I've read a couple blogs dissing this year’s NBA draft and the common problem I see is people applying football draft logic to basketball this is problematic. In football, the draft is used for the most ready players in college and rarely are draft picks used on speculation of their potential...In basketball the draft is solely on potential rather than being NBA ready. Being truly ready is secondary this is because of the youth of the draft picks etc as many allude to. You have to keep this in mind as you are watching the draft.

In addition, the beauty of the NBA is the ability to not need to draft based on need. It seemed like every other pick I was seeing teams go against the "sexy" what the team needs pick. Take Seattle and Portland for example. Seattle needed a big man and a distributing PG. The last three big men they have taken haven’t panned out so it understandable that they stayed away from that. At this point they don't need a shutdown perimeter defender and they most certainly aren't looking for Westbrook to be an elite point guard they are looking for a guy to spur the lacking defense of the Sonics. I liked the pick and wished they had made a move to take R. Lopez as well (a defense oriented big). Portland’s pick of Brandon Rush is the best example of teams not going for need...they essentially picked the second coming of Roy and used him as trade bait which seemed to have worked out because they got a more PG oriented prospect.

So, to conclude just keep in mind that NBA is always drafted with a focus on potential not being ready and that makes the picks make more sense and prevents some negativity. And as always after the draft nowadays you have to keep up on the constant shuffling of players via trades and see where the guys end up. I'll leave with some award predictions:

Steal of the 1st round- Robin Lopez, I think he'll surprise people with his offensive contribution and learn a lot from the Shaq and Amare people seem to think he will steal minutes away from Amare...do these people think Shaq doesn't need a blow? Robin will make huge contribution on a surprisingly good team that I didn't expect to be so good after D'Antonii's leave.

Bust of the 1st round- O.J. Mayo, The most hyped player out of high school since LeBron and sadly it is overhype...He just isn't that good quite honestly...he leaves a ton to be desired I believe he is in Memphis by now and he won't will be overhyped a la Melo Anthony in his career (and quite possibly follow in his off the court missteps).

Surprise of the 1st round- Kevin Love, I wish this was Darrell Arthur that would be awesome. I hate Love I agree that he is un-athletic and more or less a poormans mix of Linas Klieza and Nick Collison...I don't know how many time they show him out letting into the hoop...ok great he isn't going to be doing that in a game and quick outlets don't help if you still are four on five because he can't run the floor consistently. Having said that I think Love has a lot more to offer than I have seen so far and I like his work ethic.

Best draft- Sonics, I wouldn't consider this a homer because I think they are more than likely moving but I think they made some really great pickups and moves. The more I look at the Westbrook pick the more I like it. He defends well and if he can distribute the ball with any consistency, he will be perfect for the Sonics. The Serge Ibaka pick also was shocking and the only thing I can say is at least he is young...The trade of DJ White was predictable...I still wish they moved for Robin Lopez instead but DJ White works hard and is a real grinder.

Worst draft- Aside from the Atlanta Hawks (No picks) Pacers...Roy Hibbert...Really? Seriously? He was good in college...but at the next level I just think his ceiling is really low. A trade for Brandon Rush? If he turns into his brother than this move makes no sense...having said that Brandon Rush? He may have been a great team leader in college but what is he going to bring that to the table for Bird? I don't think so.

Would you just pick who you want!-Trailblazers, seriously...you could have just picked Bayless than you picked and got rid of Arthur? I like the moves but come on...pick who want!