#Houston to the Heat for a 2nd Round pick

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2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Super Bowl 55 is just a few days away, which means draft season is looming in the rearview mirror. In a class that is expected to produce an abundance of offensive talent, several teams could benefit from this year’s crop. With a reported possibility of 18 teams looking for a change at the quarterback position, there is quite a bit of ambiguity as we approach the draft, and this year could shape up to be one of the wildest drafts we’ve seen in recent memory. Without further ado, here are my early first round predictions for the 2021 NFL draft....

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

From the moment he set foot on campus his freshman season, Lawrence has always has shown the capabilities of being a future NFL star. He took no time bursting onto the scene. After a dazzling freshman season, in which he lead the Tigers to a title in blowout fashion over an absolutely loaded Alabama team, he followed it up with two more trips to the playoffs, including another trip to the title game.

The former No.1 overall recruit in the country offers everything one could wish for in a franchise quarterback.  He is a gifted, natural thrower of the football who is wise beyond his years at the position. Even new head coach Urban Meyer feels that he has the potential to be the best QB ever. Jaguars fans, your savior has come. Rejoice. 

2. Houston Texans: Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

Houston receives: 2nd overall pick (2021), 23rd overall pick (2021), 3rd round pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 4th round pick (2022)

New York receives: Deshaun Watson, 6th round pick (2022)

Let’s get weird. Deshaun Watson being traded has reached inevitability status, and the Jets are stockpiled with draft picks over the next few years. It has been rumored that Watson would prefer to play for the Jets under the tutelage of new head coach Robert Saleh. The Jets have the firepower to make this pick happen, and in this scenario they pull off the mega deal and get their guy. So where does that leave Houston?

 They luck into a talented, natural thrower of the football, with a very clean feel for the pocket. He has a rocket arm, and is particularly impressive when asked to go off script. The Texans rebuild will undoubtedly be a long one, but with Wilson, they have a fresh face of the franchise moving forward, and will look to continue adding more weapons around him to set him up for success.  

3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

San Francisco receives: 3rd overall pick (2021), 5th round pick (2022)

Miami receives: 12th overall pick (2021), 43rd overall pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 3rd round pick (2022), 7th round pick (2022)

Between the Rams’ recent trade for Matthew Stafford, and Kyle Shanahan remaining noncommittal on Jimmy Garoppolo for the foreseeable future, it wouldn’t shock me to see John Lynch be aggressive and try to nab their QB of the future. 

Fields put up gaudy numbers in his first year as a starter, posting an absurd 51-3 TD/INT ratio. He showed a bit of regression in a COVID-shortened year two, but still displayed all of the tools you’d hope to see when searching for a franchise QB. 

Finding a way to get Jimmy G’s lucrative contract off the books, and adding a talented player like Fields would be a win-win for an organization whom I feel would GREATLY benefit from a changing of the guard under center. 

4. Atlanta Falcons: Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State 

With the arrival of new head coach Arthur Smith, it is time for a rebrand in Atlanta. Matt Ryan is expected to make over $40m a season for the next two years, and while he is certainly not the main issue with this team, the Falcons need to move in a new direction. 

Lance is perhaps the most polarizing player in this year’s class. Similar to Fields, he too posted video game like numbers in his first year at the helm. The Minnesota product threw for 28 TD’s, while posting another 14 on the ground. He also didn’t throw an interception all season. He possess all of the physical tools that NFL teams salivate over, and while questions will remain in regards to the inferior competition he’s been exposed to over his career, the opportunity to sit and learn from Matt Ryan could serve both himself and the Falcons some good.

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

If Sewell is on the board, he will be the pick for the Bengals. After breakout rookie quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending ACL tear, the sense of urgency to upgrade the offensive line should be at an all-time high for the Bengals.

 Sewell allowed just one sack over 1,376 career snaps and will spend the majority of his rookie season at age 20. He is a smooth mover with easy power, who is capable of playing on either side of the line. He is the exact type of stalwart that is needed for the Bengals to protect their QB of the future. 

6. Philadelphia Eagles: DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

I don’t know what to make of the Eagles’ current situation. They are in QB purgatory and have gaping holes riddled across their roster. With the recent hiring of Colts’ OC Nick Sirianni, I’d imagine adding offensive firepower would be at the top of his to-do list. Assuming they move forward with Jalen Hurts at QB, it is imperative to surround him with quality skill players. After drafting Jalen Reagor in the first round last year, they double dip this year and take the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

 Smith is not the most conventional receiver, being that there aren’t too many 6′1, 175-lb receivers who have enjoyed prolonged success in the league, but Smith doesn’t care about your player profiles. Smith can make plays all over the field and beat you in a myriad of ways. He is a nuanced route runner with a seemingly natural feel for his position, and someone I can assume Sirianni will fall in love with as the draft process begins to heat up.

7. Detroit Lions: Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama 

If Lance were to have fallen to this spot, I’d have probably made him the selection. However, I’ll opt to give them a difference maker like Waddle.

 With Kenny Golladay’s impending departure and both Danny Amendola and Marvin Jones Jr. testing the open market, that WR room could get UGLY in a hurry. Waddle is essentially a supercharged version of his former teammate Henry Ruggs. He has legit 4.2 speed, and does a great job of tracking the deep ball. The Lions are desperate for speed on the perimeter, and Waddle would be an instant upgrade to what they have now. He’s a true, top-10 talent assuming he manages to stay healthy.

8. Carolina Panthers: Ja’marr Chase, WR, LSU

Now just hear me out on this. Curtis Samuel is approaching free agency and will likely be headed elsewhere. Aside from DJ Moore and Robby Anderson, the cupboard is bare. Chase put up record-setting numbers in his only year under current Panthers OC Joe Brady when they were at LSU, so a reunion would only be right.

 Chase is perhaps the best player in the entire class regardless of position. He is a physical route-runner who attacks the catch point with ease, and his RAC ability might be his best trait. He is very reminiscent of Moore, and pairing those two along with Anderson’s deep speed could perhaps create the most dangerous receiving trio in the NFL.

9. Denver Broncos: Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

After an heavy offensive draft last year, the Broncos buck the trend and refocus on rebuilding their defense. Farley’s size and athleticism are a perfect fit in Vic Fangio’s versatile defensive scheme. I believe Farley has the potential to be a star in this league very quickly. 

10. Dallas Cowboys: Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern

After wrestling back and forth with myself on this pick, the Cowboys settle on Slater. The once elite Cowboys offensive line has suddenly deteriorated into mediocrity. With both Tyron Smith and La’el Collins returning from injuries, Slater can serve as an insurance policy at either position, or kick him inside if need be. 

His versatility and strong lower half are both commendable traits that should allow him to see a long career in the NFL.

11. New York Giants: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama 

Truthfully, this might be the most unpredictable pick in the first round. Dave Gettleman is tricky, but recently he has invested into the secondary quite a bit. After signing James Bradberry to a pricy extension last off-season, they also invested a pick into Xavier McKinney, as well as the addition of guys like Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers.

With Surtain, he brings a combo of length and savvy to the position, and would serve as the Giants’ other outside corner opposite of Bradberry.

12. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

San Francisco receives: 3rd overall pick (2021), 5th round pick (2022)

Miami receives: 12th overall pick (2021), 43rd overall pick (2021), 1st round pick (2022), 3rd round pick (2022), 7th round pick (2022)

Yes, I’m highly aware that Mike Gesicki exists. But hear me out on this one, Pitts is more than just your standard “tight end” prospect. If it weren’t for a TE listed next to his position, I’d say that he’s the second best receiver in the draft. 

He is nearly impossible to match up against. He’s too fast for linebackers and too physical for corners. He’s shown the capability to play in the slot, flexed out wide, or with his hand in the dirt. Pairing him and Gesicki together will give Tua Tagovailoa (assuming he remains their guy moving forward), a plethora of weapons at his disposal.

13. Los Angeles Chargers: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Keeping Justin Herbert clean and protected should be the top priority heading into the offseason for Tom Telesco. After a breakout rookie season, it seems the Chargers struck a goldmine in Herbert. Being that the Chargers haven’t had a decent offensive line in years, a trip out west would make sense for Darrisaw. 

The Virginia Tech product is a very fluid mover, whose length and quickness allow him to reach the second level with ease as a run blocker. He will be an instant upgrade to their run game, and has the maturity to protect Herbert’s blindside from day one in LA. 

14. Minnesota Vikings: Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami

After the loss of Everson Griffen to free agency, and Danielle Hunter missing most of the 2020 season due to a back injury, the Vikings should be looking to rebuild their pass rush. Mike Zimmer seems to have a knack for high-ceiling pass rushers with athletic upside. Rousseau fits the bill.

 The Florida native saw his star shine after a dazzling sophomore season, racking up an impressive 15.5 sacks. Rousseau has easy power off the edge. While he is still a bit raw from a technician standpoint, his natural power and length will be a nightmare for tackles to deal with from day one. If he can mature his game, he has the potential to be one of the most productive edge rushers in the league in due time. 

15. New England Patriots: Micah Parsons, EDGE, Penn State

After some recent concerns over Parsons’ character, he sees his stock slide and he falls into the lap of Bill Belichick. After being used in several different spots at Penn State,

 Parsons projects best as an EDGE, but has the necessary tools to develop his skills over time. Belichick has a fetish for hybrid linebackers that can rush the passer, and pairing the two together would do wonders for his development over time.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

After adding Matthew Stafford to the division, and the Niners looking to upgrade at the quarterback position, it is time for the Cardinals to get better in the secondary. Quickly.

 Horn is an excellent press corner, with an alpha-dog type mentality that should fit in well in the Cardinals’ back end. He does have a tendency to be too grabby and aggressive at times, and his lack of size will hurt him against bigger receivers. He is not a perfect corner prospect, but the Cardinals don’t have much of a choice here. 

17. Las Vegas Raiders: Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami 

Truthfully, I have no idea what to predict here. The front office is an absolute mess, and have proven themselves to be incompetent when it comes to drafting. After missing badly on Clelin Ferrell a few years ago, they have a chance to redeem themselves with the selection of Phillips. 

The former number one overall recruit had a late start to his career, after suffering several injuries and at one point declaring himself medically retired. After transferring to Miami from UCLA, Phillips began to improve his game, and vaulted himself into first round considerations after a breakout 2020 campaign. His injury history may force him to fall, but his combination of size, speed, and motor is very exciting, and he may be the exact type of player Mike Mayock falls in love with.

18. Miami Dolphins: Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa

Brian Flores is one of the few Belichick proteges recently that has found success as a head coach. Much like Belichick, Flores places a large emphasis on versatility, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. This is why Collins would be a perfect fit on day one. 

Collins was truly a jack-of-all-trades in his time at Tulsa. He was one of the best players in all of college football last season, and did so in a number of ways. He can rush the passer, cover a runningback out of the backfield. Think D’onta Hightower type role for Collins if he were to head to south beach.

19. Washington Football Team: Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

With the trend in the NFL heading towards a youth movement at QB, it wouldn’t shock me to see Washington fall in love with Jones.

Although he’s not the most dynamic passer, Jones is a solid athlete with an incredibly comfortable feel for the game. He is a great processor with plus accuracy, and has shown impressive flashes of improvisation. He may not have a very high ceiling moving forward, but I can him instantly making that team better and elevating them into playoff contention on a year-to-year basis.

20. Chicago Bears: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

With Allen Robinson likely headed elsewhere in free agency and Anthony Miller’s slow start, the time is now to add playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Insert Bateman.

One of the most forgotten men in the whole class, Bateman is silky smooth in everything he does, and will be the most physical WR on any field he steps on. He eats up intermediate routes, and is capable of being a vertical threat. His game reminds me a ton of guys like Keenan Allen and Michael Thomas, not the most physically gifted guys, but masters of their craft and play to their strengths.

Whether or not the Bears decide to move forward with Mitchell Trubisky at QB or not, it is imperative to give the man under center some more feasible options to work with in the passing game.

21. Indianapolis Colts: Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan

While the temptation was high to take a receiver here, I opted for the highly athletic EDGE with limitless upside.

Not having a combine will prove to affect Paye’s stock, as he was expected to test through the roof at his position. Once listed as one of Bruce Feldman’s “freaks”, Paye finally applied his athleticism to the field in 2020. He is very reliant on his natural power and speed, and has yet to develop any consistent counter moves. If developed properly, his size/speed combo alongside Deforest Buckner could prove to be deadly for an already improving defense.

22. Tennessee Titans: Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia

Being that the Jadeveon Clowney acquisition backfired on them, the Titans are still in search of a consistent pass rush opposite of Harold Landry.

Ojulari is young and lacks experience. But when his motor gets going, he could be the most explosive rusher in the class. He’d be perfect in their 3-4 defense, and has the potential to be a good player in space as he gains more experience. 

23. New York Jets: Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas

One of the staples of a Robert Saleh defense is consistent pressure off the edge. The Jets lack any and all types of pass rush at the moment, and Ossai’s intriguing upside in that defense could see him turn out to be a very productive player.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame

Man, Notre Dame just pumps them out, don’t they? With GM Kevin Colbert’s affinity for drafting players from big name schools, Eichenberg becomes the most recent, NFL product of the offensive line factory that is Notre Dame.

Much like any of the Notre Dame linemen of the past, Eichenberg is techincally sound in everything he does. He may not be athletic enough to play left tackle, but is a plug and play right tackle from day one.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas

Although the temptation would be to select a receiver here, the Jags have $100m in cap space to work with, which can be spent on one of the receivers in what is expected to be an impressive free agency class. 

Cosmi may be a little undersized, but is very athletic and light on his feet for the position. If he can bulk up and maintain his athleticism, I can see him being the Jaguars’ left tackle for the next decade. 

26. Cleveland Browns: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

A surprising slide leaves Cleveland with one of the most gifted players in the draft. 

JOK is a heat-seeking missile, who showed very impressive flashes in coverage. He is the prototypical, modern-day NFL linebacker through and through.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Eric Decosta recently hinted at his lust for the dynamic Florida receiver. Toney was used in several different ways over the course of his career, but really seemed to find himself as a slot receiver in 2020.

On a team desperate for playmakers on offense, Toney would fit like a glove on that intermediate/short game offensive scheme. Toney is a menace with the ball in his hands. He has incredible contact balance and vision. If he continues to progress as a receiver, he would be a very nice addition. 

28. New Orleans Saints: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama

In what looks to be a fairly uninspiring IDL class, Barmore’s stock rose in his first season as a starter. The Philly native has clubs for hands, and he proved himself to be un-blockable down the stretch. Ohio State had no answer for him in the national championship game, and he seems to only be sratching the surface of what he can become.

In this case, the Saints don’t reach for a QB and draft the best player on the board, which just so happens to be Barmore. 

29. Green Bay Packers: Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina

The Packers failure to address the receiver position came full circle this season. After losing their second consecutive NFC Championship, the lack of talent at WR cost them in the end. Enter Dyami Brown, one of the best kept secrets in the entire draft. 

Brown is a budding star. Only listed at 6′1, 185-lb, Brown consistently plays larger than his frame. He is perhaps the best vertical threat in the entire draft. Brown displays freakish ball tracking skills, along with 4.3 speed. Pairing him with Rodgers could be the missing piece that gets them over the hump moving forward, and would show that the organization is dedicated to Rodgers as their guy until he retires. 

30. Buffalo Bills: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri 

With Matt Milano’s future with the Bills in question, it would not surprise me to see them cut bait and go after the athletic and physical SEC backer.

Bolton is a bit undersized for the position, so pairing him with Tremaine Edmunds would be the perfect complement. He great sideline to sideline speed, and will be an immediate upgrade over Milano from an athletic standpoint.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama

With Donovan Smith set to become a free agent, I’d imagine the Bucs will look to replace him this off-season.

Leatherwood was a two-year starter at left tackle, but is capable of playing on the interior as well. Even if the Bucs were to bring Smith back, having a depth piece to the quality of Leatherwood could serve vital for a team who is destined ti make a run until Tom Brady’s retirement.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Alijah Vera-Tucker, iOL, USC

An interesting storyline that has gotten lost in the mix of guys like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have battled several injuries along the offensive line. They’re likely to play 3-4 backups in the Super Bowl this Sunday. 

Although the production remains elite and ultimately the deteriorating health on the line hasn’t bitten them yet, it is not a sustainable way to move forward. 

Vera-Tucker is a highly refined player, who has experience playing at any spot on the line. Much like the Bucs, adding quality depth and talent among the offensive line to protect your franchise should never be a move that is scrutinized.

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Fox news Ranking draft classes, 1-32: Ravens, 'Boys thrive - NFL.com

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Why provide on the spot grades on the picks of potentialities who've but to make a selection out an NFL snap? Well, you are finding out this, aren't you? Brooding in regards to the makeup of every roster and the factors surrounding every take, Gennaro Filice and Dan Parr strive a division-by-division evaluate of the 2020 NFL Draft. Establish in mind that these grades are in step with draft hauls alone -- picks traded for dilapidated gamers were now not taken into fable. Click on here for those fleshy breakdowns.

Below you would obtain a rating, from 1 to 32, of the 2020 draft classes.

» Spherical 1: (No. 28 general) Patrick Queen, LB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (55) J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 3: (71) Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M; (92) Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas; (98) Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio Reveal; (106) Tyre Phillips, OG, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 4: (143) Ben Bredeson, OG, Michigan. » Spherical 5: (170) Broderick Washington, DT, Texas Tech. » Spherical 6: (201) James Proche, WR, SMU. » Spherical 7: (219) Geno Stone, S, Iowa.

PARR: Baltimore one way or the opposite managed to search out very fair staunch worth in nearly every spherical. It appears to be like unfair that they sort this yr after yr, if truth be told. Queen fills the void that had been lingering since C.J. Mosley departed closing offseason and can fair scurry sideline to sideline, wreaking havoc along with his explosiveness despite being undersized. Dobbins provides one other dose of electricity to the Ravens' extremely charged backfield and the worth modified into too lawful to scurry up, even though there were extra urgent needs. Oh, and likewise you better reflect Eric DeCosta did work with four third-spherical picks, pouncing so that you can add -- you guessed it -- good worth within the heart allotment of the draft. Harrison is a downhill attacker who will complement Queen at 'backer, and Madubuike will aid retain blockers off of those two. We're intrigued by Duvernay, who might well maybe change staunch into a spark hotfoot within the slot if he improves as a route runner. There are Hall-of-Fame remarkable shoes to bear at guard following the retirement of Marshal Yanda, nonetheless Phillips and Bredeson appear enjoy finest suits for the Ravens' strength working game. We approve of the resolution to trade up in Spherical 6 for Proche, who has the ball skills and competitiveness to be remarkable extra productive than his athletic traits would lead you to reflect. And the absolute best blueprint about touchdown Stone with take 219, on the subject of 100 slots lower than where Jeremiah valued him? There were the handiest crew that had his top worth absorb two varied rounds. Well performed, Ravens.

» Spherical 1: (No. 17 general) CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma. » Spherical 2: (51) Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (82) Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma. » Spherical 4: (123) Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa; (146) Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin. » Spherical 5: (179) Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah. » Spherical 7: (231) Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison.

FILICE: What a distinction drafting on a $250 million mega yacht makes! Jerry Jones spent the virtual draft aboard the Bravo Eugenia, a predictably glitzy atmosphere for the league's final showman proprietor. But separated from COO Stephen Jones, vp of player personnel Will McClay and new head coach Mike McCarthy, Jerrah modified into flying with out a parachute. No person modified into there to snatch the draft card out of the boss' hand, might well maybe fair still he were tempted to sort one thing enjoy drafting Johnny Manziel over Zack Martin. No topic. The Well-known particular person King fully beaten this draft, logging broad worth in every of his first six picks while concurrently filling roster needs. Lamb modified into a present from the Draft Gods. Or now not it's a player you fair staunch have to absorb the 2nd half of Spherical 1, no topic how your draft needs stack up. However the exact brilliance of the Cowboys' draft is how they discovered techniques to bear holes after making the quasi-luxurious take at huge receiver. Diggs modified into a cornerback many mocked to Dallas at No. 17 -- as a substitute, the Cowboys landed him 34 slots later. Gallimore bought some first-spherical buzz all around the pre-draft process -- Dallas nabbed him midway thru the third. After which on Day 3, the 'Boys made a substitute of want-essentially essentially based mostly picks who might well maybe deal outproduce their respective draft slots. Robinson's a lengthy, trusty duvet man who excelled in a pair of coverages at Tulsa and posted some appealing numbers in Indy. Biadasz took a step encourage closing season at Wisconsin due to accidents, or else he would've been lengthy passed by the time Dallas came on the clock at No. 146. Now he's tossed into the heart battle with dilapidated Joe Looney and 2019 third-rounder Connor McGovern. If Biadasz can procure luminous again, the Cowboys might well maybe close up changing one Badgers pivot (the now not too lengthy ago retired Travis Frederick) with one other. And Anae enters the NFL with a barely refined scurry-speeding arsenal, which might well maybe fair still aid Dallas substitute the 11.5 sacks and 13 TFLs that left with Robert Quinn in free agency.

» Spherical 1: (No. 22 general) Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU; (31) Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU. » Spherical 2: (58) Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 3: (89) Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 4: (117) D.J. Wonnum, Edge, South Carolina; (130) James Lynch, Edge, Baylor; (132) Troy Dye, LB, Oregon. » Spherical 5: (169) Harrison Hand, CB, Temple; (176) K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (Fla.). » Spherical 6: (203) Blake Brandel, OG, Oregon Reveal; (205) Josh Metellus, S, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (225) Kenny Willekes, Edge, Michigan Reveal; (244) Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa; (249) Brian Cole II, S, Mississippi Reveal; (253) Kyle Hinton, OG, Washburn.

FILICE: Since he started working Minnesota's drafts encourage in 2007, Rick Spielman has impressively drafted 16 Pro Bowlers. Peaceful, his past few prospect hauls haven't proven on the subject of as fruitful because the glory classes of 2015 and prior. Consequently, we have now viewed an uptick in heat on the GM's seat. Earlier to January's Wild Card Weekend upset of the Saints, Spielman bought a public vote of self perception from Vikings proprietor Mark Wilf. However the actual fact stays that the GM's contract -- enjoy that of head coach Mike Zimmer -- is determined to expire after the 2020 season. So this particular feels enjoy a function-or-ruin draft class for Spielman. At this 2nd -- days after the picks were made and lengthy sooner than anybody's attach aside to make a selection out a exact, dwell NFL snap -- I judge Rick nailed it. And now not fair staunch because he made half the picks to your total draft. (OK, 15 to be staunch.) The Vikings' first three picks might well maybe thoroughly produce three Day 1 starters. Jefferson replaces Stefon Diggs reverse Adam Thielen within the receiving corps, while Gladney and dilapidated CB Mike Hughes will hit the starting up lineup following the departures of Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes. Cleveland might well maybe command the sort out slot reverse Brian O'Neill, kicking Riley Reiff inner to guard and giving Minnesota essentially the most athletic bookend duo within the league -- a extremely appealing chance, given how remarkable the Vikings' starting up air-zone blueprint relies on OL mobility. One Day 3 take to retain an admire on is Dye. A lengthy, athletic linebacker with legit coverage chops, the 6-foot-3 231-pounder led Oregon in tackles all over every of the past four seasons. He might well maybe maybe be small to particular teams responsibility in Year 1, nonetheless do now not be surprised if Dye within the waste joins Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr at the starting up lineup, giving the Vikes a versatile linebacking corps very finest to the stylish game.

» Spherical 1: (No. 8 general) Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson. » Spherical 3: (72) Josh Jones, OT, Houston. » Spherical 4: (114) Leki Fotu, DT, Utah; (131) Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU. » Spherical 6: (202) Evan Weaver, LB, Cal. » Spherical 7: (222) Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona Reveal.

FILICE: Three years ago, Steve Keim spent his first-spherical handle hybrid defender Haason Reddick. When requested how the Temple product would fit into Arizona's protection, the Cardinals general supervisor gushed: "That is the benefit of it -- it's now not important," Keim talked about at the time. "We are going to obtain a location for him. Whether or now not it be early as a rusher or as a stack-backer, he has bought sufficient skills to be a distinction maker for us, and we'll obtain the luminous location for him on our protection." Three years and 20 begins later, Reddick stays a particular person with out a role. Basically, sooner than the draft closing week, The Athletic's Michael Lombardi talked about the old No. 13 general take's "one other man for the Cardinals that they would gladly scurry on from." Oof. Now Arizona faces the equivalent extra or less questions in regards to the 6-foot-4, 238-pound freak of nature with the 4.39 40-yard speed. How will Simmons be deployed in Vance Joseph's protection? "He'll be a linebacker," the defensive coordinator talked about. "But we drafted this man due to what we seen him sort at Clemson. So, the things he did there, he'll sort for us also. As some distance as overlaying tight ends, and again, he'll be an grief solver. Clearly, every game notion is varied and, as complications reach along and he can solve them for us he'll positively be a candidate to sort those things for us." Now, it must be pointed out that, while the Reddick experiment has been a total failure, the Cardinals sort have a pair of success tales on the role-player entrance. Tyrann Mathieu grew to alter staunch into a Defensive Player of the Year candidate as a roving playmaker, Deone Bucannon instant served because the LB/S prototype and Budda Baker -- drafted 23 picks after Reddick -- continues to redefine the safety role. Here is hoping Joseph and Co. have the luminous notion to maximise Simmons' uncommon skill attach aside. One thing I'm barely particular of: Arizona bought a interact in Day 2 and Day 3. Jones, a battle-tested left sort out with NFL traits, had no industrial lasting till Spherical 3. And Benjamin, an starting up-field nightmare who came off the board in Spherical 7, might well maybe hit some home runs within the huge-starting up home created by Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

» Spherical 1: (No. 1 general) Joe Burrow, QB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (33) Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson. » Spherical 3: (65) Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming. » Spherical 4: (107) Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian Reveal. » Spherical 5: (147) Khalid Kareem, DE, Notre Dame. » Spherical 6: (180) Hakeem Adeniji, OG, Kansas. » Spherical 7: (215) Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue.

PARR: Our one quibble with the Bengals' draft modified into the resolution to wait till Spherical 6 to handle the offensive line after now not at the side of to it in free agency, nonetheless general, this modified into good work. Sure, the Burrow take appears to be like enjoy a no-brainer, nonetheless it surely's still a sizable one that at once rejuvenates the franchise. He's coming off the handiest yr ever by a college quarterback. And Cincinnati modified into well-organized so that you can add one other weapon for him to kick off Spherical 2. Higgins might well maybe change into one other A.J. Green in due time, nonetheless for now, they procure to crew up collectively, increasing a tandem that can maybe maybe sort barely about a injury to defenses. Linebacker modified into this crew's biggest want on protection, and we're followers of all three gamers they selected at the role, even supposing we would have potentially modified into to the offensive line over Davis-Gaither in Spherical 4. Wilson is a future starter, and Bailey might well maybe provide broad worth for a seventh-spherical take if he's ready to forestall healthy. Kareem is now not going to wow anybody with explosiveness or athleticism, nonetheless he can provide trusty depth off the threshold. We loved what the Bengals did after they within the waste selected an offensive lineman. Adeniji has a huge gamble to invent staunch into a starting up guard and modified into Jeremiah's top worth of Spherical 6.

» Spherical 1: (No. 9 general) CJ Henderson, CB, Florida; (20) K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, LSU. » Spherical 2: (42) Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado. » Spherical 3: (73) DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 4: (116) Ben Bartch, OT, St. John's (Minn.); (137) Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan Reveal; (140) Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami. » Spherical 5: (157) Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn; (165) Collin Johnson, WR, Texas. » Spherical 6: (189) Jake Luton, QB, Oregon Reveal; (206) Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech. » Spherical 7: (223) Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis.

PARR: Jacksonville came into this draft in rebuilding mode and did a appealing job of at the side of a boatload of skill while also filling most of its top needs. There modified into a apparent void at corner following the trades of Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye, so the Henderson take made hundreds of sense -- and the equivalent goes for the Chaisson substitute, with Yannick Ngakoue making an strive out of town. Touchdown the 2nd-handiest corner and edge rusher within the draft? That'll work. Shenault's stock took successful all around the review process due to sturdiness issues. He provides barely about a upside nonetheless a lower ground, too. If all of it comes collectively for him, the Jaguars might well maybe reach away with three first-spherical values from this draft. Hamilton went barely sooner than expected, nonetheless has a huge gamble to invent staunch into a starter, and we cherished the Bartch take. Build now not sleep on the undersized Scott as a future starting up nickel corner, both. We mustn't have minded seeing the Jags gamble on a prospect with barely extra upside than Quarterman late in Spherical 4, nonetheless he might well maybe fair still be a tight backup at inner 'backer. GM Dave Caldwell added extra depth at positions of want in a while Day 3, nonetheless the first takeaway here is he ended up tying for the league-high by drafting eight gamers from NFL Network draft knowledgeable Daniel Jeremiah's top 150 potentialities, at the side of three of his top 36. That is lawful news for Duval County.

» Spherical 1: (No. 5 general) Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama; (No. 18) USC OT Austin Jackson; (No. 30) Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene. » Spherical 2: (39) Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana; (56) Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (60) Brandon Jones, S, Texas. » Spherical 4: (111) Solomon Kindley, OG, Georgia. » Spherical 5: (154) Jason Strowbridge, DE, North Carolina; (164) Curtis Weaver, edge rusher, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 6: (185) Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU. » Spherical 7: (246) Malcolm Perry, RB, Navy.

PARR: This modified into the Dolphins' draft to manipulate. They entered it with essentially the most picks within the league, at the side of three first-rounders, and traditional the capital about to boot to they might maybe maybe maybe. We enjoy the peril they were willing to make a selection out with their first substitute. Tagovailoa's likely modified into too sizable to scurry up, even with the injury issues. Jackson and Igbinoghene went sooner than many expected them to, nonetheless in those two gamers, Miami will have a future starting up left sort out and a advanced, aggressive, physical nickel encourage -- are trying to be lawful at those spots to have interplay in this day's NFL. We're now not here to strongly dock the Fins for those choices, even though a case will also be made that they were reaches. The Igbinoghene take foreshadowed the Dolphins' theme for Day 2 of the draft, because the grasp notion of at the side of advanced, physical, extremely efficient skill modified into fully published with the picks of Hunt, Davis and Jones. Huge fan of the work they did on the defensive line on Day 3, touchdown a Senior Bowl standout (Strowbridge) and a likely interact in Weaver, who did now not allow below-average explosiveness to retain him from racking up 34 sacks over the past three seasons. Final nonetheless now not least, Perry -- he of two,017 speeding yards closing season -- has a huge gamble to have an effect on a situation as a versatile contributor who might well well aid on offense and particular teams. Now, the merits of drafting a lengthy snapper might well maybe maybe be debatable, nonetheless all in all, a terribly good haul here.

» Spherical 1: (No. 3 general) Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 2: (35) D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia. » Spherical 3: (67) Julian Okwara, Edge, Notre Dame; (75) Jonah Jackson, OG, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 4: (121) Logan Stenberg, OG, Kentucky. » Spherical 5: (166) Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin; (172) Jason Huntley, RB, Fresh Mexico Reveal. » Spherical 6: (197) John Penisini, DT, Utah. » Spherical 7: (235) Jashon Cornell, DT, Ohio Reveal.

FILICE: After spending months broadcasting all around the universe that the Lions were starting up for industrial at No. 3, GM Bob Quinn ended up keeping the take and taking the luminous player. Brooding about want, positional worth, blueprint fit and skill of the true prospect, the Okudah substitute modified into fully/because it is going to be predictable. The same can't be talked about about Detroit's 2nd-rounder. Despite the truth that the Lions haven't accomplished within the tip half of the league in speeding offense since Barry Sanders' retirement closing millennium, Detroit modified into now not in most cases talked about as a likely touchdown situation for Swift. In all likelihood because this similar Lions regime aggressively centered Kerryon Johnson thru 2nd-spherical trade-up fair staunch two years ago. Or maybe it modified into all that presumptuous pre-draft chatter about Swift being the handiest first-spherical encourage in this class. As soon as that designation truly utilized to Clyde Edwards-Helaire on draft night, even supposing, and Swift fell into the 2nd spherical, the Lions pounced. As you would surmise by the grade atop this blurb, I'm now not here to lecture anybody in regards to the folly of spending precious draft currency on a working encourage. Basically, I applaud this take. Johnson, who has a lengthy injury historic past going encourage to his Auburn days, has overlooked on the subject of half the video games in his two NFL seasons. And while Bo Scarbrough modified into a pleasurable shock down the stretch of a lost season, let's now not faux his 4.2 yards per carry portended future stardom. With all due respect to Pro Bowl wideout Kenny Golladay, this offensive roster is now not precisely bursting at the seams with electric playmakers. Swift brings appealing juice to the speed and scurry video games. Early in Spherical 3, Quinn attempted to bear a void that is marred Patricia's protection two years working: edge bustle. In a draft class light on top-close sack artists, Okwara might well maybe close up as a third-spherical coup. Quinn and Patricia also endured their ardour accomplishing of rebuilding the offensive line with a pair of mid-spherical guards: one who focuses on scurry blockading (Jackson) and one who belligerently mauls opponents within the bottom game (Stenberg).

» Spherical 1: (No. 10 general) Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama. » Spherical 2: (44) Grant Delpit, S, LSU. » Spherical 3: (88) Jordan Elliott, DT, Missouri; (97) Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU. » Spherical 4: (115) Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic. » Spherical 5: (160) Slash Harris, C, Washington. » Spherical 6: (187) Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan.

PARR: Baker Mayfield must be resting more straightforward at the 2nd. GM Andrew Berry proficient him with an enormous upgrade at the sort out situation, signing Jack Conklin in free agency to man the luminous aspect, and then he went out and drafted a new left sort out with the 10th general take. Wills modified into the tip player at his role on many boards. He might well maybe fair still be conserving the blindside for the next decade. The following-biggest want for this club modified into at security, and Berry checked that box by plucking Delpit. Concerns about his tackling knocked him out of the first-spherical conversation, nonetheless there's still hundreds to enjoy about his game as a instant, instinctive free security. We stumble on barely about a upside within the Elliott take. He can provide a push from the inner. We're now not as smitten by the Phillips substitute. Linebacker modified into a want and Phillips led a skill-well off LSU protection in tackles closing season, nonetheless he might well maybe now not change into larger than a backup/particular-teams contributor at the next level. We mustn't have minded seeing the Browns scurry in a course rather than tight on the subject of originate Day 3 with Austin Hooper and David Njoku (who fair staunch had his fifth-yr option picked up despite his disappointing 2019 season) already on the roster. That talked about, have you viewed NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein's comp for Bryant? Or now not it's George Kittle! So, we're now not going to argue with taking a shot on that extra or less player. Harris affords some depth on the inner O-line, and Peoples-Jones modified into rate a flyer in Spherical 7 even supposing he never lived as much as his billing at Michigan.

» Spherical 1: (No. 14 general) Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina; (25) Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona Reveal. » Spherical 5: (153) Colton McKivitz, OT, West Virginia. » Spherical 6: (190) Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia. » Spherical 7: (217) Jauan Jennings, WR, Tennessee.

FILICE: Continuously, within the wake of the three-day crew-constructing bonanza that is the NFL draft, it be exhausting to wrap your head all around the thinking that went staunch into a explicit franchise's general haul. That is most positively NOT the case with San Francisco's 2020 draft class. Every take had a motive. With the full money the 49ers have poured into their definitive role personnel -- defensive line -- DeForest Buckner unfortunately ended up being the outlandish man out. The Niners fair staunch might well maybe now not pay him the money he modified into due, so that they flipped him for a valuable-spherical take ... and then traditional that handle a youthful, more cost-effective version of Buckner in Kinlaw. Cherish Buckner, Emmanuel Sanders modified into one other proficient dilapidated the Niners fair staunch might well maybe now not fit into their wage cap. So they let him stroll to Fresh Orleans ... and traditional their 2nd first-spherical handle a high playmaker at wideout in Aiyuk. San Francisco mitigated the retirement of franchise stalwart Joe Staley by trading for Trent Williams, nonetheless they still wanted depth at the sort out role. Insert McKivitz, who has skills on the left and luminous aspect -- and can fair be San Francisco's swing sort out in Year 1. In the meantime, anybody who's watched Kyle Shanahan's offense of late knows how essentially the most important a role Kyle Juszczyk performs. Well, the versatile H-encourage's getting up in age and heading into the closing yr of his contract. Might maybe well maybe Woerner be groomed because the eventual substitute? And lastly, Jennings is precisely the extra or less YAC monster Lil Shanny likes to operate. Build now not dwell on the 4.72 40 -- he has interact likely as a broad-slot playmaker. Calculated drafting from stem to stern.

» Spherical 1: (No. 13 general) Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa. » Spherical 2: (45) Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota. » Spherical 3: (76) Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt. » Spherical 5: (161) Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota. » Spherical 6: (194) Khalil Davis, DT, Nebraska. » Spherical 7: (241) Chapelle Russell, LB, Temple; (245) Raymond Calais, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette.

FILICE: So, what's it gonna be, Bucs followers: Tompa Bay or Tampa Brady? GM Jason Licht continues to sort the total lot in his strength to attach the new franchise face within the handiest that you would judge of role to be triumphant, utilizing three of his first four picks on offensive needs. Wirfs appears to be like enjoy a hotfoot-and-play starter at luminous sort out, with supreme athleticism and essentially the most important lower physique I've ever laid eyes on at the NFL Scouting Mix. (Seriously, this man is a much superior species to me.) Spherical 3 frankly felt barely well off for Vaughn -- RB Zack Moss' violent, all-around game regarded plenty extra appealing at that level -- nonetheless the Buccaneers wanted one other backfield presence to enroll in Ronald Jones II, and it sounds as if the one-lower Vandy product modified into their man. Johnson might well maybe be the final portion to Tampa's loaded pack of scurry catchers, as a broad slot who runs the extra or less nuanced routes Brady will adore. The one defensive player Licht snatched within the first five rounds is a gem. A versatile security who's finest for this day's game, Winfield hits enjoy his dad and has the playmaking instincts you would query from someone who grew up in NFL locker rooms. "After I modified into youthful my dad would lay in his mattress along with his computer, and I might well maybe be sitting luminous subsequent to him staring at movie," Winfield talked about at the combine. Todd Bowles is gonna have an excellent time with this novice.

» Spherical 1: (No. 4 general) Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia. » Spherical 2: (36) Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama. » Spherical 3: (99) Matt Peart, OT, Connecticut. » Spherical 4: (110) Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA. » Spherical 5: (150) Shane Lemieux, C/OG, Oregon. » Spherical 6: (183) Cameron Brown, LB, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 7: (218) Carter Coughlin, Edge, Minnesota; (238) T.J. Brunson, LB, South Carolina; (247) Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota; (255) Tae Crowder, LB, Georgia.

FILICE: After starting up every of the earlier two drafts with a heroic take -- Saquon Barkley at No. 2 in 2018 and Daniel Jones at No. 6 in '19 -- Dave Gettleman played it safe this time around, taking the high-ground offensive sort out who might well maybe fair still aid maximize those mettlesome actions of yesteryear. Thomas did now not placed on the extra or less consideration-grabbing combine spectacle of some of the opposite Huge Four tackles, nonetheless he modified into a extremely embellished starter on a proficient Georgia crew all over every of his three years in Athens. And hey: He modified into Pro Soccer Focus' top-rated offensive sort out in this class. Dave Gettleman ... analytics acolyte?! Fresh York rightfully endured to pour sources into the offensive line with the third-spherical take of Peart (a developmental sort out with promising raw traits) and the fifth-spherical series of Lemieux (who might well maybe function a push to originate at center in Year 1). And the Giants backed up the free-agent signing of CB James Bradberry with two extra spirited additions to the secondary. After hitting on a hybrid security out of Alabama early within the 2nd spherical five years ago (Landon Collins), the Giants went encourage to that similar Tuscaloosa well for McKinney. And he might well maybe now not be the handiest rookie starter in Huge Blue's defensive backfield. Nickel cornerback is truly a starting up role in this day's NFL, and a range of evaluators -- NFL Media's Bucky Brooks incorporated -- judge Holmes has the physical profile to excel in that role on Sundays.

» Spherical 1: (No. 11 general) Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville. » Spherical 2: (59) Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor. » Spherical 3: (68) Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal; (79) Jabari Zuniga, edge rusher, Florida. » Spherical 4: (120) La'Mical Perine, RB, Florida; (125) James Morgan, QB, Florida Global; (129) Cameron Clark, OG, Charlotte. » Spherical 5: (158) Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia. » Spherical 6: (191) Braden Mann, P, Texas A&M.

PARR: Optimistic, all of us know there's low-ground likely with Becton. We also have heard that he's a 6-foot-7, 364-pound mountain of a one who mauls folk. So, Sam Darnold can relaxation barely more straightforward at night (and hopefully might well maybe fair now not want to wonder if Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs, who went a pair picks later, would were the easier take at No. 11). Oh, and GM Joe Douglas discovered a lawful worth in Spherical 2 even after trading down, enhancing Darnold's supporting solid again with the addition of Mims. If he can grasp a extra advanced route tree than he modified into requested to speed at Baylor, admire out. Douglas then modified into to his protection, snagging with out a doubt one of the heart-rounders who generated essentially the most buzz this spring. This is in a position to maybe well maybe be a sizable take if all of it comes collectively for the freakishly athletic Davis, dubbed the draft's " thriller man" by one general supervisor closing month. The Jets will have reached a minute to bear a want with the Zuniga take. The manufacturing (18.5 career sacks in four seasons) doesn't soar off the page, nonetheless accidents were a bugaboo. In all likelihood Gregg Williams can coax essentially the most out of a player who surely has proven flashes. Douglas might want to have enjoyed his time scouting within the Sunshine Reveal, as he added a pair extra Florida men to originate Day 3. Perine, who can churn out advanced yards, modified into a appealing want to bear a want within the encourage of Le'Veon Bell. We also weren't troubled by the resolution to make a selection out a shot on the broad-armed Morgan as a backup for Darnold. Same goes for the formulation Douglas closed things out on within the draft's last few rounds, checking off needs and finding good worth once extra with Hall in Spherical 5.

» Spherical 1: (No. 7 general) Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn. » Spherical 2: (38) Yetur Low-Matos, Edge, Penn Reveal; (64) Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois. » Spherical 4: (113) Troy Pleasure Jr., CB, Notre Dame. » Spherical 5: (152) Kenny Robinson, S, West Virginia. » Spherical 6: (184) Bravvion Roy, DT, Baylor. » Spherical 7: (221) Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, Florida Global.

FILICE: If you watched the 2020 NFL Draft for five minutes, you heard the phrase "Rhule Restoration" 10 times. So, what precisely is that, apart from swiftly alliteration? Well, within the first draft of the Matt Rhule period, Carolina's Rhule Restoration consisted of carpet-bombing the protection with draftees -- ALL THE DRAFTEES. The Panthers grew to alter into the first crew within the overall-draft period to make utilize of all of their picks on defensive gamers. Or now not it's truly now not that magnificent, both. Carolina accomplished 31st in scoring protection closing season. ... After which with out a doubt one of the very handiest gamers in franchise historic past -- linebacker Luke Kuechly -- with out warning retired. ... After which the Panthers' CB1 signed a mega-address the Giants. ... After which they lost four experienced disruptors up entrance ( Mario Addison, Bruce Irvin, Dontari Poe and Vernon Butler), to boot to Eric Reid within the encourage close. Long fable instant, Carolina came into this draft with serious needs on all three levels of the protection. In Spherical 1, the Panthers passed on sort-the total lot playmaker Isaiah Simmons in want of a gargantuan anchor to blueprint around (Brown). In Spherical 2, they snagged a toolsy edge rusher to hunt reverse closing yr's first-spherical take, Brian Burns, and then traded encourage into the spherical to attain Chinn, an spirited hybrid who feels enjoy retailer-impress Simmons. Basically the most considerable Day 3 addition modified into Pleasure, who might well maybe push for early taking half in time in a cornerback rotation at the moment topped by the inconsistent Donte Jackson and the awesomely named/minimally proven Corn Elder. Rhule Restorers ... MOUNT UP!

» Spherical 1: (No. 15 general) Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama. » Spherical 2: (46) KJ Hamler, WR, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 3: (77) Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa; (83) Lloyd Cushenberry, C, LSU; (95) McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas. » Spherical 4: (118) Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri. » Spherical 5: (178) Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Wooded discipline. » Spherical 6: (181) Netane Muti, OG, Fresno Reveal. » Spherical 7: (252) Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida; (254) Derrek Tuszka, edge rusher, North Dakota Reveal.

PARR: Take care of the formulation the Broncos kicked off their draft, snagging a Pro Bowl-caliber complement for Courtland Sutton and arguably the category' WR1. That modified into handiest the originate of John Elway's tour de power when it came to at the side of aid for with out a doubt one of the draft's biggest winners, Drew Lock, who made it particular he appreciated the difficulty by blasting out the cool sun shades face emoji thru Twitter quickly after the Broncos plucked one other receiver with their 2nd take. Hamler can flat out soar, giving Denver the sphere-stretcher it wanted. We would have loved to stumble on the crew draft a sort out at some level, nonetheless the squad did add aid for the inner O-line. Cushenberry is a hotfoot-and-play starter at center and Muti might well maybe listing to be a broad worth at guard if he can stop healthy (played in precisely 19 video games over four seasons due to injury). There's no denying there's some important bust likely with about a people of this class, at the side of the polarizing Okwuegbunam, which is why we tempered our enthusiasm for the personnel a minute. Plus, Ojemudia went surprisingly early, coming off the board at No. 77 after coming in at No. 148 on NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah's listing of the draft's top 150 potentialities. But there's plenty to enjoy here.

» Spherical 2: (No. 34 general) Michael Pittman, WR, USC; (41) Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin. » Spherical 3: (85) Julian Blackmon, S, Utah. » Spherical 4: (122) Jacob Eason, QB, Washington. » Spherical 5: (149) Danny Pinter, OG, Ball Reveal. » Spherical 6: (193) Robert Windsor, DT, Penn Reveal; (211) Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Massachusetts; (212) Dezmon Patmon, WR, Washington Reveal; (213) Jordan Glasgow, LB, Michigan.

PARR: There modified into no circulation for Indy in Spherical 1 after dealing its top take to the Niners for DeForest Buckner, nonetheless the Colts bought busy on Day 2, making a pair picks that ought to ship smiles to the faces of Philip Rivers and his many childhood. Pittman might well maybe even remind Rivers of his ancient scurry-to man with the Chargers, Vincent Jackson. The old Trojan has the scale to scurry up and procure it. Now, close your eyes for a 2nd and describe Taylor working within the encourage of Quenton Nelson and Co. ... Attain you stumble on a mess of defenders being pushed backward and a bruising encourage pummeling them? I sort. Indianapolis might well maybe rapidly be home to the league's mannequin strength speed game after Taylor, who racked up 6,000-plus speeding yards in three college seasons, joins forces with that entrance five. The Blackmon substitute did now not have the equivalent sizzle as Chris Ballard's first two picks. It regarded barely early for my taste, given his inconsistency in his first season after transferring from corner to security, nonetheless I'm in a position to achieve making an strive so that you can add depth within the secondary. Some folk were waiting for Eason to scurry in Spherical 2, so we can't argue with the worth within the fourth spherical. He gets to take a seat down within the encourage of Rivers -- and this will fair now not be a substandard take even though he never turns into larger than a tight backup, given how late the Colts were ready to procure him. Glasgow has a huge gamble to slice out a role as a particular-teams ace. It might well most likely maybe maybe were good to stumble on Indy add one other young edge rusher at some level.

» Spherical 1: (No. 24 general) Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan. » Spherical 3: (74) Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin; (105) Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton. » Spherical 7: (240) Tommy Stevens, QB, Mississippi Reveal.

FILICE: Heading into the draft, Fresh Orleans did now not have a single apparent want. With an NFL-handiest 37 wins over the past three fashioned seasons, the Saints boast to boot-rounded -- and battle-tested -- a roster as there's within the NFL this day. So it be no wonder they selected to package picks in a pair of trade-ups, leaving the draft with the league's smallest prospect haul. How does the category grade out? No longer too shabby. Spending a valuable-spherical handle an inner offensive linemen is now not precisely appealing, nonetheless that doesn't point out it be senseless. Ruiz modified into the tip pivot in his recruiting class out of high school, started at guard and center all over three appealing years of play in Ann Arbor and hits the NFL ready to originate on Day 1. (Incumbent luminous guard Larry Warford and his hefty cap hit seem like on borrowed time.) Baun provides Fresh Orleans a versatile linebacker within the Kyle Van Noy mould. He can provide stress off the threshold, nonetheless also has the athleticism and consciousness to retain his have in coverage. And Trautman's an spirited developmental prospect as a staunch Y tight close. At 6-5 and 255 kilos, he's equal parts receiver and blocker, nonetheless his transition from the FCS to the NFL is gonna make a selection time. Tiny class, broad likely.

» Spherical 2: (No. 54 general) A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa. » Spherical 3: (86) Zack Moss, RB, Utah. » Spherical 4: (128) Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF. » Spherical 5: (167) Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia. » Spherical 6: (188) Tyler Bass, K, Georgia Southern; (207) Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon Reveal. » Spherical 7: (239) Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh.

PARR: Brandon Beane took care of his biggest want closing month, giving up a package of picks, at the side of this yr's first-rounder, for WR Stefon Diggs. On the opposite hand, we're grading purely on the work performed on draft weekend here (their grade might well maybe be larger if the Diggs deal modified into being taken into fable). Beane still did a lawful job along with his closing capital, even supposing! He discovered a valuable-spherical-caliber player late in Spherical 2. Epenesa modified into once concept of a probable top-15 take, nonetheless fell out of want with the draft cognoscenti due in section to an NFL Scouting Mix workout that did now not encourage. That talked about, he filled Buffalo's top want entering the draft and modified into with out a doubt one of the handiest values within the draft, in step with NFL Network draft knowledgeable Daniel Jeremiah. We enjoy it, and can recount the equivalent ingredient for the series of Moss, a violent runner who fills the void left by Frank Gore. Now, we would have most popular to stumble on Buffalo scurry with a corner with its first handle Day 3 ( Josiah Scott? Amik Robertson?) with Josh Norman in decline and taking half in on a one-yr deal, nonetheless we realize the charm of continuing so that you can add weaponry for Josh Allen, and the Funds did obtain worth at the corner role with the series of Jackson within the final spherical. Davis has the scale and obtain radius to snag Allen's throws downfield and Hodgins is one other colossal tree who can scurry up and procure it. The Fromm take modified into an eyebrow-raiser, nonetheless we can't argue with the worth. Unfamiliar things happen on Day 3, as we were also surprised they determined to reel in Bass in Spherical 6, nonetheless hey, he modified into arguably the handiest kicker within the draft. Sorry, Stephen Hauschka.

» Spherical 1: (No. 2 general) Dart Younger, Edge, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 3: (66) Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis. » Spherical 4: (108) Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU; (142) Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty. » Spherical 5: (156) Keith Ismael, C, San Diego Reveal; (162) Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (216) Kamren Curl, S, Arkansas; (229) James Smith-Williams, Edge, North Carolina Reveal.

FILICE: On the close of the day, Washington made the take everybody anticipated within the originate of the yr. Younger is extensively concept of the tip general player in this draft class. Tossing him staunch into a defensive entrance that already involves a trio of recent first-spherical picks ( Montez Sweat, Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen), the underrated Matt Ioannidis and four-time Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan straight provides Ron Rivera's Redskins an identity: QB NIGHTMARE FUEL. Bruce Allen left within the encourage of a roster that still has hundreds of holes, nonetheless new defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has a game-wrecking personnel to work with up entrance. Constructing energy on energy is underrated. But after the no-brainer take at No. 2, Washington made three straight enhance-or-bust picks. Gibson's a hybrid playmaker with 4.39 speed, nonetheless he handiest posted one yr of important manufacturing at Memphis (stumble on: 12 touchdowns on fair staunch 71 touches). And the absolute best blueprint varied is he from with out a doubt one of closing yr's pleasurable surprises, Steven Sims Jr.? Are their skill sets redundant? In the meantime, fair staunch minutes after Washington ended the Trent Williams saga by trading the disgruntled left sort out to the 49ers for a pair of mid-spherical picks -- man, Mr. Allen particular botched this ... -- the 'Skins drafted the left sort out from the 2019 nationwide champion LSU Tigers. Charles is a proficient prospect, no query, nonetheless there is a motive he modified into still readily available on Day 3. He overlooked six video games in 2019 due to disciplinary complications and three in 2018 due to injury. Gandy-Golden's an spirited physical specimen out huge at 6-4 and 223 kilos, nonetheless the old Liberty Flame is obviously taking a broad step up in competition.

» Spherical 1: (No. 12 general) Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama; (No. 19) Ohio Reveal CB Damon Arnette. » Spherical 3: (80) Lynn Bowden, RB, Kentucky; (81) Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina; (100) Tanner Muse, LB, Clemson. » Spherical 4: (109) John Simpson, OG, Clemson; (139) Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech.

PARR: Ruggs might well maybe now not be the prototypical WR1 with dimension, nonetheless we're now not particular how remarkable that issues because he's instant sufficient to speed past fair staunch about every defender he'll stumble upon, and it be sluggish to counsel he's simply a deep menace. We mustn't have any grief with Vegas rolling the cube on him even with Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb still on the board. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden filled their biggest want with the take and now Derek Carr has no excuse for failing to throw the ball downfield. And credit to the resolution makers for now not stopping there when it came to upgrading the QB's supporting solid. A receiver modified into quarterback for Kentucky closing season, Bowden will originate off as a working encourage for the Raiders, nonetheless it surely's a safe wager we'll stumble on him lining up within the slot, too. He brings the style of edge this crew covets. A foot injury kept Edwards from working out at the NFL Scouting Mix, nonetheless if his hands make stronger, he has the scale and energy to alter staunch into a pleasant complementary portion in this recharged receiving corps. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein's player comp for him ( old Bears first-spherical bust David Terrell) is ghastly, even supposing. Now, Arnette at No. 19 modified into now not as broad of a reach as some are making it out to be, nonetheless it surely modified into still barely well off for my blood given that the 2nd-handiest edge rusher within the draft (K'Lavon Chaisson) modified into still readily available, among other suggestions that intrigued me larger than the Ohio Reveal corner. That talked about, corner modified into the crew's biggest want rather than receiver. We're very involved by the Robertson take. The aggressive dash runs trusty within the undersized slot man who must now not be underestimated.

» Spherical 1: (No. 16 general) A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson. » Spherical 2: (47) Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn. » Spherical 3: (78) Matt Hennessy, C, Temple. » Spherical 4: (119) Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno Reveal; (134) Jaylinn Hawkins, S, Cal. » Spherical 7: (228) Sterling Hofrichter, P, Syracuse.

FILICE: Over the course of the pre-draft process, Jeff Okudah modified into extensively concept of the tip cornerback prospect, while C.J. Henderson established himself as CB2. However the third-handiest corner in this class? That modified into a hotly debated topic. When the Falcons weighed in with their resolution -- taking Terrell, an Atlanta native, at No. 16 general -- many disapproved, at the side of ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., who talked about the crew "reached for a want, straightforward and straightforward." I truly have a sneaking suspicion there's some recency bias at play here. Terrell, finally, had a tough night at the placement of job in his closing game, the College Soccer Playoff Nationwide Championship. On the brightest stage of his taking half in career, Terrell modified into torched by LSU huge receiver Ja'Marr Dart. But let's be staunch: Who did now not procure torched by Ja'Marr Dart? The Biletnikoff Award winner caught 84 passes for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns -- with the latter two marks atmosphere SEC records -- and he's poised to be a truly extremely selected player within the 2021 draft. Outside of that tough outing, Terrell acquitted himself barely darn well on the island. He's lengthy (6-1) and instant (4.42 40), too. And with everybody screaming "REACH!!" upon his substitute, the 21-yr-ancient might well maybe fair still enter the NFL with a barely broad chip on his shoulder. Very to stumble on how his career performs out.

» Spherical 1: (No. 29 general) Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia. » Spherical 2: (61) Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU. » Spherical 3: (93) Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian Reveal. » Spherical 5: (174) Larrell Murchison, DT, North Carolina Reveal. » Spherical 7: (224) Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii; (243) Chris Jackson, DB, Marshall.

PARR: With Jack Conklin's departure leaving a gap at luminous sort out, Titans GM Jon Robinson discovered an enormous human to bear it. At 6-6, 350 kilos, Wilson can maul folk off the threshold, nonetheless the methodology and footwork are going to might well maybe fair still be extra fixed for this take to pay off. Factual now, it appears to be like enjoy now not now not as much as a microscopic reach. On the opposite hand, Fulton modified into a impress late in Spherical 2. He's a pleasant fit who might well well aid substitute Logan Ryan. The Titans filled one other want with Evans, who might well maybe fair still be fun to gaze as a instant, one-lower runner to enrich Derrick Henry's strength. I'm now not seeing remarkable to have an interest in on Day 3 for Tennessee. Murchison might well maybe fit staunch into a rotation on the inner D-line and McDonald is going to want to tighten up his supply to have any shot of making it as a backup. I modified into surprised Robinson did now not make a selection an edge rusher in this draft, as I viewed it as with out a doubt one of the crew's biggest needs.

» Spherical 2: (No. 52 general) Cam Akers, RB, Florida Reveal; (57) Van Jefferson, WR, Florida. » Spherical 3: (84) Terrell Lewis, Edge, Alabama; (104) Terrell Burgess, S, Utah. » Spherical 4: (136) Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue. » Spherical 6: (199) Jordan Fuller, S, Ohio Reveal. » Spherical 7: (234) Clay Johnston, LB, Baylor; (248) Sam Sloman, K, Miami (Ohio); (250) Tremayne Anchrum, OG, Clemson.

FILICE: Draft for want or make a selection the handiest player readily available? Or now not it's the age-ancient draft debate -- and one that is top o' mind with Los Angeles' draft class. For a range of of closing season, the O-line modified into viewed as a prime offender in L.A.'s offensive reversion. Consequently, after the Rams did now not ship in any new offensive linemen in free agency, you figured they'd toss some early draft capital at the grief closing week. No longer so remarkable. GM Les Snead waited till his closing substitute -- a compensation take at No. 250 general -- sooner than at the side of a blocker. So I wager the Rams will likely be working it encourage with the equivalent unit Pro Soccer Focus ranked 31st closing season. That is a failure. So why does the grade now not reflect that sentiment? Well, placing the O-line complications aside for a 2nd, the first four gamers Snead selected if truth be told tickled this draft grader's enjoy. In a quietly loaded RB class, Akers bought lost within the slump. The old five-huge title recruit mechanically produced within the encourage of a porous offensive line at Florida Reveal -- which will likely be lawful coaching for his expert career, if the Rams' O-line doesn't form up mercurial. Jefferson's precisely the extra or less polished route runner you would query from the son of a old NFL receiver/recent NFL receivers coach. He might well maybe fair still provide instantaneous returns for detail-oriented Rams coach Sean McVay. In a skinny scurry-speeding class, Lewis is a valuable-spherical skill who fair staunch needs his physique to cooperate. And Burgess is a multi-proficient defensive encourage who might well maybe bear a substitute of roles for the Rams, starting up in Year 1. Long fable instant: Snead inexplicably overlooked a valuable want ... nonetheless added four likely rookie distinction makers in varied locations.

» Spherical 1: (No. 32 general) Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU. » Spherical 2: (63) Willie Homosexual Jr., LB, Mississippi Reveal. » Spherical 3: (96) Lucas Niang, OT, TCU. » Spherical 4: (138) L'Jarius Sneed, S, Louisiana Tech. » Spherical 5: (177) Michael Danna, edge rusher, Michigan. » Spherical 7: (237) Thakarius Keyes, CB, Tulane.

PARR: There might well maybe now not were a larger slot within the draft than Edwards-Helaire and the Chiefs. Quibble with taking a working encourage within the first spherical if you wish, nonetheless Andy Reid has his new Brian Westbrook (or, gulp, maybe an even better version of the old All-Pro). CEH is the dynamo K.C. did now not technically want (yes, the offense modified into already sizable) nonetheless will certainly procure essentially the most out of. We did now not look after one thing about what the Chiefs did, nonetheless that is now not if truth be told magnificent involved by their flexibility modified into barely small, as they entered the draft tied for the fewest picks within the league (five). There is a case to be made that they might maybe maybe maybe fair still have added a staunch corner sooner than Spherical 7, nonetheless that can maybe maybe fair be where Sneed, a security closing season at Louisiana Tech, ends up taking half in. Homosexual modified into with out a doubt one of the stars of the NFL Scouting Mix, nonetheless will he be ready to attach all of it collectively and grief for a situation atop the depth chart subsequent season? Niang is coming off November hip surgical operation, nonetheless he has the instruments to alter staunch into a starter. On the opposite hand, seeing Danna, who wasn't concept of a lock to be drafted, scurry in Spherical 5 modified into a shock. That is now not a substandard haul, nonetheless the fun about it wore off for us after Day 1, which potentially methodology this will likely be a sizable personnel.

» Spherical 1: (No. 6 general) Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon; (23) Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma. » Spherical 4: (112) Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA. » Spherical 5: (151) Joe Reed, WR, Virginia. » Spherical 6: (186) Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame. » Spherical 7: (220) K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio Reveal.

PARR: Chargers GM Tom Telesco talked about this week that he would have taken whichever of the tip three quarterbacks fell to him at No. 6, which is a refreshingly candid teach, albeit potentially now not the trusty vote of self perception Justin Herbert would enjoy to hear. Anyway, Herbert modified into certainly picked sooner than where he modified into ranked on most boards, nonetheless that occurs with quarterbacks the full time. If they might maybe maybe maybe now not trade down and feel confident they'd still procure Herbert, they'd to stick and take. Or now not it will likely be bright to stumble on how remarkable time the crew provides him sooner than he sees game circulation with Tyrod Taylor atop the depth chart for now, and whether or now not Herbert turns into extra ok with being aggressive as a passer. As for the magnificent resolution to trade encourage into Spherical 1, we enjoy Murray, a three-down linebacker who will function performs in each attach aside the sphere. On the opposite hand, we're now not particular that sitting out Day 2 in divulge to procure him modified into the handiest scurry for a crew that still has a apparent want at left sort out (a role it did now not address in this draft). L.A. discovered some depth/particular teams aid on Day 3, starting up with a player who might well well aid function up for the inability of Melvin Gordon. Kelley helped himself along with his performances at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Mix. Touchdown Hill in Spherical 7 has a huge gamble to be a lawful worth. The man is Ohio Reveal's all-time obtain leader and modified into projected to scurry two and even three rounds earlier by some draftniks.

» Spherical 1: (No. 21 general) Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU. » Spherical 2: (53) Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma. » Spherical 3: (103) Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado. » Spherical 4: (127) K'Von Wallace, S, Clemson; (145) Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn. » Spherical 5: (168) John Hightower, WR, Boise Reveal. » Spherical 6: (196) Shaun Bradley, LB, Temple; (200) Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Mississippi; (210) Prince Tega Wanogho, OL, Auburn. » Spherical 7: (233) Casey Toohill, Edge, Stanford.

FILICE: While the series of Reagor over Justin Jefferson took some with out warning, the TCU wideout is extra of the deep menace Philadelphia clearly wanted. Bear in mind how briskly the air came out of this offense once DeSean Jackson went down closing season? The Eagles wanted one other (youthful) home-speed hitter, and that's precisely what Reagor is. (Build now not fret in regards to the barely-fashioned 4.47 40-yard speed in Indy; Reagor's play speed might well maybe maybe be up there with any prospect now not named Henry Ruggs III in this class.) While Philly's resolution to make a selection out Reagor over Jefferson raised about a eyebrows, the Eagles' 2nd-spherical take left mouths agape all around the nation. Is No. 53 general if truth be told the placement to draft a backup quarterback who needs constructing as a thrower? Linked ask: If the Eagles are so disquieted about Wentz's lengthy-time period availability, why'd they hand him a 9-figure extension that incorporated a file-atmosphere $107.9 million in ensures now not as much as a yr ago? Optimistic, all of us know: It's good to be "a quarterback factory." That is a pleasant ingredient to aspire to, nonetheless this roster sprung leaks everywhere closing season. Might maybe well wanna be conscious of plugging extra of those -- enjoy linebacker, a role that is befuddled this franchise in a put up-Jeremiah Trotter world. Philadelphia took a swing at LB within the third spherical, nonetheless Taylor's still extraordinarily raw, as non secular commitments kept him from taking half in soccer video games on the Sabbath till the past few years. Let's sort on a obvious point out, even supposing: Wallace appears to be like enjoy a likely interact at No. 127, especially for a crew that needs secondary aid.

» Spherical 2: (No. 43 general) Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame; (50) Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah. » Spherical 5: (155) Trevis Gipson, Edge, Tulsa; (163) Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern; (173) Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane. » Spherical 7: (226) Arlington Hambright, OG, Colorado; (227) Lachavious Simmons, OG, Tennessee Reveal.

FILICE: Chicago throwing a two-yr, $16 million deal at over-the-hill TE Jimmy Graham modified into with out a doubt one of the bigger head-scratchers in free agency. After which Ryan Tempo modified into around and spent the crew's top handle Kmet, at the side of a 10th tight close(!) to the Bears' roster. Chicago waived Dax Raymond on Monday, bringing the TE clown automobile's occupancy encourage to single-digit passengers, nonetheless what's occurring here? Are the Bears making an strive to exorcise the demons of the Greg Olsen trade? Publicly trolling Mike Martz? Cornering the TE market in a story draft? How about utilizing the No. 43 general take to handle a staunch offensive want on the line? Seven picks later, Tempo did home in on the protection's biggest void -- cornerback -- with the series of Johnson. Given his alluring combine of physical traits, ball skills and cerebral play, the Utah corner might well maybe maybe be a interact at No. 50 general. Nonetheless, Johnson modified into handiest readily available there because he's unique off his third shoulder surgical operation. In the fifth spherical, Chicago took a pair swings at minute-school speedsters -- a CB in Vildor (4.44 40-yard speed) and a WR in Mooney (4.38) -- and Tempo has a pleasant tune file of finding skill within the heart rounds (SEE: Eddie Jackson, Adrian Amos, Slash Kwiatkoski, Tarik Cohen and Jordan Howard). The sixth-yr GM needs some hits in this draft class, or else the Halas McCaskey fam might well maybe hit the eject button.

» Spherical 2: (No. 40 general) Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU. » Spherical 3: (90) Jonathan Greenard, Edge, Florida. » Spherical 4: (126) Charlie Heck, OT, North Carolina; (141) John Reid, CB, Penn Reveal. » Spherical 5: (171) Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island.

PARR: The stench of some of Invoice O'Brien's trades wafts over this draft class, nonetheless it surely's a trusty, albeit unspectacular, personnel. Blacklock modified into a appealing worth in Spherical 2. He might well maybe fair still within the waste be ready to aid the scurry bustle from the inner, nonetheless he'll might well maybe fair still be extra fixed in opposition to the speed -- a key ingredient for a man who will likely be lining up all over from the facility working video games of Jacksonville, Indianapolis and Tennessee. Houston came encourage for the threshold aid it wanted with the series of Greenard, who went barely sooner than we expected. Heck might well maybe fair still be a serviceable swing sort out, at worst. Reid's one other man who came off the board sooner than we anticipated, nonetheless his competitiveness provides him a huge gamble to function up for what he lacks in dimension. Basically the most convenient take from this personnel might well maybe flip out to be Coulter, a developmental prospect with the instruments to alter staunch into a starter. All in all, needs were addressed, even supposing we might well maybe quibble with the assert thru which they bought consideration. This modified into a tight haul given the small worth the Texans had in draft capital.

» Spherical 1: (No. 27 general) Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech. » Spherical 2: (48) Darrell Taylor, Edge, Tennessee. » Spherical 3: (69) Damien Lewis, OG, LSU. » Spherical 4: (133) Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford; (144) DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami (Fla.). » Spherical 5: (148) Alton Robinson, Edge, Syracuse. » Spherical 6: (214) Freddie Swain, WR, Florida. » Spherical 7: (251) Stephen Sullivan, TE, LSU.

FILICE: One ingredient's for particular: The Seahawks draft to the beat of their very have drum. Brooks had his followers in league circles. At once following the take, virtual draft maestro Trey Wingo seen, "Well, this is bright, because I had one coach listing me this week, 'I want folk would stop placing Jordyn Brooks of their mock draft -- we look after this kid, we don't desire all people to know him." The tackling machine's Texas Tech tape is certainly fun. Yet still: The notion of spending a valuable-spherical handle a downhill thumper -- with out established coverage skills -- appears to be like enjoy a questionable utilize of draft sources in 2020. Particularly when off-ball linebacker wasn't a staunch now want for this every yr contending crew. On Day 2, Pete Carroll and John Schneider looked to infuse every strains with some remarkable-wanted skill. Taylor brings the scale and energy Seattle wishes off the perimeters. Basically the most convenient grief is he stays unrefined as a playmaker/finisher despite five years of service within the SEC. Lewis is an absolute road-grader within the bottom game at 327 kilos. Basically the most convenient grief is he stays barely of a liability in scurry expert, which will not be ideal for the preservation of franchise superman Russell Wilson.

» Spherical 2: (No. 49 general) Dart Claypool, WR, Notre Dame. » Spherical 3: (102) Alex Highsmith, edge rusher, Charlotte. » Spherical 4: (124) Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland; (135) Kevin Dotson, OG, Louisiana. » Spherical 6: (198) Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland. » Spherical 7: (232) Carlos Davis, DT, Nebraska.

PARR: Earlier to you tweet one thing derogatory about us, Steelers followers, fair staunch know that the grade might well maybe be larger if we were taking into fable the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade and scurry as much as snag Devin Bush closing yr, which worth them precious capital in this yr's draft. We're sticking exclusively to grading 2020 draft hauls in this command, folk. The lawful news is that even with small flexibility, the Steelers were still ready to take up some spirited skill. The category is exclusively staunch barely instant on juice, and they did now not address a valuable want on the defensive line till the final spherical. Pittsburgh added an enormous target for Ben Roethlisberger in Claypool, even supposing he doesn't supply remarkable sizzle after the obtain. Highsmith is a pleasant sleeper take. He'll procure now not now not as much as a yr so that you can add some wanted dimension and energy within the encourage of T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, who's taking half in on the franchise mark in 2020. McFarland's flashes were one thing to heed -- he shredded Indiana and Ohio Reveal for 200-plus yards speeding in consecutive video games in 2018. If he can stop healthy and determine how to flash on a extra fixed basis, this will likely be an very fair staunch substitute, nonetheless it surely modified into barely bit magnificent to stumble on them gamble on him all around the first 125 picks. Dotson modified into the first player picked who wasn't invited to the NFL Scouting Mix. Flip on the tape and likewise you are going to stumble on a blocker with the facility to function his blueprint staunch into a starting up lineup down the road. Brooks will also be a staunch now aid on particular teams.

» Spherical 2: (No. 37 general) Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne; (60) Josh Uche, LB, Michigan. » Spherical 3: (87) Anfernee Jennings, edge rusher, Alabama; (91) Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA; (101) Dalton Keene, TE, Virginia Tech. » Spherical 5: (159) Justin Rohrwasser, K, Marshall. » Spherical 6: (182) Mike Onwenu, OG, Michigan; (195) Justin Herron, OL, Wake Wooded discipline; (204) Cassh Maluia, LB, Wyoming. » Spherical 7: (230) Dustin Woodard, C, Memphis.

PARR: No person's earned the luminous to be confident larger than Invoice Belichick, nonetheless this Patriots draft felt style of ... well, smug. They did now not bother to handle needs at quarterback or huge receiver and took a kicker when it modified into still early within the fifth spherical, making Rohrwasser the first specialist selected in 2020. Belichick has talked about the resolution to scurry on drafting a QB 10 times " wasn't by sort," so that sounds enjoy he did now not abominate the skill at the role in this draft. He fair staunch did now not feel compelled to make a selection out one in a yr where he's riding with Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Alrighty then. The Pats did address a total lot of voids with their picks after trading out of Spherical 1 and picking up an additional take, even supposing. Dugger affords some remarkable-wanted childhood at security and while he comes from a minute school, he looked enjoy a man who belonged when he faced all-huge title competition at the Senior Bowl. Uche, one other Senior Bowl standout, appears to be like to be a lawful fit with raw athletic instruments that Belichick can mould. Jennings drew a comp to old Patriot Kyle Van Noy from colleague/draft guru Lance Zierlein, so it might maybe maybe maybe seem he landed within the luminous location. Fresh England had so that you can add at tight close, and within the waste did in Spherical 3, trading up for every Asiasi and Keene, which were barely magnificent choices given that there were arguably better potentialities at the role readily available at every spots. The resolution so that you can add depth to the O-line in a while Day 3 made sense. Total, there were things to enjoy and things to ask in this class.

» Spherical 1: (No. 26 general) Jordan Take care of, QB, Utah Reveal. » Spherical 2: (62) AJ Dillon, RB, Boston College. » Spherical 3: (94) Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati. » Spherical 5: (175) Kamal Martin, LB, Minnesota. » Spherical 6: (192) Jon Runyan, OG, Michigan; (208) Jake Hanson, C, Oregon; (209) Simon Stepaniak, OG, Indiana. » Spherical 7: (236) Vernon Scott, DB, TCU; (242) Jonathan Garvin, Edge, Miami (Fla.).

FILICE: Palace intrigue in Titletown!

By now, you are going to have heard the full juicy anecdotes surrounding Green Bay's magnificent, STOP-THE-PRESSES series of Take care of. But let's instant review, since the drama here runs thick:

-- On draft day, Aaron Rodgers shared his Spherical 1 needs with old punter/recent sports talker Pat McAfee: "We haven't picked a skill player within the first spherical in 15 years, so that can maybe maybe be extra or less cool." The Packers answered by ... trading as much as draft his eventual substitute. -- Of Rodgers' 364 career touchdown passes, precisely one has landed within the hands of a valuable-spherical take. ( A 1-yard toss this past December to Marcedes Lewis, a old first-spherical take of the Jacksonville Jaguars.) -- Supreme Packers scribe Bob McGinn equipped his tips on the sitch in a portion on The Athletic after the draft: Public niceties aside, my sense is (head coach Matt) LaFleur, unique from a tremendous 13-3 baptismal season, simply had sufficient of Rodgers' act and desired to alternate the story. With a valuable-spherical skill on the roster, the Packers would function leverage with their imperial quarterback and his passive-aggressive style. -- Supreme Packers icon Brett Favre equipped his tips on the sitch in an look on the Rich Eisen Vow after a conversation with Rodgers: " Tom Brady, and myself, Joe Montana and Peyton Manning, fair staunch to title about a, accomplished their career in varied locations. ... I judge you're going to stumble on that constructing an increasing selection of, and I judge Aaron will sort in other locations."

Well alright! Now, to Rodgers' credit, Take care of talked about the 2-time league MVP reached out to him on Friday to provide congratulations. Lovely on Rodgers. But you wish to imagine he's fully livid luminous now -- and it be exhausting to blame him. The Pack spent their 2nd-spherical handle a hulking strength encourage and their third-rounder on an H-encourage, while failing to snag a single receiver in a draft class that is purportedly historically deep at the role. Is Green Bay turning into ... a speed-first operation? If you add the total lot up, it be very unlikely to now not be utterly obsessed on the ...

Palace intrigue in Titletown!

Practice Gennaro Filice on Twitter @GennaroFilice.

Practice Dan Parr on Twitter @TheDan_Parr.

[oldschoolretrogaming-blog]

List Of SNES Games

3 Ninjas Kick Back 7th Saga, The 90 Minutes European Prime Goal A.S.P.: Air Strike Patrol AAAHH!!! Real Monsters ABC Monday Night Football ACME Animation Factory ActRaiser ActRaiser 2 Addams Family, The Addams Family, The: Pugsley's Scavenger Hunt Addams Family Values Adventures of Batman & Robin, The Adventures of Dr. Franken, The Adventures of Kid Kleets, The Soccer Kid EU Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle and Friends, The Adventures of Tintin, The: Prisoners of the Sun Adventures of Yogi Bear Aero Fighters Aero the Acro-Bat Aero the Acro-Bat 2 Aerobiz Aerobiz Supersonic Air Cavalry Al Unser Jr.'s Road to the Top Alfred Chicken Alien³ Alien vs Predator All-American Championship Football American Gladiators American Tail, An: Fievel Goes West Andre Agassi Tennis Animaniacs Arcade's Greatest Hits: The Atari Collection 1 Arcana Ardy Lightfoot Arkanoid: Doh it Again Art of Fighting Asterix Asterix & Obelix Axelay B.O.B. 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[shervonfakhimi]

The Dennis Smith Jr. Edition of ‘Everybody Got a Deal’

‘Who says no?’ is a common question asked amongst the pseudo GMs throughout the world, myself included. Dallas Mavs 2nd year guard Dennis Smith Jr. has essentially exiled himself from the team after reports by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon of trade talks regarding Smith were ‘escalating.’ It isn’t ideal to be giving up on a 2nd year player with the type of athleticism and upside Smith possesses, but the fit with Doncic has been iffy at best, despite Smith’s improvement shooting from distance and defense. Dallas’ offense stagnates to a stinky bad 101.3 points per 100 possessions when Smith is on the floor vs their typical 108.4 offensive rating. Part of that is Smith going against starting competition for stretches of time, part of it is Smith’s questionable shot selection and repeated pounding of the ball to slow down the offense. Perhaps Dallas would be wise to hold off and not sell low and preach patience with the young point guard, as Kevin Pelton of ESPN wonders what Smith’s values truly is, especially since talks have stalled and Dallas is working on reuniting Smith back with the team, which they now have done, as Smith will return Tuesday, Jan 21 against the Los Angeles Clippers (the ironic part about this is that Dallas could really use him after JJ Barea tore his achilles as someone to take control of the 2nd unit). But to hell with all that, for now. To paraphrase Drake, Every Fake GM Got a Deal, so let’s hit the trade machine and see what we can find for Dennis Smith Jr.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ycejwuvn (DET/DAL/HOU)

DAL gets: Luke Kennard, Glenn Robinson III, James Ennis & HOU’s lottery protected 2019 1st

DET gets: Dennis Smith Jr., Brandon Knight & Isaiah Hartenstein

HOU gets: Reggie Jackson, Reggie Bullock & Salah Mejri

Who says no: Probably Houston regarding the protection standards of the 1st round pick they are dishing out, but Daryl Morey is aggressive when looking for ways to improve the team, and this fills needs the Rockets need filled. James Harden’s usage rate currently sits at 38.8%, which is miles above everybody in the league, let alone his own team. The load is too much to bare to sustain this type of success in the postseason. Not only can Reggie Jackson ease that load, but he also provides insurance for Chris Paul, who has earned the CP 3-6 weeks nickname after all these nagging hamstring injuries. I hear the Rockets have a thing for former OKC Thunder 6th men… Also Reggie Bullock brings the ideal ‘3 and D’ type of skillset Houston so desperately needs, & Salah Mejri can be a solid backup for Clint Capela, who is injured in his own right.

Luke Kennard isn’t the talent Dennis Smith is, but is the sort of secondary playmaker that fits well alongside Luka Doncic and can spread the floor as a career 40.5% 3 point shooter. Glenn Robinson III and James Ennis can help provide Smith may have to play second fiddle alongside Blake Griffin in Detroit, but should get plenty of opportunities to create in Reggie Jackson’s stead. As cap strapped as the Pistons are, they have to get creative to find ways to bring in players with star potential. It isn’t an ideal situation for Smith to land, but its a situation where it is worth the shot for the Pistons to try, especially as they teeter more on the outside looking in of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Also, maybe Brandon Knight, on an expiring deal can get revived back in Detroit again?

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yc7ebuwh (DAL/PHX)

Who says no: Dallas may say no if they don’t believe they are getting enough back for Dennis Smith. However, perhaps a change of scenery could help both 2017 Top 10 picks reach their potential. Phoenix is in desperate need of a point guard and is suddenly pretty stacked on wing depth with TJ Warren having a career season, Mikal Bridges, Kelly Oubre Jr. and De’Anthony Melton flanking Devin Booker, who’s game has steadily expanded and improved with the ball in his hands. However, Phoenix’s lack of a point guard has diminished the creativity for Phoenix to fully unleash Booker’s shooting prowess. This could be an area where Smith can help. Maybe Josh Jackson can take off with a change of scenery and give Dallas another long athletic wing they could use to go alongside Harrison Barnes and Dorian Finney-Smith and play the secondary playmaking wing role he filled in Kansas complementing Luka Doncic.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yaczxdqz (DAL/ORL)

Who says no: Orlando because Aaron Gordon may not be worth giving up on to bring in Dennis. Gordon is a little out of position alongside Jonathan Isaac in Orlando, but has steadily improved the last few seasons. Orlando, alongside Phoenix, is one of the teams rumored to be interested in Smith and Smith would finally give Orlando their potential answer at point guard. Not only that, but Orlando would get some remedies with their salary cap space. While Gordon’s money goes down as the contract goes on, they’d get off of the remaining 3 years of Fournier’s contract and get off of Barnes’ contract 2 years before Gordon’s deal expires. Orlando would get a scoring punch to help kickstart the league’s 26th ranked offense and salary cap help, and Dallas would get 3 players who fit alongside Luka Doncic. I don’t think Orlando would agree to it, but it makes sense for both sides.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y8lzbem3 (DAL/MIA)

Who says no: Miami because point Justise is having himself a career season, making acquiring Dennis Smith a little bit redundant. However, Dennis presents an upside that isn’t very prevalent on Miami’s roster, outside of Bam Adebayo. Miami’s culture would work wonders to help Dennis kick the bad habits present in his game out and give the Heat another building block for the future, one that they could use with their 2021 first round pick gone to the Philadelphia 76ers. Who better for DSJ to learn from than Dwyane Wade? Very few. Goran Dragic has become expendable with the breakout of Justise Winslow and Dallas could use a point guard to fit alongside Luka Doncic. Who better to get than fellow Slovenian Goran Dragic? They only went on to win Eurobasket together in 2017. Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder bring shooting and toughness, respectively.

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=y9jbldox (DAL/NYK)

Who says no: Dallas if they don’t want Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract. Maybe Dallas wants to horde cap space to go after DeMarcus Cousins in free agency next summer depending on how he looks after his achilles tear. But with Dallas’ spotty free agency track record, it’d behoove them to make upgrades anywhere they can now, and Hardaway would fit very well alongside Luka Doncic. Frank Ntilikina would as well with his stinginess to be able to guard 1-3. New York would unload Hardaway’s contract to free them up to chase after free agents this summer and get a look at whether or not Smith can be a part of their future, similar to the shot they took on Emmanuel Mudiay at last year’s trade deadline, though Smith and Mudiay’s games are fairly similar. However, the salary dump would be the most important aspect of this deal for the Knicks. Smith would just be the bonus.

[junker-town]

Every NBA trade leading up to the deadline

A list of every completed trade before the 2018 trade deadline.

The trade deadline will be upon us by Thursday afternoon. We could get a flurry of movement or we could get none at all. Things will probably land somewhere in the middle.

What we do know is that, up until that point, we’ll have already had lots of major NBA movement involving some huge names from across the league. Kyrie Irving, Isaiah Thomas, Blake Griffin, D’Angelo Russell, and the list goes on with maybe much more to come.

It’s a ton to keep track of for us, so we can only imagine what it’s like for you. But, as always, we’ve got your back. Here’s a list of every trade that has happened leading up to this season’s trade deadline.

As things continue to develop, we’ll continue to update this list. Come back here for the latest developments from around the league.

February 8

Bulls trade Jameer Nelson to Pistons TO PISTONS: Jameer Nelson TO BULLS: Willie Reed, right to swap 2022 2nd-round picks

February 7

Knicks trade Willy Hernangomez to Hornets

TO HORNETS: Willy Hernangomez TO KNICKS: Johnny O’Bryant, 2020 second-round pick and 2021 second-round picks

February 5

Nets send Tyler Zeller to Bucks

TO NETS: Rashad Vaughn, 2018 second-round pick TO BUCKS: Tyler Zeller

February 1

Bulls trade Nikola Mirotic to Pelicans

TO BULLS: Tony Allen, Omer Asik, Jameer Nelson, 2018 first-round pick, 2021 first-round pick swap rights TO PELICANS: Nikola Mirotic, 2018 second-round pick

January 29

Clippers trade Blake Griffin to Pistons

TO CLIPPERS: Tobias Harris, Boban Marjanovic, Avery Bradley, 2018 protected first-round pick, 2019 second round pick TO PISTONS: Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson, Willie Reed

December 7

Philly trades Jahlil Okafor to Brooklyn

TO NETS: Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas, 2019 second-round pick TO SIXERS: Trevor Booker

November 7

Suns trade Eric Bledsoe to Bucks

TO BUCKS: Eric Bledsoe TO SUNS: Greg Monroe, 2018 protected first-round pick, 2018 protected second-round pick

August 30

Cavs swap Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas

TO CELTICS: Kyrie Irving TO CAVS: Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic, 2018 Nets 1st round pick (unprotected), 2020 Heat second-round pick

JULY 9

C.J. Miles sign and trade with Raptors

TO RAPTORS: C.J. Miles (will sign 3-year, $25 million contract) TO PACERS: Cory Joseph

July 5

Danilo Gallinari to Clippers

TO CLIPPERS: Danilo Gallinari (3 years, $65 million) TO NUGGETS: Paul Millsap (3 years, $90 million) TO HAWKS: Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone, 2018 first-round pick (via Rockets)

June 30

Ricky Rubio traded to Utah

TO JAZZ: Ricky Rubio TO TIMBERWOLVES: 2018 first-round pick via Oklahoma City (lottery-protected)

June 30

Pacers send Paul George to OKC

TO THUNDER: Paul George TO PACERS: Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis

June 28

Chris Paul traded to Houston

TO ROCKETS: Chris Paul TO CLIPPERS: Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Sam Dekker, 2018 first-round pick (protected 1-3), Montrezl Harrell, Darrun Hilliard, DeAndre Liggins, Kyle Wiltjer

June 22

Jimmy Butler sent to Minnesota

TO TIMBERWOLVES: Jimmy Butler, No. 16 pick in 2017 NBA Draft (Justin Patton) TO BULLS: Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, No. 7 pick in 2017 NBA Draft (Lauri Markkanen)

June 20:

Hawks trade Dwight Howard to Hornets

TO HAWKS: Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli TO HORNETS: Dwight Howard, 2017 No. 31 pick (Frank Jackson)

June 20:

D’Angelo Russell traded to Nets

TO LAKERS: Brook Lopez, 2017 No. 27 pick (Kyle Kuzma) TO NETS: D’Angelo Russell, Timofey Mozgov

[blogevangelinelove-blog]

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[donnyjabronie]

NBA 2k Funsies: the league fucking dies

This is the end of the NBA. All talent has been drained. It’s dying. There are no more good basketball players left. Only pain. Only suffering. Only disappointment. 

This is the end of the NBA. This is the story of the last days of the league. 

NBA 2018-2019 SEASON

Quick important events: MVP: Nikola Jokic (1st)  

Finals: Warriors 3-4 Celtics

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Dirk Nowitzki

Scouts are baffled as Zion Williamson, Ja Morant as well as other top draft prospects have seemingly been replaced by garbage. In fact, all scouting targets are dead ends. There are no prospects anymore, only death drafties. The league is panicking, but hoping that maybe further down the line talent will be found. This is the NBA, there’s bound to be somebody good at some point... Right? 

The season passes normally, no shocking revelations to be found. Nikola Jokic finally has his breakout year, with 22.2/ 7.9 ast/ 14.5 rebs, good enough to net the Nuggets just the 6th seed, but win an MVP (despite Steph Curry averaging 30ppg). Aside from this and the Timberwolves somehow managing 47 wins, the season plays out fairly true to real life. LeBron misses his first playoffs on the underperforming Lakers. 

Kemba Walker is having a miracle of a season, finally joining the 60-point-game club. Continuing this absurd play into the playoffs, the Charlotte Hornets not only get 8th seed, but manage to take Giannis’ Bucks to 7, and win. The ride doesn’t last for long, as the Hornets are swept by the Celtics in the next round. Meanwhile, Philly handles Kawhi and the raptors easily winning in 6, and the Warriors just barely skate by Denver in 7, thanks to a 41 point game 7 from Steph. Houston has no trouble beating the Timberwolves, similarly to how the Warriors have no trouble with Houston in the next round.

The finals is a series for the ages, a constant battle between Kyrie and Steph both trading absurd games and averaging over 30 points, but in the end after 7 games and a final score of 116-112, Kyrie Irving gets his ring and the Celtics are champs. Steph and KD both put up 35 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the depth of Boston. Kyrie has proven himself capable of leading a team to victory, and the Warriors dynasty has been de-throned due to injuries yet again, this time Klay Thompson missing the entire playoffs. 

An intriguing yet normal season, despite the oncoming poor draft class. Surely with the rise of a new Dynasty in Boston, the NBA is more alive than ever? Surely? 

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NBA 2019-2020 SEASON

MVP: James Harden (2nd) 

Finals: Rockets 4-3 Celtics

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Vince Carter

The NBA is about equally as shaken as it was in real life. Coming into the season: The Bucks picked up Kelly Oubre Jr. and retained Mirotic, the 76ers acquired Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler joined the Pacers, Porzingis still went to the Mavericks, Boogie went to the Knicks with Khris Middleton, DSJ and Jeremy Lamb, Julius Randle, Valanciunas and Brook Lopez joined the young Kings roster, and Kemba and Nerlens Noel joined the Jazz. That’s a ton of trades, I’ve actually never seen the AI shake things up so crazily. I would like to make a summary of who got better and who got worse, but things are so drastically different that would almost warrant it’s own lengthy post, so we’re just going to see how this season plays out and go from there. For now, the Celtics, Kings and Raptors appear to be the most stacked. The East is far, far stronger this season. 

While there are a few decent rookies coming from oversees or the G-League, the vast majority of them don’t look like they should even be in the league. What’s worse, this incoming draft class is just as bad. Perhaps next season will be better? 

For how crazy the offseason was, the regular season was tame when it came to transactions with a handful of bench player trades. 

The East was much stronger. That is, until the injuries happened. Injuries wracked teams so horribly that the #1 seed 76ers only got 49 wins, and the Hornets having only 3 players with at least 80 overall and no Kemba Walker managed to steal the 8th seed again. Meanwhile, the Rockets, Thunder, Trail Blazers and Jazz all recorded over 50 wins, the Pelicans led by AD getting 49, LeBron-led Lakers and Kings both getting 48, and in the 8th seed the Timberwolves getting 45 wins. 

Let’s just go over this again: the 8th seed in the West, the Timberwolves, recorded 45 wins. The 8th seed in the East, the Hornets, recorded just 37 wins. 

With key injuries crippling both teams, the Warriors and Nuggets both fail to even make the playoffs. While the East ended up being far weaker than projected, competition is more alive than ever in the NBA. The Timberwolves fall in 7 to the Rockets, despite Chris Paul missing due to injury. James Harden is proving he earned his MVP. Meanwhile, the stacked Jazz prove to be no problem for the underdog Pelicans. The Trail Blazers, who traded for Lou Will mid-season but were missing Nurkic to injuries, manage to down the Lakers in 6. OKC manage to get past the Kings, who also got blindsided by injuries. On the other side of the league, the Raptors are downed by the Magic, Giannis and the Bucks are eliminated by the Bulls, and Boston and the 76ers progress yet again. 

In the next round, the Pelicans take the Chris Paul-less Rockets to 7, but Harden puts up an absurd 46 point performance to get the win and keep moving forward. Harden is having an unprecedented run, and whether he wins or not he’s already established himself as an all-time great. Meanwhile, Paul George and Westbrook absolutely massacre the Trail Blazers, easily sweeping. On the other side, Kyrie Irving is having a similar run to Harden, barely taking down the Magic in 7, while the 76ers continue their steamroll. 

In the conference finals, OKC takes a 3-1 lead against the Rockets, and James Harden responds with multiple 40 point games and wills the Rockets to the finals. Meanwhile, Boston is taken to 7 but the pure depth of talent proves too much, and Kyrie has found his way to another finals. 

In game #1 of the finals, Harden explodes for 53 points, just barely enough to get the win, and wins the next. With Chris Paul back from injury, to save the series in game #3 Kyrie responds with a 50 point game of his own, doing everything he can to take the Rockets. Chris Paul is re-injured, and the Celtics easily take game #4. In game #5 Harden posts 39 points, but the Rockets fall by just 2 points. He responds by posting 36/19/10 in game #6 to blowout the Celtics. In game #7, both teams trade the lead multiple times and it’s neck-and-neck, but with Chris Paul playing through injury once more and posting an incredible 32 points, and James Harden pouring the last of his soul into the game with 10 assists and an insane 48 points, the Rockets win it. Kyrie Irving shot 8-26, and his redemption he earned just last playoffs has vanished into thin air. James Harden has just had possibly the greatest post-season run of all time, ending every single series in 7 yet somehow winning it all and averaging 35/10/6.6, and posting the 5th and 9th highest-scoring finals games of all time. Typically I don’t go too in-depth into season and post-season performances, as that isn’t the focus of these write-ups. However, Harden had such a historic season that I couldn’t possibly gloss over this. This will go down as one of the greatest seasons of all time. 

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NBA 2020-2021 SEASON

MVP: James Harden (3rd) 

Finals: Lakers 4-0 76ers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Dwyane Wade 

With the talent pool decreasing due to an unusual influx of poor-performing rookies, the NBA has voted to abolish the luxury tax- teams can pay as much as they want for their players. I have no idea why the smaller teams in the league agreed to this, but it’s the rule now. As well, the all-star teams have been reduced to just 13 players from each conference. 

This off-season is much less eventful, with very few signings or shake-ups. There are still about 150 free agents that aren’t death drafties, so the talent pool hasn’t started to dry up just yet. As well, the season sees just 7 trades. However, one of the trades is Klay Thompson of the 76ers for Jaylen Brown of the Celtics. Perhaps this is a long-term idea for the 76ers to keep being young, but the Celtics just acquired a massive offensive talent. 

When the dust of the season settles, the Rockets hit 61 wins led by repeat-MVP James Harden, OKC Minnesota Lakers and Spurs all join the 50 or more win club, the Trail Blazers and Suns get 49 and 48 wins respectively, and the Nuggets barely make it in at 41 wins. The Kings, Jazz, Pelicans and Warriors have all crumpled, and teams that weren’t good enough last year certainly aren’t good enough this year. On the other side, the Bucks without injuries slowing them down hit 51 wins, the 76ers stay on top with 50, and the Celtics achieve 47. Miraculously, the Cavs swoop in with 45 wins led by Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson. Bottoming out the East is the Magic, Heat, Knicks and Hawks, all getting a little over 40 wins. 

This time around, CP3 and Eric Gordon are both missing and the Nuggets are healthy, but the Rockets prevail led by James Harden continuing where he left off last season. The Lakers sweep their way to the 2nd round finally, and OKC and Timberwolves are set to meet up in the 2nd round. No shockers on the East, as the 76ers, Magic, Bucks, and Celtics all progress. However, in the 2nd round LeBron at 36 years old puts it all on the court and gets to the conference finals in 7 over the Rockets. OKC make their way back to correct their mistakes from last season. The Bucks barely take down the Magic, and the 76ers manage to overcome the Celtics in an overtime game 7, where Kyrie Irving posted a meager 14 points and Jaylen Brown found his revenge with 21 points. With a healthy Embiid, the 76ers sweep the Bucks with ease, while LeBron averages 31/ 7.3/ 6 to carry the Lakers to the finals, where the 76ers crumple from the pressure and see themselves swept. LeBron has made his return to glory, and in dominating fashion. The Lakers project has succeeded. 

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NBA 2021-2022 SEASON

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo (1st) 

Finals: Suns 3-4 Bucks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony

LeBron starts the season under 1,000 points from the all-time scoring record, while Steph Curry and James Harden are 1st and 2nd for all-time threes. In the off-season, not much about the league changes. Oh, except for one thing: in the onslaught of disappointing rookie draft class after disappointing rookie draft class, all G-League players have ascended to stardom with many of them sporting around 85 overall ratings. It’s as if they witnessed the dark horizon descending upon the league, and knew that they were the last young talented generation that could save the league. Basketball will see glory for a bit longer, thanks to the ascension of these players. 

Jayson Tatum has ended up on Charlotte, trying to revive a broken team. Meanwhile, the Rockets have seen Chris Paul drop in skill harshly at 36 years old. They picked up Jarrett Allen to try and fill the void, but it’s hard replacing a generational talent guard with a decent big. Age is catching up to many greats in the league, and unless some more players make massive leaps these next few seasons could be the last we see of the league as we know it. 

Despite being the 2nd best player on the team, the Cavs trade Tristan Thompson for Thon Maker, fearing the lack of young players entering the league and desperate to see their franchise survive. Several other teams make similar moves, but this trade is the biggest name given up just because the other player is younger. As such, they fall from being projected 5th seed to failing to make the playoffs. 

This time around the Grizzlies have taken the 1st seed after an absurd season from one of the incredible G-League turnarounds who’s risen to an 89 overall. Jayson Tatum has become such a powerhouse that he drags the Hornets to the 3rd seed single-handedly. Seriously, their 2nd best player is Miles Bridges. I have no idea how Tatum did this and didn’t win MVP. 

After round 1, the Suns led by Ayton and Booker finally escape the 1st round, taking down a weak #1 seed. They’re met by the Timberwolves, who barely shirk off the Spurs. The Nuggets easily beat OKC, where they will face Houston who managed to take down the Lakers led by 37-year-old LeBron James. Everything on the East remains stagnant, except for the Pistons who swept the Charlotte Jayson Tatums. Isaiah Whitehead and Tristan Thompson joining Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have turned this 9-10 seed team into a legitimate playoff threat. Despite taking a 3-1 lead, the Pistons fall to the Giannis-led Bucks, to face the 76ers once again. The Rockets down the Nuggets, and James Harden fights to the conference finals yet again. This time they face the Suns and sensational Devin Booker. 

The 8th seed Suns continue their miracle run taking down the Rockets in 5, as the Bucks finally see the finals. The Suns take a 3-1 lead, but Giannis mounts a comeback to finally get his ring. The Bucks have finally become champions in the same year Giannis finally became an MVP.

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NBA 2022-2023 SEASON

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo (2nd) 

Finals: Rockets 4-0 Cavaliers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: None

The league continues to avoid rocking the boat, and not much changes. Everyone is hoping they can continue waiting out the death drafties, but hope is fading. There’s still enough talent across the league that almost every team is a threat to some degree, but the death drafties are creeping in. The youngest talented players are all 24 and 25 rather than 19 and 20. The 2nd best rookie is 30 years old. The G-League players continue ascending to absurd talents, as a 26 year old undrafted talent who’s never played in the league has somehow gotten an 89 overall rating. The talent pool is declining to the point that 80+ overall players are being traded left and right, since that’s become the new normal. This seems like a positive thing, but the only reason this is normal is the lack of developing talent. Perhaps everyone sees this happening and is just trying to carry on as usual. Perhaps they’re in denial. The end is drawing closer either way. 

Interestingly, the Rockets have risen to the #1 seed once more. With 59 wins, they’re the best team in the league. Behind them is the Nuggets, led by 91 overall Justin Bibbs, who’s also the ROTY at the age of 26. Unfortunately, Jokic is out for the season and their chances at glory have been knocked down harshly. Not much else of interest happens, except for the Cavs who have risen back up to the 3rd seed and the Celtics, after picking up Steven Adams, falling to a 41-41 record and barely grabbing the 8th seed. 

What usually is a conference final matchup, instead is a 1st round blowout with the 76ers decimating the Celtics. Milwaukee sweeps the Hornets, and the Cavaliers take the Pistons to 7 to finally escape the 1st round. Orlando continues having great season after great season dashed in the early rounds, this time losing to the Pacers. Houston knock down the Warriors, while the Spurs see their revenge on Pheonix and win in 6. Dallas finally makes their way to the playoffs despite losing Porzingis to a fractured right leg, and battles Portland for 7 games before making their way to the 2nd round. The Nuggets led by Bibbs sweep the Lakers. 

On the West, the Rockets fight through to the conference finals yet again, while the Bibbs-led Nuggets scrape by the Mavericks in 7. On the East, the 76ers are shockingly upset by the Oladipo-led Pacers, and Giannis looking for his repeat is stopped by the Cavs. James Harden keeps being an all-time great, carrying the Rockets to yet another finals. Meanwhile, Colin Sexton has developed into an all-star guard and leads the Cavs to their first finals since 2018. Unfortunately, that’s as far as the young player can take them. James Harden and the Rockets decimate them, sweeping their way to a ring. 

29 decent players retire, the most notable being Rudy Gay. While nobody is Hall-of-Fame worthy, the depth of the league continues diminishing. LeBron James is almost 40. Chris Paul is a shell of who he once was. Steph is 35. The season only has a few more years left before we start to see new young talent dominate, before the silence brought upon the league by the death drafties begins. 

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NBA 2023-2024 SEASON

MVP: Nikola Jokic (2nd)

Finals: Nuggets 4-1 76ers

Hall-of-Fame: LaMarcus Aldridge

Frustrated with their early exit, the Hornets trade Valanciunas straight up for a death draftie. He is the first actual player to be traded for purely a death draftie. I guess the Hornets have decided they want to take their organization straight to hell as soon as possible. They’ve embraced their fate. Soon, all will embrace it. One way. Or another. 

After the Nuggets achieved the 2nd seed without Jokic, this time around with Jokic they tie for the best record of all time, getting 73 wins and 9 losses. The next best team is the Rockets, with 55 wins, and the best team in the East only earns 49 wins. The talent is starting to gather to the top teams in the league, and the bad teams are getting drastically worse. This trend will continue. All will keep reaching more drastic accomplishments and failures, until eventually, silence.

The Nuggets easily take down Portland, as the Timberwolves progress over an early-failing Lakers. The Spurs make their way out once again over the Mavericks, and the Rockets keep the Kings from progressing. The Hawks manage to upset the #1 seed Knicks, while Chicago falls to the Pistons in 7. The Celtics are also upset by the Cavs in 7, while the 76ers manage to pull out the win in game 7 against Brooklyn. The conference finals is far different from other years, with the Nuggets sweeping through as expected as well as the Rockets falling in 7 to the Spurs due to missing James Harden, who went down in the first round with a ruptured right achilles. This will be the first conference finals without the Rockets since 2017, 7 years ago. On the other side, the 76ers fight through to the conference finals yet again, while the Hawks manage to upset the Pistons. The Nuggets continue their run sweeping the Spurs, while the 76ers finally make the finals once again and have another shot at the ring. Unfortunately, the best they can manage is taking 1 game. Jokic has earned a ring on his 2nd MVP. 

Kyle Lowry, Lou Will, and LaMarcus Aldridge are the biggest names in this wave of retirements. Lowry has been integral to their playoff runs, but the overwhelming force of the Nuggets was too discouraging for him to continue. LeBron will be 40 next season, and at this point is already 5,000 points past the total point record set by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Kevin Durant is about 10,000 points behind them, sitting at the 4th most points, and James Harden is 9th. 

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NBA 2024-2025 SEASON

MVP: Karl-Anthony Towns (1st) 

Finals: Nuggets 4-0 Hawks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Chris Paul, LeBron James

Giannis Antetokounmpo is far and away the best player in the league, sitting at 98 overall. DeAndre Ayton and Luka Doncic are young stars rising to become the most likely last wave of generational superstars. Father time is catching up with many superstars, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this next off-season is the most depressing. One of the last great G-League players has arrived, at 81 overall but 27 years old. Almost all the rest of the rookies are 40 overall. There’s still a sizable amount of free agents, but nearly all of them are around 35 years old and on their way out. The end is drawing ever closer, it’s just a matter of seeing when the grip finally gives. 

Once, Paul George was key in getting OKC close to a ring. Now, he’s aged so much that he was dumped for a bag of chips. Russell Westbrook leads OKC to the worst record in the West. The All-NBA 1st is composed of Kyrie Irving, Lonzo Ball, Giannis, Luka Doncic, and KAT. What were once superstars are now simply role-players. 

The Nuggets post a 65 win record, the Pacers have risen to 55 wins, the 76ers keep above 50 and the Lakers achieve 53 wins. No other team breaks 50. The gap between best and worst teams is widening. The Rockets, led by 35 year old James Harden, are easily swept by the Lakers, with a mix of prime talent and 40 year old LeBron James. Somehow Giannis finds his way to the conference finals yet again, while the Hawks upset both Boston and the 76ers. The Nuggets machine keeps rolling, sweeping the conference finals for a 2nd year in a row, as the Hawks continue their miracle run winning in 7 above the Bucks. The talent of Trae Young can only go so far, however. The Nuggets sweep the finals, completing the first back-to-back since the Warriors back in 2017. 

At 36 years old, Kevin Durant and Kevin Love both retire. Both LeBron and Chris Paul are inducted in the HoF despite neither retiring. The greats are beginning to fade into black. The dark is coming ever closer. The age of superstar G-League players has ended, meaning the talent that is left is all that will ever be. 

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NBA 2025-2026 SEASON

MVP: Nikola Jokic (3rd)

Finals: Nuggets 4-1 Hornets

Hall-of-Fame: LeBron James, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin

The Nuggets continue falling back to earth as Jokic continues aging, falling to 58 wins. The Warriors have somehow jumped to 54 wins, Curry looking for one last ring. As well, LeBron and the Lakers win 52, and the Kings finally get their break with 48 wins. The 76ers, Hawks and Bucks round out the 50+ wins club, as Jayson Tatum once more drags the Hornets to the 8th seed. Somehow, despite getting the 1st seed not long ago, the Grizzlies are back down to the 8th seed again with no roster changes, and are out in the 1st round yet again. 

OKC recover from last year, but the Lakers manage to win in 7 to meet up with Warriors, as LeBron and Steph battle one last time to see who has the chance to take down the Nuggets. The Knicks make up for last year by beating Indiana, but Jayson Tatum finally drags their corpse to the conference finals. Giannis and the Bucks manage to squeak by the Hawks, the Nuggets steamroll the Kings, and the Lakers fall in 6 to 38 year old Steph Curry. Despite taking the first game, the Warriors fall in 5 to the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum continues establishing his legacy by beating the Bucks and making the finals as an 8th seed. He’s conquered the 76ers, the Knicks and now the Bucks. But the biggest hurdle remains, and the Nuggets train keeps rolling as they see a threepeat. 

LeBron James and Chris Paul are all added to the HoF, despite none of them retiring. LeBron and Steph both decide they still have unfinished business, and don’t want to give up on getting a final ring before the league dies off. 

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NBA 2026-2027 SEASON

MVP: Nikola Jokic (4th) 

Finals: Pelicans 3-4 Hawks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: LeBron James, James Harden, Chris Paul, Kawhi Leonard

Cameron Payne has spiked from a mediocre to disappointing player to a 96 overall this season. The game is trying to ensure some sort of talent stays in this league, unfortunately Payne is already 33 and on his way out. The Nuggets continue dominating at 62 wins, with the Pelicans at 57 led by 96 overall Sam Dekker. New superstars are rising from the ashes, attempting to overthrow the Nuggets. 

Unfortunately, it’ll take a lot to truly shake things up. The Warriors and Lakers are both downed by the Nuggets, the Hawks manage to sweep Payne and the Trail Blazers, the Hawks and Knicks both make the conference finals. 

The Pelicans actually have a sizable amount of talent created, with 2 new 90 overall players to help Anthony Davis. That peak proves enough to push the Pelicans to the finals, ending the run for the Nuggets in 5 games. Meanwhile, Trae Young fights to the finals for the 2nd time. The two teams trade 2 victories each, when Trae Young goes down with a broken arm. Things seem grim, until all role players for the Hawks step up and steal a win, get blown out, and steal game 7. Malik Monk is awarded the Finals MVP in Trae Young’s stead, and the Hawks finally see a trophy, making up for their disappointing series two years ago. 

Seeing the dynasty fall, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward, John Wall, Jimmy Butler, Vucevic, Kawhi, and countless other stars and starters retire. This is the first massive wave of players that were still getting regular minutes to retire. This is the beginning of the end. (James Harden is not retired by the way, though he definitely earned his HoF spot.)

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NBA 2027-2028 SEASON

MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo (3rd) 

Finals: Spurs 2-4 Celtics 

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, Paul George

33-year-old Jarell Martin has joined the 90 overall club, unfortunately both Cam Payne and Sam Dekker are both already starting to decline due to their age. There are currently 13 90-overalls, and 129 80-overalls. This seems solid, until you realize that of those 142 players only 36 of them are below the age of 30. The youngest competent player in the league is Isaac Bonga, who is 27 years old. The league has about 10 years left before the long dark sets in. This will be the last decade of basketball as we know it. 

Surprisingly, the league has more parity than ever. Yes, there are still teams much better than the rest and teams much worse than the rest, but almost every team has a starting lineup of decent players. It’s as if every player realized this was their last chance at establishing a legacy, and have set out to be the last superstar before the league dies forever. They’re determined to make sure these last years of the NBA still show life. They’re determined to keep fighting until they can’t fight anymore. 

Giannis earns his 3rd MVP, 5 years after his last, at the age of 33. He remains the most dominant player in the league, posting 29.4/5.4/11.8, the best season he’s had since entering the league. At 36 years old, Kyrie Irving remains the best guard in the league. Time is catching up, though. This will likely be his last dominant season. 

With a powerhouse lineup of 3 superstars led by Kyrie and Sam Dekker, the Celtics achieve the #1 seed and 61 wins. This is their best season since they won a ring in the first season of death drafties, 9 years ago. The Bucks, led by an absurdly talented Giannis are posting the 3rd best record in the league, with the 2nd best held by Cameron Payne’s Trail Blazers. With Lillard barely gripping that veteran backup position, this will likely be his last shot at a ring. 

Somehow, the Spurs are continuing to make the playoffs. In all of the madness of these past 9 years, they’ve yet to trade a player and haven’t really made any big signings. They’ve just been continuing to develop their talent, and with their best player being just 84 overall Dejounte Murray they take down the Lakers to meet Denver in the 2nd round. OKC finally escapes into the 2nd round in 7 over the ever-underperforming Suns, and Philly manages to narrowly escape the Charlotte Jayson Tatums. Despite winning it all last year, the Hawks fall to the Pacers in 7, 35 year old Victor Oladipo having an entire renaissance and posting multiple 30+ point games. Unfortunately, Giannis proves too much and they only make the 2nd round. 

Boston continues sweeping their way to the conference finals, Portland sees no trouble with OKC, and somehow the Spurs take out the Nuggets in 6 seeing the conference finals yet again. The Spurs have just 2 players rated over 80 overall, purely looking at the team’s talent they shouldn’t even be in the playoffs. Yet here they are, in the conference finals yet again. 

Cam Payne completely chokes, and the Spurs find their way to the finals in just 5 games. Lonnie Walker and Dejounte Murray both average 20+ points in the series. Meanwhile, the Celtics are too much for the MVP Giannis, with Kyrie sealing the series by posting 39 points in game 6 to win it. At 36 years old, Kyrie is still regularly having 40+ point games, and is going all-out to try and get his 3rd ring before his body gives out on him. In the finals, the Spurs take game 1, and Kyrie responds with 30 points to take game 2 and 35 to take game 3. The Spurs manage to get game 4 and save the series hopes, but then Kyrie turns it up even further making 37 in game 5, and putting the series to bed with an absurd 44 point game. Averaging 30 ppg for the finals, Kyrie Irving is a champion once more. Immediately following the win, Cory Joseph, David Nwaba and Eric Bledsoe retire champions. This cripples the Celtics to essentially being just 3 decent players and nothing else. 

DeAndre Jordan, Westbrook, Paul George, Kemba Walker, DeRozan and Lillard make up the notable retirements. Not as many names retiring as last year, but the ones who do are goliaths. The league continues the march to dark. 

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NBA 2028-2029 SEASON

MVP: Nikola Jokic (5th)

Finals: Nuggets 4-3 Celtics

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Steph Curry

Interestingly, Kyrie Irving appears to be playing for free at this point. He has 2 years left on his unpaid contract. Upon discovering this, I found that Tristan Thompson, Josh Richardson, Anthony Davis, Alan Williams and Malcolm Brogdon are playing unpaid. I have no explanation for why this is happening. 

Remember the parity of last year? That’s gone. The Clippers have just 7 non-death drafties. The bad teams are rapidly getting even worse than we thought was possible in this end-of-days league. 

Leading the Nuggets to 61 wins, Jokic achieves his 5th MVP at 34 years old. The 3 time champion and 5 time MVP, Jokic has made a case as one of the all-time greats. Jokic and Giannis have consistently been neck-and-neck year after year for MVP, and this year Jokic just barely edges out Giannis yet again. 

In the playoffs, the Nuggets and Lakers both sweep their way to the 2nd round, the Spurs find themselves facing the Nuggets once more, and the Mavericks finally break into the 2nd round taking out the #2 seed Trail Blazers. Boston meets Giannis while Philly meets Detroit yet again. Shockingly, the Celtics sweep the Bucks off of Kyrie’s absurd shooting looking for a repeat. Similarly, Ben Simmons performs his heart out to get the 76ers to the conference finals yet again, the Process Sixers still ring-less after all these years. Luka Doncic leads Dallas to their first conference finals since the days of Dirk, to meet the Nuggets. While father time may be on his side in the long run, for now the Mavericks still aren’t ready. The Nuggets sweep into the finals. Meanwhile, the Celtics and Sixers battle it out to 7 games like they’ve done years ago, back when the future was still bright and the league was young. With the help of 39-year-old Klay Thompson, the Celtics manage to overpower the 76ers and make the finals once more. 

Despite putting up a strong fight, father time has slowed Kyrie down and the Celtics just can’t keep up. The Nuggets win in 7, and Jokic sees is 4th ring and 4th finals MVP. He is now just 2 rings behind tying Jordan’s legacy. 

Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Oladipo. These are the notable names retiring this time. The superstars of 10 years ago are holding out as long as they can, but the Warriors golden boys are officially gone. The league we used to know is gone. 

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NBA 2029-2030 SEASON 

MVP: Nikola Jokic (6th) 

Finals: Lakers 2-4 76ers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: James Harden, DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis

Luka Doncic has assumed the title of best player in the league, at 94 overall. Giannis is being hit hard by age, and while he’s still the 2nd best player in the league, he’s hardly the superstar he was just two years ago. There remains just 9 players rated 90+ overall. There are just 63 players rated 80 overall or higher, less than half of what was in the league just 2 years ago. The end approaches. The skies grow dark. 

I’d like to take this time to acknowledge 40-year-old James Harden, who’s managed to reach 4th most points in NBA history, 3,000 points behind Kareem and an astounding 13,000 points behind LeBron James. LeBron ended his career at 48,650 points. Unless Giannis, sitting at 30,000, or Luka Doncic, sitting at 16,500, absolutely feast on the corpse of the NBA in the coming years, LeBron will go down far and away the symbol of dominance and longevity in the NBA. People will argue whether Jordan had a higher peak, but nobody will disagree that LeBron dominated for the longest amount of time. Ray Allen is now 12th in most 3-pointers, with Steph holding #1 with 3,200 more threes. Andre Drummond gets the 6th most rebounds, with DeAndre Jordan right behind him at #7. Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook make up the 2nd, 3rd and 5th most assists respectively. These make up all notable records at this point. Most of these will go unchallenged, due to the death of the league. 

Despite having a powerhouse of a starting 5, the Celtics finish with just 34 wins and fail to make the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 76ers led by an out-of-his-mind Ben Simmons steal the 1st seed with 68 wins. John Collins and Trae Young lead the Hawks to the 2nd seed at 63 wins, and the Lakers finish 1st in the West with 60 wins. Despite a less impressive season, the Nuggets finish with 55 wins and another MVP for Jokic. While the peak of the East is absurdly high, only 1 team in the West makes the playoffs below 50 wins. 

As mentioned, the bad teams have gotten horrifically worse. The Warriors have just 4 actual players, finishing with 13 wins. The Wizards have 6 real players, but only 1 of them could even be considered decent. They finish with 10 wins. While these are drastic cases, the whole league is beginning to feel the pain. Most teams only have a starting lineup and maybe a couple subs who aren’t death drafties. The league is looking more dire than ever. 

The Grizzlies and Kings both fight their way to the 2nd round for the first time in quite a while, the Kings overcoming the Nuggets in just 5 games and the Grizzlies taking down the Spurs in 5. The Lakers and Mavericks both find their way through once again, while in the East the 76ers, Bucks and Hawks fight their way through. This time around, the Charlotte Jayson Tatums have made it out of the first round, due to most teams only having a few competent players left. Charlotte has already been in this situation for half a decade and were ready and experienced, but not experienced enough to handle Philly. Somehow the Mavericks are swept by the Grizzlies led by under-the-radar Jaren Jackson Jr. While the Kings were expected to be one of the big contenders of this experiment, they fall yet again before seeing the conference finals.

The Lakers led by Kyle Kuzma down the Grizzlies in just 5 games, while Philly has to fight off the Hawks for 7 games before progressing once more. It took the entire league dropping off and Ben Simmons playing out of his mind, but after 6 games the 76ers are finally NBA champions. Ben Simmons is named finals MVP. The process is complete. 

James Harden, Boogie, AD make up the big retirements. Despite the lack of big names, so many players have retired that at this point most teams will be lucky to sport more than a starting five of competent players. 

~~~~~~~~

At this point, the game crashed. 3 seasons were lost and had to be re-simmed. So, I will very quickly summarize the notable changes in these 3 seasons. 

-2027-2028: DeAndre Ayton somehow wins MVP on a pretty mediocre season. The Celtics beat the Nuggets in 7 and Kyrie still earns his ring. 

-2028-2029: Giannis gets MVP again, the Suns and Bucks battle in the finals and the Suns win in 6. So I guess in this non-canon timeline the Suns are NBA champions and Jokic-Jordan comparisons aren’t being drawn. 

-2029-2030: DeAndre Ayton averages a ridiculous 19 rebounds and wins his 2nd non-canon MVP. Ayton isn’t even that much better than the other simulation, it’s just that everyone else is dropping off a bit faster than last time. Celtics beat Suns in 6, and Kyrie wins one more ring at the age of 38. With this last hurrah, he retires. 

Unfortunately the league is a little bit different due to these developments. Pretty much everybody who retired last time is retired again, but as of right now KAT is the best player in the league, and only 5 players are rated 90 overall or higher. Giannis and Jokic are significantly worse, but they’re about where they’d be in the other simulation as well. 

All of these events are going to be considered non-canon, and we will be pushing forward with the league and legacies where they were in the other timeline. 

With that annoyance dealt with, let us continue. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2030-2031 SEASON

MVP: Deandre Ayton (1st)

Finals: Nuggets 4-0 76ers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Damian Lillard, Julius Randle

DeAndre Ayton averages 20 rebounds per game. This isn’t because he’s Wilt Chamberlain-esque and just that crazy, but because the league is made up of so many incompetent players. Wendell Carter Jr. also put up 45 rebounds in a single game. Luka Doncic and Ayton are the only 90 overall players left. The darkest hour is approaching. The Utah Jazz, who were already terrible before injury woes hit them, finish with just 2 wins. The Bulls, led by 84 overall Wendell Carter Jr., finish with 8 wins. The end of days approach.

The Suns, led by 2 of the last superstars in the entire league, are downed by the Kings, who meet the Nuggets once more, this time in the conference finals. Philly makes it past the Hawks to meet the Knicks, who’ve grabbed the 1st seed after 4 years of not even qualifying. Led by Dennis Smith Jr. they’re hoping to finally snag one last ring. Unfortunately, Ben Simmons is still hungry. Looking for the repeat, the 76ers win in 6. Meanwhile, the Nuggets sweep the Kings after being taken down in 5 just last year. With a finals series for the ages, Jokic averaging 30/5.5/12, the Nuggets sweep the 76ers. Jokic now sits at 6 MVPs and 5 rings. 

Aaron Gordon, Bradley Beal, Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins and Julius Randle all see their jerseys retired. The league doesn’t have much fight left in it. The end is nigh. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2031-2032 SEASON

MVP: Nikola Jokic (7th)

Finals: Lakers 4-3 Knicks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Anthony Davis

There are no 90 overall players any longer. There are only 27 80+ overall players. Mysteriously, a new generation of talent finally arrived, but a bit too late. All new players that show any signs of potential are in their late 50′s. The league may always wonder what happened that could have caused this. How could an entire generation of talent be overlooked? Regardless, the late-50′s players are still better than the death drafties that has been ailing the league year after year. Unfortunately this missing link generation will only stand to survive a single season. 

It isn’t out of the norm for teams to put up less than 50 points in a game. There simply isn’t enough competent scorers left in the league to score so many points. The Miami Heat, led by 65 ovr Kevin Huerter and 61 ovr Furkan Korkmaz, win just 1 game all season, when they exploded for 64 points against the Chicago Bulls, who won 7 games. Meanwhile, the Jokic-led Nuggets win 72 games. Nikola Jokic wins his 7th MVP, setting the record for most MVPs in NBA history.

In the playoffs, the Nuggets are shockingly upset by the Jaren Jackson Jr. led Grizzlies, who then go on to take the Lakers to 7 before falling. In the finals, The Knicks and Lakers battle back and forth, until finally Lonzo Ball leads the Lakers to a ring, the Lakers posting an absurd 103 points in game 7. Breaking 100 points is almost unheard of in this league. 

I forgot to mention, almost all bigs still left in the league are averaging 20+ rebounds per game. The level of incompetency and missed shots have allowed them to thrive. 

At this point, every player who retires is significant. Not many are left now. The end of days are here. All hope is fading. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2032-2033 SEASON

MVP: Marvin Bagley III (1st)

Finals: Suns 4-1 Hawks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Kristaps Porzingis 

Good basketball as we know it is dead. While the league may be crawling as far as it can manage, entertaining basketball no longer exists. There are flashes of it in the playoffs, but nothing more than a lightning strike. 

The Utah Jazz win an astounding 2 games. The Heat win 4. The Cavs win 5. The league is dying. 

The reign of Jokic seems to be ending. The Nuggets go down in the 1st round, and with an injured Lonzo Ball the Lakers are no match for the Suns. With a 5 game series in the finals, the Suns have finally won their franchise a ring. 35 year old Devin Booker posts an absolutely absurd 53 point the game, and the Suns win by just 4 points. Despite this, DeAndre Ayton wins finals MVP. 

While no players who retired are still significant in the league, Porzingis, Daniel Hamilton, Capela and Jamal Murray all see their jerseys retired. Eventually, no players will be relevant in the league any longer. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2033-2034 SEASON

MVP: Ben Simmons (1st)

Finals: Suns 4-2 Knicks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Ben Simmons, D’Angelo Russell, Dejounte Murray

At this point the game is forcing countless players into the league to try and foil my experiment. Unfortunately for them, the influx of new players will continuously be crippled to age 59.

Despite being significantly worse in rating, Ben Simmons at the age of 36 puts in his last big push to establish himself as one of the last great players in NBA history. He wins an MVP averaging 27 points and 20 boards. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat record 1 single win, and the Bulls win just 3. 

The playoffs are barely anything to write home about. Half of the series are sweeps, just 3 series go to 6 games, and nothing is entertaining. The Suns win in 6. Nobody cares. The league is already dead.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2034-2035 SEASON

MVP: Deandre Ayton (2nd) 

Finals: Suns 4-2 Cavaliers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Giannis Antetokounmpo 

The 76ers have no real players, with the departure of Ben Simmons. All players in the league are congregating to just a few select teams. Just last year every team had at least one real player left. This year, here is a list of every team that has officially died and entered the long dark: 

76ers, Bucks, Bulls, Clippers, Heat, Magic, Nets, Pacers, Raptors, Spurs, Thunder, and Trail Blazers. All other teams have at least one real player left. 

As a direct result, just by having 1 real player your team is automatically one of the best in the league. Deandre Ayton averages 36 rebounds per game. The Nuggets, with 5 real players, win 75 games. The 76ers, with 0 real players, win 0 games. There are just 62 players left in the league. This is the end. 

With an injured Jokic, the Nuggets, despite winning 75 games, go down in 7 to the Suns. In the finals, the Suns and Cavaliers battle, but Suns win in 6 games. Nobody really cares. 

Giannis, Jahlil Okafor, Kuzma, Sam Dekker and Cam Payne make up the notable retirements. Only Giannis is inducted in the Hall of Fame, as expected. With 3 MVPs and 1 ring to his name, he’s done all he can for the league. He sees how hopeless continuing on would be, and bows out. 

This is the end. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2035-2036 SEASON

MVP: Marvin Bagley III (2nd) 

Finals: Mavericks 1-4 Nets

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Nikola Jokic, Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum

Another crash. The crashes grow more and more frequent the deeper we dive into this simulation. This is now the 5th time the game has crashed, but since the first crash I’ve been saving at the start of each season. The death of the league will continue on. This will not be stopped until all hope is dead. *This season in particular had multiple crashes.  

The death count continues. The Bucks have acquired a real player who’s so bad that all he can do is rebound and play inside defense, literally every other stat is an F. The Cavaliers cling to Collin Sexton as their one shining light. For some reason, Jokic has gone to the Miami Heat. 

New dead teams include: Celtics, Jazz, Pelicans, Rockets, OKC and the Warriors. There are 43 real players left. Many players are congregating on the same teams, with the Hawks having 7 real players, the Lakers with 6, and Nuggets with 6. They’ve given up on the league, but figure they can at least make the playoffs entertaining with having a few teams that can almost play basketball. 

The Cavaliers set an apocalypse record of only scoring 24 points in a game. 

Marvin Bagley averages 49 rebounds per game. A random 60-year-old computer-generated mistake player posts 104 rebounds in a game. Reality is warping. It has become unstable. All is breaking. All is being lost. The end draws ever closer. 

Nikola Jokic. Karl-Anthony Towns. John Collins. Jayson Tatum. Dennis Smith Jr. Mo Bamba. Markelle Fultz. All these players and more retire. The league decides at the last second to randomly re-organize the entire playoffs structure, in hopes of keeping at least the finals entertaining. The top 8 teams of each conference now are seeded 1-16. With so few players left, it remains to be seen if this even matters. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2036-2037 SEASON

MVP: Deandre Ayton (3rd)

Finals: Suns 4-1 Hawks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Lonzo Ball, Collin Sexton

All the glitches in the matrix have vanished except 1, who is so terrible he might as well be a death-draftie. Only 19 real players remain. There will be no more anomalies. At this point, it’s easier to list what teams are still alive: 

The Grizzlies still have servicable Jaren Jackson Jr. and 42 overall Isaac Bonga, who can pass the ball and literally nothing else. The Hawks have 2 players. The Hornets have 1, who is 48 overall Frank Ntilikina. The Kings still have reigning MVP Marvin Bagley III. The Lakers have 2, as well as the last 60 year old. The Mavericks have 2. The Nets have 1. The Nuggets have 1. The Pacers have 2. The Rockets have 1. Somehow, the Suns have 4, including Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker. All other teams are dead. 

The league leader only puts up 20 ppg. The players left are barely better than the trash.

The Suns win 79 games. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers make the 16th seed in the playoffs with just 29 wins. 

One series ends in a game 7. Every series in the first round ended in a sweep. Who even cares anymore. 

10 real players retire. There are now less than 10 players in the NBA. They barely make a bigger impact than the death drafties. The league and basketball is dead. We are just watching the corpse rot further and further. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2037-2038 SEASON

MVP: Kevin Knox (1st)

Finals: Raptors 0-4 Pacers

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Deandre Ayton, Devin Booker, Luka Doncic, Trae Young, Kevin Knox

9 players remain. None are over 70 overall. 2 are in the 40′s. The final players in the NBA are: Marvin Bagley III, Luka Doncic, Kevin Knox, Deandre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr., Devin Booker, Trae Young, Frank Ntilikina, and Isaac Bonga.

All players left are on separate teams, except for two: Devin Booker and... Trae Young. Deandre Ayton has abandoned Devin Booker in a last ditch effort to get a ring literally all on his own. Trae Young has never been alone, and with every other player left on the Hawks retired he decides to jump ship and create the last guard duo the league will ever see. 

Kevin Knox averages just 15 points and 37 rebounds to take MVP, a player that in any other circumstance would never touch MVP-level play. The highest scoring team in the NBA only scores on average 72.5 ppg. The league has leveled out so much that there are no especially great teams anymore.

In the playoffs, the Raptors led by Jaren Jackson Jr. make it all the way to the finals and meet none other than Deandre Ayton, who has willed the Pacers to the finals. After just 4 games, Deandre Ayton walks away with one more ring. Jaren Jackson Jr. despite constantly being one of the best players in the league, still misses out on ever getting a ring. 

Devin Booker, Frank Ntilikina, Luka Doncic, Kevin Knox, Deandre Ayton, Trae Young, and Isaac Bonga all retire. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marvin Bagley III are the only players left in the NBA. Neither has ever won a ring, despite both being near constant MVP candidates, and Marvin Bagley being a two-time MVP. This is the last chance. It means nearly nothing anymore, with how dead the league is, but regardless: they’re both determined to end this on a high note. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NBA 2038-2039 SEASON

MVP: Jaren Jackson Jr. (1st)

Finals: 76ers 4-0 Hawks

Hall-of-Fame Inductees: Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr.

It’s been 20 years, and the league is nearly dead. Just two players remain. Two fierce competitors, both looking for a final shot at glory, a final showdown with another true competitor...

They both join the same team. Marvin Bagley III and Jaren Jackson Jr. both join the 76ers. Both being 38 and on their way out, with Bagley being the only player in the entire league who can shoot a basketball, the two decide to throw in the towel and help each other finally see glory. They’ll leave the league for dead together. 

Time has taken it’s toll. With just 5.5 ppg and 16 rebounds per game, Jaren Jackson Jr. wins his first MVP. While the two wouldn’t even make the reserves on any regular NBA team, they lead the 76ers to 75 wins. In the playoffs, the 76ers don’t lose even 1 game. The final game of the playoffs ends with a final score of 55-53. One of the teams only scores 6 points in the 4th quarter. Marvin Bagley wins finals MVP after averaging 50 rebounds per game in the finals. 

On that note, the final two retirements: Marvin Bagley III, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The final two Hall-of-Fame inductees: Marvin Bagley III and Jaren Jackson Jr. The final two jersey retirements: Marvin Bagley III, and Jaren Jackson Jr. 

~~~

With that, the league has died. Nobody is left. Basketball is boring. Nothing is worth anything. 

This is the final season of basketball. The league is shut down. Nobody wants to even look at a basketball anymore, for fear of bringing up poor memories.

Here’s some of the highlights of this disaster: 

It took 20 years for the league to fully die out. 

There were 46 inductions into the Hall of Fame. LeBron James was inducted 4 times. 

10 different teams won a ring in the 20 year span. 

The Nuggets not only won their first championship, but won the most in the span with 5 rings. The Suns also earned their first and finished with 4 total rings. The Nets and Pacers both snagged their first and only rings. 

Total Championship Wins: 

 Nuggets - 5 

 Suns - 4

 Celtics, Rockets, Lakers, 76ers - 2

 Bucks, Hawks, Nets, Pacers - 1 

The Clippers, Jazz, Pelicans, Timberwolves, Magic, Hornets, Raptors (in this alternate universe) and Grizzlies all end their NBA run with 0 championships. 

There were a shockingly low 9 different MVPs named: 

 Jokic - 7 MVPs

 Giannis - 3 MVPs

 Ayton - 3 MVPs

 Harden - 2 MVPs

 Bagley III - 2 MVPs

 KAT - 1 MVP

 Ben Simmons - 1 MVP

 Kevin Knox - 1 MVP 

 Jaren Jackson Jr - 1 MVP

Finals Appearances: 

 76ers, Suns, Nuggets, Hawks - 5

 Celtics - 4

 Lakers - 3

 Rockets, Cavaliers, Knicks - 2

 Warriors, Bucks, Hornets, Pelicans,                                                         Spurs, Mavericks, Nets, Raptors, Pacers - 1

The Bucks, Nets and Pacers were the only teams to appear in the finals once in 20 years and come out with a ring. The Hawks only won 1 ring despite being in the finals 1/4 of the 20 years. 

The Nuggets and Rockets are the only teams to make the finals more than once and come out with 100% success rate. 

The average playoff series was 5.75 games, with 12 of the 20 series either ending in just 4 games or going to game 7.

This was around 9,000 words long and took me in the range of 10 hours to complete, from prepping to experimenting to writing. 

I’ve done this experiment before, but I decided to rehash it once again, partially because I thought I could’ve done a better job with the write-up and partially just because this is a really fun simulation to watch play out. Once again, this is a complete shameless ripoff of an idea created by Jon Bois back in the day for 2k14. Go follow him on Twitter. He’s funny. 

Thank you for reading. Be sure to watch a basketball game and value that you will never have to witness the league die in a way such as this. 

Or will you? 

[unfair-sports]

The OSG Report Week 4

Week 4 is going to be another exciting week with some big plays and big scores. So let’s not waste any time. Dolphins at -7 Patriots (47.5) Miami is unexpectedly off to 3-0 to start the season. Last week I completely ignored a very reliable source that said the Dolphins are the value stack of the week and boy was he right. Tannehill connected with 3 different receivers for a TD. Tannehill at his price 289 yards. 3TDs. Will take it. I would not bank on it yet but this game represents one of the higher Totals of the week. They are road dogs which is never good. If I had to pick a play it may be Tannehill naked ✅without the stack as he is spreading it around. If you play multiple lineups in tournaments then yes you can stack each WR across different lineups and look for the big plays. For what it’s worth, ✅Kenny Stills gets the best WR/CB matchup rating in the game, and in a short sample size New England is next to last in fantasy production to the number 1 receiver✅. The backfield is a fade until they feature Drake only as oppose to split work with Frank Gore. I wrote in my week 1 article that New England never looks good in September. Here we are 1-2. Dominated on Monday night by their old D coordinator. And people doubting them once again. They have are limited in their WR corps. We do not know if Gordon is ready to play. Edelman is still out which allows any defense that watched Monday night to know what to do. Double team Gronk. Stay on Hogan and dare NE to beat you with anybody else. The only consistency we have seen is the first round draft pick Sony Michel✅ run the ball effectively and continued use of James White in the passing game. It will take your own choice here to decide if NE corrects the ship and scores points, or does Miami’s run continue? If you think New England corrects it then, Michel, White and Gronk✅are the plays here. If they move the ball into the red zone (which didn’t happen Monday night) TDs will come from one of these three guys. I do not believe Brady is worth the price this week as there are plenty of QBs in play this week at lower prices with similar ceilings. Texans at -1.5 Colts (47) I am trying to figure out why as of Thursday the Colts are favored here. I have been waiting on a break out game from The Texans offense and it hasn’t happened. Watson has put up respectable numbers the past two games, but nothing that will get you to the top of a tournament. So new notebook rule is giving a few weeks for QBs coming off knee and especially ACL injury. ✅Some of it is so mental to “not get hurt” that the aggressiveness seems lower. IE Carson Wentz return. With that said this could be a bounce back spot. If New Orleans is the Coors Field of the NFL then Indy’s dome is the Texas Rangers in the heat. Dome plus bad defense =points. If there is a game (despite being division rivals) that Houston bounces back this is it. I cannot jump off the wagon now. ✅Hopkins gets the 2nd best matchup and ✅Fuller gets the 6th best WR/CB matchup on the board. If you have went in on Watson✅ to these receivers for weeks 1-3 stay on the train. One sneaky play could be the TE Ryan Griffin, ✅a position the Colts defense have funneled targets to. Personally I do like Fuller as the preferred target. The Colts on the other hand are difficult to figure out. Jack Doyle has been ruled and firmly places Eric Ebron✅ (unfortunately) in play this week. Hilton usually is a great play at home with big play ability. But Andrew Luck is throwing the ball 5 yards a pass. We are completely depending on him to break a big run after catch which is harder to predict vs a long catch and score which the Texans can easily give up. Hilton has a middle of the road matchup. Same as Houston, this is however a perfect bounce back spot. The Texans secondary is very beatable. The Colts are favored. Houston in a short sample size is ranked dead LAST in fantasy points to the opposing TE.✅ Thank Gronk in week 1 for some of that however. So again you can sprinkle Eric Ebron ✅for the matchup and not his name.  Bengals at -4 Falcons (51.5) The Bengals are easy to somewhat figure out in a great matchup. Gio Bernard ✅will once again be the only RB with talent vs one of the worst run defenses in the league so far, and traditionally a terrible defense (and now with injuries at LB) vs pass catching backs. He has seen 7 and 9 targets and we just saw Kamara catch 15 balls vs Atlanta. He’s no Alvin Kamara but ✅sometimes you just play the matchup. Kamara and McCaffrey together combined for 29 receptions and 236 receiving yards vs Atlanta✅. AJ Green is hobbled and could be a decoy. Tyler Boyd ✅at his price really is once again a must play in an excellent spot. Atlanta gives up production at the whole WR spot. The TE has been the least productive vs Atlanta. But at $4,600 on FanDuel ✅✅Tyler Eifert who just came off of an 8 target 6 catch game is almost a must play when in tournaments. He is too good of a talent in a game with a 51 total whose line is moving toward Cincy. Andy Dalton ✅can safely be stacked with any of those two targets if playing multiple entries. Atlanta is the type of defense that offers a ton of upside in a dome week in and week out. As much as Cincy is in play Atlanta is in play. Matt Ryan ✅may not be perceived as one of the best QBs in the NFL but he is a consistent fantasy producer. The frustrating thing is that he has been a QB that spreads the wealth in TD equity. Between the 20s it is Julio✅✅ all day. But in the red zone it’s wide open. Calvin Ridley✅ (who will not score 3TDs but is very talented) target share is rising every week. He has a talented RB coming out of the backfield in Tevin Coleman✅✅. Freeman has been ruled out so Coleman should dominate the running shares. Just a note. McCaffrey went 28 carries for 184 yards and he is “not that kind of RB”. Similar to Coleman in the same spot. Even Austin Hooper has some TD equity though low. All of Julio’s targets will pay off if he just can get in the end zone. For what it’s worth production against Cincy is much higher vs the WR2 as oppose to WR1. In regards to Ridley ✅✅he still is a fine play as he is a very talented WR and seems to be gaining momentum. But do not play him to chase 3TDs. Bills vs -10 Packers (45.5) This can almost be the same as last week. Josh Allen✅ is the 3rd cheapest QB (Sam Darnold and Marcus Mariota). He ran 2Tds and threw one and has a TD in each of his last two games. He is expected to be playing from behind against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. It is very risky but offers a solid floor✅ in a good matchup. He is their Franchise QB and they are letting him play. You have no need to stack him since his running ability is a serious TD ✅threat. McCoy is a tournament dart as well due to Green Bay’s inability to stop the run. As bad as Green Bay’s defense is, Buffalo’s is not the best either. But NOT AS BAD as Green Bay. If the Packers are to lead this game it starts and begins with Aaron Rodgers ✅and any combo of him with Davonte Adams✅ and Geronimooooooooooo Allison✅. The Bills are worst vs the WR3 which Allison is classified as such. Cobb is getting the short end behind ✅Adams who is the 4th player since 2010 to have 5 catches and and TD in 5 straight games. If you have talent and you play with Aaron Rodgers there are 3-4 TDS available every single week. ✅ Lions at -3 Cowboys (43.5) I’m no Vegas genius but Dallas is favored somehow. The only usable and very usable piece is Ezekiel Elliott ✅✅✅. However the Cowboys must commit to feeding him 20 rushes plus a game. And continue to target him. His targets are 4,6, and 8 vs Seattle. The difference between my Sunday “just breaking even” and not crushing was Zeek stepping out of bounds before the TD catch. For that reason I’m going back to the well. There are no WRs to speak of in Dallas and among a few other higher priced RBs this is one of my favorite because I believe he will come at lower ownership in Tournaments. 20 rushes and 8 passing targets are appealing if you are a home favorite✅. Pairing him with the defense at a very low price vs a turnover prone Stafford is very appealing in tournaments✅✅ On the Detroit side we kind of have Detroit figured out. Stafford with Golden Tate ✅and ✅Kenny Golladay have been extremely effective. Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett were highly effective vs Dallas so there is no reason to think that these two receivers cannot be effective. The number 1 & 3 receivers have been most effective in the short sample vs Dallas which once again leaves Marvin Jones out of the equation. Tate has 36 targets. Jones 23 and Golladay 28. So in multiple lineups any one of them could go. But I would much prefer Tate and Golladay. ✅✅ Jets at -7.5 Jags (38.5) With so many games this is an easy pass. If anything Quincy Enunwa✅once again at his price. The matchup vs Jax is not the best but his operation in the slot avoids the Jags best pass corners. He does grade out as having the 12th best WR/CB rating this week. ✅✅ Bucs at -3 Bears (46.5) Ryan Fitzpatrick has been amazing so far this season. Take away a tipped pass for an INT and another INT and they win on Monday night. Now they face a very talented defense and may be a bit limited. What people will have to decide if approaching this game for fantasy targets is which side are they on. The Fitz-Magic to keep rolling or see it on paper as a difficult matchup vs a tough Mack led defense. I may be mistaken but it is so many excellent spots on the board I’m going with the defense. With that said The Bears defense are an excellent play and right now that is week in and week out until further notice. They are priced as the 5th defense on FanDuel yet they are averaging more fantasy points than any other defense in the league! Next are the Jets, Browns, and Dolphins. Food for thought✅✅✅. The Bears have had 4, 6, and 4 sacks. 1, 1, and 3 INTs, and a forced fumble each week. Is Lovie ghost coaching?? But more so than shutting an opponent down, these are stats that produce fantasy points. Pairing them with Allen Robinson ✅or Trey Burton ✅to bounce back, or on their own is an excellent play. The Bucs are 7th worse so far vs the TE spot and for that reason I’ll go back to Burton here. He’s cheap and is in a good spot. Maybe he won’t stiff arm former Bear Chris Conte but Vance McDonald was wide open on that play to begin with. And after the stiff arm there was no Buccaneer in sight. Eagles -3.5 vs Titans (41) Tennessee is the land to send your team to die in fantasy world. Carson Wentz knee has to get comfortable before I’m confident rostering any Eagle right now. They are an easy fade for me this week with a 41 total. The only play I’m comfortable with is Zach Ertz ✅and backup and cheaper TE Dallas Goedert. ✅ He was 7/7 and scored and saw his snap rate jump to 67% last week. Maybe the TE is a comfort zone for a QB coming back. Fade Tennessee completely please. Save the grief. Seahawks -3.5 vs Cardinals (38.5) Call us all crazy but a few trusted sources like The Russell Wilson Tyler Lockett stack last week✅✅. Sometimes you need a game like last week to gain confidence. If we were willing to roll out Allen Robinson and Trey Burton why not Russ? I’m not going to go too crazy on them in a 38.5 total. But as favorites they can be viable. Chris Carson ✅ran 32 times last week and any RB that sees that volume must be considered in DFS. Arizona traditionally plays Seattle close but this is not the same defense or team as years past. Please do another favor and fade Arizona. We could mention David Johnson here. But give me Zeek and Barkley all day. Browns vs -2.5 Raiders (45) The game that will lose or win a tournament perhaps. When we think of cheap QBs this week. It’s either Josh Allen or Baker Mayfield✅✅. Most people I think will go Mayfield and with good reason. Why was the Dolphins value stack a success last week? Because they played Oakland-less Khalil Mack and a bad defense. If you fade Cleveland it is on the ownership numbers and the notion that Gruden just can’t let it happen to them. Jarvis Landry✅ is being peppered with targets week in and week out. He has the 14th best WR/CB matchup this week. Rashard Higgins✅ at his price and Antonio Calloway✅at his price after seeing 11 targets last week are must plays if you’re rolling Baker out. Remember backup QBs worked with 1st and 2nd team WRs in the preseason. So any target is viable. Carlos Hyde✅ has scored every week including 2 TDS last week off 23 carries. Don’t forget David Njoku✅vs a slow LB corps. In short every offensive target is in play. We just have to dig deep into whom may be the best play and have the TD equity. On the Oakland side I’m not chasing Jordy Nelson’s performance. Cleveland’s defense “isn’t that bad”. They did keep New Orleans in the dome in check for the most part. I’m sticking with history here and playing the TE vs Cleveland. Jared Cook✅is a must play at TE. Please add him to your player pool. Lynch has provided a solid floor so far this season as well. But at that price just plug in Gio Bernard this week. Lynch is playable in the afternoon only slates.  49ers at -10 Chargers (46.5) People will be itching to play CJ Beathard vs The Chargers. In cheap QB terms I like Allen and Mayfield higher. But I understand. They will be playing from behind but I do believe The Chargers defense isn’t bad. CJ does have the rushing floor and was college roommates with George Kittle✅✅whom I’ve played week in and week out. If you have done so too, continue the trend. I would lean towards Matt Breida ✅as a play also being that he has shown Pass catching ability. Keenan Allen ✅✅gets the best WR/CB matchup this week. Which means Mike Williams ✅will catch two TDS again if you are superstitious. Before you jam in Melvin Gordon consider ✅Austin Eckler. He has been much more efficient than Gordon and has been a consistent part of the offense so far. They will either grind out the clock with Gordon✅ (highly possible) or run Eckler if the team is up which Vegas fully expects. Saints -3.5 at Giants. (50) Last but not least, The Saints. A model of consistency for the fantasy world. The question here though is can we trust the Saints outside on the road. Vegas certainly thinks so. If you do it’s really a straight forward play. ✅Brees. ✅Kamara. ✅Michael Thomas. A little bit of Ted Gin✅ low owned with plenty of TD upside. The Brees Kamara Thomas combo comes at a hefty price but their floors are so remarkably high each week it’s an easy cash game fit and maybe even tournament play. The talk this week seems to be playing down at QB which makes Brees a bit lower owned. ✅Thomas has the 3rd best WR/CB matchup this week behind only Keenan Allen and D. Hopkins. The Giants side can be tricky. We have been waiting for the offensive explosion from Odell Beckham. ✅✅ He is in a fantastic spot. But this season the spot to target New Orleans has been the WR2 spot. Did we see Calvin Ridley last week? While many may flock to Odell which can always work, fewer may see the value in Sterling Shepard. ✅✅ He is in the exact same spot as Ridley was a week ago. He saw 7 targets and finally found the end zone and with Evan Engram out the targets are available. He gets the 8th best WR/CB on the board, way ahead of Beckham. My favorite play here however will be Saquan Barkley✅✅. I love he and Kamara here and Zeek overall. He catches. He runs and vs a vulnerable defense he will be involved. I hate clicking on Eli Manning but he is certainly a deep tournament dart and playable on the afternoon only slates.

[thetreyball-blog]

NBA Power Rankings: January 26th

by Nick Johnson, thetreyball.com

1. Golden State Warriors - Record 39-10

Hot take.

2. Houston Rockets - Record 34-12

The Rockets take the number one spot for everyone in the league not including the Warriors. A three game winning streak in which they beat the Warriors. These Rockets are TAKING OFF.

3. Boston Celtics - Record 35-13

The Celtics are on a three game losing streak and haven’t had a “hold me back” hallway kerfuffle. Edge Rockets.

4. Toronto Raptors - Record 32-14

Celtics on a skid! The Raptors are only two games behind the flat-earthers! DeRozan and Lowry’s power-ass may just have what it takes!

5. San Antonio Spurs - Record 32-18

With Jalen Rose saying Kawhi wants out of San Antonio I would like to be the first to say he’d look great in a Buck’s uniform. They even got rid of Jason Kidd so Kawhi won’t have to worry about getting 42 minutes per game while he’s hurt. Fortunately for the Spurs they got this high in the power rankings without him so the persistence of Kawhi’s injury issues won’t hurt them here.

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Record 31-20

Karl-Anthony Towns has shown improved defensive tenacity as of late. This came to a head as he played good defense on Chris Paul for a single possession prompting a fellow thetreyball.com staffer to get in my mentions about it. He didn’t send me the clip of Chris Paul hitting a three in his grill from the same game however. No movement for the Wolves.

7. Miami Heat - Record 27-21

The Heat are a game behind the Cavs. I’d have the Heat higher but Dion Waiters is having season ending surgery on his ankle and Derrick Jones Jr. slid into one of my friend’s DM’s and apparently he’s pretty boring.

8. Washington Wizards - Record 26-22

John Wall made himself JJ Barea’s first NBA enemy, prompting Barea to say that Wall’s teammates don’t like him. Heat of the moment trash talk or a 6’0” white point guard with his finger on the pulse of the NBA filling the rest of us in? Updates to come.

9. Oklahoma City Thunder - Record 28-20

Six wins in a row? Check. Didn’t hold a team meeting to verify whether their all-star was sick or not? Check. Didn’t give up 148 points in a game? Check. That’s enough to be on top of the Cavs.

10. Cleveland Cavaliers - Record 27-19

The Cavs gave up 148 points in a game. Afterwards they had a team meeting with players and coaches interrogating Kevin Love about if he has actually been sick. It’s comforting to know they could come together and all do something as a team even if it was heckling the only all-star on their team that isn’t LeBron. Great to know they’re keeping Kevin Love in line with the way Tristan Thompson, Jeff Green, J. R. Smith, and Iman Shumpert have been playing. Derrick Rose even walked away from basketball for a week. If LeBron wasn’t on this team they’d be competing with the Kings for last.

11.  Milwaukee Bucks - Record 24-22

BAH GAWD IS THAT JOE PRUNTY’S THEME MUSIC!? Jason Kidd has been fired and with that Milwaukee just might see some consistent rotations, sensical rotations, and less fouling while up four with three seconds left. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this situation.

12. Indiana Pacers - Record 26-22

Victor Oladipo is an all-star, Domantas Sabonis is playing quality minutes, and the legend of Russell Westbrook continues to grow. The happiest person in the world during the all-star game won’t be a player. It will be Kevin Pritchard.

13. New Orleans Pelicans - Record 26-21

Rondo got his old teammates to send the Bulls-Pelicans game to overtime so DeMarcus Cousins could put up an incredible stat line. Just kidding. Rondo doesn’t exactly strike me as the type of guy to maintain relationships.

14. Portland Trail Blazers - Record 26-22

The Blazers are taking full advantage of an easy January schedule. Damian Lillard had a personal meeting with owner Paul Allen to discuss the future of the team. That’s pretty weird.

15. Philadelphia 76ers - Record 23-21

Embiid is an all-star and now he’s too big for Rihanna. Or... he’s playing hard to get with Rihanna. In an era of one and done NCAA basketball the thick and exciting Rihanna-Embiid courting saga has been developing for years. College ball just can’t compete with such Shakespearian storylines. We may be witnessing the development of the strongest power couple of all-time.

16. Denver Nuggets - Record 25-23

Nikola Jokic has a top tier NBA nickname in “Big Honey”. His beautiful handle on the game and talented guards in Jamal Murray and Gary Harris have what it takes to win more games than the Wolves! You guys can do it!

17. Chicago Bulls - Record 18-30

Zach Lavine is back and the Bulls are 15-8 since Nikola Mirotic came back. Bobby Portis deserves to be in the ownership group as it seems him injuring Mirotic is the only reason the Bulls aren’t in the playoff hunt. If the Bulls don’t trade Mirotic then he and Fred Hoiberg just might drag this team to the eight seed.

18. Detroit Pistons - Record 22-24

Drummond is NOT happy that he didn’t make the all-star team. It doesn’t help his case that the Pistons have lost five straight home games including losses to Charlotte and Brooklyn. Yikes.

19. Los Angeles Clippers - Record 23-24

LOU WILLIAMS! What is going on with the Clippers? The coach’s son inspired a whole team to try to kick his ass?! Wait it was Chris Paul’s new team?! LOU WILLIAMS?!

20. Los Angeles Lakers - Record 18-29

All of the controversy here is being born from from a dad that took his two kids out of school/college to play basketball in Lithuania on a team that dropped out of their league so they could play talent of the level of his two sons. This same man that said he’s better than Michael Jordan. Enough about that. Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma are really promising! Too bad they have so much dead salary. They may even end up moving Lonzo to just get rid of bad contracts. I don’t think you can tank for LeBron… There are some moves to be made here.

21. New York Knicks - Record 21-28

Lauri Markkanen said Phil Jackson made him eat raw meat during is pre-draft meeting with the Knicks. WHAT!? I can’t believe he almost traded Porzingis. I can’t believe he wasn’t fired years ago. On a positive note, Ron Baker is a children’s book author, Frank Ntilikina seem’s really promising, and they didn’t trade Porzingis.

22. Brooklyn Nets - Record 18-30

Spencer Dinwiddie is the face of the Nets. While that reads pretty dark I understand he’s been playing really well, which is a positive. D’angelo Russell has been hurt. With this huge mass of uninteresting/bad teams I’d like to take this opportunity to say it was crazy that Russell caught more flak for recording Nick Young talking about cheating on his girlfriend than Nick Young got for cheating on his girlfriend.

23. Charlotte Hornets - Record 19-27

Woah. I did not expect the Hornets to be this bad. I’ll have to ask fellow thetreyall.com staffer, Trey about what’s going on here. Their head coach getting sick certainly didn’t help.

24. Utah Jazz - Record 20-28

I was really hoping the Jazz would be able to see some type of success in the wake of losing Gordon Hayward. The only success being seen in Utah is in Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles. Part of the reason their record is so bad is that Rudy Gobert has been battling injuries this season.

25. Dallas Mavericks - Record 16-32

Nerlens Noel to the Bucks for a 2nd round pick who says no? Salah Mejri got ejected from a game and coach Carlisle yelled “you’ve got two fucking points get the fuck out of here” at him. Apparently Mejri has an alter ego called “The Mej” and Carlisle said later “I got to work on my relationship with The Mej”. This is what tanking looks like.

26. Memphis Grizzlies - Record 17-30

The Grizzlies are 17-29 and should trade Marc Gasol to the Cavs. I’m not even sure if he’s enough to fix Kevin Love’s ALLEGED illnesses. Actually make a three team trade between the Cavs/Grizzlies/The Ringer. Marc Gasol goes to the Cavs. The Brooklyn pick, matching salaries, and Chris Vernon back to the Grizzlies. The Grizzlies send a gatorade water jug to The Ringer. Who says no?

27. Phoenix Suns - Record 17-31

Someone needs to free Devin Booker from this team. Let this young man play some meaningful basketball. I’ve had it up to here with these empty stats. Gilbert Arenas isn’t in the league anymore we can handle a Phoenix mascot change to the “Tanks”. Just make it official.

28. Atlanta Hawks - Record 14-33

I had to look up the Hawks roster. This team is really bad. People like what they see in John Collins but this is what tanking looks like.

29. Orlando Magic - Record 14-33

The Magic have some assets that can’t possibly fit into their long-term plan. Unfortunately they may be losing so much that their asset’s values are being destroyed if they’ve survived this long. Aaron Gordon if you’re reading this stay strong.

30. Sacramento Kings - Record 15-33

The 2018 rookie class better be pretty good.

[bd25mx]

FanEyes:Houston

  The Big Question going into round two in Houston was whether Tomac would be able to race after his shoulder contusion sustained while leading A1.. Eli did all he could during the week to be ready .. So did Dean Wilson who also suffered a shoulder injury in the opener.. The answer came for both, a resounding and perhaps championship crushing NO.. both tried to tough it out and ride, but wisely decided to wait and heal rather than risk another fall due to lack of strength perhaps causing more damage...

   The biggest shock of Houston was the shoulder injury to round one winner Marvin Musquin.. a fall in the whoops during his heat race, dislocated his shoulder..they got it put back in place, taped it up in an effort to get Marvin out on the line for the LCQ, but Marvin did not feel comfortable racing knowing he did not have the strength in the shoulder .. he made the wise choice to sit out and heal rather than risk further injury ... 

  Now for those who where able to compete ..

  Anderson set the fastest qualifying time during the afternoon putting him in the second heat.. which he won .. In the Main, Jason came from a fifth place start to chase down Roczen for the lead, after making the pass he pulled away, maintaining a comfortable lead to the checkered flag. The win gives Anderson, Hewitt and the Rockstar Husky team the red plate going back to Anaheim for the first Tripple Crown race ..

  Roczen rode well in qualifying 2nd, won his heat race and in the Main got a great start, battled Barcia early before taking sole possession of the lead.. After leading for a few laps and getting reeled in by Anderson, Kenny surprised me and did the mature thing and rode his own race.. He did not go crazy trying to get back around Jason, he played it cool rode his own race and took second place points and now stands second in the championship..  

  Barcia, who qualified ninth, was looking little off pace, but was able to make it two second in his heat .. When the gate dropped for the Main Justin jammed in to the first corner and challenged Kenny for the lead..couple laps in Barcia made a few mistakes and began to drop a few spots, looking more like Barcia of the past than the Justin of last week.. Mid race however,  Barcia regained his composure, picked up his pace and passed Seely to get back into podium position..Barcia now sits in third in the standing after two events.. very good for a fill in rider.

  Other riders of note, Webb fell in the first corner of the main, broke his clutch lever and struggled to 12 place.. Cooper is not starting the season the way he had anticipated.. Reed got one start closer to the all time record, while Malcolm Stewart made his first start of the year as a fill in rider for JGR..landing just outside the top ten.

  In the 250 class, the treacherous Houston track was no match for Aaron Plessinger.. He was able to move up past Cianciarulo, McElrath and Savatgy to take the lead..which he never gave up securing his first win of the season.. Plessinger then treated the fans in Houston to a victory dance .. Savatgy managed to hold on to second, while the surprise of the race was third place rider Chase Sexton in just his second Supercross..He was strong the whole race moving past many more experienced riders, including the points leader and favorite coming into the race McElrath.

  Next week the series moves back to Anaheim for the first of the Triple Crown races where the 3 Main format will be used and a lot of questions to be answered .. Will it have the intended effect on TV viewers .. How will it effect the championship points .. Will Tomac, Musquin and Wilson be back in action.. Guess we will have to tune to see how this all plays out.. Thanks for reading!!

[placetobenation]

When the 2017 NBA Draft just a short time away, PTB’s Brian Bayless checks in with his thoughts on what could—and should—go down at the Barclays Center on Thursday.

This is a team-by-team mock draft. So, fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies will not see their team here as they do not have picks in the draft.

ATLANTA HAWKS

1st Rd (19): C Justin Patton, Creighton

2nd Rd (41): PF Cam Oliver, Nevada

2nd Rd (60): SG Damyean Dotson, Houston

The team just traded away C Dwight Howard for pennies on the dollar and will likely lose PF Paul Millsap via free agency, so those positions need to be addressed in the draft as this team is in rebuilding mode. Patton will likely not be able to contribute as a rookie but has shown the ability to score down low in college. He also needs to gain strength. Oliver is an excellent rebounder and can knock down three-point spots and could turn into a solid starter if able to adapt as an NBA stretch power forward. Dotson is a bit old for an NBA Draft prospect (23) but can also shoot from behind the arc as the Hawks might also have to replace Tim Hardaway Jr., who could also depart via free agency.

BOSTON CELTICS

1st Rd (3): SF Jayson Tatum, Duke

2nd Rd (37): PF Ivan Rabb, California

2nd Rd (53): PF Alpha Kaba, France

2nd Rd (56): PF Isaiah Hicks, North Carolina

After trading away the No. 1 overall pick in this draft, GM Danny Ainge stated that there was a good chance the player they wanted with the original pick would be there at No. 3. At this point, I assume it’s Tatum over Josh Jackson, who has cancelled workouts for the Celtics. Tatum is a scorer that the Celtics desperately need. Its also quite possible the Celts package their picks for a star player. With three second round picks, the C’s can use that to help out their front court. Rabb’s draft stock has plummeted and there are reports that his workouts have not gone well but he can rebound and is certainly worth a shot here. He was projected as a possible lottery pick last year as a freshman. Hayes can also rebound and block shots and can bring much needed athleticism to the team’s front court. With three second-round picks, they can select an International player like Kaba as a draft-and-stash option.

BROOKLYN NETS

1st Rd (22): C Jarrett Allen, Texas

2nd Rd (57): SF Wesley Iwundu, Kansas State

The Nets are a team that should really take the best player available with their picks. Its going to be a long time before they are in a position to become competitive again. Allen would be a good value at No. 22 and with the team trading away their best player in C Brook Lopez, would have a shot to get playing time right away. Iwundu is a swingman that can defend well and has shown improvement as a shooter while in college.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

1st Rd (11): SG Luke Kennard, Duke

2nd Rd (31): PF Caleb Swanigan, Purdue

Before trading for Dwight Howard, I had the Hornets selecting C Zach Collins in the 1st Round. Now they can address shooting with Kennard from Duke, whose stock has risen rapidly due to his impressive shooting during team workouts. Swanigan is a tough presence inside that can rebound and score. The Hornets will need to make the most of their picks as the team’s cap space is limited.

CHICAGO BULLS

1st Rd (16): SF Justin Jackson, North Carolina

2nd Rd (38): SG Tyler Dorsey, Oregon

With all of the rumors surrounding Chicago trading Jimmy Butler, there is as strong chance he will get moved. If he is moved, then I suspect they select Jackson here. If not, they can look to address the front court. with Jarrett Allen, Justin Patton, or John Collins. Dorsey can help add shooting off of the bench where the team has very little at shooting guard behind Dwyane Wade. He even played the point in college and could possibly be a combo guard for the team.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

1st Rd (9): SG Malik Monk, Dallas

The Mavericks have just one pick this draft and have holes all over their roster. They need to rebuild and have very few young pieces. Monk is one of the most explosive players in this draft and can go as high as 5th overall to the Magic in this draft. He might never be an NBA-caliber starting point guard but is a scorer. The Mavericks could also look at point guards in this draft like Ntilikina or Dennis Smith but if Monk’s still on the board then they should take him without hesitation. Zach Collins is also in play here at center.

DENVER NUGGETS

1st Rd (13): SF OG Anunoby, Indiana

2nd Rd (49): SF Jaron Blossongame, Clemson

2nd Rd (51): PG Kobi Simmons, Arizona

Anunoby might miss his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered this past January but has the skill set the Nuggets need. This team has a horrible defense and Anunoby can defend four positions as well as shoot and drive to the hoop. He’s worth a gamble here, especially since this team is not in a position to contend. Blossongame is another strong defender who struggled to shoot as a senior but had been a reliable shooter the rest of his career. With Emmanuel Mudiay looking like a bust the team can stand to improve its point guard situation. Simmons has potential but struggles to shoot and might have to settle as a combo guard in the pros.

DETROIT PISTONS

1st Rd (12): PG Dennis Smith, North Carolina State

Smith could be a huge steal here. This is not the biggest need for the Pistons but I also do not see Reggie Jackson finishing the year with this team. Smith can get to the hoop as good as anyone in this draft class and is getting better as a three-point shooter but can be erratic at times. They could also look at center if they deal Andre Drummond with Zach Collins being an option if he is still on the board. They also have to get better shooting from behind the arc and that makes Luke Kennard an option too.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

2nd Rd (43): SF Dillon Brooks, Oregon

2nd Rd (45): C Anzejs Pasecniks, Latvia

The Rockets need front court depth more than anything else but it will be tough to come by here. Pasecniks apparently impressed scouts during a workout in Los Angeles with his athleticism and could be a nice draft-and-stash option for the team as he will need to improve his defense and add strength to play in the NBA. Brooks can score and had a really good collegiate career. Its not the biggest position of need but the team does have Trevor Ariza and Lou Williams as free agents at the end of this coming season and its doubtful both of them will be retained. The only question about Brooks is what position will he play in the pros as he might end up a defensive liability.

INDIANA PACERS

1st Rd (18): PF John Collins, Wake Forest

2nd Rd (47): SG Sterling Brown, SMU

This team is very likely having to prepare for life without Paul George. Collins fills a need at power forward although the team could also consider someone like TJ Leaf here. The team also needs help in the backcourt and will have to likely do that in the second round. Brown was an efficient shooter in college and defended the perimeter well although the only question with him is will his lack of athleticism hurt him in the pros. Replacing point guard Jeff Teague if he departs will likely have to be done via free agency.

  LOS ANGELES LAKERS

1st Rd (2): PG Lonzo Ball, UCLA

1st Rd (27): C Tony Bradley, North Carolina

1st Rd (28): PF Isaiah Hartenstein, Germany

Ball seems like the obvious choice here provided the pick is not traded away. Although, the Lakers have been coy about their plans here and could end up taking Josh Jackson or another point guard in De’Aaron Fox. Its also been reported they love Markelle Fultz but will likely have to trade up to get him at #1. The team already dealt away D’Angelo Russell and needs someone to facilitate the offense. The front court needs a lot of help too. Despite acquiring Brook Lopez, he is a free agent after this season and the trade seemed designed to create cap space to sign Paul George next season meaning he is likely not a long-term solution. Bradley is agile with upside while Hartenstein is a skilled big man who they can stash away in Germany for a year or two.

MIAMI HEAT

1st Rd (14): C Zach Collins, Gonzaga

With one pick in this draft the Heat can look to address the front court, which really lacks depth. I see Collins going as early as #9 to Dallas here but I think he would be the pick for Heat if still on the board. He should be able to pair up nicely with Hassan Whiteside. If Dion Waiters leaves via free agency then they can look at a replacement with Donovan Mitchell as an intriguing option if available.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

1st Rd (17): C Bam Adebayo, Kentucky

2nd Rd (48): SF Semi Ojeleye, SMU

The team re-signed Greg Monroe but still needs a physical presence in the post. Adebayo came on late this season for Kentucky and has a lot of upside plus the ability to become an excellent rebounder in the NBA. If not Adebayo they can consider other players like John Collins or even a stretch four player like TJ Leaf and Kyle Kuzma. Ojeleye is one of the better shooters in the draft but offers little else. Still, you need shooters in today’s NBA and Milwaukee is lacking in this area.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

1st Rd (7): PF Lauri Markkanen, Arizona

The Timberwolves have some young pieces to build around. However, there bench was a major weakness so taking the best player available might be the way to go with the 7th overall pick. There are reports that the team wants Markkanen and he would fit in well with the team. The team also could go for a guard, with Malik Monk, Dennis Smith, and Frank Ntilikina as options too. Monk would be a great scoring option for the team off the bench.

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

2nd Rd (40): SG Josh Hart, Villanova

This team needs a lot of help in the back court. Hart has the chance to contribute right away with his ability to shoot and defend. He could start for this team at some point as a rookie due to their lack of depth. Other wing players like Semi Ojeleye, Dwayne Bacon, and Wesley Iwundu are options too.

NEW YORK KNICKS

1st Rd (8): PG Frank Ntilikina, France

2nd Rd (44): SF Devin Robinson, Florida

2nd Rd (58): SG Sindarius Thornwell, South Carolina

This team needs a point guard and rumors are floating around that Ntilikina is who they are targeting. He also has the skill set that can help him run the triangle offense. Malik Monk and Dennis Smith are other possibilities too. They also need help on the wing and on defense. Carmelo Anthony is not getting any younger and they have little else behind him.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

1st Rd (21): SG Terrance Ferguson, Australia

Surrounding Russell Westbrook with talent is the top priority with this team. Ferguson is one of the top shooters in the draft and could be a great value here. Andre Roberson is a free agent and Victor Oladipo seems lost on this team. A stretch four could fit with this pick too with TJ Leaf as another candidate.

ORLANDO MAGIC

1st Rd (6): SF/PF Jonathan Issac, Florida State

1st Rd (25): PG/SG Frank Jackson, Duke

2nd Rd (33): SF/PF Alec Peters, Valparaiso

2nd Rd (35): PG Frank Mason, Kansas

The Magic really need to improve their offense. Isaac is similar to another former Magic player in Rashard Lewis. He’s athletic and can score inside and out. Adding strength is a must though but he does have a ton of upside. It does not seem like this team is sold of Elfrid Payton given the inconsistent playing time he received over the season so adding a pair of guards in Jackson and Mason helps if they decide to trade him or even if he stays as both are good on offense. Peters is a forward that can shoot but could also prove to be a liability on defense. Other first round choices are Malik Monk and Lauri Markkanen or a point guard.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

1st Rd (1): PG Markelle Fultz, Washington

2nd Rd (36): PF Jordan Bell, Oregon

2nd Rd (39): PG Monte Morris, Iowa State

2nd Rd (46): PF Mathias Lessort, France

2nd Rd (50): SF Tyler Lydon, Syracuse

Fultz appears to be the top choice in this draft. He could help from a solid nucleus with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Plus, I do not see how someone like Ball would fit in well with Simmons on the court as both are not good shooters. Even with Fultz, they could still use more help at the point where Morris can end up a steady backup in the league as he is lauded for having a high basketball IQ. The team does not seem to want Jahlil Okafor as part of their future plans and he did disappoint last season so Bell can replace him. The team can stash Lessort in France for a year and Lydon is a shooter, something the 76ers need to improve as they head into the future.

PHOENIX SUNS

1st Rd (4): SF Josh Jackson, Kansas

2nd Rd (32): PF Jonathan Motley, Baylor

2nd Rd (54): C Eric Mika, BYU

If Jackson is off the board then the Suns will likely take Jayson Tatum. Jackson would be a good value for the Suns, whose biggest position of need is at small forward. He would pair up nicely with Devin Booker. If the team decides to deal Eric Bledsoe they can look to draft a point guard such as De’Aaron Fox or Lonzo Ball if he manages to slip to the 4th pick. Motley is an athletic power forward and Mika is a rebounder and seven-footer as the team might have to look for a replacement for Alex Len.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

1st Rd (15): PF Harry Giles, Duke

1st Rd (20): PF Kyle Kuzma, Utah

1st Rd (26): PG Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

With three first round picks and limited cap space due to a lot of bad free agent signing last season, the team will likely have to address it needs through this draft, although I do not see them keeping all three picks. They could trade up and take someone like Jonathan Isaac. Giles is a wild card as he was one of the top prospects heading into college last season but missed games due to knee issues and struggled when he played. He’s worth a gamble with the 15th pick. Kuzma is a forward that can play both spots and can shoot, which will help this team. With nothing behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the backcourt, Evans can give them a good ball-handler coming off of the bench. The team could also use the 26th pick on Jonah Bolden and stash him overseas.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

1st Rd (5): PG De’Aaron Fox, Kentucky

1st Rd (10): SG Donovan Mitchell, Louisville

2nd Rd (34): SF/PF Jonah Bolden, Australia

The Kings have young talent in the front court but need help everywhere else. With one of the 1st round picks the Kings will address the point guard positions as it appears Darren Collison will depart via free agency. Fox seems like a solid choice here at #5 but if Jayson Tatum or Josh Jackson are still on the board then I figure they’ll select one of them and hope a point guard like Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith is around at #10. Mitchell can help at shooting guard and chance to become a lockdown defender, which will be needed with the strong guard play in the Western Conference. Bolden is a versatile forward with potential who can play overseas for another year before coming over.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

1st Rd (29): PG Derrick White, Colorado

2nd Rd (59): PF Nigel Hayes, Wisconsin

Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are shells of their former selves and need to be replaced. White is a bit old (22) for a draft prospect but was effective and can shoot and distribute the basketball. Even if they get Chris Paul another point guard would be needed. Hayes is athletic with a giant wingspan that could carve out a nice bench role for the Spurs.

TORONTO RAPTORS

1st Rd (23): PF DJ Wilson, Michigan

With just one pick the Raptors can fill a need at three-point shooting and at the stretch four position with Wilson, who had a strong performance in this year’s NCAA Tournament. With both Patrick Patterson and Serge Ibaka free agents, its doubtful both of them will be retained. If Wilson gets tougher and adds strength he could end up being a steal here.

UTAH JAZZ

1st Rd (24): PF TJ Leaf, UCLA

1st Rd (30): C Ike Anigbogu, UCLA

2nd Rd (42): PG Edmond Sumner, Xavier

2nd Rd (55): SF/PF Aleksandar Vezenkov, Bulgaria

Getting a stretch four like Leaf fits this team well. They can settle for a point guard in the second round with someone like Sumner, who would have likely been a late lottery pick if not for tearing his ACL this past January. If he comes back from that injury the Jazz could have a steal. Anigbogu provides depth behind Rudy Gobert where the team does not have too much behind him. They can stash Vezenkov overseas since they have four picks in this draft, although I would not be surprised to see them make a trade.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

1st Rd (52): SG/SF Dwayne Bacon, Florida State

The Wizards are a team with a very poor bench. With one pick at the back end of the second round they should just take the best player available. Bacon is an athletic wing and that position will be in even more need if Otto Porter departs via free agency. Finding a potential backup point guard can be considered here with this pick too seeing how Brandon Jennings and Trey Burke failed in that role.

[junker-town]

World Series Game 7 set us up for a moment of redemption. It just never came.

I didn’t plan on watching the World Series.

The Astros and the Dodgers, those have never been my teams. I grew up an Orioles fan in the DMV at a time when every kid wanted the Billy Ripken “fuck face” card. Before I could get my hands on the card, we moved to Florida and I played for the Marlins in little league. I was short and chubby, but I could hit. When the coach wasn’t playing his son at first, I got to dig balls out at first but mainly DH’d or picked grass in left field.

It was usually my mom’s responsibility to bring me to practice and drive around in circles until I was finished, but there was one day my dad campaigned for the duty. It was my birthday, March 1st, 1993. He was over an hour late picking me up so I waited on a bench watching the older kids play when five white kids started throwing sunflower seeds at me and ran around in a circle singing, “Ching chong, Eddie Wong, sitting on a jumbo gong.”

Nowadays that’s a better hook than most Soundcloud rappers are writing, but back then it crushed me. That was a watershed moment for me. I didn’t understand why I had to be Chinese. And if we were Chinese, why couldn’t we be Chinese in China?!? Why did we have to be Chinese in Orlando? I didn’t understand how the Cultural Revolution forced our migration; all I knew was that white people hated me.

The funny thing is I never turned on sports. They were undeniable. Some of the worst moments in my life happened between the lines, but I never blamed the game. Despite all the efforts of immoral men like Bill Belichick, Rick Pitino, Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, Shoeless Joe Jackson, or Robert Horry (just kidding Big Shot), the games usually provided just results. Even in 2017 — a year that makes the most convincing argument on record for the absence of any sort of omnipotent god — I still find joy in the New York Knicks.

Think about that for a second and pray for me.

Besides being a Knick and Washington Football fan, I clap for Asians. I watched figure skating because of Michelle Kwan. I hit a two-handed backhand because of Michael Chang. I wore Hideo Nomo jerseys growing up and I followed the Chargers this year to see if Younghoe Koo was going to hit a field goal! I will watch any athletic event if there is the slightest possibility of Asian achievement because all anyone wanted to tell me growing up was that we sucked. And sadly, we usually did. But I believed and I watched. “Next time,” I said.

The three greatest sports moments I ever witnessed were, in order: Yao’s first game against Shaquille O’Neal, Jeremy Lin’s 38-point against Kobe, and Allen Iverson’s Georgetown debut (complete with footage from the bowling alley fight that landed him in jail and delayed his delivery to John Thompson.) They have one theme in common: redemption.

I watch sports because nothing else in the world ever seemed fair and so I tuned into the World Series because I wanted redemption. I was heated about the Houston’s Yuli Gurriel, who pulled his eyes back and mouthed the word “chinito”, a racist slur, during Yu Darvish’s Game 3 start. But I wasn’t just looking for justice for that. When MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred handed Gurriel a 5-game regular season suspension, I knew that redemption wasn’t coming from the people in charge.

I wanted redemption for what we grew up getting told are the values of the game. From the time we first step onto any field, every single coach tells his players: “We win as a team.” By delaying his punishment, Manfred put Gurriel’s value to the Astros over the values that give life to the game — that if one player puts his own abhorrent action above his team’s need, that team might have to lose together because of it.

Without the game’s steward enforcing that, it felt redemption could only come on the field. So I tuned in to Game 7, still believing in redemption. It did feel like divine intervention that the Dodgers season and vengeance against Houston came to rest on Darvish’s shoulders. Something much larger and more powerful than Rob Manfred was stepping in between the lines to remind us what makes the world go round. If there was a god, she would ensure that the Dodgers would ride Darvish to a spectacular Game 7 victory …

... But they didn’t. Just like in Game 3, the slider didn’t break, the fastball sat in the zone, and Darvish didn’t even make it through the 2nd inning.

I felt like a fool. Why did I believe? Nothing should have given me hope, but I couldn’t let it go. I went back to Game 6 and watched as Rich Hill stepped off the mound so that fans could give Gurriel his just desserts. When Darvish got yanked, I replayed the first two innings. I listened to the crowd as Darvish took the mound; I watched Gurriel tip his hat to Darvish in his first AB, a sign of respect.

A player, the commissioner, and perhaps even the baseball gods failed us. But there were the fans. The fans that make the World Series possible. The fans that define a game even after its been decided. The fans that refused to forget Gurriel, Darvish, or the word “chinito.” The fans who booed Gurriel into the 8th inning when the Dodgers were already down 5-1. If you believe in baseball, it was almost enough to make you a Dodger fan.

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars

But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

[cheapnfljerseysreviews-blog]

Golden State Warriors have the ability to be title contenders to cleveland Cavs

Nearly a complete year after Kyrie Irving nailed the step-back shot over Stephen Curry and Lebron jumped, then wept at successfully achieving ending Cleveland’s championship drought, we’re back where we began.  Actually, back in which the entire basketball world likely to be once the 2016-17 season tipped off on March. 25.

Cavaliers-Players III.  The one which settles everything.

Uh, until the coming year Leonel Campos Jersey?

Inside a boxing context, this is the Thrilla in Manila, where Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier pummeled one another towards the edge and Ali would later express it was the nearest factor he’d ever felt to dying.  The finish from the trilogy.

But regardless of the number of haymaker 3s Curry and Kevin Durant can bury for Golden Condition or even the a large number of body blows which are arrived by James and Irving for Cleveland, who’s likely to say we can’t write it to the calendar for June 2018 - Cavaliers-Players IV.  Then V, Mire and VII.

Who’s likely to stop them? The Celts, Rockets, Raptors, Spurs, Wizards, Clippers or Jazz?  Please.

The Players just sailed with the Western Conference just like a kite on the breeze to some perfect 12- record.  The Cavaliers had that inexplicable Game 3 hiccup against Boston and remained as 12-one in the Eastern Conference.

Inside a plumbing context, the pipes are clogged.

“This may be the finest talent differential, in my experience, in National basketball association history Blue Jays Apparel Canada.”

-Ex-National basketball association coach and current broadcaster Shaun Van Gundy

There has not been 1-2 dominance such as this within the good reputation for the National basketball association. It will likely be the very first time ever the same two teams have met within the Finals 3 years consecutively.

The Ray Bird-Magic Manley competition ushered in the current era from the National basketball association using their clashes within the 1980s using what appeared to become their annual coast-to-coast showdowns within the Finals. However, the celts and Opposing team only went mind-to-mind using the title at risk three occasions car decade. There have been Sixers and Rockets and Pistons that poked their heads in to the picture.

When Jordan required the league in to the stratosphere within the 1990s having a matching group of “three-peats,” his Bulls beat back five different challengers in the West, managing a gauntlet of Hall of Famers that incorporated Magic, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Gary Payton, John Stockton and Karl Malone. Within the East, he experienced Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Patrick Ewing and Alonzo Mourning, all within their prime.

“I think greatness will work for the league,” stated former coach Shaun Van Gundy. “But what’s better for that league is greatness to become challenged. I do not think we’re getting that let's focus on Cleveland and Golden Condition.  The only real roadblock they need to winning a championship is one another.”

It isn't a talent gap, it’s a gorge.  Toronto is originating from the best four-year run in franchise background and needs to consider blowing some misconception to begin throughout simply because they haven’t attracted nearer to the Cavs and, actually, were dismissively taken this year.

“If we'd LeBron on the team, too, we'd have won,” stated Raptors’ DeMar DeRozan nhl merchandise.

But until cloning is perfected, we’re left to ponder when maybe there is somebody to part of and prevent James from extending his streak of reaching The Finals in the current seven consecutively?

James has owned the Eastern Conference in the last decade, eliminating at some point every team in the playoffs except Cleveland, Miami and Orlando.

“I are only able to talk to my very own experience in individuals days when there have been some good teams and great players that didn't win titles due to one man,” stated former point guard Mark Jackson, whose 17-year National basketball association career spanned the Jordan Era.  Jackson’s Knicks and Pacers teams were eliminated four occasions by Jordan’s Bulls within the playoffs.

“I think there are several great teams today, however i have no idea there are as numerous today as in those days,Inches he stated.  “When you consider Stockton and Malone not winning a championship, consider San antonio not winning a championship.  Even that Dallas team returning to Rolando Blackmon, Mark Aguirre,  Derek Harper and Mike Perkins. Which was an excellent team. Within the East we’re speaking about Patrick, Barkley, Indiana, some good Miami Heat teams, Milwaukee with Alvin Robertson.  Man, there have been some loaded teams that couldn’t overcome the hump. And also the hump was Jordan.

“But the factor is, we believed it. You usually believed it, each year. I was close enough to obtain him.  There have been situations having a tipped ball here, a loose ball there, maybe. However in the finish, it’s a credit to his greatness.

“Do other teams today really believe they are able to beat the Cavs and Players?  I am not sure. I do not know.

Therefore the regular season could be about Russell Westbrook and James Harden dueling for triple-doubles, Gregg Popovich ranting at sideline reporters, Blake Griffin trying to not harmed and Charles, Kenny, Shaq and Ernie keeping many of us quite highly entertained.  But it’s like going for a spin class and pedaling to nowhere until Golden Condition-Cleveland take us for any ride in June.

“Look, Jordan still won all individuals years,” Van Gundy stated.  “But it was not like he wasn’t pressed. It was not such as this, a mowing lower. Everyone expects in early models, 1-8 matchup to become easy.  Although not 1-2 or perhaps in Cleveland’s situation 2-1.  To conquer another team on their own home floor by 46 after being up 25 the sport before. Are you currently kidding? Where's this likely to finish?”

Prognosticators and straightforward human biology would appear to state that James needs to slow lower eventually.  But he’s 32, completing his 14th pro season and spitting out opponents such as the back finish of the wood chipper.  Irving is 25.  Kevin Love is 28.  Who are able to you say normally takes them lower in 2017-18?

That Warriors’ side from the bracket is much more lopsided with Curry 29, Durant 28, Eco-friendly 27, Thompson 27.

“This may be the finest talent differential, in my experience, in National basketball association history.  This is where I believe I simply wanted there is a bit more challenging them, particularly the Players,” Van Gundy stated.  “Because basically we possess the huge gap between your top two teams and all of those other league, there's a big gap between 1 and 2, from Golden Condition to Cleveland.  Consider it.  Otherwise for Draymond Green’s punch on LeBron, I do not think anybody doubts they win in five this past year and opting for three consecutively - with Kevin Durant.  It’s absurd.

“The first couple of years, these were lower inside a series or more.  However this differs.  This team is really far better, more gifted, compared to 73-win team due to Durant.  Are you currently saying there’s a method to beat them four occasions if they’re healthy?  I do not view it.Inches

Give Boston anybody you would like using the No. 1 pick within the Draft as well as say Gordon Hayward decides to join the celts in free agency.  Does that place them beyond the Cavaliers?  The Wizards can’t work through the 2nd round.  The Dollars and Sixers have youthful talent, but they are years away.  The Pacers and Pistons have regressed.  The Bulls are stuck within the dirt.

The Jazz make impressive strides in the western world, however must battle to keep Hayward and have plenty of ground to pay for to trap the Players.  The Memphis core is aging, youthful rosters in Denver and Phoenix are greener than St. Paddy’s Day beer, Houston and OKC are circus sideshows with features.  The Opposing team can’t see respectability having a telescope.  The Pelicans are confused.  The Spurs really are a tweaked Kawhi Leonard ankle from not really having the ability to compete.  And you may not wish to bank around the Clippers hockey merchandise?

“We are all aware reality states that certain day James won’t have the ability to perform the things he is doing,Inches Van Gundy stated.  “But we’re going to need to observe that happen before we begin believing it.  Like a coach, he enables you to re-believe that a group ‘can transform it on’ and ‘turn them back.’  We’re simply because this season.  So Cleveland keeps doing what they’re doing.

“Then, let's say I stated the Players are gonna go 7 or 8 straight many years to The Finals?  This is three.  Individuals four core guys are within their 20s.  Is the fact that great for the sport?Inches

It's in June. Until somebody may come along and flush the pipes.

As I have stated before, Marshall will leave searching better simply automatically. Richardson place the ball in Marshall's court also it was the simple -- and proper -- move for Marshall is the bigger person and leave.

However, nobody knows the genesis from the Marshall-Richardson feud, which caused the happy couple to apparently fight within the Jets locker room this past year and snipe backwards and forwards through the season. Inside a recent interview with Newsday, Richardson stated Marshall was the locker room "poster boy," and pointed out "drama queen antics." When requested by Newsday to reply to Richardson's claims the 2009 week, Marshall also required our prime road because he did Thursday.

Richardson appeared upset he was considered the "cancer" within that locker room (his words), while Marshall could escape any blame. There's a high probability Richardson is totally within the suitable for calling out his former teammate.

Digging much deeper in to the fight could give Jets fans a fascinating perspective on which went so wrong this past year and who they ought to truly be pulling for. However with Marshall putting the bickering to sleep for the time being, can we ever know?

[donnyjabronie]

And Now, Some Junk about the NBA Playoffs

To the unaware, I’m a massive NBA fan. No, I really don’t know why. Something about the sport just totally engrosses me and my attention. So I thought I’d do a pointless write-up on how I feel this first round of the playoffs will play out, and give a bit of reasoning why. 

Western Conference Predictions

1. Houston Rockets (65-17) vs 8. Minnesota Timberwolves

Prediction: 4-1 Rockets

I think this series could prove to be more interesting than most expect, it being a 1 seed vs 8 seed and all. The Timberwolves are in the playoffs for the first time in over 10 years, they’re healthy, and they’re out to prove themselves Jimmy Butler is an absolute star coming in fresh after recovering from injury, Wiggins needs to prove he’s not just a chucker and a bust, and KAT is one of the best bigs in the game. On the flip side, James Harden is out to prove himself as rightful MVP and avoid the label of playoff choker some have attributed to him. Chris Paul also has never sniffed a deep playoffs run despite being known as one of the best point guards in the league. I can see most of these games ending closer than one would guess, but Houston swept the Timberwolves in the regular season for a reason. I can’t see Minnesota winning more than one game. Regardless, the Wolves should be happy just making the playoffs after a long drought, and look forward to hopefully a new era of greatness for the franchise. 

2. Golden State Warriors (58-24) vs 7. San Antonio Spurs (47-35)

Prediction: 4-2 Warriors

This match-up might be the one that upsets me the most, as a Cavs fan. The Warriors are missing Curry, they’re at the weakest they’ve ever been and the perfect target for a first round upset, but with the Spurs also missing Kawhi and not being the strongest matchup against the deep shooting of the Warriors, I really can’t see them pulling it off. Having said that, LaMarcus Aldridge has had his best season since joining the Spurs, and the Spurs have beaten every single team in the western conference playoffs in just this past month to get here. This series could go one of two ways: the Warriors, lacking Curry, struggle against the Spurs to get it going and the series comes down to the wire, with neither team having a clear advantage. The alternate path: the Spurs put up a strong fight but the playoff Warriors arrive, the one that has god-like Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant, and the Spurs don’t win more than two in the series. Either way it’ll be tough for both sides, and I can’t wait to see it go down.

In case you think I’m silly for saying this will be such a tough matchup: Let me just remind you that just last season the Warriors were the 1 seed and the Spurs 2. And when they met in the playoffs, the Spurs were winning by 20+ points until Kawhi Leonard went down with injury. Obviously a Spurs team without Kawhi is weaker, but just how much weaker now that they’ve had an entire season to adjust is up for debate. 

3. Portland Trail Blazers (49-33) vs 6. New Orleans Pelicans (48-34)

Prediction: 4-2 Trail Blazers

Boy I wish DeMarcus Cousins wasn’t injured. But he is. Anthony Davis can only do so much heavy-lifting, especially in the playoffs. The only reason I didn’t go with 4-1 Portland is because Anthony Davis is an absolute anomaly, and if his teammates can step up to the plate they can beat any team in the league. I just can’t see anybody other than maybe Jrue Holiday consistently stepping up. Portland has been trapped in mediocre-playoffs-team hell for far too long, and Damian Lillard has looked more incredible this season than he has in a while. Nurkic has been a key piece in the post for them and a great pick-up that had an impact even last year, but unfortunately only played one game in the playoffs. With their core so held together with how much of an injury-riddled season this has been, I think this is Portland’s year to make an impact.

Ultimately in my eyes, this series comes down to which star has a better cast to support them. Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard are going to get theirs, and nobody is going to stop either of them. It’s going to be up to the rest of their line-ups to come through and make sure those performances don’t go to waste, and ultimately I think Portland has the better line-up to give the Pelicans a hard time and win the series. (Please God find a way for Boogie to return to the Pelicans and still be just as good as he was at the start of the season.) 

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (48-34) vs 5. Utah Jazz (48-34)

Prediction: 4-1 Thunder

This series is the one I’m most ready to be wrong on out of all of these. The Thunder have an objectively better roster, with reigning MVP Russell Westbrook, aided by the likes of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. There are a few wrenches thrown in OKC’s perfect storm however; Corey Brewer, a fringe bench player turned defensive anchor for OKC who took over in Robersons’ absence, has a knee sprain and could possibly miss a few games at the start of the playoffs, Carmelo Anthony has regressed much harder than anybody expected this season, and as with every season we don’t know if we’ll get to see Bestbrook or Worstbrook, not to mention how Russ’s tendencies could affect his teammates’ ability to contribute. The Jazz also have DPOY candidate Gobert, a strong shooter in Joe Ingles, and the ROTY candidate Donovan Mitchell. Ultimately, if both teams were playing to absolute full potential, I would say the Thunder would dominate the series totally. 

The biggest reason why I say Jazz only win one game is because of one new factor: Paul George. Over the past 2 years, Paul George averaged over 25 points, albeit at much different FG%. Playoff Paul George is a force to be reckoned with, and that was when he was the leader and star of his own team. Put into the backseat with Westbrook to feed him, and recently breaking out of the shooting slump he’s been trapped in, I’m eager to see how George performs. 

So that does it for the Western Conference. The West has been such a bloodbath that I honestly believe you won’t want to miss any of these match-ups. Every one of these series promises to be entertaining in one form or another, and if ever there was a year for surprising upsets to happen, this is the year, and in my personal opinion not even the Rockets are exempt from this (although if it does happen I doubt it’ll be the Wolves to do it. Sorry Timberbros.) 

Eastern Conference Predictions 

1. Toronto Raptors (59-23) vs 8. Washington Wizards (43-39). 

Prediction: 4-3 Raptors 

This is not the first seed match-up I expected to see. The Wizards have, along with missing quite a lot of time from John Wall, experienced a disappointing season to say the least. However, John Wall is healthy now for the playoffs, and of course it would be just the Raps’ luck to, in their franchise’s best season ever, lose in the first round to the 8th seed. I think the Wizards with John Wall back will put up a stronger fight than anybody’s expecting, but if DeMarr DeRozan and Lowry can avoid slumping as they’ve done in previous seasons, they should absolutely be able to take this series. If the Trash Bros make a return, however, there’s no telling how this Raptors team will do. I don’t think they will. I think this is going to be the Raptors’ best opportunity to make a deep playoff push, the best opportunity they’ll ever have (lets ignore the LeBron freight train coming for the 2nd round.) 

The Wizards have had a rough season, but I think the potential is there for them to surprise some people with how well they play and wear down the Raptors, but even at full force I can’t see them possibly taking down DeRozan and the bench mob. When a team’s 2nd biggest threat is their entire bench, you know that you’ve got a well put-together roster. 

2. Boston Celtics (55-27) vs 7. Bucks (44-38)

Prediction: 4-2 Celtics

The Boston Celtics are missing their two best players coming into the playoffs, but they’ve got a well-rounded roster and one of the best coaches in the league to help them along. The Bucks are almost the reverse of that: They have one of the best young talents in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker’s return has been very promising. The rest of their line-up is very mediocre and underperforming, and their coaching has been notoriously terrible these past couple years. I’m not saying that this series will be proof that superior coaching > raw talent (Boston has a much more well-rounded roster) but that is certainly something to consider going into this. 

I’d love to see Giannis’ rise through the playoffs happen now, but I can’t see it happening with the team he’s on now. I’m not saying I want Giannis to leave, but the Bucks’ FO needs to shake things up and make some changes. This is another case of “one man can’t carry a franchise” and I hope the Bucks are taught a harsh lesson and come back next season with a better team and coaching staff as a result. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers (52-30) vs 6. Miami Heat (44-38)

Prediction: 4-3 Heat

Call me a hater. Call me an idiot. Tell me I don’t Trust The Process (tm). I think Miami will be the team to pull off an upset. Every match-up between Philly and Miami has ended with a point difference of less than 10, Miami has the superior coaching in Eric Spoelstra, Dwyane Wade has been surprisingly clutch, Hassan Whiteside, while not quite as good as he was last season, is still a force in the post, and Dragic has been an underrated solid starting guard for Miami. The 76ers have had an incredible season after how atrocious they were just one year ago, they have the monsterous Joel Embiid, ROTY candidate Ben Simmons, and veteran help of JJ Reddick coming in clutch. This series is going to be a bloodbath, but one that ultimately I can see the underdog coming out on top of. 

Something you may notice is that I place a lot of weight on benches and how they perform, and this matchup is no different. The 76ers bench has some decent players such as TJ McConnell, but the Heat have a bench that can often score more than the starting 5. Olynyk has had a surprisingly impressive season and more than a few high scoring performances, Adebayo is severely underrated, and all-together I think that the Heat not only match up well against the 76ers, they match up well enough to take the series. 

4. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32) vs 5. Indiana Pacers (48-34)

Prediction: 4-0 Cavaliers 

Playoff LeBron taught the Pacers an important lesson in never celebrating early last year, overcoming 99% odds of losing in one of the most dominating performances I’ve ever witnessed. Now, the lineup surrounding LeBron is younger, and ready to prove themselves. Kevin Love is actually healthy. Larry Nance Jr. has proven to be a solid replacement for the fertile corpse of Tristan Thompson. All the pieces seem to have come into place for the yearly LeBron finals push despite losing Kyrie Irving and a disappointing season from Isaiah Thomas. 

The Pacers have had the most shocking season out of every team in the league, going from what was expected to be a tanking bottom-of-the-barrel wash of a team into the Oladipo-led middle-of-the-pack team that they are. Lance Stephenson is already prepping to blow. This series is where two merry band of misfits meet, only one of these teams has the remains of a finals-caliber team including a king who’s proved time and time again that he can will even the worst of teams into the finals. While I don’t expect Indiana to pull off anything crazy, I think they’ll give the Cavs a good series and play their hearts out. 

And so, my overly long first round NBA playoff predictions draws to a close. Time will show how accurate these predictions prove to be. With my luck I’ll be wrong on every single series, but that’ll just make it even more entertaining. As a Cavs fan but always willing to cheer on the underdog, I’m actually really upset we play the Pacers in the first round. They’re my 2nd favorite team in the East this season and I don’t want to see them go down too harshly to the Cavs. I think I’m most upset by the Clippers missing the playoffs, despite being gutted over the course of their season they held it together and nearly did the unthinkable. 

This playoffs promises to be one of the most entertaining in years, not just the finals but even from the first round. The East is as close as it could possibly be, and the West has a weakened Cavaliers met with plenty of talented teams such as Raptors and 76ers to give LeBron a run for his money. 

I hope you’re looking forward to this Saturday as much as I am. 

[astutentofthegame]

Banter: Playoffs Edition

I’m gonna start with some random items, then we’ll dive into each of the series, and some predictions. I’ll also look at my past predictions for the 1st round since my last article was over a week ago. 

Quick note: how funny are these Jazz shirts, after the Warriors lame-ass comments about Salt Lake City. Like I think the Warriors aren’t aware that the shit they say goes to the media. I can see Curry shaking his head about Durant, Iggy, and others’ asinine comments.

First, I wanna talk about the MVP. I think that it should be Westbrook. I think Harden comes 2nd, Kahwi 3rd, LBJ 4th, and Isaiah Thomas 5th. I will briefly discuss this, but since it’s not that big of a deal, I won’t spend too much time. Let’s first look at some non-traditional stats: Westbrook made 824 field goals during the season. Next was Lebron with 736, Isaiah with 682, then Harden with 674, and lastly Kahwi with 636. Not a tell-all stat, but it is food for thought. 3 pointers made: Harden with 262, Isaiah with 245, Westbrook with 200. LBJ & Kahwi did not crack the top 20. But, guess who did? Yup, you guessed right: 3 other Rockets players: Gordon with 246, Anderson with 205, and Ariza with 190. Like...what? It begs the question: does Harden get his teammates easy shots, or do they get him easy shots by spacing the floor like no other? You tell me. Assists: Harden 906, Westbrook 840, LBJ 646, IT 448. I wonder how many of those 906 Harden assists were simple catch-and-shoots by one of those 3 aforementioned Rockets? Turnovers: Harden 464, Westbrook 438, LBJ 303, IT 210. To be expected, as Harden and Westbrook’s usage is very high. PER: Westbrook 30.6, Kahwi 27.5, Harden 27.3, LBJ 27.0, IT 26.5. Again, not a tell-all statistic, but it shows that Westbrook has differentiated himself from the rest of the pack. True shooting: IT .625, LBJ .619, Harden .613, Kahwi .611, Westbrook .554. This is the one qualm with Westbrook: He shoots at a significantly lower percentage than the rest of the pack. When you look at who he is surrounded by, it’s not hard to see why, however. He simply does not get the same floor spacing as the other guys. 3 point makes as a team (rating these guys’ teams): Rockets (led the league) 14.4, Cavs 13.0 (2nd), Celtics 12.0 (4th), Spurs 9.2 (17th), Thunder 8.4 (26th). Assist % (of the team’s assists, what % does this player get?): Westbrook 57.3, Harden 50.7, LBJ 41.3, IT 32.5. So Harden has more assists than Westbrook, but his team generates more (Rockets get 25.2 assists, 3rd in the NBA; Thunder get 21.0, 25th in the NBA). Total win shares: Harden 15, Kawhi 13.6, Westbrook 13.1, LBJ 12.9, IT 12.5. Box +/-: Westbrook 15.5, Harden 10.1, LBJ 84, Kahwi 7.9, IT 5.3. Value over replacement: Westbrook 12.4, Harden 9.0, LBJ 7.3, Kahwi 6.2, IT 4.8. Those last 2 really emphasize Westbrook’s value to his team. When he is not on the court, it is the largest impact of any single player being in or out of the game. Hence, he is the MVP. OK, I spent too much time on that. No probs.

Side note: I am still developing my new metric; I will probably release it after the NBA playoffs end this year, and take a look at how all the stars did as per my metric. Stay tuned--I think it’s going to be big.

OK. Brief thoughts on the opening round, I’ll look at my predictions, then onto the Semis! It was pretty easy to predict the outcomes, so I did not mess up really in the 1st round. I said the Grizz might push it to 7, they lost in 6. I correctly predicted the Raps would close it in 6, I did with Boston. I called the Warriors and Pacers sweep ( I was sad about them both). I was also sad about saying the Rockets would probably take it in 5 (#THUNDERUP). I also said the Jazz would at least win in 7, if not 6, which they did. The only series which I was not 100% on was Hawks/Wiz. I thought Atlanta could pull it out (my exact words were I hope they do), but they didn’t. Oh well--Wizards won’t beat the Celts anyway.  I wonder if Dwight is the right fit for the Hawks, or any team in the NBA for that matter. His era is over, and he is not dominant enough to continue playing the way centers have historically camped on the block. 

Cool, that was easy. Here is where it gets fun. Let’s talk about the conference semis.

We can go chronologically, beginning with Boston/Washington. Wow. IT has put his stamp on the postseason with his last 2 performances, especially the 53 points in game 2 (29 in the 4th & OT), in honor of his sister (who would have turned 23 yesterday). Food for thought--I’m 24. Like Brad Stevens reiterated, “What else is there left to say?” I think Celts in 6, if not 5. But, Wahsington should have won game 2; they had it in the bag. Could have been an upset if they took this one. But you could say the same things about plenty of games (esp. the Houston/OKC series), so it’s neither here nor there. IT is really a warrior though. Exhibit A: below tooth pic.

Spurs Rockets is probably the most interesting matchup. Everyone wants to see the Rockets play the Warriors, because it would supposedly be a fun series to watch, but it’s not going to happen. Sorry to burst everyone’s bubble. Houston will not beat San Antonio. I was going to say Spurs in 5 or 6, but now I will have to say Spurs in 6 or 7. I don’t think it would have mattered whether they lost game 1 by 5 points or by 27 points. The Rockets won’t play another perfect game like that, paired with San Antonio missing gimme baskets. However, if Aldridge can’t do at least 16/10 types of numbers, the Spurs may be in trouble. I bet Parker, Ginobili, and Danny Green will all come through when they need to. But, the Spurs could be in trouble if Aldridge does not. If he remains absent, Houston could steal this in 6 or 7. I will maybe dedicate an article to this since it is interesting. BTW Harden has some fly-ass kicks in the below pic. Respect.

Cavs Raptors is just not going to be fun. It will be painful to watch LBJ & Kyrie methodically pick apart Lowry & DeRozan. I think Cavs in 5. Raptors look worse than last year to be honest. On paper they might be better, but they just look sad on the court. 116-105 makes game 1 look a lot closer than it actually was. Not even going to waste my time on this. Look for LeBron to dominate.

Jazz Warriors. I want the Jazz to do well. At least push it to 6. That doesn’t seem very likely. On the positive side: The 106 points is the most the Warriors have scored against the Jazz this season. That is solid for the Jazz, seeing as how the Dubs led the league with 115.9 points per game during the season. But, the Jazz do not have the firepower to keep gunning with the Warriors. I don’t think anyone does, as the Warriors have 4 All-NBA-level players. It really is the most stacked team in NBA history. Yes, more than the big 3 of the Heat (also a good topic for an article).Hayward could go off and get a game, Gobert could make a game hell for the Warriors, and Hill/Hood might shoot decent. But that is only enough to steal 1 or 2 from the Warriors, so they will probably win in 5. I really like Hayward though. He plays the game smoothly, doesn’t force it (maybe sometimes he should), and is very well spoken. Hope he continues to ball.

Alright. that was short & sweet, so I will probably write a bit more later today. Cheers & deuces.

[goodifitgoes]

NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Standings as of 3/26/17

*No lottery performed

Boston Celtics - Jayson Tatum (SF/PF) - Duke

Tatum can slide over to the 4 in order to accommodate for Boston’s lack of athleticism at the PF spot.

2. Los Angeles Lakers - Lonzo Ball (PG/SG) - UCLA

Lonzo is another combo guard with a bright future that should play well alongside Russell. However, this could mean the end of Jordan Clarkson’s time in LA.

3. Phoenix Suns - Josh Jackson (SF) - Kansas

A can’t-miss prospect, Jackson will provide ample athleticism to a young team that is already one of the best in the league in that department.

4. New York Knicks - Markelle Fultz (PG/SG) - Washington

Fultz is one of the best playmakers in the nation, and he’ll slide into the Knicks offense nicely at either guard spot.

5. Philadelphia 76ers - Malik Monk (SG/PG) - Kentucky

With Simmons set to become the PG next season, Monk will provide incredible scoring ability at the 2, which Philly desperately needs.

6. Orlando Magic - De’Aaron Fox (PG) - Kentucky

Fox has proven his value during the tournament, and despite Elfrid Payton’s play at PG to end the season, Fox will get a chance to become the PG of the future.

7. Sacramento Kings - Dennis Smith (PG) - NC State

Smith will have time to adjust to playing at the next level, as the Kings already have their starter at point in Collison, at least for now.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves - Lauri Markkanen (PF) - Arizona

The Arizona product will give Dieng and Towns depth in his rookie year, with the chance to develop into something truly special down the line.

9. Sacramento Kings (Via New Orleans) - Jonathan Isaac (SF/PF) - Florida St.

Looking to get younger at SF, Gay and/or Evans are likely traded in order to make room for the freakishly athletic combo-forward in Isaac.

10. Dallas Mavericks - Frank Ntilinka (PG) - International

Yogi Ferrell’s emergence late in the season ensured him a roster spot in Dallas, but Ntilinka could very well steal the starting job from him in year 1.

11. Charlotte Hornets - TJ Leaf (PF) - UCLA

MJ has shown that he likes to draft players who proved themselves in the tournament (Kemba Walker and Frank Kaminsky) so taking Leaf much higher than expected shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

12. Detroit Pistons - Justin Jackson (SF) - UNC

Jackson’s draft stock has only continued to rise this season, and after a second trip to the Final Four in as many years, he will provide a solid all-around game for Detroit.

13. Chicago Bulls - Jarrett Allen (C) - Texas

With nearly a 7’6 wingspan, Allen will give Chicago tremendous length along with solid scoring. He should see plenty of minutes behind Lopez next season.

14. Portland Trailblazers - Harry Giles (PF) - Duke

Looking for a solid answer at PF, Portland takes a chance on the injury-ridden Giles hoping he can become a superstar in the coming future.

15. Denver Nuggets - John Collins (PF) - Wake Forest

Denver doesn’t have any dire needs, so they add John Collins to add depth behind Faried and Jokic.

16. Miami Heat - Terrance Ferguson (SG/PG) - International

Miami goes international and drafts Ferguson, who can effectively play either guard spot, which allows the Heat backcourt from becoming too overcrowded.

17. Atlanta Hawks - Isaiah Hartenstein (PF) - International

The Hawks have plenty of talent down low, but Hartenstein is a solid option for a team that has 4 bigs who will be 30 or older heading into next year.

18. Indiana Pacers - Donovan Mitchell (SG/PG) - Louisville

Mitchell plays SG naturally, but he isn’t afraid to be a playmaker, and he seems like he will be able to play well with Paul George, which not enough players in Indiana have proven to be able to do.

19. Milwaukee Bucks - Miles Bridges (SF) - Michigan St.

Bridges slides to Milwaukee, allowing them to draft yet another dynamic player who can slide in at multiple positions.

20. Portland Trailblazers (Via Memphis from Cleveland and Denver) - OG Anunoby (SF) - Indiana

The Trailblazers have a logjam at SF, but Anunoby will likely force multiple players out of Portland.

21. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jaron Blossomgame (SF) - Clemson

OKC was unsuccessful this year in replacing Durant’s scoring, so Blossomgame looks to fill that hole for the team, whether as a starter or off the bench.

22. Toronto Raptors (Via LAC and Milwaukee) - Ivan Rabb (PF) - California

With no holes on the roster, Toronto takes another chance on a PF who showed promise in his 2 seasons at Cal.

23. Orlando Magic (Via Toronto) - Tyler Lydon (PF/SF) - Clemson

Lydon gives Orlando depth at forward while also showing the ability to effectively spread the floor as a capable catch and shoot man.

24. Utah Jazz - Marques Bolden (C) - Duke

Withey hasn’t been a great option behind Gobert in the middle, so Utah takes Bolden due to his high ceiling.

25. Brooklyn Nets (Via Washington) - Zach Collins (PF) - Gonzaga

Brooklyn uses their first of back-to-back picks on the freshman from Spokane who helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Final Four in school history.

26. Brooklyn Nets (Via Boston) - Luke Kennard (SG) - Duke

Kennard has emerged this season as a solid guard at Duke, and will give Brooklyn a talented player late in the first round.

27. Portland Trailblazers (Via Cleveland) - Monte Morris (PG/SG) - Iowa St.

After drafting 2 forwards, Portland addresses the backup PG spot by adding Morris, who will have the chance in his rookie year to steal minutes from Shabazz.

28. Los Angeles Lakers (Via Houston) - Bam Adebayo (C) - Kentucky

Los Angeles needs a better option at center than Tarik Black, so they take Bam, hoping his raw offensive game can catch up with his elite athleticism and defensive capabilities.

29. San Antonio Spurs - Jordan Bell (PF) - Oregon

San Antonio gets the steal of the draft (surprise to no one) by adding Bell, who showed his rim protection abilities (8 blocks vs. Kansas alone) and can step in right away for a Spurs team lacking in post defense outside of Dedmon.

30. Utah Jazz (Via Golden State) - Thomas Bryant (C) - Indiana

Jeff Withey hasn’t been the ideal backup center for Gobert in Utah, and Bryant has the potential to replace him as a talented big man on both ends.

31. Atlanta Hawks (Via Brooklyn) - Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (SG) - Kansas

To open up the second round, the Hawks can take the Kansas Junior, should he declare for the draft, and add a great shooter who was shown solid playmaking abilities in a small sample size.

32. Orlando Magic (Via LAL) - Moses Kingsley (C) - Arkansas

While Kingsley might not end up making this roster this season, Orlando gives him a chance after signing Biyombo to a lucrative contract this past offseason hasn’t worked out all that well.

33. Phoenix Suns - Nigel Williams-Goss (PG) - Gonzaga

Following an impressive run to the Final Four, Williams-Goss gets taken early in the second round and adds even more depth to the Suns backcourt.

34. Philadelphia 76ers (From New York and Toronto) - VJ Beachem (SF) - Notre Dame

Again making the assumption that Simmons is used as a PG next year, Beachem gives Philly another option behind Covington if the acquisition of Anderson doesn’t pan out.

35. Orlando Magic - Dillon Brooks (SG/SF) - Oregon

Brooks has helped carry this Oregon team into the Final Four, giving Orlando a valid reason to take a chance on him at 35. Best case scenario he steals minutes from Hezonja, who Orlando drafted with the #5 overall pick in the 2015 draft.

36. Sacramento Kings (Via Philadelphia from New Orleans) - Jarron Blossomgame (SF) - Clemson

Sacramento keeps getting younger at SF with this pick, leading to even more Evans/Gay trade rumors.

37. Sacramento Kings - Chris Boucher (PF/C) - Oregon

With their second of back-to-back picsk, Sacramento takes Boucher, sliding into the 2nd round due to an injury that caused him to miss the entirety of the NCAA tournament.

38. Boston Celtics (Via Minnesota from Phoenix) - Anzejs Pasecniks (C) - Latvia

Boston takes an international center once again, and he’ll likely be stashed overseas, just like Zizic was after being taken by the Celtics last year.

39. New Orleans Pelicans - Sindarius Thornwell (SG/SF) - South Carolina

An impressive tournament run has put Thornwell on the map of NBA GMs, earning him a second round selection. New Orleans needs as much wing talent as they can get, so Thornwell has a good chance of earning a roster spot as a rookie.

40. Philadelphia 76ers (Via Dallas) - Isaiah Briscoe (SF/SG) - Kentucky

Briscoe has impressive length for his position, and he should fit into Philly’s style of play nicely, assuming he is on the roster come October.

41. Charlotte Hornets - Edmond Sumner (SG) - Xavier

An injury held him out of Xavier’s tourney run, leaving people to wonder how valuable he really was for the team. However, Charlotte adds a high potential player at a low risk in the second round.

42. Utah Jazz (Via Detroit) - Alec Peters (SF) - Valparaiso

Utah adds an insurance SF just in case Hayward decides to up and leave during free agency this Summer. Otherwise, the Jazz simply add a player who can look to play a small role on an already established team.

43. New York Knicks (Via Chicago) - Josh Hart (SG) - Villanova

The Villanova Senior has shown signs of being a solid team leader, which could benefit New York if he develops into a capable NBA-caliber guard.

44. Houston Rockets (Via Denver) - Jonathan Motley (PF) - Baylor

Motley isn’t a 3 point shooter like the rest of Houston’s roster, but if he can provide stability behind Anderson at the PF spot, he’ll earn a roster spot.

45. Philadelphia 76ers (Via Miami from Atlanta) - Grayson Allen (SG) - Duke

Philly has plenty of young talent, so if Allen can’t fix his attitude, the 6ers organization should have no problem letting him go.

46. Houston Rockets (Via Portland) - Cameron Oliver (PF) - Nevada

The Rockets add another PF, the difference being what Oliver might lack in scoring he makes up for in rim protection, averaging 2.6 blocks per game this season. He’ll provide help down low alongside Capela.

47. Philadelphia 76ers (Via Atlanta) - Semi Ojeleye (SF/PF) - SMU

Ojeleye is a versatile forward who could see playing time in the right situation. It may be tough to avoid being cut from a team that has this many young players.

48. Indiana Pacers - Dwayne Bacon (SF) - Florida St.

Bacon played well alongside Isaac this season, and if he can develop into an NBA player, he should be able to slide into lineups with Paul George and be a nice fit.

49. Milwaukee Bucks - Jawun Evans (PG) - Oklahoma St.

After Dellavedova’s first season with Milwaukee was not a success, they’ll give Evans a chance to provide stability at the point.

50. Denver Nuggets (Via Memphis from from OKC) - Wesley Iwundu (SF) - Kansas St.

With their first of two consecutive picks, Denver selects the Kansas St. Senior who despite not having a chance to prove himself in March, played well against some of the better teams in the Big 12 this year.

51. Denver Nuggets (Via OKC) - Jonathan Jeanne (C) - International

Denver ends their night by taking the big man from France who is one of the highest rated international prospects in this draft class.

52. Boston Celtics (Via LAC) - Alpha Kaba (PF) - International

Kaba may not declare for this year’s draft, but if he does, it would be smart for Boston to take a chance on the 21-year old so late in the 2nd round.

53. Phoenix Suns (Via Toronto) - Nigel Hayes (PF) - Wisconsin

Hayes, one of the most likeable players in all of college basketball, ends his 4 year tenure at Wisconsin and will be given a chance in Phoenix, as they are still sorting out their issues at the 4 spot.

54. Utah Jazz - LJ Peak (SF) - Georgetown

More insurance for Hayward’s potential abandonment of Utah, Peak could be a solid player for the Jazz due to his efficient scoring ability from all around the floor.

55. Washington Wizards - Frank Mason III (PG) - Kansas

Mason did a tremendous job this season leading a very talented Kansas team, and he should be able to provide more talent to a Washington bench looking for as much talent as possible.

56. Brooklyn Nets (Via Boston) - Omer Yurtseven (C) - NC State

The freshman is still not 19 years old, giving Brooklyn plenty of time to develop him into a quality center once Lopez either leaves the team or regresses.

57. Boston Celtics (Via Cleveland) - Devonte Graham (PG) - Kansas

With so much talent on the Jayhawks squad this year, Graham wasn’t always given the opportunity to prove himself, but he showed the potential to become a fantastic point guard within a few years.

58. New York Knicks (Via Houston) - Mathias Lessort (PF/C) - International

Lessort has played well enough overseas for Phil Jackson to take a chance on him being able to form an international frontcourt with Porzingis.

59. San Antonio Spurs - Jonah Bolden (PF) - Currently playing in Serbia, Bolden will get an invite to come over to the States and fight for a roster spot for a team that would benefit from adding some youth down low.

60. Atlanta Hawks (Via Golden State from Philadelphia) - Kobi Simmons (PG) - Arizona

Atlanta caps off the night by adding a PG similar to their own guy in Schroder. Simmons is a scrappy guard who shows promise despite his small frame and only playing one season at Arizona.