http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2515174 Timberwolves take Mayo with third pick Thursday, June 26, 2008 07:58 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - O.J. Mayo made a great comeback. Mayo, who has been tabbed as a potential top overall pick since he was in middle school, was taken third overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in the NBA draft. A basketball prodigy, Mayo had taken a step back after a freshman season which was rife with off-court troubles. His lone collegiate season was clouded with rumors that he received improper benefits while at Southern California. But while he fell on some draft boards early, teams realized Mayo's skill trumped all else as the draft grew closer. Mayo led the Trojans in points (20.7), assists (4.5) and steals (1.5) and has been mentioned as the most NBA-ready player in this draft. Consider his attributes: He's able to fill it up in a hurry, in a variety of ways and possesses nearly unlimited range with his jump shot. The 6-5 Mayo proved to be a better defender than many expected, in large part due to his build (78-inch wingspan) and incredible athletic ability (41-inch vertical jump). He will give the Timberwolves, who are trying to rebuild around high-scoring power forward Al Jefferson, a legitimate inside-outside scoring duo.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Jun 26 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You guys want me to post the rest of the pick articles by sportsticker? ^^^</div> I do, because otherwise I won't see them until tomorrow
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kobimel @ Jun 26 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow that's a lot of booing. I guess the Knicks fans don't like Italians too much.</div> Because they don't know much about him and likely wanted Bayless.
http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/2515207 Sonics draft G Westbrook at No. 4 Thursday, June 26, 2008 08:05 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) - Needing to fortify their backcourt, the Seattle SuperSonics pulled off a surprise by selecting guard Russell Westbrook with the No. 4 overall pick in Thursday's NBA draft. Although a member of two consecutive Final Four teams at UCLA, Westbrook's game was predicated on defense - a specialty of the Bruins. Westbrook's stock rose toward the tail end of his sophomore season, during which he averaged 12.7 points, including a 22-point performance against Memphis in the national semifinals. The 6-3 guard can make the open jumper but is not classified as a volume scorer or pure shooter. He needs to improve in that area or it will be harder for him to be effective going to the rim, neutralizing his offense and making him a defensive substitute off the bench. The selection continues an overhaul for the Sonics, who last season had two picks in among the top five and selected a pair of forwards, Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. Whether Seattle fans ever get to see Westbrook play is up for debate. The team ownership is embroiled in a controversy with the city over a possible relocation to Oklahoma City.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real @ Jun 26 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Better them than the Nets.</div> Brook Lopez is still on the board, so not all the bullets are dodged.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ Jun 27 2008, 03:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kobimel @ Jun 26 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow that's a lot of booing. I guess the Knicks fans don't like Italians too much.</div> Because they don't know much about him and likely wanted Bayless. </div> Exactly. But I'm sure that they'll love him after getting to know him, I just hope the pressure doesn't kill him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (soul driver @ Jun 26 2008, 08:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>clips taking Bayless or Lopez?</div> They need Bayless! (But I'm praying they take Lopez so the Nets don't!)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Mr. J @ Jun 26 2008, 07:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I love Walsh. I love D'antoni. I love Danilo.</div> Down the road ..
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kobimel @ Jun 26 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Exactly. But I'm sure that they'll love him after getting to know him, I just hope the pressure doesn't kill him.</div> Well, the good thing is that he's already pretty hardened mentally compared to any other foreign players that first entered the league directly from their country. That's a big plus, I don't think he'll be bothered much.
