gpikePacific Division Teams Needs in NBA Draft
June 19th 2011 20:40
Sacramento: The Kings at least for one more season remain in Sacramento. The seventh pick is where Sacramento will get a chance to improve themselves during the draft. The Kings also hold the 35th and 60th choices in the second round. Sacramento was 24-58 last season, they showed some promise off and on, but lots of work is needed before becoming a playoff threat once again. With the seventh pick, Sacramento can add Kawhi Leonard if he drops or Kemba Walker to solidify their point guard position. Leonard and Walker would both be upgrades over what Sacramento has in Beno Udrih and Fransisco Garcia in the starting lineup. Then with the 35th pick look for the Kings to address whichever position they didn't in the first round. Point guards Norris Cole, Nolan Smith if he falls out of the first round and Malcom Lee are options.
LA Clippers: Due to the Baron Davis trade, the Clippers are without a first round pick. They do hold the 37th and 47th choices in the second round. If the Clippers can add another veteran or two, they have the talent to make the playoffs. A 32-50 record from last season shows there is hope on the horizion for a team which hasn't had much success since the Larry Brown era. The Clippers can use a small forward though not much will be available at 37. Look for LA to bring in the best player available both times or trade the picks.
Golden State: Here's a hard team to figure out. Golden State after hiring Mark Jackson almost two weeks ago, offered a trio of players to Orlando in exchange for Dwight Howard. The deal seemed like a joke but shows the Warriors are not afraid to make something happen. The Warriors are also working feverishly to move shooting guard Monta Ellis. Golden State holds the 11th and 44th picks in the draft after going 36-46 last season. The Warriors need frontcourt help. Their strength is in the backcourt with Ellis and Stephan Curry. Marcus Morris could be available at 11 or Donatas Montiejunas if he drops. In the second round look for the Warriors to grab another forward in a move to add toughness to this squad.
Phoenix: What will Phoenix do with Steve Nash? That is a key question entering the offseason. Rumors are circulating that New York is now targeting Nash. If the Suns do get rid of Nash, Aaron Brooks will take over. Phoenix as a team continue to be amongst the leagues best in scoring and the worst in defense. The Suns hold the 13th pick in the draft. They are in a wait and see type mode, depending upon what Utah does with the 12th pick as Klay Thompson and Jimmer Freddette are both expected to be available. Adding either guard will help as Nash and Grant Hill are both getting older. Marshon Brooks is also an option.
LA Lakers: The Lakers still have their centerpiece in Kobe Bryant and top complementary players with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Head Coach Phil Jackson is out and Mike Brown takes over, thus the team's makeup will change. Minnesota is interested in making a trade for Gasol, though they aren't willing to trade Kevin Love or the second pick, as the Lakers want. So Gasol will be back once again. The Lakers have the 41st, 46th, 56th and 58th picks in the second round. They are without a first round choice after trading it to New Jersey. Josh Selby who left Kansas after one season, could still be available with the 41st pick. Don't expect the Lakers to let him fall past them. After getting drafting Selby, the Lakers will play the drafting best player available card.
LA Clippers: Due to the Baron Davis trade, the Clippers are without a first round pick. They do hold the 37th and 47th choices in the second round. If the Clippers can add another veteran or two, they have the talent to make the playoffs. A 32-50 record from last season shows there is hope on the horizion for a team which hasn't had much success since the Larry Brown era. The Clippers can use a small forward though not much will be available at 37. Look for LA to bring in the best player available both times or trade the picks.
Golden State: Here's a hard team to figure out. Golden State after hiring Mark Jackson almost two weeks ago, offered a trio of players to Orlando in exchange for Dwight Howard. The deal seemed like a joke but shows the Warriors are not afraid to make something happen. The Warriors are also working feverishly to move shooting guard Monta Ellis. Golden State holds the 11th and 44th picks in the draft after going 36-46 last season. The Warriors need frontcourt help. Their strength is in the backcourt with Ellis and Stephan Curry. Marcus Morris could be available at 11 or Donatas Montiejunas if he drops. In the second round look for the Warriors to grab another forward in a move to add toughness to this squad.
Phoenix: What will Phoenix do with Steve Nash? That is a key question entering the offseason. Rumors are circulating that New York is now targeting Nash. If the Suns do get rid of Nash, Aaron Brooks will take over. Phoenix as a team continue to be amongst the leagues best in scoring and the worst in defense. The Suns hold the 13th pick in the draft. They are in a wait and see type mode, depending upon what Utah does with the 12th pick as Klay Thompson and Jimmer Freddette are both expected to be available. Adding either guard will help as Nash and Grant Hill are both getting older. Marshon Brooks is also an option.
LA Lakers: The Lakers still have their centerpiece in Kobe Bryant and top complementary players with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Head Coach Phil Jackson is out and Mike Brown takes over, thus the team's makeup will change. Minnesota is interested in making a trade for Gasol, though they aren't willing to trade Kevin Love or the second pick, as the Lakers want. So Gasol will be back once again. The Lakers have the 41st, 46th, 56th and 58th picks in the second round. They are without a first round choice after trading it to New Jersey. Josh Selby who left Kansas after one season, could still be available with the 41st pick. Don't expect the Lakers to let him fall past them. After getting drafting Selby, the Lakers will play the drafting best player available card.
Josh Selby left college after one season. He may drop to the Lakers at 41 in the draft
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