Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
(Herald-Leader photo)
If you caught any part of the NBA Combine there’s a pretty good chance you saw a Kentucky player on your screen. Six out of seven of UK’s draft eligible players were in attendance, far more than any other school. Even combine host, Ryen Russillo, said that he and his crew could probably do an hour of coverage solely on the Wildcats. This is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory and Kentucky is part of the reason for that. Now that the combine is over, teams pretty much know who is going to be available and are narrowing down their selections. Where are the Kentucky players going to be selected, you ask? I’m going to give you the best fit for each Cat that isn’t going number one overall:
#2 Charlotte Bobcats – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- This isn’t a best fit, but rather what I think will happen. Kidd-Gilchrist is chosen here for a host of reasons. The most glaring reason is that he has the most upside. Players that would be in the running besides MKG are Bradley Beal, Thomas Robinson, and Andre Drummond. Beal doesn’t fit because Gerald Henderson was the best player on the Bobcats last year and he plays shooting guard too. Drummond simply isn’t good enough to be the second pick, and Robinson’s translation to the NBA is questionable. MKG, who should be an all-star for years to come, is just too good for MJ and the Bobcats to pass up.
Sorry, Kidd.
#6 Portland Trailblazers (from Jay-Z)- Terrence Jones- How does a LaMarcus Aldridge and Terrence Jones frontcourt sound? Jones is a super skilled power forward that can pretty much do it all on the basketball court. Pair him with Aldridge and you have a headache for opposing defenses. When motivated, TJ has displayed some great ability. If he can show that skill every time he hits the basketball court, he can be a premiere forward in this league. Nothing says motivation like playing in front of your hometown every night.
#22 Boston Celtics (from Lob City, USA)- Marquis Teague- With Ray Allen and KG’s contracts up, the Celtics have a ton of holes to fill. One glaring need is for a backup point guard. Keyon Dooling is going into his twelfth NBA season and definitely isn’t the long-term answer. Teague will be able to give Doc Rivers some immediate quality minutes while Rondo takes a breather.
#29 Chicago Bulls- Doron Lamb- A homer pick for me, but also a selection that makes sense. Lamb is not Penny Hardaway or Paul Pierce, but he is a combo guard that can shoot the lights out. With Derrick Rose out for most the of upcoming year and Kyle Korver’s contract up, GM Gar Forman fills two voids with one pick. I’m not sure how effective Lamb is going to be at defending speedy point guards in the NBA, but he can give you some minutes at the position depending on the matchup. A good NBA comparison would be Orlando’s JJ Redick.
Sacramento Kings #36 – Darius Miller- I was pulling for Sacramento to get the first overall pick. I wanted an all-Kentucky frontcourt of Boogie and AD, but my dreams were quickly crushed. The Kings do need a power forward to go along with DeMarcus, and they’ll probably take someone like Robinson with the fifth pick. All signs have been pointing to them shopping Tyreke Evans around this summer too. They are having trouble finding a spot to play him, and could use another SF/SG after he’s gone. This is where the final Cat is selected in D. Millz.
Feel free to use the comments section to tell me how wrong I am.
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June 9th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I would keep it Positive for Mr. Jones, but there is just nothing right here. I would have to scrap all of your choices. Except maybe TJ to the Trailblazers, I hadn’t considered that, and it could work now that they’ve shipped out Gerald Wallace.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:06 pm
No Hornets for MLK–plez! Think it’s Robinson
June 9th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Avery Bradley plays for Boston. Therefore no need for Teague
June 9th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
That makes since to me.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Thank you for posting something about this! Given the basketball-centric coverage on KSR and Cats-heavy focus in this draft, I hope this is the first of many to come. I mean, it’s not like there are basketball (or even uk football) games to distract us. Love the first three selections, but do you really think Teague falls THAT far? Also, who else could be interested in Lamb and Miller earlier on?
June 9th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
#3 Bradley plays the two. And #5 Yes, I think Teague falls that far but I could be wrong. Maybe Doron and Darius could go before where I’ve pegged them, but I think thats about right.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:13 pm
“MKG is second because Robinsons translation to the NBA is questionable”, that is one of the dumber statements made here yet. MKG has heart but his skill set doesnt sniff Robinson. Isnt that why he was advised to sit out some of the combine?
June 9th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Bradley is a point guard, but not a true one and they pretty declared him a 2 as soon as Allen went out in early May. He can play point, but Teague going there would give them a true PG to back up Rondo, and would pretty much guarantee a Cat would be on the floor throughout the whole game
June 9th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
6. Avery Bradley PLAYED the 2 part of this year because Ray Allen was out, and when he came back, it was best that he come off the bench. He is a Point Guard though, albeit a defensive-minded one. He may work playing the 2 with the uniqueness Rondo brings, but stop the arguing. He’s a Point, who can play the 2 for Boston.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
Is he going to play the one with Rondo there? Probably not, so he’s probably a starting or backup 2 especially w Ray leaving.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
Montrezl Harrell not only made the usa under 18 squad but he is projected as a starter. Three Mcdonalds all-americans were cut. The Harrison twins were also cut. Nba draft guy said the scouts missed on harrell and he is a too talent. Wish we would have offered.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Why do you talk like you’re disagreeing, but agree with the point? Bradley is a Point, but can play the 2 for Boston.
June 9th, 2012 at 4:39 pm
“since”
June 9th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
i just want at least one player teamed up with prince and and knight in detroit befor tay tay retires
June 9th, 2012 at 4:49 pm
I don’t think Jones projects as a true PF with his skill set I think he could turn into a dominant SF/Point Forward. If I were him I’d model my game after Lamar Odom, but either way I think he’ll be in a much better situation than both MKG and Anthony Davis
June 9th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
How is JJ Redick a good comparison to Doron Lamb?? They both can shoot?
June 9th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Rashawn, have you heard of a guy named Avery Bradley? Yeah, the Celtics don’t need a backup pg
June 9th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
What is this “NBA” thing that you speak of?
June 9th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
I love all the people that post but don’t take the time to read what’s already been posted. cough17cough
June 9th, 2012 at 6:21 pm
lamb or Miller would be perfect fit for the Heat. Lamb can hit the shot when LeBron goes to the goal and the defender couldn’t just leave him. Miller would be a perfect role player to replace Battier. Miller game is similar to his but DM is bigger and better. The role players are the problem there and either one could be immediate help.
June 9th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
19-your mom is fat and your gf is a dude.
June 9th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
I hope MKG doesn’t go to the Bobcats. I’d like to see him with Kyrie Irving at Cleveland (yes, I know he’s a former Duke player, but he has done well there so far), or at Washington with John Wall.
June 9th, 2012 at 8:42 pm
I will never root for any UK player who plays for Chicago. I can’t believe KSR would let a Chicago-area sports fan on the site, mostly because Chicago sports fans can’t read, write or wipe themselves.
June 9th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
I can make this guarantee, Darius Miller WILL NOT fall past the Kings in the 2nd round. He may go before, but they will not pass on him in the 2nd round.
June 9th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Who cares if Avery Bradley is a 1 or 2 guard. NO WAY the Celtics use a 1st round pick on a PG when they have Rondo. You don’t waste that pick on a PG when your best player is your PG.
June 10th, 2012 at 8:30 am
What about the Louisville players, Rashawn?…….oh wait
June 10th, 2012 at 3:47 pm
idk if i’m really feeling teague in boston. i think dallas or orlando would be good fits.