I'm using shotblokcing there as a shorthand for: every kid in college could go right over him and now he will be face to face with most NBA bigs' jocks. I like hustle. I like rebounding. I lie attempts to get tougher. But toguher is irrelevant if you come on the floor and the other team targets you the same way they do our soft little SG. If he can't defend his position he has no use on a winning team. Maybe he can beat some toughness into Spencer in practice or something.
OK, if you're not happy with the pick, here's picks #39 thru #50. Which one of these would you prefer, and why?
9 (39)
Detroit (from Toronto)
Jonas Jerebko6-9220
SFSwedenGood Pistons player, a third combo forward. Jerebko is tough, runs the floor, has a great body and is really athletic. He needs more experience, but he's a nice asset.
10 (40)
Charlotte (from New Jersey through Oklahoma City)
Derrick Brown6-9225
PFXavierI love this pick for the Bobcats. I think Brown, had he stayed in school another year, would've been a surefire first-round pick. He's an excellent athlete; he can play the 3 and the 4; and he still has lots of upside.
11 (41)
MilwaukeeJodie Meeks6-4211
SGKentuckyMeeks can provide some big-time scoring off the bench. Nice pick here, although I worry about his lack of athleticism.
12 (42)
LA Lakers (from Charlotte)
Patrick Beverley6-1172
PGUkraineBeverley was playing in Ukraine a few months ago. Now he's in L.A.? What a ride! He's super athletic, is a lockdown defender, and can play both the 1 and the 2. Nice pick for the Lakers.
13 (43)
Miami (from Indiana, rights to M. Thornton traded to New Orleans for future considerations)
Marcus Thornton6-4194
SGLSUThe Heat are sending this pick to the Hornets. Thornton played at LSU so he should feel right at home. He's a nice pick. He's a big-time scorer, but his lack of size and athleticism hurt his stock a bit. He has a chance to stick.
14 (44)
Detroit (rights to C. Budinger traded to Houston for future considerations)
Chase Budinger6-7206
SGArizonaThe Pistons sent this pick to the Rockets. Budinger is a good athlete who can shoot the lights out, and I'm a little surprised he slipped this far. Two years ago he looked like a lottery pick. He can really help Houston with his shooting. The Rockets, for not having had any picks at the start of this thing, have had a nice draft.
15 (45)
Minnesota (from Philadelphia through Miami)
Nick Calathes6-5185
PGFloridaWow! The Timberwolves have selected their fourth point guard of the night. Yes, they sent Ty Lawson to Denver and Calathes is heading to Greece, but all in all, this is still a surprise. I guess David Kahn likes point guards. Calathes is a real steal here, a terrific passer with a great feel for the game. John Hollinger's Draft Rater loved him. I think his deal with Greece created some ambiguity and caused his stock to slip.
16 (46)
Cleveland (from Chicago)
Danny Green6-7208
SFNorth CarolinaGreen is a great pick for Cleveland. He's very versatile, shoots the ball well and is a solid athlete. He could make this team and be a very solid rotation player in Cleveland.
17 (47)
Minnesota (from Miami)
Henk Norel6-11211
PFNetherlandsNorel is the first player drafted that I didn't have in my top 60. He's an energy guy who isn't especially skilled. I wasn't wowed by him at the Reebok Eurocamp. But I defer to Pete Philo, the Wolves' excellent international scout -- he runs the camp and knows his stuff.
18 (48)
PhoenixTaylor Griffin6-7240
SFOklahomaBlake's brother has a big night, too. He's very tough, he's athletic, he has a great motor and he can even shoot a bit. I'm not sure he's an NBA player, but this is a solid second-round pick.
19 (49)
AtlantaSergiy Gladyr6-5190
SGUkraineI saw Gladyr play in Italy at the Reebok Eurocamp this year, and I was really impressed. He's a good athlete, a good scorer and a poised player. He'll continue to develop in Europe, but someday this could be a solid pick for the Hawks.
20 (50)
UtahGoran Suton6-10245
CMichigan StateI liked Suton at Michigan State, but he's sort of like Kosta Koufos and I'm not sure he'll actually play for the Jazz for a while. Look for him to go play in Europe for a few years.