<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>One Week To Go by Dave D. Tuesday June 17, 2008, 11:13 PM Aristide Economopoulos/Star-LedgerMr. Bill A number of you have asked: Is there a short list? Do they have a fave? Yes, and yes. We think. Here's how it's shaking out in front of them: We're told that Milwaukee is leaning heavily toward Joe Alexander at No. 8 - we'll see if he upholds his agreement to work out for the Nets on Friday - and Charlotte is smitten with Russell Westbrook. And that second part seems like a lock: Arn Tellem told the Nets in the last few days that Westbrook will not work out for them, so he has a guarantee somewhere in the top 9. What's that leave? Right now, based on a few conversations and a healthy amount of deduction, this is what they're (probably) working with. # At No. 10 - Danilo Gallinari, Brook Lopez (if he falls), and Westbrook, in that general order. # At No. 21 - Brandon Rush (if he's there), Chris Douglas-Roberts (he had probably the best workout out of the 30-plus kids who have passed through), JaVale McGee (if he falls, which he won't), and Robin Lopez (who is rising). Anthony Randolph? They don't rank him as highly as they do Gallinari, if only because the LSU kids doesn't shoot well enough and doesn't really have a position. If you're wondering where Darrell Arthur has disappeared to, he's not in the picture at 10, either. But if he fades all the way to 21, they'll have a decision to make. And if you're still under the impression that they're going to move one or both picks, don't hold your breath. Player development is the new mantra around here: If you can get a rotation player with the 21st pick and only have to pay him a rookie wage, there's no reason to move that selection for a flawed, overpriced veteran. We're still told that the one move they want to make is cracking the top five, where they can land a 6-8, 255 pound kid with 13-percent body fat. Go figure. But that's Love for you. * * * * Meet the incredible shrinking coaching staff: You already know that Pat Sullivan is on his way to Detroit to join up with Team Curry, but now the Nets appear to be on the verge of losing Mr. Bill as well. Bill Cartwright interviewed for the lead assistant job in Phoenix yesterday - presumably sitting down with both Terry Porter and fellow Bulls alum Steve Kerr - and given that he is without a contract, he isn't likely to wait for the Nets to make an offer to keep him around. As of today, L-Frank has only two assistant coaches under contract, Brian Hill and Tom Barrise. The last two guys on the staff, the eminently capable coaching associate Jim Sann and shooting coach Bob Thate, both could return but are deciding where they're going to be in '08-09. Happy addendum: Paul Coro tells us that Porter is also bringing in Buck Williams for an interview this week.</div> Looks more and more like Danilo at 10. Link
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Charlotte is smitten with Russell Westbrook</div> Shit. I'm not that excited about Brook Lopez either. Also, where's Hickson on that list? How disappointing!
For some reason I have a feeling, a hunch the Knicks could take Danilo at 6. At the same time, that means somebody drops.
Well that's not exactly what I was hoping to read. And JaVale McGee? . . . oh no (in a tim taylor from home improvement voice)
Ugh, I really wanted Westbook, I don't really like Lopez and I'm not too excited about Danilo. I hope Gordon drops.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Jun 18 2008, 12:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well that's not exactly what I was hoping to read. And JaVale McGee? . . . oh no (in a tim taylor from home improvement voice)</div> What's wrong with McGee at #21? That's a pretty good prospect to get that low. O'Bryant and Saer Sene went #9 and #10! These guys never drop.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti @ Jun 18 2008, 12:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Jun 18 2008, 12:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well that's not exactly what I was hoping to read. And JaVale McGee? . . . oh no (in a tim taylor from home improvement voice)</div> What's wrong with McGee at #21? That's a pretty good prospect to get that low. O'Bryant and Saer Sene went #9 and #10! These guys never drop. </div> McGee needs time. I've made it pretty clear my personal preference in this draft is to stay away from kids who are years away from contributing. I think of McGee and Jordan in the same way in this sense; I'd prefer to look elsewhere even if they're available.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Jun 18 2008, 01:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti @ Jun 18 2008, 12:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (JCB @ Jun 18 2008, 12:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Well that's not exactly what I was hoping to read. And JaVale McGee? . . . oh no (in a tim taylor from home improvement voice)</div> What's wrong with McGee at #21? That's a pretty good prospect to get that low. O'Bryant and Saer Sene went #9 and #10! These guys never drop. </div> McGee needs time. I've made it pretty clear my personal preference in this draft is to stay away from kids who are years away from contributing. I think of McGee and Jordan in the same way in this sense; I'd prefer to look elsewhere even if they're available. </div> But the Nets have three picks. Can't they get a nice contributor at #40 and still have a very good prospect in their pocket to develop? That seems like the ideal draft to me.
why take danillo at 10 when you can take someone who can do everything he does and then some @ 40 in pat calathes?
my number one choice would be westbrook as well, but i would not be 1 bit upset if we got danilo im startin to believe in the kid's talent... and if its true bout his mental focus and toughness why not?
Ugh. If we got Lopez, I'd go root for whatever team Donte drops to. Lopez would be a worst case scenario draft.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ZAE @ Jun 17 2008, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Ugh, I really wanted Westbook, I don't really like Lopez and I'm not too excited about Danilo. I hope Gordon drops.</div> That sums up my feelings exactly. I'd rather have Danilo over Brook but if the unthinkable happens and Eric Gordon drops I will be a very happy Nets fan. Unless they inexplicably pass on him for either of those two, then I would hunt down Rod and Kiki.
re:Hickson, hopefully they just don’t expect him to last to 21, and will jump on him if he does. Thats what I’m hoping is with Koufos too. It doesn’t seem like we’re going for athleticism as much as Thr0niki said. Focus seems to be more on skills, size, and a winning mentality. particularly if we wind up with the most likely scenario based on the above, Dani and CDR.
Why not Lopez? The team has had such great luck drafted a player who played with his brother on their college team. Feel the progression . . . Ed O'Bannon (betcha didn't remember that) . . . . Jason Collins . . . . Brook Lopez? Am I forgetting anyone?
Dear Kevin McHale, You need a center. You NEED Brook Lopez. Please save Rod and Kiki from themselves. Thanks! -ghoti
chill lol some of you guys are acting like this stuff is in cement. It really doesn't mean anything imo from here on out it's all bs and smokescreens.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J-HoAgZ @ Jun 18 2008, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>chill lol some of you guys are acting like this stuff is in cement. It really doesn't mean anything imo from here on out it's all bs and smokescreens.</div> eh, yes and no. The draft hasn't panned out so who knows who will be available at 10, but at the same time I don't see the Nets brass leaking false information through the beat writers via anonymous sources.
Wow, I hate the names on this short list. We are about to continue in our strong tradition of bad drafts. First off, Westbrook will be terrible! Has anyone watched this guy? I watched a lot of his games, he's not a point, and he's not a 2 guard. He cannot shoot, and he didn't average more than 2 assists or so. He's a tweener that will be good for nothing and possibly out of the league after his rookie contract expires. Lopez, bleh, whatever. And Galinari is another soft Euro. Is this really the best we can do? Just take a hard nosed guy with skills like Joe Alexander, that's your best bet right there. He rebounds, shoots, plays D, gets to the line a lot and plays with fire. That's what this team freakin' needs.
