<span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%">3 Options, 2 Strong Opinions, 1 Pick Move over Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo has requested a table for three. Judging by Heat president Pat Riley's resent itinerary and guard Dwyane Wade's Sunday semi-endorsement, there is growing evidence and confirmation now that this is at least a three horse race for Miami's No. 2 pick in the June 26 NBA Draft. The first stop on Riley's tour of draft workouts was in Chicago to visit Mayo this weekend before heading West. Wade has long suggested that the Heat's biggest need was for a playmaking guard he could partner with in the backcourt to return the team to a contending level. For months, Wade's preference in the draft was for University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. And it still might be. But Wade is at least bracing for the reality that Rose is likely headed to Chicago as the No. 1 pick. Still, this very well could be a two-horse race. Only the participants have changed. Now, the Rose-Beasley debate might quickly become the Beasley-Mayo decision. Mayo and Wade have established a bond while working out together in Chicago with trainer Tim Grover. Two weeks ago, Mayo said he "was like a little reporter" following Wade around everywhere and asking questions. On Sunday, Wade said he's been just as impressed with Mayo's humility as he has with the skill set of the Southern Cal guard. "I've got an opportunity to see O.J. and go to lunch and dinner with him, because that's what we do in Chicago, because we're like family," Wade said. "He's a good kid. He's shocked me. He's been getting hype since the 6th grade. So I'm thinking he's going to have the big head and have a big posse with him. But he doesn't roll like that. And I like to see that."</span> link: http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/2008/06...ions-2-str.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I feel like it's gotten to the point that the pressure is being push against the Heat in regards to Mayo. It's almost like they have to deal with Minnesota or just pick Mayo at #2 and let Beasley fall to #3. It's not like Minnesota wouldn't be happy with Mayo, so the Heat shouldn't expect too much along with Minnesota's #3 in order to swap picks. Minny could add a young front court player and maybe change the consideration of Miami's 1st Round pick to benefit Miami (ie; Minnesota receives Miami's 2009 first round pick (lottery protected in 2008, top 10 in 2009, top 6 in 2010, beyond: unprotected. )(Ricky Davis trade 102407) to pushing the protection to reset again this year....lottery protection in 2009...and so on....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 10 2008, 03:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%">3 Options, 2 Strong Opinions, 1 Pick Move over Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo has requested a table for three. Judging by Heat president Pat Riley's resent itinerary and guard Dwyane Wade's Sunday semi-endorsement, there is growing evidence and confirmation now that this is at least a three horse race for Miami's No. 2 pick in the June 26 NBA Draft. The first stop on Riley's tour of draft workouts was in Chicago to visit Mayo this weekend before heading West. Wade has long suggested that the Heat's biggest need was for a playmaking guard he could partner with in the backcourt to return the team to a contending level. For months, Wade's preference in the draft was for University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. And it still might be. But Wade is at least bracing for the reality that Rose is likely headed to Chicago as the No. 1 pick. Still, this very well could be a two-horse race. Only the participants have changed. Now, the Rose-Beasley debate might quickly become the Beasley-Mayo decision. Mayo and Wade have established a bond while working out together in Chicago with trainer Tim Grover. Two weeks ago, Mayo said he "was like a little reporter" following Wade around everywhere and asking questions. On Sunday, Wade said he's been just as impressed with Mayo's humility as he has with the skill set of the Southern Cal guard. "I've got an opportunity to see O.J. and go to lunch and dinner with him, because that's what we do in Chicago, because we're like family," Wade said. "He's a good kid. He's shocked me. He's been getting hype since the 6th grade. So I'm thinking he's going to have the big head and have a big posse with him. But he doesn't roll like that. And I like to see that."</span> link: http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/2008/06...ions-2-str.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I feel like it's gotten to the point that the pressure is being push against the Heat in regards to Mayo. It's almost like they have to deal with Minnesota or just pick Mayo at #2 and let Beasley fall to #3. It's not like Minnesota wouldn't be happy with Mayo, so the Heat shouldn't expect too much along with Minnesota's #3 in order to swap picks. Minny could add a young front court player and maybe change the consideration of Miami's 1st Round pick to benefit Miami (ie; Minnesota receives Miami's 2009 first round pick (lottery protected in 2008, top 10 in 2009, top 6 in 2010, beyond: unprotected. )(Ricky Davis trade 102407) to pushing the protection to reset again this year....lottery protection in 2009...and so on....</div> I really have a hard time seeing the Heat just letting Beasley slip to #3. They'd definitely arrange a trade with Minnesota if they were that set on Mayo, which would be great for both teams. We probably won't know until draft day if that's the case though, because I can't see Miami pulling the trigger until they know who Chicago is taking, because as the article noted, Rose is still a top target on their list. As for what Miami should expect from Minnesota, this'll really be an interesting battle of wills between Riley and McHale. I can see McHale buckling first though, because the T'Wolves would have a lot more to gain by moving up that one spot to draft Beasley than Miami has to lose by holding onto the pick. There's a lot of other teams that'd be interested in Miami's #2 pick that could offer veteran talent. Afterall, with Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion, this team's not that far off from making a title run next season. I'm thinking the Heat might want Minnesota to absorb Mark Blount's contract, the full rights to their pick in '09, and then something more (not sure what though, because the T'Wolves don't really have any other tradable players that would work out for the Heat both contractually and position-wise, but these GM's are paid enough to think up something practical).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Voodoo Child @ Jun 10 2008, 04:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 10 2008, 03:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%">3 Options, 2 Strong Opinions, 1 Pick Move over Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose. Ovinton J'Anthony Mayo has requested a table for three. Judging by Heat president Pat Riley's resent itinerary and guard Dwyane Wade's Sunday semi-endorsement, there is growing evidence and confirmation now that this is at least a three horse race for Miami's No. 2 pick in the June 26 NBA Draft. The first stop on Riley's tour of draft workouts was in Chicago to visit Mayo this weekend before heading West. Wade has long suggested that the Heat's biggest need was for a playmaking guard he could partner with in the backcourt to return the team to a contending level. For months, Wade's preference in the draft was for University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. And it still might be. But Wade is at least bracing for the reality that Rose is likely headed to Chicago as the No. 1 pick. Still, this very well could be a two-horse race. Only the participants have changed. Now, the Rose-Beasley debate might quickly become the Beasley-Mayo decision. Mayo and Wade have established a bond while working out together in Chicago with trainer Tim Grover. Two weeks ago, Mayo said he "was like a little reporter" following Wade around everywhere and asking questions. On Sunday, Wade said he's been just as impressed with Mayo's humility as he has with the skill set of the Southern Cal guard. "I've got an opportunity to see O.J. and go to lunch and dinner with him, because that's what we do in Chicago, because we're like family," Wade said. "He's a good kid. He's shocked me. He's been getting hype since the 6th grade. So I'm thinking he's going to have the big head and have a big posse with him. But he doesn't roll like that. And I like to see that."</span> link: http://blogs.herald.com/miami_heat/2008/06...ions-2-str.html ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I feel like it's gotten to the point that the pressure is being push against the Heat in regards to Mayo. It's almost like they have to deal with Minnesota or just pick Mayo at #2 and let Beasley fall to #3. It's not like Minnesota wouldn't be happy with Mayo, so the Heat shouldn't expect too much along with Minnesota's #3 in order to swap picks. Minny could add a young front court player and maybe change the consideration of Miami's 1st Round pick to benefit Miami (ie; Minnesota receives Miami's 2009 first round pick (lottery protected in 2008, top 10 in 2009, top 6 in 2010, beyond: unprotected. )(Ricky Davis trade 102407) to pushing the protection to reset again this year....lottery protection in 2009...and so on....</div> I really have a hard time seeing the Heat just letting Beasley slip to #3. They'd definitely arrange a trade with Minnesota if they were that set on Mayo, which would be great for both teams. We probably won't know until draft day if that's the case though, because I can't see Miami pulling the trigger until they know who Chicago is taking, because as the article noted, Rose is still a top target on their list. As for what Miami should expect from Minnesota, this'll really be an interesting battle of wills between Riley and McHale. I can see McHale buckling first though, because the T'Wolves would have a lot more to gain by moving up that one spot to draft Beasley than Miami has to lose by holding onto the pick. There's a lot of other teams that'd be interested in Miami's #2 pick that could offer veteran talent. Afterall, with Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion, this team's not that far off from making a title run next season. I'm thinking the Heat might want Minnesota to absorb Mark Blount's contract, the full rights to their pick in '09, and then something more (not sure what though, because the T'Wolves don't really have any other tradable players that would work out for the Heat both contractually and position-wise, but these GM's are paid enough to think up something practical). </div> I agree on some of your aspects but I don't see it benifiting Miami to trade to anyone outside of Minnesota if they intend on getting Mayo. If they do trade the #2 to another team and they pick Beasley then Minnesota picks Mayo and Miami is stuck with neither one. Also I don't see Minnesota taking on Blounts contract since thier the ones that traded him to Miami. Minnesota is rebuilding in every sense of the word and only want picks, young talent with marginal contracts and expiring contracts. They won't be willing to take on a crap contract, give back a 1st rounder all to get Beasley over Mayo. That's to steep a price to pay and doesn't benefit the Wolves all that much, but benefits Miami. By Miami showing obvious prefrence to Mayo over Beasley they hurt the leverage they would have in trading the #2 to get move down and get Mayo since it's now known that if they don't get Rose and they don't stick with Beasley...who do they want...whoever holds that #3 pick (ie; Mayo). Riley may not want Beasley and has made that clear, but Minny would be happy with either one and wouldn't feel the need to jump out a window for a deal they know Miami wants to make. Since Miami can't actually deal the pick before the draft and only deal the player they get with that pick I see them (if they don't get Mayo) drafting Beasley (assuming Chicago takes Rose), Minnesota getting Mayo....and then they swap picks and at the most Minnesota giving them back their 1st Rounder for next year (and maybe the second of Minnesota's 2nd Rounders, #34)...but no taking on of any contract. That way both teams get the players they really want and Miami gets their 1st Rounder back (and possibly a pick in the 2nd round)
I think this is just Pat Riley posturing to try and get as much as he can out of this draft. I'd b every surprised if he actually took Mayo at 2. I think he'll take Beasley/Rose and with the seed planted in other team's minds that he wants Mayo there will be a bidding war among the 3-6 teams (all picks where Mayo could fall) because they all want Beasley/Mayo. If Mayo really is the guy Riley wants he knows he can squeeze out more value because all these teams would give up a lot to get Rose/Beasley. Rose/Beasley will definitely be the pick and I think Riley is just posturing right now to get himself in position to get as much as he can in a trade but its still very possible that he holds onto them.
I think Riley is just trying to get Michael Beasley to drop to #2. In order of what makes the most sense, just looking at it, in order: 1. Michael Beasley 2. OJ Mayo 3. Derrick Rose (although when you factor in pick value it'd go Beasley/Rose, Mayo).
Based on team needs that is the best order, but it's been so hyped that this is a two dog race, that the Chicago & Miami have pressure on them to draft those two players first or risk looking like an idiot for passing on them. Every GM is probably haunted by the idea of having a Bowie over Jordan screwup (drafting need over talent). No one wants to carry that label
Check out me and VC's draft blog (in my sig), we both talk about potential for Miami to trade the pick and what we think they'll do with it.
It's crazy but it's starting to look like Minnesota has some leverage as well. With them rebuilding either Beasley or Mayo would help them. Where as Miami Doesn't really need or want Beasley. It's crazy cuz if Miami trades the draft rights to Beasley...they just shot themselves out of the running for Mayo...I still believe that for the best value Minnesota will draft Mayo if the other two are gone and won't give him up unless it's in a deal for one of the bif two. I still stand by my earlier scenerio: Since Miami can't actually deal the pick before the draft and only deal the player they get with that pick I see them (if they don't get Mayo) drafting Beasley (assuming Chicago takes Rose), Minnesota getting Mayo....and then they swap picks and at the most Minnesota giving them back their 1st Rounder for next year (and maybe the second of Minnesota's 2nd Rounders, #34)...but no taking on of any contract. That way both teams get the players they really want and Miami gets their 1st Rounder back (and possibly a pick in the 2nd round)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 11 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's crazy but it's starting to look like Minnesota has some leverage as well. With them rebuilding either Beasley or Mayo would help them. Where as Miami Doesn't really need or want Beasley. It's crazy cuz if Miami trades the draft rights to Beasley...they just shot themselves out of the running for Mayo...I still believe that for the best value Minnesota will draft Mayo if the other two are gone and won't give him up unless it's in a deal for one of the bif two. I still stand by my earlier scenerio: Since Miami can't actually deal the pick before the draft and only deal the player they get with that pick I see them (if they don't get Mayo) drafting Beasley (assuming Chicago takes Rose), Minnesota getting Mayo....and then they swap picks and at the most Minnesota giving them back their 1st Rounder for next year (and maybe the second of Minnesota's 2nd Rounders, #34)...but no taking on of any contract. That way both teams get the players they really want and Miami gets their 1st Rounder back (and possibly a pick in the 2nd round)</div> Marion has one year left on his contract. They could just let him go, and save about $14M in salary by paying and playing Beasley the following season. Gives him a year to get his legs under him, too.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane @ Jun 11 2008, 03:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NattaNerNuttaMan @ Jun 11 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It's crazy but it's starting to look like Minnesota has some leverage as well. With them rebuilding either Beasley or Mayo would help them. Where as Miami Doesn't really need or want Beasley. It's crazy cuz if Miami trades the draft rights to Beasley...they just shot themselves out of the running for Mayo...I still believe that for the best value Minnesota will draft Mayo if the other two are gone and won't give him up unless it's in a deal for one of the bif two. I still stand by my earlier scenerio: Since Miami can't actually deal the pick before the draft and only deal the player they get with that pick I see them (if they don't get Mayo) drafting Beasley (assuming Chicago takes Rose), Minnesota getting Mayo....and then they swap picks and at the most Minnesota giving them back their 1st Rounder for next year (and maybe the second of Minnesota's 2nd Rounders, #34)...but no taking on of any contract. That way both teams get the players they really want and Miami gets their 1st Rounder back (and possibly a pick in the 2nd round)</div> Marion has one year left on his contract. They could just let him go, and save about $14M in salary by paying and playing Beasley the following season. Gives him a year to get his legs under him, too. </div> That's true, the only problem with that is they might lose out on Wade later. If they keep Marion and get Mayo, who Wade is getting close with then that forms a nucleus Wade might be willing to stay around with. With Wade already winning a championship and hungery for another. He's not gonna want to see Marion go and then have to deal with Beasley acting his age...lol...while they rebuild. If they do that...the might as well kiss Wade goodbye. So it's either Marion, Wade and Mayo gunning for the playoffs in a weak East or Beasley and Wade rebuilding for a couple years and then just Beasley....and more rebuilding
