The 109th and possibly one of the most bizarre U.S. Open's is over, and your champion is Lucas Glover. Yes Lucas Glover, previously the owner of one career championship. The top four finishers featured winner Lucas Glover (ranked 71st in the world), Phil Mickelson (2nd in the world), Ricky Barnes (519th in the world) and David Duval (882nd in the world). Unfortunately, Glover deprived golf fans of a great story in Mickelson and Duval. Phil Mickelson was of course playing in his last tournament before his wife Amy undergoes treatment for breast cancer. David Duval was the other breath-taking storyline of the weekend. The former British Open Champion and number 1 player in the world was ranked 882nd, and hadn't placed in the top 10 of any tournament in over seven years. Although i would have loved seeing either Lefty or Duval win, i'm thankful Glover won, for one reason and one reason only; he's not Tiger Woods. Thankfully, for the 8th time in the last ten majors, the man who's falsely referred to as "The greatest golfer ever" wasn't at the top of the leader board. This tournament Tiger was looking up at three guys (Glover, Barnes and Duval) who have no business being ahead of Woods. Some may say the end of Woods' 1st round spelled the end of his championship run, but i feel like it was when the first drop of rain fell and then two seconds later when he first complained about the conditions. Nonetheless, this rain stricken major was entertaining, not just for the humble champion Glover, but the two guys that could have won, Lefty and Duval.
There isn't all that much compelling news when it comes to the MLB season. Albert Pujols is knocking the cover off the ball, the Rockies have won 17 out of 18 games, and the Phillies and the Mets are struggling mightily. As we get closer to the All-Star break, it's time for teams to either get back into their division race or decide whether or not they're going to trade their players at the deadline. The obvious thing is that everyone needs pitching which should be at a premium. Two of the most coveted pitchers (Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard) are currently hurt and are most likely not going to be traded. With all these teams needing a pitcher or two, there are a few names that are very hot; Ben Sheets and Pedro Martinez. Sheets has been linked to the Texas Rangers due to his relationship with their pitching coach Mike Maddux. The Rangers aren't really in dire need of a pitcher, but if they're going to win the AL West (as I predicted) they would gladly welcome Sheets to their rotation. Tom Glavine's name will also come up frequently, but with rumors swirling lately that Frank Wren was right (a first) and Glavine isn't in any condition to pitch at the major league level, it's becoming less likely.
With some new information and not having anything to do in work, i made another mock draft.
1. L.A. Clippers-Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma-If he’s breathing Thursday night, he’ll be the #1 Pick.
2. Memphis-Hasheem Thabeet, C, UConn-He backed out of a workout with Memphis, he’s still the pick though. I feel bad that Memphis fans are going to have to watch this stiff for 4 years.
3. Oklahoma City-James Harden, SF, ASU-He fits into their offense and they seem to be turned off by Rubio. Someone may try to trade up to 3 and take him but if not, he’ll go to OKC.
4. Sacramento Kings-Tyreke Evans, PG/SG, Memphis-He reportedly blew away Jonny Flynn and others in a head to head workout. I have to believe they’re going to take him.
5. Portand Trailblazers-(Via Washington)Ricky Rubio, PG Spain-Usually when Kevin Pritchard wants something, he gets it. Pritchard reportedly loves the 18 year old Spanish point guard.
6. Minnesota- Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse-It seems like they’re going to take whoever the kings don’t take, so in this case it’s Jonny Flynn.
7. Golden State-Brandon Jennings, PG-The warriors need a point guard and as much attention as Steph Curry’s name draws, he’s the same player as Monta Ellis. As far as I know, Billy King or Billy Knight aren’t running the warriors, so chances are they don’t want to guys who are almost identical.
8. New York Knicks-Steph Curry, PG/SG, Davidson-The Knicks fans may light the building on fire.
9. Toronto Raptors-Demar Derozen, SF, USC-This seems inevitable, he’s the only guy they worked out.
10. Milwaukee Bucks-Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona-They love if he fell to them which is looking more and more likely. If Minnesota doesn’t take him, he’s almost a lock to fall to the Bucks.
11. New Jersey Nets-Tyler Hansbrough, SF/PF, UNC-The Nets would love to add the former Naismith winner and ACC all-time leading scorer. Tyler deserves to go this higher considering the work he’s put in.
12. Charlotte Bobcats-Gerry Henderson, SG/SF, Duke-Poor management decision and MJ seem to go hand and hand, this is another one. Maybe Charlotte will at least get something out of this and ESPN will want to televise 3 games a week of him sitting on the bench for 48 minutes a night.
13. Indiana Pacers-Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA-I think they get their point guard and take Holiday here.
14. Phoenix Suns-Earl Clark, PF, L’ville-There are rumors swirling that Clark has been made a promise here. Clark is the most talented player here, IF he plays to his potential. This could mean Amar’e is on his way out.
15. Detriot-Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga-6’11 guys that can shoot don’t come around often, I think they take a high upside guy here.
16. Chicago Bulls-DeJuan Blair, PF/SF, Pitt-Chicago lacks toughness inside and the Naismith finalist brings that to the table. There have been rumors that B.J. Mullens was promised here. Hopefully for Bulls fans, Paxson comes to his senses.
17. Philadelphia-Eric Maynor, PG, VCU-Nothing would surprise me here, absolutely nothing. I just read that the Sixers are “intrigued” by B.J. Mullens. I really hope this means they thanked him for working out and told him to fuck himself. The last think the 6ers need is another 7 foot stiff (we already have 2). Please take a point guard, Maynor, Lawson, Mills. I’m even fine with Calathese or Price, as long as it’s a point guard.
18. New Jeresy Nets (Via Minnesota)-Terrence Williams, SF, L’ville-They’ve had their eye on him for a while so I think they pull the string and trade into this spot.
19. Atlanta Hawks-Ty Lawson, PG, UNC-They need a point guard and Lawson would be the best on the board. I wouldn’t put taking James Johnson past them since they collect athletic swingmen.
20. Utah Jazz-Derrick Brown, PF, Xavier-They need a power forward and with Hansbrough and Blair gone I think they go after another tough guy in the same mold.
21. New Orleans Hornets-Chase Buddinger, SG, Arizona-They could use a guy like Buddinger for Paul to get the ball to.
22. Dallas Mavericks-Jeff Teague, SG/PG Wake-Eventually Jason Kidd is going to leave and JJ Berea isn’t a starting point guard, so I think they go with Teague here.
23. Sacramento Kings-Sam Young, SF, Pitt-Sacramento has exactly one scoring threat now (Kevin Martin), so I think they take Young here since he can come right in and score.
24. Washington Wizards (Via Portland)-Toney Douglas PG/SG, FSU- The wizards need a guard of some sort so Douglas fits a need. Toney is a great athlete and one of the best pure scorers in this draft.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder-B.J. Mullens, C, OSU-The Thunder could use a center and at this spot it wouldn’t be a bad gamble to take a shot at Mullens.
26. Chicago Bulls-Wayne Ellington, SG, UNC-The Bulls have worked out so many players that this pick could go nearly anywhere. This is a spot where they could get a replacement for the departing Ben Gordon.
27. Memphis Grizzlies-Omri Casspi SF, Isreal-With all the picks and young guys the Grizzlies have, they could use to take a foreign guy and keep him overseas.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves-Jodie Meeks, SG, UK-Another guy in the Toney Douglas mold that’s seen most as a scorer. With their interior relatively solid, Minnesota is going to use this draft to focus on the outside. There have been plenty of rumors of Meeks going here and the late 1st round is a huge crap shoot. I could see this.
29. L.A. Lakers-Marcus Thorthon, SG, LSU-Thorthon already has a bunch of gold and purple crap, so this is fitting.
30. Cleveland Cavs-Damarre Carroll, PF, Mizzouri-The Cavs NEED to get tougher and here’s a guy that should help them.
NBA Comparisons Blake Griffin-There really isn’t a true comparison for Blake so I’m going to go with the closest I can find. Verdict: David West/LaMarcus Aldridge Hasheem Thabeet-This one is pretty easy. Verdict: Roy Hibbert and Samuel Dalembert Ricky Rubio-I haven’t seen a ton of Rubio, but his passing ability is like CP3, but his height and leadership make him closer to Steve Nash Verdict: Steve Nash James Harden-This one is pretty easy considering his knack for getting to the basket and making his teammates better Verdict: Andre Iguodala Jrue Holliday-I haven’t seen a ton of Holliday, but he seems like a solid player that can drive and spread the ball. Verdict: O.J. Mayo Tyreke Evans-Another guy that doesn’t have any real good comparison, I’ll try though Verdict: Joe Johnson Steph Curry-I was surprised he actually measure up to his listing. Verdict: Monta Ellis/Gilbert Arenas Jordan Hill-Solid prospect with a good post game, a little slow. Verdict: David Lee Demar DeRozan-I don’t have a ton to base this on, but going from a stud prospect that was a lock to being a star then underperforming in college. Verdict: Bill Walker Johnny Flynn-A guy that I’m very familiar with. Flynn is a great leader and distributer Verdict: Rajon Rondo Tyler Hansbrough-Gritty, tough, brings energy and rebounding. Verdict: Joakim Noah/Reggie Evans Gerry Henderson-He’ll be a welcome addition to someone’s D-league team. Verdict: James White/Jackie Manuel/Rodney Carney Brandon Jennings-I really don’t have a ton to base this on since he played overseas Verdict: Andre Miller Austin Daye-This is as close to a slam dunk as you can have. Verdict: Tayshaun Prince Earl Clark-When he wants to play. Verdict: Amar’e Stoudemire B.J. Mullens-He is pretty tall.. Verdict: Jason Smith Eric Maynor- Maynor has been through the ringers of college basketball and has played well on the big stage Verdict: A smaller, skinnier Deron Williams Terrance Williams-Do it all small forward that had a pretty good college career which is being over-looked. Verdict: Josh Howard Jeff Teague-More of a shooter than a ball handler. Verdict: Lou Williams Sam Young-Can drive, shoot and flat out score. Verdict: Paul Pierce/Vince Carter DeJuan Blair-Tough, relentless, great offensive rebounder. Verdict: Carlos Boozer/Jason Maxeill James Johnson-Great size and skill set Verdict: Josh Childress Ty Lawson-Speed is his best asset; sometimes he can be a little out of control. Verdict: T.J. Ford DaJuan Summers- He’s between a 3 and a 4, and can be very inconsistent Verdict: Antwan Walker Chase Buddinger-A bigger guard that would much rather shoot the ball. Verdict: Rick Hamilton and a little Rashard Lewis Toney Douglas-Big time volume scorer Verdict: Ben Gordon/Gil Arenas Darren Collison-More of a passer than a scorer Verdict: Jordan Farmer/Smush Parker Derrick Brown-A solid big guy that proved he can hold his own against high level competition Verdict: Thad Young Damarre Carroll-Solid guy around the basket and works hard for his points. Verdict: Anderson Vareajo Wayne Ellington-Has improved his shooting ability, solid height, he is capable of getting to the basket when he needs to. Verdict: Rodney Stuckey Taj Gibson-Doesn’t have much bulk, soft hands, relatively quick. Verdict: Shawn Williams Patty Mills-Can score and distribute the ball, great instincts, has the heart of a champion. Verdict: Allen Iverson Jeff Pendergraph-Accurate around the basket, great rebounder, solid jump shot but not much range. Verdict: Kenny Thomas Jon Brockman-This is almost as close a comparison as you can have. Verdict: Kevin Love Danny Green-Good jump shooter, great athleticism, a winner. Verdict: Vince Carter
