I firmly believe there was no real "winners" in the NBA Draft this year, as you could read on my ealrier blog about the drafts winners. Which by default makes most everyone...well... a loser. But seeing that I am trying to get a job back into the sports world I am only going to identify the three biggest, most miserable, should lose their jobs instantly, abhorrantly disgusting losers of the 2008 NBA Draft beginning with...
The 2nd Runner Up for the Biggest Loser in the 2008 NBA Draft...
The Washington Wizards:
Just when you thought having one Andray Blatche was underwhelming enough, the Wizards go out and get another in the form of JaVale McGee. Another soft, face up seven footer, with oodles of upside, but an awful large project. I have had the opportunity to cover the Wizards over the past couple of years, and they have been frustrated with the slow progress of Blatche, who has shown flashes of stardom but has also had the "one step forward, two steps back" tag. A good story to sum up Blatche and his immaturity starts with Blatche being on the injured list. In the NBA you must wear a suit as an injured player to sit on the bench during games, Blatche, finding that rule "stupid" decided not to join his team on the bench during games. Instead he opted to wear sweats and sit in the stands...
Now I'm not saying McGee is the same person, that's not fair, but, well... the similarities are striking. If the shoe fits...
The First Runner Up in the Biggest Loser of the 2008 NBA Draft:
The Sacramento Kings:
I must start with saying, Reggie Theus was the MAN in "Hang Time," but Reggie- we're not in Hollywood anymore. The Kings reached badly in a draft full of movement when selecting the big from Rider Jason Thompson. I know the Warriors had an eye for him at 14, but let them reach for this kid who has a solid skill set, but no real upside. And- if he was your guy, trade down and acquire a few more assets in the deal. I also know that they want to deal Ron Artest, so the draft was their opportunity to make a real youth overhaul by making the right moves.
Also, while I love Patrick Ewing, Patrick Ewing Jr. is not an NBA player. He couldn't find a starting job at Indiana or Georgetown, and while he's an athlete he's a 6'7 guy with no jumper, poor handles, and loves to block shots...it just doesn't translate. Sean Singletary from Virginia is another guy I got to log a lot of minutes watching here in the DC area, and if you can't lead your team as a point guard to victories in the ACC, you won't in the wild, wild Western Conference.
And the BIGGEST LOSER of the 2008 NBA DRAFT is:
Kevin McHale and The Minnesota Timberwolves:
This is more of a Career Achievement Award for McHale- who don't get me wrong, had an okay draft, his best in years. Love is a good player, to me a possible Elton Brand type, which would be a great coup. He also landed sharpshooter Mike Miller, got rid of Marco Jaric's contract and turned this team around a bit. That being said, you have just traded the cornerstone of your franchise in Kevin Garnett. It is time to search for franchise defining replacements and two years in a row you have traded the most polarizing star in each draft. In trading Brandon Roy and OJ Mayo two drafts in a row you have traded potential star power for solid prospects. This is not what the Wolves fans and franchise need. They need a defiant face, name and star!!!
Now you have Kevin Love and Al Jefferson who play the same position and are far undersized for a starting front-line, a sharpshooter in Miller who needs Randy Foye to live up to potential as a slasher to create space for him to get a shot off. Mayo has the ability to be a great wing, 2-Gaurd type player and has the ability to succeed in the pros right now. Nice isn't good enough for the Wolves right now, franchise altering moves are needed...in a positive way.
McHale swings and misses again...
