Note #1: It’s always funny to hear the New York crowd boo David Stern when he firsts steps to the podium. I have to hand to him though, he just throws that shit-eating grin up and moves on with his spiel.
Note #2: Watching Mark Jackson (who has been passed over this offseason for a head coaching position) talk about the Vinny Del Negro hire was a little bit uncomfortable. The truth is, neither guy is qualified to be a head coach. I like to see former players get at least a couple of years of experience as an assistant before getting their first gig.
Note #3: Stephen A. Smith’s act is irritating.
Now for the Heat’s pick… Michael Beasley
Coach Z’s scouting report: Scorer deluxe who can use both hands around the rim… lefty who makes defenders miss… needs work defensively, but has good anticipation skills away from the ball… will have an immediate impact because of his rebounding prowess… his jump shot will become more consistent as will his handle with time… look for him to be a double-double guy in the pros…
Two things could be going on here. They could keep him and see how a Dwyane Wade/Shawn Marion/Beasley trio works together before committing long term to Marion. Or they could end up trading him later in the draft or after the draft is complete. We’ve heard rumblings all along that Miami was more interested in O.J. Mayo, but I think that Mayo duplicates much of what Wade brings to the table. In Beasley, the Heat get an amazing scorer and rebounder. His character has been questioned, but I don’t think there’s much there. He looks like a steady 20/10 guy. His skill set complements Wade as well as Marion, so that will be an interesting trio to watch next season.
Now for the Timberwolves, the team that really has been hard to pin down. They might go Mayo, or they might go with Kevin Love or Brook Lopez. As a Bucks fan, I’d love to see Love slip, but I have a bad feeling about this pick.
