Going Green is the Boston Celtics’ team report written by Michael Tiedemann.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Somebody Has A Case Of The Mondays

There’s that old saying that Monday is the worst day of the week.  For Boston Celtics fans, this past Monday wasn’t so bad after all.

In two stunning moves, the Celtics welcomed Vince Carter and Al Horford to New England.  And they only shipped out one starter:  Brandan Wright.

“We had a lot of faith in Brandan [Wright].  But, Horford is a player that we thought could team with Andrew Bynum and give us an immediate upgrade,” said general manager Mike Tiedemann.  “And we all know what Vince is capable of.

In a move that had been discussed for a few days, the Celtics shipped Jason Williams’ expiring contract, Nene Hilario, Rashad McCants, and two first round draft picks to Dallas for Vince Carter, Vladimir Radmanovic and two second round draft picks.

“We thank Jason, Nene, and Rashad for everything they did during their stay here in Boston.  However, we had an opportunity at a proven All-Star in Vince.  We needed his scoring and his leadership in the locker room,” said general manager Mike Tiedemann.

Carter, who is averaging 23.3 points per game, was a part of New Jersey’s championship team and immediately adds credibility to the Celtics line-up.

“This takes a lot of pressure and expectations off of [Nick] Young’s shoulders.  We threw him into the fire early on and now he’ll be able to learn from one of the best,” said Tiedemann.

The deal with Dallas was a big splash and great news for the franchise.  And for the most part, the team and management would have been happy to see how this team performed with the addition of Carter.

That was until late Monday night when Tiedemann was reached by Philadelphia 76ers’ general manager Bill Weber.

“I almost dropped the phone.  I actually couldn’t believe what he said right away,” said Tiedemann.

After a brief exchange of words, it was official:  Al Horford was coming to Boston.  The full deal saw Wright and Wilson Chandler pack their bags in exchange for Horford and the rights to the LA Clippers 2008 first round pick.

Carter and Horford will join Raymond Felton, Danny Granger, and Andrew Bynum in the starting line-up.  The once young Celtic team was now looking to push for a playoff spot.

Something head coach Doc Rivers is looking forward to.

“Management promised that they will do everything in their power to provide us with the players to win.  Monday was a big day for the team.  I’m looking forward to working with the new guys,” said Rivers after the teams’ most recent practice.

Horford and Carter were unavailable for comment as they had to take their media guide pictures.

“I told [the media] before the season started that I would do everything in my power to give this city a winner.  And just like I said before, we will continue to make moves if it means that we as a franchise improves,” said Tiedemann.

NOTES: With the recent moves the bench will get a makeover as well.  Andray Blatche and Louis Williams will now dress for games.  Joel Pryzbilla has moved to the bench in exchange for Andrew Bynum. … The team was willing to let Nene leave town because of the progress reports they are receiving about Tiago Splitter, the teams’ second round draft pick. … The team is looking into offering Felton, Granger and Bynum extensions to keep them in Boston indefinitely.

Rocky Mountain High is the Denver Nuggets’ team report written by Tomas Vainoris.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Steve Blake made huge leap from backup to starter last year. He got recognision around league for running his team Denver Nuggets till Western Conference Playoffs. His steady and smart play earned him spot on top 10 most desirable free agents of this summer. So while Denver Nuggets were happy they found and helped Steve Blake to emerge, it might cost more millions for organization to keep him. Nuggets brought Luke Ridnour not as replacement to Steve Blake but rather as insurence if he decides to leave. Free agency is 4 days in now and none of free agents agreed to sign with new teams, neither Blake. This make Denver Nuggets feel optimistic about possibility to get point guard back.

“We have two Mid Level Exceptions to spend this summer, and one of them will be definately used to resign Steve Blake”: said GM Tomas “Its not know how many years exact it will be, but it will be long contract as we thinking to lock Steve for years to come”

Steve Blake is loyal player and already stated before he would like to remain a Nugget as he found perfect fit with this team.

In other news New jersey Nets contacted Denver Nuggets about availability of Antoine Walker and it was not 1st time C2C Champs aproached GM Tomas about service of veteran shooting guard. Acording to one source deal wasnt finalized.

The Kobe Digest is the Indiana Pacers’ team report written by Kobe Bryant.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager star player of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Last season was very rough. We were on a roll and one of the most cohesive units in all of basketball history, in my opinion. Then injuries came about, I came back late in the season, we were sniffing the playoffs, then Camby went down. It was a tragedy. However, I can’t sit here and reminisce about last year. We have to look at next year.

First and foremost, the big trade that happened I’m really curious to see how it pans out. Many say Camby’s HGH performances were too much too lose, however, I’m a firm believer that the system was catered to make players like Camby really benefit. The addition of Kenyon Martin, a 1st rounder, Raja Bell, and Earl Boykins gave us a lot of depth. I don’t know if Boykins is sticking around, or even Kenyon, but I’m happy to have Raja Bell alongside me at the swings.

Something interesting that a few people said about Martin’s and Bell’s nice ratings, but lack of results got me worried, but as Coach Carlisle said,” The system can make or break you. Team defense is not about one player, it’s about rotations & close-outs. Individual defenders are great for stretches, but not for an entire game.” Some fans complained saying despite Bell & Martin’s defensive ratings, they won’t do all that much. I think with the system we have on Defense, we’ll always be great at it.

Other acquisitions including the arrival of Mr. Adonal Foyle, Kosta Perovic, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. were great. Dunleavy Jr. brings some size on the perimeter, and can be a great weapon off the bench for offense, Foyle brings us our best shot blocker and someone of physical use. We’ve got a lot of big men, and I think that is to our benefit, none are really scorers, just high energy & efficient so we know we can always keep fresh bodies out there. Boykins is someone I need to touch on also, I think his offense will be great. I’m interested to see if Coach will start him, but I think he’ll give to Mr. Snow.

Our rotation got much wider over the off-season, we’re going to bring up Alexander Johnson I hear. When he played with us early in the season, he was full of energy & great overall, it’s a pity we sent him to the D-League, but now he’s got his chance. I think our rotation expanded from a strict 7-man unit to a legit 10-man unit. Eddie Jones may be returning, and I think some speciality players will be added.
Other rumors surface and the possibility of Darko leaving is mentioned. Darko & I worked great together, he’s young and has size so I know the upper management won’t toss him away. For all I know, he could be a starter for us.

That’s all folks,
Kobe Bryant….FTW!

Fact or Fiction is an article written by Chris Clever, Matt Pipsair, and Jeff Wickman. They will be rotating with the duties, but will bring you the various topics around the league and debate about whether the statement is fact or if it is fiction.

It also gives me a good reason to post random/funny NBA related photos.

The New Jersey Nets will repeat as back-to-back champions. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. While the New Jersey Nets do have there starting five returning with Kidd, Iverson, Finley, Gasol, and Shaq, I just don’t see it happening. Especially with the Pistons and Hornets becoming a title contenders and the previous contenders like the Bulls, Magic, and the runner up Kings. There is a chance of them winning it, but it will hinge on how they use there picks and Free Agency.

Pippy: Fiction. While I believe they will have a great year, there are too many teams that have vastly improved. It’s hard enough to win the c2c title once, much less twice in a row.

The New Orleans Hornets will have the most improved record from last season to this season. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FACT. Things in the Bayou have changed dramatically since last season. Pippy has done a GREAT job of instead of waiting for the future to taking his team from a bottom dweller to a contender in a very short time. There starting five is intimidating with Jameer Nelson, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Emeka Okafor and Tyson Chandler. WOW! This team is going to easily win 55+ games next year. Good job Pippy!

Pippy: Fact. I haven’t seen any other team that has improved as much as the Hornets. Going from less than 20 wins to 40+ isn’t a far stretch with a core of Redd, McGrady, Okafor and Chandler. Expect big things from New Orleans this year. The only team I see improving half as much as the Hornets will are the Blazers and I still think they are a season away from contending.

The Memphis Grizzlies trades this off-season will make them title contenders. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. Sorry Evan, but while you may boast a nice starting three of Billups, Carter, and Joe Johnson…Your talent drops of considerably. I do think they have a chance of winning the Southwest division again but, I don’t see this team going farther than Western Semi’s with this current roster. Changes will be needed in order for the Grizzlies to make a trip to the Finals.

Pippy: Fiction. The Grizz made a few moves to improve their scoring but they decreased their defense and big men greatly. Who is gonna take Shaq’s position? Channing Frye? While Joe Johnson and Vince Carter are a hell of a combo, the problems down low are going to allow another team to win the Southwest division. Possibly the Rockets or Hornets.

With all the trades the Detroit Pistons are back to be Team Fundamental. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: TRUE. My boy Tree has done a good job with Pistons and returning to “Team Fundamental”. I know Tree has been working the trade lines in hopes of possibly dealing Yao and sending him on his way but his current team is looking pretty damn DIRTY if I say so myself. If they can improve there PG situation with an upgrade of Jack, this team will be very dangerous come playoff time. But the East is tough, so they won’t have an easy road, that’s for sure.

Pippy: Push. Team Fundamental? I really don’t know what that means. They have a damn good core but I am very hesitant to compare them to the real Pistons of the NBA. They aren’t disciplined enough to be considered Team Fundamental, sorry Tree.

When moving from 13th to 3rd the Philadelphia 76ers won this years NBA Draft Lottery. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FACT. The 76ers may have pulled one of the luckiest balls to ever be pulled in the NBA Draft. A few years ago when the Pistons got lucky and received the #2 pick in the draft, I thought might have been the greatest NBA Lottery luck, but Sixers have changed that. It will be interesting to see who the 76ers take, but rumors coming out of Philly are they are looking to take Horford with the #3 pick.

Pippy: Push again. There were 2 winners, the Sixers and Cavs. The Cavs jumped up a few spots to gain one of only 2 elite talents in the draft. Oden or Durant are gonna be great additions to the core the Cavs have. The Sixers did win it as well. They got very lucky to land a lotto spot like that. They can say they won ONLY if they make the right pick at 3rd.

Another trade machine this off-season, the Sacramento Kings made them selves better. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. The Kings will have a even tougher road in the playoffs this year. BDiddy and Wade are a great backcourt combo, but I’m not sold on a combo of Craig Smith and Juwan Howard. Sorry Brian, but this isn’t 1994 when Juwan Howard was beastly. And even with your draft pick, I don’t think it’s going to make that big of a difference whether you make the playoffs or not. It will be interesting how the Western conference champs do this season.

Pippy: Fact. The trades made them better but they won’t have the same amount of success as last season. With the teams in the West improving like they have, it will be a much tougher conference to win. They have no big help which will hurt them when they play teams with legitimate big men.

With the 2nd Overall pick and everyone a year older the Portland Trailblazers will be in the playoffs next year. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. Honestly, no matter who they take with the #2 pick, I don’t see this team doing that well either. Maybe I’m being hard on Norma’s Blazers, but Nate Robinson? Luther Head? They will have a chance to make a splash in Free Agency though and that will key for them to see how this team progresses next season. Hopefully though, that Norman won’t throw crap money at free agents who don’t deserve it. They should hold on to that cap for two season if need be because there not expecting to win a championship right away. If you asked me this question in two years though, I would definitely say that the Blazers will make the playoffs.

Pippy: Fiction. While they will push to be a playoff team, I believe they are still a year, MAYBE 2 years away. The core is young and alot of this is contingent on 2 things: If Norman can keep Monta Ellis in Portland and if Oden/Durant can make an immediate impact. Their current roster isn’t good enough yet and I don’t think 1 player will help them improve enough to make the playoffs in a much improved Western Conference.

The 2008 NBA Draft is right around the corner.  And what does that mean for c2c?  Well, actually a whole lot.  Because we’re a year behind it actually gives us a period to evaluate prospects in real life as to what they’re going to be doing in the NBA.  At least a little bit.

Check out what I think are going to be the top impact rookies and some gambles for teams like myself who are bound to be awful next year.

Declared With An Agent aka You Better Be Good
D.J. Augustin – PG – Sophomore – Texas
07-08 Stats:  19.2 ppg, 5.8 apg, 2.9 rpg, 1.2 spg
Analysis:  A lot of people are questioning Augustin’s decision to enter the draft with such a loaded field.  He’s a smaller point guard which may hurt in his career, but each year in college he got better.  I don’t know that he is the franchise point guard teams covet, but he is definitely a great back-up to have in order to build your franchise.

Jerryd Bayless – PG/SG – Freshman – Arizona
07-08 Stats:  19.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg. 4 apg
Analysis:  Doesn’t really have a position ala Ben Gordon.  So, I wouldn’t really look to him to lead your team, but he can certainly fill it up.  But if you need scoring, Bayless might be your man.

Derrick Caracter – PF – Sophomore – Louisville
07-08 Stats:  8.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Analysis:  Was a huge recruit out of N.J., but just couldn’t stay out of trouble.  The talent is there, but sort of in the Ricky Davis role of a team cancer minus the ability.  I wouldn’t really look to draft him unless you had a late second round pick.

Chris Douglas-Roberts – SG/SF – Junior – Memphis
07-08 Stats:  18.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.2 spg
Analysis:  Athlete.  Not quite Rudy Gay because I don’t know if CDR has the ability to take over an NBA game.  Scouts say he has a small frame and sometimes is a ‘me’ guy.  Regardless, CDR is a talent and I’m sure will fit in nicely for some teams.

Michael Beasley – PF – Freshman – Kansas State
07-08 Stats:  26.2 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1.6 bpg
Analysis:  Not much to really say here.  Depending on the team’s need, Beasley is going 1 or 2.  He’s just a flat out stud.

C.J. Giles – C – Junior – Oregon State
07-08 Stats:  6.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg
Analysis:  Has a big body and possibly the talent (some say first round talent).  But if there was a way to have a “crazy/lazy” rating in the game, Giles would get it.  He was kicked off the Kansas team in 2006 and then was kicked off the Oregon State team mid-season this year.  Brilliant.

Eric Gordon – SG – Freshman – Indiana
07-08 Stats:  20.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.4 apg
Analysis:  A pure scorer, but not much else.  Ben Gordon is the perfect comparison, but with a higher ceiling.

Roy Hibbert – C – Senior – G’Town
07-08 Stats:  13.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg
Analysis:  Nothing more than a bench player IMO.  Too soft and doesn’t rebound well for such a large human being.  I’m sure he’ll go high in the draft, but I don’t want any part of his lard large ass.

Brook Lopez – C – Sophomore – Stanford
07-08 Stats:  19.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.1 bpg
Analysis:  Not really a cornerstone at center, but he sure as hell can be an every day starter.  He will make someone in the Top 10 very happy with his output.

Robin Lopez – C – Sophomore – Stanford
07-08 Stats:  10.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.3 bpg
Analysis:  A less polished version of Brook on the offensive end.  But, people are saying he can develop that end of his game.  Time will tell.  Either way, very worth of a first round pick.  Someone with two firsts should draft both of the Lopez brothers because that would be awesome.  Then you can get the Collins twins too!

O.J. Mayo – SG – 20 yr Old Freshman – USC
07-08 Stats:  20.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.3 apg
Analysis:  Look, the talent is there.  But, I don’t know that I’d take him on my team.  Somewhat of a mental case.  Also, don’t let the fact that he is a freshman.  He’s at least a year older than anyone in his class.  So, just take that into consideration.  Either way he can score.  I see him as a Jamal Crawford-type.

JaVale McGee – C – Sophomore – Nevada
07-08 Stats:  14.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 2.8 bpg
Analysis:  Behind Lopez, might be the next Center who is taken (Unless Jordan – below – signs).  Either way he should be a solid starter for teams if not a great back-up to have coming off the bench for any team.  A sure-fire first round pick.

Anthony Randolph – PF – Freshman – LSU
07-08 Stats:  15.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg
Analysis:  I know that I’m going to have a high lottery pick.  At least I should.  I want Beasley, but Randolph makes my nipples hard.

Derrick Rose – PG – Freshman – Memphis
07-08 Stats:  14.9 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.5 rpg
Analysis:  Just like Beasley, depending on what you need, Rose is either 1 or 2.

Brandon Rush – SG/SF – Junior – Kansas
07-08 Stats:  13.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.1 apg
Analysis:  He’s definitely a first round pick, but I don’t know if I project him as a starter.  He’s going to sure up your bench and add depth to your team.  I think a playoff team with a mid first round pick will be very happy to add Rush to their rotation.

Declared – Haven’t Sign With Agent
Kevin Love – C – Freshman – UCLA
07-08 Stats:  17.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Analysis:  If he signs with an agent, I think people will take him top 5.  I don’t know that he is worth it, but certainly a lottery pick.  Scouts worry about his size to play center, but I don’t know if he is athletic enough to play PF with the way the game is changing at that position.

Darrell Arthur – PF – Sophomore – Kansas
07-08 Stats:  12.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg
Analysis:  Can play both frontcourt positions but is thin.  All offense at this point, but definitely will be a great addition to any team.

Chase Budinger – SG – Sophomore – Arizona
07-08 Stats:  17.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.9 apg
Analysis:  I hate him.  Maybe it is because he sorta has red hair.  He can play though and if he comes out is an immediate 6th man for a playoff team.

Lee Cummard – SG – Junior – BYU
07-08 Stats:  15.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.5 apg
Analysis:  Only because of his last name.  Heh.

DeAndre Jordan – C – Freshman – Texas A&M
07-08 Stats:  7.9 ppg, 6 rpg, 1.3 bpg
Analysis:  Ignore the stats.  The kid is a freak and I want him on my team right now.  He’s another one who is older (20) than his class, but scouts think he has the size and skill to be Dwight Howard.

Marreese Speights – C/PF – Sophomore – Florida
07-08 Stats:  14.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 1.4 bpg
Analysis:  Another guy that probably could benefit with another year of school, but I think that he’ll come out and should be drafted pretty high due to his talent level alone.

Declared – Haven’t Signed With Agent – Want To See Go Back To School
Joe Alexander, WVU
Robert Dozier, Memphis
Wayne Ellington, UNC
Mario Chalmers, Kansas
Ryan Anderson, Cal
Danny Green, UNC
Kosta Koufos, Ohio St.
Ty Lawson, UNC
Jemel McNeal, Marquette
Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, UCLA

Will Return To School
Tyler Hansborough, UNC
Stephen Curry, Davidson
Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Darren Collison, UCLA
Jeff Pendergraph, Arizona St.
Hasheem Thabeet, UConn
Sam Young, Pitt

The Tamaska’s AKA Foreigners
Nicolas Batum – SF – 19 years old – France
Stats:  8.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 26 mpg
Analysis:  People liken him to Rudy Gay on the wing.  Saw his stock rise (Nike Hoop Summit) and then fall (league play)…so consistency is an issue.

Danilo Gallinari – SF – 19 years old – Italy
Stats:  14.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 31 mpg in Euroleague
Analysis:  The consensus best foreign prospect.  People liken him to Toni Kukoc (would be amazing) and then to a better Andrea Bargnani (a level above shitty).

Philly’s Finest is the Philadelphia 76ers’ team report written by Bill Weber.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Philadelphia management made some serious off season moves to beef up the depth and strength of their roster for the 2008 season.Although some decisions came under a small amount of controversy the long term benefit of thse choices will be seen.

GM Bill Weber has seen controversy many times and thrives on people questioning him.It gives this GM more motivation to prove his critics wrong…

Although the Sixers are still a score by committee type team with no big names we still will get scoring from all over……no team will be able to focus on just 1 guy because someone else will just step up and take over.

It started with the firing of Mo Buttcheeks and the signing of Larry Smith as their new HC.After Popovich rejected our 6 mil for 5 years bid and Hubie and Adelman being taken in that 1st day we felt he was the best one left out of the remainder.We wanted someone who paid attention to defense…didn’t play a run and gun style and was able to develop our youth.We feel Larry fit right into this scheme …better then George Carl and Avery Johnson.

Philly got lucky by being able to land the number 3 pick in the draft.After fending off 20 trade offers the Sixers GM picked Al Horford.Although not a big favorite of Mr Weber he will bring in a very solid paint game with better rebounding and defense.He was the obvious choice at three and the 15 offers we got for him after he was picked proves that.

With the number 9 pick the Sixers selected versatile SF Julian Wright.This pick recently came under fire by outsiders who felt Green was the better choice.but we were happy to be able to get him.Julian may not be quite the scorer as Green (but he is close) he brings in the same tough rebounding and defense and a solid over all game…He has very good Disc and IQ levels coming in and is better now then Green will ever be in that area.This is key to have a guy being able to play under control and make smart decisions under fire..Julian helps with Bill Weber’s building of a solid well balanced and deep team.

Alando Tucker was brought in as a back up SG because our 1st pick Aaron Brooks was picked before us.Alando comes is as a 61 scorer with some potential to be better and we feel he will add production off the bench behind Hughes and Davis.

Josh McRoberts was basically picked as a best of what was left deal and will most likely be traded or used as an injury filler.If nothing else he will make our D-League team better for 3 years….

In some other off season moves Philly traded their number 11 pick and Rebraca to pick up Mehmet Okur.Okur give Philadelphia a proven double figure scorer to help their offense and solid rebounding to help Sean May and Al Horford.AS a possible 6th man at PF/CE we feel he will be a big contributer to this team

The additions of Ricky Davis and Darius Miles just add even more to the balance ,defense and depth.

Sixers Management feels that these moves will give a team that finished 39-43 in the tough Eastern Conference that extra boost we need to get into the playoffs.Although there are no championship aspirations this season we feel that a playoff appearance is in the making.Sixers still have a ton of cap room and 5 more 1st round picks in the next 2 years and we see this team becoming very good in the near future.

Spurred is the San Antonio Spurs’ team report written by Mike Rehome.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

Avery Johnson Returns To San Antonio!
Spurs bring in former player, also welcome new GM

[San Antonio, Texas] The San Anotnio Spurs are making some moves that hope to bring some good times to the heart of the Alamo City. Today the San Antonio Organization welcome Mike Rehome (thenewiconz) as their new General Manager.

On top of the hiring of Mr. Rehome they also had other things to accomplish and that was to bring in a new head coach. Mr. Rehome made his presence felt right away as he saw the one guy on the list that he felt would be a great fit to this team and the city and that man is Avery Johnson.

“Avery was a great player for this city. He also helped in the community and he really a likeable guy”, the new General Manager stated.

Avery has reached a deal with the Spurs but the contract has not yet been released to the media.

With the upcoming draft coming on, best be assured that the new GM of the Spurs as well as the Head Coach will be making plans in turning this franchise around.

Welcome to Hollywood is the Los Angeles Lakers’ team report written by Stephen James.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

With a roster of only nine players and four of them being point guards not suitable as starters, the Los Angeles Lakers had enormous needs going into this year’s draft. Holding the 7th and 18th picks, they were assured of getting players that would help right away in a draft many experts considered one of the deepest in recent history. Having one of the worst defenses in the league and looking at at Dorell Wright as their starter at SF, the needs were crystal clear.

Leading up to the 7th pick, the team felt the player they coveted most; Mike Conley would be outside their reach, but that Joakim Noah would probably be available. Drafting Noah would add a defensive, rebounding and shot blocking presence in the post and would certainly give a jolt to their interior defense. The problem was San Antonio Spurs having a similar need bypassed two players rated higher by every analyst in the country, selected Noah at number 6. Having thought about this as a remote possibility, the Lakers had a contingency deal in place with the Charlotte Bobcats that would send the 7th pick along with Carlos Arroyo and Dorell Wright to the Bobcats in return for the 11th, 55th picks, Jamal Tinsley and a late 2008 1st.

Trade Analysis: This trade gives the team a starting PG that digs in on defense and loves to pass. His contract isn’t too appealing, but Stephon Marbury’s 20M salary comes over the books very very soon. This move also gives the Lakers an extra pick to add depth and a 2008 1st (more ammunition in the Beasley / Rose sweepstakes).

Due to a trend that saw starting quality small forwards falling in the draft, the Lakers were more than willing to fill a need (Tinsley as a starting PG) and move down three spots. At 11, they knew they needed to scoop up Sean Williams, the shot blocking, rebounding specialist out of Boston College, and they did just that. Paring Williams with Amare Stoudamire and Udonis Haslem gives them flexibility in moving Amare between PF and C to create matchup problems for other teams.

In order to make the first round a success, the next item on the agenda had to be adding a starting SF. After trading away Wright and with no cap room available, the only way to add a starting SF to the roster would be through the draft. After watching Corey Brewer and Thaddeus Young go respectively at picks 12 and 15, the Lakers began to get a bit nervous. After Jeff Green, who went 10th, the team had Al Thornton and Jamario Moon as the highest rated SFs on their board. Wanting the opportunity to choose between Thornton and Moon, the Lakers engaged in another trade. In order to move up one spot, the Lakers sent Brevin Knight’s expiring contract to Milwaukee for Antonio Daniels.

Trade Analysis: Adding Daniels contract could be looked upon as a negative, but the fact that they have Marbury’s 20M to offset it is worth the money since it allows them to add a starting SF who will be very good for them. Adding Tinsley and Daniels contracts only account for half of Marbury’s 20M.

With the option of choosing between Moon and Thornton at 18, the decision was a bit tougher than some may have thought. While Moon’s age works against him, the Laker scouts deemed his defense and rebounding as off the charts for a SF. Adding Moon would allow the team to walk away having added three strong defensive players. On the flip side, Thornton is one of the top 4 scorers in the draft. Adding him would give the team a third scorer (and balanced attack) especially when Richard Hamilton and Amare get into foul trouble. Thornton would also offer more of an upside than Moon. Given that, the decision was Al Thornton.

In the second round, the Lakers have the 37th, 55th and 57th picks. With those picks look for them to add depth. The 37th pick will be of particular interest because the player chosen here will likely see some decent minutes as a rookie. With Louis Williams and DeShawn Stevenson being free agents after the season, SG could be the direction the team goes. If not, more depth at SF could be an option.

Bucks Ballers is the Milwaukee Bucks’ team report written by Pat King.

Team reports are articles written by the General Manager of each franchise. Whether it is weekly, monthly, or after every trade or game, c2c’s team reports are an inside look to each franchise. Maybe an explanation of a trade or a week in review of how the team has faired in games, either way, these are the words of the league and owners.

Brace yourselves.

The Milwaukee Bucks are a new team. Glancing at the roster, it may not seem like it, but trust me, they will be a whole new ball club. After dabbling in a couple of trades (acquiring Baron Davis, who later landed Ben Gordon, and the 14th pick), the Bucks made their largest move of the off-season: signing Hall-of-Fame coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich was the highly-coveted unsigned coach, the same one who built a dynasty with the Spurs. When asked about his motives in coming to Milwaukee, we got much more from Pops. “Milwaukee was a team I felt was right on the cusp last year, a team that if they had that one more scorer, could have competed in that up-for-grabs Eastern Conference. The put up a battle against the eventual champion Nets, and the core was a great one. Rashard Lewis and Boris Diaw are two guys that I believe do the little things it takes to win, and surround those guys by role players Derek Fisher, Drew Gooden, and Nazr Mohammad, and I think you’ve got a competitor. This leaving alone the fact that they landed Ben Gordon and Luis Scola while losing primarily just Richard Jefferson from last season’s squad. I love the direction this franchise is headed, and I’m excited I was the one they picked to guide it to the Finals.”

Dealing Richard Jefferson was a move GM Patrick King said simply had to be made. “RJeff was a great player, but he had to be in a better situation to be the player that he is. He has to be a number one scorer, and he wasn’t that here. He took a lot of shots, and shot a poor percentage. I love the guy, but Milwaukee just wasn’t the right situation for him. Turning him into Ben Gordon will be great for us, because Ben is a better defender and a better scorer, and he has the potential to be an all-star while sharing the ball with Shard.” King has also committed to developing the young guns in the organization, Johan Petro and newly acquired Luis Scola. Both will play an integral part in the team’s success, or lack-thereof.

So, the draft has come and gone. There were in fact winners and of course some losers. This is what I hope to accomplish with this. I ran through each and every team and graded their picks and listed their current starting line-ups and notable bench players. Some may not like my grades, others probably won’t even read this. I also broke it down by division so you can see what each team in your division did during the few days. Either way, here it is. A few notes before we get to the picks:

• No team is going to get a grade after drafting late in the second round unless I see fit.
• Team projected line-ups are taken from the latest roster update.
• The trades listed were made on/around draft day and hinged on the draft picks being acquired.
• Not all trades are listed; trades involving 2nds and future 2nds were left off.
• There are a few guys listed under teams that wound up getting traded, but I admit that I got lazy.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Boston
Pick 5: Brandan Wright
Pick 20: Nick Young
Pick 26: Juan Carlos Navarro
Pick 29: Wilson Chandler
Pick 41: Tiago Splitter
Via Trade: Traded Pick 24 (Arron Afflalo) for Rashad McCants
Via Trade: Traded Pick 30 (Glen Davis) and 09 2nd for Saer Sene; Package Sene and ‘10 1st for Nene Hilario, 09 1st, and Pick 41 (Tiago Splitter)

Grade: I didn’t grade myself.
Comments: I didn’t grade myself.

Current Starting Line-Up
A. Bynum – B. Wright – D. Granger – N. Young – R. Felton
Notable Bench Players
P. Millsap – R. McCants – J. Navarro – N. Hilario

New Jersey
No Picks

Current Starting Line-Up
S. O’Neal – P. Gasol – M. Finley – A. Iverson – J. Kidd
His Only Bench Player
J. Foster

New York
No Picks
Via Trade: Traded Pick 41 (Tiago Splitter), 09 1st and Nene Hilario for Saer Sene and ‘10 1st

Current Starting Line-Up
S. Sene – L. Aldridge – R. Gomes – M. Webster – S. Livingston
Notable Bench Players
E. Thomas – C. Duhon

Philadelphia
Pick 3: Al Horford
Pick 9: Julian Wright
Pick 25: Alando Tucker
Pick 39: Josh McRoberts

Grade: B-
Comments: Another team that I’m disappointed with. The Horford pick is fine. But, picks 9 and 25 don’t make sense to me. I realize Bill has a man crush with Julian Wright, but Jeff Green was on the board still. I don’t know why you wouldn’t jump at the chance to add him and plug him into the starting line-up ahead of Ricky Davis Also, Alando Tucker had a nice college career, but I don’t know how much he’s going to contribute here.

Current Starting Line-Up
M. Okur – A. Horford – R. Davis – L. Hughes – D. Harris
Notable Bench Players
S. May – J. Wright – C. Wilcox

Toronto
Pick 24: Arron Afflalo
Via Trade: Traded Rashad McCants for Pick 24 (Afflalo)

Grade: C
Comments: This pick was traded for Rashad McCants and then Buddha sleeps past his draft time.

Current Starting Line-Up
R. Nesterovic – T. Duncan – C. Anthony – G. Hill – S. Cassell
Notable Bench Players
B. Wells

Central Division
Chicago
Pick 27: Morris Almond
Pick 56: Brandon Wallace

Grade: C+/B-
Comments: With a late first, the Bulls did the best they could. Almond is a project, which is why the C+/B- grade. I can’t go any higher due to the talent level. At the same time, I’m both impressed and disappointed that Chicago didn’t make any drastic moves to improve their team. Sure they had a successful season last year, but with so many teams making moves, Almond won’t be much of a different maker.

Current Starting Line-Up
S. Dalembert – D. Nowitzki – M. Barnes – K. Korver – S. Nash
Notable Bench Players
M. Almond – S. Telfair

Cleveland
Pick 1: Greg Oden
Pick 13: Rodney Stuckey
Pick 15: Thaddeus Young
Pick 35: Aaron Gray
Via Trade: Traded Pick 17 (Al Thornton) and Joel Freeland for Pick 15 (Thaddeus Young) and Lorenzen Wright

Grade: A+
Comments: I say I hate Clever only because he had an amazing draft and I’m playing catch up to him. Oden, Stuckey, Young and Gray join Roy, Gay, Williams and Lee. What. The. Hell. I know Clever spent a lot of time trying to move back into the Top 10, but even without that he did a hell of a job making some minor moves to ensure he got Young.

Current Starting Line-Up
G. Oden – D. Lee – R. Gay – B. Roy – D. Williams
Notable Bench Players
R. Stuckey – T. Young – D. Gibson

Detroit
Pick 34: Jason Smith
Pick 44: DJ Strawberry

Grade: C
Comments: Not much you can do with second round picks, but Trevor did alright for himself. He desperately needed bodies and an NBA first round pick fell to him at 34. Strawberry doesn’t get any burn in real life, but like he said, the game loves him.

Current Starting Line-Up
Y. Ming – C. Boozer – T. Prince – P. Pierce – J. Jack
Notable Bench Players
K. Brown – R. Balkman – J. Smith

Indiana
Pick 52: Kosta Perovic

Grade: INC
Comments: Once again a team with a late pick.

Current Starting Line-Up
D. Milicic – K. Martin – R. Bell – K. Bryant – E. Boykins
Notable Bench Players
M. Dunleavy

Milwaukee
Pick 18: Luis Scola
Pick 48: Gabe Pruitt
Via Trade: Traded Pick 15 (Thaddeus Young) and Lorenzen Wright for Pick 17 (Al Thornton) and Joel MotherF’n Freeland
Via Trade: Traded Pick 17 (Al Thornton) and Antonio Daniels for Pick 18 (Luis Scola) and Brevin

Grade: B
Comments: A team that I really wanted to give an ‘A’, but because they only had one pick I just couldn’t do it. I still commend Pat on being able to move down in the draft and still get the guy he wants. I’m really just punishing him because he traded for Joel Freeland.

Current Starting Line-Up
N. Mohammed – B. Scola Diaw – R. Lewis – B. Gordon – D. Fisher
Notable Bench Players
B. Jackson – L. Scola – D. Gooden – D. Stevenson

Southeast Division
Atlanta
Pick 50: Sammy Mejia

Grade: INC
Comments: Everyone said that the draft was deep this year. I agree, but only up to a certain point. You can’t really do much with the 50th pick.

Current Starting Line-Up
M. Moore – C. Webber – G. Wallace – J. Richardson – R. Alston
Notable Bench Players
K. Azubuike – K. Lowry – B. Simmons – R. Carney

Charlotte
Pick 4: Mike Conley Jr.
Pick 8: Yi Jianlian
Pick 59: Demetris Nichols
Via Trade: Traded Jamaal Tinsley, Pick 11 (Sean Williams), Pick 55, and 08 1st for Carlos Arroyo, Dorrell Wright and Pick 8 (Yi Jianlian)

Grade: A-
Comments: Jack Li lucked out by having the Warriors miss their pick. Also, with Noah shooting up the draft board, Li wound up with two of the projected top 5 picks. He traded away his starting point guard which means Conley Jr. will have to start. Still, Jack has a great core of players to work with: Arenas, Conley, Yi, and Kaman.

Current Starting Line-Up
C. Kaman – Y. Jianlian – M. Miller – G. Arenas – M. Conley
Notable Bench Players
S. Hunter – D. Songaila

Miami
Pick 38: Marco Bellinelli
Pick 58: Joel Anthony

Grade: C
Comments: Bellinelli could become useful in the coming months. I honestly have no idea who Joel Anthony is, but he sounds like Marc’s brother.

Current Starting Line-Up
M. Camby – J. O’Neal – C. Butler – A. Morrison – J. Terry
Notable Bench Players
A. Jamison – B. Udrih

Orlando
Pick 28: Jared Dudley
Pick 36: Chris Richard

Grade: C
Comments: I don’t like this pick at all for the Magic. They didn’t need a SF with Pietrus and Wally already on the roster. They really could have used someone to come in and relieve Ray Allen, and DaeQuan Cook I felt would have done that. Plus, I don’t think Dudley is worthy of a first round pick.

Current Starting Line-Up
B. Wallace – R. Wallace – W. Szczerbiak – R. Allen – A. Miller
Notable Bench Players
S. Williams – D. West – M. Pietrus – J. Dudley

Washington
Pick 14: Forfeit

Grade: Z-
Comments: Cheater.

Current Starting Line-Up
J. Magloire – Z. Randolph – R. Artest – B. Barry – M. James
Notable Bench Players
A. Harrington – L. Walton

WESTERN CONFERENCE
Southwest Division
Dallas
Pick 46: Taurean Green
Pick 51: Adam Haluska
Via Trade: Traded Pick 26 (Juan Carlos Navarro) for Leon Powe, Antoine Wright, 09 1st, 08 2nd, 08 2nd

Grade: C+
Comments: Traded a late first rounder for some bodies and future picks. The Mavericks needed players and got some at the expense of Navarro.

Current Starting Line-Up
T. Murphy – K. Thomas – V. Radmanovic – V. Carter – K. Dooling
Notable Bench Players
None

Houston
Pick 42: Nick Fazekas

Grade: INC
Comments: I was going to give him a D because I think Fazekas sucks, but I like Wick and won’t do that to him. But, what do you want out of the 42nd pick?

Current Starting Line-Up
B. Miller – C. Villanueva – L. James – J. Crawford – S. Francis
Notable Bench Players
C. Maggette

Memphis
No Picks

Current Starting Line-Up
Z. Ilgauskas – T. Thomas – R. Jefferson – J. Johnson – C. Billups
Notable Bench Players
CHANNING FRYE AND SPEEDY CLAXTON!

New Orleans
Pick 30: Glen Davis
Pick 31: Rudy Fernandez
Via Trade: Traded Saer Sene for Pick 30 (Davis) and 09 2nd

Grade: B/A
Comments: I give Pippy a B now. It turns into an immediate A if Rudy is able to play next season and makes an impact. Glen will give him another piece to his bench, but like I said this grade really hinges on Rudy coming over. I would have liked to have seen him take a backup guard, but I’m sure he will figure it out.

Current Starting Line-Up
T. Chandler – E. Okafor – T. McGrady – M. Redd – J. Nelson
Notable Bench Players
N. Collison – H. Turkoglu – G. Davis

San Antonio
Pick 6: Joakim Noah
Pick 10: Jeff Green
Pick 19: Ramon Sessions
Pick 22: Aaron Brooks

Grade: B+
Comments: Would have been an A if the 6th pick was Yi instead of Noah. This team needed offense in the worst way and didn’t exactly address that with the Noah pick. Still, Green, Sessions and Brooks are going to help this team. Especially Sessions if he continues to progress.

Current Starting Line-Up
N. Krstic – J. Noah – M. Williams – J. Green – R. Sessions
Notable Bench Players
R. Rondo – S. Swift – T. Sefolosha – B. Haywood

Northwest Division
Denver
Pick 47: Marc Gasol

Grade: INC
Comments: Gasol won’t come over for at least another season. So, I won’t hand out a grade for him.

Current Startine Line-Up
C. Bosh – L. Odom – B. Bowen – K. Martin – L. Ridnour
Notable Bench Players
K. Perkins – G. Green

Minnesota
Pick 33: Javaris Crittenton

Grade: B-
Comments: Getting someone I projected to go at 16 in the second round is solid. I can’t necessarily give him a better grade because Crittenton fell to Ronnie as opposed to Ronnie going to get him.

Current Starting Line-Up
R. Swift – H. Warrick – J. Smith – M. Ginobli – T. Parker
Notable Bench Players
J. Crittenton

Portland
Pick 2: Kevin Durant

Grade: A
Comments: Boom Tho

Current Starting Line-Up
H. Armstrong – T. Thomas – L. Deng – K. Durant – L. Head
Notable Bench Players
J. Maxiell – N. Robinson

Seattle
Pick 23: Carl Landry
Pick 32: DaeQuan Cook
Pick 53: Stephen Lasme

Grade: B
Comments: Did the best he could with his picks and wound up with what should have been a late first rounder in Cook. Not a bad day at all for Seattle.

Current Starting Line-Up
A. Jefferson – D. West – S. Battier – S. Jackson – T. Ford
Notable Bench Players
C. Landry – J. Smith – P. O’Bryant – J. Garbajosa – D. Cook

Utah
Pick 45: Jermareo Davidson

Grade: INC
Comments: Not enough to really grade here.

Current Starting Line-Up
D. Diop – D. Howard – M. Harpring – A. Igoudala – C. Paul
Notable Bench Players
A. Mcdyess – A. Parker – E. Curry

Pacific Division
Golden State
Pick 7: Acie Law IV
Pick 16: Spencer Hawes

Grade: C
Comments: I feel bad that Jay missed his picks because Acie Law at 7 hurts a lot. Hawes wasn’t bad at all at 16, but Thornton was still on the board as well. Just a bad draft for a team that was looking forward to it. Could have realistically added Yi and Thornton to this team and looked to contend with an insane amount of depth.

Current Starting Line-Up
A. Biedrins – E. Brand – T. Outlaw – R. Foye – L. Barbosa
Notable Bench Players
A. Bargnani – A. Law – S. Hawes – M. Williams – W. Green – Q. Richardson

Los Angeles Lakers
Pick 11: Sean Williams
Pick 17: Al Thornton
Pick 37: Dominic McGuire
Pick 55: Marcus Williams
Pick 57: Coby Karl
Via Trade: Traded Carlos Arroyo, Dorrell Wright, and Pick 8 (Yi Jianlian) for Jamaal Tinsley, Pick 11 (Sean Williams), Pick 55, and 08 1st
Via Trade: Traded Pick 18 (Luis Scola) and Brevin Knight for Pick 17 (Al Thornton) and Antonio Daniels

Grade: B+/A-
Comments: SJam got the guys he wanted, I know. But, he really received a gift when the Warriors passed on Thornton. That is the only reason you aren’t seeing a solid ‘A’ here. And as much as people like Tinsley, I’m just not a fan of his.

Current Starting Line-Up
A. Stoudemire – S. Williams – A. Thornton – R. Hamilton – J. Tinsley
Notable Bench Players
S. Marbury – D. Stevenson – U. Haslem – L. Williams

Los Angeles Clippers
Pick 49: Herbert Hill
Pick 54: Mario West

Grade: INC
Comments: Picks were too low for me to really care.

Current Starting Line-Up
K. Garnett – S. Marion – A. Kirilenko – M. West – M. Bibby
Notable Bench Players
C. Hayes

Phoenix
Pick 12: Corey Brewer
Pick 40: Ian Mahinmi

Grade: B-
Comments: Another pick I don’t like. Al Thornton was packed and ready for the sunny skies of Phoenix. Thadd Young and Rodney Stuckey were also hanging around their phones in case they were picked. Still, I don’t like Ike Diogu starting. I’ve told AJ this, but he insists Diogu’s 4-ball status warrants his starting position. Brewer is solid, but just not what I would have done with the pick. If anything, I would have traded down and gotten an extra pick out of the deal with the swings that were still on the board.

Current Starting Line-Up
A. Bogut – I. Diogu – J. Howard – R. Brewer – K. Hinrich
Notable Bench Players
J. Boone – C. Brewer – J. Farmar

Sacramento
Pick 21: Jamario Moon
Pick 60: Darius Washington Jr.

Grade: B
Comments: Brian tore down his team, but it is quickly being erected into a contender once again. Moon will give him an energy guy off the bench. I felt as though once pick 21/22 passes, there aren’t any immediate impact players. Brian did well for himself.

Current Starting Line-Up
C. Smith – J. Moon – P. Stojakovic – D. Wade – B. Davis
Notable Bench Players
J. Childress – D. Jones – J. Howard