NBA Draft day!
by Isaac Ropp
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posted Jun 23 2011 1:05PM
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A few prep items before we roll out our 2011 NBA Draft show, 3-7 pm:
From Hoopsworld -- "The Spurs and Blazers nearly completed a blockbuster trade on Wednesday afternoon, but the deal fell apart in the late stages. San Antonio was prepared to ship Tony Parker and the #29 to Portland for Andre Miller, Nic Batum and the #21. The deal died when the Spurs insisted Richard Jefferson's contract be included."
For the record, Jefferson is owed over $30-million over next 3 seasons (third year is a player option). Not happenin', folks.
On to the next target. From Draft Express -- The Blazers are looking at trading Andre Miller and the #21 to Orlando for Jameer Nelson. I can see why both teams would do that deal. Risk for the Blazers. What is Nelson now? He's a former All-Star but hasn't been the same since his injury in 2009. He's 29 years old, same age as Tony Parker. Tough one.
If there are no firework trades and the Blazers draft at #21, it seems Kenneth Faried may be the guy.
Here's a nice feature on the New Jersey kid who appears to be one heck of dude and easy to root for.
Faried has been compared to undersized guys like Paul Millsap and DuJuan Blair. He broke Tim Duncan's college rebound record which is nice. To me, he's a safe pick at #21 because what he does well (rebound, defense, energy) definitely translates to the NBA. Low bust factor but not a very high star factor. What's interesting is he wasn't invited to the green room yet the draft is being conducted in his hometown of Newark. wtf.
Elsewhere, Bernie (not our little rolly polly) but the Blazers coach may be headed to party with his son.
Finally, some short chick interviews Brandon Roy. Encouraging quotes if you ask me.
Twitter actually comes in handy today. Follow the Handsome one.
Tags : Topics : SportsLocations : New Jersey, Newark, Orlando, Portland, San AntonioPeople : Andre Miller, Blair, Brandon Roy, Jameer Nelson, Kenneth Faried, Paul Millsap, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker
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