[thaKEAF]

Props to the Heat board and their posters because they started this first, I'm just simply borrowing their idea. Okay so obviously we're lottery bound and should end up with one of the first couple of picks in this year's draft. I'd like to get input from the Grizz fans and basketball fans in general on who they think we should be looking at. Hopefully this year we can finally get that first pick and have the chance to pick anyone we want. I'll be gathering information from the top prospects and posting them here.

[thaKEAF]

MICHAEL BEASLEY

H: 6' 9"
W: 220 lbs
Bday: 01/09/198
(19 Years Old)
Position: PF/SF
Projected: 1 in 2008 Mock Draft
Best Case: More Athletic Zach Randolph
Worst Case: Al Harrington

Strengths:

• Left-handed
• Quickness
• Strength
• Body control
• Fluidity/Agility
• Hands
• Scoring instincts
• Ability to face the basket
• First step
• Ball-handling skills
• Ability to create shot
• Finishing with either hand
• Pull-up jumper
• Back to the basket skills
• Rebounding
• Mismatch ability
• 3-point range
• Upside

Weaknesses:

• Size for PF position
• Team play
• Shot-selection
• Defense
• Focus
• Off-court red flags
• Attitude?
• Winning mentality?

[thaKEAF]

DERRICK ROSE

H: 6' 4"
W: 180 lbs
Bday: 10/01/1988
(19 Years Old)
Position: PG
Projected: 2 in 2008 Mock Draft
Best Case: Baron Davis
Worst Case: Antonio Daniels

Strengths:

• Size for position
• Freakish athleticism
• Ball-handling skills w/either hand
• Quickness
• Body control
• Hesitation moves
• Aggressive slashing mentality
• Transition play
• Finishing ability
• Unselfishness
• Defensive potential
• Upside

Weaknesses:

• Turnovers
• Out of control drives
• Decision making in half-court
• Perimeter shooting ability
• Mid-range game
• Defensive fundamentals
• Still a work in progress

[thaKEAF]

ERIC GORDON

H: 6' 3"
W: 215 lbs
Bday: 12/25/1988
(19 Years Old)
Position: SG
Projected: 3 in 2008 Mock Draft
Best Case: Rich Man's Ben Gordon
Worst Case: Flip Murray

Strengths:

• Tremendous leaper with great outside shooting ability
• Freakish athleticism
• Makes spectacular dunks on a regular basis
• Excellent scorer with good mental toughness
• Shows great body strength at a young age
• Terrific body balance
• Quick feet and an explosive first step
• Shoots well off the dribble with a developing mid range game
• Outside shooting stands out
• Shows excellent desire and intensity defensively, good at anticipating steals
• Defensive potential
• Good competitor

Weaknesses:

• A little small for the 2 guard position at 6-4, but his freakish athleticism makes up for it
• Lacks great vision, passing ability
• Can become too enamored with the 3 point shot
• Needs to concentrate on becoming a better passer
• Lack of length may make creating shots difficult
• Should look to get more height on his jump shot
• Must work on becoming more under control driving to the basket

[Chan]

Beasley makes too much sense.

[Ruff Draft]

With Conley & Gay, I see Beasley being the next piece. Conley will have it easy with two dynamic scorers to create for.

[thaKEAF]

I agree with the two of you. After watching some footage of Beasley he'd be my ideal choice at least for right now. We're just gonna have to play the waiting game till June though.

[thaKEAF]

O.J. MAYO

H: 6' 5"
W: 195 lbs
Bday: 11/05/1987
(20 Years Old)
Position: PG/SG
Projected: 4 in 2008 Mock Draft
Best Case: Dwyane Wade
Worst Case: Willie Green

Strengths:

• Size
• Strength
• Body control
• Scoring instincts
• Shot-creating ability
• NBA 3-point range
• Catch and shoot off screens
• Mid-range game
• Ability to pull-up sharply off the dribble
• Basketball IQ
• Court vision
• Confidence/Swagger
• Ability to play multiple positions
• Perimeter defense
• Hands in passing lanes
• Work ethic

Weaknesses:

• Stuck between 1 and 2
• Poor shot-selection
• Low shooting percentages
• Turnovers
• Reliance on outside shot
• Does not get to free throw line enough
• Struggles to get by defenders
• Finishing ability at rim
• Decision making poor at times
• Reputation for selfish play
• Year older than class
• Entourage?

[Rawse]

Power forward is the team's biggest problem outside of a perimeter defender. I can't see the team passing on Beasley if he's available.

[croco]

Beasley might not be a perfect fit, but I also agree that he makes the most sense out of this year's top picks. Gordon should be another possibility if Beasley is gone.

[MemphisX]

1. Beasley
2. Mayo
3. Rose
4. Gordon
5. Green

[Rawse]

Rose would solve a lot of marketing problems (hopefully), even if he would create a huge log jam.

I was iffy on him to begin the season, but he's impressing me more and more.

[thaKEAF]

Yeah deep down I'd love to see Rose picked because he's already a fan favorite. But would that mean we'd have to move Conley? And are we sure Rose would end up being a better pro than Conley?