My ode to Kevin Mchale: 2008 NBA Mock Draft

Despite all the years of frustration, I am one of the rare Minnesota Timberwolves fans that you will find outside of Minnesota. Shockingly my reason for being a fan has a lot to do with Christian Laetner and only a little to do with Kevin Garnett. As many of you may understand, the NBA draft has become a day that I dread every year. When you have seen William Avery and Ndudi Ebi drafted in the 1st round, and lost 3 first round picks because of Joe Smith, it makes sense why I fear this day every year. That is why I hope and pray that this year the T'Wolves end up with either OJ Mayo or Michael Beasley. Just a warning, if Kevin Love is selected by the T'Wolves with the 3rd pick I may have a nervous breakdown. So after all that, here is my 2008 NBA Mock Draft.

1) Chicago- Derrick Rose
2) Miami- Michael Beasley (I dont think he will ever play for the Heat, expect to see him traded)
3) Minnesota- OJ Mayo (Id love to see it, but I think he will be part of a draft day trade as well)
4) Seattle- Brook Lopez
5) Memphis- Kevin Love (Wouldn't be surprised if Gordon is the pick though)
6) New York- Eric Gordon
7) LA Clippers- Jerryd Bayless
8)Milwaukee- Joe Alexander
9) Charlotte- Russell Westbrook (Just as a side note, I have no idea how he is a lottery pick...great athlete, but he wont be a point guard and he doesnt score enough to be a SG)
10) New Jersey- Danilo Gallinari
11) Indiana- Robin Lopez (I had Augustin here prior to the trade with Toronto)
12) Sacramento- DJ Augustin
13) Portland- Alexis Ajinca
14) Golden State- Kosta Koufos
15) Phoenix- Brandon Rush (I am nearly 100% sure that a Kansas Jayhawk will be taken here, but not sure I have the right one)
16) Sacramento- DeAndre Jordan
17) Indiana- Anthony Randolph
18) Washington- Darrell Arthur
19) Cleveland- Jason Thompson (A really good player who went to Rider, I like him a lot)
20) Charlotte- Roy Hibbert ( I had Mario Chalmers here before the pick was traded by Denver)
21) New Jersey- Marreese Speights (Why he didnt return for his junior year I will never know)
22) Orlando- Courtney Lee (This is as close to a lock as there is in this draft)
23) Utah- JaVale Mcgee (This is where I had Hibbert going prior to the trade)
24) Seattle- Mario Chalmers
25) Houston- Donte Greene
26) San Antonio- Ryan Anderson (Another borderline lock)
27) Portland- Nicholas Batum
28) Memphis- JJ Hickson
29) Detroit- Chris Douglas-Roberts
30) Boston- Serge Ibaka

Mocking the Draft

Okay, as a Nuggets fan there are many dream scenarios rushing through my head before the draft. Priority number 1 would be to get rid of Carmelo and priority number 2 would be to get rid of A.I. For my surprise, cross my fingers, trade I would ship Melo, Nene and the 20th pick to Miami for Shawn Marion and the #2 pick. The contracts match up and it wouldn't be too far-fetched. Please let it be so, I'm tired of Melo, I can deal with A.I. until he retires. Without further ado, here is every pick as they will happen tomorrow...feel free to tell me how wrong I am.

#	Team	Selection
1	Chicago	Derrick Rose, PG (Memphis)
2	Miami	Michael Beasley, PF (Kansas State)
3	Minnesota	O.J. Mayo, SG (USC)
4	Seattle	Russell Westbrook, PG (UCLA)
5	Memphis	Kevin Love, C (UCLA)
6	New York	Danilo Gallinari, SF (Italy)
7	Los Angeles Clippers	Jerryd Bayless, PG (Arizona)
8	Milwaukee	Joe Alexander, SF (West Virginia)
9	Charlotte	Brook Lopez, C (Stanford)
10	New Jersey	Eric Gordon, SG (Indiana)
11	Indiana	D.J. Augustin, PG (Texas)
12	Sacramento	Anthony Randolph, PF (LSU)
13	Portland	Alexis Ajinca, C (France)
14	Golden State	Kosta Koufos, C (Ohio State)
15	Phoenix (from ATL)	Brandon Rush, SG (Kansas)
16	Philadelphia	DeAndre Jordan, C (Texas A&M)
17	Toronto	Robin Lopez, C (Stanford)
18	Washington	Darrell Arthur, PF (Kansas)
19	Cleveland	Mario Chalmers, PG (Kansas)
20	Denver	JaVale McGee, PF (Nevada)
21	New Jersey (from DAL)	Marreese Speights, PF/C (Florida)
22	Orlando	Courtney Lee, SG (Western Kentucky)
23	Utah	Roy Hibbert, C (Georgetown)
24	Seattle (from PHX)	J.J. Hickson, PF (NC State)
25	Houston	Donte’ Green, SF (Syracuse)
26	San Antonio	Ante Tomic, C (Croatia)
27	New Orleans	Chris Douglas-Roberts, SF (Memphis)
28	Memphis	Ryan Anderson, SF (Cal)
29	Detroit	Bill Walker, SF (Kansas State)
30	Boston	Serge Ibaka, PF (Congo)

Some more draft announcements

In the draft- Ryan Anderson of Cal, Luc Richard Mbah A Moute of UCLA

Out of the draft- Chase Budinger of Arizona, Lester Hudson of Tennessee-Martin, and Ty Lawson of North Carolina

Pargo return is official

As reported yesterday on the Kennel Report, Jeremy Pargo will be returning to Gonzaga for his senior season. The news was made official earlier today, and it appears the advice of his older brother Jannero played a big part in the decision. This is a huge development for GU, as next season they will have arguably the most talent in the Mark Few era. Expectations should be very high not only for Jeremy, but for the entire team.

Other players of note who have withdrawn their name from the draft are the North Carolina trio of Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, and Danny Green Robert Vaden of UAB, Ronald Steele of Alabama, and Robert Dozier of Memphis. We are still awaiting news on the decisions of Chase Budinger from Arizona, and Ryan Anderson of Cal. Both of these player's will have a big impact on the fate of their respective teams next season.

Check out the Kennel Report later today for early top 10 polls from both myself and ZagBell

The Calm Before the Storm

For all intents and purposes, today is Christmas Eve.

Fans of Gonzaga basketball have been waiting for tomorrow since the end of the basketball season. Tomorrow, Jeremy Pargo and so many other potential early entrants will decide if they will test their luck and enter the NBA draft, or return to college to finish out their senior year. Gonzaga fans know how vital Pargo is to the success of next year's team and are anxiously awaiting the final word.

Pargo has been busy on the workout trail the past month, visiting Seattle, Cleveland, New Orleans, Memphis, San Antonio, Portland, New Jersey, Boston, Washington, and Toronto. He has a feel for what about 1/3 of the entire NBA thinks about his game so you can't fault him for not doing enough research. It has been documented that Pargo will remain at Gonzaga if he is not a first round lock but after 10 visits to NBA cities, couldn't the allure of pro basketball change even the toughest of minds?

Most basketball and draft "experts" believe that Pargo should and will return to Spokane for his final year of eligibility. The common diagnosis of Jeremy's game is that he has shown that he can be a scoring point guard but he lacks the consistency to not turn the ball over that is needed for the NBA. If he returns he has the chance to improve on that fault and really polish the rest of his game.

The reasons Pargo should return are very legitimate. He has the opportunity to lead a top-10 team next year at Gonzaga. The team is beyond loaded with talent but Gonzaga fans and Pargo know that he is the straw that stirs this drink and without him, there is some major uncertainty at the point guard spot. Jeremy also has the chance to improve himself as a player and work on those turnovers and questionable shooting, and besides he will get another year of that prized Jesuit education. If he follows the reports and only goes if he is a first round selection, he should be back, as many draft sources do not have him in the first round this year.

With those reasons, all signs point towards Spokane, right? He has the chance to lead a team deep into the tournament, up his draft stock, learn and be a kid for another year and then blow up in the NBA. However, people that understand Pargo's on-court mentality know that we should expect the unexpected. After all, he proved that he could score in the draft camp against top talent, he has had many workouts and all of them have gone seemingly very well. And also, it seems like he is ready to move on, reading what he has said it feels like he is ready for the next challenge.

All these questions will be answered tomorrow, and the city of Spokane will let out a collective sigh of relief or their may be some choice four letter words uttered. For me, I used to think Jeremy was gone, but as time has gone on I think that he will be back leading Gonzaga next year in Spokane. He will make an educated decision and will do whats best for him. It will be a challenge for him if he leaves this year as he probably would be a first round pick, but he has shown in his three years at Gonzaga that he loves challenges.

Either way, whatever he chooses, I will not be surprised.

Pargo in New Orleans

Another day passes, which means another report on a workout by Jeremy Pargo. Today he worked out for the New Orleans Hornets, the home of his brother Jannero. Working out with Jeremy were Sonny Weems, Othello Hunter, Shan Foster, Trent Plaisted, and Antoine Agudio. Obviously, this workout did not have the amount of talent that we have seen Jeremy working out with over the last week. The Hornets own the 27th pick in the draft, and most draft websites have the Hornets selecting either a big man to complement Tyson Chandler, or a SG to add another weapon to an already loaded team. I would be surprised to see the Hornets use a 1st round pick on a PG, as they already have arguably the best in the league with Chris Paul.

Here is a scouting report on Jeremy--

Strengths (courtesy NBA Scouting Services): “Strong, athletic and hard-nosed point guard that has successfully made the transition from shooting guard. Uses his strength and quickness to his advantage on the drive and on the defensive end.”

Here is a quote from Jeremy---

Q: What areas of your game are you trying to improve or prove to scouts that they aren’t weaknesses?
A: I need to prove that I can make better decisions with the ball. I think I can do a good job of getting guys the ball in the right situations. I think people realize I can do that, but I (want to) make less turnovers and better decisions, play within myself, let the game come to me and slow down a bit.

According to the Hornets website, you can follow this link to listen to an audio interview with Jeremy, although I have been unable to find the interview. The Kennel Report will continue to bring you updates on each of Jeremy's workouts, as we get closer to June 16th.

Pargo in Memphis

Earlier today, Jeremy Pargo completed his 5th workout for various NBA teams. Today he worked out for the Memphis Grizzlies, who hold the 5th and 28th picks in the NBA Draft. Also working out with Jeremy were Kevin Love, Joey Dorsey, Kyle Weaver, DeAndre Jordan, and JaVale Mcgee. I don't believe that the Grizzlies are really in the market for a PG as they already have 3 terrific young PG's on their roster (Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, Javaris Crittenton).

Here are some quotes from Jeremy on his workout--
[Are] you trying to talk John Calipari into cutting you come slack?

I’m trying to get him to cut me some. They beat us three times in a row so I don’t need to be taking it easy on him. They need to be letting up on us.

How many workouts you attended?

This is my fifth workout.

What about maybe the opportunity to wear a Grizzlies uniform?

I think the opportunity that I have is great. To show myself in front of a lot of GMs and scouts and across the NBA there is a lot of traveling. I think it is a great opportunity and I am trying to do my best to take full advantage of it.

Have you heard from you brother about what it is like to be in the NBA and what does he want you to do?

Of course. I heard the worst part of it about trying to stick with a team and keep a contract. Things like that getting moved around and getting released. One of the things he told me to stay in if I am not a first round pick because it was difficult for him. He doesn’t want me to struggle and go through the same things he went through.
You played the Tigers a bunch of times now you have a Grizzlies (practice) uniform on, what does that do for you?

I wouldn’t mind wearing this uniform at all. As long as it not a Memphis Tigers uniform. I can wear a Grizzlies uniform just not a Tigers one.
Coach likes you because of your leadership. What do you think is your biggest asset?

I think that is one of my greatest assets. I think I can get out here and do some things to help some guys get the ball in the right area. I can help guys play their strengths a lot better. Once you’re playing at your strength you are always good no matter who you are. So I think that is one of the things I can focus on, just try to lead guys and lead a team and lead them in the right direction. You guys have a great point guard here in Kyle Lowry and he is doing a great job. I can only hope to learn from guys that have been here before me.

And here is a quote from Tony Barone Sr, Director of Player Personnel.

What did you like from Kyle Weaver and Jeremy Pargo?

I love both of them. I think Pargo is a tough, hard-nosed kid who has a very good skill set. He’s a leader and I think he’s going to be in the league. I don’t know that he’ll stay in the draft. I think that he’s got the chance to be a very good point guard in the league in time.

Pargo works out for Nets

Earlier today, Jeremy Pargo completed his 4th workout in as many days. Today he worked out for the New Jersey Nets who own the 10th and 21st pick (from the Jason Kidd trade with Dallas). The other participants in the workout today were Chase Budinger, Lester Hudson, Brandon Rush, Joey Dorsey, and Marreese Speights. Point Guard is not a huge need for the Nets, as they have both Devin Harris and Marcus Williams. There has been some talk about the Nets trying to move Marcus Williams, but I still don't think they would consider taking a Point Guard in the 1st round.

The following are some quotes by the Nets management-

-- Nets General Manager Kiki Vandeweghe on Jeremy Pargo and Lester Hudson
“Some of the smaller guys, Hudson and Pargo, they really competed well. They held their own.”

-- Nets Director of Scouting Gregg Polinsky on Jeremy Pargo and Lester Hudson
“They were both very physically strong and both guys competed at a very high level which made the workout go very well, particularly when we did three-on-three type things. They both used the dribble pretty effectively. Neither one is a big jumper but seemed to know how to use their body to create space. Overall I thought both guys did a nice job.”

The following are some quotes by Jeremy on his performance-

On today’s workout:
“I think it went pretty good for everyone here. We competed and played hard. I thought it was a great atmosphere to be able to get out here and play in front of the head coach of the team, the GM, things like that. It was a great atmosphere and I’m pretty sure everyone was excited about it.”

On shooting drills during the workout:
“I was kind of happy with the way I shot the ball. There was a shooting competition and in the last 35 seconds I think Lester and Chase both hit 12, and I ended up hitting 13 so it was a little bit competitive at the end.”

On how he sees himself fitting in with the Nets:
“I see it as an opportunity to come in and learn from a young veteran in Devin Harris. He’s been a big part of what Dallas has done so far and I’m pretty sure they love what he’s doing here. I’d greatly appreciate playing behind him for a year or two and learn as much as I can.”

In the following week Jeremy will be working out for Memphis, New Orleans, Cleveland, San Antonio, Portland and Seattle. Jeremy, along with all the other underclassmen, have until June 16th to withdraw from the draft.

Jeremy Pargo: First Round or Bust

As Gonzaga fans continue to hold their collective breaths, Jeremy Pargo took the floor with the elite of college basketball in the Orlando Pre-Draft Camp. The camp ran from May 27-30 at the World Wide of Sports in Orlando, FL. One of the most intriguing players in the camp is Pargo because he is still a player with a big decision to make: go test the NBA or return to Gonzaga for his senior campaign. As the camp wound down yesterday, Pargo's camp could best be described as flashy but inconsistent.

The first two days were a struggle for Pargo. He scored sparingly and many reports questioned his decision making as well as his court vision. What Gonzaga fans have come to love about watching Jeremy Pargo is his commitment to drive the lane and make plays, however in the NBA, Jeremy has to be able to learn to not just see straight ahead; he's got to look for passing options as well. Days 3 and 4 were much better overall for Jeremy. He had 31 points and 9 assists combined in the last two days, including a game high 20 points in the final day when it seemed that every other player was exhausted. He was also able to grab 6 rebounds in Day 3.

His ability to drive to the rim stood out as did his overall strength. He is able to run the ball up the court very well, and in today's NBA that is a very sought after talent. People are moving away from the Andre Miller slow-paced guards and looking more to the higher scoring running types of offenses.

The draft camp has been a microcosm of Jeremy's first 3 years at Gonzaga. Most games he is scoring 11-20 points and filling up the stat sheet with assists and boards, but he still shows the inconsistency at times which may need another year of college ball. His turnovers are his main concern to go along with his streaky shooting. He had 11 combined turnovers in the last two days.

It seems that the consensus from many sources is that Jeremy is a sure fire draft pick if he stays at Gonzaga for one more year. Looking at next years mock draft, Jeremy could be one of the top guards taken. Ricky Rubio, a PG from Spain, will be the best guard next year but beyond that the playing field is pretty even. He would have to battle with a bunch of freshman, including Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings but who knows how there freshman years will turn out; Jeremy is already a very established player.

It seems though that Jeremy in his mind is ready for something new. He has made it clear that he believes that he is NBA-ready and that he will do whatever it takes to be in the draft this season. He has made it clear that he is only willing to go to the draft is he is promised to be in the first round and he will be traveling the nation looking to work out for teams so that he can achieve his first round aspirations. Pargo will be more than likely visiting Boston, Toronto, New Jersey, Washington, Portland, Seattle, Cleveland, Memphis, and New Orleans.

With the draft less than a month away, Pargo will have a very interesting decision to make. No one can fault him for leaving Gonzaga if he is guaranteed a first round selection. The difference between the 30th pick and the 31st pick is extreme. He fits decently well with a couple of the teams he will be visiting, including Memphis and Seattle and maybe even Cleveland and Washington. However, I can't help but hope Jeremy stays a year, wins an NCAA championship and gets drafted in the first round by the (true point guard-lacking) L.A. Lakers. That would be ideal. We wish Jeremy the best of luck, we'll continue holding our breath now.

Jeremy Pargo and the NBA

As most Gonzaga basketball fans know, our beloved Point Guard, Jeremy Pargo, has declared for the NBA Draft. To clarify, in no way does this mean that Jeremy has given up his senior year of eligibility. Instead, this allows Jeremy to submit paperwork to the NBA offices, and after hopefully participating at the Orlando draft camp (which takes place at the end of May), he will be told in what areas he must improve. After this he will make a decision to either return to Gonzaga for his senior season or to stay in the NBA draft.
I firmly believe that Jeremy will be back next year due to the outstanding amount of talent that will be at this year's draft, as well as due to the overall weakness of next year's draft. In this year's draft Jeremy is not considered to be one of the higher ranked Point Guard prospects. However, if you look at the Point Guards likely to declare, there is an outside chance that he could be the #2 ranked Point Guard in next year's draft. The clear # 1 prospect will be Ricky Rubio out of Spain, who is likely to be the #1 overall pick in the draft. From my understanding, this kid has the potential to be the best player to come out of Spain. Then I think the # 2 Point Guard spot would be up for grabs between Pargo, Darren Collison of UCLA, and Brandon Jennings of Arizona. My main issue with Collison is how he guards the bigger Point Guards that he will face. As everyone saw in the Final 4 against Memphis, it seemed that Collison did not even belong on the same court as Derrick Rose (The great Memphis Point Guard). With Brandon Jennings, there is no questioning his talent, but it seems quite clear that there are times when he is more intent on making the flashy play as opposed to the correct play.
While all 3 are great players, I truly believe that with a summer spent working on his jump shot and decision making, Jeremy can assert himself as not only an All-American, but the # 2 Point Guard in the draft, and potentially a lottery pick.