Hey gang. Thanks for all the feedback. Much appreciated. Have to start off by apologizing for my lack of excitement heading into the NBA draft. The draft was actually entertaining at times. But did anyone else out there feel like they were watching a fantasy-league draft instead? Were the GMs getting paid by the transaction last night? What about Portland … six trades? I'm guessing they're going to have to put FIRST and LAST names on the jerseys.
By the way, anyone know where I can get a Randy Foye Celtics or Blazers throwback?
And after watching 4 UConn playes go in the first 23 picks, I thought someone was going to pick Jim Calhoun in the 2nd round.
Obviously, it was a tough night for the Huskies' Marcus Williams. It wasn't as bad as watching Aaron Rodgers ask for three extra trays of green room appetizers during the '05 NFL draft, but it was still painful. My man Steven A. Smith said at about pick 17 that he had talked to GMs who quesioned Williams' character. Oh, how I long for the good old days when a checkered past elevated your draft stock. I mean, no one wanted to touch Marcus Williams. It was like watching a kid with "member of Duke lacrosse team" on his resume trying work the job fair. Not pretty.
But Williams' tumble made it exciting for me. I'm a big Cavs fan and they need a point guard. I never thought Williams would slide to 25. After all, the last point guard Cleveland took with the 25th pick was Johnnie Morton. Not the guy who catches passes in the NFL, but the one from Seton Hall who was supposed to throw them in the NBA. He did … to the other team. That's why they drafted Terrell Brandon two years later. Anyway, I called my brother Pete (Yes, that's his name. And yes, I've heard every Pete Rose joke) and we thought the Cavs had a shot at Williams, or at least one of the other decent point guards.
First, Rajon Rondo went to the Suns. Then the Nets scooped up Williams. Everyone in NJ is jacked to get him except for the Nets' MIS and IT guys. And right before the Cavs go, Lowry ends up in Memphis, so we're ####, AGAIN! Typical Cleveland.
Actually got a decent pick with Shannon Brown from MSU. All the scouts say he can defend, is a high-energy guy and has the body of an NFL player. Great, because Romeo Crennell could use some help on defense as well.
And then there's the Knicks. We call that a slow-moving target. Very easy to shoot down. No need to smack Mr.Thomas … too easy. But is there any question Isiah will be asking Salley for a Best Damn internship next summer?
One last thing. I've been defending A-Rod for awhile, but now I'm done. Yankees fans are right. His timing does suck. He hits a walk-off homer on the same day Pedro gets rocked in Boston and the Knicks draft someone who wouldn't average double figures in our rec league. Third-biggest story in the city.
Have a good holiday weekend. I'm taking time off to get ready for the 4th of July. I've got to figure out how NOT to burn everything on the grill when both the parents and the in-laws pay a visit.
