Washington, D.C.... Welcome Yi Jianlian!

The New Jersey (Or can we just call them Brooklyn?) Nets have traded Yi Jianlian and 'cash considerations' to the Washington Wizards for nothing, in exchange. The Wizards will use their trade exception (acquired when they traded Etan Thomas to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a year ago...).

This move dumps salary for the Nets (they now have $30 millie) and the Wizards add a scoring forward that doesn't play defense or do much of anything except spot up and shoot...

They are calling it a 'depth' move, but whatever...

The Wizards want to increase their market.

The Verizon Center is smack-dab in the middle of CHINATOWN.

I'm just sayin', baby... I'm just sayin'....

Blatche to Miss Three Months...

of basketball activities. This news comes after Andray Blatche fractured a bone in his right foot.

Per Michael Lee of the Washington Post.

He is expected to do his rehabilitation at either The Luxe Lounge, or The Park At Fourteenth ...

I kid.

I kid.

The Last Pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, Selected by the Phoenix Suns...is...

DWAYNE COLLINS

and that wraps up the 2010 NBA Draft.

Tomorrow, your team will have probably completed a trade.

At 56 Overall, the Minnesota Timberwolves (selecting on behalf of the WSH Wizards) select...

Hamady Ndiaye

The 7-footer will immediately provide rebounding and defense (averaged 4.5 blocks per game last season).

He's still raw and won't provide much offense.

I'm disappointed that the Wizards didn't select Stanley Robinson, but there's hope...

BUY A PICK, GRUNFIELD...

The 2010 NBA Champion, Los Angeles Lakers select...

DEVIN EBANKS!

"Get 'em up!"

The Los Angeles Lakers have selected West Virginia forward, Devin Ebanks.

Ebanks is an extremely athletic player.

He's an aggressive rebounder and a versatile defender.

As pictured, he needs to add some bulk.

He'll need to add a jump shot to his game, as well.

However, he won't be expected to contribute immediately.

By the time the Lakers push Odom and Artest out of the door, Ebanks will hopefully be ready to be a significant contributor to the Los Angeles Lakers...

or he could be traded by the time I wake up.

That's how the NBA Draft works.

As I wait...

As I fight sleep and await the Wizards to select at #56 overall...

I wonder, how can the Knicks screw with their fanbase?

They have back-to-back selections in the 2nd round.

At first, they get it right.

They select the senior PG, Andy Rautins of Syracuse.

He's a hometown guy. He's a leader. He's a shooter. Great.

The next pick, fans are chanting "STEPH-EN-SON," begging the Knicks to select New York native, and former Cincinnati Bearcat, Lance Stephenson.

The guard is undeniably talented, but questions of his maturity and ability to play within a team concept are legitimate. However, in the 2nd round, it is worth the risk.

Well, as I type... the Pacers have just selected Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson.

We'll see how the ball-controlling shooting guard fairs in the NBA.

With Danny Granger and Brandon Rush on board, he won't have to rush his NBA development.

GREIVIS!!!

As a Maryland native, it's great to see Greivis Vazquez be selected in the 1st round of the 2010 NBA Draft.

The senior guard was selected at number 28 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Mike Conley hasn't been the answer at PG.

OJ Mayo has been taking reps at PG this offseason.

However, the New York Knicks are rumored to be buying the rights to Greivis Vazquez.

Stay tuned...

Washington Makes Another Trade...

The Washington Wizards have sent the #30 and #35 picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Clemson forward Trevor Booker (overall pick 23) and pick #56.

The Wizards add some front court depth.

Booker is an excellent finisher around the rim and will try to dunk EVERYTHING.

He's going to bring toughness and energy.

Wall-to-Booker alley oops will be frequent on ESPN's top plays.

I like the identity the Wizards are establishing.

Check out some Trevor Booker highlights here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HbmLWziysI

#17 Overall Selection...

The Chicago Bulls have selected PF, Kevin Seraphin. This pick will be traded to the Washington Wizards after July 1.

He's French.

He's 6'9 and 265 lbs.

He is said to be a good rebounder, shot blocker and an overall rugged player.

His offense needs polish and he does have the option to stay in France.

However, with only 6 players under contract (Wall would make 7) the Wizards may have him playing this season.

I suspect the Wizards will stash Seraphin and re-sign PF James Singleton to be the primary back-up to Andray Blatche.

But... but... I wanted Gordon Hayward...

I just knew Gordon Hayward would be a Pacer.

I was wrong.

The Utah Jazz selected Hayward at #9 overall...

This was a blessing in disguise for the Pacers.

The Pacers have selected the raw, but super-talented Paul George.

He'll be a nice player to groom behind Danny Granger...

Elliot Williams at 17?

Rumors are that the Wizards will have the Chicago Bulls select guard, Elliot Williams out of Memphis.

At 6'4" and 175lbs, Williams played the point guard and shooting positions at Duke, before transferring to the Memphis Tigers.

He's a prolific scorer and slashes to the basket with aggression.

He gets to the free throw line at a high rate, as well.

Nick Young and Gilbert Arenas better look over their respective shoulders...

Kirk Hinrich and Pick # 17 on the Way to Washington...

Michael Lee (Washington Post) has reported that the Washington Wizards will receive the #17 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, in addition to guard, Kirk Hinrich from the Chicago Bulls.

Terms have not been disclosed, but it is believe that the this is a salary move on behalf of the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls hope to sign two max free agents (LeBron and Bosh? LeBron and Wade? LeBron and Stoudemire? Wade and Boozer? Who knows...) and Wizards owner, Ted Leonsis wanted to receive additional first round selections.

Kirk Hinrich will make $9 million dollars next season.

In 3 years, Kirk Hinrich has average 13 PPG, 6 APG, 3 RPG and 1 SPG.

He brings toughness, defense and can play both guard positions.

Sheesh.

Are they trying to get rid of Gilbert?

I don't think that's the case, but their chances of re-signing Shaun Livingston are getting a lot slimmer.

I really like Shaun Livingston.

I hope he signs with a Championship contender (Lakers, anyone?).

Afro in the Building?

Comcast SportsNet (and NBC Sports) is reporting that the Washington Wizards are expected to make an offer to SG/SF, Josh Childress.

Josh Childress has spent the past two seasons in Greece as part of the Olympiakos.

He can't officially sign an offer sheet until July 8th, but Childress brings excellent perimeter shooting and defending.

The Atlanta Hawks hold his contract rights, and would be able to match any offer given to Childress.

The Wizards are expected to offer a 3-year deal, worth as much as $18 million dollars.

Source: http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/report-josh-childress-about-to-get-offer-from-washington-wizards.php

BLOGGING LIVE!

Yes, yes, y'all...

I'll be blogging live all draft night!

The NBA Mock Draft is Here...

WIN, WIZARDS, WIN! 2010 NBA MOCK DRAFT

The first 14 selections (The NBA Lottery) are given best and worst case comparison scenarios. Some slides. Some surprises. Be sure to watch the NBA Draft presented Thursday, June 24, 2010 on ESPN at 7PM EST!

ROUND ONE

1. Washington Wizards – John Wall, PG, Kentucky

He’s something like… Derrick Rose

Worst case, he’s… Rajon Rondo

2. Philadelphia 76’ERs- DeMarcus Cousins, PF/C, Kentucky

He’s something like… Zach Randolph

Worst case, he’s… Zach Randolph

3. New Jersey Nets – Evan Turner, G/F, THE Ohio State

He’s something like… Brandon Roy

Worst case, he’s… Maurice Ager

4. Minnesota Timberwolves – Derrick Favors, PF/C, Georgia Tech

He’s something like… Amare Stoudemire w/ Defense

Worst case, he’s… Antonio McDyess

5. Sacramento Kings – Greg Monroe, PF/C, Georgetown

He’s something like… Vlade Divac

Worst case, he’s… Boris Diaw

6. Golden State Warriors – Luke Babbitt, F, Nevada

He’s something like… Chris Mullin

Worst case, he’s… Luke Jackson

7. Detroit Pistons - Wesley Johnson, SF, Syracuse

He’s something like… Shawn Marion

Worst case, he’s… Nicolas Batum

8. Los Angeles Clippers – Paul George, SF, Fresno State

He’s something like… Tracy McGrady

Worst case, he’s… Gerald Green

9. Utah Jazz- Xavier Henry, G/F, Kansas

He’s something like… Ray Allen

Worst case, he’s… Anthony Parker

10. Indiana Pacers – Gordon Hayward, F, Butler

He’s something like… Luol Deng

Worst case, he’s… Jared Dudley

11. New Orleans Hornets- Ed Davis, PF, North Carolina

He’s something like… Al Horford

Worst case, he’s… Kurt Thomas

12. Memphis Grizzlies- Al-Farouq Aminu, F, Wake Forest

He’s something like… Josh Smith

Worst case, he’s… Marvin Williams

13. Toronto Raptors- Ekpe Udoh, PF, Baylor

He’s something like… Carl Landry

Worst case, he’s… Darrell Arthur

14. Houston Rockets – Cole Aldrich, C, Kansas

He’s something like… Brendan Haywood

Worst case, he’s… Nenad Kristic

15. Milwaukee Bucks- Patrick Patterson, PF, Kentucky

16. Minnesota Timberwolves- Avery Bradley, G, Texas

17. Chicago Bulls- Hassan Whiteside, C, Marshall

18. Oklahoma City Thunder- Daniel Orton, C, Kentucky

19. Boston Celtics- James Anderson, SG/SF, Oklahoma State

20. San Antonio Spurs- Eric Bledsoe, G, Kentucky

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- Elliot Williams, G, Memphis

22. Portland Trailblazers- Devin Ebanks, SF, West Virginia

23. Minnesota Timberwolves-Greivis Vazquez, G, Maryland

24. Atlanta Hawks- Larry Sanders, PF/C, Virginia Commonwealth

25. Memphis Grizzlies- Kevin Seraphin, PF/C, France

26. Oklahoma City Thunder- Damion James, F, Texas

27. New Jersey Nets- Craig Brackins, PF, Iowa State

28. Memphis Grizzlies- Armon Johnson, PG, Nevada

29. Orlando Magic- Jordan Crawford, SG, Xavier

30. Washington Wizards- Solomon Alabi, C, Florida State

ROUND TWO

31. New Jersey Nets- Gani Lawal, PF, Georgia Tech

32. Miami Heat- Quincy Pondexter, SF, Washington

33. Sacramento Kings- Jarvis Varnardo, PF/C, Mississippi State

34. Portland Trailblazers- Terrico White, G, Mississippi

35. Washington Wizards- Stanley Robinson, F, UCONN

36. Detroit Pistons- Tibor Pleiss, C, Germany

37. Milwaukee Bucks- Tiny Gallon, PF, Oklahoma

38. New York Knicks- Samardo Samuels, PF, Louisville

39. New York Knicks- Willie Warren, G, Oklahoma

40. Indiana Pacers- Sherron Collins, PG, Kansas

41. Miami Heat- Mikhail Torrance, PG, Alabama

42. Miami Heat- Dominique Jones, G, South Florida

43. Los Angeles Lakers- Art Parahouski, C, Radford

44. Milwaukee Bucks- Trevor Booker, PF, Clemson

45. Minnesota Timberwolves- Brian Zoubek, C, Duke

46. Phoenix Suns- Lance Stephenson, SG, Cincinnati

47. Milwaukee Bucks- Lazar Hayward, F, Marquette

48. Miami Heat- Jerome Jordan, C, Tulsa

49. San Antonio Spurs- Nemanji Bjelica, G/F, Serbia

50. Dallas Mavericks- Derrick Caracter, PF, UTEP

51. Oklahoma City Thunder- Dexter Pittman, C, Texas

52. Boston Celtics-Latavious Williams, G/F, NBADL

53. Atlanta Hawks- Jon Scheyer, G, Duke

54. Los Angeles Clippers- Hamady N’Diaye, C, Rutgers

55. Utah Jazz- Luke Harangody, PF, Notre Dame

56. Minnesota Timberwolves- Dwayne Collins, PF/C, University of Miami (Florida)

57. Indiana Pacers- Jerome Randle, PG, California

58. Los Angeles Lakers- Da’Sean Butler, G, West Virginia

59. Orlando Magic- Mac Koshwal, PF, DePaul

60. Phoenix Suns- Alexey Shved, PG, Russia