Draftness

The draft is finally here! Excitement! Amidst all the hype and mock drafting, I read a harrowing story about Len Bias. Something makes me think all the doubts about Beasley being a risk for being a funny 19-year-old kid pale in comparison.

Sorry I didn't post a mock draft for you. I hate the thought of writing something that would be proven dead wrong within a few hours and I was too busy watching football. BTW, I heard most of the world missed the end of the Turkey/Germany match. It was f-ing awesome but heartbreaking for the Turks. They may be in the Final but Germany doesn't impress me. If the Turks hadn't lost so many starters to yellow yards, the outcome would have been different but they still attacked the Germans with their B-team and nearly pulled off another miracle. Hopefully their exciting run erases the lingering effect of Midnight Express. But I digress...

After the Russia/Spain match, hopefully I can find the draft on Swiss or Portuguese TV. If not, internet to the rescue. That won't be quite as fun though and that kills the drinking game scenario...

So here's a draft drinking game.

1 drink every time you hear the words 'upside', 'character issues', 'explosiveness' or 'motor'

2 drinks every time someone wears a white suit; David Stern mispronounces a players name; video footage looks like it's from youtube; or someone from your school gets drafted.

3 drinks if the Suns pull a trade.

10 drinks if the Suns sell a draft pick.

You can substitute bong rips or water if so inclined.

I'll write a profile of whomever the Suns draft. Let's get some talent Steve Kerr!

UPDATE: Robin Lopez was the pick at 15. I didn't see much of him this year but from what I've read, he's a scrappy big who rebounds, defends well and blocks shots. I like it. It's 3 am here. I'll check back in the morning...

UPDATE 2: Here's a some thoughts on our two picks...

#15 Robin Lopez, Center, Stanford, 7', 255 lbs.

On paper, I love the pick. I wanted an energy big. I though we'd get that in the 2nd round but we got a quality player in the first. I like Lopez for a couple reasons.

1. He can play right away. The developed aspect of his game are defense, rebounding, shot blocking and hustle. He makes plays on defense. His numbers are decent but don't forget he played with a big man (his twin) that was just as big and a little more skilled. His current skills translate to the NBA.

2. His potential is what makes me like it more. His brother has always gotten more attention. Robin is hungry. For the first time he won't have to share the spotlight. He can develop and he's got some great teachers. He gets to battle Shaq in practice and learn from Bill Cartwright. That's 7 rings (as players) combined. That's a great situation for a young big man. Just because he's a backup role player now doesn't mean that's his ceiling. Plus if he develops into a Marcus Camby type player, I would gladly take that at the five if Amare continues to be an unstoppable beast at the four.

Plus this pic is a classic...

#45 Goran Dragic, Point Guard, Union Olimpija (Slovenia), 6' 4", 180 lbs. (acquired from San Antonio Spurs for rights to #48 Malik Hairston)

Once again on paper I like the pick. Apparently the Suns LOVE the pick. They celebrated when the trade went down because they had Dragic rated as the second best point guard in the draft. I've read through a few scouting sites and found a couple of youtube vids. Word is, Dragic (gotta love that name) is a slashing, penetrating point guard who is a solid if not excellent defender. His weakness is his jumper at this point. He may be able to come over this year if he can get his main team to release him (he plays for three teams). If not, he has a buyout next year. The club sees him as the eventual replacement for Steve Nash. Hopefully he can make it over sooner than later to get some practice time against Nash, get familiar with the organization and get some D-League playing time if necessary.

Here's a couple of highlight vids from youtube. One with a rock soundtrack and another with hip hop stylings. Enjoy...