Tag: #NBA

Bulls Top 5 Players of All-Time, Acquired Through Free Agency

Posted on by spectatorsporting

By Adewale Apata

When searching through the Bulls 52 year history, you’ll find that most of their greatest players were acquired through the draft. Michael Jordan, Derrick Rose, Artis Gilmore, Jimmy Butler and Toni Kukoc were all drafted by Chicago.  Then there’s a couple more guys that the Bulls acquired through a trade who are definitely on the top 10 list of greatest Bulls of all-time, Bob Love from the Bucks and Dennis Rodman from the Spurs.  Also, a draft night trade which is the best trade in Bull’s history as Jerry Krause traded Olden Polynice for Scottie Pippen during the 1987 NBA Draft.

But you’ll have a tough time finding great Bulls who were acquired via free agency.  There’s two requirements that a player must fulfill in order to make the greatest Bulls of all-time, acquired through free agency list:

  • This top 5 list does not factor in how the player performed prior to joining the Bulls or what he did after he left Chicago. This list only takes into consideration how the man performed as a Chicago Bull.
  • The player had to play at least 2 seasons for the Chicago Bulls.

Without further ado, here’s the list of the Chicago Bulls top 5 players of all-time, acquired through free agency.

stutteringhelp.com

#5. Ron Harper –Before signing with the Bulls, Harper was a dynamic scorer with the Cavaliers and Clippers averaging 19 points. But his offensive role reduced dramatically after signing with the Bulls in the summer of 1994 as Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoc were the main scoring options while Michael Jordan was taking some swings in the White Sox minor leagues.  Harper’s role on the team became even less significant when Jordan came back wearing #45 on March 19, 1995.

However, when the Bulls were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the 1995 playoffs, Phil Jackson got an idea on how to use Ron Harper. In an interview with nba.com’s Ian Thomsen, Ron Harper said, “When we got to the playoffs and we played Penny Hardaway, a big guard, Phil said, ‘You’re going to start.  I want you to guard Penny.’”  In the next season, the Bulls had a record breaking 72 wins, swept the Magic and won their 4th NBA Championship.

Harper’s statistical output significantly declined due to him averaging 16.5 shot attempts with the Cavs and Clippers but all the way down to 6.5 with Jordan and Pippen on his team. His recovery from ACL surgery prior to joining the Bulls also slowed him down.  But his re-focused energy on the defensive end to contain the tall 6-7 superstar point guard Penny Hardaway and his harassment of hall of fame caliber smaller point guards like John Stockton, Gary Payton and Tim Hardaway with his 6-6 frame helped the Bulls establish themselves into a lockdown defensive squad on all levels.

 

chicagotribune.com

#4. Steve Kerr – The sharpshooting Kerr is the NBA’s all-time leader in 3-point percentage with 45.4% and he shot 46.6% from downtown as a Bull. His presence in the Bulls second 3-peat run allowed Jordan, Pippen and Kukoc plenty of space to operate with due to the opponent’s reluctance to double team and leave Kerr open.  John Stockton made that mistake in the closing seconds of game 6 during the 1997 NBA Finals when he left Kerr open to double Jordan then came the assist to arguably the best spot up shooter of all-time to give Chicago their 5th ring in 7 years.

In the closing seconds of game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, Stockton wisely decided not to leave Kerr to double Jordan. But Byron Russell was left on an one-on-one island with the greatest hooper of all-time and Jordan flamed that jumper in his face to hand the Bulls their 6th championship.  After tough times with Cleveland and Orlando, Steve Kerr resurrected his career in Chicago and played a significant role in the Bulls second 3-peat.

nba.com

#3. John Paxson – Some Bulls fans may think John Paxson was always a Bull during his career in the NBA but he played 2 years with the Spurs before signing with Chicago in 1985. You might be wondering why Paxson is ranked ahead of Kerr on this list?  The answer is, Johnny Pax was better than Kerr in the Playoffs.  Steve Kerr was a better regular season player than Paxson averaging 8 points, 50% from the field and 46% form downtown vs Paxson’s 7 points, 49% from the field and 36% from downtown.  But Steve Kerr’s level of play dropped off in the playoffs as he averaged 5 points, shot 43% from the field and 37% from the 3-point line.  While Paxson’s level of play remained consistent in the payoffs as he averaged 6 points, shot 49% from the field and 38% from the 3-point line.

Both guys have game winning shots to clinch a NBA title under their belt: Kerr’s game winner vs the Jazz in the 1997 Finals and Paxson’s game winner vs the Suns in the 1993 Finals. But John Paxson had more clutch moments than Steve Kerr in the playoffs.  Paxson led the league in 3-point percentage for the 1993 NBA Playoffs by shooting an astounding 62.5%!  Also, I’ll never forget how Paxson caught fire in Los Angeles vs the Lakers in game 5 of the NBA Finals by shooting 75% from the field while scoring 20 points.  That clutch performance helped the Bulls celebrate their 1st ever championship.

hellisotherblogs.wordpress.com

#2. Carlos Boozer – The Booz Cruise gets a lot of flak in Chicago due to his lack of ability or effort on the defensive end. However, he was a solid offensive threat as a starting power forward on the Bulls best team since their dynasty ended in 1998.  The Bulls finally made it to the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 playoffs and Boozer averaged 17 points, 9 rebounds and shot 51% from the field that season.  Booz played his low post scorer role well with the Bulls for 4 seasons.

hoopshype.com

#1. Pau Gasol – During the summer of 2014, Bulls fans were getting excited with the anticipation that Carmelo Anthony would join D. Rose, Jimmy Butler and Joakim Noah. But just like other superstar free agents in the past, he was just using the Bulls to ink a bigger contract from the Knicks.  So, the Bulls turned their attention to the 34 year old Pau Gasol.

Gasol was pass his prime but he still put up some very respectable numbers in his 2 years as a Bull. Pau Gasol averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assist and 2 blocks and made the all-star team in both his years in Chicago.  He’s the best player acquired through free agency in the 52 year history of the Chicago Bulls.

Will the summer of 2019 finally be the year that the Bulls sign an all-star caliber free agent in his prime? Or do they have to stick with just finding great players through the draft and trades?  The Bulls must develop their young core of Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and Wendell Carter Jr. because according to the Bulls history books, help is not on the way through free agency.

References

Basketball reference. (2018). Sports Reference. Retrieved from https://www.basketball-reference.com/

Carlos Boozer. (2012). Retrieved from https://hellisotherblogs.wordpress.com/2014/10/24/carlos-boozer-raps/

John Paxson. (1993). Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/top-nba-finals-moments-john-paxson-jumper-game-6-1993-finals

Kerr Shot versus Utah Jazz. [Tom Cruze/AP]. (1997). Retrieved from http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-steve-kerr-nba-finals-spt-0611-20170610-story.html

Ron Harper. (1998). Retrieved from https://www.stutteringhelp.org/content/ron-harper

Pau Gasol. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2016/07/spurs-pau-gasol-finalizing-agreement.html

Steve Kerr in Bulls Pin Stripes. (1996). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/519673244473941160/

Thomsen, T. (2015). “Harper Recalls Change from Scorer to Role-Playing Winner” www.nba.com/2015/news/features/ian_thomsen/02/25/ron-harper-once-lived-kevin-loves-tough-transition

9 Reasons Why the Bulls Matched the Kings Inflated Offer for Zach LaVine

Posted on by spectatorsporting

By Adewale Apata

You may be wondering why the Bulls matched the King’s 4 year $78 million dollar offer to restricted free agent Zach LaVine.  He’s a player who tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament in February of 2017 with the Timberwolves and only played 24 games last season as a Chicago Bull.  In those 24 games, his minutes was restricted to 27 per game, he averaged 16 points but only shot 38% from the field.  However, there are 9 logical reasons why Bulls Vice President John Paxson and friends matched the Sacramento King’s offer.

 

  1. The Bulls want Zach LaVine to grow and build chemistry with the young core of Kris Dunn and Lauri Markkanen. Last season was all three of those guys first season with the Bulls but they only played 12 games together.  Markkanen missed 14 games, Dunn 30 and LaVine 58 due to injuries and tanking purposes.  Their talents should blend in together as Dunn is a proven defender and drive to the basket type point guard, Markkanen is a stretch four with All-Star potential and LaVine is a scorer with highlight reel leaping ability.

    sparksports.io

 

  1. Before LaVine tore his ACL, he averaged 19 points, shot 46% from the field and 38% from the 3 point line. LaVine put those numbers up at the age of 21 in his 3rd season.  He only played in 47 games that season before tearing his ACL in February of 2017 but before he went down he was a legitimate rising star.

    kevinsporthk.com

 

  1. Zach LaVine is only 23 years old. No one knows if Zach LaVine is going to be a 20 plus points a game leading his team in scoring type of guy or a shell of his old self.  It’s too early to tell.  The only players on the Bulls roster younger than LaVine are Lauri Markkanen and the two rookies Wendell Carter Jr. and Chandler Hutchison.

 

  1. Aaron Gordon got 4 years $84 million from the Orlando Magic as a restricted free agent. Both players
    indianasportscoverage.com

    were lottery picks in the 2014 draft, they will be 23 years old at the beginning of the season and both guys have a similar career high in points per game (Gordon 17 and LaVine 19).  Not only did the Kings set the market for LaVine but the Orlando Magic assisted the Bulls in determining his value with that Aaron Gordon contract.

 

  1. ACL surgery is not as bad as you think. I know Derrick Rose and the Bulls has never been the same since he tore his ACL in the 2012 payoffs.  However, former Bull Jamal Crawford tore his ACL in the 2001-02 season but missed only 4 games in the next two seasons and had a breakout 2003-04 year averaging 17 points and 5 assists. Kyle Lowry suffered the same injury at Villanova but now he’s a 4-time All-Star.  High flying Corey Brewer tore his ACL in his rookie year with Minnesota in 2008 but he maintained those springs in his legs after the surgery.  Just to name a few.  Players who are disciplined with their physical therapy program can overcome Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery with the assistance of the advancements in modern medical technology.

    nba.com

 

  1. The Bulls traded Jimmy Butler and their 2017 first round pick (#16 overall Justin Patton) for Kris Dunn, Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine.  Letting LaVine go to Sacramento would have hindered the Bulls chances of winning the Jimmy Butler trade. Not having LaVine in Chicago would put too much pressure on Markkanen to be a perennial All-Star and Kris Dunn would have been forced to be the number two scoring option.  The Bulls have kept that core of the three young guys intact with a legitimate shot to be contenders in the East through significant player development and an addition of an impactful free agent next off-season, now that King James is gone.

    dunkingwithwolves.com

 

  1. There’s an Injury protection clause in LaVine’s contract. The Sacramento Kings were inappropriately confident that the Bulls was not going to match a $19.5 million per year deal for LaVine, so they put an injury protection clause in the deal.  It turns out that the Kings were wrong about the Bulls willingness to pay up and they did the Bulls a huge favor by adding that injury clause in the contract.  This could save the Bulls organization loads of money if Zach LaVine is hit with another serious injury.

 

  1. The Bulls have plenty of salary cap space. According to Spotrac.com, the Bulls have the 3rd best practical salary cap space in the entire league.  Plus, another $18.5 million will be freed up in 2019 when Robin Lopez and Justin Holiday become unrestricted free agents.  Also, another $8 million will be available in the 2019 off-season when the Bulls decide to exercise their early termination option on Omer Asik.  Even though the Bulls overpaid for LaVine, they can still offer max deals to highly coveted players during the 2019 off-season.

 

  1. sportsmockery.com

    NBA stars in their prime don’t sign with the Bulls in free agency. Some guys may have thought that the Bulls should have pocketed that money and offered it to Klay Thompson, Karl Anthony-Towns, Kemba Walker, DeMarcus Cousins or Terry Rozier during the 2019 free agency.  The problem with that is the fact that superstars in their prime like Tracy McGrady, Carmelo Anthony and 2010 Dwyane Wade like to pretend that they’re coming to Chicago just to negotiate for more money from the team they really want to join.  Why?!  You can blame Bulls management, cold weather, the Chicago crime rate or whatever.  The fact of the matter is, the 34 year old Pau Gasol is arguably the best NBA free agent to ever play for the Bulls.  So, Johnny Pax knows that he must keep those young guys with potential on his team at damn near all cost.

References

Aaron Gordon. [Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports]. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.indianasportscoverage.com/wojnarowski-aaron-gordon-potential-offer-sheet-target-indiana-pacers/

Carmelo to Chicago. (2014). Retrieved from http://sportsmockery.com/2014/11/carmelo-anthony-chicago/

Jamal Crawford with Bulls. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.nba.com/history/uniforms_bulls.html

Jimmy Butler. (2018). Retrieved from https://dunkingwithwolves.com/2018/07/01/timberwolves-rumors-wolves-offer-jimmy-butler-max-contract/

Lauri, Dunn &LaVine. (2018). Retrieved from https://sparksports.io/nba/how-the-timberwolves-and-bulls-both-won-the-trade/

Zach LaVine. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.nba.com/bulls/news/chucks-daily-check-21318

Zach LaVine with Wolves. (2016). Retrieved from http://kevinsporthk.com/en/products/Adidas-Timberwolves-%238-Zach-LaVine

Spectator Sporting Episode #11

Posted on by spectatorsporting

It’s NBA free agency season!  We’ll evaluate the top free agents and determine where they fit best.  How should the Bulls handle Zach LaVine’s restricted free agency situation and who else should they target?  What team should the Spurs trade Kawhi Leonard to?  We’ve got the answers on Spectator Sporting.  Plus, we’ll see if Cubs fans should start pushing the panic button and check in on the White Sox rebuild.  Also, stay tuned for SS Below 60 as Adewale discuss injuries in sports and Zachary talks about fans getting upset when a player leaves in free agency.  #nba #nbafreeagency #nbatrades #bulls #nbafreeagents #cubs #whitesox #injuriesinsports #kawhileonard

 

NBA Free Agency Preview ————–00:43-11:50

Bulls Free Agency Preview————–12:32-17:45

Kawhi Leonard Trade Destinations—–17:47-21:53

White Sox————————————-22:42-24:34

Cubs –—————————————–24:35-28:47

SS Below 60———————————28:51-30:40

References

Austin Rivers & Marcin Gortat Trade. (2018). Retrieved from http://thacover2.com/clippers-trading-austin-rivers-wizards-marcin-gortat-opening-door-deandre-jordan-deal/

Buhh Productions. “Eloy Jimenez Chicago White Sox OF Prospect” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 1 Nov. 2017. Web. 27 June, 2018.

Buzzkillerist. “CRAZY OKC FANS Reaction Compilation After Kevin Durant Joining the Warriors (Must See)” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 4 July. 2016. Web. 28 June, 2018.

Chris Paul. [Eric Williams/USA TODAY Sports]. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/chris_paul_taunts_jusuf_nurkic_then_drains_shot_in_his_face/s1_12740_26121956

DaWindyCity Productions. “Kris Dunn 2017-18 Highlights ‘I’m Upset” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 10 June. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

Demarcus Cousins Injury. (2017). Retrieved from http://larrybrownsports.com/basketball/demarcus-cousins-well-wishes-kobe-bryant/424201

Derrick Rose. [Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images]. (2016). Retrieved from https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/06/22/knicks-bulls-derrick-rose-trade/

Devin Booker. [Getty Images]. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/263323694/phoenix-sun-devin-booker-rising-star-support

Dwight Howard. [Mitchell Leff/Getty Images]. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Hornets-trade-former-Rockets-Dwight-Howard-Nets-13010563.php

Female Soccer Players. [AP Photo/File]. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-heading-a-soccer-ball-cause-brain-damage/

FreeDawkins. “DeAndre Jordan Full Highlights 2018.02.14 at Celtics – 30 Pts, 13 Reb, DUNKFEST! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 15 Feb. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

FreeDawkins. “Zach LaVine Full Highlights 2018.02.05 at Kings – 27 Pts, SAVAGE POSTER DUNK! FreeDawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 5 Feb. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

Isaiah Thomas. [Mark Goldman/UPI]. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.upi.com/Boston-Celtics-Isaiah-Thomas-Surgery-not-the-number-one-option-for-injured-right-hip/3051495854461/

Lakers Top 10. “Isaiah Thomas Lakers Offense Highlights 2018 (Part 2) – HANDLES, SICK PASSES, AMAZING SHOTS…” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 8 Apr. 2018. Web. June 27, 2018.

Milwaukee Bucks. “Bucks All-Access: The Return of Jabari Parker” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 31 Jan. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

MLB. “Yu Darvish K’s seven Rangers allows one run” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 21 Mar. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

NBALakersNation. “Julius Randle & Free Agency” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 9 June. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

NBA. “Klay Thompson All-Star Reserve Best Highlights 2017-18” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 24 Jan. 2018. Web. 27 June, 2018.

NHL. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYiipKmgL2o

Real GD’s Latest Highlights. “DeMarcus Cousins Full Highlights vs Nuggets (2017.12.06) – 40 Pts, 22 Reb, 4 Blocks” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 6 Dec, 2017. Web. 27 June, 2018.

Tomasz Kordylewski. “Marcus Smart Defense & Hustle Highlights 2017/18 Regular Season” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 25 June. 2018. 27 June, 2018.

NBA 2018 Mock Draft by Spectator Sporting

Posted on by spectatorsporting

By Adewale Apata

How far will former McDonald’s All-American MVP and top 2 prep prospect Michael Porter Jr. fall in the draft?  Are the Suns thinking about passing up on Deandre Ayton to reunite new head coach Igor Kokoskov with European phenom Luka Doncic?  Who’s going to make the polarizing Trae Young their point guard of the future?  You’ll find the answers to these questions and much more in the Spectator Sporting 2018 NBA 1st Round Mock Draft!

  1. Suns–Deandre Ayton Ht 7-1/Wt 260/C/Arizona/Age 19 Ayton will force double teams from the post plus he can step outside the paint and shoot it with a nice touch all the way to the 3 point line. The Suns hired new head coach Igor Kokoskov who coached Luka Doncic in Slovenia but the Suns shouldn’t get cute with their first ever #1 pick and select the best player in the draft.

 

  1. Kings–Luka Doncic Ht 6-8/Wt 225/PG-SG/Slovenia/Age 19 Doncic is a versatile prospect that can run the point guard position or play off the ball as a wing. He gets knocked because he’s not super athletic but he’s a crafty passer and has a soft shooting touch.  King’s General Manager Vlade Divac is from Serbia and knows more than most about Doncic who played close to his home country in Slovenia.

 

 

  1. Hawks–Marvin Bagley III Ht 6-11/Wt 235/PF/Duke/Age 19 Atlanta should be thrilled that the Kings passed up on this rebounding and scoring machine. Bagley averaged 21 points plus 11 rebounds at Duke.  His combination of consistent intensity, skills and hustle makes him a no brainer at the number 3 spot.

    inthefrontrow.com

 

  1. Grizzlies-Jaren Jackson Jr. Ht 6-11/Wt 240/PF/Michigan St./Age 18 You don’t see many 3&D guys at 6’11”. But Jackson Jr. qualifies as one.  He shot 39% from long range and averaged 3 blocks a game to earn the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year Award.  He needs to work on his post-game but at 18 years old, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft and Marc Gasol should take him under his wing.

 

 

  1. Mavericks–Mo Bamba Ht 7-0/Wt 220/C/Texas/Age 20 With a 7’10” wingspan, Mo Bamba should look like Mo Mutombo out there. In today’s NBA, he has the measurements and style of play similar to Rudy Gobert and Clint Capela.

 

  1. Magic–Trae Young Ht 6-2/Wt 180/PG/Oklahoma/Age 19 The Magic traded Elfrid Payton to the Suns for a 2nd round pick and created a huge void at to PG position in Orlando. Trey Young is an electric scorer and playmaker who led the nation in points and assist.  Young should be the pick here, he’s a prolific shooter but he’ll also create plays for his teammates.

 

 

  1. Bulls–Miles Bridges Ht 6-7/Wt 230/SF/Michigan St./Age 20 Miles Bridges is a big, explosive and versatile SF who can also provide valuable minutes as a stretch 4. The Bulls are lacking a starting wing and Miles Bridges fits right in and should flourish with his solid finishing ability in the paint.  Plus this lefty showed that he has the touch from 3 as he shot 39% from the arc last season.

    thecomeback.com

 

  1. Cavs–Collin Sexton Ht 6-2/Wt 185/PG/Alabama/Age 19 Sexton is a fiery PG that Cavs fans should get excited about whether “The King” leaves or stays. Sexton led Alabama to their 1st NCAA tourney since 2012 and was poised in clutch moments while averaging 19 points per game.  He’ll be an ideal player to build around during a rebuild or a formidable side kick to LeBron James.

 

 

  1. Knicks–Mikal Bridges Ht 6-7/Wt 210/SF/Villanova/Age 21 TheKnicks reached for French PG Frank Ntilikina with the 8th pick in last year’s draft. So, play it safe this year and select the solid 3&D junior from Villanova.

 

  1. Sixers–Michael Porter Jr. Ht 6-10/Wt 215/SF/Missouri/Age 19 Porter Jr. was a top 2 prospect coming out of HS but he slips to Philly due to microdiscectomy surgery on his back in November. “The most famous recent example of a basketball player to undergo a microdiscectomy is Dwight Howard.  Howard had the procedure done in 2012 before he was traded to the Lakers (SBNation, Ricky O’Donnell, 2017).”  Porter Jr. made a comeback at the end of the Missouri season and played 3 games.  But he didn’t look explosive by settling for layups on a couple fast breaks.  However, the Sixers take him at the 10 spot as a high risk high reward prospect.

 

 

  1. Hornets–Kevin Knox Ht 6-9/Wt 215/SF/Kentucky/Age 18 Knox is a sleeper steal type pick as he’s been flying under the radar. Kevin Knox is a 6’9” smooth SF with a nice shooting stroke and isn’t shy about driving to the paint.  He’s only 18 years old and has the potential to make people wonder why he slipped in the draft in a few years.

 

  1. Clippers–Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ht 6-6/Wt 180/PG/Kentucky/Age 19 Gilgeous-Alexander is a tall versatile PG and led Kentucky to the Sweet 16 as a Freshman. Shai would challenge Austin Rivers for that starting point guard spot.

 

 

  1. Clippers–Wendell Carter Ht 6-10/Wt 260/PF-C/Duke/Age 19 Deandre Jordan has the option to opt out of his contract and become a free agent. Wendell Carter Jr. would be a solid replacement at the center position.  Carter is a reliable shooter as a big-man and shot 41% from the 3 point line last season.

 

  1. Nuggets–Troy Brown Ht 6-7/Wt 215/PG-SG/Oregon/Age 18 Brown is a playmaker at the wing position and has a knack for driving and finishing in the paint. Expect him to play some point guard as Denver is thin at that position after trading Emmanuel Mudiay.

 

 

  1. Wizards–Mitchell Robinson Ht 7-1/Wt 225/C/USA/Age 20 Robinson was a top ten 2017 HS recruit. But he chose Western Kentucky then dropped out of school and prepared for the NBA Draft.  He shocked scouts again by declining to participate at the NBA pre-draft workouts in Chicago.  He remains the man of mystery but the Wizards take a chance on the nimble 7 footer at the #15 spot.

 

  1. Suns–Lonnie Walker Ht 6-4/Wt 200/SG/Miami/Age 19 Phoenix needs to solidify their point guard position but they shouldn’t reach for one here and select the best player available. That player is Miami shooting guard Lonnie Walker.  He raised his stock in the draft at the NBA combine and should be a solid backup to Devin Booker during his rookie season.

    zimbio.com

 

 

  1. Bucks–Donte DiVincenzo Ht 6-4/Wt 205/SG/Villanova/Age 21 After winning the Final Four Most Outstanding Player Award, DiVincenzo carried that momentum throughout the NBA combine workouts. DiVincenzo’s 34.5 inch vertical leap at the combine wowed NBA scouts and I’ll be shocked if he falls out of the top 20.

 

  1. Spurs–Kevin Huerter Ht 6-7/Wt 190/SF/Maryland/Age 19 The Spurs was the 4th worse 3 point shooting team in the league at 35.2%. Huerter is the 2nd best shooter (behind Trae Young) in the draft.

 

 

  1. Hawks Zhaire Smith Ht 6-5/Wt 195/SG/Texas Tech/Age 19 Sign this guy up for the 2019 NBA Dunk contest as soon as the commissioner calls his name on draft night. Smith is not only an amazing dunker, he shot 42% from the arc and has a high motor on defense.  He slips this far in the draft due to his lack of playmaking ability off the dribble.

 

  1. Timberwolves Gary Trent Jr. Ht 6-6/Wt 215/SG/Duke/ Age 19 What was the Wolves’ biggest weakness last season? If you said 3 point shooting, you’re absolutely correct!  The Wolves was the worst team in the league by shooting a dismal 22% from long range.  Trent Jr. should develop into a 3-point threat off the bench.

 

 

  1. Jazz–Robert Williams Ht 6-9/Wt 240/PF-C/Texas A&M/Age 20 Jazz big man Derrick Favors could leave as a free agent this offseason. But even if he stays, Robert Williams would enter into the Utah big-man rotation off the bench.  He’s extremely athletic but relies on his athletic ability too much.  He must develop a jump shot and/or post skills in order to establish some longevity in the NBA.

 

  1. Bulls–Jerome Robinson Ht 6-5/Wt 190/SG/Boston College/Age 21 Robinson has the ability to develop into the best scorer off the Bulls bench. He averaged 18 points as a sophomore and 20 points as a junior last season.  This guy is a shooter spotting up, on the move or off the dribble.

    bcheights.com

 

 

  1. Pacers–Chandler Hutchison Ht 6-7/Wt 195/SF/Boise State/Age 22 Hutchison is a late bloomer who averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds as a junior and 20 points and 7 rebounds as a senior.

 

  1. Blazers–Grayson Allen Ht 6-5/Wt 210/SG/Duke/Age 22 Allen can fill it up from long range and create some more space for CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard to operate. Plus the Blazers can use all the help they can get from their reserves as Portland posted the 3rd worse scoring bench in the league.  Now just sit back and wait for Grayson to trip somebody.

 

 

  1. Lakers–Jalen Brunson Ht 6-2/Wt 190/PG/Villanova/Age 21 Before the Lakers attempt to trade for Kawhi, sign PG13 and King James, they’ve got a draft pick to make. Magic Johnson must select the most NBA ready prospect.  That’s son of former NBA PG Rick Brunson and 2-time NCAA champ Jalen Brunson.  He’ll be a steady point man off the bench backing up Lonzo Ball (If he’s still there after a potential Kawhi Leonard trade).

    fanragsports.com

 

  1. Sixers-Omari Spellman Ht 6-9/Wt 260/PF/Villanova/Age 20 The Sixers will need a big man off the bench if they decide not to resign mediocre free agent Amir Johnson. Spellman has a high motor and fits right in at that stretch 4 role.

 

 

  1. Celtics-Dzanan Musa Ht 6-9/Wt 195/SF/Bosnia/Age 19 Musa just turned 19 years old a few weeks ago and he will most likely be a redshirt guy for the 2018-19 season and continue to develop in a professional league in Croatia. He’s a scorer/shooter but he needs time to add some bulk to his thin frame before he’s asked to bang with the pros in the NBA.

 

  1. Warriors–Khyri Thomas Ht 6-3/Wt 210/SG/Creighton/Age 22 Thomas is a combo guard who made a name for himself on the defensive end. But he’s no liability on the offensive side with a 40% career 3 point shooting mark in his 3 year career at Creighton.

 

 

  1. Nets-Elie Okobo Ht 6-2/Wt 180/PG/France/Age 20 With Jeremy Lin rupturing his patellar tendon, Brooklyn can use a solid backup point guard to D’Angelo Russell. Okobo has an above average leaping ability and is not afraid to mix it up in the painted area.  However, he is still learning the point guard position and must cut down his 2.7 turnovers per game average.

 

  1. Hawks–Anfernee Simons Ht 6-3/Wt 180/PG-SG/USA/Age 19 Simons committed to Louisville University before last season but decommitted due to the Rick Pitino Scandal. He decided to continue to play as a post-graduate in HS then entered the NBA draft.  He remains a mysterious prospect because he declined an invitation at the NBA combine.  But this athletic scoring combo guard is worth the gamble at the end of the first round.

References

Deandre Ayton. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.tribune242.com/news/2018/mar/16/deandre-ayton-enter-2018-nba-draft-june/

Jerome Robinson. (2017). Retrieved from http://bcheights.com/2018/04/28/jerome-robinson-hires-agent-will-remain-in-2018-nba-draft/

Jalen Brunson. [Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports]. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.fanragsports.com/nba/jalen-brunson-displays-nba-value-during-final-four-run/

Lonnie Walker IV. [Ronald Martinez/Getty Images]. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Donte+Ingram/Lonnie+Walker+IV/NCAA+Basketball+Tournament+First+Round+Dallas/Fo19SHDX3sy

Marvin Bagley. (2018). Retrieved from https://inthefrontrow.com/

Miles Bridges. (2017). Retrieved from http://thecomeback.com/ncaa/miles-bridges-michigan-state-national-title-contender.html

 

 

 

Spectator Sporting Episode#9

Posted on by spectatorsporting

After sweeping the Cavs, where does the Warriors dynasty rank amongst the NBA’s All-Time greatest dynasties?  What team can provide a nice throne for free agent LeBron “King” James?  3-Step NBA Playoff’s Bracket champ Terence Cavin joins the set & provides some answers.  We’re also discussing the Cubs race for the Pennant & the rebuilding White Sox.  Plus stay tuned for SS Below 60 as Adewale Apata reveals why LeBron James never gets hit with a serious injury & Zachary Roach explains that Kevin Durant did not ruin the NBA by joining Golden State.

NBA Finals Review – ————————————–00:35-04:06

NBA’s Greatest Dynasties–——————————–04:08-07:51

Where Should LeBron Go?———————————07:16-14:48

3-Step NBA Playoff Bracket Trophy Presentation——14:49-15:47

Cubs Pennant Race——————————————16:00-19:26

White Sox Rebuild——————————————20:00-23:26

SS Below 60 –———————————————–23:35-25:32

References

Ben Simmons & Joel Embiid. (2018). Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/185848/2017/12/15/the-process-tracking-the-recent-play-of-joel-embiid-and-ben-simmons/

BRUH SAVAGE. “LeBron James Shocks The Entire Cavs Crowd With Unreal Self Alley-oop Off The Backboard Dunk!” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 6 June. 2018. Web. 10 June, 2018.

Free Dawkins. “Kevin Durant Full Highlights 2018 Finals GM3 Golden State Warriors vs Cavs 43-13-7! Free Dawkins” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 6 June. 2018. Web. 10 June, 2018.

House of Hoops. “Top 10 Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal Connections” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 21 July. 2018. Web. 11 June, 2018.

Kawhi Leonard & Lamarcus Aldridge. [Getty]. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.express.co.uk/sport/othersport/947752/Kawhi-Leonard-San-Antonio-Spurs-LaMarcus-Aldridge-Gregg-Popovich-trade-injury-update-NBA

Kevin Durant Trophies. [Dynasty Sports]. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Warriors-Champions-Championship-Photo/dp/B071X876LV

Mlb Strike 3. “Chicago White Sox vs Chicago Cubs John Lester Full Game Highlights Complete” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 12 May. 2018. Web. 12 June, 2018.

MLB. “KC@CWS: Lopez impresses in White Sox debut” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 11 Aug. 2017. Web. 12 June, 2018.

Paul George & LeBron James. (2017). Retrieved from https://hoopshabit.com/2017/07/25/okc-thunder-how-lebron-james-could-affect-paul-georges-decision-to-stay/

NBA. “Lookback at the 1969 Celtics” Online Video Clip. YouTube. YouTube, 7 May. 2009. Web. 10 June, 2018.

NBA Finals: LeBron James. [USATSI]. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-finals-lebron-james-jokes-daughter-is-weirded-out-by-his-eye-injury-but-says-hell-be-fine/

Shulmansays.com. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.shulmansays.com/archives/BOSVIEW/CryoTherapy-8211-LeBron-Demi-and-Me/

The Terminator. (1991). Retrieved from https://propstore.com/product/terminator-2-judgment-day/terminator-arnold-schwarzenegger-facial-appliance/home.htm

Scottie Pippen was the 2nd Best Player. [Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]. (1995). Retrieved from https://www.sbnation.com/2015/9/9/9290999/nba-90s-scottie-pippen-michael-jordan

Will the Upcoming Season Give us the Showtime Lakers 2.0? (1986). Retrieved from http://wegotthiscovered.com/sports/showtime-lakers-20/