaquille O’Neal when I was little. I also admired guys like Grant Hill and Vince Carter. I admired guys that were consistently good.”

On Oklahoma City not getting the first pick...
“There is no disappointment at all. I would have loved to play in my hometown and be close to my family. But being in the NBA is good enough. One thing that I wanted to do was play in a big city and it does not get much bigger than Los Angeles.”

On his Focus during team workouts...
“I have been doing little more perimeter things. I still need to keep working on my shot and getting the pull up jumper into my repertoire. I need to keep fine tuning my weapons.”

On his shooting performance at the workout...
“My shot has been better I should say. Today was not great for me shooting. I feel like I do not have to rely on my jumper but it had been something that I have been working on. Later on I think that everyone will see that it is improving.”

[SuperNova854]

Nova's Mock Draft 2.0 (Picks 1-14)


[*]= Indicates last weeks rank

Team Needs: The Clippers won the lottery and have the privilege of walking away with the clear best player, though they will now have a glut of options in the frontcourt.
Why This Player: Griffin is the clear cut number one pick of the draft. Nobody can measure up to to threaten Griffin for the number one selection. He is just too great of a player to be pushed down to the number two spot.

Team Needs: The Grizzlies will likely draft the best players available to them with their picks.
Why This Player: Nobody really knows who the Grizzlies will take. They would have loved to win the lottery, but they didn't. Its too early to take Jordan Hill, which means thy need to rely on Thabeet, Harden, and Rubio. Which are all positions they really don't need.

Team Needs: With the core set around Durant, Green and Westbrook, the Thunder need high quality bigs and a shooting guard.
Why This Player: With Thabeet gone at number two the Thunder have no real big man to rely on. Hill is too short to play the 5. Rubio doesn't even want to be there meaning they go with Harden. They need a threat at shooting guard that can actually shoot. Plus, A key nucleus of Westbrook, Harden, Durant, and Green will rip up the league in the future.

Team Needs: The Kings are set at shooting guard and center, but would particularly like a point guard.
Why This Player: The Kings are looking for a point guard after losing out on winning the number one pick. Rubio hasn't done a single workout, and won't, but GMs are still raving about his game play. Its a safe bet for the Kings, especially since Rubio will actually want to play there.

Team Needs: The Wizards top priority should be a classic power forward.
Why This Player: The Wizards need a power forward, but rumor has it that the Wizards management doesn't like what they see in Hill. They need help at the point guard position and if they decide to keep the pick they want a guy who can go into the team and deliver. Flynn is the most NBA ready out of all the US point guards available. Flynn might start backing up Arenas, but over time he and Arenas could turn into a deadly backcourt.

Team Needs: The Wolves have a nice foundation with Jefferson and Love up front, but need upgrades at both backcourt positions.
Why This Player: The Wolves need help in the backcourt badly. While upgrading their frontcourt would be nice, unfortunately they won't have a chance at getting Thabeet unless they trade up. Tyreke is a great fit for the Wolves since he is a drive to the basket type of guy. If he can learn to knock down a jumper, he could turn into quite the NBA player.

Team Needs: The Warriors remain desperate for a low-post scorer in the mold of a Paul Millsap, but could find a big point guard to pair with Monta Ellis.
Why This Player: The Warriors wouldn't let a guy like Jordan Hill drop any further. They have been looking for a valid post presence for years and Hill is just the guy they are looking for. They could also draft a pint guard like Holiday or Jennings here, but word on the street is that Ellis would bolt the second he heard the Warriors drafted a point guard.

Team Needs: Knowing they won't have their first round pick in 2010, the Knicks need a home run in 2009. They should focus on getting a point guard or an athletic shotblocker.
Why This Player: Curry could go as early as four, but chances are that he will likely drop to the Knicks at eight. Curry has wanted to go to the Knicks ever since he left Davidson and now he gets his dream. Getting Curry could also mean no more Nate Robinson, the 5'9 freak athlete who thrived in D'Antoni's system.

Team Needs: A scoring wing is high on Toronto's wish list.
Why This Player: The Raptors are in need of a scoring wing since trading Kapono. But passing on such a freak athlete AND has loads of potential as DeRozan has is a huge mistake. Although the Raptors would prefer a scoring machine like Wayne Ellington, DeRozan can be developed into a shooting machine.

Team Needs: With a glut of options available, the Bucks will likely improve their backcourt.
Why This Player: Although a monster post player like Hill would be nice, the truth is that Sessions might not be returning next season. With Jennings they have a great replacement that can easily turn into a star in the league. Others possibilities here are Jeff Teague and Jrue Holiday.

Team Needs: The Nets found a stable center in last year's draft and still need to find replacements for Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin.
Why This Player: The Nets have a slim void at the PF spot. The Nets might start considering that Sean Williams is a bust and go with another bigman. Other possibilities here are Gerald Henderson, Earl Clark, and Wayne Ellington.

Team Needs: The Bobcats are in a position where they probably need to focus strictly on taking the best player available, but an off guard is a position of need.
Why This Player: The Bobcats could use Henderson's athletism in the future.They have a gap at the two and the five spots and could think that Henderson is a better fit then Mullens.

Team Needs: The Pacers, like so many other teams, should focus on the best player available given that they have pieces of equal value at most positions.
Why This Player: The players will draft the best player there, but the organization has said that they would prefer to draft a point guard. Jrue Holiday has been outstanding at workouts and could go as early as four. Teague is also a possibility here.

Team Needs: The Suns were once set for many years to come, but now need to address every position long term.
Why This Player: The Suns need to face the fact that Nash might not be coming back next season. They need a young point guard to take over the reigns once he's gone.

[SuperNova854]

Picks 15-30 tomorrow

[SuperNova854]

Thanks. Somethings wrong with my computer I had the page where i made picks 15-30 up so i just turned off my screen, i woke up and it was all funky and some thing was sup talking about the width. I accidently clicked out of it and have been trying to figure how to get it back. I clicked a few things and now everything i big and the font is in bad quality. So bad that it gives me a headache eveyr time i look a it.

[SuperNova854]

Picks 15-30 coming up